T.I., Bow Wow, Mya and more to perform at “106 & Park” 25-year anniversary reunion at BET Awards

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May 6, 2025

“106 & Park” To Celebrate 25-Year Anniversary At BET Awards

The iconic countdown show that shaped a generation is back. BET is officially bringing back 106 & Park for its 25th anniversary, and the celebration kicks off during the 2025 BET Awards with a host reunion and a star-packed lineup of performances.

It’s a cultural reset for fans who grew up rushing home after school to catch the latest videos, freestyles, and celebrity interviews.

A Cultural Staple for Black Youth

Launched on September 11, 2000, 106 & Park wasn’t just another music countdown show—it became the heartbeat of Black youth culture in the early 2000s. It provided a platform where rising stars met their biggest supporters, and where household names were made.

The daily live broadcast was filmed in New York City and became BET’s highest-rated show for over a decade. The format was simple but effective: a top 10 video countdown, live audience interaction, celebrity guests, interviews, and of course—Freestyle Friday.

BET President Scott Mills perfectly summed it up: “106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show — it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture.”

Legendary Hosts Reunite

To mark the occasion, BET is reuniting six of the show’s most beloved hosts:

  • AJ Calloway & Free – The original duo (2000–2005), known for their natural chemistry and strong ties to hip-hop and R&B communities.
  • Julissa Bermudez & Big Tigger – Held it down during a transitional period in the mid-2000s.
  • Rocsi Diaz & Terrence J – Took the baton from 2006 to 2012, ushering in a new generation of fans.
  • Keshia Chanté – One of the final hosts before the show’s cancellation in 2014.

This multigenerational reunion is a major moment for fans who grew up during different eras of the show’s history. Their influence extended beyond TV, setting trends in fashion, language, and music discovery.

Performances from the Stars of the Era

The 2025 BET Awards will showcase the artists most associated with the show’s golden years. Headlining performers include:

  • Bow Wow – Dubbed “Mr. 106 & Park,” he holds the record for the most video debuts and appearances on the show.
  • B2K – The boy band whose video premieres used to shut the countdown down.
  • Mya and Amerie – Two R&B icons with a long history of performing on the 106 stage.
  • Jim Jones – A staple of the early 2000s hip-hop scene, whose hits like “We Fly High” became instant crowd-pleasers.
  • T.I. – The King of the South, with chart-topping success that aligned perfectly with the show’s peak.

Expect a high-energy blend of nostalgia and live excellence as these artists celebrate the legacy of the show that helped build their careers.

BETX Fan Fest: Bringing the Stage to the People

To keep the celebration immersive, BETX Fan Fest is taking over the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 7 and 8, just ahead of the awards show.

Here’s what fans can expect:

  • Live Freestyle Friday Battles – A modern twist on the show’s most legendary segment. This was where unsigned talent like Jin and Blind Fury earned national recognition.
  • Interactive Set Replica – Fans can pose on a replica of the 106 & Park stage, complete with the iconic couch and countdown screen.
  • Video Countdown Voting Booths – Attendees can vote on their all-time favorite music videos from the show’s 14-year run.

This fan-driven event emphasizes the user-centric model BET and 106 & Park always thrived on. Engagement and cultural participation are front and center.

Why Freestyle Friday Still Matters

Freestyle Friday wasn’t just a fun segment—it became a proving ground. Rappers from across the country used it as a launchpad, and the segment’s reputation for raw, unfiltered talent made it must-see TV.

Some names, like Blind Fury, Jin, and Poster Boy, gained nationwide attention and went on to secure record deals. In today’s digital-first music ecosystem, Freestyle Friday feels more relevant than ever.

In fact, many argue that the 106 & Park format anticipated platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Live, where short-form content and music discovery intersect.

106 & Park: The Influence Lives On

Though it went off-air in 2014, the show’s influence never disappeared. In the years since, fans have continued to:

  • Rewatch classic interviews and freestyles on YouTube.
  • Reference “106” as a cultural timestamp (“I remember when that dropped on 106…”).
  • Follow the hosts’ post-show careers—Terrence J in film, Rocsi Diaz in entertainment news, and Free in activism and radio.

The show’s emphasis on community, style, and youth voice helped it stand apart in an industry often distant from its own fanbase. In a time before algorithms decided what we saw, 106 & Park served as a trusted filter for what was hot in the streets.

A Timeline of Iconic Moments

Some of 106 & Park’s most unforgettable episodes include:

  • Jay-Z’s Retirement Announcement (2003) – The show was one of the few places where Jay-Z addressed his temporary exit.
  • Aaliyah’s Final TV Appearance (2001) – Just days before her passing, Aaliyah sat on the 106 couch to talk about her “Rock the Boat” video.
  • Beyoncé’s Surprise Visits – Whether solo or with Destiny’s Child, she always turned the studio into an event.
  • Chris Brown’s Debut (2005) – One of the clearest examples of an artist breaking into mainstream success directly through 106.

These moments live rent-free in the minds of millennials and continue to be shared and celebrated online.

Impact in Today’s Media World

Today’s content platforms are catching up to what 106 & Park did naturally—amplify community voices, make artists accessible, and celebrate Black excellence unapologetically.

In the TikTok age, the seeds of 106 & Park’s engagement style are still being planted:

  • Short-form video? 106 did it first.
  • Direct fan engagement? Check.
  • Breaking new artists? Every day.

The nostalgia is strong, but the format was also future-proof—something BET is tapping into with this reunion.

Where Are They Now?

Here’s a quick update on where the hosts are today:

  • AJ Calloway – Continued working in entertainment, including “Extra.”
  • Free – Active in philanthropy and radio.
  • Terrence J – Became a Hollywood actor and media personality.
  • Rocsi Diaz – Worked with Entertainment Tonight and HLN.
  • Julissa Bermudez – Hosted various lifestyle shows and events.
  • Keshia Chanté – Continues her music and TV career in Canada and the U.S.

Their combined legacy offers a masterclass in how media personalities can evolve and stay relevant.

Don’t Miss the Anniversary Celebration

Mark your calendar: the BET Awards 2025 airs live on June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT, featuring the 106 & Park 25th anniversary reunion and performance tribute.

Leading into the event, the BETX Fan Fest offers an immersive cultural experience on June 7 and 8 at the L.A. Convention Center.

To relive the moments and stay up to date on the reunion, visit BET.com and follow the #106andPark hashtag across social media.

106 & Park isn’t just making a comeback—it’s reminding the world that culture doesn’t fade. It evolves.