BET Pulls the Plug on Soul Train Awards & Hip Hop Awards — Fans Demand Answers

Black music just lost two of its biggest televised celebrations — and the culture is not happy.

Baller Alert dropped the bomb on Tuesday night (Aug. 5) that BET has indefinitely suspended both the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards — two events that for years have served as cornerstones for honoring Black music, culture, and history.

BET CEO Scott Mills quietly confirmed the news to Billboard’s Gail Mitchell, saying simply:

“So for BET line, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip Hop award shows.”

No explanation. No timeline for return. Just… gone.

The BET Hip Hop Awards, launched in 2006, became a yearly moment for hip-hop to shine — from unforgettable cyphers to history‑making performances by everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Nicki Minaj. It gave both newcomers and legends a chance to showcase their artistry on a national stage.

The Soul Train Awards, which date back to 1987, carried the legacy of Don Cornelius’ groundbreaking Soul Train TV series. It honored R&B and soul royalty, celebrated up‑and‑comers, and paid tribute to the icons who shaped Black music.

This suspension hits hard — especially since no other nationally televised awards shows are fully dedicated to hip-hop or R&B. For emerging artists, these programs meant rare prime‑time exposure. For veterans, they were a chance to receive flowers while still here.

The decision comes after BET was sold earlier this year by Paramount Global to a Black‑led ownership group, which had many hoping for more Black‑centered programming — not less. Now, fans and industry insiders are demanding answers, wondering if these events will ever return.

As of now, BET has given no indication if the awards could be back in 2026 or later. For the culture, this feels less like a “suspension” and more like a potential goodbye — and the silence isn’t helping.