From Cardi B to YG, some of hip-hop’s biggest stars descended upon Miami for the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2018, which were taped earlier this month and aired on Tuesday (Oct. 16) from The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater.
Lil Pump opened the two-hour show with a performance of “Esskeetit” and brought out Gucci Mane for their collaboration “Kept Back,” capping things off with “Gucci Gang.”
Going into the night with 10 nominations, Cardi B took over LIV nightclub for a performance of her Invasion of Privacy song “Get Up 10.” She was also joined by Pardison Fontaine for their collaboration “Backin’ It Up.” As she twerked on the floor, Kulture’s mom showed off her post-baby body before confetti rained down on stage.
YG brought Kamp Drip to the BET Hip-Hop Awards, performing his Stay Dangerous anthem “Handgun.” Emerging from a U.S. Army Jeep in red and black camo and his signature red headband, the Bompton spitter lead his Drip squad before A$AP Rocky joined him onstage.
The King of the South, T.I., also ruled the stage with a performance of his Dime Trap single “Wraith” with a Gucci-clad Yo Gotti. He then brought Mexico to Miami for the Bangladesh-produced “Jefe” featuring a female Mariachi band and flamenco dancers.
Fresh off the release of their joint album Drip Harder, Lil Baby and Gunna teamed up for a medley of hits. Baby opened the set with his Drake-assisted hit “Yes Indeed,” while Gunna performed his Travis Scott collaboration “Yosemite.” For the finale, they turned the stage into a runway while performing “Drip Too Hard,” surrounded by lingerie-clad models.
In addition to the performances, the late XXXTentacion received the Best New Hip-Hop Artist award. His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, accepted on his behalf. “I am honored to accept this award on his behalf,” she said while fighting back tears. “I want to thank his fans for their undying love and support. Jah, this one’s for you, baby.”
The legendary Lil Wayne was honored with the I Am Hip-Hop award and received a star-studded video tribute featuring some of his peers including 2 Chainz, Big Sean, DJ Khaled, and Kendrick Lamar. “I respect greatness. Wayne has longevity and he’s still here doing it,” said K-Dot.