What does it take to be crowned the best lyricist in hip-hop? For nearly two decades, the BET Hip Hop Awards’ “Lyricist of the Year” honor has spotlighted artists whose words cut deepest—those who transform beats into anthems and pain into poetry. Each winner tells a different story, but all have one thing in common: their pen changed the game. This is a journey through twenty years of genius, grit, and raw storytelling.
2005 – Common
In 2005, Common stepped into the spotlight with a message that was both poetic and powerful. His album “Be,” produced mostly by Kanye West, was a breath of fresh air in a world that sometimes forgets the beauty of thoughtful lyrics. The tracks were layered with introspection, addressing everything from love and hope to the struggles of urban life. Common’s words weren’t just clever—they made listeners pause and think about the world around them. His style was smooth, yet every line felt urgent and necessary. It was more than just music; it was a call for empathy and understanding. That year, Common didn’t just win an award—he inspired an entire generation to listen a little closer.
2006 – T.I.
T.I. brought a different energy in 2006, electrifying the scene with his Southern cadence and undeniable swagger. “King” was the album that put him atop the throne, and he wore the crown with confidence. T.I.’s lyrics were sharp, laced with both street wisdom and mainstream appeal. He managed to bridge gaps—between different parts of hip-hop, and between audiences who might never have listened to the same song otherwise. His hooks were catchy, but it was the substance in his verses that set him apart. T.I. showed that Southern rap was not just about the vibe, but also about the message. He proved that clever wordplay and authenticity could walk hand in hand.
2007 – Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne’s 2007 was nothing short of legendary. With his mixtape “Da Drought 3” and the growing anticipation for “Tha Carter III,” Wayne was everywhere—on the radio, online, and in every conversation about who was truly the best. He famously declared himself the “best rapper alive,” and his relentless output of mixtape bars backed him up. Wayne’s style was wild, unpredictable, and utterly original. He could drop a punchline that made you laugh out loud, then turn around and deliver a metaphor that left you speechless. At a time when hip-hop needed a jolt of innovation, Lil Wayne was the spark that set everything ablaze.
2008 – Lil Wayne
The following year, Lil Wayne did it again. “Tha Carter III” wasn’t just an album—it was a cultural event. It topped charts, won Grammys, and played from every speaker in America. But beyond the hits, it was Wayne’s wordplay and fearless experimentation that made the project special. He managed to be both introspective and playful, moving seamlessly from tracks about personal struggles to club anthems. Lil Wayne’s lyrics felt like a rollercoaster, full of twists and turns that kept fans coming back for more. Winning the Lyricist of the Year two years in a row was no accident—Wayne had truly changed the game.
2009 – Jay-Z
Jay-Z’s return in 2009 with “The Blueprint 3” was a masterclass in evolution. Already a legend, Hov showed he still had new stories to tell and fresh ways to tell them. His lyrics explored the highs and lows of success, fame, and personal growth. Jay-Z’s wordplay was as sharp as ever, but there was a new depth to his reflections. He could reference art, business, and street life all in a single verse, making each line feel like a puzzle to be solved. Fans and critics alike were reminded why Jay-Z’s name belongs in every greatest-of-all-time conversation. His win proved that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about growth.
2010 – Eminem
Eminem’s “Recovery” in 2010 was more than a comeback—it was a resurrection. After battling addiction and personal demons, Eminem returned with lyrics that were brutally honest and technically flawless. Every bar was packed with emotion, vulnerability, and sharp wit. He didn’t shy away from pain; instead, he transformed it into art. Tracks like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie” showcased his ability to balance raw storytelling with intricate rhyme schemes. Eminem’s win was a testament to the healing power of music and the enduring strength of a true lyricist.
2011 – Lil Wayne
In 2011, Lil Wayne proved that lightning can strike three times. “Tha Carter IV” kept the superstar in the spotlight, filled with witty punchlines and unforgettable hooks. Wayne’s ability to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry was nothing short of remarkable. He could shift from playful to profound in a single song, always keeping listeners on their toes. His consistency, creativity, and sheer work ethic set him apart from his peers. With this win, Wayne cemented his status as a lyrical heavyweight who could never be counted out.
2012 – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s arrival in 2012 was like a meteor crashing into the hip-hop world. His album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” was a cinematic journey through the streets of Compton, told with a writer’s eye for detail and a poet’s sense of rhythm. Kendrick’s storytelling was vivid, raw, and unflinchingly honest. He painted pictures that were at once deeply personal and universally relatable. The album forced listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while nodding their heads to infectious beats. Kendrick’s win was a signal that a new era had begun—one where authenticity and narrative ruled the day.
2013 – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick’s domination didn’t stop in 2013. Riding high from his debut, he delivered unforgettable features and unleashed the now-legendary “Control” verse, which sent shockwaves through the industry. He called out his peers, staking his claim as the top lyricist of his generation. Kendrick’s hunger, confidence, and boundary-pushing style made him impossible to ignore. His ability to spark conversation—and sometimes controversy—proved that hip-hop was still a competitive sport, and Kendrick was playing to win.
2014 – Kendrick Lamar
Even in a year without a major album release, Kendrick’s influence only grew. The lasting impact of his earlier work and the anticipation for his next project kept his name on everyone’s lips. Kendrick managed to stay relevant simply by being himself—a rare feat in an industry obsessed with the next big thing. His reputation as a lyrical titan was solidified, and fans waited eagerly to see what he would do next. Sometimes, the loudest statement is made in silence, and Kendrick’s 2014 was proof of that.
2015 – Kendrick Lamar
With “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Kendrick Lamar delivered a lyrical odyssey that was both groundbreaking and deeply moving. The album mixed jazz, funk, and rap into something completely new, exploring themes of race, fame, and identity with poetic finesse. Kendrick’s lyrics were dense, challenging listeners to dig deeper with every replay. He didn’t just tell stories—he taught lessons and sparked debates. The album’s critical acclaim and cultural impact were undeniable, making Kendrick’s win feel less like a surprise and more like destiny.
2016 – Kendrick Lamar
In 2016, Kendrick kept his grip on the crown with “untitled unmastered.,” a collection of raw, unreleased tracks that revealed his creative process. Even without a polished, full-length album, Kendrick’s bars were sharper and more thoughtful than many artists’ best work. He used features and these unfinished songs to remind everyone that true talent doesn’t need a big rollout—it just needs a microphone. Kendrick’s relentless pursuit of excellence set a new standard for what it means to be a lyricist.
2017 – Kendrick Lamar
“DAMN.” was more than an album—it was a cultural moment. Kendrick’s 2017 project won him not just the Lyricist of the Year title, but also a Pulitzer Prize, a first for a hip-hop album. His lyrics were raw, personal, and fearless. Kendrick tackled everything from faith to family to fame, weaving each theme into a tapestry of introspection and power. Every track was a masterclass in lyricism, solidifying his status as one of the greatest writers the genre has ever seen.
2018 – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick’s run continued in 2018 with his work on the “Black Panther” soundtrack. The project was a bold blend of hip-hop and African musical influences, crafted with the same attention to detail that defined all of his work. Kendrick’s ability to adapt his style to fit different themes and contexts showcased his versatility. He didn’t just meet expectations—he shattered them, proving that his lyrical prowess knew no boundaries.
2019 – J. Cole
J. Cole stepped into the spotlight in 2019, dazzling fans with a series of unforgettable features and the hit single “Middle Child.” Cole’s lyrics blended introspection with razor-sharp commentary on fame and society. He became known for his relatable storytelling, using personal experiences to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Cole’s ability to adapt to any beat and elevate any track made him a standout, earning him a well-deserved win in a fiercely competitive field.
2020 – Rapsody
Rapsody made history in 2020 by winning with her album “Eve,” a stunning tribute to Black womanhood. Her lyrics were packed with historical references and dense wordplay, demanding attention and respect. Rapsody’s perspective was fresh, unapologetic, and necessary in a genre too often dominated by male voices. Her win wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a victory for representation and diversity in hip-hop. Rapsody reminded everyone that great lyricism knows no gender.
2021 – J. Cole
J. Cole returned in 2021 with “The Off-Season,” an album that balanced confidence with vulnerability. Cole’s lyrics explored his journey, fears, and ambitions, delivering every bar with surgical precision. He proved he could evolve without losing what made him special in the first place. Fans and critics praised his growth, noting how he managed to stay true to himself while pushing his craft forward. J. Cole’s second win solidified his place among the titans of lyrical rap.
2022 – Kendrick Lamar
After a five-year break, Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” was one of the most anticipated releases in hip-hop history. The album didn’t disappoint, offering lyrics that were daring, emotionally raw, and thought-provoking. Kendrick tackled tough topics, often turning his gaze inward and exposing his own flaws. His willingness to be vulnerable made the music resonate even more. Once again, Kendrick set the bar for what it means to be a true lyricist in the modern era.
2023 – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick’s reign continued into 2023, as he kept dissecting complex themes and experimenting with new sounds. His lyrics remained bold and innovative, constantly pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. Fans admired his ability to stay culturally relevant, never shying away from controversy or challenge. Kendrick’s consistency and willingness to evolve helped him maintain his spot at the top, showing that greatness is a marathon, not a sprint.
2024 – Kendrick Lamar
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar took home the award once more, proving that his creative fire was far from burning out. Whether through electrifying live performances, unforgettable features, or poetic solo tracks, Kendrick continued to inspire and innovate. His words carried weight, sparking conversations and influencing countless artists. With each new project, he redefined what it meant to be a lyricist, leaving fans eager to see where his pen would take him next.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
