Wale Turns BET Awards Viral Snub Into Ad

At the 2025 BET Awards, Twitch streamer Kai Cenat failed to recognize rapper Wale during a livestreamed parking garage encounter, despite the two having previously met at a celebrity football game. Wale was seen playing Nintendo Switch during the meeting, and Cenat later admitted on stream he didn't know who Wale was, even mispronouncing his name. The moment quickly went viral, prompting Wale to confront Cenat at the event and express frustration that the exchange made him look 'crazy.' Cenat apologized but appeared confused by the attention. Wale later addressed the situation humorously on social media, turning the awkward exchange into a Nintendo Switch ad, which some speculated was a marketing move. The incident has sparked discussion about generational divides in hip-hop recognition and the unpredictable outcomes of viral livestreaming.