Yesterday’s 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards ceremony was, in the best way possible, a lot. On top of numerous award winners,honored guests, cyphers, and red carpet style, there were extravagant and memorable performances. Your overview of the standout performances, below.
Young Thug & Gunna- “Tick Tock,” “Too Easy,” & “Ski”
Young Thug opened the show with a performance of his latest single, “Tick Tock.” Gunna then joined Thug onstage, performing his collaboration with Future, “Too Easy.” To close their opening set, Thug and Gunna performed their hit track “Ski” before leaving the stage.
The artists’ performance had a lot of decoration to it, even becoming a little surreal. During “Tick Tock,” there was 8-bit imagery projected around the performers, including skyscraper tops in the background and a massive spider under Young Thug’s feet. For Gunna’s entrance, the imagery changed to a night street view from a moving car. And once “Ski” hit, it even began to snow. The 8-bit imagery showed snowboarders racing down the hill, creating an immersive snowscape for the Atlanta awards ceremony.
Baby Keem- “Family Ties”
Baby Keem got on the stage to deliver his hit single “Family Ties” with Kendrick Lamar, though Kendrick himself didn’t visit. The song came out in August to enormous support, and currently has 21 million views on YouTube.
Keem’s performance put him at the center of the BET’s stage, with fires burning in the background and dancers clad in black balaclavas and jackets. The bursts of flames felt like an apt metaphor, considering Keem has been on fire now since the hyped release of his new album, The Melodic Blue.
Tobe Nwigwe & Family- “Fye Fye”
Few words are needed to describe this performance, as it speaks for itself. However, it was compelling, profound, and powerful. Tobe Nwigwe bodied the fiery, political track on being black in America. With a full gospel choir supporting on the chorus, Nwigwe had the whole crowd jumping. And when Fat Nwigwe came out in a full gown and headdress to deliver her own powerful verse, the performance took its place as one of the best of the night.
Last summer, Tobe Nwigwe also released a “Passing Through” single in honor of the Juneteenth celebration.
Isaiah Rashad with Doechii & Kal Banx- “Wat U Sed” & “From The Garden”
This “rainy” and lightly saddening performance was a personal favorite. It was also the least surreal, since no large-scale decorations or images were used. However, multiple women are dancing in black suits throughout the performance. Rapper Doechii’s performance was very emotional, cementing her as a rising superstar in hip-hop.
Did we miss any of your favorite performances from last nights BET Awards? Call us out by interacting with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. We love to hear what you think!
