While Drake just seems to have lost the biggest rap battle since Jay-Z and Nas, he’s got some good news to distract himself with this month. Moreover, with seven nominations, he leads the 2024 BET Awards nominees, with Young Money partner Nicki Minaj right behind him with six nominations. J. Cole, Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, and SZA have five each, whereas Usher, Beyoncé, 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion have four each. This year’s ceremony will air live on Sunday, June 30 at 8PM EST from Los Angeles on the BET network. With these stars and more in mind, this should make for a pretty stellar event.
Moreover, BET also confirmed the first wave of performers for the 2024 awards show: GloRilla, Shaboozey, Muni Long, Latto, Sexyy Red, and Victoria Monét. In addition, “Album Of The Year” contenders this year will provide an interesting race. These are Usher’s Coming Home, 21 Savage’s American Dream, Drake’s For All The Dogs deluxe, Victoria Monét’s Jaguar II, Gunna’s A Gift & A Curse, Chris Brown’s 11:11, Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2, and Killer Mike’s MICHAEL.
SANTIAGO, CHILE – MARCH 18: Drake performs during day two of Lollapalooza Chile 2023 on March 18, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)
As far as the Viewer’s Choice portion of the BET Awards, there are a lot of hits in contention. Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Tyla’s “Water,” Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” with SZA and Sexyy Red, Victoria Monét’s“On My Mama,” Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills,” Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life,” Gunna’s “Fukumean,” Chris Brown’s “Sensational” with Davido and Lojay, and Muni Long’s “Made For Me.” On another note, Drake, Burna Boy, and Doja Cat are nominated in their respective gendered categories for both best R&B/pop artist and best hip-hop artist.
Meanwhile, for those unaware, the BET Voting Academy determined these nominations, which is a collective of entertainment figures across the many fields that these awards summarize. Voting begins on June 6 and ends the day of the ceremony. If you want to see the full list of nominations, including best group, best new artist, and video of the year, check it out with the “Via” link down below. With this year’s nominations leader in mind, might they have a category for “Best Post-Beef Instagram Story” next year?
The 2023 BET Awards are quickly approaching. The award show is known for celebrating Black music and entertainment, and the nominees are a reflection of that. Among the most stacked categories of this year’s BET Awards include the nominees for best group. The 7 nominees in the category span across multiple genres, from gospel to hip-hop.
Besides the nominations, BET announced the performers for this year’s event. the 2023 BET Awards include performances by Lil Uzi Vert, Doechii, Coco Jones, Glorilla, and a special performance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a variety of hip hop’s most prominent artists. The Hip Hop 50 performers include the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Master P, MC Lyte, and many more. The 2023 BET Awards will air on Sunday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET. Take a look at the list of potential winners and let us know in the comments who should take home the award.
Within the past five years, City Girls have taken over the contemporary hip-hop scene, releasing party-ready bangers that are guaranteed to turn clubs upside down. Members Yung Miami and JT represent their home city of Miami with upbeat, energetic tracks that embrace their southern roots. City Girls reached mainstream recognition with their appearance on Drake’s 2018 single, “In My Feelings.” Since then, the two have been churning out hit songs, including “Act Up,” “Twerk,” and “Twerkulator.” Their latest feature on Diddy’s “Act Bad” is an instant party soundtrack for this summer. In addition to music, Yung Miami’s talk show, Caresha Please has earned her a new position as a notable figure in hip hop media. City Girls make a strong case for the award, with their string of hit songs and cultural relevance.
Drake and 21 Savage first teamed up in 2017 for the one-off single, “Sneakin.” Since then, the two have been closely collaborating, appearing on each other’s albums. Drake appeared on 21 Savage’s “Mr. Right Now” from Savage Mode II in 2020 while 21 featured on Drake’s “Knife Talk” from Certified Lover Boy the following year.
21 Savage was the lone feature on Drake’s dance album, 2022’s Honestly, Nevermind on “Jimmy Cooks,” which was one of the few obvious hip-hop offerings on the album. “Jimmy Cooks” became a big hit and as a result, the two joined forces for a full-length collaborative album. The release of the Her Loss album later that year officially marked Drake and 21 Savage joining together as a group. Her Loss sparked many viral hits, including “Rich Flex.” 21 Savage will join Drake on his It’s All a Blur Tour this summer, playing arenas across North America.
dvsn has been holding down R&B for a while now. The Canadian duo, consisting of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label in 2016. Together, they have released four studio albums that emulate the classic era of 90s and 2000s R&B while also embracing the sounds of today. Their debut album, 2016’s Sept. 5th is widely considered as a modern classic, consisting of multiple tracks that have been certified gold. They have worked with Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Future, Buju Banton, Popcaan, Snoh Aalegra, Miguel, and others. Last year, dvsn released their fourth studio album, Working On My Karma, and have toured the album heavily, playing shows in North America and Europe.
FLO are one of the UK’s latest sensations. The R&B/pop girl group, consisting of members Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer signed to Island Records in 2022 and released their debut single, “Cardboard Box” which has performed extremely well. So far, FLO has worked with the likes of Missy Elliott, Stormzy, and MNEK. They released their debut EP, The Lead in 2022 and embarked on their first-ever headlining tour, playing concerts in Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia. With major cosigns early in their career, their 2023 BET Award nomination for best group solidified their status as rising stars.
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin stand out among the hip hop-centric list of best group nominees for the 2023 BET Awards. Maverick City Music is a well-established name in gospel music — a genre that Kirk Franklin dominated for decades. Together, they made for a major co-headlining arena tour last year. Their Kingdom Tour led to the release of their live album, Kingdom Book One, in 2022. Both Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin are well-decorated, receiving numerous awards for gospel and Christian music awards, as well as Grammys. Their 2023 BET Award nomination for Best Group is further confirmation of their collaboration as a powerful collective.
Migos have won numerous BET Awards, including four awards in 2017. Following Culture II in 2018, the three Migos each released solo albums before teaming up for Culture III in 2021. In 2022, Quavo & Takeoff formed their own group as Unc & Phew, releasing “Hotel Lobby,” the biggest single from their collaborative album. Quavo & Takeoff’s Only Built For Infinity Links was released in late 2022, less than a month before Takeoff’s murder. The tragedy of Takeoff’s death shook the hip-hop community, and their best group nomination at the 2023 BET Awards speaks to his impact and legacy.
Boyz II Men were one of the most influential boy bands of the 1990s. Member Wanyá Morris’s four sons formed their own group as WanMor, following in their father’s footsteps. Big Boy, Chulo, Tyvas, and Rocco might be young, but are working to preserve the boy band culture of the 90s that their father helped build.
We’re deep-diving into the 2023 BET Awards as the ceremony is right around the corner. There are heavy hitters across all categories, but the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist collection is stacked to the brim. The “Culture’s Biggest Night,” as BET calls it, is a celebration of all things related to Black entertainment. Here, we’re revisiting the talents of seven hitmakers with careers that aspiring hopefuls could only beg for.
From Blxst, who has been dominating as a force from the West Coast, to Drake, who needs no introduction, to Chris Brown, who is in the middle of a Michael Jackson-King of Pop debate among fans—this category has brought out the big leagues. Take a deeper look at the artists desiring to take home the BET trophy, and let us know who you think deserves the crown.
Blxst
Blxst is a dynamic talent hailing from Los Angeles, and he’s been captivating fans with his hybrid Rap-R&B sound. His breakthrough occurred in 2019 with the single “Hurt,” followed by the release of his acclaimed debut EP, No Love Lost, in 2020. Its success propelled him to launch his own independent record label, Evgle.
Blxst continued his musical ascend with his 2021 album No Love Lost (Deluxe), which secured a spot in Billboard’s Top 200, a nod to his rising popularity. The South Central native’s meteoric rise and distinctive sound leave an indelible mark on the contemporary music scene. It has made him one of the most exciting artists to watch in today’s Hip Hop landscape.
Brent Faiyaz
Brent Faiyaz is an artist synonymous with soulful R&B. Launching his solo career in 2016, Faiyaz quickly gained a following with his passionate vocals. His EP A.M. Paradox was a critical success, setting the stage for his compelling 2017 debut album Sonder Son. Subsequent releases, including the 2020 project F*ck The World, continued to resonate with listeners. It also helped him earn him spots on Billboard‘s R&B charts.
Running his independent label, Lost Kids, Faiyaz has crafted his path in the industry. He’s been able to preserve his authentic sound while pushing creative boundaries. Recognition for his talent is widespread; his feature on GoldLink’s “Crew” garnered a Grammy nomination in 2017. The 2023 BET Awards have further highlighted his contribution to the R&B genre, confirming his status as a leading voice in contemporary music. With each release, Faiyaz continues to captivate audiences with his poignant sound.
Burna Boy
Nigerian megastar Burna Boy has been a leading force in the global Afrobeats movement. His unique fusion of various genres has resulted in a successful international career. Burna Boy has consistently delivered chart-topping hits since his breakout studio album L.I.F.E in 2013. Further, his fourth album African Giant received a Grammy nomination. His triumph was affirmed with the 2020 release Twice As Tall, which won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
He operates under his independent label, Spaceship Entertainment, though he’s also aligned with Atlantic Records and Warner Music. His remarkable string of accolades includes multiple wins at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, BET Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. As one of the leading figures in the 2023 BET Awards, Burna Boy’s influence and dominance in the music scene remain undeniable.
Chris Brown
Megastar Chris Brown has become one of the defining voices in modern R&B. Recognized for his soulful vocal range and stellar dance moves, Brown has released ten studio albums as of 2023. He boasts numerous chart-topping singles such as “Kiss Kiss,” “With You,” and “No Guidance.” His first album, the 2005 self-titled Chris Brown, went double Platinum, and subsequent albums like Exclusive and F.A.M.E. solidified his status.
He signed with Jive Records initially but later moved to RCA Records. Despite controversy, Brown has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including a Grammy for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E., an array of BET Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards. Ahead of the 2023 BET Awards, it’s clear that Chris Brown’s music continues to be a significant force, influencing the landscape of contemporary R&B and beyond.
Drake
Drizzy has been a monumental figure in the global music industry since his debut in 2009. As a rapper, singer, and songwriter, Drake has released seven studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Take Care and Views. Each album has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits, such as “Hotline Bling,” “God’s Plan,” and “In My Feelings.”
Originally with Young Money Entertainment, he later founded his own label, OVO Sound, an imprint of Warner Records. His unique fusion of Hip Hop and R&B, coupled with introspective lyrics, earned him several prestigious awards, including several Grammys. As we approach the 2023 BET Awards, Drake continues to shape the music scene, leaving an unforgettable mark on the industry.
Another Canadian artist who became a global sensation is The Weeknd. He has established himself as one of the most influential artists of the past decade. The R&B sensation emerged in 2010 with a series of mixtapes later compiled into the Trilogy compilation album. He has released five highly successful albums, with Starboyand After Hourscementing his place atop the charts.
His signature falsetto and moody lyrics have consistently reached the top of the Billboard charts. Most notably with the record-breaking hit “Blinding Lights.” Signed under his own label, XO, as well as Republic Records, The Weeknd’s blend of Pop, R&B, and Electronic music has garnered him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy wins. As we look forward to the 2023 BET Awards, The Weeknd remains a significant force in the industry, continually pushing musical boundaries.
Usher is a name that is consistently in the King of R&B conversations. His career began in the 1990s, and throughout his career, he has released nine studio albums, including the Diamond-certified Confessions, which catapulted him to a new sphere of stardom. With a remarkable track record of chart-topping hits such as “Yeah!,” “Burn,” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” Usher’s discography highlights his enduring relevance in the music industry.
He spent most of his career with LaFace Records and its successor, RCA Records. Unsurprisingly, Usher has earned himself an array of prestigious accolades, including a bevy of Grammy Awards. In anticipation of the 2023 BET Awards, Usher’s influential legacy and continuing contributions to R&B music spotlight his standing as a genre’s cornerstone.
The nominees for this year’s Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards show these artists still have us in a chokehold with their infectious bops. Some collaborations are expected but can take years to happen. Others happen almost immediately and capitalize on the momentum. However, the most celebrated collaborations are often completely unexpected ones, such as the surprise appearance from Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled on Latto’s “Big Energy (Remix).” Not only are these records soundtracking our lives but their success becomes evident on the Billboard charts. With the BET Awards airing on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 8 pm ET, we’re looking into the Best Collaboration category.
“Big Energy (Remix)” – Latto & Mariah Carey Feat. DJ Khaled (2022)
This nominee for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards is a very successful one that had a grip on 2022. Latto’s 777 project displayed her versatility, from the intro songs that showcased her lyrical aggression to efforts like “Big Energy” which dominated radio and streaming services. A significant portion of the song’s success came from the sample of Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.” However, with both the instrumental and Mariah’s vocals on this remix, it propelled the song to further virality. Although it dropped in March 2022, it quickly became the song of the summer while landing in placements for commercials and movies. This song dropped in March but has quickly become a song fit for the summer. Latto’s success continues to ascend as more and more people tune in to her music.
“Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” – PinkPantheress & Ice Spice (2023)
Both of these nominees for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards are products of internet success. PinkPantheress took TikTok by storm before eventually releasing her project, hell with it. Meanwhile, Ice Spice’s breakout single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” went viral and she’s since dropped an EP titled Like..?, and secured a Nicki Minaj feature. However, when they joined forces on “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” they released the most successful song in their careers. This collab brings the two rising artists together who come from the dance music and drill world – two of the most popular genres today.
“Call Me Every Day” – Chris Brown Feat. Wizkid (2022)
These two nominees for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards are from different musical worlds. Chris Brown has excelled in the R&B for well over a decade at this point. Meanwhile, Wizkid has helped bring the Afrobeats sounds to American airwaves to immense success. “Call Me Everyday” finds Chris leaning deeper into Wizkid’s sound, fusing the sounds of West Africa with his R&B sensibilities. While it is on the short side, the two artists use their time wisely. They don’t “trade bars” but their verses and hooks blend together seamlessly. This collaboration is one of the more low-key songs on the list tempo wise but Chris and the dancers in the video still execute choreography that compliments it.
“Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” – King Combs Feat. Kodak Black (2022)
King Combs is Diddy’s son which guarantees that he’s practically free to sample the majority of the Bad Boy catalog. On “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” King Combs gives the expected shoutout to the legendary label and even has a short spoken outro much like his father has done and continues to do today. The song uses the same sample from “Crush On You”, a hit by Lil Kim featuring Lil Cease and The Notorious B.I.G. Listeners have celebrated the track for its nostalgia and how the video looked fun for both artists involved.
“Creepin’ ” – Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage (2022)
Coming from Metro Boomin’s solo album Heroes and Villains, this is another hit record that banks off of nostalgia, thanks to the sample used. In fact, it’s almost a triple sample. The Weeknd interpolates the hook from Mario Winans’ “I Don’t Wanna Know” ft. Diddy and Enya, a song which samples The Fugees’ “Ready Or Not.” Meanwhile, 21 delivers a stand-out verse and Metro tweaks the iconic vocal sample melody without losing the essence of the original. “Creepin’” became an immediate highlight from Heroes & Villains and it’s only right that it earned a nomination for Best Collab. Many listeners remembered the original song and appreciated how it was reimagined while still paying homage.
These nominees for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards created what was truly a hit. Dropping in May 2022, the song still gets heavy radio play and is still in many people’s rotation. This is another song where the music video went viral for a myriad of reasons. But, at the end of the day, it introduced GloRilla to a wider audience which resulted in her current reign as the Princess of Crunk. Her success led to her dropping a project titled Anyways, Life’s Great… – which is also nominated for Album of the Year at these awards.
GloRilla and Cardi B’s nomination for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards comes as no surprise. The highly anticipated collaboration arrived shortly after Cardi’s co-sign of GloRilla’s original single, “Tomorrow,” which landed on CMG’s Gangsta Art. Cardi brings just as much energy as GloRilla for a show-stopping anthem.
Some songs truly feel inescapable. Such is the case with this nomination for Best Collab at the 2023 BET Awards. Future and Drake delivered one of the biggest hits of 2022 with “WAIT FOR YOU.” The Toxic King and the self-proclaimed Certified Lover Boy flipped a sample from Tems’ “Higher” for one of their most successful collaborations to date. Plus, the song’s music video was also the center of discussion amongst listeners because of how surprising it was. The video finds Drake and Future in a medieval setting complete with swords and armor – and yes, they’re wearing them. It’s only right that one of the biggest songs of the year has a video with a budget that matched its size.
