The 2025 BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on June 9, Monday honoured Kendrick Lamar as the night’s biggest winner. The rapper took home the ‘Album of the Year’ for his much-loved 2024 album GNX. Beyond the accolades, Lamar took the opportunity to mention the recognition was extra special from BET. “I ain’t been here in a long time, but I always kept it in my heart.” the 37-year-old said during his acceptance speech.
The singer also took home awards for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year for Not Like Us and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for Luther. Additionally, the award for Video Director of the Year was shared by Lamar and his creative partner Dave Free.
Lamar’s album GNX, which debuted in November of last year, was a commercial and critical success. The full-length version of the album sat at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for three weeks along with producing several hits that were on the Billboard Hit 100. The 13-week chart topper Luther featuring SZA was among the top performers.
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Currently on a tour with his long-time collaborator SZA, Lamar thanked her for sharing the limelight. He also expressed gratitude to his PGLang team, an independent multidisciplinary creative communications company founded by Lamar. With several wins, the rapper topped the 2025 BET nominations with 10 nods followed by Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla with six nominations each. Metro Boomin received five, while SZA and The Weeknd earned four nominations each.
The honourees for the BET’s Ultimate Icon Award included Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin and Snoop Dogg.
