This week saw a flood of hip-hop's biggest stars making their way to Atlanta's Cobb Energy Center for the 2021 BET Hip-Hop Awards. From who went home a winner to the night's most fire performances, here's everything you need to know.
In case you missed it, the 2021 awards were hosted by Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean. The trio led the night honoring the industry's accomplishments this year, and it's safe to say that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion were some of the evening's biggest winners. The influential ladies were tied for nine nominations each in 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.
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The icons ultimately took home Song of The Year, Best Hip-Hop Video, and Best Collaboration for their hit track WAP. Tyler, the Creator also had a successful night. The rapper won Hip-Hop Album of The Year for Call Me If You Get Lost and Best Live Performer. Lil Baby was recognized as the Hip-Hop Artist of The Year and Yung Bleu as the Best New Hip-Hop Artist.
Best Duo or Group went to Lil Baby and Lil Durk, while Lyricist of the Year went to J. Cole. Missy Elliott took home Video Director of the Year, a long time coming for the woman who's turned the world of hip-hop visuals upside down for the last two decades. DJ of the Year went to DJ Scheme, Producer of the Year to Hit-Boy, Hustler of the Year to the one-and-only Saweetie, Genius won Best Hip-Hop Platform, and Jay-Z won Best Featured Verse for his part in Nipsey's What It Feels Like, which also won Impact Track.
One of the most monumental recognitions of the night, the I Am Hip-Hop award, was given to Nelly in honor of his twenty years in the music industry. "Feels great; I mean, it feels great. It's like everything; I can't wait. I'm totally honored," the 46-year-old said pre-award show. "It makes me feel old but definitely blessed and thankful that I get a chance to have this moment."
And, of course, the night wouldn't be complete without some highly-anticipated performances. The BET Hip-Hop Awards got some of the best on their stage: Baby Keem, Young Thug, Lil Jon, Bia, Doechii, Gunna, Isaiah Rashad, Kal Banx, Latto, Paul Wall, and Tobe & Fat Nwigwe performed. Plus, Nelly shut down the night with some of his biggest hits. Check it out for yourself above.
