LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: (L-R) Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak of Silk Sonic accept the Best Group award onstage at the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images For BET
The 2021 BET Awards has proved to be a complete success. With performances from the likes of H.E.R and Kirk Franklin and the comedic stylings of the talented Taraji P. Henson, the BET Awards are back on track after being forced to take a break last year due to the pandemic. With all of that said, the night's centerpiece are the awards. Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby led the way with seven nominations each. Cardi B and Drake followed closely behind with five awards each. Find out who took home the night's biggest awards with the complete list of winners below.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: Queen Latifah attends the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Over the years, the state of New Jersey has produced a number of internationally renowned stars including Michael B. Jordan, SZA, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. However, few have maintained the level of success that Queen Latifah has had for this long. In the late 1980s, the New Jersey native got her start by beatboxing for the Hip-Hop group, Ladies Fresh. From there, she helped form her own rap group, Flavor Unit, that caught the attention of DJ Gemini and later, Fab 5 Freddy of Yo! MTV Raps. It also earned her a deal to record a single called "Wrath of Madness" with Tommy Boy Music. After that, Queen Latifah was widely recognized as one of the best rappers in music. LL Cool J and Lil' Kim would go on to sample her early work.
Queen Latifah is nothing short of a legend in rap. Having released seven albums and worked on four compilation projects, she built up a fan base that has allowed her to tour the world several times over. Not to mention, she's branched out into the world of film and television. Throughout the 1990s, Queen Latifah has appeared in classic films and shows like Juice, House Party II, Set It Off and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. More recently, she's starred in Chicago, Ice Age, Barbershop, Ice Age and Girls Trip.
The New Jersey native has been a staple in pop culture for more than 30 years. As a result, it comes as no surprise that she would earn the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 BET Awards.
The Complete Winners List
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: Megan Thee Stallion accepts the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award at the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images For BET
Album Of The Year
After Hours by The Weeknd
Blame It On Baby by DaBaby
Good News by Megan Thee Stallion
Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan (WINNER)
King's Disease by Nas
Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle
Best Collaboration
"W.A.P" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (WINNER)
"Rockstar" by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
"Popstar" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake
"What's Poppin' (Remix)" by Jack Harlow featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil' Wayne
"Cry Baby" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring DaBaby
"For The Night" by Pop Smoke featuring Lil' Baby & DaBaby
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
H.E.R (WINNER)
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
6LACK
Anderson .Paak
Chris Brown (WINNER)
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
Best New Artist
Coi Leray
Flo Milli
Giveon (WINNER)
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
Best Group
21 Savage & Metro Boomin'
Chloe x Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos
Silk Sonic (WINNER)
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat
Megan Thee Stallion (WINNER)
Latto
Saweetie
Best Male Hip-Hop Award
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Lil' Baby (WINNER)
Pop Smoke
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
"In Jesus Name" by Bebe Winans
"Never Lost" by Cece Winans
"Hold Us Together" by H.E.R
"Strong God" by Kirk Franklin (WINNER)
"Thank You For It All" by Marvin Sapp
"Touch From You" by Tamela Mann
BET HER Award
"So Gone" by Alicia Keys featuring Khalid
"Baby Mama" by Brandy featuring Chance The Rapper
"Ant Queen" by Bri Steves
"Baby Girl" by Chloe x Halle
"Rooted" by Ciara featuring Ester Dean
"Good Days" by SZA (WINNER)
Best International Act
Aya Nakamura (France)
Burna Boy (Nigeria) (WINNER)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emicida (Brazil)
Headie One (United Kingdom)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young T & Bugsey (United Kingdom)
Youssopha (France)
Viewer's Choice Award
"W.A.P" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (WINNER)
"Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug
"Laugh Now Cry Later" by Drake featuring Lil' Durk
"Savage (Remix)" by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
"Leave The Door Open" by Silk Sonic
"Rockstar" by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
"Popstar" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake
Video of the Year
"Up" by Cardi B
"W.A.P" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (WINNER)
"Do It" by Chloe x Halle
"Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug
"Laugh Now Cry Later" by Drake featuring Lil' Durk
"Leave The Door Open" by Silk Sonic
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Bruno Mars and Florent Déchard (WINNER)
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Best Movie
Coming 2 America
Judas and the Black Messiah (WINNER)
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
One Night In Miami
Soul
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Best Actress
Andra Day (WINNER)
Angela Bassett
Issa Rae
Jurnee Smollett
Viola Davis
Zendaya
Best Actor
Aldis Hodge
Chadwick Boseman (WINNER)
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Eddie Murphy
Lakeith Stanfield
Young Stars Award
Alex R. Hibbert
Ethan Hutchinson
Lonnie Chavis
Marsai Martin (WINNER)
Michael Epps
Storm Reid
Sportswoman of the Year Award
A'ja Wilson
Candace Parker
Claressa Shields
Naomi Osaka (WINNER)
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Sportsman of the Year Award
Kyrie Irving
LeBron James (WINNER)
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Westbrook
Russell Wilson
Stephen Curry
*Winners are bolded