Multi-Grammy Award nominee Busta Rhymes simply cemented his title in music historical past. The “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” rapper was honored with the BET Awards’ lifetime achievement award throughout the 2023 ceremony in Los Angeles on June 25. The award is reserved for “business pioneers” and tradition shifters, based on the community.
During the ceremony on the Microsoft Theater, Rhymes, 51, was launched by Marlon Wayans and Swizz Beatz earlier than a compilation video aired documenting the rapper’s prolific profession, that includes commentary from his contemporaries, together with Diddy, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson.
“I’ma put on it on my sleeve. I do need to cry,” he admitted, kicking off his speech. After recounting his early days as a solo act following his departure from Leaders of the New School, Rhymes famous that “a number of greatness from our individuals and our tradition is by default, as a result of it is by the magic that we have now.” He advised the viewers, “I simply am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this reward that I’ve been given . . . permits me to get at any state of affairs . . . I take pleasure in strolling away from a state of affairs saying, ‘I bust ass.’ It’s simply me attempting to do my obligation to advance the tradition and proceed to contribute in a big method.”
He additionally had a message for the subsequent technology of hip-hop and rap artists, encouraging them to cease beefs and “love one another.” Rhymes stated, “We gotta cease this narrative that we do not love one another . . . It’s corny, it is whack.” He additionally added, “Shout-out to each new artist that is contributing and doing their job,” shouting out performers like Ice Spice and J. Cole.
Rhymes later returned to the stage, performing “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” his characteristic from M.O.P.’s “Ante Up,” “I Know What You Want,” and his verse from “Look at Me Now,” amongst different highlights of his discography.
Ahead of the present, Rhymes’s honor was introduced by BET. The firm’s CEO, Scott Mills, stated in an announcement that Rhymes is “a multifaceted award-winning artist who has mesmerized audiences for many years together with his authentic hip hop sound and one-of-a-kind visuals. He continues to go away an indelible mark on the tradition that we maintain pricey, and it’s with nice delight that we current this 12 months’s lifetime achievement award to a visionary, a grasp of rhyme, and a real pioneer. His unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries, unapologetically expressing his artwork, and empowering generations of artists is a testomony to his unparalleled legacy.” Concluded Mills, “We look ahead to paying tribute to his exceptional journey and celebrating his numerous hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable moments defining an artwork kind and the tradition.”
Others to earn the tribute have included Whitney Houston, Prince, Diddy, and Lionel Richie.