Since the genre’s inception in the Bronx back in 1973, hip-hop has always been a music and culture that have thrived in authenticity. At the end of the day, rap is introspective storytelling. The antics of a certain rainbow-haired rapper, which involve portraying a gangster image that’s the exact opposite of the lifestyle that he revealed to a judge in court last year, have placed a spotlight on a changing paradigm in what it means to be “real” in hip-hop. He’s been openly criticized by some of the greats while also being embraced by others. So the question here stands, how important is authenticity today? How has it changed since 1973?

The legal system has never been for us, and probably never will be — at least in its current form. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and countless others at the hands of police officers, utilizing excessive and unwarranted force, give us reasons to march through the streets and demand change. And just as rappers have done for decades, artists like Lil Baby and DaBaby are releasing songs that explore personal experiences with police brutality while pushing for change in the system that we all want to come true.

These moves underscore the importance of hip-hop as a vehicle for protest, and it’s important to discuss the next steps to take the fight against brutality and systemic racism to the institution’s doorstep. How can this award show, this moment, and our artists create pathways that continue to disrupt the status quo and ask the hard questions that promote systemic change?

Tory Lanez shooting Megan Thee Stallion and remaining silent is one of the most heartbreaking hip-hop stories of the year. Artists such as Maxo Kream have come forward and publicly spoken out against the Toronto rapper for his actions and this kind of public support is long overdue — not just for Megan, but for women in general who have claims of a similar harassing and destructive nature for the culture’s men. So much has been swept under the rug in favor of ensuring the safety of a man’s career while a woman’s life suffers in its place. Just as Tory is being held accountable for what he’s done to Megan, prominent hip-hop figures have to take the accused (and proven) men to task for what they’ve done to women over the years. Just starting this process will create a better, safer, and more inclusive culture for all.

Artists such as Mac Miller, Lil Peep, Juice WRLD, Chynna Rogers, and Lexii Alijai have passed away from drug overdoses over the last couple of years and figuring out how to address why so many young artists have fallen victim to this path is extremely important — not only to honor their memories, but to explain to their fans how to avoid traveling this road. The BET Hip Hop Awards collects the culture’s best minds for two hours of important shows and discussions and this should be at the top of the agenda.

The shocking death of Pop Smoke has brought to light just how big of an artist he became in such little time. He’s widely credited for popularizing New York’s take on UK drill (a genre originally from Chicago) and with his silky smooth voice and heart-melting charisma, he was poised to become a star — as the success of his posthumous album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, made clear. With a wide array of supporters and collaborators that include 50 Cent, Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, and Quavo, there’s no question that his legacy will be huge.

The 2020 Hip Hop Awards will air on BET October 21 at 8/9c.