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BET Announces Bigger-Than-Ever Hip Hop Awards

Hip hop's biggest night of the year is set to air on October 9.

By BET-Staff

Posted: 08/20/2012 01:43 PM EDT

After an unforgettable 2011 extravaganza, the BET Hip Hop Awards are back this year bigger, better and bolder than before.

Rap music's biggest night, the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards, will tape on Saturday, September 29, 2012, and air on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at 8P/7C. For the seventh straight year, the HHAs will take over Atlanta and rock the stage at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.

Last year's awards were unforgettable, featuring the homecoming of Atlanta native T.I., who had been recently released from prison; DMX reuniting with Ruff Ryders alum Swizz Beatz; the last televised performance of the late, great Heavy D; Maybach Music Group's Rick Ross, Wale and Meek Mill joining forces with special guest El Debarge; and much more.

This year, the BET Hip Hop Awards are looking to top 2011 and then some. The awards will feature even more amazing rhyme cyphers and a record-breaking 20 award categories. There will be a brand-new category, the Impact Track award, presented to the artist whose song or featured verse has a message for the masses that moves our music and culture forward via pointed social or political commentary or other poignant lyrics. The BET Hip Hop Awards will present awards in the following categories:

Best Hip Hop Video
Best Hip Hop Collaboration
Best Live Performer
Lyricist of the Year
Video Director of the Year
Producer of the Year
Track of the Year
CD of the Year
Impact Track Award
MVP of the Year
Rookie of the Year
DJ of the Year
Best Club Banger
Made-You-Look Award
Hustler of the Year
Best Mixtape
Best Hip Hop Online Site
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse
Verizon People's Champ Award
Reese's Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo)

Stephen G. Hill, BET's President of Music Programming and Specials, and Lynne Harris Taylor, BET's Vice President of Specials, will serve once again as executive producers along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

Stay tuned here for even more info on the BET Hip Hop Awards in the days to come. And keep an eye for a special live episode of 106 & Park on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at 6 pm EST, when the BET Hip Hop Awards nominees and this year's host will be unveiled.

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