Hip Hop Dead? I Don't think So!!!!!

I'm a big fan of award shows, if it is the right one. The performances have to be there & the host must be on point! Very few award shows can accomplish this. Which is why I was so surprised with the BET Hip Hop Awards. I've watched it a few times from here & there, but I never watched an entire show. I have to say it was a pretty good show even though it wasn't live.

Young Jeezy opened the show with a surprise appearance from T.I. . They did a great performance on stage.

Mike Epps was a great host as well. He started with a Hip Hop telethon with the help of Twista & DJ Khalid.

The other performances included Wiz Khalifa, Lupe Fiasco feat. Erykah Badu, Rick Ross, Wale, Big Sean & Heavy D closed the show!

The surprise performance came from DMX! He killed it with his biggest hits including Get At Me Dog & others. Swiss Beatz was at his side & it was the best performance of the night!

LL Cool J was awarded the I Am Hip Hop award. Long overdue for this MC to receive his props! He accepted by spitting a mad rhyme that he made up on the way to the award show. Reminding all the other MC's just because he's moved to Hollywood, doesn't mean he has lost his touch.

Of course the highlight of the night was the Cyphers. The Cyphers always showcase the true talent of MC's as they spit what is on their mind with a minute or two to do it. I was amazed at the talent in the cyphers. I was more amazed that they had more female MC's represent this time. Usually it's always one or two. This year they stepped up & had three! The return of Lady of Rage in one cypher ( she was better than all of the guys in it!), Estelle represented her skills & killed it! The newcomer female MC was Nitty Scott hailing from Brooklyn. Scott opened the cypher & didn't disappoint.

Other Cyphers included, Eminem, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Meek Mill, Tech 9, & many others. I always look forward to the cyphers,  it's the best part of the show.

If you missed the show check it out again October 14, 2011 on BET @ 9pm!
http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2011.html