T.I. ignites the 2025 BET Awards stage with “Bring Em Out” and “What You Know” [VIDEO]
T.I. Brings Classic Atlanta Energy to the BET Awards
The 2025 BET Awards, held on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a mix of modern icons and nostalgic legends. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the event was packed with unforgettable performances and honors. However, one of the standout moments came when Atlanta rap legend T.I. took the stage.
T.I. performed his mid-2000s classics “Bring Em Out” and “What You Know.” Those two anthems that helped define his run at the top of hip-hop. His set was part of the tribute to 106 & Park, the iconic music video countdown show that aired from 2000 to 2014.
A Southern Legend Takes the Spotlight
T.I. is often referred to as the “King of the South.” But he hasn’t graced the BET Awards stage in years. Still, his return was met with roaring applause. Dressed in all-black streetwear, complete with a hooded jacket and sunglasses, Tip looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.
He kicked off with “Bring Em Out,” the 2004 anthem that features a Jay-Z vocal sample. Additionally, it was once used to open New York Knicks games. The energy was electric as dancers filled the stage and lights strobed in red and white. Meanwhile, the crowd sang along word-for-word.
T.I. then transitioned smoothly into “What You Know,” a Grammy-nominated single from 2006 that many still regard as his greatest hit. The beat drop hit hard, and Tip delivered his verses with the same confidence and control that made him a fixture on 106 & Park during his prime.
Fans React: “He Was Cooking fr lol”
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) lit up the moment his set began. Several posts praised his performance as one of the best of the night.
“T.I. Bring’em out Bring em’ out then What U know about that? Yes!!!! #BETAwards #BETAwards2025” — @PDanceMusic
“Boyyyyy T.I went on a run like no other 🔥 hit after hit. He was cooking fr lol #BETAwards2025” — @SimplyOshea
“T.I.’s run was crazy!!! One of the better we’ve seen in the last 25 years #BETAwards2025” — @WordsNRoses
“Mya & T.I the best performance I’ve seen yet #BETAwards2025” — @theemikeyp_
“Keyshia Cole, Mya, Amerie, T.I., Ashanti, B2K. I really miss those 106 & Park days. #BETAwards2025” — @english_shamar
These posts, with view counts ranging from hundreds to over 64,000, underscore how much T.I.’s throwback set resonated with viewers both in the venue and online.
Part of a Bigger Tribute: 106 & Park Reimagined
The tribute to 106 & Park was among the evening’s most ambitious segments. Original hosts like Free, Keshia Chante, Terrence J, Big Tigger, and Julissa Bermudez returned, and the stage transformed into a full recreation of the legendary music show.
T.I. performed alongside fellow early-2000s stars including Bow Wow, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Mya, Amerie, Jim Jones, and B2K. This segment was intentionally crafted to honor the peak era of music video culture, and Tip’s hits were a perfect fit.
While not the most heavily promoted performance of the night, it served as a vital reminder of Southern hip-hop’s rise to mainstream prominence, with T.I. as one of its leading figures.
Family in the Spotlight Too
Adding another layer to his night, T.I. appeared on the red carpet with his daughter Heiress Harris, who was nominated for the YoungStars Award. Their matching red-and-black outfits caught attention, with fans praising the duo for their coordinated style.
“Aww! T.I. and Heiress Harris look too cute together!#BETAwards #BETAwards2025” — @VibeMagazine
“T.I. and Tiny’s daughter, Heiress Harris, takes credit for the family’s coordinated outfits at the #BETAwards2025” — @Glock_Topickz
This wholesome family moment complemented T.I.’s stage presence, reinforcing his dual identity as a hip-hop legend and proud father.
The Legacy of “Bring Em Out” and “What You Know”
When “Bring Em Out” dropped in 2004, it became T.I.’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Its high-octane production and arena-friendly hook made it a staple in sports arenas and radio.
Two years later, “What You Know” arrived as the lead single from his album King, debuting at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and winning the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance. The track cemented T.I.’s reputation as one of the best lyricists of his era.
Decades later, these songs still hit. Their inclusion in the 106 & Park tribute wasn’t just nostalgia—it was cultural reinforcement. T.I. belongs in the conversation when we talk about the greatest Southern rappers of all time.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Throwback
T.I.’s performance was more than just a walk down memory lane. It was a statement that his catalog still matters, that his presence still commands attention, and that Southern hip-hop is still foundational to the culture.
Long before it was ever a debate, T.I. settled it. He crowned himself the “King of the South” when he was a newcomer. As a result, an argument began within hip-hop circles about who the crown belonged to. In hindsight, few understood what that meant. By creating the debate, T.I. proved his influence from the start.
However, T.I. backed up his big talk by coming through with big records. Like many who came before him, he paid his dues writing hits for others. however, when his time came, T.I. made sure that it counted. Not only did he deliver hit records, but he also came with classic performances.
As a result, twenty years later, T.I. was among the ones BET called to celebrate one of its most iconic shows. The plan was to honor 25 years of the BET Awards by highlighting the 106 & Park era. The efforts from T.I. made sure it was honored properly. Even with a little age, T.I. proved he could still move across a stage. In addition, he had the crowd and fans moving with him.
With fans praising the energy, execution, and emotion of the performance, it’s clear that T.I.’s brief return to the BET Awards stage left a lasting impression. Whether it signals more to come or remains a one-night tribute, it reminded us why we call him the King.