Kendrick Lamar wins two BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar picked up two awards at the 2013 BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards. The Don’t Kill My Vibe singer was the big winner at the Chris Tucker-hosted event which was held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last night, winning for Best New Artist and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.

The Compton, Los Angeles native – who performed with Erykah Badu – used his acceptance speech to encourage youngsters to dream big. He said: “To my little home boys and my home girls back in the city, you looking at me on TV right now, I came up in that same county building, food stamps, welfare section eight … this is living proof that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Kendrick was also involved in another win as A$AP Rocky took home the award for Best Collaboration for Problems featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick. He said: “I didn’t expect this so I have nothing prepared. I wanna thank God, my family and my fans and give a big shout out to Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar for their collaboration.”

Miguel beat Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars to win Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and acknowledged the tough competition in his category. He said: “I got to really give it up to all the other guys in this category.” Don Cheadle, who presented Miguel with the award, paid tribute to ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela. He said: “We want to take a moment and send our prayers and thoughts to a man who literally changed the world. This evening we would like offer prayers and support and hope to the extraordinary Nelson Mandela and his family.”

Timberlake introduced Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award winner Charlie Wilson before the duo launched into a medley of hits with Snoop Dogg and Pharrell. Nicki Minaj – who performed with Chris Brown as he opened the show – picked up her fourth consecutive win for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. She said: “Every time I win it’s a humbling experience. My fans are amazing people.”

Meanwhile, Chris won the Fandemonium Award for the fourth year running and said: “I want to thank Nicki for performing with me, thanks to my fans, Team Breezy. Don’t believe everything you read in the news, I’m a real guy.” Jamie Foxx, picked up the Best Actor award, Olympic gymnast Gabrielle Douglas won Subway Sportswoman of the Year and the YoungStars award and duo Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Campbell) were presented with the award for Best Gospel.

Drake, who was a no-show despite being nominated for 12 awards, won the Coca Cola Viewer’s Choice gong. Performers at the awards included Stevie Wonder, Robin Thicke, J. Cole, Mariah Carey, who sang her hit Beautiful with Miguel, Ciara, R. Kelly, 2 Chainz and Janelle Monae.

See the full list of winners below.

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Miguel

Best New Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicky Minaj

Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award: Charlie Wilson

Best Actor: Jamie Foxx

Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Gabrielle Douglas

YoungStars award: Gabrielle Douglas

Subway Sportsman of the Year: Lebron James

Humanitarian Award: Dwayne Wade

Best Gospel: Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Campbell)