The Best of the BET Awards 2001–2010

Oh, what a night! Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Beyoncé  - Queen Bey is not just a pretty face. The pop star was the first Black woman to win the ASCAP Pop Music Songwriter of the Year Award in 2001. She was only the second woman overall to win the prestigious prize. Last year, she and sister Solange Knowles joined an elite group of siblings to each have Billboard No. 1 albums. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage)

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Ladies First - For the first BET Awards in 2001, Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny's Child blessed the stage. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage)

The Hosts With the Most - Funny men and co-hosts Steve Harvey and Cedric "The Entertainer" share a laugh during the first BET Awards in 2001. (Photo by M. Caulfield/WireImage)

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The Hosts With the Most - Funny men and co-hosts Steve Harvey and Cedric "The Entertainer" share a laugh during the first BET Awards in 2001. (Photo by M. Caulfield/WireImage)

Photo By Photo by M. Caulfield/WireImage

Hanging Tough - Tweet and Missy Elliott chill backstage at the 2002 BET Awards.   (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

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Hanging Tough - Tweet and Missy Elliott chill backstage at the 2002 BET Awards.   (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage

The Greatest - Ja Rule is beyond excited to meet Muhammad Ali for the first time, during the 2002 BET Awards. (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

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The Greatest - Ja Rule is beyond excited to meet Muhammad Ali for the first time, during the 2002 BET Awards. (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

Stargazing - Diddy and Janet Jackson hug it out at the 2002 BET Awards.   (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

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Stargazing - Diddy and Janet Jackson hug it out at the 2002 BET Awards.   (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage

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Lil Kim, Lil Outfit, Lots of Love - Lil' Kim presents at the 2003 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Lil Kim, Lil Outfit, Lots of Love - Lil' Kim presents at the 2003 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

R.I.P. Jam Master Jay - Grandmaster Flash performs at the 3rd Annual BET Awards in 2003, paying tribute to fallen rap legend Jam Master Jay. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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R.I.P. Jam Master Jay - Grandmaster Flash performs at the 3rd Annual BET Awards in 2003, paying tribute to fallen rap legend Jam Master Jay. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Legends Come Together - Michael Jackson helps James Brown with his cape in this historic performance at the 2003 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Legends Come Together - Michael Jackson helps James Brown with his cape in this historic performance at the 2003 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Super Duper Fly - Missy Elliott accepts the "Best Female Hip-Hop Artist" award during the 3rd Annual BET Awards Show. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Super Duper Fly - Missy Elliott accepts the "Best Female Hip-Hop Artist" award during the 3rd Annual BET Awards Show. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

50's Next Move - After several delays, name changes and very public beefs with his record label, Interscope, 50 is finally gearing up to drop his highly anticipated new album Street King Immortal, set for a November 13 release. And what better place to showcase his new bangers than the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards?  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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No Shirts Necessary - 50 Cent gives the ladies something to cheer about during his performance at the 2003 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Hey Ya - OutKast performs "Roses" during the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)   

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Hey Ya - OutKast performs "Roses" during the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)   

Photo By Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network

Rock This Way - An unexpected collaboration as Jay Z and Kid Rock hit the stage together at the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Rock This Way - An unexpected collaboration as Jay Z and Kid Rock hit the stage together at the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Beyoncé Who? - Host of the 2004 awards, Mo'Nique gets down with her own performance of "Crazy in Love." Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, uh oh... (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)  

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Beyoncé Who? - Host of the 2004 awards, Mo'Nique gets down with her own performance of "Crazy in Love." Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, uh oh... (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)  

Together Again - Two legendary soul singers, the late Teena Marie and the late Rick James, create one of the most memorable moments at the 2004 show when they present the award for Best Female R&B Artist. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Together Again - Two legendary soul singers, the late Teena Marie and the late Rick James, create one of the most memorable moments at the 2004 show when they present the award for Best Female R&B Artist. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Meeting of the Minds - Big Tigger and Elephant Man get buddy buddy in the gift lounge at the 2004 BET Music Awards. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Meeting of the Minds - Big Tigger and Elephant Man get buddy buddy in the gift lounge at the 2004 BET Music Awards. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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Miss Jackson Lets Loose - Janet Jackson brings down the house with an unforgettable performance at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Miss Jackson Lets Loose - Janet Jackson brings down the house with an unforgettable performance at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

A Proud Mama's Boy - Best New Artist winner Kanye West hugs his mother at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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A Proud Mama's Boy - Best New Artist winner Kanye West hugs his mother at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

A New Day in Hip Hop - Kanye West accepts his award for Best New Artist from presenter LL Cool J in 2004. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)

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A New Day in Hip Hop - Kanye West accepts his award for Best New Artist from presenter LL Cool J in 2004. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)

Photo By Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network

Two Legends Link Up - Chuck D and Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC connect at the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage for BET Network)

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Two Legends Link Up - Chuck D and Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC connect at the 2004 BET Awards. (Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage for BET Network)

Photo By Photo: Arnold Turner/WireImage for BET Network

New York's Finest - Remy Ma and Fat Joe present the award for Best Collaboration at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Entertainment)

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New York's Finest - Remy Ma and Fat Joe present the award for Best Collaboration at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Entertainment)

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Beyoncé on Her Legacy - "I feel that it's important that I start shaping my legacy and doing things that have a little more substance. I want people to think when they listen to my music. I want it to help them through their painful memories, their painful moments, their most happy moments.” (Photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images) 

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Just Have a Seat - Beyoncé puts the moves on Terrence Howard onstage in 2005. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Ready or Not - The Fugees—Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean—are together again, even if it's just for a backstage photo at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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Ready or Not - The Fugees—Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean—are together again, even if it's just for a backstage photo at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Vision of Love - Mariah Carey performs "We Belong Together" at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Entertainment)

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Vision of Love - Mariah Carey performs "We Belong Together" at the 2005 BET Awards. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Entertainment)

Photo By M. Caulfield/WireImage for BET Entertainment

Comedy Central - Damon Wayan brings the funny as host of the 6th annual BET Awards show. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

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Comedy Central - Damon Wayan brings the funny as host of the 6th annual BET Awards show. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

Beyoncé and Jay-Z Perform “Déjà Vu” (2006) - The 2006 BET Awards were off and running when Beyoncé and her silver lamé outfit hit the stage in a shower of fireworks to perform her hit “Déjà Vu.” Things hit a fever pitch when her then-boyfriend Jay-Z spit his verse, and the crowd was treated to a beautiful moment when he bowed to her before exiting, stage right.(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Power Couple - Jay and Bey, a killer combo, ignite the auditorium with their performance at the 2006 BET Awards. (Photo:  Frazer Harrison/Getty)

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Motown Magic - Stevie Wonder performs during a tribute to Diana Ross, recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images)

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Motown Magic - Stevie Wonder performs during a tribute to Diana Ross, recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images)

Letting It All Hang Out\r - Though T-Pain is decked out from head to toe, Rick Ross seems to have forgotten to put on a shirt with his jacket at the 2008 awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Letting It All Hang Out\r - Though T-Pain is decked out from head to toe, Rick Ross seems to have forgotten to put on a shirt with his jacket at the 2008 awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Before She Was a Redhead... - Rihanna hits a note during her performance at the  2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Before She Was a Redhead... - Rihanna hits a note during her performance at the  2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Bring the (T) Pain - T-Pain and a little of his Auto Tune magic come to the 2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Bring the (T) Pain - T-Pain and a little of his Auto Tune magic come to the 2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Dance Fantasy - Prior to the release of her 2009 album, Fantasy Ride, Ciara delivered one of her most memorable performances at the 2008 BET Awards. featuring pop star Chris Brown, the sexy seductive showing is now an award show classic. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Goodies - Singers (and dance sensations) Ciara and Chris Brown together at the 2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Top Honors - John Legend presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Al Green in 2008. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Top Honors - John Legend presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Al Green in 2008. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

It's Getting Hot in Here - Nelly gets his sexy on as he performs with Black Eyed Pea Fergie during the 2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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It's Getting Hot in Here - Nelly gets his sexy on as he performs with Black Eyed Pea Fergie during the 2008 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Heaven Sent - Beyoncé gives an emotional performance in 2009. (Photo: Mark Davis/PictureGroup)

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Heaven Sent - Beyoncé gives an emotional performance in 2009. (Photo: Mark Davis/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Mark Davis/PictureGroup

Do Me, Baby - Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins reunite as Bell Biv DeVoe for a performance in 2009. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Do Me, Baby - Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins reunite as Bell Biv DeVoe for a performance in 2009. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Getting Foxxy - Host Jamie Foxx plays around onstage during the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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Getting Foxxy - Host Jamie Foxx plays around onstage during the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup

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Divas on Display - R&B stars Keyshia Cole and Monica duet at the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Divas on Display - R&B stars Keyshia Cole and Monica duet at the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

NOLA Heads to Hollywood - Cash Money stars Lil Wayne and Birdman onstage at the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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NOLA Heads to Hollywood - Cash Money stars Lil Wayne and Birdman onstage at the 2009 BET Awards. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

All in the Family - Jaden Smith, Willow Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith settle into their seats at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup)

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All in the Family - Jaden Smith, Willow Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith settle into their seats at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup)

Photo By Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup

Give Me a Pound - Anthony Anderson and Drake in the audience at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

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Give Me a Pound - Anthony Anderson and Drake in the audience at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup

Pushing the Envelope - Nicki Minaj gets a little crazy onstage at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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Pushing the Envelope - Nicki Minaj gets a little crazy onstage at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup

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The Key to Perfection - Alicia Keys during the Pre Show at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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The Key to Perfection - Alicia Keys during the Pre Show at the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Power Summit - Diddy, Nicki Minaj and Stephen Hill, BET's president of programming, music and specials, backstage at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards. (Photo: Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup)

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Power Summit - Diddy, Nicki Minaj and Stephen Hill, BET's president of programming, music and specials, backstage at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards. (Photo: Adrian Sidney/PictureGroup)

Set It Off - T.I. and Latifah playfully re-enact key moments from her role in Set It Off during the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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Set It Off - T.I. and Latifah playfully re-enact key moments from her role in Set It Off during the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup

Kanye Eruption - Kanye West gives a dramatic performance during the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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Kanye Eruption - Kanye West gives a dramatic performance during the 2010 BET Awards. (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup

A Prince Among Men - Prince is clearly pleased as he watches the 2010 BET Awards.  (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

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A Prince Among Men - Prince is clearly pleased as he watches the 2010 BET Awards.  (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup

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Look Ma, No Hands - Breezy performs his smash single "Look At Me Now" at the 2011 BET Awards and the crowd goes wild. (Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage)

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Look Ma, No Hands - Breezy performs his smash single "Look At Me Now" at the 2011 BET Awards and the crowd goes wild. (Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage)

Living Legend - Patti LaBelle makes a joyful noise and receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 BET Awards.(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Living Legend - Patti LaBelle makes a joyful noise and receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 BET Awards.(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes - Busta ripped the stage with Chris Brown on the F.A.M.E. track "Look at Me Now."  Mary J. Blige gave the swift–tongued rapper props on his performance:@maryjblige: Congrats to my Brother @BusaBusss on his award and bodying!!! That performance 2 night!!! WOW!!!(Photo by Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

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Big Ups - Busta Rhymes delivers a show-stopping performance with Chris Brown in 2011. The duo won Best Collaboration for their hit "Look at Me Now." (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

Young Money - Megastars collide in the audience at the 2011 BET awards at the Shrine Auditorium in California. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

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Young Money - Megastars collide in the audience at the 2011 BET awards at the Shrine Auditorium in California. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

Photo By Photo: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup