The 2024 BET Awards paid tribute to influential figures in music and culture during a ceremony held Sunday in Los Angeles. Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award, honored for her enduring impact across generations. After a 20-minute tribute highlighting her career, Hill surprised the audience with a performance of her 1998 hit “Ex-Factor” before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.”
Introduced by Ice Cube, Hill’s tribute featured performances by artists including SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, as well as her children Selah Marley and Zion Marley, who performed selections from her catalog. Hill, an eight-time Grammy winner, encouraged artists to embrace their talents and remain authentic, emphasizing the importance of community and self-advocacy. “I fight for y’all,” she stated, adding that this struggle also represented her fight for herself and her family.
The event also recognized Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. Taylor was visibly moved when Janet Jackson, her longtime inspiration, presented the honor. Jackson praised Taylor’s versatility and dedication, citing her Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in “One Battle After Another” and describing her talents as “God-given.” In her acceptance speech, Taylor reflected on her 20-year career, expressing gratitude for her achievements. “I worked my (expletive) off 20 years,” she said, acknowledging the significance of her journey without arrogance.
A tribute to the late R&B singer D’Angelo opened the ceremony, featuring performances by Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and Raye. The segment included appearances by D’Angelo’s three children and celebrated the singer’s influential legacy within the genre.
Music executive Sylvia Rhone was honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award for her pioneering role in the industry. As the first Black woman to head a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation, Rhone dedicated the award to the artists and creative teams she has collaborated with throughout her career. “Tonight’s honor bears my name, but it really belongs to all of us who create culture,” she remarked.
The ceremony, hosted by comedian Druski, began with a dramatic entrance as he descended from the rafters accompanied by a choir performing Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution.” The show continued to highlight achievements in music, comedy, and culture throughout the evening.