"During the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards, which aired last night (Oct. 10), the focus was on celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop. Iconic producer and Hip-Hop legend Marley Marl received the "I Am Hip Hop" Award. Meanwhile, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland were honored with the "Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award" for their contributions to the culture, and Kendrick Lamar also had significant wins.
Kendrick Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner, had the highest number of awards during the evening, with four. Each of these achievements was groundbreaking, as Billboard points out. Kendrick became the first artist to clinch the Hip-Hop Artist of the Year award three times. He won the Best Live Performer title for the fourth time, equaling the records set by Kanye West and Jay-Z. Kendrick's ninth win as Lyricist of the Year further extended his record in this category. Additionally, Lamar and Free received the Best Video Director of the Year award for the second successive year, marking the first back-to-back win in this category since Hype Williams' consecutive victories from 2009-2012.
As aforementioned, it was also a big night for super producers Tim and Swizz. The legendary producers were given the 2023 Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award, which honored their impact and continuing legacy.
“I always dreamed I’d be on stage accepting an award about Hip-Hop. Doing music back in Virginia, I never thought I’d make it, but I’m here,” Timbaland said during his speech. “My brother and I created something special, and it ain’t over. Black-owned, Verzuz, with Swizz Beatz and me. I’m glad to share this with my brother.”
Swizz agreed, highlighting that they once again own their immensely popular Verzuz franchise, and adding that they plan to bring it back. “Like Tim said, we own Verzuz again. We got quiet for a minute, but we’re going to come back strong and show you what it is. It wasn’t just something for the pandemic; it’s something for the world."
Kendrick Lamar Sets Four Records with Quadruple Win at 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards
