The 2018 BET Awards are officially in full effect, and so was J. Cole when he took the stage in L.A.'s Microsoft Theater for this year's iteration of the typically star-studded awards show on Sunday night (June 24).

In a surprise moment, Cole's performance included a couple of interesting special guest appearances from his good friend Wale and ascendant R&B newcomer, Daniel Caesar. For his part, Wale just sat down and watched TV as Cole's understated "Friends" instrumental played in the background. Handling the hook for the track is Caesar, which was originally sung by Cole's alter ego, Kill Edward.

"Friends" is one of the best tracks from KOD album, and Cole, with his knack for emotional songwriting and a strong stage presence, definitely delivered, and Daniel Caesar was a nice addition.

Cole's performance, which was introduced by the great Jamie Foxx, came just a short while after the very beginning of the show, which saw Top Dawg Entertainment's Jay Rock take the stage to perform his triumphant Redemption single, "Win."

As entertaining as the this year's BET Awards have already been, there is also much, much more fun to be had. Keep it locked with XXL by checking out our 2018 BET Awards Winners list throughout the night.

See video of Cole's performance for yourself below. See some of the rappers who pulled up on the 2018 BET Awards red carpet for yourself beneath that.

See Rappers on the 2018 BET Awards Red Carpet

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