Lil Nas X called out BET in now-deleted tweets after he scored an “outstanding zero nominations” for this year’s BET Awards. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Lil Nas X has vented his frustration after he received an “outstanding zero nominations” at the BET Awards for the second year in a row.
The “Industry Baby” rapper voiced his disappointment in a series of now-deleted tweets after he was snubbed in BET Awards nominations, which were announced on Wednesday (1 June)
“thank you BET awards. an outstanding zero nominations again. black excellence!” Nas tweeted, per People.
Nas was nominated for the BET Awards’ Best New Artist back in 2020 but lost, and he’s never made the final nomination list ever since despite his popularity growth in recent years.
One Twitter troll accused Nas of using his sexuality as an “excuse” to condemn the awards ceremony and bizarrely asked what music he’s “put out” recently – apparently forgetting that Lil Nas X dropped his debut album Montero in September 2021.
“idk maybe 3 of the biggest songs of last year & a critically acclaimed album … i feel like that should’ve helped me a bit,” Nas hit back on Twitter.
He added in a follow-up tweet: “i just feel like black gay ppl have to fight to be seen in this world and even when we make it to the top mfs try to pretend we are invisible,” he wrote.
Lil Nas X’s fans shared their disdain at the BET Awards snub . Many pointed out that it was especially irritating as Jack Harlow, the white rapper who was featured on Nas’ song “Industry Baby”, was nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
The BET Awards are billed as an “an epic celebration of Black culture”.
BET Awards didn’t nominate Lil Nas X but know who they did nominate?
Jack Harlow.
— Terrance… (@iTerryTommy) June 1, 2022
BET is playing nasty by not even giving Lil Nas X at least ONE nomination. Lil Nas X had TWO number one singles with TWO large music videos that were critically acclaimed with 300+ million views. His songs were everywhere & still are.
— Bella Goth (@HotCommieGal) June 1, 2022
Not Jack Harlow having more BET Awards nominations than Lil Nas X. pic.twitter.com/vEiEVzoagE
— 😮💨 (@KirkWrites79) June 1, 2022
Jack Harlow got a BET award nom and Lil Nas X didn’t? During pride month? During Black Music History month? Is that what I’m seeing?
— Homo Militant (@Tendurag) June 1, 2022
BET deadass wrong for not nominating Lil Nas X. But honestly it speaks to how they treat all the Black pop acts, they simply just don’t give af.
— Lex (@iamlexstylz) June 1, 2022
Lil Nas X not being nominated for a BET award is not the way to start pride month pic.twitter.com/KovmwSJIje
— and your point is… (@KrisBeKnowin) June 1, 2022
Nas didn’t get any BET Awards nominations, but he has garnered vast critical acclaim for his work. Montero reached number two on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and it was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Nas was also nominated for for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the Grammys. He also received nominations for Best Music Video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and Best Melodic Rap Performance alongside Harlow for “Industry Baby”.
Sadly, Nas didn’t end up winning a single Grammy for any of his five nominations, but he seemingly took the snub in stride. He joked on Twitter that he “now no longer gay” after he “lost all my grammys”.
Just a short while later, he changed his mind and playfully wrote: “I change my mind i want to be slutted out tonight.”