When BET launched the Hip-Hop Awards back in 2006, it was needed. Hip-Hop didn’t have their own awards show and was being more and more neglected by big shows like the Grammys. Who knew then that the Cyphers would be the talk of the ceremonies for years to come. The BET cyphers have become a staple for the BET Hip-hop awards. Starting as a way to showcase talent, the cyphers have helped elevate the Hip-Hop Awards into the highly anticipated event annually, that it has become. That made us want to take a look at the best BET Hip-Hop cyphers. Take the journey with us.
Best BET Hip Hop Cyphers Over The Years
Shady 2.0 (Yelawolf, Slaughterhouse – Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5’9″ & Eminem)
An iconic BET cyphers produced by Eminem. This cypher was engaging and had many twists and metaphors setting a new age for the cyphers. The 2011 show was a success bringing a larger audience to the event. The Slaughterhouse quartet spitting fire is a reminder of what could have been. Still sad that the crew fell out before they reached their full potential.
TDE (ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad & Kendrick Lamar)
One of the most memorable BET Hip-Hop cyphers was with Top Dawg Entertainment. Over the instrumental for Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones, Pt. II,” Kendrick Lamar, anchored a cypher which included Isaiah Rashad and Jay Rock. The 2013 cypher spoke about many struggles such as Schoolboy Q’s haunting story about a break-in and Jay Rock explaining how he forced his way into the music industry. This was the first time Kendrick made public mention of taking the throne, referring to himself as “King Kendrick.” It’s still one of the most talked about cyphers.
G.O.O.D. MUSIC (Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, Cyhi The Prynce & Common)
Certainly maybe the best dressed cypher, the G.O.O.D. Music crew synced together pretty perfectly. Rocking matching black suits, the labelmates spit over DJ Premier beats for the 2010 Awards show. Even though Kanye spit a reused verse, no one minds.
International 2023 Cypher (Maggz, Blaklez, Phantom Steeze, Okmalumkoolkat, & Sizwe Alakine)
The 2023 cypher consisted of 5 international artists taking turns to display their talent, some not rapping in English at all. With the help of KhoKhopops da DJ the artists went off. And even if you couldn’t understand everything, you could still appreciate the talent.
Black Love Cypher (Jarren Benton, Corey Charron, Remy Ma, & Papoose)
Every BET cypher isn’t filled with recognizable Hip-Hop crews. This cypher featured a couple talents still making a name for themselves. The 2014 BET cypher was highlighted by Remy Ma and Papoose going back to back, bar for bar in an impeccable showing for what was then a happy couple. Back then, no one envisioned the couple crashing out harder than Slaughterhouse could.
Lady of Rage, Blind Fury, Dom Kennedy, Skillz
The 2011 cypher featured a talented ensemble of artists with diverse musical talents. Over the DJ Premier laced mix, each rapper showed off why even though they are all underrated, they are considered lyrically some of the best spittas.
Nicki Minaj, Buckshot, Crown Royyal, Joe Budden
Nicki Minaj did a BET cypher??? Just shows you how big the Cypher used to be. Joe Budden is the only artist that makes this list twice, which makes sense since he’s a true lyrical genius. The energy in the cypher is so unique with all the artists bouncing off of each other, displaying their uniqueness.
Wale, Nipsey Hussle, GSan, KRS ONE
Artists actually would freestyle in the cypher, but that was a totally different time in Hip-Hop. Wale was clearly going off the top of the dome. KRS-One did the same, showing the young artists how it should be done. While it may not have been one of the most lyrical cyphers, it was certainly one that most showed the essence of Hip-Hop.
Real House Husbands of Hollywood (J.B Smoove, Duane Martin, Boris Kudjoe, Nick Cannon, Nelly, Kevin Hart/Chocolate Droppa)
Last but not least… this was the most hilarious BET cypher if nothing else. I mean, if we’re talking BEST, we have to acknowledge this one! Nick Cannon and Nelly are both actual emcees so that made this one that much more interesting. The cast of BET’s original series, The Real House Husbands of Hollywood did not disappoint.
