The 2025 BET Awards delivered a powerful mix of music, activism, and unforgettable performances at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. From bold political statements to genre-blending collaborations, the night celebrated Black excellence in all its forms.

Winner of Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Doechii made headlines not only for her win over heavyweights like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, but also for using her acceptance speech to speak out against the use of military force on immigration protesters in Los Angeles. Calling for unity and resistance against hate, she advocated for oppressed communities, especially Black, Latino, and trans people, urging viewers to stand in solidarity and not stay silent.

One of the night’s standout performances came from GloRilla, who debuted her new single “Typa” alongside R&B legend Keyshia Cole. The emotional duet blended Cole’s timeless vocals from her 2005 classic “Love” with GloRilla’s raw, modern delivery. The performance struck a chord online, with fans praising the powerful intergenerational moment that honored Cole’s legacy while spotlighting GloRilla’s respect for R&B history.

Kendrick Lamar dominated the evening, taking home five awards, including Album of the Year for GNX and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. Known for blending lyrical mastery with cultural depth, Lamar’s wins further cement his status as one of the most important voices in hip-hop today. SZA and Chris Brown also had strong nights, each earning two awards.

In a high-energy set, Lil Wayne brought Tha Carter VI season to the BET stage with a performance featuring a choir dressed in red Young Money robes. Performing “Welcome to The Carter” and the iconic “A Milli,” Wayne electrified the audience just days after dropping the new album and headlining Madison Square Garden. The moment was amplified by his ESPN NBA Finals spot, which featured his latest single “These Are The Days” with Bono.

From fearless political statements to genre-defying performances, the 2025 BET Awards proved once again that Black culture leads and never misses a beat.