The BET Hip Hop Awards Prove Hip Hop & Diamonds Are a Match Made in Heaven
Hip hop and diamonds? They’re practically synonymous. After all, since the early days of the musical genre, the favored gemstone of its brightest entertainers has stood a symbol of opulence and success.
Case in point: the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards. Despite taking place virtually this year, the stars still showed up in their finest show-stopping diamonds, just the same way they would have to hit the red carpet, accept awards, present and perform IRL.
The comfort of home definitely did not suppress adornment in the least. From big and blingy chains and iced-out watches to more subtle, delicate pieces, the looks at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards were as varied and dazzling as the entertainers themselves.
Megan Thee Stallion
Accepting her award for Best Female Hip artist, “WAP” co-singer Megan Thee Stallion wowed in a chunky diamond bracelet and ring. However the biggest showstopper and trend-inducing diamond piece in her ensemble was a dainty dangling diamond charm belly button ring, which glittered through the cutout of her black velvet gown.
Burna Boy
Taking home the award for Best International Act, Burna Boy, who hails from Nigeria, had chunky layers of pave-set diamond curb-link chains peeking through his colorful button-up as he humbly accepted his award.
Jennifer Hudson
J-Hud performed a moving rendition of the song “Young, Gifted and Black,” and the ornate jewel-encrusted collar took up Hudson’s neckline real estate. She pulled her hair back to showcase huge solitaire diamond studs and her signature smaller diamond studs in multiple ear piercings that bounced off her colorful emerald-green brushed velvet gown
Roddy Ricch
Roddy Ricch accepted his award for Album of the Year for “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial”. Two bright white diamond-encrusted chains were layered on top of one another to create a pop of dazzle over his black t-shirt. The entertainer, whose lyrics are generally filled with references to diamonds, also wore an iced-out diamond watch that was hard to miss as he performed at a piano and against a baby blue lit backdrop earlier in the broadcast.
Flo Milli
Performing in a custom, pave diamond necklace that spelled out “Flo”, and large cross earrings, Milli elevated two popular diamond jewelry trends, and even lined her eyes for the special occasion with diamonds for added drama and effect. The rapper and songwriter also wore a custom wrapped chain diamond belt with her full name spelled out, proving that branding is powerful.
Beenie Man
Who could be cooler than Beenie Man? Wearing long layered gold chains with a custom chain spelling out “King” in pave diamonds, the performer’s focal piece definitely commanded attention.
2 Chainz, Quavo & Lil Wayne
Chunky, iced-out rings were juxtaposed by layered and equally chunky Cuban-link bracelets and necklaces for the three popular rappers, who wore eerily similar diamond jewelry looks to dress up their otherwise casual getups. Call it a trend—or call it guys calling each other beforehand to coordinate. (We were mesmerized either way.)
Jhené Aiko
Performing alongside Big Sean who always rocks a major diamond stud in his own ear, Jhené Aiko styled her ear party with delicate pave hoops and a leaf-shaped ear charm, plus baby diamond studs.
Master P
Accepting the I Am Hip Hop Award, the multitalented rapper, actor and record producer let his massive diamond stud earrings speak for themselves, complemented by a diamond-encrusted lapel pin.
