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BET Experience

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BET Experience
DatesJune (historically)
Location(s)Los Angeles, California
Years active2013–present
FoundersBET
AreaCrypto.com Arena
Organized byBlack Entertainment Television (BET)
SponsorsCrypto.com
Websitebet.com/betexperience

BET Experience, also known as BETX, is an annual event organized by Black Entertainment Television (BET) that combines live music, entertainment, and cultural events. Held in Los Angeles, California, the BET Experience is designed to celebrate African American culture, music, and entertainment. The multi-day event typically occurs around the same time as the BET Awards.

History

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The BET Experience was first launched in 2013 as a prelude to the BET Awards,[1][2] which have been a prominent annual event since 2001.[3] The idea behind the BET Experience was to extend the celebration of Black culture beyond a single awards show and create an engaging festival-like atmosphere for fans and artists alike.[4] The inaugural event was a three-day festival held at the L.A. Live complex in downtown Los Angeles, featuring performances, fan interactions, and brand activations.[5]

Events and activities

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The BET Experience offers a wide range of events and activities, catering to diverse interests and age groups. Some of the notable features of the BET Experience include:

  • Concerts: A highlight of the BET Experience is the Staples Center concerts, where top artists from the hip-hop, R&B, and gospel music scenes perform. These concerts feature a mix of established and emerging artists, allowing fans to see their favorite musicians live.[6]
  • BETX Fan Fest: The BETX Fan Fest is a free, family-friendly event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It includes a variety of interactive experiences, such as live performances, fashion shows, dance competitions, and brand activations. Fans can also participate in gaming lounges, beauty makeovers, and other activities.[7][8]

Venue and location

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The BET Experience is primarily held at the L.A. Live entertainment complex in Los Angeles, which includes venues like the Staples Center (now known as the Crypto.com Arena), the Microsoft Theater, and the Los Angeles Convention Center. These venues provide ample space for the diverse activities and events of the BET Experience, including concerts, panels, and fan festivals.[9]

Impact and cultural significance

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The BET Experience has become a significant cultural event, celebrating the contributions of Black artists and creators in the entertainment industry. It serves as a platform for new talent while honoring the achievements of established performers. The event not only draws fans from around the United States but also attracts international attendees, reflecting the global reach of BET and the cultural impact of African American music and entertainment.

The event has also been instrumental in providing a space for conversations about social issues, with many panels and discussions addressing topics such as racial equality, empowerment, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions.

Notable Performances and Highlights

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Notable Performances
 
 

Over the years, the BET Experience has hosted performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Chris Brown.[10] The lineup often features a mix of genres, from hip-hop and R&B to gospel and soul, ensuring a diverse range of performances that appeal to a wide audience.[11]

In addition to the music, the BET Experience has been known for its exclusive parties and events, including red carpet events, celebrity basketball games, and exclusive pre-awards dinners. These gatherings provide fans with unique opportunities to interact with their favorite artists and enjoy the excitement surrounding the BET Awards.

Cancellation and Adaptation

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In 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the BET Experience was canceled as a physical event for the first time since its inception.[12] Instead, BET pivoted to a virtual experience, offering online content and performances to keep fans engaged while maintaining safety measures. This shift to digital formats showcased the adaptability of the event and allowed for a global audience to participate in the celebration.[13]

The 2024 edition, presented by Walmart, was held in June 26-29. It includes a late-night comedy series featuring comedians like Chris Spencer, Michael Blackson, and Tiffany Haddish,[14] as well as performances from major artists such as Cardi B and Davido.[15] The festival also incorporates sports events like the celebrity basketball game, highlighting athletes and entertainers.[16][17]

References

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  1. ^ "BET Experience 2013: 'Too big to miss' festival takes over L.A." Los Angeles Times. 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  2. ^ Networks, B. E. T. "BET Partners With AEG And L.A. LIVE To Launch The BET Experience at L.A. LIVE June 28, 29 & 30, 2013". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  3. ^ Staff, Billboard (2013-06-30). "BET Experience with Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, J.Cole, Miguel & ScHoolboy Q". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  4. ^ Kennedy, Gerrick D. (2018-06-21). "Perspective: BET Experience has some great acts but struggles to find its purpose in a crowded rap and R&B scene". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  5. ^ Brown, August (2013-06-29). "BET Experience 2013: Making L.A. Live come alive". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  6. ^ Wood, Mikael (2013-07-01). "BET Experience 2013: Kirk Franklin takes the festival to church". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  7. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (2024-04-17). ""Leaked tape or not": BET makes massive announcement about Davido, fans react". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  8. ^ Kennedy, Gerrick D. (2013-06-30). "BET Experience 2013: Mateo, Austin Brown hit the Music Matters stage". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  9. ^ "BET Experience featuring Cardi B, Gunna, and More at Crypto.com Arena | 99.1 KGGI | Jun 28th, 2024 | Crypto.com Arena". 99.1 KGGI. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  10. ^ Gerrick D. Kennedy (2013-06-29). "BET Experience 2013: Beyoncé, Erykah Badu heat up the party". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  11. ^ Roberts, Randall; Critic, Los Angeles Times Pop Music (2013-06-30). "BET Experience 2013: Snoop, Kendrick, Miguel, J. Cole at Staples". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  12. ^ Grein, Paul (2020-05-20). "BET Awards Will Air in June, But Three-Day BET Experience Is Canceled For This Year". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  13. ^ VIBE (2020-05-21). "BET Awards Switches To Virtual Format For 2020 Ceremony". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  14. ^ "BET Experience 2024 Fan Fest, Presented by Walmart, Unveils Star-Studded Celebrity Basketball Game Lineup". BET. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  15. ^ Saponara, Michael (2024-04-15). "Cardi B, Gunna, Davido & Sexyy Red to Headline BET Experience 2024". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  16. ^ "BET Experience 2024 Presented by Walmart: Culture, Comedy, and Celebrities Collide in LA!". BET. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  17. ^ Lamarre, Carl (2024-06-29). "Cardi B, Gunna, Sexyy Red & Davido Light Up L.A. for 2024 BET Experience Concert Series". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
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