bet hip hop nominees
BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 Nominees
Cardi B and 21 Savage led the nominations for the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards with 12 nods each. They were followed by Drake with nine nominations, Burna Boy and DJ Khaled with seven each, and J. Cole with six. The awards ceremony took place on October 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Leading Nominees
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards saw a competitive field of nominees, with several artists dominating the nominations list. Cardi B and 21 Savage emerged as frontrunners, each receiving an impressive twelve nominations. Their collaborations and individual achievements throughout the year earned them recognition in categories such as Best Collaboration, Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Trailing closely behind was Canadian rapper Drake with nine nominations, solidifying his consistent presence in the hip-hop scene. Drake’s nominations spanned categories such as Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year for “Her Loss” (a collaborative project with 21 Savage), and the coveted Viewers Choice Award for his track “Jimmy Cooks” featuring, once again, 21 Savage.
Burna Boy and DJ Khaled secured a commendable seven nominations each. Burna Boy’s global influence and unique sound earned him recognition in categories like Best International Act and Best Hip Hop Video, while DJ Khaled’s knack for crafting star-studded collaborations garnered him nominations in categories like Album of the Year and Producer of the Year.
J. Cole secured a respectable six nominations, showcasing his lyrical prowess and impactful contributions to hip-hop. His nominations included categories like Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Video. The diverse range of nominees highlighted the dynamism and global reach of hip-hop in 2023.
Notable Categories and Nominees
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards showcased a diverse range of categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of hip-hop culture. The coveted “Best Hip Hop Video” category saw fierce competition, with nominees including Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock,” Coi Leray’s “Players,” Latto featuring Cardi B’s “Put It On Da Floor Again,” and Burna Boy featuring 21 Savage’s “Sittin’ On Top of the World.” This category highlighted the visual creativity and artistry within hip-hop, showcasing the genre’s evolution beyond just music.
The “Song of the Year” category recognized the year’s most impactful and popular tracks. Nominees in this hotly contested category included Lil Durk featuring J. Cole’s “All My Life,” DJ Khaled’s star-studded collaboration “God Did” featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend, and Fridayy, as well as GloRilla and Cardi B’s anthemic collaboration “Tomorrow 2;” Each of these tracks demonstrated a unique sonic approach while capturing the spirit and energy of the year in hip-hop.
The “Best New Hip Hop Artist” category highlighted emerging talents who made significant waves throughout the year. Nominees for this category included Armani White, whose infectious track “Billie Eilish” went viral, Central Cee, a rising star from the UK rap scene, Doechii, known for her experimental and genre-bending sound, and Saucy Santana, a rapper known for his flamboyant style and catchy lyrics. This category exemplified the constant evolution of hip-hop, introducing fresh voices and perspectives to the forefront.
Performances and Highlights
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards delivered a night of electrifying performances that captivated the audience. Fat Joe, returning for his second consecutive year as host, brought his signature energy and charisma to the stage. His comedic timing and genuine love for hip-hop set the tone for a celebratory evening.
Among the standout performances was GloRilla, who ignited the stage with her infectious energy and chart-topping hits. The Memphis rapper had the crowd on their feet, solidifying her status as a rising star. Another memorable moment came courtesy of Lil Uzi Vert, who brought their unique style and captivating stage presence. The Philadelphia rapper showcased their signature blend of melodic flows and hard-hitting beats, captivating the crowd.
The cyphers, a staple of the BET Hip Hop Awards, provided a platform for both established and up-and-coming rappers to showcase their lyrical prowess. This year’s cyphers featured a diverse lineup of artists who delivered fiery verses and showcased the genre’s lyrical diversity. From thought-provoking rhymes to intricate wordplay, the cyphers were a testament to the raw talent within hip-hop.
Winners
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards saw Kendrick Lamar emerge as the night’s biggest winner٫ taking home four awards٫ including Hip Hop Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s introspective lyrics and innovative sound resonated deeply with voters٫ cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s most important voices.
Drake and 21 Savage also had a triumphant night, sharing the award for Best Hip Hop Duo or Group. Their collaborative album, “Her Loss,” dominated the charts and earned widespread critical acclaim. Lil Durk and J. Cole’s powerful collaboration, “All My Life,” earned them the Song of the Year award. The track’s emotional depth and relatable themes struck a chord with audiences, becoming an anthem for those navigating life’s challenges.
Lil Uzi Vert’s infectious hit “Just Wanna Rock” secured the award for Best Hip Hop Video. The song’s high-energy visuals and captivating dance moves helped propel it to viral success. Coi Leray, another rising star, took home the award for Best New Hip Hop Artist. Her unique style, catchy hooks, and unwavering confidence have made her one of the most exciting new voices in the genre.