Fat Joe is back for his third stint as the host of the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024, which was pre-taped on Oct. 8 at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub in Las Vegas and airs on Oct. 15. The “Lean Back” rapper, 54, spoke with media outlets ahead of the show, sharing excitement over the star-studded performances and big moments that fans can expect.
An Epic Night of Performances
Fat Joe teased an unforgettable night filled with anthems from some of hip hop’s biggest names, including performances from 310babii, 2 Chainz, Big Boogie featuring GloRilla, E-40, Juicy J, Soulja Boy featuring Roscoe Dash, and Trina featuring Yung Miami.
“It’s just one big epicenter of anthems,” Joe said. “All the anthems that ever got you from when you was young to now, it’s all spread out in there. Your favorites — Soulja Boy, Roscoe Dash. They up in there.”
Shining a Spotlight on Legends
The Bronx-born rapper also gave a shoutout to E-40, reminiscing about the West Coast rapper’s legendary status since the mid-’90s. When asked about Trina and Yung Miami, two powerhouse female rappers from different generations of Florida hip hop, Joe had high praise for their performance, calling it a standout moment.
“They killed it,” he said of their set.
Travis Scott Receives “I Am Hip Hop Award”
This year, the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 honored Travis Scott with the prestigious “I Am Hip Hop Award.” The award was presented by Teyana Taylor and Tyla, celebrating Scott’s creative contributions to music and culture. Fat Joe commended Scott, noting his influence on hip hop and his work behind the scenes on many of Kanye West’s hits.
“He deserves it,” Joe said. “He brought a whole new style to the game. A lot of people don’t know he was behind many hits from Kanye West. He paid a lot of dues, and he deserves it.”
Joe also hinted at Scott’s emotional acceptance speech, encouraging viewers to tune in.
Fat Joe’s Longevity in Hip Hop
Reflecting on his long-running career, which began in 1993, Fat Joe attributed his success to hard work, staying focused, and maintaining strong relationships within the hip hop community. He expressed admiration for icons like Too Short and E-40, celebrating the fact that they are still receiving recognition decades later.
“Since 1993 it’s not an easy thing. But it’s years and years of always working, staying focused, and being part of the culture.”
Tune In
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 will air on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, simulcast on BET, BET HER, VH1, and MTV2. With a lineup of exciting performances and moments celebrating hip hop legends, this year’s show promises to be a night to remember.
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