Kendrick Lamar's Quartet of Wins Steals the Show at BET Hip Hop Awards

LL Cool J performs onstage during the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2023. Photo Credit: Getty Images for BET 

The BET Hip Hop Awards celebrated the incredible 50-year history of the genre. It was a night of triumph for Kendrick Lamar, who clinched a record-breaking four awards, solidifying his position as a dominant force in hip-hop.

Lamar's accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary. He claimed the Hip Hop Artist of the Year award for the third time, a testament to his enduring influence. In the Best Live Performer category, he secured his fourth win, joining the elite ranks of Kanye West and Jay-Z. The Lyricist of the Year award marked his ninth triumph, solidifying his status as a lyrical heavyweight. And in a unique feat, Lamar and his frequent collaborator Dave Free received Best Video Director of the Year for the second consecutive year, a distinction not witnessed since Hype Williams' four-year reign from 2009-12.

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The evening was also a showcase of thrilling performances. Sexyy Redd ignited the stage with chart-toppers like "Pound Town," "Shake Yo Dreads" and "SkeeYee," while DJ Kid Capri, D-Nice, and host Fat Joe set the night on fire with a DJ battle. The audience was taken on a mesmerizing musical journey by Scott Storch and Spinderella.

GloRilla and Fivio Foreign delivered a dynamic performance, presenting their latest hit, "Cha Cha Cha." The City Girls wowed with a dance-infused rendition of "No Bars" and "Face Down." DaBaby wrapped up the night with a medley of hits, including "Ghetto Girls," "Shake Sumn Remix" with Sexyy Redd, and "Project Chick" featuring Juvenile and Mannie Fresh.

The event also featured touching tributes. LL Cool J and Rakim led a poignant tribute to Marley Marl, the recipient of the I Am Hip Hop Award. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of So So Def and its visionary founder, Jermaine Dupri, the night showcased an impressive lineup of hip-hop luminaries, including Bonecrusher, Chingy, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Nelly, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Dem Franchize Boyz and Tyrese.

The cypher, presented by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, saw lyrical titans like Bun B, Cassidy, Foggieraw, Gloss Up, Lady London, Lola Brooke, Scar Lip and Symba engaged in intense lyrical showdowns. The digital cypher featured DJ Hed, LaNell Grant, Maiya The Don and That Mexican OT.

Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was posthumously honored with the Global Visionary Award for his profound influence on global hip-hop. Family members Lynn and Tony Forbes accepted the award during a touching tribute segment for international broadcasts of the BET Hip Hop Awards 2023.

The awards show, though pre-recorded, aired on Tuesday night and featured special appearances by DJ Envy of "The Breakfast Club" and DC YoungFly, host of "Celebrity Squares." The cast of "The Impact: ATL" (Ari Fletcher, Lakeyah) and stars from "Basketball Wives: LA" and "Basketball Wives: Orlando" (Brooke Bailey, Nique Brown, Mehgan James) added to the event's grandeur.

The 2023 Award Winners

• Hip Hop Album of the Year: Drake & 21 Savage - "Her Loss"
• Best Hip Hop Video: Lil Uzi Vert - "Just Wanna Rock"
• Best Collaboration: Lil Durk feat. J. Cole - "All My Life"
• Best Duo or Group: Drake & 21 Savage
• Best Live Performer: Kendrick Lamar
• Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
• Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
• Song of the Year: Lil Uzi Vert - "Just Wanna Rock"
• Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
• Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist: Ice Spice
• Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
• Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Jay-Z - "God Did" (DJ Khaled feat. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy)
• Impact Track: Lil Durk feat. J. Cole - "All My Life"
• Producer of the Year (Digital): Metro Boomin
• DJ of the Year: Metro Boomin
• Best Hip Hop Platform: "Caresha Please"
• Best International Flow: Black Sherif (Ghana)