Andres Tardio
Exclusive: Go Behind the Scenes of Desiigner's BET Awards Rehearsal
Desiigner will celebrate his incredible year at the BET Awards on Sunday (Jun. 26), but before it all goes down, Rap-Up got a sneak peek of his “Panda” performance at L.A.’s Microsoft Theater.
Although he was only rehearsing for the big show, the G.O.O.D. Music signee was full of energy, treating the practice run as the real thing, energized in front of static on a big screen. Cooking, dabbing, and twirling across the stage, he even threw the mic in the air a few times, showing exactly what kind of showman he is.
It’s hard to know what his wardrobe will consist of on Sunday, but part of the rehearsals featured a shirtless Desiigner, sporting a fresh pair of Yeezys, in support of his G.O.O.D. Music boss, Kanye West. When he did wear a shirt, it was an homage to Tupac Shakur. Perhaps that was just a preview of what fashionistas can expect from the young spitter come showtime.
Future also rehearsed on Friday, though his set was closed off to photographers. Still, Rap-Up caught a glimpse of the “Wicked” MC’s stage setup and it’s full of fire. Expect real flames, an Escalade, and digital destruction as a post-apocalyptic backdrop will help Hendrix’s performance be extra explosive.
On Sunday, the Microsoft Theater will be full of stars, but on Friday, many of those seats were empty for the rehearsals. Still, Rap-Up got an early peek at what the seating arrangements will be like, barring any last-minute changes and additions.
For instance, Nicki Minaj will be right at the heart of everything. She has the center seat in the front row, according to the name cards. Elsewhere, Future is sitting in front of Kelly Rowland, who will be next to Beyoncé’s Parkwood stars, Chloe x Halle.
One of the more surprising seating placements might deal with Lil Wayne and Young Thug. The foes are seated close to one another, with Weezy just one row in front of Thugger. Gabrielle Union is expected to be a seat away from Wayne and right in front of Thug.
In other sections of the room, Usher will be sitting in front of Tyrese. Rae Sremmurd will be seated right behind Bibi Bourelly. In front of them will be the “All the Way Up” trio of French Montana, Fat Joe, and Remy Ma. In another part of the room, Ty Dolla $ign will be right next to Big Sean. Mila J, Janelle Monáe, The Roots, Spike Lee, and several other stars are also expected in the house.
We’ll see how the seats really look on Sunday as the stars fill the Microsoft Theater. The show is expected to feature Prince tributes from Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Janelle Monáe, Sheila E., The Roots, and D’Angelo. Meanwhile, DJ Khaled, Gabrielle Union, Tinashe, Fantasia, and Regina Hall are presenters for the 16th annual show, which will be hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.