In case you didn’t see it, shortly after taking the stage to begin his speech, Usher used some colorful language while speaking about his absentee father — including a few of George Carlin’s infamous “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.” From that point on, the S&P watchdogs at BET — already pretty infamously touchy for a network that also aired the “Tip Drill” video (but only well after midnight) — leaned pretty heavily on the mute button, resulting in stretches of silence up to a few minutes long, just in case. So, just what did Usher say during his speech, and was it really all that bad?
Fortunately, thanks to fans in attendance posting the unedited speech online, we can hear it in full. In truth, Usher spent most of the speech talking about being motivated by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who presented his award. The salty language continued, but there was nothing conspiratorial, just a 45-year-old superstar enjoying his moment and talking his sh*t. You can check out the speech below.
Kendrick Lamar hasn’t dropped an album in two years, he’s dropped very few features and very few singles… and yet a rap battle took him to the top. Moreover, he recently won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist at the 2024 BET Awards last night (Sunday, June 30) and got some additional shoutouts. The ceremony’s host, Taraji P. Henson, parodied the smash hit Drake diss “Not Like Us” at the very start of it, and even U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris quoted the song in a Joe Biden presidential campaign ad with Henson during the show. “The majority of us believe in freedom and equality. But these extremists, as they say, they not like us,” Harris remarked.
Overall, it’s a pretty curious homage while Kendrick Lamar’s beef ally Rick Ross faces the consequences of playing with Drake in his country. Award shows aren’t the definitive authority on the culture, but this certainly carries a bit more contextual weight than, say, the Grammys… someone go hand him one right now. Whether or not you think the Compton lyricist deserves this award with his limited material, he’s certainly earned it. As the perceived victor of the biggest pop culture event to happen in rap music in recent memory, it’s understandable that his dominance and astonishments took him far in this regard, and that political powers would want to capitalize on the moment and attempt to curry favor with audiences they often neglect with their policies.
Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar fans instead focused these days on his other Drake diss “6:16 In LA,” which got some very interesting recent theories. But “Not Like Us” continues to captivate and electrify. Of course, K.Dot has some more work to do with this beef, namely the Compton music video for this track that should drop any day now. Hopefully that’s his last move and he moves onto his next endeavor.
Meanwhile, Drake is still referencing the beef in trolling, mostly cheeky ways, but they don’t remove the shroud of bitterness and insecurity that many fans perceive. It’s clear that the whole Kendrick Lamar situation got to his head. Still, he just released new summer bops with Camila Cabello, so we’ll be right back to our regularly scheduled program in no time. Nevertheless, congrats to Kendrick on his BET dubs: he has the most wins in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category and nabbed it for the third year in a row in 2024.
Druski was one of the many guests of honor at the 2024 BET Awards last night (Sunday, June 30) and had some interesting remarks for interviewer Carl Lamarre for Billboard on the red carpet. They started off just talking about feeling blessed, their favorite Usher songs, and which artists the comedian would include on a “Best Of” album (these are Drake, Heavy D, and Justin Bieber, by the way). However, they also spoke on some rumor mill updates about him and Rubi Rose breaking up, and his response to the matter is pretty vague. “Hey man… Aye, that what they said, you heard that? Now I say, man, I don’t know, man. You know, I’m just here blessed and highly favored, man, you know.”
Furthermore, fans learned of this apparent split from Rubi Rose herself, as she indicated her relationship status with Druski during a street interview at Paris Fashion Week. “Um, f**k love,” she remarked when asked her favorite love song. “Okay, I’m single, guys.” We don’t really know what happened between them, but we know that they got back to business as usual in their social media presences. He’s as funny as ever online, and Rose is as lusted-after as ever, as well.
Still, if this news really is true, then we’re sure that Druski and Rubi Rose have found plenty of ways to distract themselves and move on from all this. In the former’s case, this seemed to almost line up with his recent sleepover stream with Kai Cenat and Kevin Hart, as it took place shortly before news of the alleged breakup broke. That was a pretty hilarious affair, and one that fans will likely continue to reference and look back on. Hopefully it’s not the last crossover between those entertainers.
Even LeBron James had to call in to join the fun, so you know that they had a good time. Meanwhile, Druski and Rubi Rose are still kind of up in the air right now thanks to the former’s comments at the BET Awards. Do they have different stories to tell here or is this all according to plan? We’ll see what’s to come of one of the Internet’s favorite recent couples.
The BET Awards 2024 red carpet was a dazzling showcase of glamour and style, celebrating Black excellence and creativity. Stars like Victoria Monét, who won big with Video of the Year and the BET Her Award, graced the event stunningly. Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the night with an energetic performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Iconic stylists Law Roach and Wayman & Micah, who dressed stars like Zendaya and Taraji P. Henson, were also in attendance, showcasing their impeccable taste.With eye-catching outfits and bold statements, the red carpet at the BET Awards 2024 truly celebrated Black culture and fashion.
Why Didn’t Normani Perform At The 2024 BET Awards?
Before the show, Normani revealed she had sustained an injury that forced her to call the performance off. In an Instagram Story, she explained:
“I am more frustrated and disappointed than anyone believe me. I wanted to get on here and give you guys an update letting you know that while in rehearsals for BET I had a really bad accident and injured myself. I am normally good for powering through under any circumstance but unfortunately due to my doctor’s orders, I am just not able to make this performance happen. I desperately wanted to give you my best on that stage but performing would delay my healing. I have been going through my process and doing my best to make sense of my feelings regarding this. I am devastated and hate feeling like a disappointment to you but I have to focus on recovering at this time. Trust me, I hear you, and I see you. There is nothing more that | wanted to do than perform for you and also, get back to doing what fulfills me most- BEING ON STAGE. Thank you so much for understanding. Sending my love to BET for giving me and all of the other beautiful black women this opportunity. This is definitely NOT how l envisioned this weekend but best believe I will be championing everyone from home tonight.
I’m sorrrrrrrry guys and love you so much.”
She later shared a photo showing her right foot in a walking boot and her right knee bandaged up.
The 2024 BET Awards took center stage as a grand celebration of Black culture, creativity, and excellence, drawing the biggest names in music, television, film, and sports. This year’s event honored outstanding accomplishments across various industries, shining a spotlight on the profound impact of Black culture globally. Viewers can catch the encore of this unforgettable night on Monday, July 1, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
Victoria Monét emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, securing the Video of the Year award and the BET Her Award. Her electrifying performances of “On My Mama” and her new single “Alright” received standing ovations, highlighting her as a dynamic force in the music industry. In her acceptance speech for the BET Her Award, Monét expressed gratitude to her mother and emphasized her desire to collaborate with more Black women.
Rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the night with high-energy performances of her hits “Boa,” “Hiss,” and “Where Them Girls At.” Returning host Taraji P. Henson captivated the audience with her opening monologue and performance of “It’s About Us,” set to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s popular track “They Not Like Us.”
Sexyy Red lit up the stage alongside The Stylistics, delivering her hit song “U My Everything” and her new single, “Get It Sexyy.” Fashion designers Shareef Mosby, Nia Thomas, Durrell Dupard, Larissa Huehleder, and Heart Roberts were honored with the Shine a Light award, presented by McDonald’s, for their exceptional contributions to fashion.
The new generation of performers also had their moment, with Heiress and Van Van delivering an inspiring performance of “Be You,” showcasing young talent. Will Smith, making his debut performance at the BET Awards, unveiled his new song “You Can Make It” alongside Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service Choir, adding a spiritual dimension to the night.
Country music had its spotlight with BET Amplified artist Tanner Adell performing “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy” on the BET Amplified stage, presented by NISSAN. GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion continued the high-energy vibe with performances of “Yeah Glo!,” “TGIF,” and “Wanna Be.” Shaboozey brought country flair with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and J-Kwon surprised the audience with his classic hit “Tipsy.”
Latto delivered a powerful performance of “Sunday Service” and “Big Mama,” while Tyla transported the audience to South Africa with a vibrant rendition of “Jump,” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng. Bronx rap star Ice Spice performed “Phat Butt” and “Think U The Shit (Fart),” adding her unique flavor to the night.
A major highlight was Usher being honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement BET Award, recognizing his prolific 30-plus-year career. Usher’s tribute featured stellar performances by Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, and Latto. Each artist delivered renditions of Usher’s iconic hits, culminating in a vibrant celebration of his legacy. Usher’s emotional acceptance speech emphasized the importance of family, mentorship, and the significance of fathers standing up for their children. To further honor his contributions, Walmart announced a $100,000 grant to Usher’s charity, New Look.
The night concluded with a special performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, performing “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” followed by a surprise reunion with her former Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean, leaving the audience in awe.
Amidst the celebrations, BET underscored the importance of civic engagement with the launch of its “We V.O.T.E.” campaign, aimed at encouraging high voter turnout in the 2024 election cycle. This initiative highlights key issues affecting the Black community and the crucial role of voting in driving change at local, state, and federal levels.
The 2024 BET Awards not only honored the past and present achievements of Black artists and creators but also inspired future generations to continue the legacy of Black excellence.
Tonight (June 30), the 2024 BET Awards was about giving entertainers their flowers. The most notable honorary of the evening was Usher. As the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, several other musicians joined in on the celebration.
Uproxx cover star Chlöe, Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, and more paid tribute to Usher with special performances of his greatest hits. Despite the jammed-packed lineup, following the set, users online shared their mixed reviews of what they witnessed.
The biggest gripe folks had on Twitter was the actual acts selected to take the stage. Continue below to read a few of their responses.
“Hopefully Usher gets a better tribute at the #GRAMMYs cause this wasn’t it. #BETAwards,” wrote one user.
“Soooo Luke James, Tank, Vedo, Eric Bellinger, Trevor Jackson, Baby Face, Tevin Campbell, Miguel, etc weren’t available for this Usher tribute?,” added another.
Soooo Luke James, Tank, Vedo, Eric Bellinger, Trevor Jackson, Baby Face, Tevin Campbell, Miguel, etc. weren’t available for this @Usher tribute? #BETAwardspic.twitter.com/4MTTjJE3K9
Yall keep forgetting that Usher dances! He performs! The R&B boys of today are NOT that. Let them honor a ballad singer!! The women gave him a proper tribute! Not that one mic/ one body open mic bullshit. #BETAwards
Luke James. Lucky Daye. Tevin Campbell. Omarion. Mario. Durand Bernarr. Kevin Ross. Tank. Even Jon B/Justin Timberlake if you wanna go that route And Christopher Maurice Brown.
just a FEW men who should’ve been front & center to give Usher his 10s. #BETAwards
Usher has had one hell of a 2024. He’s got a new album, he’s headed on tour, he performed at the Super Bowl, and now, he’s been honored with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. However, we aren’t sure how he feels about it, because BET’s infamously touchy censor weighed in pretty heavily during Usher’s acceptance speech after he let some colorful language fly in reference to his absentee father. The speech ended up sounding a bit like the radio edit of Snoop Dogg’s “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None),” only without the fly instrumental. Fans were quick to let their own commentary off the chain on Twitter.
— Toney! Toni! Toné! (@the_notorious_) July 1, 2024
They really cut Usher’s whole damn speech. Cannot believe we really waited around for Usher to FINALLY get on the damn mic and #BETAwards really cut the whole damn thing other than 4 words and claps. That’s that BS, Gelado!! pic.twitter.com/hRWrgwlkQT
Despite this, the mics were indeed on during the tribute performance honoring Usher, which featured an all-star roster of nearly all women singers covering hits from across Usher’s near-30-year run of hits. Included in the performance were Childish Gambino (“U Don’t Have To Call”), Keke Palmer (“You Make Me Wanna”), Summer Walker (“Good Good”), Coco Jones (“There Goes My Baby”), Marsha Ambrosius (“Confessions Pt.2”), Chlöe (“Good Kisser”), Tinashe (“Nice & Slow”), Teyana Taylor & Victoria Monét (“Bad Girl”), and Latto (“Yeah!”).
Y’all ain’t really miss too much from Usher’s speech, it was just a lotttta F bombs. He def didn’t talk about Diddy, and you can allude that he might have been talking about Keke Palmer’s mom, but he def didn’t say her name or anyone else’s
This isn’t the first time the BET Awards have had censor issues — it’s a tradition going back decades at this point. Nor is this the first time this month Usher has had technical difficulties on the mic, after Latto had to help save his performance at her Birthday Bash in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. Check out his speech… in all its censored glory… above.
Usher reflected on the value of family and the importance of forgiveness during an emotional speech at the BET Awards on Sunday night. Toward the end of the ceremony, he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on stage from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
“Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” Usher said. “I didn’t write anything because I wanted this moment to be exactly what it was: present. In this moment, how I am feeling, and the appreciation that I have for each and every person that have anything to do with this moment tonight, as well as the 30-plus-year career that I’m celebrating. This Lifetime Achievement Award, I don’t know, man. Is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning and I still love it like I did when I was 8 years old.” From there, he reflected on his journey to finding an identity.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 30: Honoree Usher accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 2024 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
“I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me but didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” Usher continued. “Or at least that was my perception of it because I had to live long enough in order to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart in order to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America. My father was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions. He made a lot of choices, and one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away. That’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers have got to stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need to be for them.”
Elsewhere during the speech, Usher dealt with his microphone cutting out at several points. In addition to the speech, Childish Gambino gave a tribute performance of “U Don’t Have To Call” for the singer. Be on the lookout for further updates on Usher and the BET Awards on HotNewHipHop.
Killer Mike gave a fiery speech to accept the award for Album of the Year at the BET Awards on Sunday night. In doing so, he reflected on his arrest at the latest Grammy Awards, which were also held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Donald Glover presented him with the honor and welcomed him to the stage.
“Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” Mike said after grabbing the award. “I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building. But I wanna tell you, look at God because I’m back, baby, I’m back. I wanna tell Black people that it’s because of BET I’m back, not ’cause of no white person. … A Black man runs this business, a Black company puts this show on, and they got my Black ass back in here. Thank you.”
Killer Mike Wins Album Of The Year For “Michael” During BET Awards
Killer Mike accepts the award for Album of the Year onstage during the 2024 B.E.T. Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
From there, he discussed the upcoming election and encouraged attendees to participate in voting down ballot this year. “They’re gonna tell you who we vote for is important and it is,” he said “Who we vote for on the big stage is important, but it’s more important that you know who your city council person is, who your prosecutor is, and if you don’t like the people who are running, run your Black ass to the polls and run yourself.” Check out the full speech below.
Killer Mike Accepts Album Of The Year
thank you @BET it’s an honor to receive this award from our people..the story of MICHAEL continues tonight at midnight ATL time #HUMBLEMEpic.twitter.com/yW8PnwCqtI
Other nominees in the Album of the Year category included Drake, 21 Savage, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Gunna, and Victoria Monet. At the aforementioned Grammys ceremony, Mike took home Best Rap Album. Be on the lookout for further updates on Killer Mike on HotNewHipHop.
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