Kendrick Lamar Dominates BET Awards Nominations in Celebration of 25th Anniversary

BY  NEWS BLEND 360

Updated 2:16 AM EST, May 10, 2025

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar continues his impressive musical dominance, entering the upcoming BET Awards as the top nominee.

The rap superstar secured 10 nominations on Thursday, including album of the year for his acclaimed project “GNX,” as announced by the network. His widely popular diss track “Not Like Us,” stemming from the Drake feud, was nominated for video of the year and the viewer’s choice award.

Lamar made headlines with his Grammy success, winning song and record of the year for “Not Like Us.” He followed this with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the prestigious slot. He is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA.

Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla each received six nominations, tying for the second-most. Metro Boomin earned five nominations, while SZA and The Weeknd each received four.

Who will host the show?

Kevin Hart is anticipated to deliver humor as the host of the awards show, marking its 25th anniversary.

The comedian and actor, who hosted the BET Awards in 2011, described this year’s event as a “black-tie affair.”

“It’s an opportunity to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments,” Hart mentioned in a statement. He has a longstanding relationship with the network, having hosted “Comic View: One Night Stand” in 2008. He was an executive producer and one of the stars of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and launched the adult animated comedy “Lil Kev” on BET+.

Will there be any tributes?

The BET Awards will pay tribute to former popular hosts and performances, including the network’s former flagship program “106 & Park.”

“‘106 & Park’ was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” stated Scott Mills, BET’s president and CEO. The weekday show debuted in 2000 and continued for more than a decade.

The show flourished with a video countdown, interviews, and performances.

“From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound converged,” Mills said. “‘106 & Park’ both celebrated and fueled many of the most important musical and cultural evolutions that occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade run.”

The show will bring together past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and Mr. 106 & Park.

When will the awards take place?

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9 at 8 p.m. EDT.

Are there any other standout nominees?

A highly competitive group of exceptional actors is vying for the top award in their category.

The contenders for best actor are: Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge, Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Joey Bada$$, Kevin Hart, Sterling K. Brown, and Will Smith.

In the best actress category, the nominees are: Andra Day, Angela Bassett, Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis, and Zendaya.

Among the sports stars competing for awards are Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Simone Biles, Angel Reese, and Jalen Hurts.