Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, GloRilla and more headline BET Awards nominations
Kendrick Lamar, Doechii and more lead BET Awards nominations
The 2025 BET Awards are shaping up to be one of the most iconic nights in entertainment history. As BET prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its flagship awards show, the network has officially announced the full list of nominees—and leading the way is none other than Kendrick Lamar, with a remarkable 10 nominations.
From honoring chart-topping hits to celebrating cultural impact, this year’s BET Awards promise to reflect the diversity, depth, and influence of Black entertainment. With a blend of seasoned legends and fast-rising stars, the June 9 broadcast will be a defining moment in music, TV, film, and sports.
Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance: 10 Nominations and a Cultural Moment
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to critical acclaim, but his 10 nominations at the 2025 BET Awards underscore a year of unmatched momentum. His viral track “Not Like Us” sparked a cultural wave, becoming not only a hit record but a generational statement.
Categories in which Kendrick is nominated include:
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
- Album of the Year
- Video of the Year
- Lyricist of the Year
- Best Collaboration
What makes Lamar’s dominance especially notable is the balance he strikes between commercial success and lyrical substance. His projects speak directly to social issues, self-identity, and the Black experience—hallmarks that align perfectly with BET’s commitment to platforming Black excellence.
Doechii, GloRilla, Drake & Future: Tied with Six Nominations
Just behind Kendrick are four powerhouse artists, each racking up six nominations—Doechii, GloRilla, Drake, and Future.
Doechii
The Florida-born rapper has exploded onto the mainstream with her fierce delivery and experimental sound. She’s a nominee for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, reflecting her rapid rise from viral sensation to industry heavyweight.
GloRilla
After a huge year performing alongside Megan Thee Stallion on the Hot Girl Summer Tour as well as her own headlining Glorious Tour, and dropping the fan-favorite debut album “Glorious” and Ehhthang Ehhthang mixtape, GloRilla’s name is everywhere. Her energy, unapologetic lyrics, and cultural influence have made her a favorite in both rap and entertainment media.
Drake
Despite ongoing drama in hip-hop, Drake remains a constant. His collaborations, solo releases, and touring success continue to keep him at the center of the conversation. Nominations in categories like Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Collaboration prove he’s not slowing down.
Future
An architect of modern trap music, Future’s feature-heavy run this year has kept his name buzzing across platforms. His influence on streaming charts and street anthems continues to resonate with fans of all ages.
More Fan Favorites: SZA, The Weeknd, Metro Boomin & Others Shine
The next wave of nominees reveals a dynamic mix of genres and generations.
Metro Boomin – 5 Nominations
The super-producer continues to shape the sound of hip-hop. His work on collaborative projects and soundtracks has earned him nods in multiple categories, including Producer of the Year and Album of the Year.
SZA & The Weeknd – 4 Nominations Each
SZA remains the queen of progressive R&B, with her SOS album still resonating globally. The Weeknd, whose voice and artistry transcend pop and R&B boundaries, is also being recognized for his genre-blending innovation.
Artists Earning 3 Nominations: Genre-Spanning Talent
The list of three-time nominees is just as exciting:
- Ayra Starr – One of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising stars, Starr is bringing Nigerian pop to a global audience.
- Chris Brown – With consistent output and stage presence, Brown remains a staple at award shows.
- Lil Wayne – A hip-hop legend who’s continued to release new music while supporting rising talent.
- Maverick City Music – This gospel collective has redefined worship music for a younger generation.
- Playboi Carti – Known for his punk-inspired visuals and trap innovation, Carti continues to push hip-hop boundaries.
- Teddy Swims – A soulful voice with viral success, he’s quickly become a favorite in pop and R&B circles.
- Tyler, the Creator – With award-winning albums and trailblazing aesthetics, Tyler has carved a space all his own.
What to Expect from the 2025 BET Awards Show
This year’s BET Awards won’t be just another awards show—it will be a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Marking 25 years since the inaugural event in 2001, this milestone is expected to honor past and present contributions to Black excellence in entertainment.
Key Highlights to Look Forward To:
- Live Performances from the biggest names in hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and Afrobeats.
- Special Tributes honoring late legends, past BET Awards moments, and culture-shaping figures.
- Anniversary Segments, including the 106 & Park 25th Reunion, featuring AJ & Free, Terrence J & Rocsi, and more.
- Fashion Statements, with celebrities known for making the BET red carpet their personal runway.
- Unexpected Moments, including surprise performances and viral moments that define pop culture.
When and Where to Watch the BET Awards 2025
- Date: Sunday, June 9, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Location: Peacock Theater, Los Angeles
- How to Watch: Live broadcast on BET and streaming on the BET+ app
The BET Awards will also be part of a larger celebration weekend in L.A., known as BET Experience (BETX). The Fan Fest, taking place at the L.A. Convention Center on June 7–8, will feature:
- Interactive panels
- Live music
- Celebrity appearances
- Merchandise pop-ups
- Themed exhibits, including a throwback to 106 & Park’s iconic stage
BET Awards and Its Cultural Legacy
Since its debut in 2001, the BET Awards has been more than a night of entertainment—it has served as a platform to:
- Honor Black artists when other mainstream shows overlooked them.
- Highlight social issues through powerful speeches and tributes.
- Showcase Black fashion, beauty, and identity on a global scale.
The 25th anniversary of the BET Awards serves not only as a retrospective but as a reminder of what’s possible when Black culture leads the conversation.
A Celebration Worth Watching
From Kendrick Lamar’s standout nominations to the cultural comeback of 106 & Park, the 2025 BET Awards are shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year. It’s a moment to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of music, film, sports, and beyond.
Whether you’re watching for the performances, the fashion, or the iconic speeches, this is one night you won’t want to miss.
For a full list of nominees, visit BET.com and follow along on social media using the hashtag #BETAwards25.