Hip Hop artists from new and old took over the ATL on Saturday, September 17 for the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards. The event, hosted by Snapchat king DJ Khaled, brought together industry veterans, producers and new faces for the weekend, with fan favorite cyphers featuring Lil’ Wayne, Empire‘s Bryshere Gray and Bre-Z, Dead Prez, Ms. Jade, and others.

Kendrick Lamar presented fellow west coast cohort Snoop Dogg with the ‘I Am Hip Hop’ honor, awarding others for “Track of the Year” and “Lyricist of the Year.”

See Also: 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations Are In, Drake Leads With 14

Hosted in a new venue since year’s past, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Hip Hop’s finest walked the money-green carpet before enjoying performances by Desiigner, Young Thug, soul singer Betty White alongside host Khaled’s “Holy Key.” Gucci Mane who performed “First Day Out” and a powerful set from Atlanta’s own T.I., who addressed racial tension and social issues with “We Will Not.”

The 11th annual event wasn’t just about celebrating hip-hop, but addressing issues bigger than the genre. The politically charged awards show tackled community issues, police relations, and election and voter registration with powerful spoken word pieces, including one from gospel rapper LeCrae.

The 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards will air on BET on Tuesday, October 4 at 8:00pm EST.

Check out pictures from the event’s green carpet from photographer Juan Anthony:

 

Photo credit: Juan Anthony Images