This year marked the seventh annual BET Hip Hop Awards hosted by funnyman Mike Epps.  The BET Hip Hop Awards delivered an exceptional night filled with hip hop’s biggest stars and highly anticipated performances.   

Wiz Khalifa opened the show with a performance of “Work Hard / Play Hard” featuring Juicy J and Young Jeezy accompanied by a live band.  Other highlights included Meek Mill’s performance of “Amen” and “Young and Getting’ It” featuring Kirko Bangz; Kendrick Lamar introducing a medley of his popular songs, “The Recipe” and “Swimming Pools;” G.O.O.D. music star 2 Chainz taking the stage to perform “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different,” Rick Ross’ performance of “Hold Me Back” joined by Omarion for their single “Ice Cold;” Atlanta’s own T.I. entertaining the crowd with newest singles “Trap Back Jumpin” and “Go Get It;” Future featuring Diddy, French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly and Uncle Luke had everyone on their feet with “Turn on the Lights,” “Same Damn Time,” “Wild Boy” and “Pop That;” and closing out the show, Violator artists reunited on stage in honor of music executive, Chris Lighty culminated with pure star power – a Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott, Missy Elliott, Spliff Star, 50 Cent and Fat Joe paid their respect during an unforgettable performance with some of Violator Music’s biggest hits and Chris Lighty’s personal favorites. 

Rakim was presented and honored by his peers with this year’s “I AM HIP HOP ICON” Award for his seemingly effortless style and delivery that stems not just from Hip-Hop, but from Jazz and R&B influences.  Rakim has a style like no other.   Always a key highlight at the awards are “The Cyphers.”  Snoop Dogg, T.I., DMX, A$AP Rocky, Cassidy, Mystikal, Talib Kweli, B.o.B, Eve, Boy Jones, Brianna Perry, Childish Gambino, Chipmunk, Lil Chuckee, The Kid Daytona, Driicky Graham, E-40, YG, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, Joey Bada$$, K’La, Kendrick Lamar, Kosha Dillz; Kurupt; Mac Miller, Mystikal, Murda Mook, DJ Quik, RZA, ScHoolboy Q, Tito Lopez, Trae Tha Truth, Xzibit, Angel Haze and Ab-Soul.

The following are the list of winners from the BET Hip Hop Awards 2012:

Best Hip Hop Video: “HYFR” – Drake f/ Lil Wayne

Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo): “Mercy” – Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz

Best Live Performer: The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar

Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams

DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled

Producer of the Year: Kanye West

MVP of the Year: Rick Ross

Track of the Year: “Ni**as In Paris” – Produced by Kanye West, Hit-Boy and Mike Dean (The Throne – Jay-Z & Kanye West)

CD of the Year: Watch The Throne – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Rookie of The Year: 2 Chainz

Hustler of The Year: Jay-Z

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Kanye West

Best Club Banger: “Ni**as In Paris” – The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Best Mixtape: “Dreamchasers2″ – Meek Mill

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: 2 Chainz – “Mercy” (Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)

Impact Track: “Daughters” – Nas

People’s Champ Award Powered by Verizon:  2 Chainz f/ Drake – “No Lie”

Best Hip Hop Online Site:  World Star Hip Hop

Best Cyphers of the night (below) featuring: Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Ab-Soul and Sarkodie

and