2012 BET Awards

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2012 BET Awards

Kanye and Jay-Z win the top prize at the BET Awards in Los Angeles.

BET Awards show host Samuel L. Jackson brings the crowd to its feet as he was joined by Spike Lee to perform a comedic version of Jay-Z and Kanye West's hit song "... In Paris," to laughs. The show was broadcast live Sunday from Los Angeles.

Usher got his sexy on, performing Climax in a bicep-bearing black shirt and red boots.

Nicki Minaj turned in a memorable performance - not only for hip-shaking moved but its obscenity-laced lyrics.

Cissy Houston's tribute to her late daughter was the emotional highlight of Sunday's BET Awards.

Mariah Carey opened the tribute with memories of her friend.

Brandy, heavily influenced by Houston, sang two of the late singer's hits.

Chaka Khan blazed the stage with "I'm Every Woman," which Houston remade.

Gary Houston, Whitney's brother, also performed.

Singer D'Angelo made his first TV appearance in 12 years at the BET Awards.

Chris Brown performed in his first televised appearance since last month's New York City nightclub brawl. Brown also was a double winner taking home the trophy for best male R&B artist and the Fandemonium Award.

Beyonce and Alan Ferguson accept the award for video director of the year. She also won for best female R&B artist and thanked the genre and her female influences.

Jay-Z, Kerry Washington and Jamie Foxx stand by as Kanye West (foreground) accepts the award for video director of the year at the BET Awards.

Director Tyler Perry made an appearance as a presenter.

Kim Kardashian (left) and Beyonce (right) make way for Kanye West and Jay-Z after they won the ceremony's top prize, earning video of the year for "Otis."

Frankie Beverly (center), featuring Maze, were honored with the lifetime achievement award.

Singer Tyrese serenades Frankie Beverly.

Wale accepts the award for best collaboration.

Mindless Behavior accepts the Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice Award.

Gospel star Yolanda Adams, who also performed, gently took some of her peers to task as she won best gospel artist, urging them to act mature and use their fame wisely.

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BET Awards show host Samuel L. Jackson brings the crowd to its feet as he was joined by Spike Lee to perform a comedic version of Jay-Z and Kanye West's hit song "... In Paris," to laughs. The show was broadcast live Sunday from Los Angeles.

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