The 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards were recorded a few weeks ago in Atlanta and aired nation-wide last night. Wiz Khalifa opened the show with “Work Hard, Play Hard” and brought out Rick Ross’ good friend Young Jeezy and Taylor Gang affiliate Juicy J. Hippies and gangstas can indeed coexist.
Meek Mill turned the Civic Center into a church, kind of. It was a congregation of sorts, but I doubt anything spiritual was involved in his performance of “Amen.” He brought out fellow newcomer Kirko Bangz for “Young & Gettin’ It.”
Kendrick Lamar may be a sublime lyricist but performing isn’t his forte (most of the acts lack this specialty actually). The nappy-headed, non-voter failed to move the crowd with “The Recipe” and “Swimming Pools (Drank).”
The reigning king of heavy bass lines, 2 Chainz, took off his distracting jacket to ask for a ‘big booty guh’ for his birthday. A full choir and pianist joined him. He then sat down at the piano to tap the melody of “I’m Different.” The sagging 36-year-old is indeed special. Joe Budden seemed to enjoy this part of the show.
The Bill Cosby of Hip Hop, T.I., wants to get the “Trap Back Jumpin’” (for whatever reason). It seems the King of the South has lost his step with churning out hits, but he knows how to put on a show. With the help of a live band, he presented ‘quality street music’. Go get Trouble Man this winter.
Future dramatically presented “Turn On the Lights” with a dimly lit set. He transitioned to his club-banging hit “Same Damn Time.” Of course his partner-in-crime Diddy joined him to recite his plush verse. He then introduced Bad Boy’s Machine Gun Kelly, who descended from the ceiling to perform “Wild Boy.” Uncle Luke joined out of breath rapper French Montana for “Pop That.” Is French starring in the sequel to Memoirs of a Geisha?
“The biggest artist in the game”–literally–Rick Ross exposed his ass and titties on a stage filled with men. He performed his redundant hit song “Hold Me Back” before inviting Omarion to join him on stage for “Ice Cold.”
LL Cool J introduced the tribute to Chris Lighty. A Tribe Called Quest launched the tribute with their classic, “Award Tour.” Busta Rhymes followed with “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See.” Though something was missing from the performance (lyrics maybe?), it was an energized performance. Fat Joe had the entire crowd leaning back. Missy Elliot blazed the stage with “Get Ur Freak On.” 50 Cent concluded the impressive tribute with “I Get Money.” I know he and Joe squashed their beef, but Joe didn’t look the least bit enthused during his performance.
Below is a compilation of all the performances. Honestly, if you are apprehensive about watching them because of fear of disappointment or extreme boredom, don’t watch them (I regret watching them myself). Aside from a few moments, each performance featured pyro, sparkles, underwear and someone speaking drivel through microphones. No, it wasn’t a wrestling match, although French looked like Gold Dust, Missy Elliot looked like Vader’s black sister and 2 Chainz looked like Booker T’s older brother.
Oh yeah, the winners:
Reese’s Perfect Combo: Kanye West Ft. Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz “Mercy”
Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams
Track of the Year: The Throne “N*ggas In Paris”
Sweet 16: Best Feature: 2 Chainz on “Mercy”
Rookie of the Year: 2 Chainz
Producer of the Year: Kanye West
Verizon’s People’s Champ Award: 2 Chainz Ft. Drake “No Lie”
MVP of the Year: Rick Ross
Made-You-Look (Best Style): Kanye West
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Impact Track: Nas “Daughters”
Hustler of the Year: Jay-Z
CD of the Year: The Throne’s Watch the Throne
Best Mixtape: Meek Mill’s Dreamchasers 2
Best Live Performer: The Throne
Best Vdeo: Drake Ft. Lil’ Wayne “HYFR”
Best Club Banger: The Throne “N*ggas In Paris”
DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled
Best Online Site: World Star Hip Hop
Wiz Khalifa, Young Jeezy & Juicy J “Work Hard, Play Hard (Remix)”
Meek Mill “Amen” & “Young & Gettin’ It (Ft. Kirko Bangz)”
Kendrick Lamar “The Recipe” & “Swimming Pools (Drank)”
2 Chainz “Birthday Song” & “I’m Different”
T.I. “Trap Back Jumpin’” & “Go Get It”
Future & Diddy “Turn On the Lights” & “Same Damn Time (Remix)” / Machine gun Kelly “Wild Boy” / French Montana & Uncle Luke “Pop That”
Rick Ross & Omarion “Hold Me Back” & “Ice Cold”
Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe & A Tribe Called Quest ‘Chris Lighty Tribute’
2012 BET Hip Hop Awards: Photos | Red Carpet | Young Jeezy & Rick Ross Fight
