Los Angeles — Sean “Diddy”, Combs, spoke about his inspirational vision for the Black community and channeled the spirit the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was honored with the highest award at Sunday’s BET Awards.
Combs, a music mogul, said that God had sent him a message to fulfill his “new dream” after he received his Lifetime Achievement Award. Babyface and Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, presented the award to Combs.
Combs stated, “I had this dream of Black people being liberated,” with Babyface and Ye supporting him at the Microsoft Theater Los Angeles. “I dreamed of us being in control of our destiny. This dream was about us taking responsibility and stopping killing each other. I had this dream about us becoming wealthy and prosperous and living together on the same block. “I have the dream of us unifying.”
The BET Awards recognize the contributions of people of color to the entertainment industry by highlighting winners in 19 categories including sports and film.
Doja Cat, Drake, and Ari Lennox were among the nominees for the awards, but they did not win any trophies. Silk Sonic, formed by Bruno Mars & Anderson.Paak, won two awards, including album of the Year for their project “An Evening With Silk Sonic.”
Taraji P. Henson (Oscar-nominated host), said that Combs’ influence was “big for culture.”
Combs paid tribute to Andre Harrell who helped him launch his career and his mother Kim Porter, his long-term girlfriend and mother of his children.
“I miss you so much Kim,” said Combs. In a star-studded tribute to Combs’s life, he dedicated a video montage to Porter in an emotional tribute. Mary J. Blige, Lil Kim and Busta Rhymes were among the guests.
Combs is the founder of Bad Boy Records. He has collaborated with many top-tier artists, including Usher, Usher, Lil Kim and Evans. He launched Revolt TV, a music-focused television network, with his own vodka. He was also the producer of “Making the Band”, a reality TV show for MTV.
The rapper-producer played Walter Lee Younger in the Broadway revival in 2004 of “A Raisin in the Sun,” which was aired on television four years later. He’s also been in films like “Get Him to the Greek”, and “Monster’s Ball.”
The award has been presented to several past recipients, including Whitney Houston, Prince, Lionel Richie and Anita Baker.
Both Ye and Babyface called Combs a “legend”.
Ye, who was wearing a black mask, said that Ye had been through and survived many things and had broken down many doors so that we could be standing. He broke down so many doors of classism and taste, culture, and swag.
Combs was honored on the same night that other stars used the BET Awards for a strong critique of the Supreme Court’s recent decision removing women’s constitutional protection against abortion.
Henson was the show’s host and shared an encouraging message about Black excellence before going on to discuss the court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. After Lizzo had opened the show, Henson took to the stage in a solo flute playing her single “About Damn Time” in a sparkling-gold outfit.
“It’s time to talk about the fact guns have more rights that a woman. Henson said that it was a sad day for America. She thanked Lizzo for donating $1 million to Planned Parenthood in concert proceeds, along with Live Nation, a ticket seller.
Janelle Monae, a Grammy-nominated artist, raised their middle finger towards the Supreme Court as she introduced nominees for best female R&B/pop artists.
The singer also paid tribute to the LGBTQ+ community, saying, “These artists are making art at our own terms, owning and owning our truths, and expressing ourselves freely in a world which tries to control our bodies, our decisions and our bodies.” “F— you Supreme Court. As we should, I know that we are celebrating them right now. We have every right to celebrate, and we must protect our rights and truths.
After the ceremony, Monae presented Jazmine Sullivan, a Grammy winner, as the category winner. She appealed to men to support women.
Sullivan stated, “It’s a difficult time for us.” “I want the men to hear me: We need you. We need you’all to stand up for us and stand with us. You should be standing if you have ever seen a woman make one of the most difficult decisions in her life: to end a pregnancy. This isn’t just a women’s issue. This is an issue for everyone. We need your help more than ever.
After winning best new artist, Latto delivered an emotional speech.
The rapper said that it was giving pro-choice. She later performed “Big Energy” together with Mariah Carey. It’s not giving a man my body to police.”
Singer Tems gave her international best act award to those women who “dare dream”.
“Wherever I’m from, these things don’t happen,” declared the Nigerian-born singer, who won best collaboration with Justin Bieber, Wizkid, and their song “Essence”. This is a great dream. “If you’re looking at me, I want to ask you to picture yourself as me. You are meant to be here.”
Jack Harlow performed “Poison,” alongside Lil Wayne, before Brandy took to the stage for his hit song “First Class.” Brandy and Harlow performed while Ray J was dancing in the crowd.
Chance the Rapper performed “The Highs & the Lows” with Joey Bada$$. Muni Long, in a pink gown, opened her set with a snippet from “Time Machine” prior to her jam “Hrs & Hrs.”