Kendrick Lamar bags five BET Awards but loses the viewer’s choice to Chris Brown’s hit “residuals
Kendrick Lamar continued his dominant run in 2025 with a stunning performance at the BET Awards, held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on June 9. Nominated for 10 awards across six categories, Lamar walked away with five trophies, cementing his place at the top of the hip-hop world. But even with his impressive haul, one award slipped from his grasp, thanks to Chris Brown.
The most anticipated moment came when Lamar snagged Album of the Year for GNX. Presented by comedian Kevin Hart, who cheekily handed him four extra trophies in a nod to Lamar’s habit of sweeping award shows, the atmosphere inside the Peacock Theater was electric. “Might as well give him everything now and save us some time,” Hart joked, drawing huge laughs from the crowd.
While only the Album of the Year award was televised, Lamar quietly racked up another four awards behind the scenes. He claimed Video of the Year for Not Like Us, Best Collaboration for Luther with SZA, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Best Video Director alongside creative partner Dave Free. The wins underline Lamar’s versatility not only as a rapper but as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of the genre.
However, one category slipped away. Lamar was nominated three times for the Viewer’s Choice Award but ultimately lost out to Chris Brown’s Residuals. The R&B star had a big night of his own, taking home multiple honours and reminding fans why he remains one of the genre’s biggest draws.
During his acceptance speech, Lamar kept things humble and gracious. He thanked BET for consistently providing a platform for Black artists and offered special gratitude to SZA for their successful collaboration. “She’s been instrumental over the past year,” he said warmly. Lamar also took the opportunity to plug their ongoing Grand National Tour, much to the delight of fans both in the arena and watching at home.
The night was another chapter in what has been a whirlwind year for Lamar. Thirteen months removed from his headline-making feud with Drake, Kendrick remains untouchable in the rap scene. His critically acclaimed GNX album continues to dominate charts and streaming platforms, while his live performances have drawn massive crowds around the world.
As the Grand National Tour continues, speculation is already swirling about whether Lamar might release another album before the year’s end. Though fans remain eager for new material, most are simply enjoying his current reign and the creative highs he continues to deliver.
Meanwhile, Chris Brown’s victory in the Viewer’s Choice category reminded everyone that the competition remains fierce. Brown’s Residuals has resonated strongly with fans, earning him one of the night’s most coveted fan-voted prizes. His multiple wins reaffirm his staying power and enduring popularity across genres.
Elsewhere in the ceremony, Kevin Hart’s hosting duties provided plenty of memorable moments. The comedian took playful jabs at several celebrities, including Diddy, Cardi B, and Kanye West, keeping the audience laughing between award presentations. His energy helped set the tone for a night filled with music, surprises, and celebration of Black excellence.
As the curtain closed on the 2025 BET Awards, both Kendrick Lamar and Chris Brown walked away with armfuls of trophies, leaving fans buzzing about what’s next for the two superstars. With Lamar at the peak of his creative powers and Brown continuing to dominate the charts, the stage is set for another thrilling year in music.
