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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter.

Since 2006 the BET Hip Hop Awards have been an important staple for both hip hop artists and fans alike. BET has provided fans with electrifying nights of performances, cyphers, and unforgettable moments for over a decade. Here are the Top 3 Memorable Moments from the BET Hip Hop Awards

  1. Eminem’s 2017 Cypher

During the 2017 Cypher, Eminem addresses the political climate and details his opinion on former president Donald Trump.

“Tiki torches in hand for the soldier that’s black/ And comes home from Iraq and is told to go back to Africa/ Fork and a dagger in this racist 94-year old grampa who keeps ignoring our past historical deplorable factors/Now if you’re a black athlete you’re a spoiled little brat for tryna use your platform or your stature to try to give those a voice who don’t have one.”

He ends the freestyle by advising his fans to pick a side.

“And any fan of mine who’s a supporter of his/ I’m drawing in the sand a line, you’re either for or against.”

Not only did this freestyle spark a conversation on Twitter, but this particular cypher also reached multiple news publications, including Fox News. 

2. Kamala Harris 

In 2020, then Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris appeared at the virtual award ceremony to discuss the importance of HBCUs. As many know, Vice President Harris is an alumnus of Howard University. As the first black woman Vice President, she holds a metaphorical mirror up to young black women in America. Her advocacy for HBCUs sets the perfect example for those who look up to her.

3. TDE Cypher Kendrick Lamar (Drake Diss)

If you’re a Drake fan like me, you most likely remember this one. On August 14th, 2013, Big Sean released a song called Control featuring Kendrick Lamar. This song unintentionally went viral due to Kendrick Lamar’s verse. In the song, he calls out numerous rappers, including Drake. Though Kendrick called out other rappers, this verse sparked tension between him and Drake specifically. A few months later, BET aired Kendrick Lamar’s cypher, which set the internet ablaze.


“Yeah, and nothings been the same since they dropped Control/ And tucked a sensitive rapper back in his pajama clothes/ Ha-ha, jokes on you, high five/ I’m bulletproof, your shots will never penetrate/ Pin a tail on a donkey, boy, you been a fake“

Though this verse confused many fans considering Drake and Kendrick’s close friendship, it was evident that Kendrick’s words were directed toward Drake, considering a few weeks prior, he had released his anticipated album Nothing Was The Same. “Yeah, and nothings been the same since they dropped Control.”

The Bet Hip Hip Awards will air Tuesday, October 5th at 9/8c.

Brittany Robinson is a sophomore majoring in Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and has a deep love for writing in many facets. Not only is she a blogger, but she is also a singer/songwriter. She has had the opportunity to perform at many music festivals and has opened up for many musical artists. In her spare time she loves recording music and listening to her favorite 90s R&B artists. You can follow her on Instagram @Taneenofficial.