Cardi B and 21 Savage have taken center stage in the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards nominee pool, both securing an impressive twelve nominations each. Not far behind, the prolific Drake has amassed nine nominations, promising an exciting night of recognition and celebration at this year’s upcoming awards.
Cardi B and 21 Savage‘s nominations span across multiple categories, showcasing their versatility and impact in the hip-hop world. They’ve both been nominated for Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Hustler Of The Year, Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse, and Song of the Year. In addition, 21 Savage has earned dual nominations for Best Hip Hop Video, while Cardi has clinched two nods for Best Collaboration. The Slaughter Gang leader has also secured additional nominations for Hip Hop Album of the Year and Best Duo or Group.
Drake, an undeniable force in the industry, closely follows with nine nominations of his own. His impressive lineup includes Best Hip Hop Video, Best Duo or Group, Best Live Performer, Lyricist of the Year, Song of the Year, Hip Hop Album of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Hustler of the Year, and Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse.
Not to be overshadowed, Burna Boy and DJ Khaled share the spotlight with seven nominations each, while J. Cole proudly boasts six nods. Coi Leray, GloRilla, and Jay-Z each stand tall with five nominations. Lil Uzi Vert isn’t far behind, securing four nominations, while DaBaby, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, and Metro Boomin each have three nods to their names.
Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of Special and Music Programming Music Strategy, shared her excitement, saying, “This year’s BET Hip Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our yearlong celebration of hip-hop’s storied creation and the art form’s sonic and cultural expansion. We are honored by this year’s roster of nominees as they continue to carry the creativity and diversity of hip-hop into the future. We congratulate each nominee on their accomplishments as they take hip-hop artistry to new heights.”
These nominations follow last year’s remarkable show where Drake and Kanye West led with 14 and 10 nods, respectively. However, it was Kendrick Lamar who stole the spotlight, clinching six awards in recognition of his outstanding album, “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.”