Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii and Clipse Lead the 2026 BET Awards Hip Hop Nominations

The 2026 BET Awards nominations have officially been released, and the list has already sparked major conversation across the entertainment industry. According to Billboard reporting, Cardi B leads all nominees with six nominations, reinforcing her position as one of the most influential figures in modern hip hop and pop culture. Close behind are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah The Scientist, each earning five nominations across key categories. Other major names including Latto, Doechii, Clipse and Teyana Taylor also secured four nominations each. The nominations stretch across music, fashion, television, film and digital culture, showing how the awards continue to expand their influence beyond traditional categories. This year’s announcement has placed a strong spotlight on both established superstars and rising voices shaping the current entertainment landscape.

The 2026 BET Awards stand out because of how clearly they reflect the evolving structure of modern entertainment. Music is no longer the only measure of cultural impact, with fashion, internet influence and cross platform creativity now playing a major role in recognition. The nominations show a blend of veteran artists who have defined the last decade and newer acts who are quickly reshaping sound and style. Collaboration also remains a key theme, with many nominees appearing across multiple categories due to joint projects and featured performances. This balance between legacy and innovation has made the 2026 list one of the most competitive in recent years.

A major talking point this year is the introduction of two new award categories. The Fashion Vanguard Award recognizes individuals who have had a major influence on cultural style and visual identity. Nominees include A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Doechii, Teyana Taylor, Rihanna, Zendaya and Bad Bunny. The second addition, the Pulse Award, focuses on internet driven content that has influenced Black culture and digital communities. Nominees include the 85 Shout Show, Baby This Is Keke Palmer, Charlamagne Tha God, Druski, Don Lemon, It Is What It Is, Joe & Jada, On The Radar and the R&B Money podcast. These categories reflect how online platforms and cultural fashion have become central to modern entertainment recognition.

BET executive vice president of specials and music strategy and programming Connie Orlando stated that the nominees represent excellence across music, film, sports and beyond. She also emphasized that the addition of new categories reflects the continued evolution of Black culture and its global influence. The statement highlights how the BET Awards are expanding their reach while still honoring traditional achievements in music and performance. This shift shows how awards shows are adapting to changing audience habits and the growing importance of digital platforms. The 2026 ceremony is positioned as both a celebration of legacy and a reflection of current cultural trends.

The ceremony is scheduled to air live on Saturday, June 28, and will be hosted by Druski. His selection as host highlights the growing influence of internet personalities in mainstream entertainment spaces. Fans are expecting major performances, surprise collaborations and high profile moments throughout the night. With such a wide range of nominees across multiple genres and industries, the event is expected to draw strong global attention. The lineup reflects a year where music, fashion and digital culture have become deeply connected.

Below is the full list of 2026 BET Awards nominees.

2026 BET Awards Nominees

Album of the Year
Cardi B – AM I THE DRAMA?
Tyler, The Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS
Wale – everything is a lot.
Mariah The Scientist – HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY
Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: HEEL
J. Cole – The Fall-Off
Bruno Mars – The Romantic

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Ari Lennox
Coco Jones
Ella Mai
Jill Scott
Kehlani
Mariah The Scientist
Olivia Dean
SZA
Tems

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
A$AP Rocky
Baby Keem
BigXthaPlug
DaBaby
Don Toliver
Drake
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
T.I.

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Brent Faiyaz
Bruno Mars
Bryson Tiller
Chris Brown
Durand Bernarr
GIVĒON
Leon Thomas
October London
Usher

Video of the Year
Ella Mai – “100”
Doechii – “Anxiety”
Mariah The Scientist – “Burning Blue”
Tyla – “Chanel”
Teyana Taylor – “Escape Room (Short Film)”
Kehlani – “Folded”
T.I. – “Let ’Em Know”
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “luther”

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Monaleo
YK Niece

Best Group
41
Clipse
De La Soul
FLO
French Montana & Max B
Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz
Nas & DJ Premier
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon
Wizkid & Asake

Viewers’ Choice
Mariah The Scientist – “Burning Blue”
Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar – “Chains & Whips”
Tyla – “Chanel”
Kehlani – “Folded”
Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
Cardi B – “Outside”
Dave & Tems – “Raindance”
Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz – “Take Me Thru Dere”

Best Collaboration
Clipse & Kendrick Lamar – “Chains & Whips”
Cardi B feat. Jeezy & Latto – “Errtime Remix”
Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat – “Go Girl”
Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd – “Good Flirts”
Mariah The Scientist & Kali Uchis – “Is It A Crime”
Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends (The Remix)”
Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz – “Take Me Thru Dere”
Gunna feat. Burna Boy – “wgft”

Best New Artist
Belly Gang Kushington
DESTIN CONRAD
JayDon
kwn
Miles Minnick
Monaleo
Olivia Dean
RAYE
Trap Dickey