Regina Hall didn't take her duties as host lightly, vowing to show the world what her hometown of Washington, D.C., was all about. After starting out her opening number with an ode to Beyoncé's pro-Black Homecoming performance — c'mon, entrance! — the actress led a marching band and danced alongside fellow D.C. native Taraji P. Henson while Experience Unlimited's Sugar Bear joined Jonathan McReynolds and James Funk of Rare Essence for a high-energy performance to E.U.'s "Da Butt."

Serving as the first performer of the night can be a daunting task for some — one that many, honestly, fail to live up to. However, in Cardi B and Offset's case, they brought the goods and then some. The heavily choreographed set started off with the Migos member revisiting his breakdancing roots while performing "Clout." His wife and Album of the Year winner, Cardi B, popped up to deliver her verse on the track before transitioning into her new single, "Press," keeping up with her troop of dancers with ease. The explosive performance was definitely one to behold.

One of the most effervescent and feel-good performances of the night went to Lizzo, who delivered a stunning rendition of her rapidly rising single, "Truth Hurts." Giving full-on #BlackGirlMagic wedding aesthetic, the performer rocked a veil, sunglasses and lace bodysuit while standing at the top of a tiered cake. Each layer was filled with gorgeous curvy women hitting every eight-count like the rent was due. If that wasn't enough to prove she's the newest "It Girl" of music, Lizzo whipped out her flute mid-performance to show, as she would say, she's "100 percent that b***h."

Little star Marsai Martin is deserving of all the accolades and opportunities she's been getting lately. The hardworking and record-setting 14-year-old, who stands as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood, won the "Young Stars Award," and upon hearing her name announced, she unknowingly delivered a meme that is sure to keep on giving.

Take a look, below:

Keep shining, young queen!

Showing that music is one of the greatest and most effective avenues of enacting social change, H.E.R. shined a light on the Sudan crisis with her performance of "Lord Is Coming," introduced by the Exonerated Five (more on that in a minute). She alternated between spoken word and musical melodies and was eventually joined by YBN Cordae for one of the most touching moments of the evening. Take a look at the must-watch performance, above.

"What's the 411?" — those were Rihanna's first words when beginning her epic introduction of Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mary J. Blige. After the pop superstar explained just why MJB is most deserving of this honor, the music legend hopped on the stage to prove she's still one of the most electrifying performers in the game. Joined by the likes of Method Man and Lil' Kim for the almost 20-minute set, Mary performed cuts from the iconic catalog, including "You're All I Need to Get By," "Just Fine," "I'm Goin' Down," "I Can Love You" and "No More Drama."

The late, great Nipsey Hussle was posthumously honored with the Humanitarian Award for his impactful service work. Accepting the award on his behalf were his life partner, Lauren London, his daughter, Kross, his grandmother and mother. After his family shared a few words in his memory, the likes of Marsha Ambrosius, YG, DJ Khaled and John Legend came together to deliver a powerful tribute fit for a king.

When a mother speaks, you listen. Burna Boy's mother and manager, Bose Ogulu, while accepting the award for Best International Act on her son's behalf, shared a special message with the audience and viewers. "Thank you very much, BET. Thank you, Africa. That is the constituency for which we get noticed. The message from Burna would be that every Black person should please remember that you were Africans before you became anything else."

A moment.

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus transported viewers to a saloon during their performance of what is arguably the biggest song of the year, so far, "Old Town Road." After making their way onto the stage on horseback, the duo delivered a method performance of their smash hit, with both impeccably looking the part, as well. 

Ava DuVernay's highly celebrated Netflix series, When They See Us, shined a light on the Exonerated Five — formerly known as the Central Park Five. Raymond Santana Jr., Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray, Korey Wise and Kevin Richardson were all in attendance to introduce H.E.R.'s performance and were welcomed with a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience, celebrating their freedom.

Honored by Taraji P. Henson, Ultimate Icon Award recipient Tyler Perry delivered arguably the most memorable, encouraging and passionate speech of the night. The self-made movie and TV giant spoke on hiring some of today's most celebrated Black talents like Henson, Viola Davis and Idris Elba when they could not secure work and also opened up about the history behind the land he bought beneath, which his Tyler Perry Studios now sits. "There were Confederate soldiers on that base, plotting and planning on how to keep 3.9 million negroes enslaved. Now, that land is owned by one negro." His speech is required viewing for all. Take a look, above.