NEWS: Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj Dominate BET Hip-Hop Awards

Jay-Z and newcomers Nicki Minaj and Drake dominated the BET Hip-Hop Awards over the weekend.  Veteran Jay-Z - who was absent from the event - took out Best Hip-Hop Video for "Empire State of Mind," CD of the Year for The Blueprint 3 and Best Live Performer.

While Minaj who was dressed in a black leather strapped outfit impressed taking home three awards, including Rookie of the Year. "I’m paving the way for girls," said Minaj,  "I wanna thank all the girls of hip-hop."

Other notable winner included Diddy scoring Hustler of the Year; Drake taking MVP of the Year while rap pioneers Salt-N-Pepa took home the I Am Hip-Hop Award.

The awards also boasted some memorable performances, kicking off the night with Rick Ross, Diddy and DJ Kahled performing  "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" and "MC Hammer", later bringing out Hammer himself for “Too Legit to Quit.”

Gucci Mane and Swizz Beatz also fired up the stage with a performance of “Gucci Time.”

BET's Hip-Hop Awards 2010 Winners

• Verizon People’s Champ Award - Nicki Minaj, "Your Love"
• Reese’s Perfect Combo Award - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind"
• Best Hip Hop Video - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, "Empire State of Mind"
• Best Live Performer - Jay-Z
• CD of the Year - Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3
• Track of the Year - "B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)" produced by Lex Luger (Rick Ross f. Styles P)
• Rookie of the Year - Nicki Minaj
• Hustler of the Year - Diddy
• Made-You-Look Award - Nicki Minaj
• Best Club Banger - "B.M.B. (Blowin’ Money Fast)," produced by Lex Luger (Rick Ross f. Styles P)
• MVP of the Year - Drake
• Producer of the Year - Swizz Beatz
• DJ of the Year - DJ Khaled
• I Am Hip-Hop Award - Salt-N-Pepa