BET Awards 2024: Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj crowned as the best male and female Hip-hop artists

Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj. (images via X)

The 2024 BET Awards were a night of triumph and excitement, held at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30. Among the standout winners were Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj, who took home the awards for Best Male and Female Hip-Hop Artist, respectively.

Kendrick Lamar's victory in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category was hard-fought, as he faced stiff competition from industry heavyweights like 21 Savage, Burna Boy, Drake, Future, Gunna, J. Cole, and Lil Wayne. In addition to his win, Lamar was also in the running for Best Collaboration, thanks to his feature on Beyoncé's hit remix of "America Has a Problem."

Nicki Minaj, the queen of hip-hop, clinched the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award, beating out a talented lineup that included Cardi B, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sexyy Red. Minaj's stellar year continued with multiple nominations: her fifth studio album, "Pink Friday 2," was up for Album of the Year, and she was nominated for Best Collaboration and Video of the Year for her tracks "Barbie World" with Ice Spice and "Everybody" with Lil Uzi Vert. According to Billboard, this marks Minaj's first win in the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist category in eight years.

The night was filled with unforgettable moments, one of which was Will Smith's dynamic performance of his new song "You Can Make It," electrifying the audience and adding to the evening's high energy.

The BET Her category, celebrating motivational and empowering songs by women artists, saw fierce competition as well. Nicki Minaj was nominated for her collaboration on Tasha Cobbs Leonard's "Blessings." Other nominees included Beyoncé with "16 Carriages," Ayra Starr's "Commas," Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss," Flo featuring Missy Elliott's "Fly Girl," SZA's "Saturn," and GloRilla's "Yeah Glo!" Ultimately, it was Victoria Monét who took home the BET Her award, also securing the BET Award for Video of the Year with her hit "On My Mama."

The 2024 BET Awards was a night to remember, celebrating the very best in hip-hop and showcasing the incredible talent that continues to drive the culture forward.