For Millenials and the first wave of Gen-Z, BET became the epicenter for all things cool in our culture thanks to a music video countdown show called 106 & Park. Afternoons were spent across the nation hanging out in front of the television — many were even lucky enough to attend the live tapings in New York City! — for a 90-minute segment of voting on your favorite music videos, interviews with your favorite artists, current events from an urban perspective and a pair of hosts that curated the experience on a daily basis.
106 & Park ended its epic 14-year run a little over a decade ago, spanning from September 11, 2000 to December 19, 2014. However, it now looks like we’re in for a big relaunch soon following news of a reboot in the works and the recent announcement that a 25th anniversary special will air during the 2025 BET Awards.
RELATED: 106 & Park Reboot in the Works, Slated for 2025
The anniversary special will reunite original 106 & Park hosts AJ Calloway and Free with second wave host Julissa Bermudez, third generation hosts Terrence J alongside Rocsi Diaz and final hosts Keshia Chanté and Bow Wow for a multi-day tribute filled with activations. Here’s more info on what to expect from the celebratory event set to air live on BET next month (June 9) from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, via the official press release:
“The ‘106 & Park’ 25th Anniversary celebration will launch at this year’s BET Experience (BETX) Fan Fest live from the 106 & Park stage at the Los Angeles Convention Center, on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The weekend will kick off on Saturday with a reimagined Freestyle Friday Battle, spotlighting emerging artists and featuring a variety of surprise guest appearances.
The experience continues at BETX on Sunday, June 8, where some of the show’s iconic hosts will take center stage to reminisce on their favorite moments and engage with fans in an immersive recreation of the original ‘106 & Park’ set. Complete with photo ops, musical performances and nostalgic moments, the installation will reintroduce the beloved series to a new generation, while giving longtime fans a chance to relive the magic.
On Monday, June 9, ‘106 & Park’ host Terrence J will honor the legendary program from the BET Awards red carpet during this year’s Red Carpet Live pre-show, airing LIVE on BET at 6 pm ET/PT. The tribute will feature a classic freestyle battle, an exclusive world premiere music video, and iconic throwback performances. Mr. 106 & Park, Bow Wow, will also host ‘BET Social Live’ from the red carpet.
For the grand finale, the live broadcast of this year’s ‘BET Awards’ will deliver a powerful tribute featuring unforgettable performances by artists from 106 & Park’s most memorable episodes and the return of its beloved hosts, each of whom helped to define the show’s legacy.”
All this excitement put us in the most nostalgic of moods, and we just had to revisit some memorable moments in 106 & Park history before the next era begins. From last moments preserved on camera with superstars that are unfortunately no longer here with us to unforgettable live performances that for some musicians were their first, the show’s legacy is truly unmatched.
Keep scrolling for the throwback jam of the day with these 25 most memorable moments in 106 & Park history, and be sure to tune in for the 25th anniversary special at the 2025 BET Awards airing live on Monday, June 9, at 8 PM ET/PT:
The First Episode – September 11, 2000
Where it all began!
The Infamous Lil Wayne And Birdman Kiss – September 13, 2000
…points for being progressive, right?
Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown Make A Surprise Visit – October 5, 2000
Only Bobby & Whitney at their peak together could pull off such a random-yet-fun appearance!
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Aaliyah’s Final Interview – August 21, 2001
Just four days later, her life would end in a tragic plane crash. Baby Girl will forever be missed.
Ginuwine’s Dramatic Entrance On A Gurney To Perform “Pony” – September 5, 2001
We definitely give him an A+ for effort and creativity!
The 9/11 Episode – September 13, 2001
At a time when the world froze in wake of tragedy, many relied on the NYC-centric 106 & Park to make sense of such a monumental moment in world history.
The Michael Jackson Interview In Times Square – November 7, 2001
From the now-defunct Virgin Megastore to the loss of MJ himself, so many things about this moment proved to be once-in-a-lifetime.
MC Jin’s 7-Week “Freestyle Friday” Winning Streak – February 22, 2002 – April 5, 2002
His legacy in bringing together the Asian and African American communities during this time will always be respected.
The Two Sides Of 3LW’s Breakup – September 2, 2002
Whether you were Team Naturi Naughton or Team Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Willams, it was a pint-sized catfight for the ages either way. Forget the popcorn — get the KFC!
Lil Kim & Ginuwine Doing The Most As Co-Hosts – April 3, 2003
That one time everyone thought Kim and G had a thing going on, and would probably get it on in front of the whole audience!
106 & Park Goes Hollywood – February 9, 2004 – February 13, 2004
A weeklong activation hosted from the Hollywood Center Studios with appearances from Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Laila Ali, Andre 3000 and Kanye West amongst others back when he was still rocking with us. Good times!
OG Hosts Free & AJ Say A Tearful Goodbye – July 28, 2005
Still a tear-jerker of a moment!
Tom Cruise Does Yung Joc’s Motorcycle Dance While Promoting Mission: Impossible III – May 3, 2006
Tom Cruise embarked on a highly-publicized promo run that day, including a firetruck to a heliport, a helicopter downtown for a first screening in Tribeca, a speedboat to Harlem and finally a sports car to the Magic Johnson Theatre for a live episode of 106 and Park that included a second screening. The journey was almost as epic as the dance!
Beyoncé’s Belated B’Day Celebration – September 5, 2006
The double entendre of it all is what got us the most.
The Kanye West vs. 50 Cent “Clash Of The Titans” Special – September 11, 2007
Back when hip-hop beefs (and Kanye!) were still fun.
The Joke That Went Too Far – July 11, 2008
Although Rocsi has now gone on record to say the onscreen tension was all a ploy for her and Terrence to get vacation time, let’s just say their acting was Oscar-worthy.
The “Relationship Abuse” Special – March 12, 2009
A month after the infamous Chris Brown and Rihanna abuse scandal, the show put together a special report that fans of both artists needed to see. Oh, and Free returned!
Raven-Symoné Makes Things Awkward – September 13, 2010
We know Raven was just being funny, but man was this cringe-worthy!
The 10-Year Anniversary Celebration – October 6, 2010
A milestone that was well-worth celebrating.
Blind Fury Winning The 2011 “Freestyle Friday” Championship – April 11, 2011
Impressive skills on the mic aside, Blind Fury was an early pioneer for defying ableism.
Brandy & Monica’s Onscreen Reunion – March 12, 2012
It was a moment 14 years in the making at the time, and we can only hope these 90s R&B queens continue the collaborative efforts for years to come.
The Trayvon Martin Special – April 16, 2012
One thing 106 & Park always did was carve out time to tackle the important topics when it mattered the most.
Tyra Banks Lip-Locks With Host Bow Wow – July 31, 2013
We’re surprised they didn’t become a power couple after this!
First Lady Michelle Obama Visits For A Candid And Cool Conversation – November 19, 2013
Moments like this prove why Mrs. O will forever go down as the coolest First Lady to step foot in The White House.
The Final Episode – December 19, 2014
All the hosts came together for one last show — Shorty da Prince, Paigion and Miss Mykie from the short-lived “The Search” even returned! — and we even got an epic battle between the two “Freestyle Friday” icons MC Jin and Blind Fury.
