T.I. Brings Basic Atlanta Vitality to the BET Awards

The 2025 BET Awards, held on June 9 on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated its twenty fifth anniversary with a mixture of fashionable icons and nostalgic legends. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the occasion was filled with unforgettable performances and honors. Nevertheless, one of many standout moments got here when Atlanta rap legend T.I. took the stage.

T.I. carried out his mid-2000s classics “Deliver Em Out” and “What You Know.” These two anthems that helped outline his run on the high of hip-hop. His set was a part of the tribute to 106 & Park, the enduring music video countdown present that aired from 2000 to 2014.

A Southern Legend Takes the Highlight

T.I. is also known as the “King of the South.” However he hasn’t graced the BET Awards stage in years. Nonetheless, his return was met with roaring applause. Wearing all-black streetwear, full with a hooded jacket and sun shades, Tip regarded like he hadn’t missed a beat.

He kicked off with “Deliver Em Out,” the 2004 anthem that includes a Jay-Z vocal pattern. Moreover, it was as soon as used to open New York Knicks video games. The power was electrical as dancers crammed the stage and lights strobed in crimson and white. In the meantime, the gang sang alongside word-for-word.

T.I. then transitioned easily into “What You Know,” a Grammy-nominated single from 2006 that many nonetheless regard as his best hit. The beat drop hit laborious, and Tip delivered his verses with the identical confidence and management that made him a fixture on 106 & Park throughout his prime.

Followers React: “He Was Cooking fr lol”

Reactions on X (previously Twitter) lit up the second his set started. A number of posts praised his efficiency as the most effective of the evening.

“T.I. Deliver’em out Deliver em’ out then What U find out about that? Sure!!!! #BETAwards #BETAwards2025” — @PDanceMusic

“Boyyyyy T.I went on a run like no different 🔥 hit after hit. He was cooking fr lol #BETAwards2025” — @SimplyOshea

“T.I.’s run was loopy!!! One of many higher we’ve seen within the final 25 years #BETAwards2025” — @WordsNRoses

“Mya & T.I the most effective efficiency I’ve seen but #BETAwards2025” — @theemikeyp_

“Keyshia Cole, Mya, Amerie, T.I., Ashanti, B2K. I actually miss these 106 & Park days. #BETAwards2025” — @english_shamar

These posts, with view counts starting from lots of to over 64,000, underscore how a lot T.I.’s throwback set resonated with viewers each within the venue and on-line.

A part of a Larger Tribute: 106 & Park Reimagined

The tribute to 106 & Park was among the many night’s most formidable segments. Unique hosts like Free, Keshia Chante, Terrence J, Large Tigger, and Julissa Bermudez returned, and the stage reworked right into a full recreation of the legendary music present.

T.I. carried out alongside fellow early-2000s stars together with Bow Wow, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Mya, Amerie, Jim Jones, and B2K. This phase was deliberately crafted to honor the height period of music video tradition, and Tip’s hits have been an ideal match.

Whereas not essentially the most closely promoted efficiency of the evening, it served as a significant reminder of Southern hip-hop’s rise to mainstream prominence, with T.I. as considered one of its main figures.

Household within the Highlight Too

Including one other layer to his evening, T.I. appeared on the crimson carpet together with his daughter Heiress Harris, who was nominated for the YoungStars Award. Their matching red-and-black outfits caught consideration, with followers praising the duo for his or her coordinated model.

“Aww! T.I. and Heiress Harris look too cute collectively!#BETAwards #BETAwards2025” — @VibeMagazine

“T.I. and Tiny’s daughter, Heiress Harris, takes credit score for the household’s coordinated outfits on the #BETAwards2025” — @Glock_Topickz

This healthful household second complemented T.I.’s stage presence, reinforcing his twin id as a hip-hop legend and proud father.

The Legacy of “Deliver Em Out” and “What You Know”

When “Deliver Em Out” dropped in 2004, it grew to become T.I.’s first Prime 10 hit on the Billboard Scorching 100. Its high-octane manufacturing and arena-friendly hook made it a staple in sports activities arenas and radio.

Two years later, “What You Know” arrived because the lead single from his album King, debuting at No. 3 on the Scorching 100 and profitable the Grammy for Finest Rap Solo Efficiency. The observe cemented T.I.’s repute as the most effective lyricists of his period.

Many years later, these songs nonetheless hit. Their inclusion within the 106 & Park tribute wasn’t simply nostalgia—it was cultural reinforcement. T.I. belongs within the dialog once we speak in regards to the best Southern rappers of all time.

Ultimate Ideas: Extra Than Only a Throwback

T.I.’s efficiency was greater than only a stroll down reminiscence lane. It was an announcement that his catalog nonetheless issues, that his presence nonetheless instructions consideration, and that Southern hip-hop continues to be foundational to the tradition.

Lengthy earlier than it was ever a debate, T.I. settled it. He topped himself the “King of the South” when he was a newcomer. Consequently, an argument started inside hip-hop circles about who the crown belonged to. In hindsight, few understood what that meant. By creating the controversy, T.I. proved his affect from the beginning.

Nevertheless, T.I. backed up his large speak by coming by means of with large data. Like many who got here earlier than him, he paid his dues writing hits for others. nonetheless, when his time got here, T.I. made certain that it counted. Not solely did he ship hit data, however he additionally got here with traditional performances.

Consequently, twenty years later, T.I. was among the many ones BET referred to as to rejoice considered one of its most iconic reveals. The plan was to honor 25 years of the BET Awards by highlighting the 106 & Park period. The efforts from T.I. made certain it was honored correctly. Even with a bit of age, T.I. proved he may nonetheless transfer throughout a stage. As well as, he had the gang and followers shifting with him.

With followers praising the power, execution, and emotion of the efficiency, it’s clear that T.I.’s transient return to the BET Awards stage left an enduring impression. Whether or not it alerts extra to return or stays a one-night tribute, it reminded us why we name him the King.