BET Caribbean Music Awards replace Hip Hop and Soul Train award shows
- The Independent Times
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 8
This Friday, September 12, 2025, the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards will light up the small screen on BET at 8:00 PM.
This year’s awards honor Caribbean music legends such as Busta Rhymes, Bounty Killer, Sizzle and Carimi.
In the 1980s and 90s, BET rose into a cultural force that highlighted Black American music, culture and issues that were often ignored by mainstream networks.
A change in leadership and an unprecedented change in Black American culture has taken its toll on network ratings over the past decade. Additionally, all cable network television has been crippled by streaming services.
The BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, were key in bringing revenue to the network, drawing sponsorship from brands like Sprite, Ciroc and Cadillac.
The 2024 Hip Hop Awards saw some of its lowest numbers, totaling roughly 500,000 viewers in contrast to its 3 million viewers in 2011. The Soul Train Awards echoing similar stats last year.
With the news that BET has suspended both the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards indefinitely; many Black Americans are taking note of the changing landscape.
Exchanging the Black American centered award shows for ones that highlight Caribbean achievement, adds fuel to the fire in the ongoing debate taking place in black American subculture.
The argument is that our specific American Culture is being subverted by replacing it with specificly African or in this case Caribbean Culture.
There has been a collective shift in the Black American news and entertainment sphere, with many seeking news and entertainment with more depth and perspective.
Media companies like Essence and BET are struggling to keep up. Many Americans are calling the death of these award shows bittersweet.
The days when BET stood as a pillar in the Black American community are gone.
But, there’s still plenty of light ahead. With a new generation of creators and thinkers ready to meet the needs of a New Black America.
Are you sad to see the BET Hip Hop and Soul Train Award shows suspended?
0%Yes, I'll miss them
0%Nah, haven't watched in years
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