The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, held on October 8 at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub in Las Vegas, celebrated the brightest stars in the hip hop industry. Hosted by Fat Joe, the star-studded event was not broadcast live but was aired on October 15 on BET and VH1. The night was filled with electrifying performances and the celebration of artists who have made significant contributions to hip hop over the past year.
The Legacy of BET Hip Hop Awards
The BET Hip Hop Awards has been a staple in recognizing excellence in hip hop since its inception in 2006. Over the years, it has celebrated both mainstream and emerging talent, making it one of the most influential award shows in the industry. The show not only highlights achievements in music but also showcases cultural impact and social influence. Past honorees like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Missy Elliott have shaped hip hop’s legacy, making the awards an important annual event for artists and fans alike.
This year’s event, like those in the past, drew attention for its representation of hip hop’s changing landscape. From rising stars like Sexyy Red to veterans like Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj, the awards encapsulated the diverse voices currently leading the genre.
Kendrick Lamar’s Impressive Wins
At the 2024 ceremony, Kendrick Lamar stood out as the evening’s biggest winner, taking home several top honors. His impressive haul included the coveted Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his track Not Like Us. Lamar’s victories further solidify his influence as one of the genre’s leading figures, following the success of his critically acclaimed album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, released in 2022.
Kendrick also won Lyricist of the Year, reaffirming his status as one of the most respected and innovative writers in the industry. His performance prowess earned him Best Live Performer, and alongside Dave Free, he also claimed the title of Video Director of the Year. These wins come after a tumultuous year for Lamar, including a public feud with Drake, but his triumph at the BET Hip Hop Awards underscores his enduring popularity and artistry.
Performances Light Up the Stage
The night was also packed with memorable performances that kept the audience energized. Hip hop veterans and rising stars alike took the stage to deliver powerful renditions of their hits. Among the performers were 2 Chainz, GloRilla, Juicy J, Trina, and Yung Miami. Each artist brought their unique style and energy to the event, contributing to the celebration of hip hop culture.
2 Chainz opened the night with a dynamic performance, setting the tone for an evening full of electrifying acts. GloRilla, one of the night’s nominees for Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist, impressed the audience with her hit track Yeah Glo!. Other standout performances included Yung Miami’s show-stealing act, which had the crowd on its feet.
The performances were not just a showcase of individual talent but also a reflection of how hip hop continues to evolve, embracing different styles and sounds.
Full List of Nominees and Winners
While Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, many other talented artists were recognized for their contributions. Here’s a detailed look at the nominees and winners for some of the major categories:
Hip Hop Artist of the Year
- Winner: Kendrick Lamar
- 21 Savage
- Cardi B
- Drake
- Future
- GloRilla
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Nicki Minaj
Song of the Year
- Winner: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
- Agora Hills – Doja Cat
- Bent, 41 – Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata
- Fe!N – Travis Scott feat. Playboi Carti
- FTCU – Nicki Minaj
- Get It Sexyy – Sexyy Red
- Like That – Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
- Mamushi – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
- Yeah Glo! – GloRilla
Hip Hop Album of the Year
- Winner: Pink Friday 2 – Nicki Minaj
- American Dream – 21 Savage
- Ehhthang Ehhthang – GloRilla
- For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition – Drake
- In Sexyy We Trust – Sexyy Red
- Megan – Megan Thee Stallion
- One of Wun – Gunna
- Utopia – Travis Scott
- We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist
- Winner: Sexyy Red
- 41
- 310babii
- Bossman Dlow
- Cash Cobain
- Lady London
- Skilla Baby
- Tommy Richman
Best Collaboration
- Winner: Like That – Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
- At the Party – Kid Cudi feat. Pharrell Williams & Travis Scott
- Band4band – Central Cee feat. Lil Baby
- Bongos – Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
- Everybody – Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert
- First Person Shooter – Drake feat. J.Cole
- Mamushi – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
- Wanna Be – GloRilla feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Lyricist of the Year
- Winner: Kendrick Lamar
- 21 Savage
- Cardi B
- Common
- Drake
- Lil Wayne
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Nicki Minaj
The Importance of Kendrick Lamar’s Wins
Kendrick Lamar’s dominance at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards is a testament to his enduring relevance in the hip hop industry. Despite stiff competition from other top artists like Drake and Megan Thee Stallion, Lamar’s ability to consistently release chart-topping music that also receives critical acclaim has set him apart from his peers. His success this year highlights not only his artistry but also his influence in shaping the direction of modern hip hop.
Lamar’s lyrical prowess, showcased in tracks like Not Like Us, has earned him the Lyricist of the Year title multiple times over the years. His knack for blending thought-provoking themes with commercially successful music is one of the reasons why he continues to be celebrated as one of the best in the industry.
Travis Scott’s Honorary Award
The I AM Hip Hop Award, given to Travis Scott, celebrates his groundbreaking contributions to the genre. Scott’s career has been marked by innovation, with albums like Astroworld and Utopia pushing the boundaries of what hip hop can sound like. His influence on younger generations of artists has been profound, and his win this year reflects how his music continues to shape the sound of the industry.
The award also comes a decade after his breakthrough with Days Before Rodeo, marking a significant milestone in his career. Travis Scott’s win wasn’t just about his music but also his ability to influence culture, fashion, and social trends within hip hop.
Performances That Stole the Show
In addition to the winners, the performances at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards were one of the highlights of the night. 2 Chainz brought the house down with his opening number, while GloRilla and Yung Miami showcased why they are some of the most exciting new talents in the industry. Juicy J and Trina added a nostalgic touch to the night, performing some of their biggest hits.
The energy in the room was palpable, with artists and fans alike celebrating hip hop’s rich history and its bright future. The performances weren’t just entertainment but a celebration of the genre’s continued growth and influence.
Sources: BET, VIBE, Billboard, XXL