The 2025 BET Awards, set to light up Los Angeles on June 9, have thrust Kendrick Lamar into the spotlight, with the hip-hop titan earning a staggering
The 2025 BET Awards, set to light up Los Angeles on June 9, have thrust Kendrick Lamar into the spotlight, with the hip-hop titan earning a staggering 10 nominations. As “Culture’s Biggest Night” celebrates its 25th anniversary, Lamar’s dominance reflects his profound influence on music and culture, fueled by his chart-topping album GNX and provocative singles like “Not Like Us.” Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart at the Peacock Theater, the event promises to honor Black excellence across music, film, and sports. With fans buzzing on social media, Lamar’s nominations signal a cultural moment, underscoring hip-hop’s evolving role in shaping global conversations.
Since its inception in 2001, the BET Awards have been a premier platform for celebrating Black achievement, spotlighting artists, actors, and athletes who redefine cultural boundaries. Kendrick Lamar, a Compton-born rapper known for his introspective lyricism and social commentary, has been a recurring figure at the awards, previously winning eight in 2024, including Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.” His 2025 nominations build on a year marked by his high-profile lyrical feud with Drake, which captivated fans and critics alike. The BET Voting Academy, comprising entertainment professionals and influencers, selects nominees based on artistic impact and cultural resonance. This year’s ceremony, airing live on BET, continues to elevate diverse voices, with categories spanning music, television, and sports, reflecting the network’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.
Announced on May 8, 2025, the BET Awards nominations see Kendrick Lamar leading with 10 nods, including Album of the Year for GNX, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and three Viewer’s Choice nominations for “Not Like Us,” “Luther” (featuring SZA), and “Like That” (with Future and Metro Boomin). His collaborations also earned three Best Collaboration nods for the same tracks, alongside a Video Director of the Year nomination with Dave Free. Trailing with six nominations each are Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla. Doechii’s nods include Album of the Year for Alligator Bites Never Heal and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, while Drake’s include Video of the Year for “Family Matters.” GloRilla’s Glorious and Future’s We Don’t Trust You with Metro Boomin also compete for Album of the Year. Posts on X highlight fans’ excitement, with many praising Lamar’s “Not Like Us” for its cultural impact. The ceremony, set for June 9 at 8 p.m. ET, will feature performances and tributes, with voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award opening soon, as per official statements. The event follows Lamar’s recent Super Bowl LVIX Halftime Show, cementing his status as a cultural force.
Kendrick Lamar’s 10 nominations at the 2025 BET Awards underscore his pivotal role in hip-hop, with GNX and tracks like “Not Like Us” resonating deeply with audiences. As the June 9 ceremony approaches, the event promises to celebrate Black excellence with a dynamic mix of music, culture, and star power. Fans can engage by voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award and tuning in to see if Lamar’s dominance translates to wins. The BET Awards continue to be a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices—don’t miss this milestone celebration of creativity and impact.
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