Hip Hop Awards 2022: 3 of the Most Iconic Instrumentals Used in a BET Cypher
The BET Cyphers at the Hip Hop Awards is one of the must-see segments of the annual event. Artists from across the industry go bar-for-bar on some of the most legendary instrumentals in hip hop music. Ahead of this year’s ceremony, which is set to return to Atlanta, GA, we’re looking at some of the most iconic beats ever used in a cypher freestyle. Check to see if your favorite record made the list, and don’t forget to tune into the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 airing Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.
Mobb Deep “Shook Ones, Pt. II”
TDE heavy hitters Kendrick Lamaar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Isaiah Rashad took on Mobb Deeps’ iconic “Shook One, Pt. II” instrumental during the 2013 Cypher Freestyle. The track, produced by group member Havoc, is the lead single from the New York duo’s 1995 album The Infamous. It also features a slowed-down and pitch-altered version of "Jessica" by Herbie Hancock. Other notable tunes include "Kitty with the Bent Frame" by Quincy Jones and Daly-Wilson Big Band’s “Dirty Feet” in the drum break.
N.O.R.E. “Banned from TV” feat. Nature, Big Pun, Cam'ron, Jadakiss & Styles P
Bri Steves, Neelam Hakeem, Sharaya J, Chika, and muva Erykah Badu represented for the ladies during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2018 cypher gliding on N.O.R.E. 1998 classic, “Banned from TV.” Produced by then a young Swizz Beatz, the record is most memorable for its slew of hip hop guest appearances, including New York-based rappers Nature, Cam'ron, Jadakiss, Styles P, and the late Big Pun, making it one the most extraordinary posse cuts ever.
Meek Mill “Going Bad” Feat. Drake
Kash Doll, Iman Shumpert, King Los, IDK, and Travis Thompson, wreaked havoc over Meek Mill’s “Going Bad” instrumental for their performance in the Contemporary Cypher at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards. The track, the first single from Meek’s 2018 album Championships, was produced by Wheezy and Westen Weiss.
Watch the Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET
