This year the 2021 BET “Hip Hop Awards” brought the hottest names in Hip Hop back to Atlanta, GA for the annual show. The awards, which was broadcast on BET Africa (DStv Channel 129) was hosted by comedy supergroup, 85 South (Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean). The iconic HIP HOP Awards will repeat this Saturday 9 October at 20:00 CAT and again on Sunday 10 October at 10:30 WAT / 11:30 CAT, exclusively on BET Africa DStv (Channel 129).
WAP artists, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion ruled the night by jointly snagging three wins each including ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Best Hip Hop Video’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for their smash hit “WAP.” Tyler The Creator took home two wins for ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Live Performer’ in addition to his “Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award” presented by LL Cool J. Jay Z scored double wins in the “Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse” and “Impact Track” for his Nipsey Hussle collaboration “What It Feels Like.” Newcomer, Yung Bleu, was crowned ‘Best New Hip Hop Artist’ while rap sensation Saweetie took home ‘Hustler of the Year.” Music icon, Missy Elliott, was voted ‘Video Director of the Year’ and ‘Lyricist of the Year’ went to J. Cole while UK rapper Little Simz took home the ‘Best International Flow’ award.
Young Thug kicked off the night with an explosive performance of “Tick Tock”, followed by Gunna with “Too Easy” before coming together with their hit collaboration “Ski.” Hot new rapper, Bia, performed her smash single “Whole Lotta Money,” then brought out Atlanta icon Lil Jon for “Bia Bia” to close it out. Baby Keem made his award show debut with “Family Ties.” Hip Hop sensation Latto brought the house down with a sparkling, high energy performance of “SoufSide” and new song “Big Energy” while Nigerian- American rapper, Tobe Nwigwe made it a family affair with Fat & Nell on their song “Fye Fye.” Isaiah Rashad performed alongside Doechii & Kal Banx for “Wat U Sed” before ending the set with his solo single “From the Garden.”
The hotly anticipated cyphers were hosted by DJ Hed and featured a bevy of emcees dropping hot sixteens including Grip, D Smoke, Smino, Tierra Whack, Rico Nasty, Sleepy Hallow, Erica Banks, Fivio Foreign, Toosii, Lakeyah, Kidd Kenn and Symba.
Trina, Remy Ma, and Rapsody were the presenters for the evening. “I Am Hip Hop Award” recipient Nelly closed out the show with a performance of his greatest hits including “Country Grammar,” “Hot In Here,” “Air Force Ones,” “Dilemma,” “Grillz” with an appearance by Paul Wall and more.
The ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ aired on BET Africa (DStv channel 129) on Wednesday 6 October and Saturday, 9 October at 19:00 WAT / 20:00 CAT and again on Sunday 10 October at 11:30 CAT.
