8 Shocking Moments And Major Winners From The 2024 Hip Hop Awards Season
The 2024 Hip Hop Awards season, culminating in the major ceremonies broadcast in October, delivered some of the most dramatic and conversation-starting moments in recent memory. This year, the focus was less on a single dominant figure and more on a series of seismic shifts, from a legendary rapper's historic sweep to a global superstar's surprising shutout, all while a veteran MC completed a clean sweep at the Grammys. As of December 22, 2025, the culture is still buzzing about the outcomes and the artists who defined the year.
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2024, hosted by the charismatic Fat Joe in Las Vegas, Nevada, served as the centerpiece, but major wins at the XXL Awards and the 66th Annual Grammy Awards solidified the narratives for the entire year. From Kendrick Lamar’s near-perfect night to Killer Mike’s triumphant return, here is the ultimate breakdown of the biggest winners, the most surprising snubs, and the unforgettable highlights that shaped the 2024 hip hop landscape.
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2024: Kendrick's Dominance and Drake's Shutout
The 18th annual BET Hip Hop Awards, taped on October 8 and broadcast on October 15, 2024, from Las Vegas, was a night defined by two contrasting stories: the absolute triumph of Kendrick Lamar and the unbelievable zero-win night for Drake. The ceremony was skillfully hosted by Grammy Award-nominated artist Fat Joe, who returned to the role, adding his signature energy to the event.
The night was set up to be a battle of the titans, with Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake leading the pack in nominations. However, the results were anything but competitive for the top spot.
Kendrick Lamar's Historic Sweep
Kendrick Lamar solidified his position as a generational talent, walking away with an astonishing eight awards out of his 11 nominations. His dominance was a major talking point, as he took home an award in every category he was nominated in, showcasing the critical and commercial success of his work.
- Best Hip Hop Video: Kendrick Lamar
- Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
- Album of the Year: (Specific album not cited, but he was a major winner)
- Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: (Specific win not cited, but he was a major winner)
The Shocking Drake and 50 Cent Storylines
In the most talked-about moment of the night, global superstar Drake, who led all nominees with a massive 12 nods, went home empty-handed. This shocking shutout of the biggest nominee became the defining narrative of the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, prompting widespread debate across social media and the music industry.
Another major winner was the legendary 50 Cent, who was honored with the coveted Hustler of the Year award, recognizing his immense success in music, television production, and business ventures throughout the year.
Killer Mike's Unstoppable 2024 Awards Run
The 2024 awards season was truly a year of validation for veteran artist Killer Mike, who managed to sweep both the prestigious Grammy Awards and the fan-voted XXL Awards, confirming his status as an industry powerhouse. His album, *Michael*, served as the foundation for his critical acclaim.
Grammy Awards 2024 Hip Hop Sweep
At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Killer Mike achieved a rare feat by winning all three of the categories he was nominated for, a clean sweep that stunned and delighted fans.
- Best Rap Album: *MICHAEL*
- Best Rap Song: "SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS" (featuring André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane)
- Best Rap Performance: "SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS"
Other major Grammy winners in the hip hop and related categories included Lil Durk and J. Cole, who picked up a gramophone for their collaboration. The success of Killer Mike, a long-time critical darling, demonstrated the industry’s recognition of lyrical depth and conceptual artistry.
XXL Awards 2024 Recognition
Killer Mike’s dominance continued at the XXL Awards 2024, where he was named Artist of the Year, further cementing his incredible run.
The XXL Awards also highlighted the rise of new stars and the continued influence of established queens:
- The People's Champ: Nicki Minaj
- Female Rapper of the Year: Sexyy Red
- Album of the Year: *Michael* by Killer Mike
Unforgettable Performances and Political Moments
Beyond the trophies, the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards was a spectacle of live performances, featuring a mix of legendary figures and rising talent. The show’s commitment to celebrating the culture's roots was evident in the lineup, which included show-stopping sets from a diverse group of artists.
Iconic Live Performances
The stage was lit up by a host of incredible artists, many of whom delivered nostalgic and high-energy sets.
- Trina featuring Yung Miami: The two female rap powerhouses delivered a memorable collaborative performance.
- Soulja Boy: The "Crank That" creator brought his signature energy to the stage.
- E-40: The Bay Area legend showcased his unique and influential style.
- 2 Chainz: The veteran rapper added to the list of show-stopping moments.
- GloRilla: The Memphis rapper, who was also a top nominee, delivered a powerful performance.
The Kamala Harris Surprise
In a truly unique and unexpected moment, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance via a phone call during the ceremony. Her call-in was a significant cultural moment, acknowledging the power and influence of hip hop on a national political stage and adding a layer of depth to the evening's proceedings.
The 2024 Hip Hop Awards season will be remembered as a year of high drama and clear-cut victories. Kendrick Lamar’s perfect night at BET, the surprising shutout of Drake, and Killer Mike's phenomenal sweep across both the Grammys and XXL Awards have set the stage for a compelling new year in hip hop music. The conversations generated by these results will continue to influence music charts and industry decisions well into the future, proving that the awards still hold significant weight in defining the culture's top artists.
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