Fashion comes first on BET Hip-Hop Awards red carpet

Barbershop Quartet 2.0 Award: The brothers from the Peachtree TV reality show "Brutha"; they'll be back on TV Nov. 11.

The I Dream of Jeannie Award: Teen R&B singer Tiffany Evans.

Most Prompt Real Star: Actor Derek Luke (first one on the BET's A-list black carpet), who attended with rapper Gravy. Gravy is starring in an upcoming movie about the life of the late rapper Biggie Smalls, and Luke will portray Sean Combs. With them Saturday was rapper Lil Cease, a good friend of Biggie's. Said Luke: "I've always been a hip-hop fan, and I think it's an act of God that I happen to be here and representing Notorious as well."

Most Recession-proof: Plies, who had on three gold chains. According to him, one was 250 carat, another 260 carat and the third, 175 carat. "It's what I like to call a stupid investment," Plies told us. "As we get older, hopefully we grow."

The Yes We Can Award: Russell Simmons, who wore a black T-shirt with a portrait of Barack Obama and glittery studs that spelled the word "CHANGE."

The Barnum & Bailey and Purple Rain Award: T-Pain, who wore a laced top hat and matching double-breasted purple jacket. T-Pain told us that he gets his top hats and coats made in London, adding that he never wears the same top hat twice. After each wearing he said he intends to sell them on e-Bay and give the money to various charities and foundations.

Best Dressed Female Award: Singer Ciara. When asked what designer she was wearing, she replied: "I don't know; I never know. But thank you for the award, AJC. The boots are Alexander McQueen, and I just wanted something that went with them. Call if comfortable chic."

Still Fierce After All These Years Award: Salt N Pepa, Spinderella and MC Lyte. The four were scheduled to do a special tribute to women in hip-hop. All four said that they were going to be back on the hip-hop scene soon.

Most Anticipated Arrival: Atlanta's own T.I. "Last year was a pivotal moment in my life, and when I look back at how things have turned around, all the blessings, I have to celebrate, and that's what I'm here to do."

Best Dressed Award: Rapper 50 Cent. "I had it made to make sure none of these (pause) guys have the same thing I have on." He said he was here listening to some Southern producers finishing up an album.

The Boss Lady Award: Debra Lee, head of BET, who said that despite the fact that there is no female hip-hop award category this year, "We're playing tribute to the original female MC's tonight. But the lack of women in rap is something we're trying to shine a light on. It has been an issue for some time now. I have no idea why that is."

The Comeback Award: Atlanta. "Atlanta has been so good to us," Lee said. "We have no intention to go anywhere else."