The 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards is pulling out of Atlanta due to rampant violent crime. In a press release on Monday, Sept. 16, BET announced the 2024 Hip Hop Awards will be held in Las Vegas on Oct. 8.
The BET Hip Hop Awards, which originated in 2006, was held in Atlanta for the last 3 years.
Rapper Fat Joe hosted the show the last two years. This year’s host has not been announced.
The move from Atlanta marks the first time the BET Hip Hop Awards will be held in Las Vegas.
“BET is excited to bring ‘BET Hip Hop Awards’ to a city known for its electrifying atmosphere and rich history of awe-inspiring entertainment,” BET president & CEO Scott Mills said in the press release.
Performers and nominations will be announced soon.
Las Vegas has become a popular home for awards shows. The Billboard Music Awards were held there from 1996 to 2022. And the Academy of Country Music Awards were held there from 2003 to 2022.
The BET Hip Hop Awards is an annual celebration paying homage to Black culture and highlighting the best in hip hop music.
Overall crime is down by 15% across Atlanta, the Mayor’s office announced. The rate of murders and other violent crimes in Atlanta dropped since 2022, according to data provided by the Atlanta Police Department in January.
But Atlanta’s crime statistics don’t reflect what residents see when they watch the news.
