The BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 aired last night to a record 4.1 million viewers. For the sixth consecutive year, the show rolled out the black carpet for hip hop's most notable stars. Two of the biggest winners of the night happened to be R&B superstar Chris Brown and rap heavyweight Lil Wayne.
Winning the Verizon People's Champ and Reese's Perfect Combo awards for his single, "Look at Me Now," Brown's name kept popping up in the mouths of the awards' presenters. Busta Rhymes even took the "Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse" award for his part on the Breezy track. Busy with his F.A.M.E tour, Chris wasn't in attendance at the show, but his presence was felt through a pre-recorded appearance in a cypher alongside singer-songwriter-turned-rapper Kevin McCall, Young Money signee Tyga, and Def Jam's Ace Hood.
Another big winner of the night was Young Money general Lil Wayne, who won Best Live Performer and Lyricist of the Year while his artist, Nicki Minaj, was awarded the Made-You-Look Award for her eclectic fashion sense and MVP of the Year for her contributions to the rap game.
Next up was Wiz Khalifa, who, after repping his set onstage with a rambunctious performance of "Taylor Gang," left with awards for Track of the Year for the song, "Black and Yellow," and Rookie of the Year.
During the awards ceremony, LL Cool J was honored with the I Am Hip Hop Award for his role as a pioneer in the genre. The 43-year-old rapper, who kicked off his rap career in 1984 at the age of 16, waxed poetic in his politically charged acceptance speech.
"Millionaires crying about raising taxes on the elite," said L. "They won't feed us as they'd rather defeat us like an aborted fetus, but the greatest feat is to get back up on your feet."
There were a number of unaired awards given away as well, including Hype Williams for Video Director of the Year, Lexus "Lex Luger" Lewis for Producer of the Year, Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy for CD of the Year, DJ Khaled for DJ of the Year, World Star Hip Hop for Best Hip Hop Online Site, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands" featuring Wale and Roscoe Dash for Best Club Banger, J. Cole's Friday Night Lights for Best Mixtape of the Year, and Jay-Z took home Hustler of the Year honors.

Check the complete list of winners here.

(Photo: Jive Records)