The 2021 BET Awards took place over the weekend, bringing to their stage some of the music world’s most talented artists.
Check out some of the dope performances that took place throughout the night.
Tyler, the Creator (above) was fresh off the release of his new album Call Me If You Get Lost, and the rapper treated fans to a performance of its lead single “Lumberjack.” Wearing the clothes shown on the album’s cover art, Tyler takes a few nods from the song’s lyrics for the production, from having to fight against a windstorm to riding a Rolls Royce. Really digging the action in this one and it was entertaining all the way through.
City Girls – “Twerkulator”
The City Girls kept things simple by showcasing the main theme of their latest single, which was nothing but fun and twerking. The song sampling Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Green Velvet’s “Percolator” got a remixing that made it feel more live, which made it fit right in with the occasion.
Lil Nas X – “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
Not even going to lie to y’all, I’ve always felt this song is just “OK” but that means little to nothing when you see what Lil Nas X did with for his BET Awards performance. The Egyptian-themed production was big and theatrical, from the staging to the costume design, and it was pretty clear it was setting up something big. Oh yeah, and there was the much talked-about kiss at the end. Lil Nas X knows how to get your attention in more ways than one.
Jazmine Sullivan feat. Ari Lennox & Maxine Waters – “Tragic” & “On It”
Jazmine Sullivan’s performance had an artsy and poetry club vibe. A cameo from Representative Maxine Waters before performing new song “Tragic” helped elevate it, and closing with a duet of “On It” with Ari Lennox proved why Sullivan is one of the best singers in the game (which was further confirmed when she went on Album of the Year for Heaux Tales).
Megan Thee Stallion – “Thot Shit”
The night’s eventual winner for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Video of the Year came out shining like the star that she’s become. Megan Thee Stallion took a minimalist approach but still looked so effortlessly cool with her shades and long blond hair while doing the choreo.
Migos feat. Cardi B – “Straightenin” & “Type Shit”
Migos also had built-in momentum to their appearance thanks to the release of their new album Culture III earlier this month. The trio came out in gas masks with flames and firework explosions in the background to do some minor choreography as they made their way through the chaos while performing “Straightenin.” The highlight, however, came courtesy of Cardi B, who joined the ATL rappers stepping out of diamond in a gem-encrusted jumpsuit to perform “Type Shit” and revealing her baby bump in the process. Shout out to Cardi B & Offset!
Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Method Man – DMX Hits Medley
The biggest moment of the night, arguably (but definitely, IMO), was the tribute performance for the late DMX. It’s still a bit shocking to think X is gone, but at least we have the cliché about legends living forever because this segment of the show really embodied that belief. While DMX’s music always had the ability to hype you up, I didn’t know how much it would it could give me chills performed by others due to his passing, which is only weird how the hairs in my arms keep raising as I type this portion of this list. Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Method Man, Griselda, Track, Lil Buck and Busta Rhymes all took the stage to do a medley of his greatest hits. The moments that really got me were when Michael K Williams appeared solo, looking a bit like DMX as well, and gave an impassioned performance on the mic. To close, a monologue is delivered by DMX accompanied by a violin, with everyone on stage throwing up their X. DMX is forever!
