2023 BET Awards: Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Nominees

We're deep-diving into the 2023 BET Awards as the ceremony is right around the corner. There are heavy hitters across all categories, but the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist collection is stacked to the brim. The "Culture's Biggest Night," as BET calls it, is a celebration of all things related to Black entertainment. Here, we're revisiting the talents of seven hitmakers with careers that aspiring hopefuls could only beg for.

From Blxst, who has been dominating as a force from the West Coast, to Drake, who needs no introduction, to Chris Brown, who is in the middle of a Michael Jackson-King of Pop debate among fans—this category has brought out the big leagues. Take a deeper look at the artists desiring to take home the BET trophy, and let us know who you think deserves the crown.

Blxst is a dynamic talent hailing from Los Angeles, and he's been captivating fans with his hybrid Rap-R&B sound. His breakthrough occurred in 2019 with the single "Hurt," followed by the release of his acclaimed debut EP, No Love Lost, in 2020. Its success propelled him to launch his own independent record label, Evgle.

Blxst continued his musical ascend with his 2021 album No Love Lost (Deluxe), which secured a spot in Billboard's Top 200, a nod to his rising popularity. The South Central native's meteoric rise and distinctive sound leave an indelible mark on the contemporary music scene. It has made him one of the most exciting artists to watch in today's Hip Hop landscape.

Brent Faiyaz is an artist synonymous with soulful R&B. Launching his solo career in 2016, Faiyaz quickly gained a following with his passionate vocals. His EP A.M. Paradox was a critical success, setting the stage for his compelling 2017 debut album Sonder Son. Subsequent releases, including the 2020 project F*ck The World, continued to resonate with listeners. It also helped him earn him spots on Billboard's R&B charts.

Running his independent label, Lost Kids, Faiyaz has crafted his path in the industry. He's been able to preserve his authentic sound while pushing creative boundaries. Recognition for his talent is widespread; his feature on GoldLink's "Crew" garnered a Grammy nomination in 2017. The 2023 BET Awards have further highlighted his contribution to the R&B genre, confirming his status as a leading voice in contemporary music. With each release, Faiyaz continues to captivate audiences with his poignant sound.

Nigerian megastar Burna Boy has been a leading force in the global Afrobeats movement. His unique fusion of various genres has resulted in a successful international career. Burna Boy has consistently delivered chart-topping hits since his breakout studio album L.I.F.E in 2013. Further, his fourth album African Giant received a Grammy nomination. His triumph was affirmed with the 2020 release Twice As Tall, which won Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

He operates under his independent label, Spaceship Entertainment, though he's also aligned with Atlantic Records and Warner Music. His remarkable string of accolades includes multiple wins at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival, BET Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. As one of the leading figures in the 2023 BET Awards, Burna Boy's influence and dominance in the music scene remain undeniable.

Megastar Chris Brown has become one of the defining voices in modern R&B. Recognized for his soulful vocal range and stellar dance moves, Brown has released ten studio albums as of 2023. He boasts numerous chart-topping singles such as "Kiss Kiss," "With You," and "No Guidance." His first album, the 2005 self-titled Chris Brown, went double Platinum, and subsequent albums like Exclusive and F.A.M.E. solidified his status.

He signed with Jive Records initially but later moved to RCA Records. Despite controversy, Brown has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including a Grammy for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E., an array of BET Awards, and several Billboard Music Awards. Ahead of the 2023 BET Awards, it's clear that Chris Brown's music continues to be a significant force, influencing the landscape of contemporary R&B and beyond.

Drizzy has been a monumental figure in the global music industry since his debut in 2009. As a rapper, singer, and songwriter, Drake has released seven studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Take Care and Views. Each album has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits, such as "Hotline Bling," "God's Plan," and "In My Feelings."

Originally with Young Money Entertainment, he later founded his own label, OVO Sound, an imprint of Warner Records. His unique fusion of Hip Hop and R&B, coupled with introspective lyrics, earned him several prestigious awards, including several Grammys. As we approach the 2023 BET Awards, Drake continues to shape the music scene, leaving an unforgettable mark on the industry.

Another Canadian artist who became a global sensation is The Weeknd. He has established himself as one of the most influential artists of the past decade. The R&B sensation emerged in 2010 with a series of mixtapes later compiled into the Trilogy compilation album. He has released five highly successful albums, with Starboy and After Hours cementing his place atop the charts.

His signature falsetto and moody lyrics have consistently reached the top of the Billboard charts. Most notably with the record-breaking hit "Blinding Lights." Signed under his own label, XO, as well as Republic Records, The Weeknd's blend of Pop, R&B, and Electronic music has garnered him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy wins. As we look forward to the 2023 BET Awards, The Weeknd remains a significant force in the industry, continually pushing musical boundaries.

Usher is a name that is consistently in the King of R&B conversations. His career began in the 1990s, and throughout his career, he has released nine studio albums, including the Diamond-certified Confessions, which catapulted him to a new sphere of stardom. With a remarkable track record of chart-topping hits such as "Yeah!," "Burn," and "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love," Usher's discography highlights his enduring relevance in the music industry.

He spent most of his career with LaFace Records and its successor, RCA Records. Unsurprisingly, Usher has earned himself an array of prestigious accolades, including a bevy of Grammy Awards. In anticipation of the 2023 BET Awards, Usher's influential legacy and continuing contributions to R&B music spotlight his standing as a genre's cornerstone.