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Happy Birthday BET! Check Out Some Of Our Top Moments In The Past 4 Decades #BET40

From The Notorious B.I.G's last interview, to Lil' Kim's "I Am Hip Hop" award and tribute, check out some of our top moments throughout the decades.

Happy Birthday BET! Today our beloved BET Network turns 40 years young! That means four decades of soul music, exclusive news and overall B L A C K star power. 

Today we take a walk down memory lane, and take a look back at some of our most memorable moments in BET history. From rare interview footage from our late-greats, to some epic moments on the BET Awards stage- check out a few priceless BET moments from our timeless vault.

Like wine, BET only gets better with time. So best believe we has so much more in store. A toast to 40 years and forever more.

Be sure to follow our BET social pages for more BET tributes and special moments!

In the meantime, from Angela Bassett to Big Tigger, check out some of our favorite Black stars wishing BET a "Happy 40th Birthday," below:

  • The Notorious B.I.G.'s Last Interview, Ever

    In this extremely rare clip, former Rap City host Joe Clair sits down with The Notorious B.I.G. for what would eventually be the late rapper's last interview ever. During the revealing chat, which took place on February 24, 1997, Clair speaks to the iconic Biggie Smalls about his musical journey, starting with his debut album Ready to Die to his last album Life After Death. In the candid interview, Biggie opened up about his excitement to return to music, after taking a break from the spotlight, as well as his plans for the future. Unfortunately, three weeks later, Christoper "Biggie Smalls" Wallace, would pass away on March 9, 1997, after incurring a fatal gunshot wound.

  • Big Pun's BET Interview In His Hometown Of The Bronx

    Nearly a year after his sit-down with Notorious B.I.G, BET's Rap City's host Joe Clair would go on to interview rapper Big Pun in his hometown of the Bronx, New York. It's here that Clair linked up with the Terror Squad CEO at his place of business, 'Big Pun's Billiards and Barbershop,' where Pun also had a strict "No smoking, no drinking," policy. During their interview, the late lyricist opened up about his love for family, God and the hip hop culture, overall. Unfortunately, two years later, Christopher "Big Pun" Rios would pass away on February 7, 2000, due to complications from a heart attack.

  • Kanye West Returns To the Stage and Performs 'Power'

    Nearly a decade ago, rapper Kanye West opened up the 10th annual BET Awards with a riveting performance of his hit track, "Power," off his critically-acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, album. The performance, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2010, marked Ye's first performance since his controversial MTV Awards run-in with country singer Taylor Swift. Kanye took to the stage solo, with no band or background dancers, and crushed his performance. Check out the memorable moment, above.

  • Kevin Hart's Step Show at the BET Awards

    Kevin Phi Kevin! Back in 2011, actor and comedian extraordinaire Kevin Hart hosted the 11th annual BET Awards. Taking place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, Hart took the stage with a group of young, talented performers to open the awards ceremony with a Divine-Nine inspired routine. Take a "step" down memory lane and watch the fun performance above!

  • Kendrick Lamar's Riveting BET Awards Performance Of 'Alright'

    It's gon' be alright! nearly five years ago, rapper Kendrick Lamar took to stage for the 15th annual BET Awards with a riveting performance of his popular anthem, "Alright," off his To Pimp A Butterfly album. The show, which took place on June 28, 2015 at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, included an extremely passionate and political-driven performance by K.dot, equipped with performers dancing atop of parked cop cars on the stage. Relive the moment by watching the clip above!

  • Lil' Kim's Iconic Stage Performance at The BET Awards

    It's the jump-off right here! Last year, BET honored hip hop pioneer Lil' Kim at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards. Held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California, Kim received the coveted 'I Am Hip Hop' Award on June 23, 2019. The iconic Brooklyn emcee, fashion icon and overall Queen Bee hit the stage with the likes of everyone from Mary J. Blige to her throwback clique, Junior M.A.F.I.A, to perform some of her greatest hits throughout the decades. Check out the epic performance above!

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