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And the Nominees Are... - Here they are... the power players, newcomers and up-and-comers who have rocked the world of hip hop music with their LPs, songs and news-making moves. And this year's Hip Hop Music Awards will give light to all who've contributed. Here are list of the nominees for this year's award ceremony. (Photos from left: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for BET, R Chiang / Splash News, Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Bing)

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Best Hip Hop Video

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Best Hip Hop Video: A$AP Rocky, Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar — "Problems" - Forget the special effects and big budget locations. This fantastic foursome had more than enough star power to make director Sam Lecca's straightforward treatment (rappers and flexible females) pop like a big budget affair.   (Photos from left: Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty Images, Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic, Noel Vasquez/Getty Images, Theo Wargo/Getty Images for ESPN)

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Best Hip Hop Video: B.o.B, T.I. & Juicy J — "We Still in This" - This Decatur Dan-directed video pits B.o.B with two of the South’s finest, T.I. and Juicy J, to give viewers a taste of Atlanta’s unrelenting nightlife.(Photos from left: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images, Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images, Dan Harr / Splash News)

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Best Hip Hop Video: J. Cole, Miguel — "Power Trip" - Like the lyrics to the song this music video went deeper than the surface-dwelling storylines that’s become the norm in hip hop. J. Cole’s infatuation with a female love interest turns deadly when her significant other gets in the picture. Sorry Miguel. (Photos from left: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for BET, John Ricard / BET).

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Best Hip Hop Video: Drake — "Started From the Bottom" - While the pulsating track continued Drake’s hit-making dominance as hip hop’s true prince, but the video follows his rise to the top. Casting his real friends in the clip adds a nice personal touch. (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Bing)

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Best Hip Hop Video: Kendrick Lamar — "Don't Kill My Vibe" - With the hilarious help of Mike Epps, this video mixes humor and fun with lots of style and substance. (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for BET)

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Reese's Perfect Combo Award

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Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group): Ace Hood, Rick Ross & Future — "Bugatti" - Rappers and luxury cars. It’s a timeless combination that helped make this video one of the most watched in 2013. Add to it an action-packed storyline of Ace escaping the grasp of killers and you get Hollywood and hip hop all in one — the perfect combo. (Photos from left: John Ricard / BET, Theo Wargo/Getty Images for BET's Rip The Runway, Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET).

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Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group): French Montana, Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne — "Pop That" - French Montana with help from three of hip hop's elite took an Uncle Luke sample to new heights giving this generation a timeless party anthem.(Photos from left: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for BET, CFI / Splash News, Frank Micelotta/Getty Images for BET, Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

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Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group): Kendrick Lamar, Drake — "Poetic Justice" - Compton’s finest Kendrick Lamar is looking to take home yet another award for the hypnotic single, which partners him with the undisputed hip hop prince, Drake. (Photos from left: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Samsung, Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group): Wale, Tiara Thomas — "Bad" - Washington, D.C-born, Nigerian rapper Wale continues his hit-making streak. His album, The Gifted debuted number one on the Billboard 200 and his dreamy track featuring Tiara Thomas is bad in a very good way. (Photos from left: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images, Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

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Best Live Performer

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Best Live Performer: 2 Chainz - The hip hop catchphrase of 2013, “Turn Up” is synonymous with this 6-foot 5-inch Georgia-raised rhymer. 2 Chainz can kick a show into high gear by just uttering his moniker, 2 Chaaaainz. However it’s his cluster of club bangers and crowd pleasing hits that makes him one of the hottest tickets in music. (Photo: Paras Griffin /Landov)

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Best Live Performer: J. Cole - J. Cole commands an audience as one of hip hop music’s most potent lyricists. (Photo: IconicPix/WENN.com)

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Best Live Performer: Jay Z - As if he needed more accolades on his lengthy résumé, Jay Z added another history making tour to it in 2013. Co-headlining the 14-city Legends of Summer concert tour with Justin Timberlake put the Hov in stadiums from Toronto to Miami. Fans watched the hip hop mogul raise the bar for his competitors by turning a hip hop show into a sophisticated affair night after night. (Photo: Andrew Benge/Redferns via Getty Images)

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Best Live Performer: Kendrick Lamar - To see Kendrick Lamar perform is to grasp a spellbinding look at hip hop’s future. Through elite talent, a seasoned stage presence well beyond his years and a genuine connection with his diverse fan base, K. Dot leaves no doubt as to why he commands the respect of his peers and supporters alike. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

Photo By Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella

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Best Live Performer: Kanye West - The unpredictability of a Kanye West show is what keeps us going. Whether you fall victim to one of his rants or you’re lucky enough to be in attendance when he announces he’s a father-to-be, you’ll get far more than you paid for. Pass up on a ‘Ye show and you miss an impassioned perfectionist giving you his all and then some.  (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup)

Photo By Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup

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Lyricist of the Year

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Lyricist of the Year: J. Cole - Anyone listening to J.’s latest LP, Born Sinner, knows he can sling verbs and adjectives and make nouns ring, making him, once again, a sure-fire nominee here.(Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

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Lyricist of the Year: Drake - As Drake prepares for the release of his upcoming third album, Nothing Was the Same, he continues to be one of hip hop’s most slept-on rhymers. Don't let the radio-friendly love songs fool you, this nod is well deserved.(Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

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Lyricist of the Year: Jay-Z - Once again, Jay-Z had minds blown and tongues wagging when he released his latest LP Magna Carta Holy Grail via the latest tech treasure, the Samsung Galaxy S4. Ask, what more can he say? Hov delved into topics that ranged from classic art to Miley Cyrus twerking.(Photo: Ron Smits/London Ent/Splash News)

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Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar - Backed by his critically hailed album good Kid, m.A.A.d. city and a verse on Big Sean’s “Control” that sent massive waves through hip hop, K. Dot could easily be a repeat winner here. (Photo: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for BET)

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Lyricist of the Year: Wale - Titling his latest LP The Gifted was an appropriate tag for Wale. The MMG MC eloquently waxed poetic on a myriad of topics to make his album No. 1 in the country. (Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Scout, A$AP Ferg - Scout and A$AP Ferg grab a nod for Video Director of The Year for their contribution to the video for "Work (remix)". The unique visual boasts cinematic performance and street shots that colorfully bring this street-inspired anthem to life. (Photos from left: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images, John Ricard / BET)

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom - In the past year Benny Boom, brought us the eye candy for videos from Nicki Minaj (“High School”, K. Michelle’s (“V.S.O.P.”) and Keyshia Cole (“Trust and Believe”). As always the Philadelphia native did his part to elevate the song’s appeal. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Director X - Director X is hoping to take home this award thanks to his work on Drake’s “Started From the Bottom.” The Canadian native has a strong chance to be among the many wins associated with Drizzy this year.  (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Dre Films - If you’ve ever seen a Dre Films music video, you know you’re in for a lavish cinematic treat. The director behind clips from Rick Ross, Wale and T.I. to name a few, is big on focusing on the finer things in life. The fabulous spoils of fame that make his subjects appreciate their upper echelon status in hip hop.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Hip Hop Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams - This trailblazing veteran video director seems to only fancy music from Kanye West (“I Wish You Would/Cold”), Nicki Minaj (“Va Va Voom”) and Meek Mill (“Levels”). Though he’s cutback on his output, it only makes the case that quality trumps quantity. (Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

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DJ of the Year

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DJ of the Year: DJ Drama - Taking a pause from rocking Gangsta Grillz mixtapes for hip hop’s biggest, DJ Drama knocked the charts with his latest project, Quality Street Music, which earns him a DJ of the Year nod. (Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for BET)

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DJ of the Year: DJ Envy - When he’s not stirring up trouble on New York’s No. 1 morning show, Power 105’s Breakfast Club, the Queens, New York native continues to be known as one of the Big Apple’s leading club DJs. (Photo: Rick Davis / Splash News)

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DJ of the Year: Funkmaster Flex - As the leading mixmaster and personality on Hot 97, Funkmaster Flex still remains perhaps the most prominent hip hop radio DJ. It’s a title that, as always, lands him a nod here. (Photo: Isaac Brekken/WireImage)

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DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled - Like DJ Khaled says, all he does is win. After taking home last year’s DJ of the Year award, Khaled is looking for a two-peat with his new DJ of the Year nod. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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DJ of the Year: DJ Scream - Maybach Music Group’s resident turntablist, DJ Scream finally landed in the spotlight with his first nom in this category.  (Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

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Producer of the Year

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Producer of the Year: J. Cole - The high-powered lyricist has also proven his talents as a beatmaker, but he raised the bar on his sophomore album, Born Sinner. The diverse collection of tracks can equally play to hip hop heads and pop chart followers. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Producer of the Year: Hit-Boy - Chopping up hit-making rhythms for such superstars as Jay Z, Lil' Wayne and Snoop Dogg has earned Hit-Boy both his name and a nod here.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Producer of the Year: DJ Mustard - Los Angeles-based producer DJ Mustard made the jump into the mixtape game this year with his cleverly named debut, Ketchup. While the standing in the spotlight solo, Mustard still made his bones behind the scenes cranking out songs for artists, the likes of B.o.B, Tyga and Ludacris, none bigger than Young Jeezy's emphatic hit "R.I.P."   (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Producer of the Year: Mike Will Made It - In the last year there were few go-to producers in music that were more bankable than Mike WiLL Made It. Two of 2013's biggest hits, Ace Hood's "Bugatti" and B.o.B's "We Still In" were crafted by this Atlanta born beatsmith. We're certain he's got their votes locked down in this category.  (Photo: Imeh Akpanudosen/WireImage)

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Producer of the Year: Pharrell Williams - You can't argue with the fact that music mastermind Pharrell Williams comes into the 2013 Hip Hop Awards riding a humongous wave. While the worldwide popularity of his work with Daft Punk ("Get Lucky") and Robin Thicke ("Blurred Lines") is unmatched, his impact on hip hop was felt in the beats he provided to Wiz Khalifa ("Rise Above") Kendrick Lamar ("good kid") and Jay Z ("BBC"). (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for BET)

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MVP of the Year

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MVP of the Year: 2 Chainz - For his gold selling debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story as well as rocking hit collabo's with Nicki Minaj ("Beez in the Trap") Young Jeezy ("R.I.P."), and Lil Wayne ("RAF") proved to be as valuable an asset to any in hip hop.  (Photo: WENN)

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MVP of the Year: J. Cole - J. Cole followed up his half-million selling Cole World: The Sideline Story with the chart-topping Born Sinner. In other words, his credentials are straight. (Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)

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MVP of the Year: Drake - Drake may have started from the bottom but now he's here. In the running for an award that would place him at the top of the food chain. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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MVP of the Year: Jay Z - No new rules here, but Jay Z made it hard for us to judge him among his peers. The music mogul bucked tradition in the way he released his No. 1 album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, and he put the pressure on others to catch up or top that. (Photo: Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images)

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MVP of the Year: Kendrick Lamar - Kendrick Lamar might not get many votes for this award from New York rappers, but he easily had the type of year that's worthy of a nod. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Samsung)

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Track of the Year

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Track of the Year: "Power Trip" – Produced by J. Cole (J. Cole f/ Miguel) - This hip hop love cut collabo between J. Cole and Miguel, walks the fine line between swag and vulnerability. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Track of the Year: "Problems" – Produced by Noah “40” Shebib (A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) - Hoods from Harlem to Beverly Hills bumped this ubiquitous club banging anthem, making it a serious contender here. Some might argue it packs too much star power too lose. (Photos from left: John Ricard / BET, Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Track of the Year: "Don’t Kill My Vibe" – Produced by Sounwave (Kendrick Lamar) - Soundwave's rolling 808 and expressive keyboard fuels this introspective K. Dot cut. Even Jay Z had to jump on the remix to warn rappers, "kill my vibe it's your mother---- funeral." (Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images for BET)

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Track of the Year: "Bugatti" – Produced by Mike WiLL Made It (Ace Hood f/ Rick Ross & Future) - This swag anthem gets the nod because of it's creepy, towering beat and that hella infectious chorus. (Photos from left: Allen Berezovsky/WireImage, John Ricard / BET)

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Track of the Year: "Started From the Bottom " – Produced by Mike Zombie & Noah “40” Shebib (Drake) - Rookie beatsmith Mike Zombie laced Drake with a beat that kicked the bpms down a notch from the Toronto rapper's previous hit "The Motto," but the results were the same. Noah "40" Shebib simply came in to do some fine tuning as co-producer. (Photos from left: Mike Zombie via Instagram, Phil McCarten/PictureGroup)

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Album of the Year

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Album of the Year: J. Cole – Born Sinner - Landing at the top of the Billboard 200 chart (his second No. 1 album) off of singles like "Power Trip" and "Crooked Smile," J. Cole is making this rap thing look easy. (Photo: RocNation)

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Album of the Year: Jay Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail - Jay Z didn't just shake up the world with his new age marketing scheme for the release of Magna Carta Holy Grail but he delivered one of the most introspective and sophisticated albums of his career. (Photo: RocNation)

Photo By Photo: RocNation

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Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar rocked critics and listeners alike with the release of his debut album good kid, m.A.A.d. city, which went platinum and is considered a classic in many circles. (Photo: Interscope Records)

Photo By Interscope Records

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Album of the Year: Nas – Life Is Good - Nas went for maturity and personal healing with the release of his 10th studio album, Life Is Good. The critically hailed LP finds the Queensbridge great doing what he does best by turning adversity (divorce, tax problems) into positively inspiring music for his fans. (Photo: Def Jam)

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Album of the Year: Wale – The Gifted - With each of his three solo albums Wale has shown growth in his craft. His latest LP, The Gifted, is hands down his best work to-date thanks to ethereal love-themed songs ("Bad") and rich soul-stirring cuts ("LoveHate Thing") (Photo: Courtesy of Maybach Music Group)

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Who Knew? Rookie of the Year Award

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Who Know? Rookie of the Year: Action Bronson - Armed with his Ghostface-influenced flow, numerous buzz-worthy mixtapes, including Blue Chips, and his hit EP Saaab Stories, Action has gone from his full-time gig as a chef to cooking up quite a buzz.  (Photo: Gary Miller/FilmMagic)

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Who Know? Rookie of the Year: A$AP Ferg - You can't say this newcomer didn't put in any work. The latest star to emerge from the A$AP Mob, Ferg is looking to succeed 2 Chainz (last year's winner) and bring the award up North. His hit single "Work" puts him in strong contention. (Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

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Who Know? Rookie of the Year: Earl Sweatshirt - The Odd Future young gun has emerged from parental exile in Samoa to release his new LP Doris and garner a nomination and tons of respect for his exceptional talent. (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Image

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Who Know? Rookie of the Year: Joey Bada$ - As an MC vying for the title as King of New York, Joey Bada$ blazed a formidable path when he released his hit mixtape 1999. The Brooklyn rhymer is worthy of the current praise and a win here would only accelerate his rise to stardom.  (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group)

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Who Know? Rookie of the Year: Trinidad James - Hate it or love it. Trinidad James kicked the party (and his career) off with "All Gold Everything" from his mixtape Don't Be S.A.F.E., and he's got his eye on the prize here. (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

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Hustler of the Year

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Hustler of the Year: Diddy - Diddy singlehandedly re-defined the word hustle in the rap game. The music producer, record label head also juggles a high fashion clothing line — Sean John— Ciroc vodka brand and a designer water venture. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Aquahydrate)

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Hustler of the Year: Jay Z - After 50 million albums sold worldwide, a chain of 40/40 Clubs, plus lucrative endorsements with Budweiser and Sumsung you'd think Jay had enough. Nope. He's now a certified sports agent running the startup Roc Nation.  (Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images)

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Hustler of the Year: Kendrick Lamar - Two years ago Kendrick Lamar was jockeying hard for a seat at the table. Now thanks to his relentless work ethic touring, recording with new material with his supergroup Black Hippy,  K. Dot has garner a spot next to the biggest names in the hip hop.    (Photo: Neilson Barnard/WireImage for VEVO)

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Hustler of the Year: T.I. - Between releasing his eight studio album, starring in a hit reality TV and remodeling his Hustle Gang Records label, its safe to say it been a great drama-free tear for T.I.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Hustler of the Year: Kanye West - Kanye West hasn’t slowed his grind; he runs the record label GOOD Music, is a short film director, fashion designer and a nominee for Hustler of the Year. (Photo: Steve Mack/Getty Images)

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Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style)

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): 2 Chainz - 2 Chainz’s colorful European chic meets street style, exhibited in music videos like "Birthday Song" and "Problems," has turned many heads while making him one of the most fashion-forward stars within his genre. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): A$AP Rocky  - Mixing Harlem swag with a dose of hipster, skater boy in designer duds, A$AP Rocky is a favorite in this catergory.  (Photo: Anthony Dixon/WENN.com)

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Jay-Z - Jay Z has always transcended the basic Brooklyn b-boy look. Nowadays Hov name drops Tom Ford in rhymes and regularly rocks the top designer's clothing. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Kendrick Lamar - Kendrick Lamar's style is hard to pin down like many of his complex rhymes. The Compton-born MC  has stayed true to his SoCal roots while mixing designer and eclectic gear.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo:

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Nicki Minaj - Nicki Minaj continues to defy and dazzle the fashion world and rap universe. Thanks to rainbow colored wigs, dresses and outfits that range from cartoon-inspired to haute couture. (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for EJAF)

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Made-You-Look-Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Kanye West - Watch the throne. Though he gets criticism from some rappers for his attire, Kanye West is one of the premiere style kings in hip hop and a true front runner for this award.

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Best Hip Hop Blog Site

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Best Hip Hop Online Site: AllHipHop.com - Founded in 1998, AllHipHop.com has been a leader and innovator in reporting the news and who’s who in rap culture. (Photo: AllHipHop.com)

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Best Hip Hop Online Site: Complex.com - For insights into street wear, sneaker culture, all things hip hop and graphic art, Complex.com is the only place to go. We're guarantee that one of their thought-provoking lists will grab your attention. (Photo: Complex.com)

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Best Hip Hop Online Site: GlobalGrind.com - GlobalGrind.com, the destination for multicultural audiences who seek the latest trends in pop culture, fashion, music and some politics as usual. (Photo: GlobalGrind.com)

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Best Hip Hop Online Site: RapRadar.com - Viewers in search of the latest news in hip hop culture, music and videos know that this Elliott Wilson-owned blog delivers their content with an acute in-tune sensilbilities. (Photo: Courtesy of RapRadar.com)

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Best Hip Hop Online Site: WorldStarHipHop.com - Rounding out the competition is last year's winner. Averaging 1.1 million visitors a day the website features shock and awe content to it most extreme, plus music and video vixens galore. Photo: WorldStarHipHop.com)

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Best Club Banger

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Best Club Banger: Drake – Started From The Bottom (Produced by Mike Zombie & Noah “40” Shebib) - Funny thing is, with the drink of your choosing and aspirations of greatness floating in your head, Drake's rags to riches anthem was the most inspirational club-ready single of the year. (Photo: John Gunion/Redferns)

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Best Club Banger: Trinidad Jame$ - "All Gold Everything" (Produced by M.e. (Devon Gallaspy) - Trinidad James launched his stardom by showing his love for all things gold on this track which gets a nod for Best Club Banger. (Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage)

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Best Mixtape

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Best Mixtape: Big Sean – Detroit - Because of his hot Detroit mixtape, Big Sean is in the running or the Best Mixtape trophy at this year's Hip Hop Awards  (Photo: G.O.O.D. Music)

Photo By G.O.O.D. Music

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Best Mixtape: Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap - If you want to know who's got next in hip hop, he's right here. Chance's Acid Rap pushed the edges of rhyme, content and consciousness with its fluid sing-song style, making it one of the year's most buzzed about releases. (Photo: Courtesy of Chance The Rapper)

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Best Mixtape: Travi$ Scott – Owl Pharaoh - The G.O.O.D. Music, Hustle Gang affiliate dropped a mixtape that offered a peek into his off-centered lifestyle through songs like "Upper Echelon," "Bad Mood" and "Dance on the Moon," (Photo: Epic Records)

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Best Mixtape: Stalley – Honest Cowboy - Since 2008, MMG rhymer Stalley has kept the mixtape circuit jumping with his EPs, including his latest Honest Cowboy. (Photo: Maybach Music Group)

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Best Mixtape: Trinidad Jame$ – Don’t Be S.A.F.E. - Trindad James' debut mixtape set the web on fire with the video for the single "All Gold Everything" and helped the rookie rapper ink a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam. (Photo: Def Jam)

Photo By Photo: Def J

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Diddy – "Same Damn Time" (Remix) (Future f/ Diddy & Ludacris) - Diddy, the king of the remix, was in his element on this brash club banger as he talked that talk like only he could. "Hold up, say you got that 550 you talking bout that Benz n----, Say I got that 550 I'm talking about them M's n----"  (Photo: WENN)

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Drake – "Versace" (Remix) (Migos f/ Drake) - Verse of the year? Drake didn’t emerge as hip hop's lyrical prince without reason. Drizzy's bars on the remix of the Migos single gave it a boost from local sensation to one of the hottest rap songs of the year. (Photo: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images)

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Future – "Bugatti" (Ace Hood f/ Rick Ross & Future) - If 2 Chainz wore the proverbial crown as the go-to features rapper last year, he has passed the honor over to Future. The Atlanta-bred rapper has lent his talents to a number of hit songs in 2013, but none bigger than his performance alongside Ace Hood and Rick Ross. (Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images)

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Kendrick Lamar – "Problems" (A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) - Saving the best for last? Kendrick’s swag-ladened rhyme was the grand finale to this star-studded single.(Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

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Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Wiz Khalifa – "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix) (Rocko f/ Future & Wiz Khalifa) - We all know the controversy Rick Ross' lyrics caused on this single, but it sadly overshadowed a dope performance by Wiz Khalifa.  (Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

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Impact Track

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Impact Track: J. Cole f/ TLC – "Crooked Smile" - J. Cole boldly acknowledges and celebrates his (and woman’s) natural beauty — flaws and all — on this cut vying for the Impact Track award. (photo: John Ricard / BET)

Photo By photo: John Ricard / BET

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Impact Track: JAY Z f/ Justin Timberlake – "Holy Grail" - Backed by the vocals of Justin Timberlake on this cut Jay Z skillfully ponders the pitfalls of fame, mentally walking the fine between being enticed and repulsed by the bright lights.  (Photos from left: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Myspace, Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

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Impact Track: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/ Mary Lambert – "Same Love" - Macklemore, a supporter of same-sex marriage, was thrusted into the national debate when he released “Same Love,” exploring the tribulations of homosexuality in America. (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

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Impact Track: Wale f/ Sam Dew – "LoveHate Thing" - Struggles with love was theme throughout Wale's The Gifted album, and this soulful cut which explores the ups and downs of fame and love, was one of the deftly written songs on the LP. (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

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Impact Track: Kanye West – "Black Skinhead" - Armed with a Gary Glitter-inspired backbeat and frustrated vocals shoeing away racial ignorance, Kanye’s "Black Skinhead" comes in as an obvious contender here. (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

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People's Champ Award

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People’s Champ Award Presented by Verizon: Drake – "Started From the Bottom" - Being pitted against his friends shouldn't worry Drake much. His ode to hip hop come-ups was a fan favorite and should get a good number of votes here. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Et

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People’s Champ Award Presented by Verizon: Kendrick Lamar – "Don’t Kill My Vibe" - Kendrick Lamar is certainly not one to follow the crowd, especially when it came to his hit, "Don't Kill My Vibe," speaking out against hip hop music’s fascination with the drug Molly. (Photo: Helen Boast/Redferns via Getty Images)

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People’s Champ Award Presented by Verizon: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis F/ Ray Dalton - "Can’t Hold Us" - Here's the dark-horse favorite. This upbeat Macklemore and Ryan Lewis tune caught the ears of many and sold over three million copies. I'm sure those people will have a say in this. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images