This Week in Good Black News: Kendrick Lamar Tops AMA Nominations, SZA Makes Billboard History, and Kevin Hart Tapped to Host BET Awards
It’s a big week for good Black news—and we love to see it. From record-breaking music moments to major award show milestones, Black artists continue to shine and make history on their own terms.
Leading the charge is Kendrick Lamar, who’s racked up an impressive 10 nominations at the 51st American Music Awards — the most of any artist this year.
In the same winning spirit, SZA is adding yet another achievement to her résumé. Her critically acclaimed album “SOS” has officially surpassed Adele’s “21” for the longest run in the Billboard 200 Top 10 by a woman — a history-making feat that solidifies her place among music’s elite.
And if that wasn’t enough, comedy superstar Kevin Hart is bringing his signature humor and high energy to the stage as host of the 25th anniversary “BET Awards.”
The milestone Black-tie event promises to be a star-studded celebration of Black artistry, culture, and impact, honoring the trailblazers, hitmakers, and rising stars who keep pushing the culture forward. For more on these stories and others, keep scrolling.
Kendrick Lamar leads American Music Awards Nominations
Kendrick Lamar is leading the charge at the 51st American Music Awards with an impressive 10 nominations. The Compton lyricist is up for several of the night’s biggest honors, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for “GNX,” and Song of the Year for his chart-topping anthem “Not Like Us.” Lamar also dominates the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category, securing three of the five spots with “Not Like Us,” “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, and “Luther” featuring SZA.
Already a three-time AMA winner, Lamar’s latest nominations cap off what’s been an unstoppable run. Just months ago, he made history at the 67th GRAMMY Awards as only the second Hip-Hop artist to win both Song and Record of the Year.
The 51st AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, will air live from Las Vegas on May 26 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Tabitha and Chance Brown celebrate their love story with new fragrances
Tabitha Brown and her husband, Chance are giving fans a sweet way to tap into their love story.
The beloved couple just unveiled two new fragrances — “Love You Mean It” by Tabitha Brown and “Hold Space” by Chance Brown — a thoughtful extension of their bond.
In a recent interview, Tabitha shared the meaning behind the scents, saying, “It’s about the idea of what love smells like, and what safety smells like.” She describes “Love You Mean It” as “warm, sweet, and kind,” with notes of amber, sandalwood, and vanilla, while Chance’s “Hold Space” offers a bold yet comforting blend of musk, amber, and patchouli.
“It represents me,” Chance explained. “I want people to know when I walk into a room — but not overpowering.”
The Browns teamed up with Beloved by Love Beauty and Planet to bring the scents to life, marking their first fragrance venture together. Both scents are now available exclusively at Walmart.
Jalen Hurts marries longtime girlfriend Bry Burrows
Jalen Hurts just scored one of the biggest wins of his life—off the field. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP quietly tied the knot with his longtime love, Bry Burrows.
In his new Men’s Health cover story, Hurts confirmed the news, sweetly referring to Burrows as “my wife” during his interview with journalist Clover Hope. The star athlete arrived to the sit-down carrying a pink Post-it note from Mrs. Hurts that read, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be. I love you. Follow God! I follow you.”
The couple first announced their engagement in September 2024. Hurts and Burrows met as students at the University of Alabama and dated on and off before officially announcing their relationship in 2023.
While Hurts continues to make history on the field, the newlywed remains grounded, telling Men’s Health he has “no” desire to be the face of the league.
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SZA’s ‘SOS’ breaks Adele’s record
SZA just made history, again. The R&B star’s SOS has officially broken Adele’s record for the longest streak in the Billboard 200 Top 10 among albums by women, earning its 85th nonconsecutive week in the top tier, going from No. 4 to No. 3. The achievement surpasses the 84-week run of Adele’s “21.”
The win follows the New Jersey native’s earning 28 new RIAA certifications, including “SOS” reaching 6x platinum and “CTRL” hitting 5x platinum, further cementing her reign.
Kevin Hart to host 25th annual BET Awards
Kevin Hart is bringing the laughs and the legacy as host of the 25th anniversary BET Awards.
This year’s “Black-Tie affair” celebrates 25 years of powerful moments in Black culture. “I love a celebration! It’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments,”” the longtime comedian shared. “I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember.”
The Emmy-winning entertainer and BET staple is no stranger to the network, having starred in fan favorites like “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and executive producing the new BET+ animated series “Lil Kev.”
In addition to the live broadcast, fans can also look forward to BET Experience 2025, a four-day fan event running June 5–8. Performer and nominee announcements are still to come. The BET Awards 2025 will air live on Monday, June 9, at 8 PM ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Victoria Monét, Ayesha Curry team Up to help moms in need
Victoria Monét, Ayesha Curry, and Sofia Richie Grainge are lending their voices—and their hands—to help tackle the maternal health crisis. The trio recently partnered with Baby2Baby to support the nonprofit’s latest initiative, which aims to address the alarming rise in maternal mortality rates.
In honor of Mother’s Day, Monét, Curry, and Grainge joined volunteers at Baby2Baby’s Los Angeles headquarters on Tuesday (April 22) to pack Maternity Health and newborn Supply Kits filled with essentials like diapers, wipes, postpartum care products, breastfeeding supplies, and educational resources for moms and babies.
The effort is part of Baby2Baby’s newly announced $8 million partnership with Huggies, which will help expand the program’s reach across 15 states over the next three years. The initiative follows similar efforts last year with Kelly Rowland and Ciara, continuing Baby2Baby’s mission to uplift mothers in need.
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