The 2024 BET Awards, held on June 30, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated the pinnacle of Black excellence in entertainment. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the night was headlined by Usher receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and major wins for Killer Mike, Victoria Monét, and Kendrick Lamar.
The 2024 BET Awards arrived during a transformative period for hip-hop and R&B, serving as a definitive cultural barometer for the mid-2020s. From the perspective of 2026, we can see how this specific ceremony solidified the commercial dominance of Afrobeats on the global stage and marked the triumphant return of legacy artists to the forefront of the conversation. The event, themed "Culture’s Biggest Night," balanced high-energy performances with poignant social commentary, reflecting the complexities of the entertainment landscape at the time.
The 2024 BET Awards Ceremony: Context and Significance
As we look back from 2026, the 2024 BET Awards remain a frequent point of reference for music historians and fans alike. The ceremony took place amidst a heated summer for hip-hop, dominated by high-profile lyrical feuds and a shifting of the guard in R&B. Taraji P. Henson, returning as host for the third time, provided a steady hand, blending humor with serious calls to action regarding voting rights and social justice—themes that resonated deeply with the audience during a significant election year.
The venue, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was packed with a mix of industry veterans and the "new vanguard" of digital-native artists. This intersection was most visible in the nominations, where seasoned icons like Beyoncé and Usher shared space with emerging powerhouses like Tyla and Sexyy Red. The 2024 awards weren't just about handing out trophies; they were about validating the "new normal" of a globalized Black music industry where South African Amapiano and Nigerian Afrobeats stood toe-to-toe with American Trap and Soul.
2024 BET Awards Winners: The Complete List
The following table provides the comprehensive list of winners across all major categories as recorded during the June 2024 ceremony. These results reflect the voting of the BET Awards Voting Academy, comprised of over 500 entertainment professionals across music, television, film, and digital marketing.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Album of the Year | MICHAEL – Killer Mike |
| Best Female R&B/Pop Artist | SZA |
| Best Male R&B/Pop Artist | Usher |
| Best Group | Killer Mike, André 3000, Future feat. Eryn Allen Kane |
| Best Collaboration | "All My Life" – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole |
| Best Female Hip Hop Artist | Nicki Minaj |
| Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Kendrick Lamar |
| Best New Artist | Victoria Monét |
| Video of the Year | "On My Mama" – Victoria Monét |
| Video Director of the Year | Kai Cenat |
| Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award | "Close To Thee" – Tasha Cobbs Leonard |
| BET Her Award | "Special" – Lizzo |
| Best International Act | Tyla (South Africa) |
| Viewer's Choice Award | "Texas Hold 'Em" – Beyoncé |
| Best Movie | Bob Marley: One Love |
| Best Actor | Colman Domingo |
| Best Actress | Regina King |
| YoungStars Award | Blue Ivy Carter |
| Sportswoman of the Year | Angel Reese |
| Sportsman of the Year | Jalen Hurts |
Analysis of Major Wins and Industry Impact
The Triumph of Killer Mike’s MICHAEL
One of the most discussed victories of the night was Killer Mike winning Album of the Year for his deeply personal project, MICHAEL. In an era often criticized for prioritizing viral singles over cohesive bodies of work, Mike’s win was seen as a victory for traditional storytelling and lyricism. The album, which also dominated the 2024 Grammys earlier that year, explored themes of Southern Black identity, religious conflict, and personal loss. Its win at the BET Awards solidified its status as a modern classic, proving that mature, introspective hip-hop still commands the highest level of respect within the community.
Victoria Monét’s "Overnight" Success a Decade in the Making
Victoria Monét was undeniably the breakout star of the 2024 cycle. Taking home Best New Artist and Video of the Year for "On My Mama," Monét’s success story became a blueprint for persistence. Although labeled a "new artist," she had spent over a decade writing hits for others, including Ariana Grande and Chloe x Halle. Her transition to center stage was marked by a commitment to high-production choreography and 2000s-era R&B aesthetics, which the BET audience embraced with fervor.
Kendrick Lamar and the Hip-Hop Crown
Winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist in 2024 was particularly significant for Kendrick Lamar. This was the year of his highly publicized lyrical sparring with Drake, a conflict that culminated in the chart-topping "Not Like Us." While the award was for his overall contributions, the atmosphere of the room during the 2024 ceremony made it clear that the industry viewed Kendrick as the current standard-bearer for the genre’s technical and cultural integrity.
Special Honors: The Usher Lifetime Achievement Award
A central pillar of the 2024 BET Awards was the tribute to Usher Raymond IV. Celebrating three decades in the industry, Usher was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a moment that transitioned from a high-energy musical medley to a profound 13-minute acceptance speech.
The tribute performance featured a revolving door of contemporary talent paying homage to Usher’s catalog:
- Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét recreated the sleek, sultry energy of "Bad Girl."
- Coco Jones delivered a powerhouse vocal performance of "There Goes My Baby."
- Tyla brought a global flair to "How Do I Say," showcasing Usher's influence on the current generation of international stars.
- Latto brought the Atlanta energy with "Yeah!"
In his acceptance speech, Usher spoke extensively about the importance of forgiveness, the evolution of R&B, and his "pastors" (his fans and family) who supported him through various career phases. From our 2026 vantage point, this moment is viewed as the "Usher Renaissance," occurring alongside his successful Las Vegas residency and Super Bowl halftime show, marking a rare period where a legacy artist managed to be both a nostalgic icon and a current chart-topper.
Memorable Performances and Stage Highlights
Beyond the trophies, the 2024 BET Awards were defined by several "viral" moments that leveraged the power of live television.
Will Smith’s "You Can Make It"
In one of the most unexpected moments of the night, Will Smith took the stage to perform his new single, "You Can Make It." Accompanied by a gospel choir and Kirk Franklin, the performance was a raw, cinematic exploration of resilience and redemption. It served as a formal musical comeback for Smith, addressing his personal and professional tribulations of the previous years without being overly specific, instead focusing on a universal message of perseverance.
Lauryn Hill and YG Marley
Ms. Lauryn Hill appeared alongside her son, YG Marley, to perform "Praise Jah in the Moonlight" and hits from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This performance was a bridge between generations, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Fugees and the rising tide of contemporary reggae-fusion.
Tyla’s "Water" and the Afrobeats Wave
South African sensation Tyla performed her global hit "Water," complete with a sand-and-water-drenched stage design. Her win for Best International Act was a landmark moment, as she was the first female South African artist to achieve such a high level of crossover success at the BET Awards, signaling a permanent shift in how the Academy views global Black music.
Social and Cultural Significance: A Retrospective
The 2024 BET Awards were more than a music show; they were a reflection of the socio-political climate. Taraji P. Henson’s frequent reminders about the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election highlighted the "BET Votes" initiative. The ceremony underscored the role of Black entertainers as community leaders and messengers.
Furthermore, the 2024 awards dealt with the "re-segregation" of music streaming. As mainstream platforms began to lean heavily into algorithmic curation, the BET Awards acted as a curated, human-led counter-narrative, ensuring that artists like Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Gospel) and Angel Reese (Sports) received primetime recognition alongside pop stars.
Accessing 2024 BET Awards Content in 2026
For those looking to revisit these highlights or view the full winners' speeches, several official channels remain active as of 2026:
- Paramount+ and BET+: These streaming services host the full broadcast of the 2024 ceremony, including the "BET Awards Pre-Show" and "Post-Show" specials.
- BET’s Official YouTube Channel: Individual performance clips (such as Usher’s tribute and Will Smith’s performance) are preserved here in high definition.
- Official BET Website: The archives at BET.com provide a detailed breakdown of the 2024 red carpet fashion, behind-the-scenes interviews, and full transcripts of major acceptance speeches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most awards at the 2024 BET Awards?
While several artists took home two awards, Victoria Monét was a standout winner, securing two of the night's most prestigious honors: Best New Artist and Video of the Year. Killer Mike and Usher also enjoyed a "multi-win" night when factoring in the Lifetime Achievement and collaborative categories.
Why did Killer Mike win Album of the Year over mainstream favorites?
Killer Mike’s MICHAEL was recognized for its technical lyricism, narrative depth, and critical acclaim. The BET Awards Voting Academy often balances commercial success with "cultural impact" and "artistic merit." MICHAEL was widely considered the most critically acclaimed hip-hop album of that specific voting cycle, having also swept the Rap categories at the Grammys.
Was the 2024 Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud mentioned?
While there was no official "award" for the feud, the tension was palpable. Kendrick Lamar’s win for Best Male Hip Hop Artist was seen by many as a cultural endorsement of his position in the rivalry. Additionally, several presenters and performers made veiled references to "The Summer of Kendrick," and his tracks were frequently played during commercial transitions.
How did the 2024 BET Awards honor the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop?
While the 2023 ceremony was the primary "50th Anniversary" celebration, the 2024 awards continued the momentum by focusing on "the next 50 years." This was achieved by highlighting "genre-less" artists and global acts, ensuring that the foundation laid in the previous year was used to springboard new talent.
What was the significance of Angel Reese winning Sportswoman of the Year?
Angel Reese’s win came at a time of unprecedented growth for women’s basketball (WNBA). Her victory over other elite athletes highlighted her role not just as a player, but as a cultural icon who brought "flavor" and "attitude" to the sport, aligning perfectly with the BET brand's emphasis on personality and influence.
Where can I find the 2024 BET Awards red carpet photos?
The official red carpet galleries are permanently archived on the BET Awards official site. These galleries feature the 2024 fashion trends, which at the time were dominated by "vintage revival" and "Afro-futurist" aesthetics.
Practical Recommendation for Fans and Researchers
If you are researching the 2024 BET Awards for academic or entertainment purposes in 2026, it is highly recommended to watch the Usher Lifetime Achievement Tribute in its entirety. It serves as a concise "time capsule" of the R&B landscape in 2024, featuring the artists who would go on to define the genre over the subsequent two years. Additionally, for a clear understanding of the transition in hip-hop, compare the performances of the legacy acts (like Will Smith) with the "New Hip Hop" nominees of that year to see the evolution of stagecraft and lyrical delivery.
