The BET Hip Hop Awards will be taking their talents to Las Vegas this year, after previously having been held in Atlanta for over a decade.
The awards will now take place in Sin City on October 8, with the show airing on the channel one week later on October 15 at 8p local time.
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In a statement, BET CEO and President Scott Mills said: “From the groundbreaking performances of legends like Sammy Davis Jr. and Lena Horne, who shattered racial barriers, to today’s leading and emerging artists, Las Vegas’ vibrant energy reflects the innovation, soul, and storytelling that Black culture continuously contributes. BET is excited to bring ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ to a city known for its electrifying atmosphere and rich history of awe-inspiring entertainment.”
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, added: “In 2023, BET paid homage to the legacy, impact, and evolution of hip hop during its golden anniversary, punctuating the year-long celebration with BET Hip Hop Awards. This year, we will continue to honor the genre while pushing boundaries with fresh experiences, including an unforgettable night in Las Vegas. We’re thrilled to continue to bring fans memorable performances and surprises that will make for another epic night of hip hop.”
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The cyphers have become a huge part of the annual awards show, and earlier this year, Dee-1 admitted that he experienced suicidal thoughts following his 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher, wondering if he’d ever have another opportunity to showcase his skills.
In an interview with The Breakfast Club in March, the New Orleans rapper opened up about his mental health struggles and what ultimately led him to seek help.
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“Right after that BET Cypher I started going to therapy, bro,” he shared. “I was signed to RCA at the time. You on the BET Cypher and you think your life about to change after this night…Nothing changed after that night. After that, I felt like I blew my shot.
“It started messing with me mentally to where I was like, ‘Damn, I kinda don’t even wanna be here no more. Not in the industry, but on this Earth…When I started realizing I was having suicidal thoughts behind feeling like I’m professionally a failure, I realized I couldn’t separate David from Dee-1 at that point. And that was unhealthy.”
He continued: “And for the first time in my life, I went to therapy. Because I was like, talking to my friends, that ain’t getting it at this point. Talking to my grandma, rest in peace, that ain’t cutting it at this point. So therapy really did help me, but ultimately even more than therapy was understanding my God given purpose.
“I know who my creator is, I know why I was put here, and I was put here to glorify him. So who am I to think that my whole life is a failure because one moment didn’t elevate me professionally?”
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Editorial note: Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or their mental health is encouraged to call the toll-free 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
