BET Awards 2025: Kendrick Lamar Took Best Male Hip Hop Artist Without Saying a Word
Kendrick Lamar didn’t do press runs. He didn’t release a new album in 2024. And yet, he still walked away with Best Male Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards. That’s power. That’s pen. That’s impact.
Even when he’s not fully active, Kendrick’s verses carry weight, his presence looms, and his influence continues to shape the soundscape of hip-hop.
Here's why Kendrick's win in 2024 was monumental.
1. He Remained the Artist’s Artist
Kendrick’s absence felt intentional. In a year where many rappers flooded the market with music, he stayed selective—and still won. His peers still see him as a benchmark for excellence.
2. The Pulitzer Aura Still Radiates
Kendrick remains the only rapper with a Pulitzer Prize. That level of recognition continues to make every move—every bar, every visual, every public appearance—feel like an event.
3. His Visual Legacy Holds Strong
Fans are still talking about the visuals from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The videos, the stage design, the layers—Kendrick has made it so that even his old work feels fresher than most new releases.
4. He Proved Presence Isn’t Always About Volume
to shape the soundscape of hip-hop
Sometimes silence speaks louder. Kendrick didn’t need to dominate headlines—his artistry did the talking.
TL;DR:
Kendrick Lamar’s Best Male Hip Hop Artist win at the 2024 BET Awards was a flex on a different frequency. No gimmicks. No rollout. Just impact that refuses to fade.
Tune into the BET Awards 2025 on June 9th, at 8pm ET on BET.
