The 2007 BET Hip-Hop Awards delivered on its promise of style, substance and swagger, even without the night's top nominee, T.I., who was ahem, otherwise engaged, during the show's taping. But his absence did not mar the night, which showcased the positives of the current rap scene more than any of the pundits who have been talking about it recently could.
As we always do about this time, we let you know what went down at the show by choosing the night's highlights. So buckle up and read on as we count down the night's top moments and give you a complete winner's list as well. To get complete coverage of the 2007 Hip-Hop Awards, scroll down to where you can click for more photos, interviews and info on the night's top stars.
Best Opener: We loved nost Katt Williams' opening speech that talked about the hip-hop's good side and showed its reach worldwide. We thought he was funny and even managed to give emabattled football player Michael Vick a shout-out of support. But we're going to have to say it before the blogs do - he looked like he stepped out of a Prince video circa 1987 - hair, outfit and all.
Best Reason To Stay On A Workout Grind: LL Cool J, need we say more?
It's About Time: Common, co-winner for CD of the Year and winner of Lyricist of the Year, who got his first award on TV in a 14-year career.
Best Quote: "Hip-hop is a beautiful thing." Common upon accepting his CD of the Year Award.
Best Reason to Buy "The Carter III" - Well, aside from the fact that Lil' Wayne has emerged as your favorite rapper's favorite rapper his debut of "Gossip" sounded like a great start to a hotly anticipated project.
The Daaaayum Award Male: David Banner - all that and a Master's degree, too!
The Daaayum Award Female: "ATL" star Lauren London, who manages to combine sexy, pretty and classy all at the same time.
Best Backup: Nelly's female drumline.
Best Homage to the 80's: Nelly's Troop jacket and Nike hi-tops a look once made famous by Ll Cool J.
Most Supportive Girlfriend: Ashanti, who partied in the aisles during Nelly's performance even though we figure she' already heard his new stuff over and over again by now.
Best Example of Seizing the Moment: Lil' B-O-O-S-I-E, who came on and killed "Wipe Me Down" while Lil' Wayne, Baby and Kanye West co-signed his electrifying moment. A star is born.
Lifetime Acheivement Onstage Award: We got acknowledge Busta for his ridiculously hyped live performances, especially this year when he and Alpha Mega held it down for T.I. during their performance of "Hurt." David Banner's impromptu cameo, was hot, too. And no matter how you stand on T.I.'s current legal troubles, it was nice to see his fellow rap stars giving him their full support.
Best Hope for the Future of Hip-Hop: Teenage star Li'l Mama, 18, who held her own in 'the cipher' with Wyclef, Twista and Dizee Rascal that ran as a promo spot during the Awards. And 18-year-old Hurricane Chris gets an honorable mention for his high-energy show. And seriously, who is Flo, the rapper from Guadalupe who rhymed in French on the cipher promo? We might not have known what she was saying without the subtitles, but in any language, it was fire!
READ ON FOR MORE OF THE NIGHT'S HIGHLIGHTS, TOP PERFORMANCES AND BEST MOMENTS.
Best Family Values: Lil' Wayne and Baby, whose "entourage" was composed of their kids - not to mention Baby's nieces and nephews who he mentioned in a touching tribute to his sister who passed this year.
Best Performance: C'mon. that's a no-brainer. We have to give it up to Soulja Boy, who's "Crank That (Soujla Boy)" is still the number one record in the country. Judging from the performances of the audience during the show, it's the one song and dance and hip-hop that everyone can agree on. Even BET President Debra Lee got in on the action, getting a hug from Soulja Boy in the middle of the show. Ya gotta love it...
Best Idea: We hope some folks take I Am Hip Hop honoree KRS-One up on his idea to revive the "Stop the Violence" movement. With all the young talent coming up in hip-hop now is the time to recommit to ending all the killing that disporportionately impact the hip-hop community.
Best Sign that Hip-Hop Is Alive and Kicking: Kanye West trying to give away his award for Best Video of the Year to UGK and Big Boi, saying that for once he didn't deserve to win. Big Boi and UGK came onstage and gave a few thank-yous and shout-outs, but let Kanye keep the award.
Best Sign that Hip-Hop Can Force Social Change: Two of the Jena Six, Carwin Jones and Bryant Purvis acknowledged their supporters and presented the award for Video of the Year. (But how tall was that one kid, who was towering over everyone!)
M.I.A. Award: Seriously, has anyone seen Curtis since he lost the sales battle to Kanye West?
2007 HIP-HOP AWARDS WINNERS LIST
LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
Common
HIP-HOP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Kanye West
"Stronger"
BEST COLLABO
UGK f/ Outkast
International Players Anthem
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE
Kanye West
BEST HIP-HOP MOVIE
"Stomp the Yard"
BEST HIP-HOP DANCE
Crank Dat Soulja Boy
BEST VIDEO DIRECTOR
Hype Williams
DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ Khaled
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Timbaland
MVP OF THE YEAR
Lil' Wayne
KEEP READING TO FIND OUT WHO WAS THE PEOPLE'S CHAMP, WHO WAS THE U.K.'S BEST AND WHO GOT THE AWARD FOR CD OF THE YEAR!
TRACK OF THE YEAR
"Party Like A Rockstar"
Shop Boyz
(Produced by Pit)
CD OF THE YEAR
Common, Finding Forever TIE
T. I. , T.I. Vs. T.I.P.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Rich Boy
HUSTLER OF THE YEAR
50 Cent
RINGTONE OF THE YEAR
T.I. "Big Things Poppin'
ALLTEL PEOPLE'S CHAMP AWARD
Birdman and Lil' Wayne "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"
BEST U.K. ARTIST
Kano