After going viral for not recognizing rapper Wale during a brief and awkward run-in at the 2025 BET Awards, popular streamer Kai Cenat is speaking out — and asking for understanding.

The online moment sparked debate across social media, with some criticizing Kai for seemingly disrespecting a hip-hop vet, while others defended him for simply being young. In a recent livestream, Kai addressed the situation directly and cleared the air about the encounter.

“I hope Wale didn’t take it personal,” Kai said. “Seriously — how can you blame me for being who I am, I’m young?”

To make his point, Kai played Wale’s hit single “Lotus Flower Bomb” featuring Miguel — a certified classic — and admitted he recognized the song, but didn’t initially connect it to the artist.

“I know this song! But when did it come out came out? 2011? I was 9 years old,” Kai exclaimed during the stream.

Many fans have since come to his defense, arguing that generational gaps in music recognition are natural — especially with artists who peaked when newer stars were still kids.

Still, some Wale supporters felt the moment underscored a larger issue of younger influencers lacking knowledge of foundational figures in the culture. Wale himself hasn’t made a formal comment since the video circulated, though reports suggest he was initially caught off guard by the snub.

In true Kai fashion, the streamer kept the tone light, respectful, and humorous. While the moment may have started as awkward, it’s now just another entertaining chapter in the ever-evolving overlap between old-school artists and new-school content creators.