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Ga. Police Break Up Scuffle At BET Hip-Hop Awards
Atlanta police officers broke up an altercation Saturday evening between two groups at the seventh annual BET Hip-Hop Awards, but no arrests were made.
Police spokesman Carlos Campos said officers responded to the scuffle at around 7:30 p.m. in the backstage area of the awards show, held at a downtown civic center. Campos said there were no injuries or shots fired.
Police have not released the identities of those involved in the scuffle (TMZ reports Rick Ross and Young Jeezy were involved – Pollstar).
Photo: John Amis/Invision/AP
Performing at the BET Hip-Hop Honors at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta.
The altercation took place around the same time as a tribute performance to hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty, who committed suicide last month.
BET officials told The Associated Press that the awards show was not interrupted.
Rapper LL Cool J paid homage in remarks to Lighty, who he says helped shape his career and many others in hip-hop. After Cool J spoke, rappers Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent took the stage to perform.
The show was highlighted by several freestyle sessions that included rapper T.I., B.o.B., Snoop Dogg, E-40 and Cassidy. Others who performed included Rick Ross, P. Diddy, 2 Chainz and Future.
T.I. presented legendary rapper Rakim with the “I Am Hip-Hop Icon” honor. 2 Chainz won the People’s Choice award, and Kendrick Lamar came away with Lyricist of the Year award.