Kamala Harris encourages Black Americans to vote, support HBCUs at 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards
2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, City Girls, Brandy and H.E.R. all performed during the virtual 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The 2020 BET Hip Hop awards included cyphers, on-stage performances, and a special appearance by Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
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Sen. Harris appeared during the end of the award show to campaign as the 2020 presidential election nears. She offered a shoutout to historically Black colleges and universities and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, which she pledged as an undergrad student at Howard University. Harris urged viewers to hit the polls.
“As a country, we face enormous challenges. And now more than ever, we need Black scientists and engineers and doctors and teachers and public servants to help us build the shared future that we all deserve,” she said. “So let’s support our HBCUs. Let’s lift up our voices for a better future. Thank you to BET and everyone.”
Her cameo aired right before rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne performed their latest collaboration Money Maker which incorporates the sound and style of HBCU bands and dedicated to historically Black institutions.
Other performances came from Tobe Nwigwe who lit up the stage with a live rendition of his virtual hit Try Jesus and Miami hip-hop duo City Girls who performed together for the first time since JT returned home from jail. Migos member Quavo performed a tribute to the late Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke and Atlanta rappers Big Latto and Gucci Mane turned the virtual stage into their version of popular strip club Magic City. Big Sean, Jhene Aiko, and Ty Dolla $ign also delivered a steamy performance of their track Body Language.
The cyphers were also a highlight of the event. BET hosted their first-ever social justice themed cypher and bars were dropped by Chika, Polo G, Rapsody, Jack Harlow, and Flawless Real Talk. A dancehall cypher grouped Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Skip Marley, Original Koffee, and Shenseea.
Brandy, H.E.R., Teyana Taylor and Erykah Badu teamed up for a woman-powered R&B fueled cypher set to the tune of Brandy’s classic “I Wanna Be Down.” As theGrio reported, the throwback vibe was a fan favorite with countless social media reactions.
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Hosted DC Young Fly, Karious Miller and Chico Bean of The 85 South Show the night continued with appearances from Monica and T.I.
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion won three awards out of her eight nominations. Pop Smoke, Travis Scott, and D-Nice all took home awards.
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