Hip Hop Awards 2022: Rap Icon Trina Dedicates ‘I Am Hip Hop Award’ to Late Niece
Hip Hop’s queens were in the building at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards hosted by Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe as Bronx native and fellow sister in hip hop Remy Ma co-presented Miami’s Queen of Rap and the Baddest, Trina, with this year’s “I Am Hip Hop Award.”
“Raw,” “trailblazer,” and “icon” were just some of the terms used to describe the 20+ year veteran in a DJ Drama-narrated heartfelt video tribute featuring some of the biggest names in the music business, including Missy Elliott, Trick Daddy, Killer Mike, and some of rap’s newcomers like Latto and Miami-based duo City Girls.
Longtime friend and collaborator Trick later took the stage where he joked, “I came here to give the award to Trina, hoping they hand me one of them motherf—kers too.” The “Nann” emcee said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give Trina the trophy personally. “So, It’s my honor to present the baddest b—ch the 2022 ‘I Am Hip Hop Awards,” he added. “The one and only, Trina.”
The 47-year-old star accepted the recognition with an emotional speech. “First and foremost, God made this possible. I just want to thank my beautiful mom because, without her, Trina would not exist,” she said as she held back tears. The “Here We Go” emcee’s mother, Vernessa Tylor, passed away in 2019 following a battle with cancer. She was 62.
“I just want to thank BET for continuing to be a platform that heightens our culture and for giving me my flowers while I am here to smell them,” Trina continued.
"I am speechless right now. I am humbled yet honored to accept the ‘I Am Hip Hop Award.’ [After] 24 years, who would’ve thought that I would be standing here and able to say this in my own reign and my own lane? Thank you, Trick, for challenging me to ignite my career. Thank you for everything."
Trina concluded her speech by giving thanks to her fans and supporters, the Rockstars, all around the world. “I am winning this award with you guys that continue to support me, applaud, motivate, and inspire me to continue to hold on to my reign,” she said.
"Thank you to all the amazing artists that took time out to support and collaborate over the years. To all the women working behind the scenes or in front of the cameras. When one wins, we all win," she continued. "Shout out, GloRilla. This is my celebration, but it is yours too. I am still and will always be the original baddest chick from the 305.”
Trina dedicated tonight’s award to her niece Sugar, born Toni Chester, who passed away tragically last July after being shot and killed outside of an apartment complex in Miami.
