Taraji P Henson says she’s “thrilled” to be returning as host of the BET Awards for a third time. The network announced she’ll be undertaking the role again for this year’s event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles in a statement on Monday.
“I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time,” Henson said in a statement. “I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment.” She previously hosted the event in 2021 and 2022. “Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, ‘BET Awards,’ the ultimate celebration of Black creativity,” Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, said in a statement. “We are equally as thrilled to have so many incredibly talented performers join us, standing on culture’s biggest stage to deliver an unforgettable night.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Host Taraji P. Henson speaks onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET)
As for the awards, Drake leads all nominations with seven total nods. Nicki Minaj follows in second with six nominations while J Cole, Sexyy Red, Victoria Monet, and SZA all have five. Usher will also be present to accept the Lifetime Achievement BET Award.
In addition to Henson serving as host, there will be a number of stars performing at the ceremony. They include GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét. The show will be airing live on June 30. Be on the lookout for further updates on Taraji P Henson on HotNewHipHop.
BET announced that GRAMMY® award-winning global icon Usher will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award at the 2024 BET Awards. Usher, a four-time nominee this year, will be recognized for his significant impact on culture and the entertainment industry. The award celebrates industry pioneers’ exceptional achievements and public service, with past honorees including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, and Mary J. Blige.
“The relationship between BET and USHER spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park, to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, USHER continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence. We look forward to creating an amazing lineup to pay tribute to our global icon.”
Surprise guests are expected to take the stage to celebrate Usher’s illustrious career and musical legacy. The “BET Awards” 2024 will air live on Sunday, June 30, at 8 pm ET/PT from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
We got a confession.
U-S-H-E-R is this year’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE! @Usher
We’ve watched this icon give us LEGENDARY moments on our stage for over 20 years! The legacy continues June 30th at 8/7c! #BETAwardspic.twitter.com/2PiBg0fThS
Usher is one of the most obvious artists worthy of a lifetime achievement award in all of music. He’s been a machine for producing hit songs for well over 20 years now and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Just last year he teamed up with 21 Savage and Summer Walker for a hit single with “Good Good.” That song and the new album he released alongside his performance during the Super Bowl halftime show netted him four nominations at this year’s BET Awards.
But there’s one award that Usher will definitely win, a lifetime achievement award. He was just announced as the official honoree for this year’s achievement award. The actual award show itself is exactly a month away, due to take place on June 30. The full list of nominations dropped earlier this month and was headlined by Drake. The rapper pulled 7 nominations in the wake of his new album For All The Dogs that dropped last year. Nicki Minaj is up next with 6 followed by SZA, J. Cole, Sexyy Red, and Victoria Monet with 5 nominations each. Check out the announcement of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award below.
U-S-H-E-R is this year’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE! @Usher
We’ve watched this icon give us LEGENDARY moments on our stage for over 20 years! The legacy continues June 30th at 8/7c! #BETAwardspic.twitter.com/2PiBg0fThS
Usher also popped up at the MET Gala earlier this month. Fans on social media were surprised by what he wore, a sparkling black suit accessorized by a matching black cape and hat. It added in a splash of color while adhering to the night’s garden theme by sporting a bright red rose accessory. Fans online debated whether or not the look was bold in the right ways or just too much. It’s far from the first time one of the R&B singer’s outside-the-box fashion choices have made waves on social media.
What do you think of Usher being given this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards next month? Do you think he’s a worth winner following in the footsteps of superstars who took home the award before him? Let us know in the comment section below.
The BET Awards 2024 nominations have been announced, celebrating the achievements and excellence of Black entertainers across various fields. One of the most anticipated categories is the Sportsman of the Year Award. As the name suggests, it recognizes the extraordinary contributions of male athletes in their respective sports. Here is a closer look at each nominee, as well as why they have been chosen for this prestigious award.
Anthony Edwards is the shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nicknamed “Ant-Man,” he has quickly risen to prominence in the NBA. Edwards is known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability and has been a standout player since being drafted first overall in 2020. The 2023-2024 season has been great for him, with his performance nothing short of spectacular. Edwards’ impact on the court and his charismatic personality shows he’s a deserving nominee at the 2024 BET Awards.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis continues to dominate the world of professional boxing with his powerful punches and undefeated record. He has also secured several high-profile victories over the past year, solidifying his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Davis went from being the WBA’s Regular champion for four consecutive years before moving on to holding the WBA lightweight title since 2023. His remarkable knockout power and ability to entertain fans with thrilling bouts have earned him a nomination.
Jalen Marquis Brunson, the talented point guard for the New York Knicks, has played a central role in his team’s resurgence. Since signing with the Knicks in 2022, he has made his presence worthwhile. Known for his leadership, court vision, and scoring efficiency, Brunson has helped guide the Knicks to a successful season. His ability to perform under pressure and his significant contributions in crucial games have not gone unnoticed. Brunson’s consistent excellence and influence on the Knicks’ performance earned him a spot among the nominees.
The current holder of this award, Jalen Alexander Hurts is looking for a second win at the 2024 BET Awards. He has had a standout season, demonstrating his prowess both as a passer and a runner. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles as their quarterback in 2020 and has been a phenomenal addition. Hurts has led the Eagles with remarkable poise, helping them secure important victories. Overall, his impressive performance this season has rightfully earned him a nomination for Sportsman of the Year.
Kyrie Irving, currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks, remains one of the most skilled and creative players in the NBA. Known for his extraordinary ball-handling skills and scoring ability, Irving continues to amaze fans and opponents alike. Despite the ups and downs in his career, his talent and influence on the court are undeniable. Undoubtedly, Irving’s nomination at the 2024 BET Awards is very well-deserved.
LeBron James continues to defy expectations. The legendary forward for the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the most influential and dominant figures in basketball, breaking records, as well as setting new benchmarks. His leadership, experience, and unparalleled skill have aided the Lakers in crucial games, further solidifying his legacy. LeBron’s continued excellence and his significant impact on the sport make him a perennial favorite for this award. It’s no surprise why he’s the most nominated in this category, with 20 nods to his name. With nine wins, he’s also the most awarded and is looking to extend his record to 10 at the 2024 BET Awards.
Three Super Bowl wins in five seasons is a remarkable feat, and Patrick Mahomes can proudly boast of this accomplishment. The superstar quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs has once again proven why he is considered one of the best in the NFL. Mahomes’ exceptional talent, including his strong arm, quick decision-making, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, has led the Chiefs to numerous victories. Since becoming the Chiefs’ quarterback in 2018, the team has had several AFC Championship Game appearances and four Super Bowl appearances. His career accolades have earned him a spot on this list.
Stephen Curry, the iconic guard of the Golden State Warriors, continues to revolutionize basketball with his exceptional three-point shooting. Curry’s ability to change the dynamics of a game with his long-range shooting has earned him numerous accolades and a massive fan following. His performance in the past season was marked by clutch shots and record-extending moments. At the 2024 BET Awards, Curry stands a chance of extending his number of wins to six!
The BET Awards 2024 have announced their nominations, and one of the most anticipated categories is the Best New Artist category. There’s so much fresh talent up for the award. Each of them has made significant waves in the music industry over the past year. Moreover, this year’s nominees are a blend of diverse sounds and groundbreaking artistry. Here’s a closer look at each nominee, and why they are being celebrated at the 2024 BET Awards.
41 is a Hip Hop group that has quickly risen to prominence with their unique sound and energetic performances. Composed of Kylie Richh, Jenn Carter, and TaTa, the group is known for their innovative approach to rap. They also capture the essence of street culture. 41 has been making waves with their contributions to the drill scene and has also garnered a dedicated fan base. Their debut project, 41 World: Not the Album, has been favorably received, earning them a well-deserved nod at the 2024 BET Awards.
4Batz
4Batz is an emerging artist who has been a promising voice in R&B. His ability to fuse elements of R&B, trap, and soul helped set him apart. Known for his fresh approach to music and contrasting aesthetics, 4Batz has quickly gained popularity and praise from rappers like Kanye West and Drake. Additionally, the release of his debut EP, u made me a st4r, further cemented him as one artist to look out for.
A standout artist in the Afrobeat genre, Ayra Starr has captured international audiences with her catchy songs. Hailing from Nigeria, she has taken the Afrobeats scene by storm. Signed to Mavin Records, she has consistently released hit singles, and is finally being recognized at the 2024 BET Awards for her talents. Characterized by her vibrant, genre-blended rhythms, she’s leading the charge for younger African artists with global platforms.
Bossman Dlow
Bringing a new flair to Hip Hop, Bossman Dlow’s impactful lyrics and dynamic style have earned him a very well-deserved nomination. He is known for his lyrical prowess and dynamic flow. Bossman went from rapping while doing time in 2019, to becoming widely known in the Florida rap scene. Moreover, his storytelling ability and authentic representation of his experiences have earned him a loyal following. His debut and sophomore mixtapes, 2 Slippery and Mr Beat The Road are braggadocious, fantastic projects. received positive reviews for its raw and honest portrayal of life in his community.
Fridayy
Fridayy has quickly become a name to watch in R&B. It comes as no surprise that he is also up for the Best New Artist award. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, his music touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and also his personal growth. He has already made a name for himself for his soulful sound and creating a unique musical experience for his listeners. He is also up for the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award at the 2024 BET Awards.
October London
October London is finally receiving his flowers. He is an artist whose smooth vocals and retro-inspired sound have long been overdue for widespread recognition. Blending elements of R&B, soul, and funk, he brings a nostalgic yet fresh vibe to his songs. His music is often also praised for its production quality and his ability to evoke emotion through his performances. The track, “Back To Your Place,” on his latest album of the same name, topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
A strong contender in this category is the bold and unapologetic Sexyy Red. Her music, often characterized by its catchy hooks and confident delivery, has evidently resonated with a broad audience. Known for her vibrant personality and dynamic stage presence, Sexyy Red has quickly become a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. She will also be bringing her infectious energy on the main stage at the 2024 BET Awards.
A breakout star from South Africa, Tyla is making waves with her unique blend of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B. Her infectious energy and innovative sound have garnered her a significant following both in Africa and internationally. Her viral single “Water” was a chart-topping hit, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry. A strong contender in the category, Tyla is also up for three other awards at the 2024 BET Awards.
The 2024 BET Awards will continue the prestigious celebration of excellence in Black entertainment and culture. This year’s nominees for Best Female Hip Hop Artist encapsulate the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the genre. As expected from such a prestigious ceremony, the competition this year in just about every category is fierce. However, the Best Female Hip Hop Artist category has to be among the most unpredictable because of its stacked lineup. All eight trailblazing female artists have carved out their own space, pushing the boundaries of creativity and authenticity.
Cardi B
Since she dropped “Bodak Yellow” in 2017, Cardi B has dominated the music industry. Although her only album right now was released six years ago, she has remained relevant every year since then. This year is no different, and it’s no surprise she’s being recognized once again by the BET Awards. Over the past year, she released hit songs like “Bongos” ft. Megan Thee Stallion, and “Enough (Miami),” among others. With two awards in this category already, a win in 2024 would make her the third most-awarded artist in the category alongside Megan Thee Stallion.
Doja Cat was first nominated in this category in 2020. Altogether, including 2024’s nod, it brings it up to three nominations for the rapper in this category. Sadly, she unfortunately didn’t win any of the previous two nominations. However, at the 2024 BET Awards, the “Agora Hills” rapper could finally bag a win in this highly competitive category. While she is up against strong contenders, she has a pretty good chance of winning. With her Scarlet album and songs like “Paint the Town Red” to her name, she could take it this time.
When GloRilla debuted in 2019, not everyone saw the vision of the artist she could be. However, since then, brick by brick, she has built a name and a space for herself in the industry. She was first nominated in this category at last year’s ceremony but lost to Latto. At the 2024 BET Awards, however, she could finally take home her first Best Female Hip Hop Artist win.
The ascent of Ice Spice has been nothing short of phenomenal. The 24-year-old rapper burst onto the scene in 2022 with her viral hit, “Munch (Feelin’ U).” Since then, she has risen the ranks at an unbelievable pace and is now regarded as one of the most exciting new acts in Hip Hop. Her first BET nod came in 2023 when she was nominated in four categories. While she missed out on all four, she has another chance at the 2024 BET Awards. This time, she’s up for three awards, one of which is the coveted Best Female Hip Hop Artist award. Considering the lineup, she may be regarded as the underdog. However, the biggest mistake anyone could make would be underestimating her and undermining her chances.
Latto
The current holder of this award, Latto, has had a taste of the glory, and she’s come back for more. The rapper had a good year, releasing notable tracks like “Seven” with Jungkook, “Issa Party” ft. BabyDrill, and “Sunday Service.” There’s no question about why she was shortlisted; her chances are just as good as the other nominees’. It’s her fourth nomination so far in this category. If she defends the crown she currently holds, it would be her second win in the Best Female Hip Hop Artist category.
Megan Thee Stallion
Without a doubt, Megan Thee Stallion is one of the biggest female acts in the current Hip Hop scene. She has been nominated in this category every year since 2019 and has won three of those nominations so far. Evidently, the quality of her work speaks for itself, and that’s why she is one of the biggest threats on this list. Her record-breaking track “Hiss” is arguably the biggest female Hip Hop track of 2024. The rapper has an impeccable record, and she may very well take home the gold again at the 2024 BET Awards.
Nicki Minaj
It goes without saying, Nicki Minaj is Hip Hop royalty. Widely regarded as the Queen of Rap, she is also the most nominated and awarded artist in this category. She has been nominated a whopping 14 times, and has won seven of those so far. At the 2024 BET Awards, she could extend her impressive record with an eighth win. Minaj’s highly anticipated fifth album was released in December 2023. The project contains many fire tracks, including “FTCU,” “Everybody,” and “Super Freaky Girl,” among others. Additionally, it has been praised by listeners around the globe. It would certainly not be shocking if the beloved album secures the rapper another Best Female Hip Hop Artist win.
It’s Sexyy Red’s world, and we’re all just living in it. The rapper has had an unbelievable year and has been on an insane run since early 2023. Releasing hit solo tracks and being featured on other hit songs, she’s undoubtedly one of the hottest female rappers right now. Admittedly, she is the underdog, as this is her very first nomination in this category. However, her influence and renown in the music industry over the past year have been undeniable. At the 2024 BET Awards, Sexyy Red has a good chance of taking home the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. It’s anyone’s game at this point, and that’s how strong the lineup is. That’s what makes it so exciting. Tune in on June 30 to see whose side the scale will tip toward.
The 2024 BET Awards are recognizing some of the most outstanding movies of the past year. The nominations for Best Movie are definitely well-deserved. From action films to drama, comedy, and even animation, there’s a healthy lineup of films up for the prize this year. Last year, Black Panther: Wakanda Forevertook home the award, and eight movies will stand the chance to do so this year.
Undeniably, one of the best movies released so far this decade is American Fiction. The comedy-drama playfully pokes at the topic of stereotypes surrounding “Black” books. Jeffrey Wright, in a leading role, plays a brilliant writer who reluctantly writes a book filled with Black literary stereotypes. Shockingly, the book becomes a major hit.
American Fiction is smart, witty, and handles important subjects with care. Supporting roles from Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Erika Alexander boost the overall enjoyability of the movie. Wright is also nominated for Best Actor at the 2024 BET Awards.
Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
It’s common knowledge that Beyoncé is a hard-working performer. While the Renaissance album was an instant classic, the tour took things up a notch. As if she couldn’t blow our minds anymore, she released the mesmerizing Renaissance film. Altogether, this project encapsulates Beyoncé’s talent, perseverance, and impressive leadership qualities. Beyoncé herself is up for a total of five awards at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards.
The Spider-Man multiverse, or the Spider-Verse has produced back-to-back hits. The second film, Across, became a huge hit across the globe. One could argue that it was the best animated movie of 2023. The continued journey of Miles Morales was boosted by the appearance of numerous other Spider-people. The film also featured a star-studded cast, including Shameik Moore, Brian Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Mahershala Ali, and Daniel Kaluuya, among others.
The Little Mermaid
When Halle Bailey was announced to take on the role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, the internet was split down the middle. Racism reared its ugly head, which caused plenty of controversy at the time. Thankfully, Disney did not budge, and Bailey nailed the role out of the park, which has resulted in a nomination at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards. With an angelic voice able to stop you in your tracks, she carried the soundtrack effortlessly. The movie also fared well critically, with Bailey’s performance receiving great praise.
The Book Of Clarence
The Book Of Clarence is a hilarious story about a man named Clarence looking to gain fame by pretending to be a new Messiah. The film is set in the Bible days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Several A-list actors make up the cast movie and provide an entertaining watch. These include LaKeith Stanfield, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Omar Sy, Alfre Woodard, Caleb McLaughlin, and many more. At the 2024 BET Awards, LaKeith is also up for the Best Actor award.
Bob Marley: One Love
The biographical film about the legendary Bob Marley might have received mixed critical reviews, but it resonated well with audiences. Kingsley Ben-Adir starred as the icon, bringing his charm and charisma to the role. Lashana Lynch and James Norton also stole the show as Rita Marley and Chris Blackwell, respectively. Altogether, the cast delivered exceptionally, and the music was also excellently handled.
The Color Purple
The Color Purple is enough to make you emotional. Now add the voices of Fantasia and Taraji P. Henson, and the tears are guaranteed to fall. The 2024 BET Awards are recognizing this exceptional musical for its amazing script, cast, and also the soundtrack. Notably, Danielle Brooks was a major standout in the movie, earning her another nomination in the Best Actress category. Directed by Blitz Bawaule, The Color Purple is indeed worth the hype. If anything, it amplifies the legacy of the iconic franchise.
The Equalizer 3
News of the reunion of Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning was met with a great reception. After starring in 2004’s Man On Fire, the pair joined forces two decades later on The Equalizer 3. This action-packed film is the third in the franchise and packed a lot more punch than previous installments. As always, Washington shined in his role as the no-nonsense Robert McCall. Beyond the critical praise, The Equalizer 3 was also a box office hit, earning over $190 million at the box office.
On June 30, celebrities and fans will gather for the 2024 BET Awards. In the category of Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, several phenomenal women have been nominated. All the artists up for the award released some of their best music in the past year, which means it could go one of eight ways. Between the first-time nominee Victoria Monét and the Queen of the BET Awards, Beyoncé, there’s no telling who will emerge victorious. Nonetheless, it’s been a wonderful time for R&B and Pop music, and these women are at the forefront of the genre right now.
With ten wins out of 18 nominations, Beyoncé is both the most awarded and the most nominated in the category. SZA won the award last year and is also up for the trophy again. New faces include Muni Long, who achieved viral success once again with “Made For You,” and the Amapiano Princess, Tyla. All women deserve their flowers for delivering exceptional music and performances over the past year. Here are the eight women nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist at the 2024 BET Awards.
Beyoncé
She needs no introduction. Beyoncé has picked up ten wins in this category and is looking to extend her number of wins to 11. Her first win came in 2004, and 20 years later, she is up against a new crop of artists. This testament to her longevity and legacy is evident in her constant reinvention of her artistry. Following her acclaimed Renaissance World Tour and its accompanying film, it’s no surprise why Queen Bey has emerged as the third most nominated act at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards.
Tyla
Tyla is a first-time nominee in this category and boasts four nods at the 2024 BET Awards. The South African starlet achieved worldwide success in 2023 with her viral hit “Water.” Since then, it’s been up for Tyla. The smash hit made waves across the globe, stamping her name into people’s consciousness. She’s currently raising the bar with her sound and pushing the gospel of Amapiano music to the rest of the world. She’s arguably the underdog of not just the category but the entire ceremony.
Victoria Monét
Once upon a time, Victoria Monét was known more for her songwriting prowess. Today, she’s one of the biggest names in music. After the massive success of her debut album, Jaguar II, the world now knows her as an artist and performer in her own right. At the upcoming 2024 BET Awards, Monét is nominated for four awards and will also perform on the main stage.
Coco Jones
After a steady ascent to mainstream stardom, Coco Jones is now here to stay. She earned her first nomination in this category last year and can now boast of back-to-back nods. Early last year, she released the deluxe edition of her acclaimed EP, What I Didn’t Tell You. Since then, she has been all over, boosting her popularity through Christmas music and multiple live performances.
In 2023, Doja Cat made the confident leap back to her rap roots. Evidently, the gamble she took on herself paid off. Scarlet, her fourth album, was a definitive body of work. While she’s stirred up some controversy in the past year, Doja’s talents have never been up for question. With a perfect blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and trap, Scarlet proved Doja’s ability to rap alongside the best of them. She has been hard at work the last few months, completing the North American leg of The Scarlet Tour.
H.E.R.
She may have just one studio album to her name, but H.E.R. is R&B royalty. Since 2018, she has been nominated in this category and has gained yet another nod at the 2024 BET Awards. Altogether, she has seven nods, making her the third most nominated woman in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category. Since her 2023 nomination, H.E.R. sang on The Color Purple soundtrack, joined Coldplay on tour, and performed with Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Muni Long
Muni Long might have just scored her first award in this category, but she has been hard at work in the industry for years. She’s penned songs for several notable names, from Rihanna to Ariana Grande. After achieving mainstream success with “Hrs and Hrs” in 2022, she continued her run with the viral hit “Made for Me.” As one of three first-time nominees, Muni Long is definitely one of the underdogs of the night. She will also be performing on the main stage at the awards ceremony.
With five nominations at the 2024 BET Awards, SZA is the third most nominated artist of the night. She’s aiming for a second win, following her success in the category at last year’s ceremony. It comes as no surprise why she’s one of the favorites to win. SZA’s impressive run with SOS continued deep into 2023. In fact, she’s still reaping the rewards of her talents almost two years later. She is currently on the 2024 run of her SOS Tour, with shows scattered across the United States, Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and South America.
The 2024 BET Awards are underway, and the coveted Album of the Year Award is once again up for grabs. The nominees have been announced, and it’s a pretty star-studded affair. Therefore, it’s absolutely anybody’s guess who will take home the award. Eight impressive albums aim for the top, but judging from last year, more than one project could take home the prize.
At the 2023 BET Awards last year, Beyoncé and SZA jointly won the Album of the Year award. Evidently, both Renaissance and SOS were major releases and took the world by storm. Interestingly, this year, Victoria Monét, although a veteran in the game, is the only artist nominated for a debut album. The remaining seven nominees have released several studio albums in the past. Here are all the AOTY nods at the upcoming 2024 BET Awards.
11:11 – Chris Brown
Eleven studio albums into his career, and Chris Brown is not interested in slowing down. His album 11:11 was released on November 10, 2023, and showed Breezy at his most refined in recent years. With a flurry of glitzy R&B songs, Chris Brown also continued to dip his toe into Afrobeats and dancehall waters. With the dreamy singles “Summer Too Hot,” “Sensational,” and “Nightmares,” the veteran crooner definitely deserves the AOTY nod at the 2024 BET Awards. He is also looking to extend his record as the male artist with the most wins. Altogether, it’s safe to refer to Chris Brown as the King of the BET Awards.
The past two years have been quite turbulent for Gunna. The rapper has been trying to adjust to the public eye, especially after being released from prison. However, the music has yet to suffer, and Gunna has consistently delivered. His fourth album, a Gift & a Curse, was given the surprise treatment, dropping unannounced on June 16, 2023. Notably, the artist did not feature any acts, which could be interpreted as him proving his worth amidst his return. The album also made a splash, particularly thanks to the trap banger, “FukUMean.”
American Dream – 21 Savage
The third solo album by 21 Savage is a stellar one. While it’s loaded with A-list features, 21 never loses his momentum. If anything, the features help to amplify his sound. American Dream was released on January 12, 2024, just in time to garner an Album of the Year nod at the BET Awards. With many standout tracks, including the Travis Scott-assisted “Née-Nah,” 21 Savage definitely earned the recognition.
It’s an established fact that 2023 belonged to Usher. Between his acclaimed Super Bowl halftime show and his marriage to his longtime girlfriend, Usher also released his ninth studio album, Coming Home. The album is R&B at its finest and is his best body of work in years. Although there’s a more evolved sound, Usher still kept things dynamic with Afrobeats and K-pop affiliations. With four nods at the 2024 BET Awards, he’s the fourth most nominated act of the night.
For All The DogsScary Hours Edition – Drake
Drake’s eighth album might have been seen as overkill by many, but it was still a commercial triumph. For All the Dogs featured a wide variety of Hip Hop acts. These include J. Cole, 21 Savage, Sexyy Red, and more. While it’s hardly anyone’s favorite Drake album, it did provide a few hits. The controversial “Slime You Out” debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, “Rich Baby Daddy” is still enjoying major radio play almost a year later.
Jaguar II – Victoria Monét
With five nominations at the 2024 BET Awards, Victoria Monét is the third most-nominated artist. After moderate success in her career, she broke through last year with Jaguar II. As a result, Monét earned her rightful acclaim, even snagging multiple Grammys. As the only debut album in this year’s AOTY category, all eyes are on Jaguar II. The shimmery debut studio album is sure to sit comfortably as one of the best R&B albums this decade.
Pink Friday 2 – Nicki Minaj
After years of anticipation, Nicki Minaj dropped Pink Friday 2, effectively stopping the world. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200 and set multiple records. Nicki’s inclination for pop rap was on display, but she also loaded the big guns, as well. Altogether, Pink Friday 2 was a great successor to 2010’s Pink Friday, and Minaj at her most free.
MICHAEL – Killer Mike
Few rap albums earned as much acclaim as Killer Mike’s sixth, MICHAEL. The Southern Hip Hop legend returned with his first solo studio album in 11 years. MICHAEL boasts a star-studded lineup of featured artists, including CeeLo Green, Jagged Edge, Dave Chappelle, and more. However, where the album truly excels is in its lyricism. Overall, Killer Mike proves he’s one of one with this project.
It’s only a few weeks until the 2024 BET Awards take place. Nominations have been announced, and the Award for Best Male Hip Hop Artist will go to one out of eight nominees. The category is, of course, packed with several notable names, from Lil Wayne, to Future. However, there’s absolutely no telling who will snag the award this year.
Last year and the year before, Kendrick Lamar took home the award. This further extended his run as the rapper with the most wins in the category. This year, K-Dot is looking to continue his streak once again. However, the competition is tight, and it could go one of several ways. Here are all the eight nominees for Best Male Hip Hop Artist at the 2024 BET Awards.
21 Savage
Last year was very eventful for 21 Savage. He and Drake embarked on the It’s All a Blur Tour, which just recently came to an end. Furthermore, he released his third solo album, american dream, to positive reviews. The album was packed with impressive features, including Burna Boy, Doja Cat, Lil Durk, Travis Scott, Summer Walker, and more. Nonetheless, 21 was the star of the show. Immersing himself fully in his creative versatility, he released a worthwhile project.
Burna Boy
There’s a bit of confusion as to why Burna Boy emerged in this category at the 2024 BET Awards. The African Giant has been noted for his ability to adapt to musical genres, but he’s never been fully affiliated with Hip Hop. Nonetheless, his seventh album, I Told Them… made waves upon release and earned a favorable reception. The album did feature an impressive lineup of Hip Hop acts though, including Dave, RZA, J. Cole, and more.
Drake
It’s become common law that Drake scores a nod in this category. It comes as no surprise that he’s the most nominated act in this category. For context, Drake has been nominated yearly since he burst onto the scene in 2010. That gives him a whopping 15 nominations to his credit. While he’s yet to win since 2016, the 2024 BET Awards could prove a game-changer. Drake had a magnificent 2023, which included going on tour and releasing his eighth studio album, the chart-topping For All the Dogs.
Future
Future enjoyed a fairly chill 2023, making splashes here and there with a few singles. He embarked on the Future and Friends: One Big Party Tour with Don Tolliver, G Herbo, Mariah the Scientist, and more. He’s also coming off back-to-back nominations at the 2022 and 2023 BET Awards, respectively, and things might swing his way at the 2024 ceremony. Additionally, Future is also one of the most nominated in the category’s history, with eight nods to his name. However, he’s yet to win so far.
Gunna returned to our ears in 2023 with the release of his fourth album, a Gift & a Curse. The project did not feature any artists, allowing Gunna to shine all on his own. It spawned the hit single “FukUMean,” which became one of the songs of the summer. This is his first BET nomination for Best Male Hip Hop Artist, making him one of only two first-time nominees in the category.
J. Cole
Surprisingly, J. Cole is yet to win in this category. In fact, he’s the most nominated act in the category without a win. Perhaps 2024 is his year to claim the trophy after a whopping 11 BET Awards nominations in this category. Cole has earned back-to-back nods since 2021. He joined Drake and 21 Savage on the It’s All a Blur Tour, performing at two shows. Subsequently, he joined the second American leg, titled It’s All a Blur Tour – Big as the What?
Kendrick Lamar
Undoubtedly, the man to watch is Kendrick Lamar. Fresh off several wins, the 2024 BET Awards could see K-Dot aiming for the triple. With nine nods in the category, he’s the fourth nominated rapper after Drake, J. Cole, and Jay-Z. However, with six wins, he proudly wears the crown. Maybe he will extend his record to seven this year.
Lil Wayne
A legacy act, Lil Wayne picked up his first and only win for Best Male Hip Hop Artist in 2009. He hasn’t been nominated since 2012, but after a greatest hits album, a mixtape, and a collaborative album with 2 Chainz, it’s no surprise that the icon has received his dues. Lil Wayne blessed his fans with lots of new music last year, and the anticipation for Tha Carter VI has only grown since.
(@kingjames)