BET celebrates Hip Hop with two new specials on Tuesday, October 5: The 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” and “RAP CITY ‘21.” The longest-running rap show on BET, “RAP CITY,” returns for a one-hour special edition with legendary host Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. The 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS”co-hosted by actors, hosts of the “85 South Show” podcast, and stars of Wild N’ Out – comedy supergroup 85 South (Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean) .

This year’s “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” featured show stopping performances by Young Thug & Gunna, Latto, Bia featuring Lil Jon, Baby Keem, Tobe Nwigwe featuring Fat & Nell, and Isaiah Rashad featuring Doechii & Kal. Hip Hop powerhouses Trina, Remy Ma, and Rapsody presented some of the night’s top honors.

Rapper, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actor Nelly received the 2021 “I Am Hip Hop” Award from legendary producer Jermaine Dupri before taking the stage to perform a medley of his greatest hits. Global entertainment icon, 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, founder and CEO of Rock The Bells, LL COOL J presented the first-ever “Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award” to Grammy-Award winning rapper, producer, entrepreneur and four-time “BET Hip Hop Awards” nominee TYLER, THE CREATOR.

Previously announced nominees include Cardi B, Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion, leading the pack with nine nominations each, followed by Drake with an impressive eight nods. Tyler, The Creator, and Metro Boomin tie for third-most nominations securing four nods each. Other notable nominees include 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, J. Cole, and Pooh Shiesty, who received three each. Bia, Chris Brown, Doja Cat, Jay Z, Lil Nas X, Migos, Nicki Minaj, Roddy Ricch, Saweetie, Young Thug, and Yung Bleu received two nominations each.