The winners for the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards are out, honoring Black performers and celebrating this year’s biggest rap releases.
While the ceremony actually took place in Atlanta on Friday, October 1, it premiered on television last night, October 5, on the BET Network.
Megan Thee Stallion led the night with nominations in nine different categories, including Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. The rapper ended up winning in the latter category for her feature on “WAP” alongside Cardi B. The hit song was also awarded with Best Collaboration and Best Hip Hop Video, totaling three wins for both Megan and Cardi.
Tyler, The Creator seconded Megan with four nominations. His celebrated new album Call Me If You Get Lost, which dropped in June, won him the titles of Hip Hop Album of the Year and Best Live Performer.
Lil Baby was recognized as Hip Hop Artist of the Year, as well as Best Duo or Group for his partnership with Lil Durk.
Best New Hip Hop Artist went to “You’re Mines Still” artist Yung Bleu and J. Cole was deemed Lyricist of the Year.
British-Nigerian rapper Lil Simz was awarded Best International Flow, Saweetie with Hustler of the Year and DJ Scheme with DJ of the Year. Hit-Boy, who recently worked on Nas’ King’s Disease and Big Sean’s “Deep Reverence,” was Producer of the Year.
Missy Elliott won Video Director of the Year. The singer directed the visual for City Girls’ “Twerkulator,” which featured precise choreography, and of course, twerking.
The late Nipsey Hussle was posthumously honored with Impact Track and Best Featured Verse for his appearance on JAY-Z’s “What It Feels Like.”
The night’s performers included BIA, Gunna, Isaiah Rashad, Baby Keem, Lil Jon, Tobe Nwigwe and Young Thug. Big Daddy Kane also took the stage to deliver a tribute to the late Biz Markie, who passed away in July.
In other music news, Big Daddy Kane announced a VERZUZ battle with KRS-One.
