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Talib Kweli - Gearing up to release a new album later this year, the veteran Brooklyn MC makes conscious rap sound cooler than ever. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

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Sarkodie - We all know that hip hop is global, but Ghana-bred MC Sarkodie always seems to remind us how big the genre's influenece is. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

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Jean Grae - After years in the game, Jean Grae remains one of the hottest female MCs in hip hop. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

Photo By Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group Promo Video Taping Day 2

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Ab-Soul - One-fourth of the Black Hippie Crew Ab-Soul has built himself a core audience of hip hoppers and hipsters. Dropping his sophomore album, Control System, and hitting the road with Kendrick Lamar on the BET Music Matters Tour have all helped establish him as a premier MC. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

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Behind the Scences - The all-star lineup gets their cues from the production staff. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

Photo By Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET

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Live From the 718 - Sarkodie looking stylish for the camera. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

Photo By Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET

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Spit Your Game - Check out Ab-Soul spitting his verse in front of some of hip hop's veteran MCs. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

Photo By Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET

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All Eyes on Me - Conscious rapper MC Talib Kweli sets things off and shows the youngsters how it's done. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)

Photo By Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET

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Boys on the Side - Peep femcee Jean Grae in her B-boy stance while the guys look on. (Photo: Derek Reed / Picture Group / BET)