American rapper Cardi B and singer Kehlani have scored a major win at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, taking home the award for Best Hip-Hop with their collaboration, “Safe.”
The star-studded event came off on Sunday, September 27, in Los Angeles, with some of the biggest names in global music showing up for one of the industry’s most talked-about nights.
Hosted by hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, the ceremony saw Cardi B and Kehlani face stiff competition in the Best Hip-Hop category.
Their song “Safe” went up against Drake’s “Janice STFU,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “LOVER GIRL,” Travis Scott’s “DUMBO,” Don Toliver’s “E85,” and Tyler, The Creator’s “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE.”
Despite the strong lineup, Cardi B and Kehlani emerged winners, adding another major accolade to their growing list of achievements.
The win has become one of the big talking points from this year’s VMAs, especially considering the heavyweights nominated in the category.
For Cardi B, the victory further strengthens her presence in hip-hop, while Kehlani continues to prove her versatility across different genres.
Kehlani also earned a nomination in the Best R&B category with her song “Folded.” She, however, missed out on that award, which went to Bruno Mars for “I Just Might.”
Hip-hop was well represented throughout the night, with several rap stars making appearances and taking the stage.
One of the notable performances came from Gunna, who joined Shaboozey to perform their collaboration “High Noon,” adding more energy to a ceremony packed with major music moments.
Away from hip-hop, the VMAs also produced some big winners.
Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” while pop legend Madonna was crowned Artist of the Year and finished the night with multiple awards.
BTS also walked away with Song of the Year for “SWIM.”
But for hip-hop fans, Cardi B and Kehlani’s victory remains one of the highlights of the night.
Winning against names including Drake, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyler, The Creator makes the achievement even more notable.
With “Safe” now officially crowned Best Hip-Hop at the 2026 MTV VMAs, Cardi B and Kehlani have another reason to celebrate as the collaboration continues to make its mark on the global music scene.
