Lil’ Fizz performs Diddy’s verse at BET Awards: Nostalgia, backlash, and a cultural flashpoint [VIDEO]
Fizz Rapping “Bump Bump Bump?” A Surprising Switch at the 2025 BET Awards
Lil’ Fizz set social media ablaze at the BET Awards when he performed Sean “Diddy” Combs’ verse from the early 2000s hit “Bump Bump Bump.” The June 9th ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles included a nostalgic 106 & Park tribute, bringing B2K—Fizz, Omarion, Raz-B, and J-Boog—back together for a high-energy reunion performance.
Dressed in coordinated all-white outfits, the group delivered their signature dance moves to roaring applause. However, the moment that truly captured attention was when Lil’ Fizz stepped up to perform the verse originally recorded by Diddy, who was notably absent from the event.
Why This Moment Mattered
Originally released in 2002, “Bump Bump Bump” marked a major milestone for B2K, becoming their biggest hit and peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced and co-written by R. Kelly, the track featured a guest verse by Diddy, an unusual move considering Fizz was the designated rapper of the group.
At the BET Awards 2025, instead of using a backing track or skipping the verse altogether, Fizz rapped Diddy’s part live. The decision to have him fill in sparked intense discussion across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), especially given Diddy’s absence due to ongoing federal sex crime charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Fans React on X: Humor, Critique, and Controversy
The live audience and social media community responded with a mix of laughter, discomfort, and sharp critiques. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most viral X reactions:
“Not they got Lil Fizz doing Diddy part lmaooooo. I know that’s right ! #BETAwards” — @francinaaa_
“They set Lil Fizz up letting him perform Diddy’s verse on Bump Bump Bump lol #BETAwards” — @Trebworld
“not the audience got quiet when fizz started rapping diddy part #BETAwards” — @ashykneee
“Fizz in lieu of all the diddy shit going whose idea was it to perform his part? #BETAwards” — @Khya1a
“Lil Fizz rapping Diddy’s verse to #BumpBumpBump on the #BETAwards #BadIdea” — @lilken513
“Fizz must’ve wrote Diddy’s verse then. #BETAwards” — @Najeero
“I never understood why Diddy did the rap verse on Bump, Bump, Bump when Lil Fizz was the rapper of the group #BETAwards” — @Shutheesmurfup
The performance quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the night. As a result, many were questioning the BET producers’ decision to include Diddy’s verse given his current legal issues.
Diddy’s Absence and the Shadow of Legal Controversy
Diddy’s name has become synonymous with scandal in recent months. In September 2024, he was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and sexual abuse. He has since pled not guilty and denied all allegations.
Performing his verse in this context added a layer of discomfort for some viewers, with X user @Khya1a asking, “Fizz in lieu of all the Diddy going on, whose idea was it to perform his part?” Others took a darker turn, suggesting that Fizz’s live performance was a “setup” meant to humiliate him, as @Trebworld implied.
The R. Kelly Factor: Layered Controversies
Adding another layer of discomfort to the performance is the track’s origin. “Bump Bump Bump” was co-produced by R. Kelly, who has been imprisoned since 2019 on multiple counts of sexual abuse. Both featured contributors to the song tied to serious legal issues. So, many viewers were torn between enjoying the nostalgia and confronting the disturbing context behind the track.
“B2K doing bump bump bump is hilarious. Diddy and R Kelly just got their books paid with that one.” — @TripleBee1911
There has been an ongoing debate about the music from both artists. On one hand, they are both behind bars after serious accusations. However, they’ve both made too many hits for people to easily discard. As a result, there’s always discussions about whether to support them or cancel. Like Kelly before him, Diddy is seeing a flood of bad news every day. So, to see his verse rapped last night caused a lot of discussion.
Revisiting Old Roles: Why Was Diddy the Rapper?
Interestingly, the original choice to have Diddy rap instead of Fizz has long puzzled fans. X user @Shutheesmurfup posted a meme along with the caption, “I never understood why Diddy did the rap verse on Bump, Bump, Bump when Lil Fizz was the rapper of the group.”
This sentiment seemed to echo with other users who speculated whether the BET performance was a form of course correction or simply a miscalculated attempt to avoid controversy by omitting Diddy from the event. Instead, the move reignited conversations about creative control and industry power dynamics.
A Nostalgic Tribute or a Misstep?
This year’s BET Awards leaned heavily on 2000s nostalgia with a tribute to 106 & Park, a cultural landmark for millennial audiences. With performances by Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, and B2K, the segment was designed to celebrate a golden era of hip-hop and R&B.
For many, B2K’s performance was a long-overdue reunion, a chance to see the group perform live after years of interpersonal drama and hiatus. Yet, the choice to include Diddy’s verse—and to have it performed by Fizz—divided the audience. Was it a nod to the original hit or a tone-deaf oversight in a socially aware era?
Either way, Fizz taking the stage has had people with a lot to say. Also, they are asking questions about the performance. First, with this being an R. Kelly beat and Omarion promising to never perform the song again. Second, with Fizz taking the stage how he did to perform the song opened up more questions and debate.
Final Thoughts: One Performance, Many Meanings
Fizz’s performance at last night’s BET Awards of Diddy’s verse sparked a digital firestorm and reignited conversations about legacy, responsibility, and the evolving relationship between art and the artists behind it.
On one hand, the performance succeeded in fueling nostalgia. However, it also underscored the risks of revisiting controversial material in a climate where public scrutiny is relentless. For B2K fans, it may have been a long-awaited reunion. But for others, the performance raised difficult questions about who gets a platform and why—questions that will likely linger long after the lights dimmed at the Peacock Theater.