Kendrick Lamar Wins Big and Sets Record at 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
Kendrick Lamar performs at Coachella.
Photo Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Coachella.
By: Camille Shanklin
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 will forever be remembered for Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking achievements. Hailing from Compton, California, Kendrick has long been celebrated as one of hip hop's most beloved and influential artists. He was already riding high in 2023 after securing the Best Rap Album award at the Grammys for his highly anticipated Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers album.
Kendrick Lamar's influence extends far beyond his impressive award collection. He is an artist who has paved the way for many of our favorite performers, leaving an undeniable mark on the world of hip-hop.
Photo of Kendrick Lamar winning the GRAMMY for Best Rap Album at the 2023 GRAMMYs.
Photo Credit: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE RECORDING ACADEMY
With 161 awards and 399 nominations under his belt, he made history once again at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards. In a remarkable feat, he became the first hip-hop artist to win back-to-back awards in the "Best Video Director" category, alongside his creative partner, Dave Free. The only other artist to achieve this was the legendary Hype Williams, who held the title for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012.
In addition to this milestone, Kendrick Lamar dominated the awards night by bringing home victories in three other major categories. He was named Hip Hop Artist of the Year, tied with Kanye West and Jay Z for the most wins in the Best Live Performer category, and secured the title of Lyricist of the Year for the ninth time. Kendrick's impressive haul made him the biggest winner of the night.
Kendrick Lamar Makes History At BET Hip Hop Awards
Of course, Kendrick wasn’t the only star who received major love and support that night. The show was hosted by the Grammy-nominated Terror Squad Rapper and Media Personality Fat Joe at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Georgia, with a lineup that left fans buzzing. Let's get into some of the highlights of the night.
The show opened with a bang as Sexy Redd took the stage, delivering a captivating performance of Pound Town. The audience sang along, word for word, setting the tone for a memorable evening. DaBaby followed, showcasing a mashup of Ghetto Girls and the Shake Sumn Remix, further elevating the energy in the room. Hip-hop legend Jadakiss made a surprise appearance, leaving the crowd in awe.
Sexyy Red Performance Bet Hip Hop Awards 2023
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 will go down in history not only for its breathtaking performances but also as a testament to the enduring impact of Kendrick Lamar on the music industry.
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