Arabic version: لورين هيل تتلقى جائزة أيقونة الأسطورة الحية في جوائز BET

Lauryn Hill has been awarded the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, California. The award honours pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. According to ABC News, Hill expressed her gratitude by highlighting the love that inspired her music and paying tribute to her parents.

During the ceremony, rapper Ice Cube reminded the audience of Hill’s early fame as Rita Louise Watson in the 1993 film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. He noted her evolution into one of the greatest voices in Black music history, emphasizing her extensive influence beyond performance to include writing and producing for music legends like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige, and Carlos Santana.

Hill, known for her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, performed at the event, celebrating her artistic journey and legacy. The eight-time Grammy winner was honored with performances from artists including Lizzo, Nas, Common, Queen Latifah, SZA, and Doja Cat, as well as her children, one of whom was celebrating a birthday.

In her acceptance speech, Hill shared her motivations, stating, “I do this because I love y’all.” She reflected on her upbringing and her commitment to sharing love through music. Hill encouraged the audience to continue sharing their gifts, reminding them that someone out there needs it.