The 2024 BET Awards came with a whirlwind of excitement, as artists from different genres were celebrated for their contributions to music, film, and sports. From stunning performances to emotional speeches, this year’s event was not short on highlights. One of the biggest talking points was Nicki Minaj, who secured Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, but it was also a bittersweet night for Megan Thee Stallion, who, despite multiple nominations, walked away without a win.

Nicki Minaj’s Triumph and Other Highlights
Nicki Minaj, who remains a dominant force in hip-hop, added another accolade to her extensive list by winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Her competitors in this category included heavyweights like Cardi B, Ice Spice, Latto, and Megan Thee Stallion, but it was Minaj who emerged victorious. Her continued success in a genre that is constantly evolving solidifies her legacy as one of the most influential female rappers in the industry.

Fans were also rooting for Minaj’s album Pink Friday 2, which was nominated for Album of the Year. However, it was Killer Mike’s critically acclaimed Michael who took home the award​. While some may have anticipated Minaj to sweep multiple categories, her win in the hip-hop category was well-deserved and celebrated across social media.

Other significant wins included:

SZA was crowned Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, further cementing her status as one of the most powerful voices in contemporary R&B.

Usher, known for his smooth vocals and longevity in the music industry, secured Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.

Lil Durk and J. Cole’s hit collaboration All My Life clinched Best Collaboration, beating out other notable entries like Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s Barbie World and Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s Bongos.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Shocking Shutout
Despite multiple nominations, Megan Thee Stallion left the night empty-handed, which came as a surprise to many fans and critics alike. Megan, who has been a dominant figure in hip-hop over the last few years, had nominations in categories such as Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Best Collaboration (for her track Bongos with Cardi B).

However, with Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and others grabbing the spotlight in several categories, Megan’s shutout was one of the more unexpected moments of the evening.

While Megan’s presence was undoubtedly felt at the awards through her numerous nominations, the competitive nature of this year’s categories made it difficult for her to secure a win. Her fanbase, known as the “Hotties,” expressed their disappointment but also celebrated her nominations as a sign of her continuing influence in the industry.

International and Rising Talent
Another highlight was the focus on international talent, with Tyla from Africa winning Best International Act. This category is a testament to how BET continues to embrace and recognize the global reach of music, showcasing artists from various continents. Tyla’s win signals the growing dominance of African music on the world stage, following the likes of Burna Boy and Wizkid who have previously been celebrated by BET.

Rising star Victoria Monét also made waves, winning Video of the Year for her hit song On My Mama. Her win was seen as a crowning moment for a singer-songwriter who has been working diligently to carve out her space in the industry.

The 2024 BET Awards demonstrated the ever-shifting tides of the music and entertainment industries. While artists like Nicki Minaj and Usher continued to shine, others like Megan Thee Stallion faced unexpected outcomes. Nevertheless, the event remains a significant platform for celebrating Black excellence in entertainment. Whether through wins or nominations, every artist recognized at the BET Awards is contributing to the rich, evolving landscape of global music and culture

By Edima Columbus