Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z and Drake were among the top winners at this year’s BET Awards, with up-and-comer Minaj taking home three awards, including Rookie of the Year. “I’m paving the way for girls,” said Minaj, who was dressed provocatively in a get-up made of black leather straps. “I wanna thank all the girls of hip-hop.”
But it wasn’t just hip-hop newcomers who took home top prizes. Jay-Z (who wasn’t present) took home the award for Best Hip-Hop Video for “Empire State of Mind,” CD of the Year for The Blueprint 3 and Best Live Performer. Diddy scored Hustler of the Year; Swizz Beatz was honored as Producer of the Year and rap pioneers Salt-N-Pepa took home the I Am Hip-Hop Award. Check out the full list of winners below.
Plenty of memorable performances dotted the night. Rick Ross, Diddy, and DJ Khaled kicked off the show with a powerhouse performance of “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” and “MC Hammer.” The latter track featured a surprise performance from Hammer, who topped off the track with his classic hit “2 Legit 2 Quit.” Other highlights included performances by Digital Underground, Gucci Mane, B.o.B. and Big Boi.
The full awards show will be broadcast on BET on October 12.
Also Read
THE BOOK OF RUBIN
BET’s Hip-Hop Awards 2010 Winners:
Verizon People’s Champ Award:Nicki Minaj, “Your Love”
Reese’s Perfect Combo Award:Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”
Best Hip Hop Video:Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”
Best Live Performer:Jay-Z
CD of the Year:Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3
Track of the Year:“B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” produced by Lex Luger (Rick Ross f. Styles P)
Rookie of the Year:Nicki Minaj
Hustler of the Year:Diddy
Made-You-Look Award:Nicki Minaj
Best Club Banger:“B.M.B. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” produced by Lex Luger (Rick Ross f. Styles P)
MVP of the Year:Drake
Producer of the Year:Swizz Beatz
DJ of the Year:DJ Khaled
I Am Hip-Hop Award:Salt-N-Pepa
