Kendrick Lamar dominating Drake with five wins at 2025 BET Awards divides Internet: 'This is a joke'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kendrick Lamar made a major impact at the 2025 BET Awards, walking away with the most wins of the night and surpassing rival Drake in key categories.

The event took place on Monday, June 9, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Kendrick Lamar wins big at BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar, who had 10 nominations, won five awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, marking his eighth win in that category—a record.

Lamar’s chart-topping album 'GNX' earned Album of the Year, tying him with Beyonce for the most wins in that category since it began in 2017, per The Mirror. 

He also won Best Collaboration for 'Luther' featuring SZA, Video of the Year for his widely talked-about Drake diss track 'Not Like Us', and shared Video Director of the Year with his longtime creative partner, Dave Free.

He thanked BET during his acceptance speech and reflected on what the platform means to him.

“BET always make sure they represent the culture right and always put me in the midst of the cycle of what we represent, and that’s real true down-to-earth music that people can feel,” said Lamar.

Lamar also expressed gratitude toward his PGLang team, God, and SZA, who was in the audience. “SZA in the crowd,” he added. “We are on tour right now; please come to the show.”

Kevin Hart jokes about Kendrick Lamar's winning streak

Host Kevin Hart surprised Kendrick Lamar on stage with his remaining trophies, joking about the rapper’s multiple wins.

“You’ve been winning all year,” Hart said. “So I figured I’d just get in front of it.” As Lamar juggled the awards in his arms, Hart teased, “That’s your problem," he said per AllHipHop.

This marked a rare appearance for Lamar, who hasn’t attended the BET Awards in recent years. His presence added weight to the event, especially with the ongoing lyrical feud between him and Drake.

Drake had four nominations, including Album of the Year for '$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U', but didn’t secure any wins.

The rivalry between the two artists has fueled streaming wars with tracks like Lamar’s 'Not Like Us' and 'Euphoria' capturing massive attention.

Internet reacts to Kendrick Lamar’s BET Awards win over Drake's

While the awards solidified Lamar’s position with industry accolades, reactions on social media were mixed.

“KENDRICK is overrated* so i dissed him,” wrote one user on X.

Another said, “That album was a**. Yall just hyping mediocrity cuz yall envy Drake so bad. I dont even like his music.”

One person commented, "This is a joke."

Another added, “And this is why drake never performs there I get it now lol this definitely wasn’t album of the year not even close.”

Others supported Lamar’s sweep, with one user writing, “Kendrick is sweeping the 2026 Grammys.”

Another added, “Well deserved.” Some even credited Drake for contributing to Lamar’s rise, writing, “He should’ve thanked Drake, is all I’m saying.”

Another wrote, “Thanks Drake for engaging and losing a battle.”

A fan defended Lamar’s legacy, noting, “Was already the most awarded male in bet history before this year btw lmaooo.”

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