BET announces the nominees for the 16th annual “BET HIP HOP AWARDS,” honoring the past year in hip hop music across 17 categories, selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders. With the theme of unity as expressed by its tagline In Hip Hop We Stand, the 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS will tape from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, October 1 and will premiere Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET, and simulcast internationally on BET Africa on Wednesday, October 6 AT 3 AM CAT.
Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion lead this year’s nominations with an impressive nine nods each. Cardi B’snods include ‘Song of The Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of The Year,’ ‘ Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Hustler of The Year,’ and ‘Sweet 16: Best featured Verse’. Lil Durk’s nods include ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘ Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Duo or Group,’ and ‘Sweet 16: Best featured Verse’. Megan Thee Stallion’s nods include ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year,’ ‘ Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year,’ ‘Hustler of the Year,’ and ‘Sweet 16: Best featured Verse’. Draketakes second place with an impressive eight nods. Tyler, The Creator and Metro Boomin tied for third-most nominations securing four nods each.
Other notable nominations include 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, J. Cole, and Pooh Shiesty, who received three nominations each. Bia, Chris Brown, Doja Cat, Jay Z, Lil Nas X, Migos, Nicki Minaj, Roddy Ricch, Saweetie, Young Thug, and Yung Bleureceived two nominations each.
Additionally, the ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist’ Award nominees include Blxst, Coi Leray, Don Toliver, Morray, Pooh Shiesty, and Yung Bleu.
“Our 2021 ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ nominees span generations and are a representation of the talented individuals who elevate hip hop culture in creative and diverse ways. We congratulate each of them on these sought-after accolades,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy for BET. “We can’t wait to join forces with the best in hip hop and deliver a one-of-a-kind show in Atlanta.”