Hip Hop Awards 2022: A Look At Past ‘Lyricist of the Year’ Winners
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 will be here before we know it, but before then, we’re reflecting on some of the past shows, winners, show-stopping performances, and much more. Last year Grammy Award-winning emcee J. Cole took home the “Lyricist of the Year” award, but it wasn’t his first time. Let’s look below.
J. Cole 2019 & 2021
North Carolina emcee J. Cole lives in this category, after first winning the award in 2019. Although he may not have won the honor again until the 2021 ceremony, the rapper hasn’t been left out of the discussion.
Lil Wayne — 2008, 2011
Like Cole, Lil Wayne is also a two-time winner of this prestigious category having won his first award in 2008 and again in 2011.
Eminem — 2010
Eminem won the award during the 2010 ceremony. The Detroit native was also nominated for the Verizon People’s Champ Award for his single “Not Afraid” but lost to Nicki Minaj and her record “Your Love.”
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Kendrick Lamar — 2012 -18
West Coast legend Kendrick Lamar has had this category on lock since winning it in 2012. The “Alright” emcee maintained the title of “Lyricist of the Year” until 2018 before being dethroned by J. Cole in 2019.
Rapsody — 2020
Marlanna Evans, better known as North Carolina emcee Rapsody, is the only female rapper ever to win “Lyricist of the Year,” beating out stiff competition including Big Sean, DaBaby, Drake, J. Cole, and the only other female nominee, Megan Thee Stallion.
Watch the Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET
