Ray Mickshaw / FOXPerhaps Kanye West is finally taking that much-needed "time off" from his stage-hijacking shenanigans.
After infamously stealing Taylor Swift's spotlight at the MTV Video Music Awards, the rapper bailed on the 4th 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 beatdown by not jumping on stage 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 presented the award for "DJ of the Year" to the late DJ AM.
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 on stage and strike a b-boy stance for that one.
The award show will air October 27th on BET.