BET brought out the hip-hop royalty on Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.
The eight annual BET Awards turned out to be a star-studded affair that not only showcased the best in hip-hop, but also highlighted the greats, while offering stellar performances, funny interludes and some unexpected surprises.
Of course, MSDTV has the official scoop on the show that will air October 15, plus – we also have the rundown for the official after party hosted by Grey Goose for T.I.’s Birthday bash….
MC Lyte was one of the first contenders to win as she was awarded the “I Am Hip-Hop Award” and was honored in a video tribute for her veteran career achievements as an emcee.
Lyte accepted the award, thanking those who helped further her career and also gave a promising message to other female rappers:
“Please keep the dream alive, I am with you!”
Other highlights to expect are YMCMB’s own Drake who won the People’s Champ award, and Kendrick Lamar who essentially stole the show with his recorded four-minute freestyle. It earned a round of applause and cheers from the audience that included Rick Ross and MC Lyte.
Interestingly enough, Kendrick’s recent comments (Kendrick had called himself the “King of New York” on Big Sean’s “Control”) and apparent popularity at the show didn’t sit too well with Bad Boy artist, French Montana, and music mogul, P. Diddy, who made their displeasure known during Montana’s hit “Ain’t Worried About Nothing,” where Montana put a crown on Diddy’s head as a symbol that the rap mogul is the king of New York.
Kendrick’s reaction? A coy smile.
Snoop Dogg turned out to be a decent host his first time around, and provided a cool demeanor – as he rode in on stage in a blue 1964 Chevy Impala with hydraulics to start the show.
Kevin Hart provided comic release, teasing the audience, nominees and guests. The comedian and his “Real Husbands of Hollywood” cast members also added to the program by doing a spoof of the show’s cypher session.
Here’s a quick preview of what to expect from the cyphers, including the full visual of Cypher 7.
Cypher 1 – Wax, Rapsody, Emis Killa, Rittz, Jon Connor
Cypher 2 – A$AP Mob: Ferg, Twelvy, Nast, Ant & Rocky
Cypher 3 – Action Bronson, Star Life Breezy (Sprite Contest Winner) ,Travis $cott, Tifanny Foxx & Lil Kim
Cypher 4 – Slaughterhouse: Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, Royce da 5’9 & Joe Budden
Cypher 5 – TDE: ScHoolBoy Q, Jay Rock, Ab Soul, Isiah Radhad & Kendrick Lamar
Cypher 6 – Real Husbands Of Hollywood: Chocolate Drop (Kevin Hart), Nick Cannon, Nelly, Boris Kodjoe, Dwayne Martin, JB Smooth
Cypher 7 – Asia Sparks, Bad Lucc, Problem & Astro -
Then…right after the awards – it seems that the star studded crowd went over to 200 Peachtree to celebrate T.I.’s birthday with a GREY GOOSE cocktails in hand.
Over 1500 came through to the event, including Rick Ross, Diddy, Rico Love, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese, and Brandy.
At 2am Brandy jumped on stage to sing the King of the South Happy Birthday and every one toasted to T.I. with a GREY GOOSE Le Fizz cocktails. Towards the end of the evening, Tyrese and Jennifer Hudson arrived together to pay a special surprise to good friends TI and Brandy.
Even Diddy came through, and arrived early in the evening with Sarah Chapman (Mother of Diddy’s daughter, Chance).
The GREY GOOSE Cherry Limeade and French Gimlet were the cocktails of choice for the evening.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards airs October 15th.
Stay Tuned.