The race for the coveted “Best Male Hip Hop Artist” trophy at the 2026 BET Awards 2026 is officially heating up — and this year’s lineup is stacked with some of the biggest names in rap culture.
BET has revealed the official nominees for the category, featuring a mix of rap legends, chart-topping superstars, and new-generation heavy hitters. The nominees are:
- A$AP Rocky
- Baby Keem
- BigXthaPlug
- DaBaby
- Don Toliver
- Drake
- J. Cole
- Kendrick Lamar
- T.I.
The nominations were confirmed as part of the official BET Awards 2026 announcement this week.
Kendrick Lamar vs Drake: Another Chapter in Rap’s Biggest Rivalry
One of the biggest talking points surrounding this category is undoubtedly the continued rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Both artists remain dominant forces in hip-hop, and fans are already debating who deserves the crown this year.
Kendrick enters the ceremony with major momentum after another critically acclaimed run and multiple nominations overall, while Drake continues to dominate streaming platforms and global charts.
Meanwhile, artists like Don Toliver and Baby Keem represent the newer wave of rap stars reshaping the genre with melodic sounds and experimental production.
Rick Ross Takes Shots at 50 Cent Again
Outside of the BET Awards conversation, hip-hop fans are also reacting to fresh comments from Rick Ross aimed at longtime rival 50 Cent.
Rick Ross jokingly mocked 50 Cent during a recent appearance, saying:
“Just imagine if I had the chance to slap 50 Cent with this… The million-dollar backhand.”
The comment instantly went viral across social media, reigniting one of rap’s most legendary beefs. The feud between the two artists has lasted for years, filled with diss tracks, interviews, and online trolling.
Fans online are split — some found the joke hilarious, while others believe the rivalry has gone on long enough.
JUL Continues to Dominate French Rap
Over in France, JUL is proving once again why he remains one of the most powerful forces in European rap.
His new album OUBLIEZ MOI reportedly sold an incredible 35,540 copies in just three days, making it the second-best midweek debut of the year in French rap. Only PLK performed better this year with 63,096 sales.
The numbers confirm JUL’s unmatched consistency and loyal fanbase, as the Marseille rapper continues to break records year after year.
Who Will Win?
With such a competitive lineup, predicting the winner for Best Male Hip Hop Artist is nearly impossible. While Kendrick Lamar appears to be a favorite among critics, Drake’s commercial dominance can never be ignored. At the same time, younger stars like Don Toliver and Baby Keem could surprise everyone.
One thing is certain: the 2026 BET Awards are shaping up to be one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
