Kendrick Lamar was the biggest winner at the 25th BET Awards held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The live broadcast celebrated outstanding achievements in hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.
Lamar took home four awards, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year for Not Like Us, and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their hit song Luther. He also shared the Video Director of the Year award with longtime creative partner Dave Free.
SZA won Best Female R&B and Pop Artist, while Doechii earned her first BET trophy for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist.
During the ceremony, Stevie Wonder presented the Ultimate Icon Award to Jamie Foxx. Wonder recalled their first meeting when Foxx was preparing to play Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic. Foxx was honored with a tribute medley featuring Babyface on piano and vocals, joined by Ludacris, Tank, Craig Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, and T-Pain. The medley included Foxx’s Unpredictable and Charles’ classics Night Time Is the Right Time and I’ve Got a Woman.
Mariah Carey received her first BET Award, the Ultimate Icon honor, presented by Busta Rhymes. Snoop Dogg was also recognized as an Ultimate Icon, with the award presented by 50 Cent. Gospel artist Kirk Franklin was introduced by T.I.
Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the awards for the second time, last hosting in 2011. He opened the night with sharp humor and bold jokes, including references to controversial hip-hop figures. Hart made a pointed joke about Kanye West, referencing his antisemitic behavior and the film Sinners, saying, “We all saw Sinners, don’t let his ass in here. So he can bite somebody. So he can bite Playboi Carti again — Playboi Carti definitely been bit.”
The ceremony featured a lively lineup celebrating BET’s iconic 106 and Park music video show. Ashanti kicked off the performances, followed by Jim Jones and Amerie. Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., Bow Wow, and boy band B2K also appeared in the high-energy opening segment.
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