Hosted by
comedian-actor Mike Epps and emceed by rapper and Chicago native Da Brat, the
BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 was a night of homecoming for rappers T.I., Da Brat and
DMX.
T.I and
Young Jeezy opened the show, followed by other performances throughout the
night, including Big Sean, Wale and Wiz Khalifa.
DMX received a standing ovation throughout performance and Lupe Fiasco performed.
Kanye West
won CD of the Year for “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Chris Brown, who
garnered three awards, while Lil Wayne followed with two.
Other
winners included J. Cole for Best Mixtape “Friday Night Lights,” Wiz Khalifa
for Track of the Year “Black and Yellow” and Rookie of the Year, DJ Khaled for
DJ of the Year and Jay-Z for Hustler of the Year.
The Cyphers
–– a collaboration of up-and-coming artists as well as heavy hitters ––
including, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Lady of Rage, Nitty Scott and Dom
Kennedy were the highlight of the night.
LL Cool J
received the “I Am Hip Hop Award.”
During his
speech, the smooth guy said, “I can’t believe I’m choked up, is that corny?” he
asked during his acceptance speech, then spit a few lines, “What I won't do is
try preach. I won't assume that I am smarter than you and try to teach. What I
will do is set an example for you and inspire you to reach.”
Rap icon
Heavy D closed the show with a melody of his classic 90s hits.
