The Best and Worst Cyphers in the History of BET

When BET first introduced its series of cyphers back in 2010, it did not take long for it to become an annual tradition. Throughout the years, viewers have consistently anticipated the many cyphers that have aired on the station's network. These cyphers are usually categorized by themes, which are based on the grouping of artists with similar music styles. Below is a list of BET’s best and worse cyphers that have aired on the award show. Be sure to share comments in the comment box below.

Worst BET Cyphers

2013 BET Cypher w/ Nick Cannon, Kevin Hart, J.B. Smoove, Duane Martin, Boris Kodoje and Nelly (Real Husbands of Hollywood)

This cypher was supposed to be seen as a parody, but all the same, it was still considered an official addition to the BET cyphers of 2013. This hilarious cypher included off-the-wall rhymes from various casts of the Real Husbands of Hollywood, which include Kevin Hart and Nick Cannon. Although it was funny to watch, it was still a pretty terrible collaboration that got boring after only three minutes into the six-minute cypher.

Nothing against any of these artists, but this is surely one of the worse cyphers that have premiered on BET’s award show. Now keep in mind that the BET cypher is one that is more or less judged by the quality of the artist’s lyrics. For those who appreciate Kevin Gates for his melodic and catchy songs can agree that  Gates is not a “spitter” or “lyricist,” which is entirely fine. However, to many viewers watching the BET award cypher, their hope is to receive a series of well-structured lyrics that will make them drop their mouths. Again, songs like “Cut It,” by O.T. Genasis or “Calm Down,” by G- Easy are great records. When it comes to cyphers, the artists listed in this cypher probably were not the best option for the shows purpose.

Best BET Cyphers

2011 BET Cypher w/ Eminem, Yelawolf, and Slaughterhouse (Shady 2.0)

A perfect example of what Hip-Hop fans are looking for when watching these cyphers. Metaphors, intricate rhyme schemes, and excellent delivery were all presented in this well known cypher. Artist Yelawolf was the first out of the roster to murder the beat, which was the “Tried By 12" instrumental by The East Flatbush Project. It is not a stretch to say that each artist in this cypher delivered their own lyrics beautifully. This cypher is considered one of the best by not just A3C but by many other publications like Hotnewhiphop, Complex, and MTV.

2013 BET Cypher w/ Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, and Kendrick Lamar (TDE)

The TDE cypher is perhaps the most controversial cypher amongst the BET series. This cypher, in particular, was dropped around the same time Kendrick Lamar released his notorious “Control” verse, which created much tension in the music industry specifically with that of OVO artist Drake. Kendrick’s verse on the cypher not only seemed to be taking shots at the Toronto rapper, but the lyrics were also impressively crafted. The best part about this cypher was the fact that no other artist was overshadowed by Lamar’s performance. Each artist under the TDE roster did a great job dominating 2013's list of cyphers.