Streamer Kai Cenat Doesn't Recognize Rapper Wale at BET Awards: A Look at the Streaming vs. Legacy Media Divide

On June 11th, 2025, a video of streamer Kai Cenat failing to recognize rapper Wale at the BET Awards went viral. The incident sparked a debate about the differences between streaming and legacy media audiences. Akademiks, a popular commentator, weighed in, stating, "Streamers are bigger than these older platforms at this point...they shouldn't expect any crossover from the streamers' audience." This highlights a key challenge for traditional media: reaching younger audiences now heavily engaged with streaming platforms. The event generated significant online buzz, showing the power of streaming culture and the need for traditional media to adapt to changing viewing habits. The contrast between Wale's established career and Cenat's rapid rise in the streaming world underscores the shift in media consumption.