Fat Joe hosted the 2022 Bet Hip Hop Awards last night (October 4th), which was an absolute night to remember. From the jokes, to the musical tribute, hip-hop was celebrated in a major way.
The night kicked off with Joe being introduced by the sounds of an Atlanta marching band. The band did an ode to both new school and old school ATL, as Joey Crack commanded the stage. He then got into hosting mode and made a few jokes about the IRS and rappers being wise with their money, seemingly referring to his recent lawsuit aganst his accountant, whom he is suing for over hundreds of thousands of dollars.
HIGHLIGHTS
Trina was honored with the I Am Hip Hop award and expressed gratitude for receiving her flowers while she can still smell them. While going through bouts of emotions, she thanked her mother, Trick Daddy, her Slip-N-Slide family and those who have supported her over the years. She also showed love to newcomer GloRilla.
Armani White was joined by N.O.R.E. during his performance of “Billie Eilish,” which samples N.O.R.E.'s “Nothin'.” N.O.R.E., who said at the award show that he hadn't attended an award show in decades, performed “Nothin'” as well.
Yung Miami's Caresha Please podcast tied with Drink Champs in winning Best Hip Hop Platform.
Kodak Black did a tribute to PnB Rock ahead of his medley performance.
Ahead of Joey Bada$$' performance, a video tribute was shown in honor of Young Dolph, which consisted of a photo montage with his children, videos of him with Paper Route Empire label members, fellow rappers, fans and some of his performances.
A tribute to Steve Rifkind and Rich Isaacson's Loud Records was given, which was comprised of a number of artists from the 1990s label, including the Wu-Tang Clan, Havoc of Mobb Deep, MOP, Fat Joe and Remy Ma performing some of their hits.
Lil Tjay hit the stage to join Fivio Foreign after being shot several times and hospitalized earlier this year.
PERFORMANCES
Cypher No. 1 was comprised of Deetranada of Baltimore, MD, Sauce Walka of Houston, TX, Baby Tate of Atlanta, GA, Topaz Jones of Monclair, NJ and Ray Vaughn of Carson, CA.
Armani White performed “Billie Eilish” and was joined by N.O.R.E. who performed “Nothin'.”
Yung Bleu gave a futuristic performance of “Baddest” and was joined by French Montana for “Life Worth Living.”
CMG artists EST Gee and GloRilla performed. Gee was joined by Jeezy for “The Realest” while Glo performed “Tomorrow” and her hit “F.N.F. (Let's Go).”
Kodak Black performed “Too Many Tears,” in tribute of PnB Rock who is featured on the song, as well as “Spin” and “Super Gremlin.”
Cypher No. 2 was comprised of Reuben Vincent from Charlotte, NC, SA-ROC from Washington, DC, Guapdad 4000 from Oakland, CA, Big Boss Vette from St Louis, MO and Jayson Cash from Carson, CA.
Pusha T hit the stage and performed “Diet Coke” and “Just So You Remember.” He was joined by his brother No Malice, the other half of their duo the Clipse, to perform “Grindin'.”
Freestyle rapper DNA was victorious over K-Shine in the Ultimate Rap League rap battle. He walked away with a prize of $25,000.
Joey Bada$$ honored fallen rappers such as Big L, Nipsey Hussle, XXXTentacion, PnB Rock and more with a performance of his song “Head High.”
King Combs honored his father, Diddy, replicating his style in his performance of “Can't Stop, Won't Stop.”
A Loud Records tribute took place and was comprised of Dead Prez performing “Hip Hop,” Havoc and Lil Kim performing “Quiet Storm,” MOP and Remy Ma performing “Ante Up,” Fat Joe and Remy Ma performing Big Pun and Joe's “Still Not a Player,” Fat Joe and Remy Ma performing “Lean Back,” David Banner and Lil Flip performing “Like a Pimp,” Project Pat performing “Chickenhead,” Three 6 Mafia performing “Stay Fly,” Method Man and RZA performing “Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit” Method Man performing “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man” alongside RZA and Method Man, RZA, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck perform “C.R.E.A.M.”
Fivio Foreign closed out the show with performances of “City of Gods,” “Big Drip” and “Zoo York” with Lil Tjay. Tjay also performed his new single “Beat the Odds.”
WINNERS
Hip Hop Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Best Hip Hop Video: Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar: “Family Ties”
Best Collaboration: Future ft. Drake & Tems: “Wait for You”
Best Duo or Group: Earthgang
Best Live Performer: Kendrick Lamar
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free
Song of the Year: Latto: “Big Energy”
Producer of the Year: Hitmaka
Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist: GloRilla
DJ of the Year: DJ Drama
Best Hip Hop Platform: Caresha Please and Drink Champs
Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Drake: “Churchill Downs” (Jack Harlow ft. Drake) and Drake: “Wait for You” (Future ft. Drake & Tems)
Impact Track: Lizzo: “About Damn Time”
Best International Flow: Benjamin Epps (France)
BROADCAST AUDIO