Rapper Lil’ Wayne was named Lyricist of the Year at the BET Hip-Hop Awards taped on Saturday in Atlanta, according to the Associated Press. The charismatic southern rapper was nominated for 12 awards and also named MVP of the Year.
He told MTV News: “These awards have been wonderful, especially when they call my name. That’s the best part about them. Twelve nominations—I think the only categories I’m not in are the female categories.”
Entertainment mogul Russell Simmons was honored as a hip-hop icon. Award presenters included MC Lyte, Jay-Z, T.I., Salt-N-Pepa, and Young Jeezy. The event was hosted by rapper T-Pain who replaced scheduled host, comedian Katt Williams, at the eleventh hour. No word on why Williams bailed the last minute.