The BET Hip Hop Awards remain a staple in our culture, rooted in nostalgia and storytelling that birthed hip-hop, making it what it is today. Older emcees used to gather around in a circle, spit their best bars off the dome, and come up with some of their catchiest lyrics when performing on the spot. 

The cyphers were done a bit differently this year, with the “Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award” recipients Timbaland and Swizz Beatz putting together their own teams to go head-to-head with beats from the super-producers. Team Swizz saw Foggieraw, Symba, Cassidy, and Bronx newcomer Scar Lip, while Team Timbaland featured Lola Brooke, Lady London, Gloss Up, and Bun B. 

We also saw Maiya Tha Don spit some heat alongside Lanell Grant and That Mexican OT. 

Check them out below!