Lifetime Achievement Award to Busta Rhymes

Jamaica’s culture was showcased at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday (June 25) when popular Dancehall artistes Spice, Dexta Daps, Skillibeng, and Cutty Ranks performed during Busta Rhymes’ tribute to the genre.

Busta Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr, was honoured by the event’s organisers for his contributions to music and Black culture over the years.

On Friday (June 23), BET revealed that the 51-year-old rapper would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours industry pioneers who have profoundly influenced culture and the entertainment business.

Rhymes, who is of Jamaican parentage, paid homage to his dancehall culture when recording artistes like Dexta Daps, Spice, Skillibeng, and Cutty Ranks took the stage with him.

The audience got an earful of Jamaica’s culture from Dexta Daps’ “Shabba Madda Pot”, and Spice’s “So Mi Like It”, to Skillibeng’s “Whap Whap”, and CuttyRanks’ “A Who Seh Me Dun (Wait Deh Man)”.

Busta Rhymes, who is widely recognised as one of the greatest MCs, having had seven Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits. was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by rapper, songwriter, and producer, Swizz Beatz.

In his acceptance speech, he said: “Alright, imma wear it on my sleeve. I do wanna cry,” as his eyes started to water.

He spoke about his six children, being kicked out from his hip hop group, Leaders of the New School, and learning how to rebuild by going into studios, sharing a cigar with whoever was in the studio, and “quickly whipping up a 16 bar verse,” he said.

The 2023 BET Awards, which recognised Black media and creatives in the various fields of music, film, and sports, was held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

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