Big Daddy Kane Joins Star-Studded “BET Hip Hop Awards” Lineup for Special Tribute To Late Biz Markie
The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards will be paying homage to the late Biz Markie during their annual ceremony, and they have tapped one of his friends to help with the tribute. According to the press release, Big Daddy Kane will honor the “Just a Friend” emcee, who he’s previously credited for his career as a rapper.
“Thank you for believing in me,” Kane posted on Instagram in the wake of Biz’s death. “Thank you for giving me a career. Thank you for the beats to ‘Ain’t No Half Steppin,’ ‘Warm It Up Kane’ and convincing @thereal45king to give me the beat to ‘Set It Off.’ Most importantly, thanks for being a true, genuine, loving FRIEND!!!! LOVE YOU FOREVER EMAZA!!!”
The 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” is heating up with a newly announced lineup of presenters and performers. Young Thug, Gunna, Bia, Lil Jon, Baby Keem, and Isaiah Rashad are set to perform and blaze the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre stage. Hip Hop powerhouses Trina, Jermaine Dupri, and Remy Ma, alongside R&B superstar Tank, are slated to present. Additionally, comedians, actors, hosts of the “85 South Show” podcast, and stars of “Wild N’ Out” – comedy supergroup 85 South (Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean) returns to co-host the annual show premiering Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 9:00 pm ET/PT.
“We’re excited to once again celebrate all of the many talented artists who have made an undeniable impact on music this past year,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “Hip Hop is universal and as it continues to boldly solidify a lasting legacy in the culture, we look forward to our tradition of honoring legends, celebrating current artists, and providing a platform that shines a spotlight on upcoming performers.”
Rapper, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actor Nelly will receive the 2021 “I Am Hip Hop” Award. Previously announced nominees include Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion, leading the pack with nine nominations each, followed by Drake with an impressive eight nods. Tyler, The Creator, and Metro Boomin tie for third-most nominations securing four nods each. Other notable nominees include 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, J. Cole, and Pooh Shiesty, who received three each. Bia, Chris Brown, Doja Cat, Jay Z, Lil Nas X, Migos, Nicki Minaj, Roddy Ricch, Saweetie, Young Thug, and Yung Bleu received two nominations each.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, VP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy serving as Co-Executive Producer for BET. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of the 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
For more information about the “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” including the latest news and updates, visit bet.com/hiphopawards.
About 85 South
The 85 South Show unites three of America’s funniest and most fearless comedians: DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean. Born in Atlanta, DC Young Fly first caught on with viewers and followers via his inimitable online videos. His success as a YouTube personality led to being cast as a lead on the MTV series Wild ‘N Out and also hosting MTV’s TRL. His 85 South Co-Host Karlous Miller is another veteran of Nick Cannon’s sketch comedy and improv showcase, serving as a regular on the fifth season in 2013. Miller was also a runner-up on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. The 85 South team is completed by Washington DC’s very own Chico Bean. Another Wild ‘N Out veteran from Season 5, well known as one half of the “Old School Fools” rap battle. Bean started his comedy career in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has since gone on to star in national fast food and athletic advertising campaign tours around the country, and appear on shows such as The James Davis Project and the Steve Harvey Talk Show.
Feature photo credit: FilmMagic