BET Hip Hop Awards 2007

Filmed in Atlanta, BET Hip Hop Awards 2007—hosted by actor/comedian Katt Williams (First Sunday)—marks the second year of BET's annual awards show recognizing hip hop's best and brightest. It begins with a performance from multiple-award winner Kanye West, a topical monologue from Williams (which seems amusingly dated in retrospect), and clips of up-and-coming rappers from all over the world. Like the Grammys, the presentation of awards alternates with live music, although the tone here is more relaxed. Categories range from the traditional (CD of the Year) to the non-traditional (Hustler of the Year), while presenters include LL Cool J, MC Lyte, Dr. Cornel West, and actor Hill Harper (CSI: NY). Performers cover the hip-hop gamut, including Lil' Wayne, Common, Soulja Boy, and Nelly (plus female drumline). Among the highlights are a tribute to KRS-One (Boogie Down Productions), an eloquent poem from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and a pre-recorded all-star "cipher" (or verbal jam) featuring Wyclef Jean, Dizzee Rascal, Twista, Lil' Mama, and others. There are a few notable no-shows, such as Jay-Z and André 3000 of OutKast, but the latter's partner Big Boi picks up an award on the group's behalf. DVD extras include unaired rehearsal footage of Jean (a solo guitar version of "The Star Spangled Banner") and actor/rapper T.I., who didn't make it to the actual ceremony. As is the case with most awards shows, this one is uneven and will quickly date; however, this would still add bling to a well-dressed hip-hop collection, and should therefore be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)