Photo: Getty Images
When it comes to legendary Hip Hop status, Nelly has officially solidified his.
After many decades of putting the work in, the "Country Grammar" rapper is set to be honored at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards with the 'I Am Hip Hop' Award. Ironically, ten years ago, Nelly presented the same award to one of his idols: LL Cool J. Fast forward a decade, and now the St. Louis legend is next up to receive his flowers. He said in a statement:
“I am honored to receive this award and humbled to be in such great company of past artists who have received this award. I have been blessed to work with some incredible people in my career, making 22 years go by in the blink of an eye. This award isn’t just about Nelly; it is about my fans, BET, and the people that continue to support me and allow me to do what I love to do.”
BET says they are proud to give the Grammy Award winning rapper the top honor, “for his massive contributions to music and the culture at large." Nelly's big news comes on the heels of the star releasing his highly anticipated country-infused album entitled Heartland. He said of his country roots:
The country world has been showing me support since Country Grammar, even before Over and Over. We were getting booked at like rodeos and festivals and fairs."
Nelly also recently made history with his debut as the first rapper to headline CMT Crossroads alongside , Florida Georgia Line, who are also featured on the Heartland album. Not one to be outworked, the rapper also hit the stage at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas over the weekend.
If you missed any of the action this weekend, you can relive the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival by tuning in to The CW Network on Saturday, October 2nd and Sunday, October 3rd from 8-10pm ET/PT for a two-night television special.
Catch he BET Hip Hop Awards, premiering on Tuesday, October 5 at 9 p.m. ET. Congrats to the King of Country Grammar.