(KTLA) – BET has indefinitely suspended its Hip Hop and Soul Train Awards.
In an interview with Billboard, BET President Scott Mills revealed that the two shows are being temporarily put on pause.
“I would suggest that it’s more about our team having to reinvent them for this evolving media landscape rather than them disappearing,” Mills said. “They aren’t going anywhere.”
He did suggest that the shows will return via a new format or platform.
The two events have long been cultural icons celebrating Black music and heritage. The BET Hip Hop Awards started in 2006, with comedian Katt Williams hosting the event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. It quickly gained a reputation for its backstage cyphers, where artists displayed their freestyling prowess and delivered vibrant performances.
The Soul Train Awards, which recognize excellence in Black culture, music, and entertainment, take their name from the iconic show. It began in 1987 and showcased performances by R&B and soul artists.
Mills told the outlet that the NAACP Image Awards and Stellar Awards won’t be affected.
Mills did not mention the BET Awards. Known as “culture’s biggest night,” this event honors the accomplishments of Black artists, actors, athletes, and more within the entertainment industry.
In June, the BET Awards celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
