You May Not Have Caught These Throwback References From The 2021 BET Awards

By Brooklyn White ·June 28, 2021June 28, 2021

Last night’s BET Awards weretarget="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cardi B (opens in a new tab)">Cardi B announced she’s expecting her second child with her husband, rapper Offset of Migos), big wins (Megan Thee Stallion won 4 awards across categories), and special performances (Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby performed together!) that we won’t soon forget. The show was also an ode to a number of major pop culture moments, showing viewers that we’ll never forget the icons who paved the way for us.

Lil Nas X Honors Michael Jackson

For the second-ever performance of his pop smash “Call Me By Your Name (Montero),” Billboard-topping rapper Lil Nas X donned Egyptian-style clothing, instantly reminding watchers of Michael Jackson’s 1992 video for “Remember the Time.” He also replicated some of the choreography from the clip, too.

Saweetie Rocks Vintage Dolce & Gabbana

While Saweetie didn’t hit the stage to perform, she did present the Album of the Year Award to Essence cover star and Essence Fest headliner Jazmine Sullivan. If Saweetie’s ruby red dress looks familiar, it’s because it’s a custom Dolce & Gabanna dress inspired by the luxury brand’s 1990 collection.

Dolce & Gabbana show, 1990.

JUNE 27: Saweetie attends the BET Awards 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Taraji P. Henson Channels Tina Turner

First-time BET Awards host Taraji P. Henson kept us entertained with her flawless impressions of some of the most talented queens in the game, including H.E.R, Erykah Badu and Tina Turner. For the latter, she wore a big hairstyle and shimmering mini dress just like Turner did during her Private Dancer album era. We had to do a double take.

Photo credit: Taraji P. Henson’s Instagram.

Yes, That Was Monie Love Onstage With Rapsody For Queen Latifah’s Tribute!

If you’re an old school hip-hop fan, you remember Queen Latifah’s breakthrough single, “Ladies First.” For the track, she enlisted British rapper Monie Love, who served up tongue twisters in her speedy verse about women’s empowerment. During Rapsody’s performance of the song during Queen Latifah’s Lifetime Achievement Award tribute, she brought out the rapper for a special treat.

Lil’ Kim Reminded Us Of Her Fashion and Beauty Legacy

In the early 2000s, Lil’ Kim styled on us when she had the Chanel and Versace logos sprayed into her hair. Last night, she took the look to another plane when she had an actual Prada logo on her bang.

During the 2021 Bet Awards, Lil Kim debuted a sharp blonde bang embellished with the Prada Logo When it comes to innovate designer hair>@LilKim is The Reigning Queen! pic.twitter.com/JnQNOifKyq