This year’s BET Experience weekend was event-packed leading up to the BET Awards which proved to be one of the hottest shows on television. The weekend was filled with celebs at the hottest places attending the coolest parties. Check out our roundup of the hottest people, places, and parties at this year’s 2017 BET Experience. By: Aphua Larbi-Amoah
2017 BET Awards
Today’s top musicians, actors, and industry icons took the stage at the BET Awards hosted by comedy all-star, Leslie Jones, at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE. This year’s broadcast marked 17 years of unexpected performances, trailblazing moments, super dope talent, and entertainment’s most provocative players. Bruno Mars, who won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year, opened the show with a funky, energetic performance of his hit “Perm.” Mary J. Blige looked stunning while giving a powerful performance of her song “Set Me Free,” before being joined by A$AP Rocky for a duet of their collaboration “Love Yourself.” Michelle Obama and BET Chairman & CEO Debra Lee introduced Chance the Rapper who gave an impassioned acceptance speech after receiving the evening’s Humanitarian Award for supporting educational and social initiatives. Celebrating one of the most successful and influential adult R&B acts in music history, New Edition was honored with the iconic Lifetime Achievement Award before a medley performance of their greatest hits. DJ Khaled closed out the show, bringing out hip hop heavyweights Lil Wayne and Chance the Rapper for their song of the summer, “I’m the One.”
BET Experience Concerts at Staples Center
Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Pusha T, Desiigner, and Playboi Carti kicked off the first day of the BET Experience at L.A. Live presented by Coca-Cola at Staples Center, with super dope performances. The party continued the next day with performances by A$AP Rocky, Migos, ScHoolboy Q, Gucci Mane, Rae Sremmurd, Lil Yachty and Young Thug. The experience concerts were rounded up with DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller, Jhené Aiko, Jidenna, and Khalid. DJ Khaled hyped the crowd and wrapped the night with the help of special guests French Montana, Yo Gotti, 21 Savage, YG, Bell Biv Devoe, the cast of “The New Edition Story,” and Jadakiss.
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Debra Lee Pre-BET Awards Celebration
Chairman and CEO of BET, Debra L. Lee, kicked off the BET Weekend with her annual pre-event, which took place at The London West Hollywood. The private and star-studded celebration toasted the best in music and entertainment with celebs including Leslie Jones, Ava Duvernay, Remy Ma, Bryshere Gray, and more in attendance. Guests enjoyed a surprise performance by French Montana, who took the stage for an energetic medley of music including his latest hits “All The Way Up” and “Pop That.” Guests grooved to tracks from DJ D-NICE and DJ Millie.
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2017 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards
The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards returned to The Beverly Wilshire for its 30th annual ceremony. The invitation-only event celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2016 R&B/hip-hop, rap, and gospel charts. Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace was recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award on the 20th anniversary of his death. Superstar song writing and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis received the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, just one week after being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. An A-list audience of celebs attended the awards including French Montana, Remy Ma, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, MC Lyte, Goapele, and Keyshia Cole.
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Bad Boy + WandeRLuxxe Party
Bad Boy, WanderLuxxe, and Heights Entertainment hosted a pre-BET Awards event at Nightingale featuring a special performance by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who sang old school favorites such as “It’s All About The Benjamins” and “Been Around The World” followed by a surprise performance by Busta Rhymes. A slew of celebs in attendance came out to celebrate the awards weekend including Jamie Foxx, Christina Milian, Karrueche Tran, and more.
