Lil’ Kim’s BET Awards Performance Sparks Mixed Reactions: “Hard to Watch” or Queen Uplifting the Culture? [VIDEO]

Lil’ Kim’s BET Awards Pre-Show Set with Honey Bxby Draws Praise and Concern

Lil’ Kim hit the stage during the BET Awards ’25 pre-show on June 9. Thus, teaming up with rising star Honey Bxby to perform their collaborative single “Left Eye (Remix).” Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the pre-show was part of the BET Awards’ 25th anniversary celebration, kicking off at 6:00 PM ET/PT ahead of the main broadcast at 8:00 PM.

The collaboration had already built buzz after debuting live in May at a sold-out show in Connecticut. As a result, fans are labeling the record a potential summer anthem. This song samples Lil’ Kim’s collaboration with Mobb Deep, “Quiet Storm.” But despite the excitement, reactions to their BET Awards performance were sharply divided.

The Performance Was Brief — and Polarizing

For some, the moment was a nostalgic celebration of hip-hop history. Lil’ Kim, long considered one of rap’s queens, graced the stage in a fitted bodysuit and heels, flanked by dancers and surrounded by flashing visuals bearing the iconic BET star logo. Yet what was meant to be a highlight for fans quickly turned into a heated debate on X (formerly Twitter).

“Lil Kim out of breath ainnit 😭😭😭 #BETAwards,” wrote @_reinarae, highlighting what several viewers interpreted as vocal strain during the performance. “This is so insulting! Lil Kim given less than 3 minutes to perform at the pre show #BETAwards2025,” added @charcekage, expressing disappointment with the limited airtime.

Another fan, @LilKimBRA, criticized the production choices, posting, “NO ONE ASKED FOR A DANG AUTOTUNED MIC.” The post referenced both her pre-show and BET Experience appearances, suggesting frustration with the audio setup rather than just the performance itself.

A Reminder of Lil’ Kim’s Legacy

Still, others viewed Lil’ Kim’s performance through a different lens — one grounded in reverence and appreciation.

“Yesssss Honey Bxby got Lil Kim to perform ‘Left Eye’ omggggg #BETAwards #BETAwards2025,” posted @reddxlips, clearly thrilled about the pairing. @S_C_Jr added, “Lil Kim is always reaching back to uplift and help the new rap girls like a true Queen #BETAwards.”

Despite the vocal critiques, these posts celebrate Kim’s ongoing relevance in the culture and her willingness to support emerging talent like Honey Bxby. For many, her presence alone at the show served as a symbolic passing of the torch and a continuation of her legacy.

A Pattern in Kim’s BET Awards Appearances

Lil’ Kim’s relationship with the BET Awards has long been significant. Her 2022 appearance, honoring Diddy, went viral and dominated Google Trends for both her performance and daring outfit. The image of her crouching in a futuristic bodysuit became an instant meme and sparked praise for her fearlessness.

The 2025 pre-show performance, though shorter and more subdued, continues that legacy — but it also reveals the challenges that come with aging in hip-hop, particularly for women who once defined its aesthetics and energy. While some fans call for more respect and stage time, others zero in on the technical imperfections.

A Reflection of Where the Culture Stands

The divide in reactions raises broader questions about the expectations placed on veteran artists, especially women in rap. Was this a case of a legend deserving better production and spotlight? Or did the performance fall flat in real time?

The reality likely lies somewhere in between. Lil’ Kim, nearly 30 years into her career, continues to perform, create, and uplift newer artists — a rarity in an industry that often sidelines its pioneers. Honey Bxby’s presence wasn’t just a co-star moment; it was a co-sign.

As the culture evolves, so does its reception of the legends who shaped it. And while the BET Awards ’25 main stage might wind up belonging to stars like Lil Wayne and GloRilla, the pre-show still gave us a moment worth talking about — one that spotlighted the complexity of legacy, performance, and how we support our icons in real time.

The Weight of Expectations in Hip-Hop

The polarized reactions to Lil’ Kim’s performance reflect broader tensions within hip-hop culture, particularly around aging artists and the expectations placed on women. Veterans like Kim, who redefined rap’s aesthetics in the ‘90s with bold lyricism and unapologetic style, face unique scrutiny. Fans demand the same energy and perfection of their youth, often overlooking the challenges of performing at 50 in an industry that prioritizes the new over the foundational.

The criticism of Kim’s vocal delivery or stage time also raises questions about production support. Was the brief slot and rumored autotune a disservice to a legend, or a practical choice in a fast-paced pre-show? Some fans argue that BET, as a platform dedicated to Black excellence, should prioritize giving pioneers like Kim the resources and spotlight they deserve. Others see the performance as a moment that, while imperfect, still showcased her relevance.

This divide isn’t new. Female rappers, from MC Lyte to Nicki Minaj, have long navigated harsher critiques than their male counterparts. Kim’s performance, then, becomes a case study in how the culture honors—or fails to honor—its trailblazers, especially women who shaped its sound and image.

Honey Bxby’s Rise and the Power of Collaboration

Honey Bxby’s role in the performance shouldn’t be overlooked. The Newark, New Jersey native, known for her soulful delivery and sharp lyricism, has been steadily building a name since her 2023 debut. Her collaboration with Lil’ Kim on “Left Eye (Remix)” is a career-defining moment, amplifying her visibility and cementing her as a contender in today’s rap landscape.

The pairing also underscores the power of intergenerational collaboration. Kim, who once benefited from the mentorship of figures like The Notorious B.I.G., is now paying it forward. By sharing the stage with Honey Bxby, she’s not only endorsing a new talent but also challenging the narrative that female rappers must compete. This moment echoes Kim’s history of uplifting others, from her work with Junior M.A.F.I.A. to her influence on artists like Cardi B.

For Honey Bxby, performing at the BET Awards was a chance to shine alongside a legend. Her confident delivery and stage presence held their own, earning praise from fans who see her as part of hip-hop’s next wave. The collaboration, despite the mixed reviews, highlighted the potential for new voices to carry forward the genre’s legacy.