BET Awards Honors New Artists FIRST

Source: Prince Williams / Gettykast

In honor of the 2024 BET Awards taking place this Sunday, June 30, let’s take a walk down memory lane. BET has been a staple in the Black music community, recognizing talent before they reach global stardom. Notable artists like Outkast, 50 Cent and newcomers Lucky Daye and Kiana Lede were all acknowledged first by none other than the BET Awards.

The 23rd annual BET Awards announces Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe award-winning actress, author, director producer and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson will return to host live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Grammy award winning icon Usher will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award. There will be a host of performances by GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét.

BET Awards always spotlights the year’s Best New Artists. This year the nominees include 41, 4BATZ, Ayra Starr, Bossman Dlow, FRIDAYY, October London, Sexyy Red, and Tyla. Previous Best New Artists BET Awards winners include Kanye West (2004), Alicia Keys (2002), Jennifer Hudson (2007), Kendrick Lamar (2013), Lil Baby (2019), Latto (2022) and Coco Jones (2023). These winners have gone on to receive several other accolades from the BET Awards and beyond.

BET has remained at the pulse of Black music, discovering and honoring the biggest artists before they make it BIG. Comment who you think will take home a win at the culture’s biggest night this Sunday below.

Check out our favorite moments from the BET Awards throughout the years, recognizing hidden talents before they truly took off:

1. Lucky Daye

Grammy award-winning singer Lucky Daye made his debut performance at the 2019 BET Awards. Daye performed on the smaller BET Music stage sponsored by Nissan. Raphael Saadiq introduced Daye, who performed his single “Roll Some Mo.” “Roll Some Mo” is featured on his debut album Painted.

2. Outkast

All star hip-hop duo OutKast won their first major music award ever, with two total, at the BET Awards in 2001. The dynamic group took home Best Group and Video of the Year for the iconic hit record “Ms. Jackson.” During their acceptance speech, Big Boi said they canceled prior engagements to attend the annual ceremony, citing, “BET been rocking with us since day one.”

3. 50 Cent

Iconic rapper and executive tv producer 50 Cent made his first appearance at the BET Awards in 2003. Though it was his first major awards show, he took home two massive wins, including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist.

4. Chris Brown

The now Grammy Award-winning R&B star, Chris Brown, won his first-ever music award for Best New Artist at the 2006 BET Awards.

5. Bow Wow

Young legend, formerly known as, Lil Bow Wow became the first-ever recipient of the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2001 BET Awards. The young emcee was joined on stage by Grammy Award-winning super producer Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, and 106 & Park veteran hosts AJ and Free.