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6 Incredible Hip-Hop Performances From the 2023 BET Awards

6 Incredible Hip-Hop Performances From the 2023 BET Awards

Published Mon, June 26, 2023 at 9:20 AM EDT

Timeless Hip-Hop was on full display at the 2023 BET Awards. DJ Kid Capri served as the DJ for the evening, while Master P, Uncle Luke, The Sugar Hill Gang, Trina, Trick Daddy, MC Lyte, Kid N Play, Big Daddy Kane, and many more took to the stage and performed their biggest hits.

Here are 6 classic Hip-Hop performances from the 2023 BET Awards which were hosted by MC Lyte.

1. Sugar Hill Gang, MC Lyte, D-Nice & Big Daddy Kane

The Sugar Hill Gang took to the stage and performed a shortened version of their 15 minute classic "Rappers Delight." Led by founding member Master Gee, The Gang delivered an energetic performance of Hip- Hop's first commercially successful recording. MC Lyte, who also served as the host for the evening, performed "Cha Cha Cha" from her sophomore album Eyes On This before D-Nice before D-Nice performed his 1990 hit "Call Me D-Nice." Big Daddy Kane hit the stage to perform his breakout hit, "Raw" and executed some classic dance moves. Kid Capri manned the turntables for the opening performance.

2. Erick Sermon, Keith Murray & Redman

Erick Sermon of EPMD set off a Def Squad set with his 2001 hit, "Music" followed by Keith Murray rocking a suit and tie while performing "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World," his 1994 hit from his debut album of the same name. Redman made a grand entrance, riding a neon lit bicycle through the crowd. He then jumped onstage to perform "Da Goodness" from his 1998 album, Doc's Da Name 2000.

3. Mad Skillz - 50 Year Rap Up

Virginia MC Mad Skillz delivered a moving spoken word piece – a dedication to Hip-Hop which referenced the culture's humble beginnings starting with Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash. Skillz then chronologically visited pivotal moments like Sugar Hill Records recordings such as "Rappers Delight" by The Sugar Hill Gang, "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 ,and later The Geto Boys, Luther "Luke" Campbell's contributions and the rise of female MCs. Skillz ended the piece by calling it the "50 Year Wrap Up," a reference to his popular year end Rap Ups which he presented from 2002-2021.

4. M.O.P. & Remy Ma - Ante Up

After receiving the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, Busta Rhymes brought out Brooklyn's M.O.P. and Remy Ma of the Terror Squad to perform the M.O.P. classic "Ante Up." Busta and his right hand man, Spliff Starr, joined M.O.P. and Remy for the energetic rendition of the DR Period produced 2000 hit.

5. Doug E. Fresh & Lil Vicious - Freaks

Doug E. Fresh and Lil Vicious performed their 1994 classic dancehall classic, "Freaks," in a set that included Mad Lion and Patra. Doug was also featured in a special dance segment where he performed his popular "Dougie" dance to "Teach me How To Dougie" by Cali Swag District.

6. Warren G, Yo Yo & Tyga

In a set dubbed "West Coast Is The Best Coast" Warren G performed "Regulate" his massive 1994 hit featuring Nate Dogg, followed by Yo-Yo performing her breakout hit, "You Can't Play With My Yo-Yo." Tyga finished the set with his hit "Rack City," completing a riveting West Coast set.

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