Baller Alert broke the news on Tuesday evening (August 5) that BET has indefinitely suspended both the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards, two of the most prominent events honoring Black music in the United States. The decision, confirmed quietly by BET CEO Scott Mills, offers no clear explanation or timeline for their return.

The Soul Train Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards have been suspended indefinitely, according to BET CEO Scott Mills in a new interview with Billboard pic.twitter.com/GL74cTF5bR

— RNB RADAR (@RNB_RADAR) August 5, 2025

“So for BET line, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip Hop award shows,” Mills tells Billboard‘s Gail Mitchell.

The BET Hip Hop Awards, launched in 2006, have become a major platform for both rising and established rap artists. Known for its standout cyphers and headline-making performances, the annual broadcast has featured appearances from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Future. For many fans, the event served as a vital celebration of hip-hop culture and innovation.

The Soul Train Awards, which debuted in 1987, carried a legacy that extended back to Don Cornelius’ influential television series. The show became a significant stage for honoring R&B and soul artists, past and present. Its production helped spotlight emerging talent while preserving the traditions of Black music history.

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