After receiving the Billboard Artist of the Decade Award in May, it's no surprise that Drake was also named the Billboard 2021 Artist of the Year.
Drizzy was also chosen the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Artist of the Year, and his Certified Lover Boy album ranked number two on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Album of the Year list, and number five on the Billboard 200. Five songs from the project are on the Billboard Hot 100 for the year, beginning with "Laugh Now Cry Later" at number 45.
The late Pop Smoke was recognized at number ten on the Artist of the Year list. His Shoot for the Moon Aim for the Stars is the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Album of the Year, and ranked number three on the Billboard 200. Two Pop Smoke tracks ranked on the Billboard Hot 100: "What You Know Bout Love" at number 22, and "For the Night" featuring Lil Baby and DaBaby, is at number 32.
Doja Cat was selected as the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Female Artist of the Year, and the number-one Hot R&B/Hip Hop Song of the Year is the debut release from Silk Sonic, "Leave the Door Open."