Watch Anderson .Paak’s powerful tribute to Mac Miller at the BET Hip Hop Awards

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"Legends never die"

Anderson .Paak paid tribute to the late rapper Mac Miller in his speech at the BET Hip Hop Awards, which were broadcast last night (October 16).

Miller died earlier this year aged 26. While no official cause of death has yet been released, Miller is believed to have died from an apparent overdose.

“Legends never die,” Paak opened his speech, which you can view below. “And Mac Miller not ‘was’ but is a whole legend.

“Mac Miller did more in 26 years than some of y’all can do in three lifetimes. He never hesitated to extend his hand to the people he loved, and was responsible for putting on so many artists. He not only influenced me but a whole new generation of new, creative, independent artists.”

Paak continued: “Mac Miller was a humble rockstar, he was a rappers rapper, he was an actor, a comedian, a hearthrob; Mac Miller was a brother. He was my friend, I loved him and I still love him

“Thank you Mac for all the good times, thank you for being you.”

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Paak went on to note that Miller had set up the Mac Miller Circles Fund, providing resources and opportunities to young people in underserved communities hoping to explore the arts.

“This fund speaks to the man that Mac is, and we will keep that dream alive,” Paak concluded.

“Many of us have felt this loss deeply, but with this, along with the music he left behind, Mac Miller will live forever.”

Many artists have paid tribute to Miller. Drake, Childish Gambino, G-Eazy, J Cole, John Mayer, Elton John, Missy Elliot, Travis Scott, Solange and more all spoke of their fondness for the musician and his career following his death aged 26.

Miller’s former girlfriend Ariana Grande was also among those to pay tribute, by sharing a tender photo of the late rapper.