The 2018 BET Hip Hop awards hosted by Chicago’s own DeRay Davis, you’ll love it… you’ll love it.

Held at the Fillmore Miami Beach Convention at Jackie Gleason Theater in beautiful Miami Beach, Florida.

The green carpet always sets the tone for a good night. Media outlets from across the world gathered to cover the awards. The carpet was swarming with legendary rappers, DJs, producers, and newcomers that commanded attention. Video vixens to emerging reality stars, this was the place to start the evening.

DeRay kept us laughing but touched on some important things happening within the culture. Nothing or no one was off limits. He touched on everything from Kanye’s creativity to that damn red hat. He also playfully called out all the artists that consistently win awards yet fail to support.

Drake led with eleven nominations with Cardi B close by with ten Okurt! Childish Gambino received six nominations with Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott tied for 5 noms. The Carters had four nominations this year as well. Stay tuned to see who took what home.

Let’s get into these performances. This year was dominated by emerging artists.

Gucci and his artist Lil Pump opened up the show setting the tone for the evening. Everyone was pumped —see what I did there?

So many new artists hit the stage from Yella Bezzy performing “That’s On Me” to Lil Baby and Gunna performing songs off their joint album “Drip Harder”. T.I “King of the South” always holds it down at the awards. This year he brought out Yo Gotti to join him. Cardi B gave a special performance from Liv this year.

Cyphers…the backbone of the BET Hip-Hop Awards. They did not disappoint. I won’t spoil them but let’s just say they are all next up! We have everyone from GHerbo to Chika, a viral sensation.

So much #blackgirlmagic popping with Dj Lo down Loretta Brown on the tables. The newcomers made sure their presence was felt. Sweet flows that echoed the political and social climate to injustices and women’s rights. Real Queens United.

The young guys held it down too from controversial rhymes to speaking on the state of the culture. This year’s cyphers did not disappoint.

The evening was spent embracing the newcomers as well as honoring a legend. Bun B and Dj Khaled presented Lil Wayne with the “I am Hip Hop” Award. The respect and admiration were evident as these two boasted about Wayne’s character and his contribution to the hip-hop community. Wayne entered this industry as a teen and has been putting his mark on it ever since. Wayne accepted the award alongside his mother and daughter, Reginae. He thanked his family and peers. He was especially grateful to everyone that remained loyal through his ups & downs over the years. From trouble with the law, his unpopular opinion to breaks between albums. Overall, he was humbled and appreciative to be acknowledged by his peers and loved ones.

There were lots to celebrate but also endearing moments.

There was a beautiful tribute to Mac Miller to highlight his contribution to hip-hop. As well as XXXtentacion’s mother, Cleopatra Bernard accepting his Best New Artist award.

In the spirit of bringing everyone together, Lil Duval and Ball Greezy appropriately closed out the show with their number one hit “Smile (Living my Best Life)” Encouraging us all to take a moment to reflect and realize it’s so much to be grateful for. So smile and live your best life!

This is just a little sneak peak. Be sure to tune in tonight at 8P/7C on BET. – Sharyon @ms_shariberri