Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, storm BET Hip-Hop Awards, Eminem attacks Trump

Kendrick Lamar and newcomer Cardi B were the stars of the 2017 BET Hip-Hop Awards, held in Miami overnight, while Eminem’s savage attack on Donald Trump became the #1 trending video on YouTube. 

Lamar came into the night as red hot favourite, with his DAMN. the highest-selling album of 2017 in the United States, with 1.77 million physical sales and streams three months after its April release.

DAMN. took out Album of the Year, beating out DJ Khaled’s Grateful, Future’s FUTURE, J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only, Jay Z’s 4:44 and Migos’ Culture. 

Meantime, Lamar’s ‘Humble’ was voted Best Hip-Hop Video while the singer also took out Hot Ticket Performer as well as Lyricist of the Year (from Chance the Rapper, Drake, J. Cole and Jay Z).

But his four wins were pipped by Cardi B, the 25-year-old rap, TV and social media sensation from the Bronx in New York City. 

The rapid ascent for Cardi (real name: Belcalis Almanzar) saw her not only win Best New Hip-Hop Artist but also Single of the Year (for ‘Bodak Yellow’, the US chart topper hailed “the rap anthem of the summer” by the New York Times), Hustler of the Year, Best Mix Tape (for Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2) and Made-You-Look Award for best hip hop style. 

Her five wins came from nine nominations.

Others nominated for Single of the Year were Migos Feat. Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Bad and Boujee’, Lamar’s ‘Humble’, Future’s ‘Mask Off’ and DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller’s ‘Wild Thoughts’.

Those also vying for Best New Hip-Hop Artist were Aminé, Kodak Black, Playboi Carti and Tee Grizzley.

It was also a triumphant night for DJ Khaled. He took home DJ of the Year and MVP of the Year, while ‘Wild Thoughts’ was considered Best Collabo, Duo or Group.

Others on the winner’s list were Benny Boom for Video Director, Metro Boomin for Producer, Jay Z’s ‘Story of O.J’ (Impact Track) and Nicki Minaj’s ‘Rake It Up’ for Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse.

Khaled, who hosted, was also one of the performers, alongside Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Cardi B and T-Pain. 

Eminem’s five minute freestyle ‘The Storm’, pre-recorded in Detroit, made its intention clear with opening line: “That’s an awfully hot coffee pot / Should I drop it on Donald Trump? / Prob’ly not / But that’s all I got ’til I come up with a solid plot.” 

He went on to condemn Trump’s policies on immigration, gun reform, and taxes in the video, as well the president’s bungling of Puerto Rico, the Las Vegas shooting, the Charlottesville rally and the NFL protests.