Hip Hop Awards 2022: Big Tigger and 'Rap City' Makes Encore Return with Lil Kim, Remy Ma, and More
The longest-running rap show, Rap City’ 22 with the legendary Big Tigger, returned for the second year in a row following an extended hiatus. The long-time host, accompanied by DJ Blue Diamonds on the ones and twos, sat down with some of the industry’s most significant influences and tomorrow’s rising stars for a discussion surrounding everything hip hop music and culture.
The one-hour segment premiered Tuesday, October 4 at 8 PM ET, an hour before the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, as a celebration of the network’s commitment to the culture’s past, present, and future, and we can't mention the community without bringing up Big Tigger.
The special was filled with appearances from Remy Ma, Havoc, M.O.P., G Herbo, Rapsody and the Queen of Hip Hop, Lil Kim, and many more.
First up, Bronx native Remy Ma stopped by to talk about her and this year’s Hip Hop Awards host Fat Joe, taking their shot at hosting daytime with The Wendy Williams Show while its longtime host Wendy Williams battled ongoing health issues.
“The world didn’t know they needed Remy Ma and Fat Joe when they wake up in the morning. They didn’t understand how that Bronx and Sazon, and Adobo was needed with their coffee. They didn’t understand that until it happened,” she said.
The pair were later joined by several influential artists from the iconic Steve Rifkind-created Loud Records, including Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Billy Danze, and Lil' Fame of Mash Out Posse.
The group reminisced on Remy’s mainstream debut on MOP’s “Ante Up (Remix).” “And in short, here’s the truth. Remy bullied her way on the record,” Danze said. “I’m coming in the studio–I’m hearing the beat– I feel the rhythm, but it’s the wrong words, and it’s the wrong voice. It’s supposed to be my voice. It’s her voice, ” he added before telling the female raptress she slaughtered the verse and that he was happy with the record’s outcome.
DJ Drama stopped by for a bit, revealing a Gangsta Grillz collaboration with Grammy-nominated rapper Snoop Dogg. Soon after, Tigger was joined by Chicago native G-Herbo, who shared his thoughts about rap lyrics being used in court, as seen in the highly publicized RICO case involving Atlanta natives Young Thug and Gunna.
“I think, in my opinion, it’s art at the end of the day,” the “PTSD” emcee said. “Freedom of speech. We should all be able to express ourselves through our music… That don’t mean I’m out here committing crimes. It’s just a vessel for people who don’t have a voice.”
Next up were the stars of the drama musical, On the Come Up, rapper Rapsody, and actress Jamila C. Gray. The “Remy Rap” emcee spoke about the creative process and living outside of herself after getting the chance to write most of the battle rap scenes.
Lastly, Tigger was joined by Queen Bee herself. The two took a trip down memory to Spring Bling 2003 when the host filled in as a hype man for the “Crush on You” rapper who added, “and we’ve been best friends since.”
Rap City made its debut in 1989, Rap City was the preeminent hip hop series dedicated to rap music, videos, vital cultural commentary, and interviews with the most highlighted stars of the moment.
