The Hampton Script

Carlie Beard | Staff Writer

This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards were filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept viewers’ eyes glued to their TV screens.

DJ Khaled, one of the most respected DJs in hip-hop, hosted the show. He brought along his 11-month-old son, Asahd Khaled, who also happens to be the executive producer of his latest project, “Grateful.” Nicole Tuck, his partner and mother of his son, was also present at the awards to support Khaled.

The Miami native was excited to host the awards show because the event took place in his hometown at Fillmore Jackie Gleason Theater. DJ Khaled won the awards for MVP of the Year and also DJ of the Year.

From the cyphers to the performances, hip-hop’s greatest were in attendance, including stars such as Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Trina, T-Pain and Yo Gotti. Some rookies were also present, such as rappers Dave East, Playboi Carti, Tee Grizzley and Cardi B. Cardi B was there to collect a plethora of awards. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper took home four awards for the night, including the award for Hustler of the Year.

Rap group Migos performed their latest single, “Too Hotty.” Cardi B, Flo Rida, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti and others hit the stage as well.

Now to the crowd favorite: the cyphers. The cyphers this year were in groups, as usual. They featured rappers like Fat Joe, Tee Grizzley, Belly and Zoey Dollars. There was even a cypher that featured only female rappers, known as “Femcees.”

The moment that had everyone talking was Eminem’s cypher. During his cypher, Eminem called out President Donald Trump for his lack of concern when discussing issues the U.S. faces, such as gun control and Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest. Eminem also addressed his fans by saying, “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.”

Hampton senior sports management major Kris Johnson-Anderson, who is from Atlanta, offered his thoughts about Eminem.

“His performance was very relatable to what’s going on in society,” Johnson-Anderson said. “[It] brought awareness to a nonprofit organization, the NFL, and how it is constantly making money off of a controversy such as the Colin Kaepernick protest. It was significant that Eminem brought attention to immigration and health care in America.”

Johnson-Anderson added, “Although, it is important that we discuss topics [like] police brutality and racism in our country, we must also place more emphasis on what is occurring in and around our country. For example, a hurricane relief effort for Puerto Rico or the fires that are killing people and leaving some missing in California.”

Kendrick Lamar ended the awards ceremony by taking home three awards. He also won the most anticipated award for Album of the Year. Other artists nominated for the award included DJ Khaled, Future, J. Cole, and Jay-Z.

Recaps of the best moments from the show are available on BET.com.