Actress Taraji P. Henson used her platform as host of the BET Awards 2024 to deliver a pointed critique of the Republican party. Speaking in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, Henson emphasized the importance of voting this year and criticized a new law targeting homeless camping.
Addressing the audience, Henson alluded to the authenticity of the Republican party’s plans, specifically mentioning “Project 2025.” Her remarks underscored a broader conversation about social justice and political accountability, resonating deeply with viewers and attendees.
“Time for us to play chess, not checkers,” said Henson. “It’s about making decisions that will affect us as human beings. Our careers, our next generations to come. Did you know that it is now a crime to be homeless? Pay attention. It’s not a secret. Look it up. They are attacking our most vulnerable citizens. The Project 2025 plan is not a game. Look it up.”
According to Democracy Docket, President Donald Trump, alongside top Republicans and conservative figures and organizations, has outlined a plan to reshape the federal government according to their vision. Dubbed “Project 2025,” this collection of policy transition proposals details how, in the event of a November election victory, Trump aims to significantly overhaul the federal government to advance an extremist far-right agenda.
You can hear Henson below and learn more about Project 2025 and its dangers here.
Project 2025 is a REAL threat to all of us. Every part of it is a wrecking ball for our lives, our families, and our rights. #BETAwardspic.twitter.com/D0ovXno6xo
The BET Awards 2024 red carpet was a dazzling showcase of glamour and style, celebrating Black excellence and creativity. Stars like Victoria Monét, who won big with Video of the Year and the BET Her Award, graced the event stunningly. Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the night with an energetic performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Iconic stylists Law Roach and Wayman & Micah, who dressed stars like Zendaya and Taraji P. Henson, were also in attendance, showcasing their impeccable taste.With eye-catching outfits and bold statements, the red carpet at the BET Awards 2024 truly celebrated Black culture and fashion.
You may not want to blast “Not Like Us” in Canada at a public appearance, but Rick Ross found out the hard way. Rozay was in Canada and got into a brawl after the Kendrick Banger was played. Ross’s team could be seen getting jumped and pummeled, with a punch getting in on Ross, too. One even says, “You are in our city.”
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 1, 2024
Rick Ross got jumped by the OVO goons and one of his entourage was left unconscious after they pulled up to Canada trying to play not like us pic.twitter.com/s49a4S9jt0
This past Saturday, celebrity stylist Kollin Carter celebrated BET Weekend with the debut of the D’USSE Brunch Society, a new brunch series from the cognac brand set to pop up nationwide this summer. Held at Grandmaster Rooftop in Los Angeles, the event brought together an impressive lineup of talent from various industries, offering a refreshing twist on brunch cuisine and cocktails.
Stylists Law Roach and Wayman & Micah, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Niecy Nash, actor and rapper Joey Badass, rapper IDK, and more attended the event. Guests indulged in innovative brunch dishes and enjoyed new cognac cocktail classics such as the Spicy Sidecar and Kollin’s signature Lemonade Spritz. The sound of DJs Siobhan Bell and Jae Murphy elevated the atmosphere, creating a lively and stylish ambiance.
Event highlights included Kollin Carter wearing head-to-toe Jagne, one of his favorite new labels, showcasing his impeccable style. Fellow The Hollywood Reporter “Most Powerful Stylist” cover stars Law Roach and Wayman & Micah, known for styling celebrities like Zendaya, Colman Domingo, and Taraji P. Henson, supported Kollin and posed for photos with the host.
Niecy Nash enjoyed a date night with her wife, Jessica Betts. The couple was spotted cozying up and toasting with D’USSE cocktails, adding a touch of romance to the event. Kollin gave a heartfelt toast, celebrating his career-defining moments ahead of the BET Awards. He drew parallels between the innovation and creativity he and D’USSE champion, emphasizing the spirit of excellence they strive for.
Guests savored the cognac brand’s new, modern take on brunch, sipping on Kollin’s signature “Kollin D’USSE Lemonade Spritz” featuring peach, fresh basil, and Prosecco. The D’USSE Brunch Society promises to bring more of these stylish and flavorful experiences across the country this summer, continuing to celebrate the intersection of style, creativity, and culinary excellence.
Killer Mike’s career has continued to ascend over the past decade, but one specific day has dominated conversations recently. On Feb. 4th, Mike won all three Grammy awards he was nominated for, including Rap Album of the Year for his solo album MICHAEL. However, his celebration was abruptly cut short when he was arrested at the awards show, sparking widespread speculation about the incident and its impact on him.
Today, with the release of his new single “HUMBLE ME,” Mike is ready to share his perspective on that fateful day. The song is accompanied by an artful and understated video that visually represents Mike’s journey. In the video, he is stripped of his outward symbols of success piece by piece before being placed in handcuffs. The closing shot shows Mike and Pony Boy embracing, symbolizing their reunion after facing numerous tribulations. Mike describes the video’s love-filled, triumphant ending as “a visual testament to that night and God’s glory in writing mine and Pony’s story.”
The video premiered across multiple platforms, including BET Jams, BET Soul, MTV Live, MTVU, Yo! MTV, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards.
The single’s release coincides with Mike’s return to the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the site of his arrest, for last night’s BET Awards, where MICHAEL was crowned Album of the Year. The celebration was heightened by recent news that prosecutors from the LA City Attorney’s office will not file charges against Mike for the February incident.
As “HUMBLE ME” reveals, the challenges of the past months have fueled Mike’s creativity. Fans can look forward to a new body of work this summer that will provide an epilogue to the MICHAEL era and resolve the speculation surrounding the events of Feb. 4th.
The 2024 BET Awards took center stage as a grand celebration of Black culture, creativity, and excellence, drawing the biggest names in music, television, film, and sports. This year’s event honored outstanding accomplishments across various industries, shining a spotlight on the profound impact of Black culture globally. Viewers can catch the encore of this unforgettable night on Monday, July 1, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
Victoria Monét emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, securing the Video of the Year award and the BET Her Award. Her electrifying performances of “On My Mama” and her new single “Alright” received standing ovations, highlighting her as a dynamic force in the music industry. In her acceptance speech for the BET Her Award, Monét expressed gratitude to her mother and emphasized her desire to collaborate with more Black women.
Rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the night with high-energy performances of her hits “Boa,” “Hiss,” and “Where Them Girls At.” Returning host Taraji P. Henson captivated the audience with her opening monologue and performance of “It’s About Us,” set to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s popular track “They Not Like Us.”
Sexyy Red lit up the stage alongside The Stylistics, delivering her hit song “U My Everything” and her new single, “Get It Sexyy.” Fashion designers Shareef Mosby, Nia Thomas, Durrell Dupard, Larissa Huehleder, and Heart Roberts were honored with the Shine a Light award, presented by McDonald’s, for their exceptional contributions to fashion.
The new generation of performers also had their moment, with Heiress and Van Van delivering an inspiring performance of “Be You,” showcasing young talent. Will Smith, making his debut performance at the BET Awards, unveiled his new song “You Can Make It” alongside Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service Choir, adding a spiritual dimension to the night.
Country music had its spotlight with BET Amplified artist Tanner Adell performing “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy” on the BET Amplified stage, presented by NISSAN. GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion continued the high-energy vibe with performances of “Yeah Glo!,” “TGIF,” and “Wanna Be.” Shaboozey brought country flair with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and J-Kwon surprised the audience with his classic hit “Tipsy.”
Latto delivered a powerful performance of “Sunday Service” and “Big Mama,” while Tyla transported the audience to South Africa with a vibrant rendition of “Jump,” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng. Bronx rap star Ice Spice performed “Phat Butt” and “Think U The Shit (Fart),” adding her unique flavor to the night.
A major highlight was Usher being honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement BET Award, recognizing his prolific 30-plus-year career. Usher’s tribute featured stellar performances by Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, and Latto. Each artist delivered renditions of Usher’s iconic hits, culminating in a vibrant celebration of his legacy. Usher’s emotional acceptance speech emphasized the importance of family, mentorship, and the significance of fathers standing up for their children. To further honor his contributions, Walmart announced a $100,000 grant to Usher’s charity, New Look.
The night concluded with a special performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, performing “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” followed by a surprise reunion with her former Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean, leaving the audience in awe.
Amidst the celebrations, BET underscored the importance of civic engagement with the launch of its “We V.O.T.E.” campaign, aimed at encouraging high voter turnout in the 2024 election cycle. This initiative highlights key issues affecting the Black community and the crucial role of voting in driving change at local, state, and federal levels.
The 2024 BET Awards not only honored the past and present achievements of Black artists and creators but also inspired future generations to continue the legacy of Black excellence.
We had a chance to chat with Natasha Bianca about her latest single Flex
Hey Natasha, congratulations on the release of your new single Flex! “Flex” is a bold track calling out the superficial online lifestyles and the obsession with validation. What inspired you to write this song?
Thank you so much! The inspiration came from personal observations of how social media can often promote superficiality and a constant need for validation, which can be damaging to mental health. I felt like calling everyone out in this song from the boys club, to internet trolls, online appearances, to anyone running my name trying to tear me down. It’s my anthem to state IM HERE! Im THAT bitch, nothing or NO ONE is going to stop me. It’s very sassy but empowering.
In “Flex,” you address internet trolls and the boys club. How important is it for you to use your music as a platform to challenge these societal issues?
For me, it is incredibly important to utilize my platform to speak on these topics, as I’ve experienced them firsthand. While I’ve learned to identify and manage situations involving internet trolls and the boys club mentality, not everyone has the tools or resilience to do so. For many in the industry or anyone online facing similar challenges, it can be difficult to navigate these situations, which can significantly impact self-esteem and mental health. Through my music, I’m hoping to provide a voice for those who may feel silenced or marginalized. I want to empower listeners, helping them to recognize their own strength and resilience, and encourage others to stand up against negativity and discrimination.
Your latest releases carry strong messages of empowerment and resilience. How do your personal experiences shape the music you create?
I believe I was entering a new era of Natasha Bianca where I didn’t want to sing anymore heartbreak sad songs. Don’t get me wrong I still love a good Rnb sad song and I might one day release a whole sad girl album, but at my current point in my life I wanted to focus on up-tempo hype music that makes you want to dance, move and feel good. When I’m feeling down I love to listen to music that hypes me up and reminds me I AM that bitch!! For example Megan the Stallion, Doja Cat and BIA are all icons I listen to on repeat who give that energy. I wanted FLEX to give my audience that same empowering energy, reminding them of their worth and resilience.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring female artists who look up to you and want to make their mark in the music industry?
To keep going!! It’s a marathon and not a sprint. There can be so many disheartening moments in this industry that make you want to give up, but you just need to keep striving for the end goal – no matter what that may be. Listen to yourself and your intuition, speak up and be confident with your voice. It needs to be heard!
Being included in the Listen Out 23 lineup alongside big names like Ice Spice and Lil Uzi Vert is a huge accomplishment. What was the experience like?
It was the most incredible experience of my life to date. I still watch back at videos and think “that’s me?”. It was the biggest crowd I’ve performed in front of and they gave me so much energy. The biggest highlight was teaching the crowd the lyrics to one of my unreleased singles so when I started performing they all were all screaming my lyrics and its forever embedded into my memory.
Looking ahead, what are some of your goals and aspirations for the next phase of your career? Are there any new collaborations or projects on the horizon?
I have my debut EP centered around female empowerment that is set to be released later this year that I’m extremely excited about. I’ve been performing all the songs on the project in my live shows and the crowd response so far has been amazing so I’m very excited to introduce it to the rest of the world. Hoping we’ll be able to include a tour in soon also.
Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as an artist?
No matter how much I love the stage and performing connecting with people, the most rewarding aspect as an artist is when I receive a dm from a fan expressing their love of my music, or how much they connected with one of my songs. It’s truly the most heartwarming feeling to know someone can feel their own experiences and emotions through my music. Another super rewarding aspect in my career is looking back from when I started and knowing I’ve achieved everything in my career thus far on my own independently. The music industry is a scary world, and navigating through it is even more terrifying. But being able to collaborate with some amazing creatives in Australia and building a team from the ground up is probably one of the most self-rewarding moments as an independent artist.
Is there any message or final thought you’d like to share with your fans and the listeners who have supported you along the way?
All my supporters have played such a significant role in my career and I love they’re along for the journey. Keep being YOU and remember, you’re THAT bitch!! New music soon…
