JOHANNESBURG, 14 September 2021 – BET announced the nominees for the 16th annual “BET HIP HOP AWARDS,” honouring 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 air from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA, and will premiere on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 03:00 CAT and repeats at 20:00 CAT. BET will support community vaccination efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
“Best International Flow” is a category that will recognise artists from around the world, with nominees from South Africa, Nigeria, UK, France and Brazil. This year’s nominees for the Best International Flow category are South Africa’s rapper, song writer and producer Nasty C alongside Nigerian hip hop artist Ladipoe. This is Nasty C’s 3rd nomination, having been previously recognised in the same category in 2019 & 2020. The two African artists are set to compete with rappers Laylow and Gazo both from France, from the UK, British rappers Little Simz & Dave and Brazil’s popular musician and rapper, Xama.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ViacomCBS Networks Africa and Peer Lead BET International commented, “Congratulations to all the 2021 “BET Hip Hop Awards” nominees. We are proud to recognise artists from around the world in the “Best International Flow” category. The inclusion of International talent is testament to the powerful impact of music and culture globally. The representation of African nominees in the category reaffirms BET’s commitment to recognising the influence of artists on the continent. International events such as the BET “Hip Hop Awards” highlight the growing need to connect African culture globally.”
Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion lead this year’s nominations with an impressive nine nods each. Cardi B’s nods 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’snods 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’. Drake takes second place with an impressive eightnods. 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 Bleu received 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.”
Voting for the 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” DJ of the Year and Best Hip Hop Platform is now open: https://www.votehiphopawards.com
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, VP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy serving as Co-Executive Producer. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of the 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
For more information on the BET “Hip Hop Awards Reality Show visit www.betafrica.tv, like and chat to us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BETinAfrica, or join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa