What Is 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards

Overview

The 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards celebrated the most influential figures in hip hop music over the past year. Airing on October 8, 2019, the ceremony recognized achievements in categories ranging from Best New Artist to Lyricist of the Year.

Hosted by comedian and actor Mike Epps, the event combined high-energy performances with sharp comedic commentary. Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, it highlighted the genre's cultural impact and evolving artistry.

• Megan Thee Stallion dominated the night by winning three major awards: Best New Hip Hop Artist, Hustler of the Year, and Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Fashion), cementing her breakout year.
• DaBaby earned two key accolades: Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Hip Hop Artist of the Year, following the massive success of his album 'KIRK' and hit single 'Suge'.
• Cardi B won Best Female Hip Hop Artist for the second consecutive year, reaffirming her dominance in a competitive field that included Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion.
• Nipsey Hussle posthumously received the MVP Award, honoring his contributions to music, community development, and social activism in Los Angeles before his tragic death in March 2019.
• The event featured a powerful tribute to 2Pac on the 25th anniversary of his death, including a performance by Kendrick Lamar and a spoken-word segment by J. Cole.

How It Works

The BET Hip Hop Awards follow a structured process for nominations, voting, and live performance curation. While BET executives and music industry insiders help shape the nominee list, fan voting influences several key categories.

• Nominations: A panel of music industry professionals selects nominees based on chart performance, cultural relevance, and critical acclaim from June 2018 to May 2019. Each category typically features 5–10 nominees.
• Voting Process: Fans can vote online for select categories such as Viewer’s Choice and Best Collaboration, with voting windows open for three weeks leading up to the ceremony.
• Performance Selection: Performances are curated by BET’s music team in collaboration with artists’ management; priority is given to chart-toppers and cultural influencers from the eligibility period.
• Award Categories: Over 20 categories are awarded, including technical honors like Producer of the Year and Best Hip Hop Video, judged by a committee of music journalists and producers.
• Host Selection: Comedian Mike Epps was chosen for his sharp wit and deep roots in hip hop culture, having performed alongside legends like Dave Chappelle and Russell Simmons.
• Posthumous Honors: The MVP Award given to Nipsey Hussle is selected by BET leadership and honors artists who made lasting impacts beyond music, often through community work or activism.

Comparison at a Glance

Award trends and artist recognition across recent years reveal shifts in hip hop’s center of gravity and fan engagement.

The 2019 ceremony saw slightly fewer total awards distributed compared to 2018, but featured more diverse winners. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby emerged as new forces, while established names like Cardi B maintained their dominance. The shift from legacy acts to younger, socially conscious performers reflects broader changes in hip hop’s cultural direction.

Why It Matters

The BET Hip Hop Awards play a crucial role in shaping narratives around artistic excellence and social relevance in urban music. They spotlight rising talent while honoring legacy and community impact.

• Cultural Recognition: The awards validate hip hop as a vital American art form, giving visibility to regional scenes beyond New York and Los Angeles.
• Artist Exposure: Winning or performing at the ceremony often leads to increased streaming numbers; Megan Thee Stallion saw a 40% spike in Spotify plays the week after the event.
• Social Advocacy: By honoring Nipsey Hussle, the show reinforced hip hop’s role in community uplift and economic empowerment in underserved neighborhoods.
• Fan Engagement: Viewer voting in categories like Viewer’s Choice strengthens audience connection and drives social media conversation, generating over 2.3 million tweets during the broadcast.
• Fashion Influence: Megan Thee Stallion’s win for Best Hip Hop Fashion spotlighted how style and music intersect, influencing streetwear trends nationwide.
• Historical Context: Tributes to 2Pac and Nipsey Hussle connect current artists to hip hop’s legacy of activism, ensuring past pioneers are remembered by new generations.

The 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards not only celebrated music but also affirmed hip hop’s enduring power to reflect, challenge, and transform society.