The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, held on October 15, brought together the biggest names in the industry, but for Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Odumodublvck, it was a night of disappointment. Despite strong nominations, both artists left the event empty-handed.
Burna Boy was up for the Best Live Performer award but lost to the legendary Missy Elliott. Odumodublvck, nominated in the Best International Flow category, faced tough competition and ultimately lost to UK rapper Ghetts.
The night’s biggest surprise, however, came from Megan Thee Stallion, who entered the show as the most-nominated artist with 12 nods but failed to win any awards. This made her the evening’s biggest loser.
On the flip side, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home eight awards out of his 11 nominations. Kendrick’s dominance further solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop.
Full List of Winners
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar claimed the top honor, beating out major contenders like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Future.
Hip-Hop Album of the Year: The coveted Album of the Year award went to Nicki Minaj for Pink Friday 2, outshining albums like Drake’s For All the Dogs, Travis Scott’s Utopia, and Future & Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You.
Song of the Year: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was declared Song of the Year, surpassing tracks by Doja Cat, GloRilla, and Travis Scott, among others.
Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist: Sexyy Red took home this award, marking a significant milestone in her rising career.
Best Hip-Hop Video: Kendrick Lamar won yet another category for Best Hip-Hop Video with “Not Like Us,” prevailing over entries from artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Drake.
Best Collaboration: “Like That” by Metro Boomin, Future, and Kendrick Lamar was awarded Best Collaboration, a category that featured collaborations from Drake and J.Cole, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, and Nicki Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert.
Best Duo or Group: Future & Metro Boomin claimed the title of Best Duo or Group, besting a competitive lineup that included 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne, 41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata), and Rick Ross & Meek Mill.
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar further cemented his lyrical prowess by winning Lyricist of the Year, outshining nominees like Drake, 21 Savage, and Cardi B.
Best Live Performer: Missy Elliott’s high-energy performances earned her the Best Live Performer award, beating out the likes of Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Burna Boy.
Video Director of the Year: Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free took home the Video Director of the Year award for their work, surpassing big names like A$AP Rocky and Doja Cat.
Producer of the Year: The Alchemist secured the Producer of the Year award, surpassing Metro Boomin, Hit-Boy, and Pete Rock, among others.
DJ of the Year: The Alchemist took home another award, this time for DJ of the Year, winning over DJ Khaled, DJ Drama, and Mustard.
Best Hip-Hop Platform: Club Shay Shay won the Best Hip-Hop Platform category, a competitive field that included The Breakfast Club, The Joe Budden Podcast, and Drink Champs.
Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent earned the Hustler of the Year title, recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures in and out of music, beating artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Fat Joe.
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Kendrick Lamar added another trophy for Best Featured Verse on “Like That,” a collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin.
Impact Track: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” continued his sweep, winning the Impact Track award, surpassing songs by Megan Thee Stallion, Killer Mike, and Nicki Minaj.
Best International Flow: The UK’s Ghetts was crowned Best International Flow, triumphing over a global field that included Nigeria’s Odumodublvck, South Africa’s Blxckie, and Brazil’s Racionais MCs.
The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards showcased the diversity and talent of the global hip-hop community. While Nigerian fans were hoping for wins from Burna Boy and Odumodublvck, the night ultimately belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who reaffirmed his reign as one of the greatest artists of his generation.
