BET Awards 2025: Then vs. Now – 10 Men Who Grew Up in Front of the Culture’s Biggest Stage
From performing in throwbacks and saggy jeans to accepting awards in tailored designer suits, these men didn’t just show up at the BET Awards—they evolved with them in style and status.
1 / 10
Then (2001): T-shirt, leather jacket, and a du-rag. Now: Sleek tailored jackets, velvet textures, and icy accessories that scream R&B king in control.
Photo By (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/ Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
2 / 10
Then (2012): Basic white tee, Timbs, and a humble vibe. Now: Cultural references, luxe streetwear, custom suiting, and purposeful statement pieces rooted in heritage
Photo By Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Michael Buckner
3 / 10
Then: Baggy denim, layered tees, and fresh-out-the-mall swagger—peak 2000s skater-meets-R&B heartthrob. Now: Sleek streetwear, luxury labels, and statement pieces that mix edge with elegance. Chris Brown’s style matured right alongside his music—still bold, just way more curated.
Photo By Photo by Aaron J. Thornton; Ron Wolfson/WireImage for BET Network)
4 / 10
Then (2004): T-shirts with jeans sagging below the waist, shades, and dreads. Now (2024): Still wild—but more designer-forward. Think Balenciaga layers, bold accessories, and elevated chaos. Plus more tattoos.
Photo By Chris Walter/WireImage for BET Network; (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
5 / 10
Always in a hat—but his style has matured from shiny vests and oversized blazers to cut suits and grown-man glam sharply.
Photo By (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images; Prince Williams/ Getty Images)
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6 / 10
Known for thoughtful fits that transitioned from loud patterns and streetwear layers to sleek, intentional fashion that blends comfort with couture.
Photo By Johnny Nunez/WireImage;
7 / 10
Started off as a low-key guest in a simple suit, now a Dior-wearing mega star with serious style chops.
Photo By Photo by Jason Merritt/BET/Getty Images for BET; Samir Hussein/WireImage}
8 / 10
One of the best glow-ups: from baggy cargos and graphic tees to his “I don’t care but this costs $3,000” aesthetic—earth tones, sneakers, and relaxed tailoring.
Photo By (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage; (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
9 / 10
Then: Preppy sweaters, baggy jeans, and throwback swagger. Now: Monochrome suiting, luxury streetwear, and a grown-man drip that whispers wealth. Drake may not show up often, but when he does, it’s a fit and a flex.
Photo By (Photo by Maury Phillips/WireImage; Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
