Kanye West, left, and Jay-Z accept the award for best group.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Big Sean accepts the award for best new artist.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Cissy Houston sings "Bridge Over Troubled Water" during a tribute to her daughter, Whitney Houston.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Tony Rock onstage at the BET Awards.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Singer Faith Evans performs.
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Samuel L. Jackson hosted the show.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Maze performs.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images for BET
Frankie Beverly performs.
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Nicki Minaj performs.
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Valerie Simpson performs a song in honor of her late husband, Nick Ashford.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images for BET
Tyrese Gibson performs.
Phil McCarten / Reuters
Beyonce accepts the award for best female R&B artist.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Cedric the Entertainer.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Rappers Rick Ross, left, and French Montana.
Christopher Polk / Getty Images for BET
Beyonce accepts the award for best female R&B artist.
Christopher Polk / Getty Images for BET
Singer D'Angelo performs.
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Singer Yolanda Adams, winner of the best gospel award, and singer Monica.
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Musicians Frankie Beverly, right, and Maze arrive at the 2012 BET Awards.
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Presenter Taraji P. Henson speaks onstage.
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Chante Moore performs during a tribute for Donna Summer.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Kevin Hart accepts the award for best actor.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images for BET
Recording artists Wale, left, and Rick Ross perform.
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Elle Varner poses backstage.
Jordan Strauss / Invision/AP
Busta Rhymes, left, presents Nicki Minaj with the award for best female hip-hop artist.
Matt Sayles / Invision/AP
Yolanda Adams poses backstage with the award for best gospel.
Jordan Strauss / Invision/AP
Singer Melanie Fiona performs.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images for BET
