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By Maya Mackey
A week after Kendrick Lamar’s “Ken and Friends” Juneteenth concert (or as affectionately known online asThe Pop Out) Black Music Month will come to a thrilling close with the BET Experience.
Kendrick propped up Black LA Music History with both up and coming and seasoned performers such as Ray Vaughn, TDE’s newest edition to their roster, and Tommy the Clown, a hip-hop performer who had the 2000s youth in L.A., krumping and breakdancing. His friends also included DJ Mustard, an L.A. Native, who played an electrifying set of hits from 2 Chainz “I’m Different” to Tyga’s “Rack City” and “Show Me” by Kid Ink and Chris Brown.
LA based artists YG, Tyler the Creator, Dom Kennedy and Kendrick’s former label mates, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul were also a part of the festivities. At the end of Kendrick’s set, Dr. Dre came out to introduce the diss record turned song of the summer, “Not Like Us”. Kendrick then replayed four additional times. Yes. Kendrick Lamar performed Not Like Us five times then walked off to the instrumental playing for a total of six plays. I thank God that I have never been hated by someone that badly.
But truthfully, this show wasn’t about Drake for real. It was a celebration of Blackness, of Los Angeles Blackness, specifically and it felt good. To see Kendrick unite different community members on stage, celebrities and common folk alike, and to allow them to share in the joy of his fourth performance of “Not Like Us” to which he paused briefly to get a group picture on stage–I’ve never witnessed anything like it.
The concert was far from polished, but I think Kendrick preferred it that way. It was truly a family gathering. It really was Kendrick and his friends just vibing and celebrating Juneteenth, with subtle jabs at his opposition of course.
This weekend will close out Black Music Month in LA with the BET Experience, culminating in the BET Awards Ceremony on June 30th, hosted by Taraji P. Henson! The show promises to be one to remember with Usher to be presented with a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award and Will Smith hitting the stage to debut a new song. The list of performers include Glorilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill &YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, and Victoria Monét and Tanner Adell performing on the BET Amplified stage during the pre-show.
Every year, the BET EXPERIENCE serves as a 4 day long festival leading up to the official award’s ceremony with concerts, panels, and fan giveaways and activations.
On June 28th, there’s a new Hip Hop show with Cardi B, Gunna, SexxyRed and Davido. On June 29th, there’s an old Soul Hip Hop show over at The Hollywood Bowl. The Roots Picnic with Queen Latifah, Common, The Roots and Jungle Brothers. There will be three comedy shows running from June 26-June 28, featuring Chris Spencer, Michael Blackson and Tiffany Haddish respectfully.
The celebrity basketball competition is an annual Fan Fest activation with vendors, activations and photo opps and an open casting call! Seriously, you can pull up on June 28th and show your singing, dancing, rapping, acting or hosting skills in front of the BET Casting Department. It’s completely free, just dress to impress, bring a recent photo of yourself and prepare to shine. The line starts at 8 AM, doors open at 9 AM and auditions start at 10 AM.
That should be more than enough to help you get your Black summer on. For tickets to all of the events, go to bet.com/topic/betexperience.
