Kanye West took home the most wins at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. While the Chicago rhyme visionary was a no-show at the pre-taped Atlanta Civic Center event, which aired Tuesday night (October 9), he picked up six trophies.

Kanye’s wins include Producer of the Year, the Perfect Combo Award for his G.O.O.D. Music crew hit “Mercy,” the Made You Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style) and three BET statues with Jay-Z as part of the super duo The Throne.

Other BET Hip Hop Award winners: 2 Chainz won three awards including Rookie of the Year. Rick Ross beat out a list of rap heavyweights for MVP of the Year. Jay-Z’s business achievements, which includes his music empire Roc Nation and a percentage stake in the NBA team the Brooklyn Nets, landed him the Hustler of the Year trophy. Drake won Best Hip Hop Video for the Lil Wayne-featured clip “HYFR,” while Nas picked up Impact Track honors for his single “Daughters.”

Compton newcomer Kendrick Lamar pulled off the biggest surprise of the night winning Lyricist of the Year, beating out the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, and West. And hip-hop legend Rakim was celebrated with the I Am Hip Hop Award.

As usual, there were some standout performances during the night. Wiz Khalifah opened up the show alongside rap veteran Juicy J and Atlanta trap star Young Jeezy on the track “Work Hard, Play Hard.” Other performers included Meek Mill, Rick Ross, T.I., and 2 Chainz.

And the popular rhyme cypher segments garnered buzz showcasing a barrage of freestyling MC’s such as Lamar, DMX, Eve, Snoop Dogg, A$AP Rocky, and Mac Miller. [Check out all the night's Cyphers here]

But the highlight of the night was the heartfelt tribute to beloved, late manager and music mogul Chris Lighty. The showing brought together a diverse cross-section of artists who have been associated with Lighty over the years from A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe to Missy Elliott and 50 Cent.

The BET Hip Hop Awards made headlines last week after it was reported that the camps of Rick Ross and Jeezy got into an altercation. And MMG rapper Gunplay was jumped by 50 Cent and members of his G-Unit crew.

Check out a complete list of winners here.  —Keith Murphy, CBS Local