Controversial rapper 50 Cent was the biggest winner at The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards Monday night in Miami, Fla., despite being recently featured unfavorably in The Source magazine, a hard-edged hip-hop publication. The rapper collected the best single, album and breakthrough artist of the year trophies for his best-selling debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, but was not there to accept his honor.
Hip-hop artist Nelly was also named male solo artist of the year, while hip-hop diva Lil’ Kim took top solo honors in the female category. Lil’ Jon and the East Side Boyz were named best group of the year in a music genre. The show was taped to be broadcast Nov. 11 on BET.
The Source Image Award went to LL Cool J, Nelly, dancer Crazy Legs, and Afeni Shakur, Tupac Shakur’s mother. ”The integrity of our coverage has earned us our respect,” Source CEO David Mays said.
The hip-hop movement has moved beyond its gang-warfare roots to become a multibillion-dollar industry, but still fights its violent image. The Miami Herald.com reports the show began in a spirit of reconciliation as Haitian-American singer Wyclef Jean made a plea for peace. ”Black-on-black crime needs to stop,” he said.
Miami Herald.com reports there was chaos and tension on the floor as artists and their entourages vied for seats. Producers, with the help of the Fruit of Islam (the security force of the Nation of Islam) and the Miami Fire-Rescue Department, helped keep the aisles clear and the show moving, but it still ran hours behind schedule.
The magazine’s editorial staff selects the nominees, who are then voted on by Source subscribers and a council of DJs.
