(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop music was front and center last night (July 1) at the 2012 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
Jay-Z and Kanye West snagged Best Group as “The Throne,” while Drake won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
Drake’s Young Money labelmate Nicki Minaj won Best Female Hip-Hop artist, while Wale and Miguel’s track “Lotus Flower Bomb ” won Best Collaboration.
Jay-Z and Kanye’s video”Otis” took home Video of the Year, while Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé won Director of the Year with Alan Ferguson, her creative collaborator for the “Party” and “Dance For You” videos.
Detroit rapper Big Sean won New Artist of the Year, while Diggy Simmons took home the Young Stars award.
Other winners included UK rapper Wretch 32, Chris Brown, Serena Williams, Kevin Hart, and Kevin Durant.
Whitney Houston was honored in a moving tribute by her mother, Cissy Houston, Marian Carey, and other friends and family during the live show, which, during other portions, was marred by obscenities that were constantly bleeped out.
Performers included Brandy, Monica, G.O.O.D. Music, Rick Ross, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.
Check out AllHipHop.com for exclusive videos and coverage of the 2012 BET Awards.