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Grammy Awards 2025: 5 Albums That Deserved A Best Rap Album Nomination

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The 2025 Grammy Awards nominations were revealed on November 8th. The Best Rap Album category has, historically, been a source of contention among hip-hop fans for their inconsistency. For every great moment, like Nas finally capturing the award for the unexpectedly fantastic comeback album King’s Disease in 2021 (the award did not even exist when Illmatic released in 1994), there is an equally perplexing moment, like Macklemore’s The Heist beating out Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2014. 

J. Cole’s Might Delete Later, Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady: Coup de Grace, Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal, Future & Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You, and Common & Pete Rock’s The Auditorium, Vol. 1 make up the Best Rap Album category this year. Here are five more albums released in 2024 that I believe could also have been nominated for the divisive, but prestigious, award. The submission eligibility period this year covers albums released between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024. Therefore, anything released after that (i.e. LL Cool J & Q-Tip’s The FORCE and Blu & Exile’s Love (the) Ominous World) did not make the list. 

Read More: Andre 3000, GloRilla, Run-DMC, & More React To Their Grammy Nominations

ScHoolboy Q – Blue Lips

ScHoolboy Q has received two Best Rap Album nominations in his career. The first came in 2015 for Oxymoron, the album that doubled as Q’s breakthrough into commercial viability (thanks in part to the success of “Studio,” the track with BJ the Chicago Kid that gave Q his first top 40 single as a lead artist). The second came in 2017 for the stunning Blank Face LP, one of the greatest hip-hop albums of the 21st century. Blue Lips, his first album in nearly five years, feels much more like a spiritual successor to Blank Face than a follow-up to 2019’s CrasH Talk.

Blue Lips is enigmatic and uncompromising, much like its creator. ScHoolboy Q deftly moves between booming beats (“THank god 4 me,” “Back n Love”) and jazzy introspection (“Blueslides,” “Germany 86’”). It’s emblematic of a maturity that Q, like many others in his age range, has found in his personal life. Raps about his daughter, mother, lost friends, and continued growth as a man show where he is now. They even offer a bit of insight into where he wants to be in the future.

An album as ambitious in its sound as this one can sometimes come across as varied to the point that it borders on disjointedness. That does not happen here. Q crafts a cohesive listen, delivering a piece of work that never feels overbearing. Blue Lips, in all its eclectic glory, is a work by a master of his craft operating with a new outlook on life and his art. It would have been more than worthy of Best Rap Album consideration at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Secures Seven Nominations For 2025 Grammys After Drake Beef

Vince Staples – Dark Times

Dark Times is Vince Staples’ final album for Def Jam and a triumphant love letter to the city that raised him. It’s a remarkably mature project and a culmination of over ten years of development both professionally and personally. The more pointed reckonings with the trauma that still influences his decisions today contrast with a younger Staples. Ten years ago, he would have addressed his reality with a sardonic, sarcastic response that masked greater uncertainties. 

The vulnerability displayed on Dark Times from the usually very guarded Long Beach rapper leads to some of the sharpest writing of Staples’ career. The nihilism that underscored everything he released from 2011’s Shyne Coldchain, Vol. 1 to 2022’s Ramona Park Broke My Heart gives way to a sense of cautious optimism. “Life hard, but I go harder,” Staples raps on “Little Homies,” a standout cut from the album’s back half. That willingness to go hard resulted in one of 2024’s most award-ready albums. Dark Times would not at all have been out of place among the year’s Best Rap Album nominees, especially since Staples has never been nominated for a Grammy.

Rapsody – Please Don’t Cry

There are few rappers active today who can go bar for bar with Rapsody. Please Don’t Cry, the North Carolina native’s fourth album, is another shining example of this. It’s raw and bold, comfortably her most upfront album to date. And it is also her most diverse, moving from the boom-bap stylings of her mentor 9th Wonder and his fellow Justus League member Khrysis, into a dynamic soundscape, with beats from S1, Hit-Boy, BLK ODYSSY, and a surprising amount of 808s. She embraces the difficulty of life, recalling her younger years. Rapsody rhymes about insecurities that come from her spot in the game, and the several probes by the public into her dating life and sexuality. She brushes it all off, with witty middle fingers to her detractors (“Asteroids,” “Look What You’ve Done”). By the end, she comes to terms with who she is as a woman–despite how messy she may be (“Forget Me Not”). Please Don’t Cry is an excellent album that easily could have netted Rapsody a second Best Rap Album Grammy nomination.

Read More: Beyonce Breaks Her Own Record With 2025 Grammy Nominations

Logic – Ultra 85

In 2018, Logic received two Grammy nominations, one for Best Rap Song and another for Best Music Video. Both of those nominations came from “1-800-273-8255,” the Alessia Cara and Khalid-assisted hit single that inspired thousands of calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline upon its release. The song is by far the biggest of Logic’s career. Its impact on the people, particularly those who were struggling at the time, is undeniable. Since that dalliance with the mainstream, Logic has not really come close to another nomination at the awards show. Ultra 85, the vibrant and thoughtful ninth album from the Gaithersburg MC, is one of 2024’s most creative albums. It is a release that could have easily found a spot in the field this year. 

The self-assured nature in his lyrics and flow (“Paul Rodriguez”), willingness to dive into some truly uncomfortable territory on a wide range of topics (“Favela,” “Teleport”), and smooth old-school-tinged production primarily handled by longtime collaborator 6ix and Logic himself, come together in the most “Logic”-feeling album to date. It is the direct result of over fifteen years of honing his craft and coming out of his shell. He went from drowning in his influences to using them to shape music that is true to who he is: a man with a very hard upbringing who had his life saved by hip-hop. It is a remarkable release, among the most complete offerings in rap this year, and one worthy of recognition.

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Lupe Fiasco – Samurai

Lupe Fiasco has not been nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards since 2013. There, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album received a nod. Since departing from Atlantic Records in 2015, Lupe has released some of the most fully realized work of his career. Samurai stands as arguably his strongest release since embracing life as an independent artist.

Produced entirely by Soundtrakk, Samurai aims to answer the question of “What would Amy Winehouse sound like if she was a battle rapper?” It is a concept lifted from a quote in the 2015 documentary Amy. In the quote, the late singer likens her lyrics to “battle raps” in a conversation with producer Salaam Remi. Based on this Lupe Fiasco album, the answer appears to be “outstanding.” Lupe is in rare form across the project. His already sharp pen has only gotten sharper in middle age. It feels like a direct rebuttal to the notion that hip-hop is a “young man’s game.” Tracks like “Mumble Rap” and “No. 1 Headband” are truly virtuosic. Lupe raps over some of the jazziest, most pristine beats of the year. Perhaps Samurai does not reach the highs of his first two albums. Even with that, Lupe Fiasco is an undeniable force as an MC. He took his place among the genre’s best years ago and not letting go of that spot. It is yet another album worthy of recognition, and one that, like the preceding four albums on the list, could have found a seat among this year’s Grammy nominees.

The post Grammy Awards 2025: 5 Albums That Deserved A Best Rap Album Nomination appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

BET Hip-Hop Awards: 5 Things That Need Fixing In 2025

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The BET Hip-Hop Awards are a far cry from what they used to be. Over the last few years, interest in what used to be one of the most anticipated events on the hip-hop calendar has dwindled. This comes down to several issues, primarily with BET as an institution no longer being in touch with modern hip-hop beyond what’s popular today. As the show’s presentation continues to change, things have gone away that need to return. Fans view the show more negatively thanks to many unneeded changes over the years. Here are five things that the BET Hip-Hop Awards are missing that could improve the quality of the once-culturally significant event if they were implemented when the next one happens in 2025. 

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1. Bring Back The Cyphers

Every year, the BET Hip-Hop Awards used to play host to a series of cyphers. They featured different groups of rappers aiming to outdo each other in their freestyle verses. Some of the biggest names in the game appeared in these cyphers, often to promote recent work or remind fans how good they are. The first-ever cypher at the 2006 event featured Lupe Fiasco and Styles P. At the time, the two recently released their debut and sophomore efforts, respectively. The 2011 iteration of the show featured Eminem introducing the greater hip-hop world to Slaughterhouse. They had signed to Shady Records and were building buzz as a group online for years ahead of their debut album, Welcome To Our House.

In 2010, the G.O.O.D. Music roster of Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, CyHi The Prynce, and Common delivered verses shortly before the release of West’s opus, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The showing helped put CyHi on the map and solidified Big Sean as a rapper to look out for in 2011. The year prior, Yasiin Bey, Black Thought, and Eminem rhymed together. It was a friendly clashing of the titans that fans almost never get to experience anymore. Top Dawg Entertainment’s roster came together in 2013 for a performance that famously saw Kendrick Lamar fire shots at Drake long before their feud dominated headlines. And who could forget when Eminem returned solo in 2017 to deliver a scathing takedown of then-president Donald Trump in a winding four-and-a-half minute verse? 

Since those late-2000s and early-2010s glory days, the cyphers have had diminishing returns. The greats no longer come out to show out. The effects of this change culminated in BET completely doing away with the cyphers in 2024, ending a tradition that existed for seventeen years. Asking superstars to sign on in 2025 may be a tough request. The most popular names around rarely freestyle these days as is. But, the cyphers do still need to return. Preferably with rappers who are more in-demand than those who populated them in the last few years. Names like the ones in the Griselda camp or legends reclaiming their spots in the game like Common and LL Cool J, two MCs who made major comebacks in 2024, could be fun to see next year.

2. Improved Advertising

I did not know the BET Hip-Hop Awards were airing on the night of Tuesday, October 15, until over halfway through the show. Nor did people I know. The only reason I found out the show was on that night is because of a Twitter post criticizing the lack of cyphers. In previous years, the BET Hip-Hop Awards (and the all-encompassing BET Awards earlier in the summer) made sure that fans knew when and where the event was taking place. 

There was little advertising for the 2024 event. Going into what is usually one of the network’s biggest ratings boons of the year without substantial promotion will almost certainly be reflected in their viewership this year. It is hard to build interest in a show without marketing the show as heavily as possible. Next year, a point of emphasis has to be on advertising. There is no other annual hip-hop award show as significant as the BET Hip-Hop Awards. It should feel like that every single year.

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3. More (Currently) Relevant Performers

In 2023, Fat Joe hosted the BET Hip-Hop Awards. In 2024, he came back to do it again. Joe, for better or for worse, is a legendary figure in New York City’s hip-hop scene. In a vacuum, having him host the show is not a bad thing. He is not necessarily musically relevant anymore. But he’s a regular attendee of different events throughout the year and still clearly loves hip-hop. However, giving him the opportunity to perform “Make It Rain,” a single from 2006, at a show in 2024, is inexplicable. 

Doubly so for the Soulja Boy and Roscoe Dash joint performance that took place later in the night. While fun, Dash was popular over a decade ago. These days, Soulja Boy is more known for his antics than his music. “All The Way Turnt Up” is still a great song. It is still a damning indictment on the state of the show when the performance of a song from 2010 is a highlight of the night over some of the newer acts that showed up (Bossman Dlow and GloRilla, for example). The BET Hip-Hop Awards may no longer have the cache to convince contemporary superstars to perform. But most of the valuable TV time should be used to spotlight bubbling acts. Not people who haven’t been on the public’s mind in over a decade.

4. Nominate Non-Mainstream Acts For Awards

The BET Hip-Hop Awards are the only major televised hip-hop award show in the United States. As such, the awards should be more reflective of everything happening in hip-hop. There is nothing inherently wrong with mainstream acts being on the nominees list. Popular acts should always be acknowledged. And all things considered, Kendrick Lamar was more than worthy of the eight awards he took home. However, hip-hop is healthiest when both mainstream and acts who are not in the mainstream receive acknowledgment on big stages. The underground and “middle ground” are the strongest they’ve been in years. Moreover, it would have been nice to see mainstays like Roc Marciano, Blu, and Vince Staples, or younger rappers like MAVI and Rae Khalil, be nominated for their work. There are big things happening outside of the mainstraeam at the moment.

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5. Return To A Larger Venue

The 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards emanated from Drai’s Nightclub. Drai’s Nightclub is a venue in The Cromwell Las Vegas, a luxury hotel in Paradise, Nevada. They should never return there. Presentation is everything, and despite the performers’ best efforts, the event still felt small. It felt more like a Friday night in a city than a program set to be viewed by between 800,000 and a million viewers (2023’s show drew 953,000 the night it aired).

The stage itself was remarkably limited. Despite every camera cut suggesting otherwise, the crowd was so poorly mic’d that it often felt like they were apathetic. The most recent Grammy Awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While the BET Hip-Hop Awards are not nearly as popular as the Grammys, they should be above hosting them in such an awkward venue. They need to return to a larger venue in 2025, one that makes the show feel important. The vibes in Drai’s Nightclub were not befitting of an awards show that’s nearly two decades into its run.

The post BET Hip-Hop Awards: 5 Things That Need Fixing In 2025 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

RIP Rich Homie Quan: 9 Essential Songs That Defined His Career

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The hip-hop world tragically lost Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan on September 5, at just 34 years old. His death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. His peers, such as Quavo and Playboi Carti, took to social media to remember the good times they had with him. College football coach Mark Dantonio posted a picture of him and Quan after Michigan State University won the Rose Bowl in 2014 (the team’s hype song was “Type of Way”). Of course, fans recalled the period when Quan, along with Young Thug, Migos, Future, producers like Metro Boomin, 808 Mafia, and others from their city, captured the ears of young hip-hop listeners with a forward-thinking approach to hip-hop unlike anything that was popular before their arrival.

Rich Homie Quan was a pioneer of 2010s Atlanta hip-hop, an artist who broke out of a densely populated trap music scene and rose to the forefront of the New Atlanta sound at the beginning of the decade. He helped usher in a style of party-ready music that produced some of the most memorable rap songs of the 2010s. He bragged and boasted on tracks in his trademark drawl, with a laid-back vocal delivery that sometimes walked a thin line between creative and new and completely unintelligible. Quan’s hooks, which became a selling point of his own music and his appearances on other people’s music, were catchy and always ready for crowds. His verses always felt authentic to him. He never abandoned what drew audiences to his music, even when he was at his most commercially successful. These nine tracks illustrate the type of artist Rich Homie Quan was, and why fans continue to fondly remember his contributions to the era he came up in.

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1. “Type of Way” (2013)

“Type Of Way” was Rich Homie Quan’s breakout single as a solo act. When this track was released in 2013, he helped bring feeling “some type of way” into the general lexicon. It also became a song used at sporting events, most prominently by that Rose Bowl-winning Michigan State University team. It was a star-making release, with its big hook and equally big beat, by someone who was virtually unknown at the time.

2. YG – “My N***a” Ft. Rich Homie Quan & Jeezy (2013)

“My N***a,” produced by DJ Mustard for YG’s My Krazy Life, is one of the album’s most enduring songs, thanks in no small part to Rich Homie Quan’s appearance. It’s another California link-up for Quan, as he delivers the memorable hook. Mustard’s production is catchy and minimalist, and the verses all sound great. The track was YG’s first radio hit, and has since been certified platinum five times over.

3. “Cash Money” Ft. Birdman (2013)

Though Rich Homie Quan was never signed to him, being part of Birdman’s Rich Gang gave Quan several opportunities to work with the executive/rapper. “Cash Money,” co-produced by Metro Boomin and 808 Mafia, is a great track. Quan reminisces about wanting to be a member of Hot Boys in his youth before pivoting into braggadocio very quickly. Quan didn’t get to be a Hot Boy, but he did get to make some music with the former head of their label.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan’s Father Breaks His Silence On Rapper’s Death

4. Man Of The Year (2013)

Over a Trauma Tone beat that uses a sped-up sample of “Keep It Real” by Miilkbone, Rich Homie Quan does some heavy flexing to explain why he’s the “Man of the Year.” He reflects on remaining true to himself, while flexing his success, from his “robotic car” and the women he’s been with. “Them n***as lame, I’m the man over here,” he concludes. Considering his rising stardom, who’s to say he was wrong? 

5. “Get TF Out My Face” Ft. Young Thug (2013)

Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug’s “Get TF Out My Face” is one of the most impressive collaborations between the two. Over a downtempo beat produced by FKi, Quan and Thug trade bars telling their rivals to get out of their way, unless they’re talking about money. Quan’s flow sounds effortless on the track, while Thug likens himself to Tony Montana. The two of them sound like they’ve made a hundred songs together before this. Their natural chemistry on the early Quan, Thug, and Rich Gang tracks should have eventually led to a joint album.

6. “Walk Thru” Ft. Problem (2014)

“Walk Thru” is one of Quan’s many collaborations with California rappers. He and Compton-based rapper Problem brag about the attention they command when they enter any room over a beat co-produced by Problem himself. The song has a very clear West Coast vibe. Quan always sounded at home over those beats, despite being from Atlanta. It’s a banger of a track with an in-your-face hook that still sounds good today, and an example of Quan’s musical versatility.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan Spoke On Young Thug Reconciliation Days Before Death

7. Rich Gang – “Lifestyle” Ft. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug (2014)

“Lifestyle” is one of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the 2010s and the peak of Rich Gang’s run in 2013 and 2014. Initially recorded for the unreleased second Rich Gang mixtape and produced by London on da Track, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug talk about the grind they’ve been on to find success, emphasizing that the previous couple of years was only the beginning. To say they called their shot would be an understatement.

8. Travis Scott – “Mamacita” [feat. Rich Homie Quan & Young Thug] (2014)

“Mamacita” is one of the standout tracks from Travis Scott’s second mixtape, Days Before Rodeo. The track features appearances from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, who rap over a beat produced by Metro Boomin, DJ Dahi, and Mike Dean. It’s a song about women, but it’s not quite a love song. Quan’s hook will stay in your head. He also has the final verse, which is a catchy one with some witty lines. “Mamacita” is another great song, where Quan’s contributions help take it to that level.

Read More: Rich Homie Quan’s Peers Pay Tribute After His Unexpected Death

9. Flex [Ooh, Ooh, Ooh] (2015)

“Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh),” initially released in February 2015, ended up being a summer anthem that year. The DJ Spinz-produced track is more mid-tempo with some bounce to it, one that celebrates success and his lavish lifestyle. The “ooh ooh ooh” ad-libs are a memorable feature of the song, and Quan does some trademark flexing in the verses as well. Going 3x platinum, it became the biggest solo hit of his career. Almost a decade later, it’s still an easygoing, fun time.

The post RIP Rich Homie Quan: 9 Essential Songs That Defined His Career appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre & Diddy Among Variety’s Best Hip-Hop Executives List

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In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Variety partnered with the Black Music Coalition to put together an unranked list of the 50 greatest executives in the genre’s history. Of course, it highlighted a lot of big names like Jay-Z, Diddy, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Eazy-E, and Jermaine Dupri. Also on the list were non-artist figures like Lyor Cohen, Irv Gotti, Suge Knight, and Andre Harrell, making for a well-rounded breakdown. Of course, there are many more names to break down, and you can find the full list of innovators and leaders here. For each mention, they briefly spoke on each business mogul’s accolades, polling 40 voters or so that comprised of journalists and fellow industry execs.

“To paraphrase one of his most-frequently quoted lyrics,” Variety said of Hov. “In March 2023, Jay-Z officially became a $2.5 billion business, man. The Brooklyn native has earned that rep, not only as one of the top-selling rappers of all time but by launching Roc-A-Fella Records, amassing a diverse portfolio including clothing, spirits, a streaming service and a stint as president of Def Jam.” Furthermore, Dr. Dre earned similar respect for his work in both music and business, as did Diddy, 50 Cent, and many others.

Read More: Dr. Dre To Be Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Dr. Dre & 50 Cent With Eminem At The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Best Hip Hop Executives Variety Jay-Z Diddy Dr Dre 50 Cent
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: (L-R) Dr. Dre, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Eminem attend a ceremony honoring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

“Combs’ capacity for reinvention and diversification has enabled him to stay relevant for more than 30 years,” Variety penned for Diddy’s write-up. “He expanded into fashion, spirits, and wellness while setting an example for other aspiring moguls to follow.” For Fif, they shared: “The man born Curtis Jackson was already one of the world’s biggest rappers when he co-created Starz’s ‘Power’- a fitting title, since he’d long used it. He kickstarted his career by creating his own G-Unit mixtape series, revolutionizing the medium while drawing Dr. Dre and Eminem’s attention.”

Meanwhile, Variety also highlighted Julie Greenwald, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Cathy Hughes, Debra Lee, Sylvia Rhone, Sylvia Robinson, and Mona Scott-Young as unsung heroines in the industry. Still, with such a rich history within the genre, surely they left out some names in the process. With that in mind, let us know in the comments who are the most impactful or under-appreciated rap execs in the comments. In addition, keep checking in with HNHH for more news and the latest updates on your favorite business titans within hip-hop.

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Lil Wayne Updates His Top Five Rappers List

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Lil Wayne is easily one of the best rappers of all time. He has been in the game since he was a teenager, and over the years, we have seen his growth play out. Overall, he is revered by his peers and he is considered to be a massive influence. Moreover, he has brought us artists like Nicki Minaj and Drake, which is a massive accomplishment. If you were to ask most rappers today, they would tell you that Wayne is in their top five. This is certainly a respectable take, and if you said he was your number one, no one would bat an eye.

Now, Lil Wayne is being asked to name his personal top five rappers. He has done so in the past, according to XXL. Back in 2018, he said his top five was Cam’ron, UGK, 8 Ball & MJG, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z. This is certainly a great list that showcases a wide range of tastes. However, as it turns out, Wayne has changed his top five. For the most part, many of the entries here are the same. Although, it appears as though Cam’ron, as well as 8 Ball & MJG have been taken off of the list.

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Lil Wayne Shows Off His Taste

VENTURA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 23: Musician Lil’ Wayne watches the Men’s Skateboard Street Final during the X Games California 2023 on July 23, 2023 in Ventura, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

As he proclaimed in a new piece for Billboard, his top five is Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Goodie Mob, The Notorious B.I.G., and UGK. That said, Biggie and Goodie Mob are the fresh additions to the list. No matter what, we’re sure Wayne still has lots of love for Cam’ron and 8 Ball & MJG. When you look at a list like this, you have to appreciate it as it showcases the influences that Wayne has lived by. Furthermore, it is always nice to see the legends be remembered by another legend.

Let us know your thoughts on Wayne’s list, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest artists.

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2023 BET Awards: Full List Of Nominees Unveiled

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The list of this year’s nominees for the 2023 BET Awards has been revealed. Nominees include Ice Spice, Lizzo, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and many more. Drake takes the lead with seven nominations, including Album Of The Year, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and more.

GloRilla comes in a close second place, with six. She’s also nominated for Album Of The Year, as well as Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best New Artist, and more. The 2023 BET Awards will air on Sunday, June 25 at 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony will also celebrate hip hop’s 50th anniversary.

Check out the full list of nominees below.

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Album Of The Year

Anyways, Life’s Great, GloRilla
Breezy, Chris Brown
God Did, DJ Khaled
Her Loss, Drake & 21 Savage
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Kendrick Lamar
Renaissance, Beyoncé
SOS, SZA

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Ari Lennox
Beyoncé
Coco Jones
H.E.R.
Lizzo
SZA
Tems

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Blxst
Brent Faiyaz
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
The Weeknd
Usher

Best Group

City Girls
Drake & 21 Savage
Dvsn
FLO
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
Quavo & Takeoff
Wanmor

Best Collaboration

“Big Energy (Remix),” Latto & Mariah Carey Feat. Dj Khaled
“Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice
“Call Me Every Day,” Chris Brown Feat. Wizkid
“Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” King Combs Feat. Kodak Black
“Creepin’,” Metro Boomin, The Weeknd & 21 Savage
“F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” Hitkidd & GloRilla
“Tomorrow 2,” GloRilla & Cardi B
“Wait For U,” Future Feat. Drake & Tems

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B
Coi Leray
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

21 Savage
Drake
Future
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Baby

Video Of The Year

“We (Warm Embrace),” Chris Brown
“2 Million Up,” Peezy, Jeezy & Real Boston Richey feat. Rob49
“About Damn Time,” Lizzo
“Bad Habit,” Steve Lacy
“First Class,” Harlow
“Kill Bill,” SZA
“Tomorrow 2,” GloRilla & Cardi B

Video Director Of The Year

A$AP Rocky for AWGE
Benny Boom
Burna Boy
Cole Bennett
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Director X
Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor

Best New Artist

Ambré
Coco Jones
Doechii
FLO
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Lola Brooke

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

“Bless Me,” Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
“Finished (Live),” Tamela Mann
“I’ve Got Joy,” CeCe Winans
“Kingdom,” Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore
“New,” Tye Tribbett
“One Moment From Glory,” Yolanda Adams
“The Better Benediction (Pt.2),” PJ Morton feat. Lisa Knowles-Smith, Le’andria Johnson, Keke Wyatt, Kierra Sheard & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Viewer’s Choice Award

“About Damn Time,” Lizzo
“Break My Soul,” Beyoncé
“First Class,” Jack Harlow
“Jimmy Cooks,” Drake Feat 21 Savage
“Kill Bill,” SZA
“Last Last,” Burna Boy
“Super Freaky Girl,” Nicki Minaj
“Wait For U,” Future Feat. Drake & Tems

Best International Act

Aya Nakamura (France)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Central Cee (UK)
Ella Mai (UK)
Ko (South Africa)
L7nnon (Brazil)
Stormzy (UK)
Tiakola (France)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act

Asake (Nigeria)
Camidoh (Ghana)
Flo (UK)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Maureen (France)
MC Ryan SP (Brazil)
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
Raye (UK)
Werenoi (France)

BET Her

“About Damn Time,” Lizzo
“Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2,” Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice
“Break My Soul,” Beyoncé
“Her,” Megan Thee Stallion
“Lift Me Up,” Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By – Rihanna & Ludwig Göransson
“Players,” Coi Leray
“Special,” Lizzo

Best Movie

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Creed 3
Emancipation
Nope
The Woman King
Till
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Best Actor

Amin Joseph
Brian Tyree Henry
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Demetrius ‘Lil Meech’ Flenory Jr.
Donald Glover
Michael B. Jordan

Best Actress

Angela Bassett
Coco Jones
Janelle James
Janelle Monáe
Keke Palmer
Viola Davis
Zendaya

Youngstars Award

Akira Akbar
Alaya High
Demi Singleton
Genesis Denise
Marsai Martin
Thaddeus J. Mixson
Young Dylan

Sportswoman Of The Year Award

Alexis Morris
Allyson Felix
Angel Reese
Candace Parker
Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Sha’carri Richardson

Sportsman Of The Year Award

Aaron Judge
Bubba Wallace
Gervonta Davis
Jalen Hurts
LeBron James
Patrick Mahomes
Stephen Curry

Read More: Latto Gets Love From Cardi, Lil Nas X, And GloRilla

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Kelly Rowland’s Biggest Hits

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Kelly Rowland started her successful music career at a young age and created many hit records. Whether it was a part of Destiny’s Child, a solo track, or a guest feature, Kelly Rowland has played a role in creating some of the biggest hit R&B and pop songs. Her last full-length solo album, Talk a Good Game came out almost ten years ago, and since then, she has ventured outside of music into television and film.

Rowland’s most recent music release was a six-song EP titled K in 2021.  She has been featured on hit songs such as Nelly’s “Dilemma,” David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over,” and Future’s “Neva End (Remix).” During Destiny Child’s run in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they released several hit singles, leading to them becoming one of the most prominent groups. Here, we’re counting down Kelly Rowland’s seven biggest solo songs, with the No. 1 spot being her biggest hit. Take a look at the list below.

7. “Can’t Nobody” (2002)

“Can’t Nobody” comes from Kelly Rowland’s 2002 solo debut album, Simply Deep. The album featured Solange, Joe Budden, and Nelly’s “Dilemma,” easily her biggest feature. The album came out before Destiny’s Child would eventually come back in 2004 from a hiatus for their final album, Destiny Fulfilled. The upbeat tempo and pop groove of “Can’t Nobody” sound like a product of the era when Destiny’s Child was at their commercial peak. The song is incredibly catchy and highlights Kelly Rowland’s hit-making ability and the important role she had in the success of Destiny’s Child. “Can’t Nobody” was certified gold in Australia and peaked at No. 5 in the UK. 

6. “Kisses Down Low” (2013)

“Kisses Down Low” is Kelly Rowland’s biggest hit from her most recent full-length album, 2013’s Talk a Good Game. The song was the album’s lead single and followed the commercial success of her previous album, which contained her first solo No. 1 hit. Produced by Mike Will Made-It, “Kisses Down Low” is a pop song with bouncy 808s and sparkling synthesizers. The song was certified Gold in December 2013. 

5. “Stole” (2002)

“Stole” is Rowland’s 2002 debut solo single and is easily one of her biggest hits. The song contains the same level of catchiness of a Destiny’s Child song but separates itself as a downbeat ballad, incorporating elements of pop and rock. Each verse tells a story of different young people who experience hardships like bullying, depression, violence, and teen pregnancy.

“Stole” performed well on American charts but was even more successful internationally. The song peaked within the Top 5 on charts in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. “Stole” is certified Platinum in Australia, gold in New Zealand, and Silver in Britain.

4. “Commander” feat. David Guetta (2010)

Kelly Rowland and David Guetta first collaborated in 2009 for “When Love Takes Over,” a dance anthem that reached No. 1 chart positions and achieved Platinum certification in multiple international markets. The following year, the two reunited once again for “Commander,” this time as a single for Kelly Rowland’s album, Here I Am.

“Commander” conquered clubs and charts worldwide, much like “When Love Takes Over.” As the title suggests, Kelly Rowland commands the song with her powerful vocals and fully displays her confidence. Though not as commercially successful as Rowland and Guetta’s previous collaboration, “Commander” went Gold in both the UK and New Zealand. 

3. “Like This” feat. Eve (2007)

Kelly Rowland’s second studio album, 2007’s Ms. Kelly, contains some of her biggest hits. “Like This” is a party-ready song with a minimal yet bumping instrumental. It is a vintage yet modern production that leaves plenty of room for Rowland to shine vocally. In addition to Kelly’s melodies in the verses, the song has plenty of attitude in its infectiously repetitive hook. The piece is also practically made for Eve to shine with her confident flow. “Like This” has proven its longevity, achieving Gold status in America in 2020 and Silver status in the UK in 2022. 

2. “Work” (2007)

Also from the Ms. Kelly album, 2007’s “Work” ranks high as one of Kelly Rowland’s biggest hits. The track features a pulsing rhythm similar to Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious,” made for the dance floor. “Work” came at a time when pop music was incorporating elements of Punjabi bhangra, which is reflected in the song’s instrumentation. It also paved the way for Rowland’s success in the dance world. Though it was not released as a single in North America, “Work” charted quite high internationally and is now Platinum in Australia and Italy and Gold in the UK. 

1. “Motivation” feat. Lil Wayne (2011)

“Motivation” is undoubtedly Kelly Rowland’s biggest hit and best song. The tune is a modern R&B classic produced by Jim Jonsin and Rico Love. The song is a steamy display of Rowland’s ability to perfectly combine the sexiness of R&B and the appeal of a pop hit. Vocally, she glides across the down-beat instrumental. Lil Wayne joins Kelly and delivers a short yet clever verse with humorous punchlines. “Motivation” remains Kelly Rowland’s biggest hit song, being certified 2x Platinum status by 2013. The song was her first solo No. 1 hit as the lead artist on Billboard.

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7 Underrated Drake Tracks That Deserve More Attention

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Drake may have “more slaps than The Beatles” but his catalog runs so deep, that some songs go under the radar. In the past decade, he’s turned into a household name with a plethora of massive hit records. Still, some of his best work often deserve more recognition.

When discussing the most underrated Drake tracks, the standard differs from listener to listener. His least-streamed songs are bigger than many artists’ most popular songs. However, the records that we consider “underrated” is based on their comparisons to his chart-topping anthems. Below, we’ve ranked seven songs from Drake’s catalog that deserve more love.

7. “Free Spirit” (2011)

Drake and Rick Ross have a collaborative history that runs deep. They have a spotless track record of bangers like “No New Friends,” “I’m On One,” “Lord Knows,” and “Stay Schemin.” However, their most underrated collaboration is “Free Spirit,” a promotional song released ahead of Take Care. 40’s reversed and filtered production style bring out the best in Drake. Despite the hook’s overall toxic nature, the catchy and moody track stands as one of the most underrated in Drake’s catalog. The song is among the examples that spurred demand for a potential collaborative project.

6. “Connect” (2013)

On Nothing Was The Same, “Connect” follows the hit song that is “Hold On We’re Going Home.” “Connect” is not only the most underrated song on the album but is one of the Drake songs that deserves more attention. Drake creates music that perfectly soundtracks those late-night vibes. “Connect” slow and moody instrumental pairs with Drake’s signature sing/rap flow for a definitive song in his catalog. In addition, the lyrics about a dysfunctional relationship make it a quintessential Drake song that is worthy of more attention.

5. “Madonna” (2015)

2015’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late ranks high in Drake’s catalog. However, it also contains a few cuts that have been criminally overlooked. “Madonna”‘s hypnotic instrumental and Drake’s slurred inflections make the song one of the most special songs on the album. The incorporation of a Ginuwine sample also adds to the song’s brilliance.

4. “6PM In New York” (2015)

Drake’s “timestamp” songs counter any doubts the masses have about his ability to drop bars. “6PM In New York” has arguably one of Drake’s best verses ever. He solidifies his place as a rap legend and even prophesied his future success. He raps, “‘Best I Ever Had’ seems like a decade ago / Decadent flow and I still got a decade to go.” The song is a testament to his accomplishments and consistency as an MC, putting his lyrical skills on full display and even sending some subliminal jabs. “6PM In New York” is among Drake’s best verses and most underrated songs.

3. “30 For 30 Freestyle” (2015)

Drake’s solo track that closes the Future collab album What A Time To Be Alive, is a contemplative departure from the rest of the album. The 40-produced beat is minimal yet gorgeous, allowing Drake to remind his fans and the industry at large of all that he’s accomplished in his career. In a sense, “30 For 30 Freestyle” also serves as a victory lap for his 2015 run, where he released two successful albums and triumphed in a beef with Meek Mill. He even throws in the lyric, “the pen is working if you n****s need some ghost lines.” On an album full of hits like “Jumpman,” “30 For 30 Freestyle” is an underrated track of declaration that Drake’s jersey is forever in the rafters. 

2. “Get Along Better” (2021)

The response to Certified Lover Boy may have been mixed, but there are plenty of gems on that album. In between the gimmicky songs (i.e. “Way 2 Sexy) are some quality songs that deserve more attention, like “Get Along Better.” While Drake and Ty Dolla $ign have worked together on a few records, “Get Along Better” might just be the best one. The instrumental brings the best R&B qualities out of Drake. However, it’s Ty Dolla $ign’s harmonies that elevates the song to the next level. Certified Lover Boy gets a lot of hate but “Get Along Better” is an album highlight and also one of Drake’s most underrated songs.

1. “Texts Go Green” (2022)

The immediate reaction from the masses to Drake’s dance/R&B-infused Honestly, Nevermind was overwhelmingly negative. The album deserves more credit and has aged incredibly well in the year since its release. The album’s production was phenomenal. It consisted of some of Drake’s best vocal performances, and he was experimenting at a time when fans wanted him to try something new. The production on “Texts Go Green” from Black Coffee is groovy yet subdued. Drake’s vocal performance is so smooth as he sings about a failed relationship that ended in blocked phone numbers. “Texts Go Green” is a clear highlight that deserves more attention from an underrated album.

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Freddie Gibbs’s Best Songs

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Freddie Gibbs has gone through many different phases in his career. Originally signed to Interscope and then Jeezy’s label, he went independent and went on a historic run of classic mixtapes, albums, and collaborations. On top of that, he’s also delivered several collaborative projects with Madlib, The Alchemist, Curren$y, and Statik Selektah. 

This is a list of the best Freddie Gibbs songs. Because he has consistently released so many quality bodies of work, it is challenging to narrow his music down to just seven songs. Some tracks that did not make the list but were worth mentioning include the soulful “Cataracts” and “High.” Dark bangers like “Pronto” and “Fuckin Up The Count” stand out in Freddie’s catalog, as do the vulnerable “Forever and a Day” and the descriptive “White Range.” “20 Karat Jesus” deserves mentioning as it is arguably his best intro song with its heavenly beat switch. The difficulty in making a list of the best Freddie Gibbs songs speaks to the quality, consistency, and longevity of his discography. Take a look at the list below.

7. “Harold’s” (2014)

This song is undoubtedly the best hip-hop song about fast food fried chicken. The song is inspired by the Chicago-based restaurant Harold’s Fried Chicken. The hook is a breakdown of Freddie’s usual order (six wings, mild sauce, and all the fries with all the fries you can give me). While the song does pay homage to the midwestern chicken restaurant, Freddie Gibbs keeps his gangster-isms throughout the verses. The beat from Madlib also has a nice groove to it.

6. “Extradite” (2015)

Bob James’s “Nautilus” is one of hip hop’s most sampled songs, and “Extradite” is arguably one of the best flips of the sample. The beat constantly evolves throughout the course of the song. In addition to the filthy beat, Freddie trades verses with Black Thought, who delivers one of his best guest features. Not many rappers can keep up with Black Thought on a track and Freddie’s performance on the song speaks volumes to his lyrical skills.

5. “Shame” (2012)

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s classic debut collaboration, 2014’s Piñata, perfectly combines Freddie Gibbs’s gangsta rap style with Madlib’s experimental yet vintage production style. The album consists of many tough gangsta rap songs but there are also plenty of smooth highlights, such as the beautifully soulful “Shame.” Madlib samples “Wish That You Were Mine” by The Manhattans for the gorgeous production. However, it’s the show-stealing chorus from BJ The Chicago that adds to the soul of the song, making for a chill moment of joy on an album full of street raps. 

4. “Alexys” (2017)

Jazz band BADBADNOTGOOD and dance producer Kaytranada have close connections to hip hop and have made their fair share of rap collabs. They linked together for “Alexys,” from Freddie Gibbs’s You Only Live 2wice, resulting in one of his best songs. The beat is unlike anything Freddie has ever rapped over, with Kaytranada’s radiant musical textures and the precise percussion from BADBADNOTGOOD. The beat is unique on its own but it is perfect for Freddie Gibbs’s rapping as he paints a vivid picture of his introduction to street life, drawing references from various movies and TV shows. “Alexys” is a highlight from one of Freddie’s most underrated albums and is one of his best songs.

3. “Giannis” (2019)

“Giannis” is a definitive highlight from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib’s second collaboration, 2019’s Bandana. The beat features a smooth loop of “Aasman Ke Neeche” from the 1967 Hindi film Jewel Thief. The drum break over the sample allows Freddie to weave between slow and double-time flows, fueled by clever punchlines. One lyrical moment in the song that makes it so impressive is that Freddie breaks down what a 360 deal is in the music industry and why an artist can fail if they rely too much on their label. Anderson .Paak’s guest appearance is a showstopper as he handles the song’s well-sung chorus, along with a mean verse.

2. “Thuggin” (2011)

Rubba’s “Way Star” has been sampled numerous times in hip hop, and Freddie Gibbs and Madlib’s flip on the sample for “Thuggin” is easily the best flip. The hazy sample with its acoustic twang makes for a dream-like backdrop for Freddie to rap about the ruthless nature of the streets. With a cinematic touch, Freddie first-person portrayal as the anti-hero mirrors his reality. He depicts a life of crime, tying it together on the song’s catchy chorus, rapping, “I’m straight thuggin’, uh/ And it feels so good, uh, and it feels so right.”

1. “Bandana” (2019)

It is perplexing why the 2019 single from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, titled “Bandana,” did not make the final tracklist of their album Bandana. The song served as a promotional single but because the song is so good, it can stand by itself. The greatness of the song speaks for itself. The instrumental consists of a hauntingly spacey instrumental over a knocking drum pattern. Freddie Gibbs spits his classic style of crime-filled drug raps with his signature deep voice. He floats over the beat and he brilliantly incorporates the last line of each verse to make the song’s refrain.

Jamaican dancehall deejay Assassin, who has worked with many rappers, is the perfect feature. He asserts his presence with just a repeated uttering of the word “bandana” in the refrain before making the track his own on his verse. “Bandana” stands alone for good reason as there is no song that sounds like it. The song makes a strong argument for its high rank among the best Freddie Gibbs songs.

Justin Bieber’s 15 Best Features, Ranked

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Image via Complex Original

  • 15. Beam, “Sundown”


  • 14. Post Malone, “Deja Vu”


  • 13. The Kid Laroi, “Stay”


  • 12. Skrillex f/Don Toliver, “Don’t Go”


  • 11. Shawn Mendes, “Monster”


  • 10. Wizkid f/Tems, “Essence (Remix)”


  • 9. Omar Lay, “Attention”


  • 8. Migos, “What You See”


  • 7. Juice Wrld, “Wandered to LA”


  • 6. Don Toliver f/Future, “Private Landing”


  • 5. Kehlani, “Up At Night”


  • 4. Jack U, “Where Are U Now”


  • 3. Luis Fonsi f/Daddy Yankee, “Despacito (Remix)”


  • 2. DJ Khaled f/Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, “I’m the One”


  • 1. Travis Scott f/Young Thug, “Maria I’m Drunk”