Did the Kendrick and Drake beef just get officially buried after the BET awards last night? After having one of the best years in recent hip-hop memory, without even releasing an album. Kendrick Lamar took home eight different awards at this year’s BET hip-hop awards. And was nominated for 11 awards in total. The ceremonies took place in Las Vegas, with Hip-Hop legend Fat Joe hosting the awards for the third consecutive year.
This comes off the back of an amazing 2024 for Lamar. With his public beef with Canadian artist Drake being the driving point of his success, as many believe Kendrick got the best of Drake in their public feud which included 9 different diss tracks between the two rappers. The beef has remained stagnant since the release of Drake’s “The Heart Part 6”, which is a parody of Kendrick’s “The Heart” song series, which he usually releases leading up to an album. With many saying Drake’s final diss was what killed the beef as it was apparent Kendrick had already won the beef, with his release of “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us”.
Now if you went anywhere this summer there is no doubt you have heard Not Like Us. It was basically the anthem of summer 2024. Being played in clubs, all over TikTok, at sporting events and was consistently in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 throughout the Summer.
Steph Curry is fed up with hearing Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”‼️😂
Steph: “Damn with this song… It’s not the only song in America”
LeBron: “I love it"
— RapTV (@Rap) July 17, 2024
Shifting to Lamar’s night at the BET awards he cleaned house taking home 8 awards. With almost all the awards coming off the back of the success of Not Like Us.
Awards Won By Lamar:
Best Hip-Hop Video: Not Like Us
Best Collaboration: Like That
Lyricist Of The Year
Video Director Of The Year (award shared with Dave Free)
Song Of The Year: Not Like Us
Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year
Best Featured Verse: Like That
Impact Track: Not Like Us
Like mentioned, Lamar was able to do all of this at the BET award without even releasing an album. With his last release “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” coming out in 2022. With his last solo album before that being his 2017 album ‘DAMN”.
Other awards winners included Travis Scott taking home the “I Am Hip-Hop Award” as his involvement in the industry as a performer and producer was honoured. And The Alchemist winning both the DJ and Producer of the year award.