Kendrick Lamar Hugs SZA & Thanks BET Awards for ‘Representing the Culture Right’ After Album of the Year Win

Kendrick Lamar won big at the 2025 BET Awards, taking home album of the year for his critically acclaimed 2024 LP GNX.

And while accepting the coveted prize onstage at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on Monday night (June 9), the rapper explained why the recognition was extra special coming from BET. After first hugging his “Luther” collaborator and tourmate SZA, who excitedly cheered him on in the audience, Lamar began by saying, “I ain’t been here in a long time, but I always kept it in my heart.”

“BET always makes sure its representing the culture right,” Dot continued. “I’ll always give my heart to BET.”

After giving shout-outs “first and foremost” to God, followed by his teammates at his company PGLang, Lamar gave the grinning “Kill Bill” singer a nod. “SZA in the crowd,” he said, gesturing to his friend. “We on tour right now, please come to the show.”

The Compton native then made his way to exit the stage, but the night’s host, Kevin Hart, stopped him in his tracks to unceremoniously present him with several other BET trophies. Lamar — who was the show’s top nominee in 2025, earning 10 nods — could barely hold all the prizes as he walked offstage with them.

Released in November, GNX was a massive success. The LP spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including the 13-week chart-topper “Luther” with SZA.

As mentioned by Dot in his speech, he’s now supporting the album on his Grand National Tour with SZA. The joint run kicked off April 19 in Minneapolis, just a couple of months after the duet partners performed at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in February.

Monday night wasn’t the first time Lamar has won album of the year at the BET Awards, with the hip-hop titan last taking home the award in 2018 for his Pulitzer Prize-wining Damn.