Ladipoe, Nasty C score nods at 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards

The annual ceremony, which was first held in 2006, celebrates outstanding contributions to hip hop culture in the US and beyond. It will be filmed on 1 October at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ladipoe and Nasty C were shortlisted in the Best International Flow category, alongside Xamã (Brazil), Laylow (France), Gazo (France), Little Simz (UK) and Dave (UK). The nomination is Ladipoe’s first and Nasty C’s second after he earned a nod in the same category last year, only to lose out to British-Ghanaian act Stormzy. South African hip hop fans will be hoping that the Zulu Man With Some Power artist won’t come second best for a second year on the trot.

This year’s ceremony will reward artists in 17 categories, including Song of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Producer of the Year.

“Our 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards nominees span generations and are a representation of the talented individuals who elevate hip hop culture in creative and diverse ways,” BET executive vice-president for specials, music, programming and music strategy Connie Orlando said. “We can’t wait to join forces with the best in hip hop and deliver a one-of-a-kind show in Atlanta.”

After Stormzy won last year’s Best International Flow Award, 2019 winner Sarkodie said: “For the second consecutive year, BET recognises emcees from around the world who have achieved excellence in their craft, using wordplay, sharp delivery, melody and cadence to connect listeners to their story.” 

US rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion lead the nominations for this year’s awards with nine apiece. They are followed by Canadian star Drake with eight nods in seven categories, including Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.