Hip-hop royalty descended upon Los Angeles on Sunday evening as French Montana and Max B staged an impressive performance at the BET Awards 2026, held at the Peacock Theater on 28 June. The New York duo took the stage to perform their chart-topping hit “Ever Since U Left Me (I Went Deaf),” wearing glittering jewellery and backed by a troupe of female dancers. The set reached a crescendo when Rick Ross joined the pair midway through, the trio performing “Minks In Miami” whilst draped in lavish fur coats and surrounded by pyrotechnics. The performance marked a triumphant return for Max B subsequent to his prison release and cemented the rekindling of the collaborative partnership between the two artists.
A Victorious Return to the BET Awards Stage
Rick Ross’s appearance at the 2026 BET Awards represented a significant milestone in the seasoned artist’s career, constituting his first performance at the prestigious ceremony in over a decade. His previous performance came in 2012, when he took to the stage with Maybach Music Group associates Meek Mill and Wale for a collection of collaborative and solo tracks. The years in between had seen Ross withdraw from the BET Awards spotlight, making his comeback alongside French Montana and Max B a significant moment for fans and industry observers alike.
The timing of Ross’s return to performing is especially significant as he maintains celebration of the twentieth anniversary of his seminal first album, Port of Miami, which was released in August 2006. That iconic release, which debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200, brought to prominence the Maybach Music Group founder and produced the career-defining smash hit “Hustlin.” The track catapulted Ross to international stardom and established him as one of the most acclaimed and influential talents from the American South in the 21st century.
- Ross’s most recent BET Awards nomination was in 2015 for Best Collaborative Work.
- He earned 4 Best Male Hip-Hop Artist nods across his professional journey.
- Port of Miami produced the runaway smash hit “Hustlin.”
- The 2026 BET Awards took place by comedian Druski at the Peacock Theater.
Chart-Topping Success and Cultural Momentum
“Since You Left Me (I Went Deaf) has established itself as one of the year’s most significant tracks, reinforcing French Montana and Max B’s resurgent partnership following the latter’s exit from prison. The track, which acts as the opening track from their joint project Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos, has dominated airwaves and streaming platforms alike. Centred on a notable interpolation of KC and the Sunshine Band’s classic “That’s the Way (I Like It),” the song has achieved remarkable commercial success, leading Billboard’s US Rhythmic Airplay chart and drawing the attention of hip-hop audiences worldwide. The BET Awards performance demonstrated the track’s cultural impact and the duo’s undeniable chemistry on stage.
The accolade extended beyond the stage, as both French Montana and Max B were nominated in the Best Group category at the 2026 BET Awards. This distinction showcases the industry’s acknowledgement of their partnership and the broader cultural impact of their work together. The song’s climb across the charts constitutes a triumphant moment for both artists, particularly for Max B, whose resurgence in the spotlight signals a significant chapter in his career trajectory. The performance at the Peacock Theater functioned as a public celebration of their achievements and a testament to their lasting influence within the hip-hop community.
Remixes and Broader Audience
The prominence of “Ever Since U Left Me (I Went Deaf)” has transcended its initial launch, spawning numerous acclaimed remixes that have further amplified its cultural footprint and audience scope. A “West Coast” remix featuring Ty Dolla Sign delivered a West Coast sensibility to the track, whilst the “Big Bronx” remix with Remy Ma introduced another layer of artistic collaboration. These carefully planned remix versions have enabled the song to remain in the cultural discourse, reaching varied listeners and cementing its status as one of the year’s defining hip-hop records.
- “West Coast” remix features Ty Dolla Sign on production and vocals.
- “Big Bronx” remix showcases collaboration with Remy Ma.
- Several remix versions prolong the song’s market reach and cultural relevance.
Rick Ross: 20 Years of Dominance in the Industry
Rick Ross’s appearance at the 2026 BET Awards marked a triumphant return to the ceremony after over ten years away from the stage. His last performance at the event occurred in 2012, when he shared the spotlight fellow Maybach Music Group artists Meek Mill and Wale, presenting a medley of joint and individual tracks that showcased his influence within the upper ranks of hip-hop. The intervening years have only solidified his standing as one of the Southern region’s most decorated and commercially successful artists, rendering his 2026 return especially noteworthy for the event and his loyal audience alike.
The Miami native’s trajectory from emerging artist to hip-hop royalty has been characterized by consistent recognition from the industry’s top-tier bodies. Throughout his career, Ross has earned multiple nominations at the BET Awards, with four instances in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category and a 2015 nomination for Best Collaboration for his contribution to Chris Brown’s “New Flame” with Usher. His appearance at the 2026 ceremony, sharing the stage with French Montana and Max B, underscored his ongoing significance and capacity to dominate the stage with the same gravitas that has defined his two-decade career in hip-hop.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Released debut album Port of Miami, debuting at Number One on Billboard 200 |
| 2006 | “Hustlin'” becomes a runaway smash, propelling Ross to stardom |
| 2012 | Performed at BET Awards alongside Meek Mill and Wale |
| 2015 | Nominated for Best Collaboration for “New Flame” featuring Usher |
| 2026 | Returns to BET Awards stage after 14-year hiatus; celebrates 20th anniversary of Port of Miami |
Miami Port Heritage
Released in August 2006, Port of Miami represents a pivotal point in modern hip-hop history, cementing Rick Ross as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The album’s instant impact, entering at Number One on the Billboard 200, was fuelled by the cultural moment that was “Hustlin’,” a song that transcended hip-hop to become a mainstream sensation. Two decades on, Ross remains celebratory of this pivotal accomplishment, which functioned as the cornerstone for a remarkably prolific and influential career to originate from the American South, redefining the landscape of hip-hop in the process.
The 2026 BET Awards Celebration
The BET Awards 2026 provided an memorable night of hip-hop excellence at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater on Sunday, 28 June, featuring performances that celebrated both emerging talent and established icons. Anchored by comedian Druski, the ceremony united some of the industry’s leading figures for a night of music, accolades, and cultural recognition. The event proved once again why the BET Awards stand as one of hip-hop’s premier events, providing a stage for performers to showcase their artistry and cement their legacies.
- Max B and French Montana delivered “Ever Since U Left Me (I Went Deaf)” with female dancers
- Rick Ross joined the duo onstage for “Minks In Miami” wearing lavish fur coats
- The performance featured pyrotechnics and beat switches across the collaborative set
- French Montana and Max B received nominations in the Best Group category
- The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night