BET Awards honor industry icons

The 2019 BET Awards featured a number of contemporary pop and rap stars who are dominating the charts, from Cardi B to Lil Nas X. But the show belonged to artists viewed as icons in the black community, including singer Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry and the late rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Hussle, a community activist in South Los Angeles who was shot to death on March 31, posthumously earned the Humanitarian Award on Sunday night. His family accepted the honor on his behalf. Hussle also won best male hip-hop artist.

Blige, who earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, ran through her hits during a performance that featured Lil Kim and Method Man.

Rihanna presented Blige with the award, who earned a standing ovation as she walked to the stage.

“Mommy, I love you and I want to thank you for your love and understanding,” Blige said as her mom teared up in the audience.

The audience also erupted in cheers for media mogul Tyler Perry, who earned the Ultimate Icon Award.

“I built my studio ... (it) was once a Confederate army base, which meant that there were Confederate soldiers on that base plotting and planning on how to keep 3.9 million negroes enslaved. Now that land is owned by one negro.”

Childish Gambino won the top prize — video of the year — for “This Is America.” Beyonce was named best female R&B/pop artist, and Bruno Mars won best male R&B/pop artist. Cardi B won two prizes — best female hip-hop artist and album of the year for her major-label debut, “Invasion of Privacy.”

— Associated Press