T.I. is serving a one-year sentence at an Arkansas penitentiary for a federal weapons conviction. His fiancée Tameka “Tiny” Cottle read an acceptance letter on his behalf.
“Although I’m not there with you all, I’m there in spirit,” Cottle read from the letter. “My road to redemption is almost over. … Thanks for the support.”
Other artists honored at the Saturday awards event in Atlanta included Jay-Z for MVP of the Year and Drake receiving Rookie of the Year.
The “I Am Hip-Hop” award went to Ice Cube, who said his filmmaking career might result in more awards in the future.
“When you get recognized by your peers for a life of work, you got to be humble,” said the artist whose real name is O'Shea Jackson. “I’m honored by this. I have 20 more years of work left in me. I hope [BET] is ready to give out two of these awards.”
Busta Rhymes presented the DJ of the Year award to DJ AM, who died in August from what the medical examiner ruled was an accidental overdose.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards will air Oct. 27. For more information, please click here for the BET Web site.