BET took many by surprise when the network opted to release a list of the 2014 Hip-Hop Awards winners prior to the Tuesday night show. Nonetheless, the presentation was still entertaining, thanks in part to host Snoop Dogg.
This year's show included the highly anticipated cyphers, a powerful performance from Common and a “Hip-Hop Icon” tribute to the world's greatest entertainer Doug E. Fresh.
Brandy celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut single "I Wanna Be Down" with a hip-hop remix. She was joined on stage by Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo.
Snow Tha Product, King Los, Vic Mensa and Treach took turns spitting bars in a cypher but it was David Banner who stole the show. The veteran rapper gave a brief history of the violence faced by blacks and delivered a fiery freestyle that ended with the entire audience raising their hands in honor of slain teen Mike Brown.
“But where the white rappers when they mowed Mike Brown, down? No where to be found,” he spit.
Murda Mook took the stage for the live cypher portion of the show. While rapping over Drake’s “0-100/The Catch Up” instrumental, Mook took the opportunity to take a few lyrical jabs at the YMCMB rhymer.
“King of battle rap, comfortable in first place/ Here, finish line is all mine, heard Drake?/ How you flashbackin’ to actin’, it’s real here/ Cripple your career, put it back in a wheelchair/ Get killed here/ Ain’t no chill here/ My demeanor/ Don’t play the field here/ De-gras-si, it ain’t greener here.”
Bobby Shmurda closed out the show with a performance of his internet hit "Hot N---a." Vine sensation TerRio even showed off his Shmoney Dance.
Drake was the big winner with four awards followed by DJ Mustard, who snagged three including the prestigious MVP of the Year.
In case you missed it, view the full list of award winners here. An encore presentation of the award show will air Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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