The 2023 BET Awards Honor Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary With an Evening of Epic Performances

The 2023 BET Awards just gave hip-hop the ultimate tribute in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, culture's biggest night honored the genre's milestone birthday (Aug. 11) with an evening of performances from an unprecedented lineup of hip-hop icons and current stars.

The Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Warren G, Yo-Yo, Tyga, E-40, Trick Daddy, Trina, Uncle Luke, Chief Keef, Ying Yang Twins, Jeezy, T.I., and Master P hit the stage to rap some of their biggest hits. Kane led a brief Biz Markie tribute in honor of the late hip-hop icon. Meanwhile, hip-hop pioneer Busta Rhymes delivered an epic medley performance in honor of him receiving this year's lifetime achievement award, featuring artists like M.O.P., Coi Leray, BIA, and Scar Lip.

Other acts like Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, 69 Boyz, Redman, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Fabolous, Styles P, Ja Rule, Kid 'N Play, Doug E. Fresh, King Combs, Dem Franchize Boyz, Soulja Boy also performed during what BET called a "wall-to-wall party" curated by legendary DJ Kid Capri.

Ahead of the award show, Connie Orlando — BET's EVP, specials, music programming and music strategy — released a statement with its hip-hop 50 performance slate that read, "We have an incredible lineup of performers who will take us on a musical journey, covering hip-hop spanning every decade, style, and region. From music to dance and fashion, we are digging through every crate as we celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and its diversity, evolution, and global impact."

BET also teased "an unforgettable night of reunions and surprises as we celebrate hip-hop's rich history, enduring legacy, and promising future."

Scroll ahead to check out the hip-hop 50 tribute performances from the BET Awards.