The 2023 BET Awards were full of surprises, but none more emotional than the reunion of Quavo and Offset, the two surviving members of Migos, the influential hip-hop group that dominated the charts in the mid-2010s. The rappers put their differences aside to pay tribute to their late friend and bandmate Takeoff, who was tragically killed in a shooting last year.
The unannounced performance came about an hour into the show, when a floor-to-ceiling rocket appeared on the big screens and Quavo and Offset walked into a spotlight surrounded by smoke and lasers. Takeoff’s verse from “Hotel Lobby” — a classic song from Quavo and Takeoff’s spin-off project “Only Built For Infinity Links“.
The duo then performed Migos’ Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, “Bad and Boujee,”. The song was nominated for a Grammy for best rap performance in 2018 and became a cultural phenomenon with its catchy hook and viral memes. The crowd went wild as Quavo and Offset delivered their verses with energy and emotion.
The surprise set marked the first performance for Quavo and Offset together since Takeoff’s death. The reunion was significant as the two had reportedly been estranged since Migos unofficial break up in 2022, following creative differences and legal issues. Quavo and Takeoff had formed the duo Unc & Phew and released their debut album, “Only Built For Infinity Links“, weeks before Takeoff was killed.
Without a doubt, this was a great night for hip hop. It was great seeing Quavo and Takeoff put their differences aside and do what was right for Takeoff. I’m sure there was not a dry eye in the room.