Sunday’s 2022 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles were full of surprises, from Janelle Monáe’s live, presumably unscripted F-bomb drop to a jarring In Memoriam segment that referenced Roe v. Wade’s “Death” “. But one of the most unexpected moments of the three-hour ceremony toward the end was Kanye West’s return to the spotlight.
West has kept a low profile since April. He withdrew from Coachella that month without explanation and with less than two weeks’ notice, according to reports, amid social media concerns about ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s new boyfriend. Disturbing attacks, he was also banned from performing at the Grammys, saturday night live Star Pete Davidson. But the controversial hip-hop star was apparently still popular at the BET Awards, showing up to pay tribute to his “brother” and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sean “Diddy” Combs. While West’s entire face is obscured by a black stocking mask, mirrored sunglasses, and pulled down baseball cap, there’s nothing wrong with his identity — especially when he delivers his typically lengthy, colorful when speaking.
In his speech, West explained that he came out of hiding on Sunday specifically because he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pay tribute to his old friend and role model. “I took a break. I said, ‘I just want to declare myself legally dead for a year. No one misses me. I just want to get off the grid,'” he admitted, before adding that “Puff [Daddy] is quite durable. …if Puff needs us, we need to jump there. This guy has been through a lot and survived, breaking a lot of doors so we can stand up – I know, I can be here today. “
West spoke for Diddy, followed by an epic all-star performance by Mary J. Blige, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Faith Evans, Jodeci, Lox, Bryson Tiller, Maverick City Choir and Diddy himself, including many A sweet and sincere moment of amazement. At one point, West emotionally thanked his “favorite artist” Combs for inspiring him, gushing: “There were a lot of rules in hip-hop at the time, and he broke all of them. … Broke a lot of doors about classicism, taste, culture, swag. Poof, if I never told you, I love you.”
However, the line of Yeh’s speech that certainly got the most attention and traction on Twitter was the brazen reference to his ex, Kardashian, with whom he separated in February 2021. “I go [Combs] Advice until today. He inspired many choices in me, many choices in my life.mine wife Choice,” West quipped. “And, here we are. Thank you, Puff. “
The 2022 BET Awards take place on Sunday, June 26 at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles. For the full list of winners, click here.
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