Looks like we won’t be getting the Soul Train Awards or the BET Hip Hop Awards this year… or anytime soon. BET has officially suspended both shows indefinitely, according to an interview with CEO Scott Mills. And just like that, two of the most iconic celebrations of Black music and culture are being put on pause with no clear return in sight (Hot 97).
The Soul Train Awards have been around since 1987, rooted in Don Cornelius’ legendary TV legacy, while the BET Hip Hop Awards first hit our screens in 2006 and became the stage for some of the dopest cyphers and rap moments. These shows were more than just entertainment—they were platforms where artists, especially in hip hop and R&B, got their flowers in front of the world.
While BET says this isn’t a cancellation but a “suspension,” there’s been no timeline given and no real details on what comes next. Some sources say BET is looking to revamp its award shows to fit a more digital-first world, but nothing’s set in stone yet (WBLS).
With all the talk about bringing Black-owned media back to the forefront, this move definitely raises eyebrows—and questions. Let’s hope it’s not the end, but a new beginning.
