The 2024 BET Awards, held on June 30, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, solidified its reputation as "Culture's Biggest Night" by celebrating the intersection of musical innovation, cinematic achievement, and social advocacy. Hosted by the incomparable Taraji P. Henson, the ceremony was headlined by a career-spanning tribute to Usher, a powerful comeback performance by Will Smith, and a dominant showing by rising R&B powerhouse Victoria Monét.
Looking back from 2026, the 2024 ceremony remains a definitive cultural touchstone. It captured a specific era where R&B underwent a massive resurgence and Hip-Hop grappled with internal shifts, all while international genres like Amapiano and Afrobeats continued to permeate the American mainstream. The event was not merely an awards show; it was a high-production showcase of Black excellence that balanced nostalgic tributes with the aggressive introduction of new talent.
The Winners’ Circle: Who Took Home the Hardware?
The 2024 BET Awards distribution of trophies reflected a year of both veteran dominance and the crowning of a new generation. One of the most significant wins of the night was Killer Mike, who secured Album of the Year for his deeply personal project, MICHAEL. This win was particularly poignant following his sweep at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards earlier that year, reinforcing his status as a lyrical heavyweight whose message resonated across both the industry and the streets.
In the R&B categories, SZA and Usher were the primary victors. SZA’s win for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist continued her multi-year streak of dominance following the release of SOS. Usher, meanwhile, was honored as the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, a win that served as a precursor to his massive Lifetime Achievement Award celebration later in the evening.
Victoria Monét was arguably the MVP of the 2024 ceremony. After years of writing hits for other artists, Monét’s solo career reached its zenith with wins for Best New Artist and Video of the Year for "On My Mama." Her success highlighted a shift in the industry toward rewarding high-concept choreography and meticulous production value.
Major 2024 BET Awards Winners Summary
| Category | Winner | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Album of the Year | Killer Mike | MICHAEL |
| Best Female R&B/Pop Artist | SZA | SOS |
| Best Male R&B/Pop Artist | Usher | Coming Home |
| Best Group | Killer Mike & André 3000 | "Scientists & Engineers" |
| Best New Artist | Victoria Monét | Jaguar II |
| Video of the Year | Victoria Monét | "On My Mama" |
| Best Female Hip-Hop Artist | Nicki Minaj | Pink Friday 2 |
| Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Kendrick Lamar | "Not Like Us" / Various |
| Best International Act | Tyla | "Water" |
| Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award | Tasha Cobbs Leonard | "Your Spirit" |
| Sportswoman of the Year | Angel Reese | WNBA / LSU |
| Sportsman of the Year | Jalen Hurts | NFL |
The Usher Lifetime Achievement Tribute
The emotional and technical centerpiece of the 2024 BET Awards was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Usher Raymond IV. Celebrating over three decades in the industry, the tribute was not a standard retrospective but a massive, multi-artist performance that showcased his influence on contemporary music.
The performance began with a high-energy medley featuring several of Usher’s collaborators and mentees. Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét delivered a stylized rendition of "Bad Girl," mimicking the iconic choreography that defined Usher’s Confessions era. They were followed by Coco Jones, who performed a soulful cover of "There Goes My Baby," and Chlöe, who brought a modern edge to "Good Kisser."
The segment culminated in an emotional acceptance speech by Usher that lasted nearly 15 minutes. While some portions of the speech were famously censored during the live broadcast—leading to significant social media discourse—the core message remained intact: a call for unity, the importance of fatherhood, and a reflection on his journey from a teenage prodigy to a global icon. Usher’s speech served as a masterclass in industry longevity, emphasizing that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Standout Performances and Production Highlights
Beyond the Usher tribute, the 2024 stage was a platform for significant artistic statements. These performances were characterized by high-budget set designs and a focus on live vocal capability.
Will Smith’s "You Can Make It"
One of the most talked-about moments was Will Smith’s return to the musical stage. Performing his new single "You Can Make It," Smith utilized a dramatic stage setup involving a ring of fire and a full gospel choir featuring Kirk Franklin and Sunday Service. The performance was widely interpreted as a thematic "redemption" arc, focusing on resilience and overcoming adversity. Technically, the lighting and sound engineering for this segment were among the best in the show's history, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere in the Peacock Theater.
Victoria Monét’s "On My Mama"
Victoria Monét’s performance of "On My Mama" was a lesson in precision. Bringing the 1990s-inspired aesthetics of her music video to life, the performance featured intricate group choreography that went viral almost instantly. Monét’s ability to maintain vocal stability while executing high-energy dance routines cemented her place as a premier live performer, reminiscent of the "triple-threat" era of Janet Jackson and Ciara.
The Rise of Female Rap
The 2024 ceremony showcased the incredible commercial and cultural power of female rappers. Megan Thee Stallion opened the show with a high-octane set that included "HISS" and "BOA," utilizing snake-themed visuals and aggressive choreography. GloRilla and Sexyy Red also delivered standout performances, representing the "New South" sound that dominated the airwaves throughout late 2023 and 2024. These performances highlighted a shift toward raw, club-oriented energy that defined the summer of 2024.
Cultural Context: The Kendrick vs. Drake Atmosphere
While neither Kendrick Lamar nor Drake were present to accept awards in person, their influence loomed large over the 2024 ceremony. This was the first major awards show following the high-profile lyrical battle between the two titans.
Host Taraji P. Henson leaned into the cultural moment during her opening monologue, performing a parody of Kendrick Lamar’s "Not Like Us." The audience’s reaction—a mix of jubilant participation and industry shock—underscored how deeply the feud had permeated the collective consciousness. Kendrick Lamar’s win for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist was seen by many as a definitive industry "vote" on the outcome of the rivalry, despite Drake’s continued commercial dominance.
International Impact and Global Expansion
The 2024 awards further bridged the gap between American urban music and the global South. Tyla, the South African breakout star, won Best International Act, beating out established heavyweights from the UK and Nigeria. Her win was a testament to the viral success of "Water" and the rising global appetite for Amapiano.
The inclusion of international categories on the main stage, rather than as a secondary segment, signaled BET’s commitment to reflecting the global nature of Black culture. This shift has continued into 2026, where the "International Act" category is now often considered one of the "Big Five" awards of the evening.
Technical Execution and Hosting
Taraji P. Henson’s hosting was a masterclass in versatility. Throughout the night, she underwent several costume changes, each reflecting a different era of Black fashion, and navigated the high-pressure environment with a mix of humor and poise. Her ability to keep the show moving despite lengthy acceptance speeches was critical to the broadcast's success.
From a technical standpoint, the 2024 BET Awards utilized advanced LED floor technology and augmented reality (AR) elements for home viewers, particularly during the more experimental performances like Childish Gambino’s teaser for Bando Stone & The New World. The sound mixing for the live band segments, which accompanied many of the R&B acts, provided a depth of audio often missing from television award ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most awards at the 2024 BET Awards?
Victoria Monét and Usher were the primary winners of the night. Victoria Monét secured two of the most prestigious awards: Best New Artist and Video of the Year. Usher was not only named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist but also received the Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the central figure of the ceremony.
Why was Usher’s speech muted during the broadcast?
Portions of Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech were muted by BET’s censors due to the use of profanity and sensitive language. Because the show was broadcast live, the network utilized a standard "dump button" to comply with FCC regulations regarding broadcast decency. The full, uncensored speech was later discussed extensively in post-show interviews and digital clips.
Did Kendrick Lamar perform at the 2024 BET Awards?
No, Kendrick Lamar did not perform at the 2024 ceremony. However, his presence was felt through Taraji P. Henson’s "Not Like Us" parody and his win for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist. His absence was notable given the massive success of his "The Pop Out" concert just weeks prior in Los Angeles.
What was the significance of Will Smith’s performance?
Will Smith’s performance of "You Can Make It" marked his major return to the music industry and a symbolic move past the controversies of previous years. The performance was designed to be inspirational and focused on his personal growth and resilience, featuring heavy religious and motivational themes.
How did the 2024 BET Awards celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop?
While 2023 was the primary year for the 50th-anniversary celebrations, the 2024 awards continued the momentum by honoring legends like Lauryn Hill, who performed alongside her son YG Marley. The ceremony focused on the "next 50 years" by highlighting genre-bending artists who are currently reshaping the sound of the culture.
Final Thoughts and Next Actions
The 2024 BET Awards served as a vital check-in on the state of global Black culture. For fans looking to revisit these moments in 2026, the performances remain available through official BET digital archives and Paramount+ streaming services.
To gain a deeper understanding of the artists highlighted during the 2024 ceremony, it is recommended to explore the full discographies of Victoria Monét (Jaguar II) and Killer Mike (MICHAEL). These albums provide the necessary context for why these specific artists were elevated during "Culture's Biggest Night." Additionally, watching the full Usher tribute provides a comprehensive history of R&B over the last thirty years, serving as an educational resource for any fan of the genre.
