Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Ma outduels Minaj; 5 BETs for Beyonce
Remy Ma ended Nicki Minaj’s seven-year winning streak, and Beyonce won five honors at the 2017 BET Awards on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Ma, who was released from prison in 2014, won best female hip-hop artist, an award Minaj has won since 2010. Ma last won the prize in 2005; she was sentenced to prison three years later after shooting a former friend after accusing her of theft.
Bruno Mars and Beyonce tied for video of the year — the top prize but not televised — with their hits “24K Magic” and “Sorry.” Mars also won best male R&B/pop artist.
In a taped message, Michelle Obama honored Chance the Rapper, who earned the humanitarian award after raising $2 million dollars for Chicago public schools. He also won best new artist and best collaboration. “Chance is showing our young people that they matter,” said the former first lady. “Because of you, countless young people will grow up believing in themselves.”
Beyonce was the big winner with her five awards, including the viewer’s choice award, album of the year for “Lemonade,” best female R&B/pop artist and video director of the year for “Sorry.”