A Countdown of the Top 35 Moments on BET

Destiny's Child's lap dance, MJ on 106 and more.

5: Notorious B.I.G. Talks 2Pac on Rap City  - In 1997, two weeks before he was shot to death at age 24, Biggie was in Los Angeles promoting his soon-to-be released album Life After Death. When asked about 2Pac, Big lamented his death and outlined his vision for a new peaceful era in hip hop. Unfortunately, he wouldn't live to see it. (Photo: BET)
King of Pop Honors the Godfather - At the 2003 BET Awards, an homage to James Brown turned into one of TV's great moments when Michael Jackson walked on stage (unbeknowst to Brown) to drape the famous robe over Soul Brother Number 1's shoulders. Afterward, an elated James Brown struck up the band so Michael (who idolized Brown) could boogie, leaving the audience and TV viewers in disbelief. That evening, MJ was presented with an even bigger honor when he handed Brown the Lifetime Achievement Award.  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
3. 106 & Park Says Goodbye to the Airwaves - In December 2014, BET's longest-running series aired its final episode with a star-studded farewell. AJ and Free, the original hosts of the countdown show, which launched in 2000, returned to MC the finale. But with one door closing, another opens and 106 will now air exclusively on BET.com.(Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
2. BET Launches BET.com  - In 1999, BET set up real estate in cyberspace to bring its powerful brand to the Internet. Over the years, the site has become a trusted destination for Black celebrity news. BET.com has consistently been ahead of the digital curve with original content, exclusive web series and mobile apps.(Photo: BET)1. Black Entertainment Television First Hits the Air - On January 25, 1980, BET officially launched as a two-hour programming block on Nickelodeon. In those early years, kids would run home in the afternoon to watch the hip hop videos and Black sitcoms that made up BET's programming. In 1983, BET became a full-fledged, stand alone network with a full slate of shows reflecting Black life in America. From BET News to Video Soul to Rap City and now The Game, Real Husbands of Hollywood and 106 & Park, BET has always been on top of what's new, what's hot and what's next in the community.(Photo: BET)

Next Gallery

The Best Black Celebrity Looks From NYFW That Shut Down the Runway and the Streets

9 Photos

33 / 36

4. Michael Jackson and James Brown Appear on the BET Awards - "Nobody has influenced me more than this man right here," said a choked-up Michael Jackson as he presented his childhood idol with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2003 BET Awards. The King of Pop and the Godfather of Soul shared a moment onstage that few of us will ever forget. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

ADVERTISEMENT