Kanye West a No-Show at BET Hip-Hop Awards, T.I. Wins From Prison

Incarcerated rapper T.I. took home two trophies at the BET Hip-Hop Awards Saturday evening in Atlanta; Kanye West, who racked up nine nominations, was a no-show

Perhaps Kanye West is finally taking that much needed "time off" from his stage-hijacking shenanigans. 

After stealing Taylor Swift's thunder at the MTV Video Music Awards, the rapper bailed on the Fourth Annual BET Hip-Hop Awards Saturday evening, giving up his nine chances to stage yet another remix-worthy acceptance-speech-crashing moment. 

While YouTubers across the country were probably chomping at the bit for that video-posting opportunity, it's safe to say the self-proclaimed egomaniac saved himself a beat-down by not jumping onstage with a nominee competitor like Young Jeezy or Rick Ross. 

Top nominees turned no-shows was somewhat of a theme for the awards show, held at the Atlanta Civic Center. The runner-up to West's bevy of nominations, T.I., was missing in action as a result of his lockdown in an Arkansas prison on a federal weapons charge. 

But that didn't stop the rapper from taking home two awards...

The six-time nominee won Best Collaboration for "Live Your Life" with Rihanna and Album of the Year for Paper Trail. His fiancée, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, accepted his awards on his behalf, and read a letter from the American Gangstar star.   

"Although I'm not there with you all, I'm there in spirit," Cottle read. "My road to redemption is almost over…thanks for the support." 

Other actor/rappers also scored big at the awards show, with newcomer and former Degrassi star Drake winning Rookie of the Year and gangster rapper turned First Sunday star Ice Cube taking home the I Am Hip-Hop icon award. 

Hip-hop spinners were also included in the ceremony. Busta Rhymes stood in to collect the award for DJ of the Year for the late DJ AM.

"I'm honored to accept this," he said.

One of the highlights of the show included legendary rapper Jay-Z, who was honored with the MVP of the Year award, taking the stage with Young Jeezy and performing "Real As It Gets."

We're hoping Lil' Mama did not hop onstage and strike a b-boy stance for that one.

The rapper—who was also a surprise guest performer during Jeezy's opening number—dedicated the award to Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Mr. Magic.

"Brooklyn, we did it again," he said.

The awards show airs Oct. 27 on BET.

(Originally published Oct. 10, 2009, at 8 p.m. PT)