NICKI MINAJ PICKS UP 3 BET AWARDS!

Rappers Nicki Minaj and Jay-Z were winners in multiple categories during the BET Awards, which took place last night (October 2nd) at the Atlanta Civic Center, in Atlanta Georgia.
Thousands of industry executives, artists and fans gathered to celebrate the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which was hosted by comedian Mike Epps.

The 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards honored this year's top-selling artists, while introducing a crop of new rappers through the show's annual "Cipher."

Sean "Diddy" Combs and Rick Ross opened the show by performing a medley of hits, including Ross' anthem "B.M.F." and "MC Hammer." When Rick Ross finished the song "MC Hammer," the real MC Hammer appeared on the stage flanked by a group of dancers.

Hammer proved he hasn't lost his ability to move his feet, performing his hit single "2 Legit 2 Quit," which most of the audience knew, lyric-for-lyric.

Nicki Minaj took home awards in multiple categories, including Rookie of the Year, Made You Look Style Award, and Favorite by Fans.

"I didn't think I was going to win this award, but I probably have a million little Barbies on Twitter that probably voted for me and I love you guys very much for that," said Nicki Minaj, who thanked her mother, brothers and the Young Money family.

Other winners included Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, who won the Perfect Combo Award for "Empire State of Mind" and "Best Video" Drake who took home MVP of the Year, while Rick Ross' producer Lex Lugar snagged Track of the Year for producing "B.M.F."

A highly anticipated reunion between The Diplomats took place, as Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Freekey Zeekey hit the stage together for their first major televised appearance together in years.

Salt-N-Pepa were honored with the I Am Hip-Hop Award, while legendary turntablist DJ Premier led a moving tribute to Guru, along with the late MC's sons and Gangstarr founder, Big Shug.

Other performers included comedian Lil Duval, Swizz Beatz, Big Boi, B.o.B., Waka Flocka Flames, Gucci Mane, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Cali Swag District and J. Cole.

Presenters included Kelly Rowland, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Trina, Elise Neal and others.

This year's annual ciphers were cleverly worked together to include raps and appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Mickey Factz, Vado, Nes Brigante, Royce Da 5'9, Kuniva, Busta Rhymes, Fonzworth Bentley, Tyga and others.

Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music appeared in their own "Cipher" segment, with raps from Kanye West, Pusha-T, Big Sean, Cyhi Da Prynce and Common.

A special segment took place featuring a father and son cipher session that included Ice Cube and his two sons OMG and Doughboy and Reverend Run and his two sons, Diggy and Jo Jo Simmons.

The 2010 BET Awards are slated to air October 12th at 8:00 PM.