Fat Joe and Jadakiss have expressed their discontent following BET’s announcement of significant changes to two of its hallmark events. In a recent episode of their Joe and Jada podcast, the longtime friends analyzed the network’s decision to halt the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, questioning the implications for Black culture within the entertainment industry.
Fat Joe straightforwardly addressed the issue. “This is a form of gentrification, what’s happening. I don’t know if you really want to get into this s**t,” he remarked. Reflecting on BET’s origins, he mentioned that it was created as a platform for Black audiences before founder Bob Johnson sold it to Viacom Paramount. He pointed out that the change in ownership led to gradual but persistent staff reductions, particularly affecting those who raised concerns.
The Bronx rapper reminisced about his three years on the BET Hip-Hop Awards, noting a significant decline in resources. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting slashed and slashed.” He compared this with the lavish production values of the Video Music Awards. “Last year, I debuted my single with [DJ] Khaled at the VMAs, and Katy Perry was still soaring through the air… They still have all the tricks. They still possess the budgets. They got their s**t… They kept underfunding them… They didn’t have any money.”
Jadakiss remarked, “They have money for what they choose to prioritize,” indicating that the challenge lies more in values rather than capacity.
Earlier this week, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed these changes, clarifying that the awards aren’t canceled but may find a new platform as the media landscape evolves. He reaffirmed that other events like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards will proceed, while a team investigates the best future for the Hip-Hop and Soul Train brands.
