Rumor has it that BET’s longest running hip hop program Rap City is returning to the ViacomCBS network. A special edition of the series called Rap City ’21 will be featured as part of the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards programming lineup, which usually includes a pre-show red carpet special. Longtime BET host and television personality Big Tigger, who is executive producer of the one-hour program, is onboard to continue his hosting post.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to revive this legendary piece of culture!” said Big Tigger. “All your favorite stars and their bars on display.”
Following BET’s announcement, a short teaser was released online to affirm the news. Big Tigger also took to Instagram to let his followers know about the awards show pregame special.
“This is not a drill,” posted Big Tigger. “This is not a throwback…#RapCity21 !!Details soon.”
Rap City originally began on the entertainment network in 1989. The series highlighted the best in hip hop and would include exclusive artist’s freestyles, music videos, interviews, and news segments.
Big Tigger came into the picture in 1999 as host of a rebranded version of the show called Rap City: Tha Basement, where rappers would do freestyles over randomly chosen beats. The refreshed series became one of the most popular and memorable hip hop moments of its era, featuring the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Cam’Ron, G-Unit, Bone Thugs & Harmony, and many more, boxing with their lyrics in a booth with just a dim light, Big Tigger and a DJ, and one mic. The show eventually came to an end in 2008.
Some sources are claiming that Rap City is set to reboot on BET Networks. However, that news has not been confirmed, only the awards’ special edition has been confirmed by the network. Meanwhile, Tigger has partnered with rapper Rapsody and DJ Nyla Symone to bring audiences Off Top, a freestyle and hip hop culture series that will air on REVOLT TV.
Rap City ’21 premieres just before the 2021 BET Hip Hop awards on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 8 PM ET.
