Just one year after the 50th anniversary of the genre, hip-hop has had quite the moment—between a reclamation of the genre from Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” to the meteoric rise of female rappers breaking new ground, it’s been a remarkable year for the culture. And the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards are set to encapsulate it all.
This year’s award show will air on BET on Tuesday, October 15, following its taping the week prior. The event heads to Las Vegas for the first time, bringing the energy of hip-hop to the city of lights, with the ceremony recognizing talent from the past year across 17 different categories. Returning to host is rapper and media personality Fat Joe, who also served as co-executive producer.
In a press release, Fat Joe expressed his enthusiasm about returning as host for the third consecutive year, noting that it has been a dream to helm the BET Hip Hop Awards. He also shared his excitement about taking the event to the next level in Las Vegas, sharing that while the location may be new, the energy and entertainment will be bigger than ever.
Leading in nominations this year is Megan Thee Stallion, who has received 12 nods, including ‘Hip-Hop Album of the Year’ for her self-titled album Megan, ‘Impact Track’ for ‘Hiss,’ and three nominations in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category “’Bongo” with Cardi B, “Mamushi” featuring Yuki Chiba, and “Wanna Be” with GloRilla).
Right on her heels is Lamar, who has received 11 nominations, mostly for his standout hit “Not Like Us,” and “Like That.” Both songs have dominated the charts and solidified Lamar’s status as one of hip-hop’s most potent voices. His nods include ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ for “Not Like Us,” ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year,’ twice for ‘Song of the Year,’for “Not Like Us” as well as “Like That,” alongside Metro Boomin and Future. Lamar’s anticipated performance at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show only adds to the momentum surrounding his recent work. Additionally, he’s up for ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and ‘Hustler of the Year.’
Unsurprisingly, Drake rounds out the top three of nominations, with eight nominations. Tied for nominations—Cardi B, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, and Nicki Minaj—each received seven noms, and Future and Travis Scott received six.
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET said in a statement, “This year’s nominees exemplify the creativity and diversity of hip hop and the culture. We congratulate each nominee on their accomplishments and are excited to see how they will elevate hip hop artistry.”
In addition to the top contenders, the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards will shine a spotlight on other notable names, including 21 Savage, A$AP Rocky, Common, Lil Wayne, Pete Rock, and newcomer Sexyy Red.