VH1’s annual Hip Hop Honors, with this year’s show celebrating the 25th anniversary of Def Jam, premiered on October 13. We were at the taping to bring you exclusive coverage of the show. Host Tracy Morgan opened the night with a hilarious church bit, bestowing nothing but praise on the greatest rap label of all time.
Mary J. Blige wowed the crowd with a special performance of “You’re All I Need” with Method Man.
Meth and Mary’s “You’re All I Need” is one of Def Jam’s biggest hits, so it was only fitting that the two reunite to perform the Grammy-winning track.
Newcomer Wale, Gym Class Heroes and KRS-One (not pictured) pay tribute to Beastie Boys.
DMX, who landed his first record deal with Def Jam in the late nineties, brought his raucous energy to the stage with a performance of “Party Up (Up in Here).”
Repping her Def Jam label something lovely, Chrisette Michele does her thing onstage.
Ashanti and Ja Rule take it back as they perform one of their classic early 00’s hits, “Always on Time.”
Warren G. and Trey Songz (filling in for Nate Dog) bring the crowd to its feet with “Regulate.”
Chris Rock and Public Enemy founder Chuck D. catch up on the red carpet. Public Enemy, who revolutionized hip-hop in the eighties and nineties with an urgent message of “wake up!,” rocked out on stage to “Rebel with a Pause.”
Taking a break from Hollywood, former Ruff Ryders rhyme slinger Eve served as a presenter during the show.
Balladeer Trey Songz was on hand for the night’s festivities.
Def Jam artist Chrisette Michele strikes a pose on the red carpet.
Ashanti flashes a grin on the red carpet before heading inside the theater.
Rocking a throwback sweater, Brooklyn native and Def Jam rapper Fabolous styles and profiles on the red carpet.
Rapper and actor Ludacris makes his way inside the venue. His record label Disturbing the Peace is housed under the Def Jam umbrella.
