Joe Budden Criticizes BET Hip Hop Awards, Questions Its Relevance
In a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Joe Budden didn’t hold back in critiquing the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards. Known for his unfiltered opinions, Budden described the awards show as “not important” and expressed disappointment over its lack of impact, low production quality, and setting in a Las Vegas nightclub. Budden’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the hip-hop community, where many are questioning the significance and execution of award shows like BET’s annual Hip Hop Awards. The ceremony, held on October 15, was hosted by Fat Joe, featured notable artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Kendrick Lamar, but left Budden and others feeling that the event didn’t live up to its potential.
The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards: Highlights and Criticisms
The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, held on October 15, aimed to recognize the year’s top hip-hop talent, celebrating achievements by leading artists. Hosted by Fat Joe, the event brought together figures like Megan Thee Stallion, who led the nominations with twelve, and Kendrick Lamar, close behind with eleven. The ceremony took place at Drai’s Nightclub in Las Vegas, a choice Budden found questionable for a high-profile award show. While the awards sought to honor hip-hop’s finest, Budden voiced concern over what he saw as a disconnect between the ceremony’s intentions and its actual impact.
Joe Budden’s Critique: “It’s Not Important Anymore”
Budden’s reaction to the BET Hip Hop Awards stemmed from a mix of disappointment and frustration. In his critique, Budden commented that the choice of venue—a nightclub—made the production feel “cheap” and “low-budget.” Known for his outspoken views on hip-hop culture, Budden questioned the event’s relevance, saying, “Nobody even knew the BET Hip Hop Awards were happening. That should tell you something.” To Budden, the lack of awareness around the event, paired with the absence of top-tier artists and poor production value, highlighted deeper issues with the show’s current format.
Budden’s concern was also with the event’s move away from traditional award-show elements like a proper theater setting, live audience engagement, and the presence of hip-hop’s biggest names. On the podcast, Budden observed, “Usually, the BET Hip Hop Awards have a solid lineup of performances, but this year, it was minimal.” He also pointed out the absence of the popular cipher segments, a staple of past BET Hip Hop Awards, which many fans had looked forward to.
A Shift in Awards Culture? Budden’s Broader Commentary on BET
Joe Budden’s remarks extend beyond the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, hinting at a larger trend in hip-hop and entertainment. In recent years, Budden has frequently voiced his concerns over hip-hop award shows, questioning whether they still hold the same cultural weight. With a career that spans over two decades, Budden brings a unique perspective, having experienced the industry both as an artist and now as a podcaster and commentator. As he sees it, the current awards format is shifting away from authenticity and moving towards profit-driven programming.
On his podcast, Budden addressed what he sees as the BET Hip Hop Awards’ diminishing relevance: “When you’re hosting a show at a nightclub and scrambling for performances, it’s a sign the format is losing touch with what hip-hop is about.” Budden argues that BET should reconsider the awards’ structure if it’s to retain its role as a cornerstone of hip-hop culture.
Joe Budden’s Influence in Hip-Hop and Media
Joe Budden’s words carry weight due to his influential standing in both the hip-hop and media worlds. Budden’s career launched with his hit single “Pump It Up” in 2003, after which he became a key figure in hip-hop. Years later, he had resurgence as a member of the group Slaughterhouse. Over the years, he transitioned to media, building The Joe Budden Podcast into a major platform where he openly discusses cultural and industry issues.
As an outspoken critic, Budden has developed a reputation as a voice for hip-hop purists and often challenges mainstream industry practices. His critiques of platforms like BET and other award shows have gained traction, making his views influential among listeners and industry insiders. By calling the BET Hip Hop Awards “not important,” Budden highlights a sentiment shared by many hip-hop fans and artists who feel that award shows need to evolve to remain culturally relevant.
Production Quality and Venue: Key Points in Budden’s Critique
Budden’s critique focused heavily on the production quality and venue choice for the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards. Held at Drai’s Nightclub, a popular Vegas spot known for bottle service and club vibes, the setting didn’t match the expectations of many fans, including Budden. He expressed that hosting an awards show in a nightclub environment compromised the event’s professionalism, making it feel like a casual club night rather than a prestigious award ceremony.
“It looked cheap,” Budden remarked, emphasizing how the nightclub atmosphere contrasted with past BET Hip Hop Awards held in theater-style venues in Atlanta, which allowed for better crowd engagement and a more elevated experience. The choice of venue, coupled with what Budden described as “lackluster production,” left him unimpressed, suggesting that BET should reassess its approach if it aims to attract a broader audience.
Cyphers and Tributes: Missing Elements in the 2024 Awards
One of the major elements absent from the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards was the traditional cypher, a highlight for fans each year. Cyphers typically showcase up-and-coming and established rappers freestyling, creating memorable moments that often go viral. However, this year’s awards replaced the cypher with a Nissan-sponsored segment, which featured artists rapping in a car. For Budden, this format shift detracted from the authenticity that ciphers are known for, reducing a cultural touchstone to what he called “a car commercial.”
Additionally, Budden noted that even the tributes felt lackluster. In one instance, a tribute to rapper Rich Homie Quan involved merely playing one of his songs without any live performance or personal homage. Budden’s reaction was, “This is a mess. You can’t just play a song and call it a tribute.” His comments echo the sentiment that hip-hop deserves a more authentic, meaningful celebration of its culture.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Joe Budden’s comments on the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards resonate with a growing number of hip-hop fans who feel that award shows are struggling to stay relevant. Budden’s critique wasn’t just about the awards’ production; it was a broader commentary on the importance of cultural authenticity. For Budden, the BET Hip Hop Awards could return to prominence, but only if they prioritize hip-hop’s roots over commercial interests.
By calling the awards show “not important anymore,” Budden has sparked a discussion that challenges BET to rethink its approach. For many fans, the BET Hip Hop Awards are a celebration of the culture they love, and Budden’s critique serves as a reminder that the platform still has the potential to honor hip-hop in a way that resonates with audiences. Whether BET will take these critiques to heart remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Budden’s voice will continue to push for higher standards and a return to authenticity in hip-hop.
