(AllHipHop News) Over the weekend NBA players, fans and Hip-Hop artists alike swarmed the city of Orlando, Florida to celebrate the best of the best in the NBA.
Things got started Friday night with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, as J.Cole’s East team beat Common’s West team, 86-54, and Kevin Hart took home the MVP Trophy.
Known for a weekend of big parties, NBA All-Star Weekend didnt disappoint this year.
Some of the more popular parties included the Carmelo Anthony and Fabulous party, the Diddy event with live performances by The Runners, Clinton Sparks and the J Cole and John Wall hosted event.
J. Cole made his rounds at several parties, while Lebron James, Floyd Mayweather and Kevin Hart, hosted a party that also included special guests Chris Paul, and Jay-Z’s official DJ, Young Guru.
Dougie Fresh also held an event, with Biz Markie, while Drake and Lil’ Wayne also made their way to several parties to host and perform.
Saturday’s festivities included the Skills Challenge – won by Tony Parker of San Antonio, the Three Point Competition – won by Kevin Love of Minnesota, and the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest – won by Jeremy Evans of Utah.
Hip-Hop fans enjoyed a new twist on The Slam Dunk Competition this year, as Diddy assisted Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets, who dressed as Woody Harrelson’s character in “White Man Can’t Jump,” Billy Hoyle.
Chase flew over Diddy for a perfect score, but didn’t come out with the victory, despite the Bad Boy hype.
Unofficial host Dwight Howard the hometown All-Star – rumored to be traded in the coming weeks – hosted his share of events as well.
Howard held one event with Floyd Mayweather and several others as the headlining celebrity in his hometown.
On Sunday, Nicki Minaj kicked off the NBA All-Star Game pre-show, performing several of her hits from Pink Friday in between the announcers introduction of the players for the East and West teams.
Mary J Blige also sang the national anthem giving fans her own soulful rendition of America’s beloved song
In addition, Chris Brown, Pitbull, Neyo performed during the half-time show, to Charles Barkley’s critical acclaim.
The MVP of the NBA All-Star game was a toss up between Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Kevin Durant, but Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder took it home after the East lost in the final seconds.
Lebron turned the ball late in the game, helping the West take the victory.
Houston will play host to the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend next year, from February 15th-17th.
Check out some pictures below:
