Photo: Getty Images
Kanye West made a special appearance at the 2022 BET Awards to give Diddy much-deserved recognition after his decades-long career as an artist, producer, and mogul.
On Sunday (June 26), Ye shocked viewers as he took the BET stage to honor Sean "Diddy" Combs, who received this year's Lifetime Achievement Award, an annual prestige given to "industry giants who have not only significantly shaped culture through their extensive careers, but who have also been transformative leaders that consistently inspire generations by setting a true standard of excellence."
Sporting an all-black outfit complete with sunglasses and a mask, Ye gave a heartfelt speech about Diddy's impact on his life and the overall industry during culture's biggest night.
"There were so many rules to hip-hop, and he broke all of them," the Donda artist said just before the achievement was presented. "[Diddy] broke down all the doors and understood contracts in a way a lot of us still don't."
"I go to him for advice to this day," Ye continued while heavily breathing through his mask. "He inspires so many of my choices."
"So many of my life choices, my wife choices," he joked seemingly nodding at his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
"Thanks for that Puff."
Twitter was quick to react to Kanye's surprise appearance at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles as he seemingly struggled to make it through his speech.
Kanye's speech followed industry greats Lil' Kim, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Busta Rhymes, The LOX, Bryson Tiller, and more collaborating for a massive performance in honor of Diddy's legacy.
Leading into the tribute performance, fellow multi-hyphenated talent Jay-Z spoke on Diddy's influence on hip-hop via video during the awards show.
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