BET Hip Hop Awards 2012: 2 Chainz Rocks It Out, Hip Hop Vets Pay Tribute to Chris Lighty and the Cypher Lineup

RECAP OF THE 2012 BET HIP HOP AWARDS

The BET Hip Hop Awards aired last night with Wiz Khalifa kicking off this years Hip Hop Awards show performing "Work Hard, Play Hard" along with Young Jeezy and Juicy J. Lil' Wayne wasn't in attendance so Juicy J filled in on the remix with his own verse.

Wiz Khalifa and Young Jeezy

Comedian Mike Epps hosted the show and opened up imitating President Obama: "Hello, I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message," he said in his best Obama voice.

"... Mitt Romney, you been talking behind my back, you're not about that life, you wanna take away healthcare, that's the sh*t I don't like, these republicans can't hold me back.."

Jokes from Mike Epps come out through Opera

Mike Epps then busted into an Opera song ... "Chris Brown working hard to earn some respect... that's RiRi on your neck..." 

And, he even poked fun at Love & Hip Hop Atlanta mentioning Stevie J's rat face and the famous line he told Joseline, "You're going back to the strip club."

The first award of the night "Reese's Perfect Combo Award" went to Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Pusha T for their song "Mercy." Pusha T and 2 Chainz accepted the award, Kanye West was not present at the awards show. Although Kanye wasn't at the awards, he got the most trophies, out of 17 nominations he won six times.

Kendrick Lamar had a huge night and surprisingly won when he beat out veterans Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye West for "Lyricist of the Year." The rookie rapper also performed "Swimming Pools" and "The Recipe" and he rapped in the West Coast cypher alongside Snoop Dogg (see the other cyphers below).

2 Chainz came out and rocked it to "I'm Different" and "Birthday Song" when I die, bury me inside a jewelry store! All I need is a big booty h** ... those lyrics are crazy! Perfect strip club anthem.

Second Generation Wayans: Damien Dante Wayans and Craig Wayans came out to present the "People's Champ" award and spoke on how important it is to vote in the upcoming election while cracking some jokes:

"So no matter how ratchet you may be, your vote still counts," Craig said.

"You may still have Poetic Justice braids and a lace front wig for your baby, your vote still counts," Damien jokingly said back.

Bad Boy entertainment represented and hyped up the crowd: Future performed his hit "Turn On The Lights" and then Diddy made his way out as well as French Montana and crazy MGK dropped in on the stage from out of the sky and bounced around in the audience.

Other performances included T.I. who performed "Trap Back Jumpin'", Meek Mill and Kirko Bangz rocked their new collaboration "Young and Gettin' It" and Rick Ross hit the stage. 

Oh lawd!

Rick Ross also won "MVP of the Year." He also needed to put his shirt on while his stomach was bouncing up and down. Omarion also came out on stage and joined his Maybach Music partner in singing "Ice Cold."

Drake and Lil' Wayne won the biggest award of the night with the "Video of the Year" category for their "HYFR" clip. 

Rakim won the "I Am Hip Hop Icon" award and was called a "living legend" by T.I. who presented Rakim his trophy.

Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe

Towards the end, 50 Cent and Fat Joe put their former beef to the side for a little and they both took the stage while paying tribute to Chris Lighty, a huge manager in the music business.  

Missy Elliot paid tribute to Lighty

The best segment of the night was the end with all-star line-up performances from both 50 Cent and Fat Joe and also A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott who paid tribute to Lighty's Violator Management.

Cyphers 

The Grand Hustle: Trae the Truth, Chip, Iggy Azaelia, B.O.B made his way back to the cypher and T.I.

Jaybird the Purdi Boi, Hopsin, Schoolboy Q, Mac Miller and Mystikal (where has he been!?)

Eve

Jean Grae, Sarkodie, Ab Soul and Talib Kweli

Rza introduced: Angel Haze, Joey Bada$$, Driicky Graham, Childish Gambino, A$AP Rocky

Snoop "Lion" Dogg presents West Coast Cypher: Xzibit, YG, Kurupt, E-40, DJ Quik and Kendrick Lamar

The much hyped Ruff Ryders reunion: Mook, Cassidy, Eve and DMX

CHECK OUT ALL THE 2012 CYHERS HERE

BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 Cyphers 

The West Coast cypher

Below is the full list of winners at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards:

Best Hip-Hop Video
Drake (featuring Lil Wayne), "HYFR"

Reese's Perfect Combo Award
Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and Pusha T, "Mercy"

Best Live Performer
The Throne

Lyricist of the Year
Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year
Hype Williams

Producer of the Year
Kanye West

MVP of the Year
Rick Ross

Track of the Year
The Throne, "N---as in Paris"

CD of the Year
The Throne, Watch the Throne

DJ of the Year
DJ Khaled

Rookie of the Year
2 Chainz

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

Best Club Banger
The Throne, "N---as in Paris"

Best Mixtape
Meek Mill, Dreamchasers 2

Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
2 Chainz, "Mercy"

Hustler of the Year
Jay-Z

Impact Track
Nas, "Daughters"

People's Champ Award
2 Chainz (featuring Drake), "No Lie"

Best Hip-Hop Online Site
WorldstarHipHop.com