Baller Alert broke the news on Tuesday evening (August 5) that BET has indefinitely suspended both the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards, two of the most prominent events honoring Black music in the United States. The decision, confirmed quietly by BET CEO Scott Mills, offers no clear explanation or timeline for their return.
“So for BET line, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip Hop award shows,” Mills tells Billboard‘s Gail Mitchell.
The BET Hip Hop Awards, launched in 2006, have become a major platform for both rising and established rap artists. Known for its standout cyphers and headline-making performances, the annual broadcast has featured appearances from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Future. For many fans, the event served as a vital celebration of hip-hop culture and innovation.
The Soul Train Awards, which debuted in 1987, carried a legacy that extended back to Don Cornelius’ influential television series. The show became a significant stage for honoring R&B and soul artists, past and present. Its production helped spotlight emerging talent while preserving the traditions of Black music history.
BET’s decision to shelve both programs arrives during a period of transition in the entertainment industry. The network was sold earlier this year by Paramount Global to a group of Black-led investors, raising expectations for a renewed focus on Black content. Instead, the suspension of these two awards shows has triggered concern among viewers and industry figures about the network’s direction.
No other nationally televised events focus exclusively on hip-hop and R&B, making the loss of these programs particularly impactful. For younger artists, the shows offered rare exposure on a major platform. For veterans, they provided public recognition and career-spanning tributes. The cancellation removes those opportunities from the media landscape.
BET has not indicated whether the awards will return in 2026 or beyond. As industry consolidation and budget cuts continue to reshape network programming, the absence of these events underscores the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and corporate priorities.
The silence surrounding their future has left many in the music community demanding answers—and fearing that two of Black music’s most visible celebrations may be gone for good.
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