BET Awards Recap: Kevin Hart Throws Shade at Diddy, B2K Reunites, Jamie Foxx Honored & More

The 2025 BET Awards turned up the heat in Los Angeles last night with a star-packed show that mixed nostalgia, big wins, and real talk. Hosted at the Peacock Theater, the evening opened with Kevin Hart doing what he does best, making headlines.

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While warming up the crowd, Hart made a not-so-subtle reference to Diddy’s legal troubles, saying, “No after-parties tonight…they get slippery,” signaling to the audience that even jokes aren’t safe from reality these days.

While Hart sparked the night with controversy-tinged comedy, the stage itself transformed into a living tribute to Black entertainment. A full-blown “106 & Park” revival brought back heavy hitters from the early 2000s. Ashanti serenaded fans with hits like “Happy,” “Rock With You,” and “Foolish,” while Jim Jones took us all the way up with “We Fly High.” Amerie delivered her timeless bop “1 Thing,” and T.I. reminded us of his reign with “Bring Em Out” and “What You Know.”

Terrence J and Free returned to host the nostalgic segment, making the audience feel like they were back home in front of the TV after school. B2K reunited for “Bump Bump Bump,” proving that the boy band era is never truly over. Bow Wow joined the fun with “Like You” and “Fresh Azimiz,” and Keyshia Cole’s “I Shoulda Cheated” still hit just as hard. Mýa revisited “Case of the Ex,” bringing sultry vibes and flawless vocals to the stage.

One of the night’s most powerful moments came from Doechii, who used her win for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist to speak out against the Trump administration’s handling of racial justice protests, condemning military deployments in Los Angeles and urging continued resistance.

Doechii gave a POWERFUL speech at the #BETAwardspic.twitter.com/enQ0JbjYjJ

— Blackish Press (@blackishpress) June 10, 2025

And just when fans thought the night couldn’t get any more stacked, Big Tigger brought “Rap City: The Basement” back, complete with a fiery Ludacris freestyle that had everyone buzzing.

GloRilla proved she’s not just next, she’s now. Her standout performance of “Let Her Cook” became a moment in Black music history when she brought out Keyshia Cole to help deliver a brand-new track, “Typa,” sampling Cole’s own hit “Love.” The energy was unmatched, and the message was clear: this new generation is rooted in greatness.

Mariah Carey received her flowers and more, honored with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award alongside Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin. Carey’s legacy was celebrated with grace and grandeur, a true diva moment in her first BET Award win.

The tribute to Jamie Foxx was another emotional highlight. Legends like Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, T-Pain, Teddy Riley, and Stevie Wonder took the stage to honor Foxx’s multi-faceted career. In true icon form, Jamie was presented with his own Ultimate Icon Award, solidifying his place in entertainment history.

Kendrick Lamar took home the coveted Album of the Year trophy for “GNX,” reinforcing why he remains one of the most respected artists in the game.

Snoop Dogg also received his Ultimate Icon Award, presented by his longtime friend Dr. Dre. In a moving moment, Snoop shared that Kirk Franklin had performed at his mother’s funeral, adding a personal layer to the celebration. The West Coast legend then lit up the stage with a medley of classics like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang,” bringing out Charlie Wilson, Kurupt, and Warren G for a full circle performance.

Drop it like it’s 🔥

Snoop Dogg takes the stage after accepting the Ultimate Icon Award at the #BETAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/7UQr04KdM4

— Def Pen (@DefPen) June 10, 2025

The final honor of the night went to Kirk Franklin, who accepted his own Ultimate Icon Award with a powerful speech dedicated to his wife and children. The gospel icon closed the show with an uplifting set, joined by artists including Tamar Braxton and Muni Long, performing beloved songs like “Silver & Gold” and “Melodies from Heaven,” ending the evening on a spiritual and celebratory high.

From political statements to jaw-dropping performances and a heavy dose of nostalgia, the 2025 BET Awards reminded everyone that Black culture continues to lead, inspire, and set the standard.