Best Acceptance Speeches At The 2021 Hip Hop Awards
The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards was all it was cracked up to be and more last Tuesday (Oct. 5). As always, the biggest night in hip hop was flooded with celebrities slaying the red carpet, performances people are still talking about and, of course, comedy from the 85 South, who hosted the ceremony for the second straight year.
As we continue to revisit the memorable night, here are the speeches that stood out and were worth revisiting.
Nelly Reps His Midwestern Roots
Hailing from St. Louis, the iconic rapper Nelly graciously accepted BET’s “I Am Hip Hop” award at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, shouting out his Midwestern roots and the icons that came before him.
“We don’t get a lot of this; we don’t get a lot of chances to stand on stage and say, ‘yea, it’s our turn.’ So this ain’t just for me. This for my whole area — this for my whole city.”
Tyler, the Creator Emotionally Thanks Q-Tip, Missy Elliot, Pharrell & Others
Accepting the 2021 “Rock The Bells Cultural Award,” Tyler made sure to shout out those who inspired him.
“This thing that’s a hobby, or a pastime or a passion for us, a lot of people here that shit kept us out of trouble,” he explained. “And it allowed us to change our families’ lives, our friends’ lives, our lives.”
“I wouldn’t be here,” he continued, “if it weren’t for Q-Tip, the Andre 3000s, the Chad Hugos, the Pharrells, the Kanye Wests, the Missy Elliotts, who no one ever brings up. Busta Rhymes, Hype Williams, who just took it to this different world."
IDK Talks Hip Hop Cares
As this year’s “Hip Hop Cares Honoree,” IDK took time to speak on his No Label Academy initiative, which is a program he and two Harvard graduates started to empower and train Black youth in entering the industry.
"It’s everything from monetization and story and vision, all the way to mental health," he says. "I think it just came from an idea that I had being with people from my neighborhood and where I’m from and realizing how much they wanted to get into the music business and learn. They just didn't have the means or the confidence."
Remy Ma Accepts on The Behalf of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
Chatter following the award night also included rapper Remy Ma, who turned heads with her risqué outfit.
Escorted in with her husband and fellow rapper Papoose, Remy did not come to play. Outfitted in a cut-out Danthony Designz red dress and gold strappy heels with ankle-length, jet-black wig to match, it was hard for her not to steal the show.
“Cardi B and Megan couldn’t be here because they’re out getting them bags,” the Terror Squad affiliate said before accepting them on their behalf.
Yung Bleu Was Shocked
Yung Bleu brought home the Best New Artist Award and could not believe it.
“I ain’t even got no speech — I didn’t know I was going to win,” the Alabama rapper started off. “Shout out to everybody, we taking this home,” he continued.
