S. Samuel
West Coast rapper Kendrick Lamar only added to his growing career Sunday (June 30) by highlighting the 2013 BET Awards ceremony in Los Angeles with memorable performances and notable wins.
Although Chris Tucker hosted the annual star-studded event, Lamar clearly stole the show after bringing out R&B icon Erykah Badu for his “Don’t Kill My Vibe” set.
The 2013 BET Awards are taking place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California hosted by the one and only Chris Tucker, and with performances and appearances from some of the biggest names in Black music. Right after winning the Best New Artist Award, Kendrick Lamar took to the stage opening with “Backseat Freestyle” before rolling into a special performance of “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” with special guest Erykah Badu. (Soul Culture UK)
He also stole some shine toward the end of the night with a “F*ckin’ Problems” performance and cameo alongside crooner Miguel.
Miguel channeled his inner rock star, as he did his best Prince impression, belting out high-pitched vocals as an electric guitar hung from his shoulder, during his 2013 BET Awards performance. Kendrick Lamar joined the breakout R&B crooner for the performance. It was Lamar’s second time on the stage, after he performed B***h Don’t Killy My Vibe with Erykah Badu earlier in the show. (Enstarz)
The Aftermath protégé also managed to squeeze in time to accept a couple awards.
Kendrick Lamar, who performed with Badu, won best new artist and best male hip-hop artist. “Most importantly to my little home boys and my home girls back in the city, you looking at me on TV right now, I came up in that same county building, food stamps, welfare section eight … this is living proof that you can do anything you put your mind to,” said Lamar, who is from Compton. He, along with 2 Chainz, are the second most nominated acts behind Drake, who is up for 12 honors, including five nominations for video of the year, which has 10 nominees. (Fox News)
Along with Lamar, jam-packed sets by everyone from Roc Nation’s J. Cole and R&B queen Mariah Carey highlighted the evening.
Awards shows tend to bring out the best in music stars, who want to shine in front of their peers. It’s also a good time for surprise collaborations. 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar: Feds Watching/Problems. Ciara with Nicki Minaj: Body Party. Tamela Mann: Take Me To The King. J. Cole: Crooked Smile/Power Trip. Charlie Wilson Tribute. Miguel: How Many Drinks? Mariah Carey: #Beautiful. R. Kelly: His medley. Kendrick Lamar: B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe. Robin Thicke, Pharrell and T.I.: Blurred Lines. Chris Brown: Fine China/Don’t Think They Know (USA Today)
The BET Awards featured a slew of various winners ranging from teenage USA Olympic champion Gabby Douglas to Miami Heat’s LeBron James.
Best male R&B/pop artist Miguel Best new artist Kendrick Lamar Young Stars award Gabrielle Douglas Best gospel artist Mary Mary Subway sportsman of the year LeBron James Subway sportswoman of the year Gabrielle Douglas Best actor Jamie Foxx Best female hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj Best male hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar Lifetime achievement award Charlie Wilson Best collaboration Problems, A$AP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar Humanitarian award Dwyane Wade FANdemonium award Chris Brown Coca-Cola viewers’ choice award Started From the Bottom, Drake (2013 BET Awards)
Check out various performances from the show:
