BET Hip Hop Awards pay tribute to Chris Lighty

Rick Ross and Omarion perform onstage at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on Sept. 29, 2012, in Atlanta. / Rick Diamond/Getty

(CBS/AP) The BET Hip Hop Awards, taped over the weekend in Atlanta and set to air on Oct. 9, featured a tribute to the late hip hop mogul Chris Lighty, who died in an apparent suicide in late August.

The annual award show was hosted by comedian Mike Epps.

Rapper LL Cool J paid homage in remarks to Lighty, who he says helped shape his career and many others in hip-hop. After Cool J spoke, rappers Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent took the stage to perform.

12 Photos

Chris Lighty: 1968 - 2012

Kanye West, who received a total of 13 nominations, didn't attend the event. Rappers 2 Chainz and Drake received the second most nominations with 11 total.

• Pictures: Kanye West

Performers at this year's show included Rick Ross, T.I., Diddy, Wiz Kahlifa, Two Chainz and others.

Atlanta police broke up an altercation around the time of the tribute backstage, but no arrests were made. BET officials told The Associated Press the awards show was not interrupted.

Rapper T.I. presented legendary rapper Rakim with the "I Am Hip-Hop Icon" honor. 2 Chainz won the People's Choice award, and Kendrick Lamar came away with Lyricist of the Year award.