The BET Awards weekend has become one of the top entertainment events of the summer. The annual awards show is now preceded by the BET Experience, which includes concerts, parties, a celebrity basketball game and panel discussions.
Here are some of the highlights from BET Awards weekend 2015.
Thursday
BBD celebrates 25 years of Poison
When Bel Biv Devoe released the album Poison 1990, the group helped to usher in a brand of R&B that embraced hip-hop. Bel Biv Devoe performed the album at Club Nokia to kick off the BET Experience. The group went deep into their catalog by performing “Candy Girl” and “Mr. Telephone Man” from their days with New Edition. But they also reminded fans why they were successful after splitting with New Edition in the early ’90s. Their debut album featured several hits such as “Dope,” “Do Me!” and “When Will I See You Smile Again?” and BBD were able to add a new touch to classic hits.
Friday
Nicki Minaj headlines show at the Staples Center
Nicki Minaj did a practice run for her upcoming tour, which will begin in the middle of July. Her opening acts featured Rae Sremmurd, Tinashe and Ne-Yo. The biggest surprise of the evening was Ne-Yo introducing Young Jeezy during his set.
Saturday
Celebrity basketball game
The Sprite celebrity basketball game featured artists and athletes such as Chris Brown, Snoop, Floyd Mayweather and Tyrese. Nicki Minaj sat on the sideline and cheered on her boyfriend, Meek Mill, during the game.
Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae discuss natural hair at BET Experience
Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae are two women who have embraced the natural hair movement. During an interview with Combat Jack at Genius Talks at BET Experience, Badu and Monae discussed their careers, music, and why they choose to embrace their natural hair.
Kobe Bryant goes one-on-one with ESPN’s Jemele Hill
Kobe Bryant provided some insight on his life on and off the basketball court during a one-on-one interview with Jemelle Hill during a Genius Talks taping at BET Experience.
The Roots, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill pay tribute to J. Dilla
The Roots and Erykah Badu paid tribute to the late, great producer J. Dilla at Club Nokia. The Roots and Badu shared insight on Dilla’s legacy and brought a few friends to the party. Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, Bilal, Slum Village and Lauryn Hill all performed.
Sunday
BET Awards red carpet
The BET Awards red carpet is always a great way for celebrities to show off their best styles and for newcomers to gain exposure. The oddest moment from this year’s carpet was likely Rae Sremmurd wearing bathrobes to the event.
BET Awards
The BET Awards continue to showcase the best of Black talent. Top moments at this year’s show included the Bad Boy reunion; Janet Jackson’s tribute; Smokey Robinson’s tribute; and Kendrick Lamar’s opening performance.
Photos: A.R. Shaw and Robin L. Marshall
