Jay-Z Wins Big, Gucci Mane Lights Up the Stage at BET Hip Hop Awards

Jay-Z and T.I. were the big winners at the 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which aired last night (October 27) from the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Georgia.   

Young Jeezy opened up the show—hosted by funny man MIke Epps—with his verse from "As Real As It Gets." This eventually set the stage for Hova's grand entrance. The Brooklyn rap legend finished the song from his Blueprint 3 album, and later walked away with three trophies for MVP of the Year, Best Live Performer and Lyricist of the Year.

Hometown hero Tip earned two trophies; one for Best Hip-Hop Collabo for "Live Your Life" with Rihanna and another for Best CD for Paper Trail. Tiny, T.I.'s wife, accepted on behalf of the incarcerated rapper, reading aloud a letter T.I. wrote from jail, thanking his fans.

Young Money MC Drake was named Rookie of the Year and took home another statue for Track of the Year for his appearance on "Every Girl."

Ice Cube joined previous recipients Russell Simmons, Grandmaster Flash and KRS-One by receiving the I Am Hip Hop Award for his role in pioneering the West Coast rap movement in the late 80’s. Special tributes was also made to Missy Elliot and choreographer Fatima Robinson for their contributions to hip-hop. The late DJ AM who was recognized during the ceremony as DJ of the Year.

Throughout the night BET aired three seperate pre-recorded ciphers. Standouts from the lyrical showcase included Eminem, Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, KRS-One, and Black Thought.

If there were an award for most appearances onstage for the night Gucci Mane would’ve gotten it. The ATL favorite made his way in the spotlight three separate times, performing with Plies, Mario and Soulja Boy and Shawty Lo.

Dallas rapper Dorrough also had a notable performance bringing out West Coast stars Nipsey Hussle and Snoop Dogg along with Soulja Boy and Jim Jones for his "Ice Cream Paint Job" remix.

Closing out the show with their classic "Guess Who" was the recently reunited Atlanta group Goodie Mob . –Brooklyne Gipson