It’s time ! Busta Rhymes received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 25).
Marlon Wayans and Swizz Beatz presented the honor to the 51-year-old at Microsoft Theater following a tribute video of Busta’s journey acknowledging his impact as a rapper, songwriter, record producer and actor. The short clip featured words from Sean “Diddy” Combs, Pharrell, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Mariah Carey and June Ambrose.
“Okay. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I want to cry” Bust said before bursting into tears during his speech. “I was the youngest of the frontman of the new school,” he continued, reminiscing about the early days of his career and the impact the breakup of his former rap group had on it. The icon also opened up about fatherhood and how it drove him to being awesome.
“I will say that I am grateful [for] the blessing that has been given to me, and this gift that has been given to me, and this fire that continues to burn like a passion in my soul, that allows me to step into any situation, from stage to collaborating with whoever it is, and making sure that I am far from the weak link”, He shared. “Because I like to walk away from a situation and say, ‘I’m busting a**! “”
“It’s just me trying to do my duty to keep pushing the culture forward and keep contributing in a meaningful way,” Busta Rimes continued. “I see so many people here that I have known and grown up with for a long time; you watch me grow, and i love you all and i know you all love me.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which was established in 2001 with the first annual ceremony, honors industry GOATS who have significantly shaped the culture over their long careers. The 12-time Grammy nominee joins a lineup of black artists who have made history, including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Prince, Lionel Richie and Didy, who won the title last year.
On Friday (June 23), Busta made a comeback to the music scene with his new single, “Beach Ball” featuring BIA. The song will be featured on the former Leader of the New School member’s upcoming album, a 2020s follow-up Extinction Level 2 Event: God’s Wrathwhich peaked at No. 7 in the United States Billboard 200.
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