The 2023 BET Awards was a time! The entire awards show was dedicated to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Due to the Writer’s Strike, the event did not have a host, a first for the network. Throughout the show, presenters made sure to acknowledge that they stand with the writers on strike.

Strike aside, the show put on a massive Hip-Hop 50th tribute. And throughout the night Black women shut down the house of course.

Here are some of the biggest moments from Black women at the 2023 BET Awards,

Kicking Off The BET Awards

Mc Lyte kicked off the night’s Black women moments. DJ Kid Capri opened the show with Lil Uzi Vert’s performance celebrating the start of hip-hop. He brought out a bunch of heavy hitters including the Lyte who made a name for herself in the 90s. She took to the stage to perform her single “Cha Cha Cha.” This performance was special because, although the rapper has been the emcee for the BET Awards on and off since 2002, this was one of the few times she has actually performed on stage.

Coco Jones won the award for best new artist at the 2023 BET Awards. The rising star has been the talk of the town in the music industry. The singer’s hit single “ICU” earned its first No. 1 spot on Urban Radio Charts. She also signed to WME and in honor of Black music month, she covered Brandy’s “Full Moon” with Revolt TV. In her acceptance speech, she had a message for Black women,”We do have to fight a little harder to get what we deserve but don’t stop fighting. Even when it doesn’t make sense and you’re not sure you’re going to get out of those circumstances, keep pushing.”

Teyana Taylor won the award for the video director of the year. The multi-hyphenate was not able to make it to the awards however, while her mom took to the stage to accept the award on her behalf. She video called her daughter live to accept the award. Although the reception was a bit choppy, fans could tell that Taylor’s acceptance speech was full of gratitude. This was the first time any artist accepted an award via phone video call.

Women Running The Game

Latto won the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In a state of shock, the rapper ran on stage when her name was called with one shoe on and grabbed her younger sister to help her. Fans loved how real she was when she came on stage to accept her award. In her speech, she thanked many people including her family and her man. She also gave a shout-out to all the women in hip-hop that she felt should have been nominated but were not. She recognized names like Flo Milli, Maiya The Don, Doechii and more.

Although she was not nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Doechii shut down her performance. She performed her song, “Booty Drop.” Directly after, she began to perform her hit single “What It Is” which has had social media on lock. Her performance was not only clean but she brought out the South’s very own. Trillville, whom she sampled the song from. The group performed a bit of their song, “Some Cut.”

BET Awards Tributes

Patti Labelle performed a tribute to the late, Tina Turner. She sang Turner’s hit single “Simply The Best.” Labelle clearly struggled during the song and mid-performance, while still singing, complained that she could not see the words on the prompter. Oftentimes, you could hear her saying “I’m trying yall!” Many fans were bothered by Labelle failing to memorize the words for such an important tribute. Some saying if she couldn’t learn the song she shouldn’t have agreed to honor Turner. Others commented that at her age, Labelle shouldn’t be expected to recall someone else’s song.

Busta Rhymes was the 2023 BET Awards Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. In his performance, he brought out Black women who have helped him elevate his career and those who are keeping his legacy alive. Rah Digga helped Rhymes perform his 2005 hit, “Touch It.” Later, Coi Leray joined Rhymes on stage to perform a remix to her song “Players.” Bia then appeared on stage to perform their newest song, “Beach Ball.” Before he ended his performance, he also did a special tribute to reggae and brought out Spice.