::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

New York, NY  – The BET “HIP HOP AWARDS” has remained the most prominent hip hop showcase on television for over ten years with its powerful performances, iconic hip hop honorees and much-anticipated cyphers. Today BET Networks announces the first lady of Bad Boy Records, Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum rapper, singer, actress, and fashion icon, Lil Kim will receive the 2019 “I Am Hip Hop” Award. Lil Kim’s debut studio album Hard Core was certified Double Platinum and spawned three consecutive No. 1 rap hits: "No Time," "Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)," and "Crush on You," making Kim the first female rapper with three consecutive number-one singles on Billboard’s Rap Songs chart.  Her following albums, The Notorious K.I.M. (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003), were certified Platinum, making her one of the only female rappers to have at least three consecutive Platinum albums. She also scored a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit with 2001...

THE QUEEN OF HIP HOP SOUL HAS RECEIVED ANOTHER JEWEL IN HER CROWN OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS. By Mona Austin "No More Drama" singer, Mary J. Blige is the recipient of the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Miss Blige, 48 is immensely  deserving of the accolade, not only because of her highly decorated over 25 year career that started in the early 90s, but also because she is in a rare breed of artists whose music continues to be relevant to multiple generations.  Simultaneously an actress and philanthropist, her resume includes eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. The world began to embrace her when at the age of 18 when she became Uptown Records youngest and first female artist. Over the years, Bl...

BET Networks has announced the first group of performers for the 19th annual “ BET AWARDS ” including Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lizzo, Mustard, Lil Baby, City Girls’ Yung Miami , Lucky Daye and Kiana Ledé.  Hosted by Regina Hall , the “ BET Awards ” 2019 will air LIVE on Sunday, June 23rd at 8 PM ET from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on BET. Additionally, the network announced the first group of presenters who will take the stage including Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Morris Chestnut, Yara Shahidi, and Marsai Martin . “The BET Awards stage has become synonymous with powerful and groundbreaking performances that are authentic and bold, celebrating the influence and power of black culture,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice-President, Head of Programming at BET. “We are thrilled to continue to be the launch pad and home for some of today’s most talented and inspiring voices, as BET continues to showcas...

2019 “BET AWARDS” TO AIR LIVE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 23 FROM THE MICROSOFT THEATER IN LOS ANGELES AT 8 P.M. E New York, NY  – BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B and NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced actress and comedian Regina Hall as the 2019 “BET Awards” host. Nominated in this year’s “Best Actress” category, Regina takes the stage to  host for the first time, joining the ranks of A-list entertainers who’ve hosted in years past, including Jamie Foxx, Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock and Mo’Nique. This year’s broadcast celebrates 19 years of creating unforgettable moments, showcasing the present and future of black entertainment while honoring the unsung heroes and icons of the past. The “BET Awards” continues to reign as the ultimate platform showcasing the best and most beautiful aspects of the black experience, highlighting culture and serving as a driving force for social change.  The 2019 “BET Aw...