The BET Awards are known for unforgettable performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and headline-making red carpet moments. But before the stars step onto the stage or the carpet, much of the day’s activity unfolds inside the BET Media House.
This year, Onsite! Media was on-site with exclusive access, capturing interviews, surprise drops, and candid behind-the-scenes moments all weekend. From rising stars to veteran icons, we caught up with some of the biggest names in entertainment, bringing you the conversations and moments that unfolded before they stepped into the spotlight on one of the biggest nights in Black entertainment.
Before host Druski took the stage, the conversations were already underway inside the BET Media House. If you missed the pre-show action, here’s a look inside one of the busiest media hubs of BET Awards weekend.
What Is the BET Media House?
The BET Media House is basically the heartbeat of BET Awards weekend behind the scenes. It’s the dedicated space where artists, presenters, creators, and special guests swing through all day for interviews, exclusive drops, and conversations with media partners before heading to the red carpet or the main stage.
For outlets like Onsite! Media, it’s a chance to sit down with some of the biggest names in entertainment and capture those candid, unfiltered moments that don’t always make it to the live broadcast.
Raw & Unfiltered: The Onsite! Media Drops
One of the standout moments at the BET Media House was when T.I. stopped by for a conversation with Onsite! Media. The Atlanta rapper spoke about this year’s BET Awards honoree, Lauryn Hill, and even broke into a bit of karaoke while talking about his favorite song from her catalog.
It was one of those light, spontaneous moments that captured the energy inside the Media House throughout the weekend.
“One of One”: 6LACK Calls Lauryn Hill His Ultimate Inspiration
Onsite! Media caught up with 6LACK at the BET Media House, and when we asked him about Lauryn Hill being honored this year, he didn’t hesitate.
“Lauryn is my top inspiration. She’s just one of one. Her presence is really missed in music right now, and the industry needs more artists who put that same love, heart, and maturity into what they do.”
It was a genuine moment that showed just how powerful Lauryn Hill’s legacy still is for the new generation of artists.
The Dream Says Nobody Can Touch Lauryn Hill’s Rendition of “Killing Me Softly”
Onsite! Media also caught up with The Dream at the BET Media House, where he joined the many artists celebrating this year’s BET Awards honoree, Lauryn Hill.
When asked to name his favorite Lauryn Hill song, The Dream had one answer. Nobody can touch her rendition of “Killing Me Softly,” he said, describing it as timeless and making it clear why it remains his favorite from her catalog.
Tone Stith Opens Up About His New Era and Honoring Lauryn Hill
Onsite! Media caught up with Tone Stith at the BET Media House, and the singer didn’t hesitate when we asked what he was looking forward to most at this year’s BET Awards. For him, the answer was easy. Lauryn Hill.
“I’m excited to see Lauryn Hill get her flowers because she really deserves it,” he said. “She’s one of the greatest artists, in my opinion. She shifted the culture for real.”
When asked to describe himself in one word, Stith chose “freedom.” He tied it directly to his latest album, The Edge, which dropped last month.
“This is what freedom sounds like.” Stith explained that the project gave him the opportunity to fully be himself for the first time in his career. After years of releasing R&B love songs, The Edge leans into his funk roots and the sound that first made him fall in love with music.
Trim Talks “Coconut Water,” Viral Fame, and Her XXL Freshman Class
Onsite! Media caught up with rising rapper Trim at the BET Media House, where she spoke about the success of her viral hit “Coconut Water” and her breakout year.
“Everything I do goes viral,” she laughed, while thanking her supporters for the love. She said she feels deeply connected to her fans and is grateful for their continued support.
She also opened up about landing a spot on the XXL Freshman Class, sharing that the call came sooner than expected. “I thought I was going to get it next year, but it showed I was deserving of it now,” she said, describing the experience as both fun and exciting.
Kur Names “Ex-Factor” His Favorite Lauryn Hill Song and Teases Two New Tapes
Onsite! Media caught up with rapper Kur at the BET Media House, where he gave Lauryn Hill her flowers ahead of her BET Awards honor while also speaking on his upcoming projects.
When asked about his favorite Lauryn Hill song, KUR named “Ex-Factor” without hesitation, praising it as one of the standout picks from her catalog.
The rapper also revealed that after dropping a project in February, he’s gearing up to release two new tapes in the coming weeks on the same day. “It’s gonna be super fire,” he said.
Jordan Campbell Says She’s Most Excited to See Lauryn Hill Honored and SZA Perform
Onsite! Media caught up with Jordan Campbell at the BET Media House, where the Sistas star turned heads with a flawless look while sharing her excitement for this year’s BET Awards.
When asked if there was a particular moment she was most looking forward to, Campbell admitted she couldn’t pick just one. She shared that she’s especially excited to see Lauryn Hill receive her honor and is also looking forward to SZA’s performance. Having never met either of them in person, she said the possibility alone has her excited. “I’m just looking forward to the whole experience,” she added.
Zeddy on New Music, Druski Hosting, and Shooting His Shot at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University
Onsite! Media also caught up with Zeddy at the BET Media House, and he was in high spirits. Fresh off a performance, he gave us the rundown on what’s coming next, including a brand-new EP dropping this July or August and an upcoming radio show.
Beyond the music, Zeddy is expanding into the creator space. He even used the moment to shoot his shot at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University, joking that this interview was his official application to join the program.
He also shared his excitement about Druski hosting this year’s BET Awards, saying he expects the comedian to have a ball on stage and make this year’s show one to remember.
