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Peace Up, A-Town Down - It wasn't his birthday, but 2 Chainz was definitely enjoying the festivities at the Soul Train Awards 2012. The ATL rapper kicked back and let his hair down while watching the show. Of course he hit the stage later to perform his hit single "Birthday Song."(Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric

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Legendary Knight - The Soul Train Awards has long been the place where the greats come to mingle. Here is just another example as two generations of Soul music luminaries, Gladys Knight and John Legend, share a moment during the show.(Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Yeeaaaah Boy! - It was the 90s revisited as music mogul Jimmy Jam crossed paths with Public Enemyy rapper Flavor Flav. Both stars served as presenters during the show.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Bet on Black - Just before taking the stage to deliver a stirring rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Don't Play That Song For Me" songstress Fantasia Barrino caught up with radio personality Tom Joyner, who lit up the Vegas night with his smile.  (Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Ballers United - NBA legends Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Earvin "Magic" Johnson chopped it up during the show. Magic of course was on hand to present the honoree award to R&B greats New Edition. (Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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The One? - With his sixth studio album, The One, nominated for Album of the Year singer-songwriter Eric Benet was more than just an interested party. The sharply-dressed crooner spent much of the night grooving to the stellar sounds on stage.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Family Time - Soul Train Award honoree Bobby Brown spent some quality time with wife Alicia Etheridge and their son Cassius Brown before taking the stage with his New Edition bandmates. Of course NE was the honored guest this year and they delivered a crowd-pleasing performance to boot. (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric

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Soul Men - You youngsters better recognize. R&B/Soul icons Eddie Levert (left) of The O'Jays and Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire were in attendance on a night when the late Soul Train founder Don Cornelius was honored. Levert and White have a long history with the show as they were part of some of the inaugural acts to touch the Soul Train stage. (Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Comedy Combo - Funnymen Bill Bellamy (left) Gary Owen kept the mood light while serving as presenters at this year's show. (Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric

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Show It Off - A confident Elle Varner flashed that million dollar smile before hitting the stage to perform her hit, "Refill." The BET Music Matters alum continues to shine in her award show performances.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Three's Company - R&B songstress Estelle found herself stuck in the middle of two of hip hop's most eccentirc personalities, Flavor Flav and 2 Chainz.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Father and Sons - Like his New Edition brethren, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant brought the family along to share in the group's special moment as Lifetime Achievment honorees at this year's show.(Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric)

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Soul Train Connection - Producer Tony Cornelius, son of the late Don Cornelius, and singer Angie Stone (who was referred to as "neo-soul personified" during the show) connect for a second backstage.(Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Las Vegas is Stone Rollin' - There comes a time when an artist's style is so refined that he or she is not adapting to their surrounding, the surrounding is adapting to them. Case in point, Las Vegas had to step it up a notch when they heard Raphael Saadiq was coming through.(Photo:  Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Dressed Up! - 106's Paigion and rapper Lil Mama show off their elegant attire while chopping it up backstage. (Photo:  Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo:  Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric

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All Access Aficionado - Armed with a new blond hair highlight, a black leather clutch and a captivating smile, BET Music Matters artist Melanie Fiona makes it clear she's all access at every show, all the time.  (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Familiar Faces - Charlie Wilson and Cedric the Entertainer chum it up like they knew each other from kindergarten. Soul Train Awards always makes folks feel like family.(Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric

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Nothing But Good Vibes - From left to right singers Tank, Tyrese, Ginuwine (otherwise known as R&B supergroup TGT), Eddie Levert and Centric President Paxton Baker share a special moment backstage. (Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric)

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Bridgin the Gap (Band) - Fresh off their performance, 2 Chainz and Charlie Wilson pose for a shot that is indicative of how artists from any generation can come together and make Soul Train magic. However,  the style kudos goes to Uncle Charlie whose velour blazer could out swag any rapper no matter how many chains. (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Centric)

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Glad to See Gladys - Gladys Knight lights up the Las Vegas strip with her trademark style!(Photo:   Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric)

Photo By Photo:   Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Centric