106 & Park 20th Anniversary: A Look Back At Some Of The Show’s Best Moments

Relive some of the show’s greatest moments.

106 & Park Turns 20 - Since its launch in 2000, 106 & Park has shaped a whole generation’s relationship with music. Packed with appearances from the hottest stars in R&B and hip-hop, the show quickly became a staple for those embedded in hip hop culture as the go-to after-school fix. 106 & Park tracked the transition between eras in music and Black culture until it went off air in 2014, when it moved to an online-only format. Even still, 106 & Park’s legacy still lives on. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at some of the show’s greatest moments.  (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

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106 & Park Turns 20 - Since its launch in 2000, 106 & Park has shaped a whole generation’s relationship with music. Packed with appearances from the hottest stars in R&B and hip-hop, the show quickly became a staple for those embedded in hip hop culture as the go-to after-school fix. 106 & Park tracked the transition between eras in music and Black culture until it went off air in 2014, when it moved to an online-only format. Even still, 106 & Park’s legacy still lives on. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at some of the show’s greatest moments.  (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Aaliyah’s final televised interview - The music industry has never fully moved past the sudden loss of R&B’s princess Aaliyah, who was taken too soon in a 2001 plane crash while leaving the Bahamas after filming the music video for “Rock The Boat.” In what would be her last televised performance, Aaliyah was on 106 & Park to discuss acting in Queen of the Damned, her self-titled album, living in Australia, and her future plans. Tragically, she passed away four days after the interview aired. (Photo by Evan Agostini/ImageDirect)

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Aaliyah’s final televised interview - The music industry has never fully moved past the sudden loss of R&B’s princess Aaliyah, who was taken too soon in a 2001 plane crash while leaving the Bahamas after filming the music video for “Rock The Boat.” In what would be her last televised performance, Aaliyah was on 106 & Park to discuss acting in Queen of the Damned, her self-titled album, living in Australia, and her future plans. Tragically, she passed away four days after the interview aired. (Photo by Evan Agostini/ImageDirect)

The Cash Money/Young Money takeover - In the early 2000s, you couldn’t name a bigger rap crew than Young Money. Catapulted by the mainstream breakout success of Lil Wayne, the Southern rap delegation had the streets and airwaves on lock. Weezy and Birdman have gone on to cement a spot in hip-hop’s history in their own right. But, there will never quite be another era in music like the Cash Money/Young Money takeover. (Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage for BET Network)

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The Cash Money/Young Money takeover - In the early 2000s, you couldn’t name a bigger rap crew than Young Money. Catapulted by the mainstream breakout success of Lil Wayne, the Southern rap delegation had the streets and airwaves on lock. Weezy and Birdman have gone on to cement a spot in hip-hop’s history in their own right. But, there will never quite be another era in music like the Cash Money/Young Money takeover. (Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage for BET Network)

That time Jay-Z declared he was retiring - Hip hop has no shortage of inspirational rag-to-riches stories, but few feel as epic as Jay-Z’s. In 2003, Hov famously declared that The Black Album would be his final album and he would be bowing out of the rap game to focus on his other business ventures. This was one of his last promo appearances before “retirement.” The cards didn’t quite fall that way, of course. But Jigga did manage to turn his music into an empire that earned him the distinction of hip-hop’s first billionaire over a decade later. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

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That time Jay-Z declared he was retiring - Hip hop has no shortage of inspirational rag-to-riches stories, but few feel as epic as Jay-Z’s. In 2003, Hov famously declared that The Black Album would be his final album and he would be bowing out of the rap game to focus on his other business ventures. This was one of his last promo appearances before “retirement.” The cards didn’t quite fall that way, of course. But Jigga did manage to turn his music into an empire that earned him the distinction of hip-hop’s first billionaire over a decade later. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/WireImage)

Usher confesses his reasons for making the ‘Confessions’ Album - At the height of R&B in the early 2000s, Usher Raymond ruled the charts with his smooth mixture of R&B slow jams, high-energy hip-hop numbers, and genre-defying hits. In 2004, he would release the biggest album of his career, Confessions, which solidified his status as the R&B star of his generation. At the time, rumors were rife as to who was the subject of the album. Usher explained  the real life circumstances that inspired Confessions on 106 & Park.  (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) 

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Usher confesses his reasons for making the ‘Confessions’ Album - At the height of R&B in the early 2000s, Usher Raymond ruled the charts with his smooth mixture of R&B slow jams, high-energy hip-hop numbers, and genre-defying hits. In 2004, he would release the biggest album of his career, Confessions, which solidified his status as the R&B star of his generation. At the time, rumors were rife as to who was the subject of the album. Usher explained  the real life circumstances that inspired Confessions on 106 & Park.  (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images) 

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Michelle Williams’ infamous fall - Who can ever forget the time when Michelle fell while Destiny’s Child was on 106 & Park to perform their classic hit, “Soldier?” The singer has since moved on from the moment, even joking about the mishap with fans on Twitter. But the tumble will forever live on as one of television’s most legendary moments. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)

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Michelle Williams’ infamous fall - Who can ever forget the time when Michelle fell while Destiny’s Child was on 106 & Park to perform their classic hit, “Soldier?” The singer has since moved on from the moment, even joking about the mishap with fans on Twitter. But the tumble will forever live on as one of television’s most legendary moments. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)

Chris Brown performed ‘Run It’ for the first time - Chris Brown has always been a great performer, even harking back to the early days of his career. The 106 & Park stage became one the first places to showcase his talent when a young Breezy made his first-ever appearance on the show to perform his debut single “Run It.” The record would go on to the top of the charts and put him on the path to superstardom. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic)

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Chris Brown performed ‘Run It’ for the first time - Chris Brown has always been a great performer, even harking back to the early days of his career. The 106 & Park stage became one the first places to showcase his talent when a young Breezy made his first-ever appearance on the show to perform his debut single “Run It.” The record would go on to the top of the charts and put him on the path to superstardom. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic)

106 & Park’s tribute to Janet Jackson - Few musical legacies compare to that of Janet Jackson. By the time she was in her early 20s, Jackson had already cemented her status as an R&B-pop icon. While promoting her eight studio album, Damita Jo, on 106 & Park, the legendary songstress was surprised to see a series of tribute dance covers of some of her greatest hits. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)

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106 & Park’s tribute to Janet Jackson - Few musical legacies compare to that of Janet Jackson. By the time she was in her early 20s, Jackson had already cemented her status as an R&B-pop icon. While promoting her eight studio album, Damita Jo, on 106 & Park, the legendary songstress was surprised to see a series of tribute dance covers of some of her greatest hits. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)

When Tom Cruise did the motorcycle dance - Back in 2006, 106 & Park hosted a special broadcast for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III. During the episode, Tom Cruise gave his best go at Yung Joc’s motorcycle dance. It’s an experience you definitely had to catch live to fully appreciate it. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic) 

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When Tom Cruise did the motorcycle dance - Back in 2006, 106 & Park hosted a special broadcast for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III. During the episode, Tom Cruise gave his best go at Yung Joc’s motorcycle dance. It’s an experience you definitely had to catch live to fully appreciate it. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic) 

Clash of the Titans: Kanye West vs. 50 Cent - Perhaps one of the biggest events in hip-hop history was when Kanye West and 50 Cent put their third albums up against each other in a friendly competition. The two rappers appeared on 106 & Park on the same day of their planned album drop. Of course, we all know the final result. West’s Graduation outsold Fifty’s Curtis by a landslide. But at the time, the event signaled a symbolic shift of power to the new guard from the old, the reverberations of which are still being felt to this day. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

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Clash of the Titans: Kanye West vs. 50 Cent - Perhaps one of the biggest events in hip-hop history was when Kanye West and 50 Cent put their third albums up against each other in a friendly competition. The two rappers appeared on 106 & Park on the same day of their planned album drop. Of course, we all know the final result. West’s Graduation outsold Fifty’s Curtis by a landslide. But at the time, the event signaled a symbolic shift of power to the new guard from the old, the reverberations of which are still being felt to this day. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

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Kobe Bryant’s appearance - The world was left in a state of shock in January, when Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant and seven others. The reverberations of his devastating loss have continued to be felt around the world. In 2008, Kobe stopped by 106 & Park to talk about his love for basketball and hopes for the future. Even though he’s no longer with us, his impact on basketball and our culture will live on. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Kobe Bryant’s appearance - The world was left in a state of shock in January, when Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant and seven others. The reverberations of his devastating loss have continued to be felt around the world. In 2008, Kobe stopped by 106 & Park to talk about his love for basketball and hopes for the future. Even though he’s no longer with us, his impact on basketball and our culture will live on. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Lil Kim recalled her last conversation with Biggie - Today, it's not uncommon to see female rappers dominating the charts. See for example, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s mega-hit “WAP.” But it was predecessors like Lil Kim who paved the way. During her 106 & Park visit, the Brooklyn legend reminisced over her days leading Junior M.A.F.I.A bratpack and the first rhyme she ever wrote. She recalled some of the last words she exchanged with Biggie before he was fatally shot in Los Angeles. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Lil Kim recalled her last conversation with Biggie - Today, it's not uncommon to see female rappers dominating the charts. See for example, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s mega-hit “WAP.” But it was predecessors like Lil Kim who paved the way. During her 106 & Park visit, the Brooklyn legend reminisced over her days leading Junior M.A.F.I.A bratpack and the first rhyme she ever wrote. She recalled some of the last words she exchanged with Biggie before he was fatally shot in Los Angeles. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Micheal Jackson’s death announcement - Blurb: It’s been over a decade since Michael Jackson left this Earth but his untimely death still lingers on many people's consciousness. Hosts Terrence J and Rocsi were on air when they learned the news. Understandably, the pair was shell-shocked and at a loss for words while relaying the news that the King of Pop had died. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

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Micheal Jackson’s death announcement - Blurb: It’s been over a decade since Michael Jackson left this Earth but his untimely death still lingers on many people's consciousness. Hosts Terrence J and Rocsi were on air when they learned the news. Understandably, the pair was shell-shocked and at a loss for words while relaying the news that the King of Pop had died. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

106 & Park’s epic star-studded 10-year birthday bash - When the show turned 10, the former hosts joined the then-current hosts for a two-hour special broadcast to commemorate the anniversary milestone. To make the reunion even more special, many of the artists who appeared on the show throughout the years stopped by to help celebrate the milestone. Everyone from Ice Cube, Ciara, Chris Brown and Ja Rule to Ginuwine, Jamie Foxx, Method Man, Ashanti and Ne-Yo came through. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)

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106 & Park’s epic star-studded 10-year birthday bash - When the show turned 10, the former hosts joined the then-current hosts for a two-hour special broadcast to commemorate the anniversary milestone. To make the reunion even more special, many of the artists who appeared on the show throughout the years stopped by to help celebrate the milestone. Everyone from Ice Cube, Ciara, Chris Brown and Ja Rule to Ginuwine, Jamie Foxx, Method Man, Ashanti and Ne-Yo came through. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)

That time Rosci challenged Victor Cruz to a salsa dance-off - In 2012, Rocsi challenged Victor Cruz to a salsa dance battle. At the time, Cruz was a receiver on the New York Giants and salsa had become his signature touchdown move. When he stopped by 106 & Park ahead of the Super Bowl championship that year, him and Rocsi threw down their best moves. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET) 

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That time Rosci challenged Victor Cruz to a salsa dance-off - In 2012, Rocsi challenged Victor Cruz to a salsa dance battle. At the time, Cruz was a receiver on the New York Giants and salsa had become his signature touchdown move. When he stopped by 106 & Park ahead of the Super Bowl championship that year, him and Rocsi threw down their best moves. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET) 

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When Bow Wow and Tyra Banks locked lips - As one of the more memorable moments from the 106 & Park, Bow Wow and Tyra Banks locked lips in front of a cheering audience. Though, this wasn’t the first that the two had kissed. The rapper and supermodel previously smooched on camera a few months prior on her talk show. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

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When Bow Wow and Tyra Banks locked lips - As one of the more memorable moments from the 106 & Park, Bow Wow and Tyra Banks locked lips in front of a cheering audience. Though, this wasn’t the first that the two had kissed. The rapper and supermodel previously smooched on camera a few months prior on her talk show. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

A rare Drake appearance - The more famous he’s become, the more rare it is to see Drake give interviews. Back in 2013, though, Drizzy graced the 106 set amid the release of Nothing Was the Same. The record would go on to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Arguably, it more than lived up to its title as it elevated the Toronto rap star’s career to new heights, culminating into him being named Spotify’s artist of the decade. Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET) 

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A rare Drake appearance - The more famous he’s become, the more rare it is to see Drake give interviews. Back in 2013, though, Drizzy graced the 106 set amid the release of Nothing Was the Same. The record would go on to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Arguably, it more than lived up to its title as it elevated the Toronto rap star’s career to new heights, culminating into him being named Spotify’s artist of the decade. Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET) 

That time Michelle Obama graced the set with her presence - Our forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama has always shown up for the Black community. In 2013, Obama paid a visit to 106 & Park to share her personal story of the pivotal role education played in her life. She also took a moment to plug her husband's North Star initiative. The Chicago native also hilariously recounted tales living at the White House and her marriage. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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That time Michelle Obama graced the set with her presence - Our forever FLOTUS, Michelle Obama has always shown up for the Black community. In 2013, Obama paid a visit to 106 & Park to share her personal story of the pivotal role education played in her life. She also took a moment to plug her husband's North Star initiative. The Chicago native also hilariously recounted tales living at the White House and her marriage. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

When Arnold Schwarzenegger did his best impression of the ‘Nae Nae’ and ‘Stanky Legg’ - In another you-had-to-see-it-live-to-understand-it moment, the actor and former California governor’s dance skills were put to the test while promoting his action flick, Sabotage, along with actor and co-star Joe Manganiello. Co-hosts Bow Wow and Keshia Chante presented them with a roulette wheel of some of hip hop’s hottest dance crazes. Schwarzenegger landed on the Nae Nae, which he readily launched into. Even when Manganiello landed on the Stanky Legg, Schwarzenegger did his best impression, to the bemusement of Bow Wow and Keshia Chante. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)

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When Arnold Schwarzenegger did his best impression of the ‘Nae Nae’ and ‘Stanky Legg’ - In another you-had-to-see-it-live-to-understand-it moment, the actor and former California governor’s dance skills were put to the test while promoting his action flick, Sabotage, along with actor and co-star Joe Manganiello. Co-hosts Bow Wow and Keshia Chante presented them with a roulette wheel of some of hip hop’s hottest dance crazes. Schwarzenegger landed on the Nae Nae, which he readily launched into. Even when Manganiello landed on the Stanky Legg, Schwarzenegger did his best impression, to the bemusement of Bow Wow and Keshia Chante. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images)

That time Mariah Carey showed 106 & Park eternal love - It was always a treat when Mariah Carey was in the building. Though the legendary songstress has graced the show numerous times over the years, the red carpet was rolled out for Mimi on Valentine’s Day in 2014 to discuss her single “She’s Yours.” She also talked about working with Trey Songz on the “Your Mine (Eternal)” remix, which she premiered on the show as well, ahead of the release of Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse. Shout-out to Jermaine Dupri’s surprise appearance.  (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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That time Mariah Carey showed 106 & Park eternal love - It was always a treat when Mariah Carey was in the building. Though the legendary songstress has graced the show numerous times over the years, the red carpet was rolled out for Mimi on Valentine’s Day in 2014 to discuss her single “She’s Yours.” She also talked about working with Trey Songz on the “Your Mine (Eternal)” remix, which she premiered on the show as well, ahead of the release of Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse. Shout-out to Jermaine Dupri’s surprise appearance.  (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Every time Jin was on Freestyle Fridays - From the start, Freestyle Fridays quickly become a staple of 106 & Park. One of the more prominent stars to emerge was Jin. People tuned in to see who he would demolish next in a rap battle and he walked away as the champion each week. He went on to make history as the first Asian rapper to sign to a major label when he dropped his debut album, The Rest Is History, under Ruff Ryders in 2004. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET) 

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Every time Jin was on Freestyle Fridays - From the start, Freestyle Fridays quickly become a staple of 106 & Park. One of the more prominent stars to emerge was Jin. People tuned in to see who he would demolish next in a rap battle and he walked away as the champion each week. He went on to make history as the first Asian rapper to sign to a major label when he dropped his debut album, The Rest Is History, under Ruff Ryders in 2004. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)