Last night’s BET Awards were back in action! Hosted by none other than our favorite ‘Cookie’ aka Taraji P. Henson, the awards show—which was completely virtual last year due to the pandemic— bounced back with a bang and the buzz-worthy moments did not disappoint!

Taraji P. Henson aka the Mistress of Ceremonies pulled out all the stops for the 2021 BET Awards’ “Year of the Black Woman” theme. Not only did she give black women a shoutout during her moving monologue but she also honored female icons, i.e., Erykah Badu, with her costume changes.

“Look at us, though. Look around the room. Look at this power. The grace, the class, the edges. We are everything, honey. Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend. It’s a forever mood, okay? And there is more than enough room for all of us to thrive. ‘Cause can’t nobody be me like me. And can’t nobody be you like you. And tonight, I’m giving my sisters their flowers.”

Lil Nas X hit the stage with Pride with a sensual Egyptian-royalty-themed performance of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”—whose music video ruffled many conservative feathers. Just when we thought Lil Nas X couldn’t push the envelope any further, he sealed the deal with a steamy smooch session with a male dancer, sending shockwaves through social media.

BET gave female rap pioneer Queen Latifah her flowers with the Lifetime Achievement award. In honor of the Queen’s dope discography, fellow female rappers Rapsody, Monie Love, Lil Kim, and MC Lyte hit the stage to perform a medley of “Ladies First” and “U-N-I-T-Y.” Queen Latifah accepted her prestigious award with an inspiring speech that honored and celebrated “strong black women.”

“I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. When we couldn’t get played on the radio and other places; we couldn’t get our videos played. There was BET, that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine. To this night, right now, right here – bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all your support. Black is beautiful. I was raised by strong black women. We can’t live without each other. Celebrate. Celebrate us so together we stand stronger.”

In addition to honoring black icons who have passed away this past year, the memorialized musical tribute to fallen rapper DMX was incredibly somber yet soulfully felt. Fellow lyricists Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Griselda, The Lox, and members of the Ruff Ryders performed some of DMX’s greatest hits, i.e,. “Where the Hood At” and “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” but the most soul-gripping moment was Michael K. Williams’ theatric embodiment of DMX’s “Slippin’.” 

If there was a winner for the most shocking onstage moment, it would go to Cardi B who snagged five awards including Video of the Year and Best Female Hip-hop Artist. The “Bodak Yellow” Bronx bombshell debuted an adorable baby bump while performing alongside Migos and her hubby Offset for Culture III’s “Type S***.” Cardi donned in a crystal-covered catsuit with a cut-out that put her baby bump on full display.

Missed last night’s BET Awards? Don’t fret—below is a full list of winners! Be sure to tune in to Dish Nation to see our hosts’ favorite moments!