Washington DC [US]: Rapper Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the frontrunner at the 2025 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards with a total of 10 nominations, according to Variety. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in Black excellence across music, film, television, and sports.
Lamar’s nominations span album of the year for GNX, video of the year for Not Like Us, and multiple entries in the viewer’s choice and best collaboration categories. He also secured nods for video director of the year (alongside Dave Free) and best male hip hop artist.
His hit tracks—Not Like Us, Luther (featuring SZA), and Like That (with Future & Metro Boomin)—dominate key categories, with all three appearing in both viewer’s choice and best collaboration segments.
Close behind Lamar are Doechii, GloRilla, and Future, each with six nominations. Future’s nominations include album of the year for We Don’t Trust You (with Metro Boomin), video of the year for Type Shit, and best male hip hop artist. His collaboration on Like That with Lamar also gained him recognition in multiple categories.
Other notable artists include Drake, who earned nods for album of the year ($ome $exy $ongs 4 U), video of the year (Family Matters), viewer’s choice (Nokia), and *best male R&B/pop artist.
SZA and The Weeknd tied with four nominations each, while Chris Brown, Ayra Starr, Lil Wayne, Maverick City Music, Playboi Carti, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, the Creator earned three nominations apiece.
SZA was nominated for best female R&B/pop artist and best collaboration (30 for 30 featuring Lamar).
Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show, performing at the NFL Super Bowl in New Orleans. Introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, Lamar opened with a dramatic visual display before launching into a setlist of his biggest hits while standing atop a car.
His Grammy-winning track Not Like Us earned five awards at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. With these wins, Lamar now holds 22 Grammy Awards, solidifying his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most decorated artists.