MissInfo.tv » 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards: Rick Ross, T.I., Missy Elliott, 50 Cent & More (Photos)

While the red carpet was hot, the stage was even hotter at this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards. Wiz Khalifa had the honors of opening the 2012 edition and brought a few friends along in Young Jeezy and Juicy J. Meek Mill rocked to “Amen” before calling on Kirko Bangz to perform his new single “Young & Gettin’ It.” MGK repped for Bad Boy keeping true to his high-wire acts falling down from the roof of Atlanta’s Boisfeuillet Civic Center before Diddy boasted with an all-star cast of Future, French Montana and Uncle Luke.

T.I., Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz kept it solo for their respective sets. But the highlight of the evening was the emotional tribute to Chris Lighty which featured a final farewell from Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Q-Tip, and the truce between 50 Cent and Fat Joe. The legendary Rakim received the highest prize as he was presented with the “I Am Hip-Hop” Legend award. Tune-in when the award show aires next Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST on BET.

View red carpet photos here.

View photos from this year’s awards show below….