ATLANTA — 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, but reports said Rick Ross and Young Jeezy
argued backstage before the brawl broke out.
The altercation took place around the same time as
a tribute performance to hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty, who committed
suicide last month.
Kanye West, who received the most nominations with 17, didn’t attend the event. The show will air on BET on Oct. 9.
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.
Rapper 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.
AP
