Jack Harlow’s Nomination in BET 2022 outraged Lil Nas X

American rapper from Kentucky Jack Harlow’s nomination as Best Male Hip-Hop artist alongside Drake, Kanye West, Lil Baby, J Cole, and Future for the 2022 BET Awards created quite a stir in the hip-hop industry. Montero Lamar Hill, popularly called Lil Nas X, singer and rapper from Georgia, tweeted on June 1, “thank you bet awards. an outstanding zero nominations again. black excellence!”. 

Harlow’s singles from the album “Montero,” such as “Call Me by Your Name” and “That’s What I Want,” topped the music chart and earned him five nominations at the 2022 Grammy Awards. So, Lil Nas X is flabbergasted with BET Awards nominations by not getting any spots.

Lil Nas X’s Alleged Comment On Jack Harlow As Not-talented

Lil Nas X at BET Awards 2021. Image source: Getty Images.

The artist bombarded his Twitter account with a series of comments which he deleted later, “idk maybe 3 of the biggest songs of last year & a critically acclaimed album… i feel like that should’ve helped me a bit. What’s more even infuriating about this ordeal is that it postures Jack Harlow as a representation of Black culture. Why are untalented white artists constantly lauded in rap?” Meanwhile, in Lil Nas X’s chart-topping single “Industry Baby,” Jack Harlow appeared as a guest singer.

Jack Harlow’s Racial Identity Interfering With His Musical Career

Jack Harlow debuted in the rap world with “That’s What They All Say,” which sold unexpectedly high in 2020. His single “What’s Poppin” earned him the most sought-after hip-hop artist title, just like Lil Wayne, Big Sean, and other modern black singers or Grammy nominations. He also made the Number two position on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020.

However, his racial identity interposed with his musical talents and so-called appeal in a Black dominated hip-hop culture. Sources said Harlow’s album, “Come Home the Kids Miss You,” faced severe criticisms. But it became Number 3 on the US Billboard 200.

Hip-hop As Forte Of Black Artists

Fans accused white singers of benefitting from promoting Black culture. Hip-hop is essentially a development of Black street artists. However, according to fans, hip-hop music always celebrated white mediocrity. In the 2014 Grammy Awards, the Best Rap Album went to “The Heist” by duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, even though their singles of the album were not outstanding.

Celebrating white musicians in the hip-hop genre had outraged many Black singers. They believe Rap music is the forte of Black artists. The space for white musicians in hip-hop and rap culture is still controversial.

BET Awards 2022 Celebrating Black Excellence

The BET Awards 2022, promoting Black excellence, will be held on June 26 in Los Angeles. The month of June is the appreciation month for African American music. BET Award celebrates black excellence in the entertainment, music, and sports industry. To Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy for BET, “For over two decades, the BET Awards has been home to Black brilliance, talent, and creativity, providing unforgettable cultural moments.

We look forward to raising the bar for BET Awards 2022.”

Written by Chayanika Deka