2021 BET Hip Hop Awards: Top moments from Hip Hop's biggest night

It doesn’t get any better than that slime talk! Young Thug and Gunna kicked off the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards and lit it up like an arcade for their collab “Ski.”

85 South had the Hip Hop Awards crowd laughing from start to finish. From that throwback Soulja Boy opener, and that “This Award Show is for” moment, to just chillin on the couch telling jokes, they truly made the entire show a vibe.

To highlight the icon that he was, the late Biz Markie was given a beautiful tribute. From his impact on music and culture, it was a fitting way to pay tribute to a legend.

Accepting BET's first ever Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award presented by LL Cool J, Tyler, The Creator spoke of the importance of Hip Hop in changing his life and shouted out a list of influences including Q-Tip, André 3000, Chad Hugo, Pharrell, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Hype Williams.

Vibing out under a jewel dripping chandelier, looking all sexy in a silver ensemble, BIA hit the BET Hip Hop Awards stage for the first time ever for a performance of her breakout hit “Whole Lotta Money.” Followed up by Lil Jon joining her on stage for their “Bia Bia” collab. It was giving EXPENSIVE energy from start to finish.

The BET Hip Hop Awards wouldn’t be complete without some memorable cyphers and this year showcased the immense talent of Hip Hop’s rising stars. From the “Lyricism Cypher” with Tierra Whack, Grip, Smino, D Smoke; the “Hot Now Cypher” with Rico Nasty, Sleepy Hallow, Erica Banks, and Fivio Foreign; and the “Digital Cypher” with Toosii, Lakeyah, Kidd Kenn, and Symba. With each and every one flexing their skills on the mic, proving that with no doubt the future of Hip Hop is bright.

From having people say “It’s Hot in Here” and making “Dirty” a good thing, to having everyone where a band-aid on their cheek there’s no doubt this years Hip Hop Honoree is influential. Also not up for debate is “Where the party at?!” Cause you already know Nelly SHUT  IT  DOWN  with that performance. Joined by Paul Wall, Jermaine Dupri and City Spud — all the classics were covered and It was truly a celebration.