BET Official WORLD PREMIER of Frost Without You By Kevin Hart

Kanye Leads @BET Hip Hop Awards

The BET Hip Hop Awards take place at the end of the month, and the nominations have been made public for the September 29th ceremony. Kanye West leads all nominees for this year's ceremony. The hip hop superstar received 17 nods. 2 Chainz follows with 13 nominations and Drake landed 11.

The seventh annual BET Hip Hop awards will air on October 9th.

MVP of the Year nominees include 2 Chainz, J. Cole, Jay-Z, Rick Ross and Kanye West. Lyricist of the Year nominees are J. Cole, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Nas and Kanye West.

Kendrick Lamar Partners With BET

Rapper Kendrick Lamar is partnering up with BET Networks' Music Matters to present a 23-city tour. The tour kicks off in Norfolk, Virginia on September 7th and continues through October 18th.

“More than a Hip Hop show, it’s an experience worth a life time,” says Lamar regarding the tour. “Kendrick is one the most prolific and phenomenal artist emerging today. His music, style and flow brings a fresh and important perspective to Hip Hop and we are proud to leverage the BET Music Matters brand to expose his amazing talents to the masses,” added Kelly Griffin, BET Senior Director Music Programming.

"106 & Park" Hosts Announce Departure

"106 & Park" hosts Terrence J and Rocsi have confirmed that they are indeed leaving the popular BET program. The duo officially announced their departure on Tuesday (May 29th) after some speculation for a couple of weeks about their future.

"The first day I cracked the mic on 106, I was staying on a cot in a basement," said Terrence, with Rocsi adding, "Until the moment we leave, we pledge to bring you young Black culture. It continues to be our honor to do this for you."

"Today, after seven exciting years, '106 & Park' hosts Terrence J and Rocsi announced that they will be leaving the show. It is no secret that there are a number of opportunities coming their way and we’re fortunate that they’ve been with '106 & Park' for so long," said BET President of Music Programming & Specials, Stephen Hill. "They will be staying on the show for a while, so that we can have a 'victory lap' — a celebration of their years at the helm of 106 & Park — before their departure. Terrence J and Rocsi are destined for great success and we at BET Networks will always take pride in being their original home — and be a place where I hope they’ll always feel welcome."

"We are humbled at the opportunity to be a part of your lives," Terrence said during the show. "We have a huge farewell show coming for you guys. We're going to be leaving with a bang."

Rocsi & Eddie Murphy Dating For Months?

Rocsi and Eddie Murphy made headlines last week when they were spotted grabbing coffee and looking decidedly cozy on Los Angeles' Westside, but it has reportedly been denied that the two are dating. Of course, there are stories beginning to surface that suggest otherwise.

Reportedly, the two have been seeing each other for close to a month. Murphy reportedly flew the BET star to the Bahamas for a weekend.

Rocsi has also relocated to Los Angeles now that she's leaving BET's New York-based "106 & Park." She moved to focus on her acting career...among other things.

Kanye Leads BET Award Nominees

Stephen Hill, President of BET’s Music Programming and Specials,has revealed the 2012 BET Awards nominees, recipient of the “Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award,” and host for the awards; Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson. The show will take place on July 1 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

“We are massively excited about having Sam Jackson host the BET Awards,” Hill exclaimed. “His wit, presence, and gigantic personality are the perfect match for our show.”

Among the performers for this year's show are A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Melanie Fiona, DJ Khaled, Diggy Simmons, Mindless Behavior, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj.

Kanye West leads with seven nominations and Beyonce received six nominations.

Terrence J & Rosci Leaving "106 & Park"

"106 & Park" hosts Terrence J. and Rocsi will both likely be moving on in the very near future. While no official timetable has been announced, the two hosts are likely to be leaving to pursue other career interests. Rocsi Diaz is leaving the popular countdown show to pursue an acting career, according to the New York Post.

And Terrence J. is planning to pursue his burgeoning Hollywood career and will be relocating to the West Coast.

Both have been hosting "106 & Park" since 2006, when they became the long-term replacements from original hosts Free and AJ Calloway--displacing Big Tigger and Julissa Bermudez, who hosted the show for one season.

Tia Mowry Explains Leaving "The Game"

Tia Mowry's announced departure from "The Game" came as a shock to fans of BET's most popular scripted show. There is rampant speculation as to whether or not Mowry and co-star Pooch Hall quit or were fired, and Mowry briefly addressed the situation during an interview with Sway In the Morning. "When Pooch feels comfortable enough to talk about it, I’m sure he will but I can just talk about myself," Tia said. "Right now I can tell you it was definitely a mutual decision." "You know what, it’s all good. It really is," Mowry continued. "I’ve been on the show 5 years. I had a great time on the show. I’m very happy with what I did. I love Melanie so much that sometimes I forgot to shut her off. There is no hard feelings [but] I’m here to talk about my book and ‘Tia & Tamera’.

Tia Mowry's announced departure from "The Game" came as a shock to fans of BET's most popular scripted show. There is rampant speculation as to whether or not Mowry and co-star Pooch Hall quit or were fired, and Mowry briefly addressed the situation during an interview with Sway In the Morning.

"When Pooch feels comfortable enough to talk about it, I’m sure he will but I can just talk about myself," Tia said. "Right now I can tell you it was definitely a mutual decision."

"You know what, it’s all good. It really is," Mowry continued. "I’ve been on the show 5 years. I had a great time on the show. I’m very happy with what I did. I love Melanie so much that sometimes I forgot to shut her off. There is no hard feelings [but] I’m here to talk about my book and ‘Tia & Tamera’.

Nicki Minaj's "Stupid Hoe" Banned By BET

Nicki Minaj's new video "Stupid Hoe" has been banned by BET. TMZ has confirmed that the clip won't be shown on the network both due to explicit content and the song's inflammatory and derogatory chorus.

"Stupid Hoe" has been extraordinarly popular on YouTube, however, having already reached more than 20 million views since January 20th.

Neither Nicki Minaj nor her spokespeople have commented on the network's decision. The song is a preceding single from her upcoming Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album.

Meek Mill (@MeekMill) – House Party Ft. @YoungChris (Prod. x @TheBeatBully) [Dir. x @DREfilms] (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Get More: Meek Mill, House Party, Music, More Music Videos

Meek Mill and Young Chris take us inside their “House Party” during the BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend in Atlanta. Meek has another hit on his hands, download the standout cut off his Dreamchasers mixtape now.

Shout out to the Twerk Team, Yo Gotti, Twista, Rick Ross, French Montana, Lou Will, Lil Duval and others who managed a cameo in this video.

Meek Mill Performs @ Jingle Jam In Connecticut and Addresses BET Red Carpet Controversy

Behind The Scenes Live in Connecticut

Webbie On BET Controversy

Rapper Webbie has spoken up about his ongoing feud with Terrence J and Rocsi of BET's "106 & Park," and his being banned from BET altogether. The rapper was reportedly kicked off of the show for making derogatory remarks to Rocsi, which led to him releasing a viral video disrespecting Terrence J and claiming that he, Webbie--is BET.

During a phone interview with WGCI's 107.5, he tried to explain his side of the controversy.

“It ain’t nothing against me and BET. BET, I love BET, I’ve been watching BET all my life. I am BET, BET is black entertainment, you know what I’m saying?” Webbie explained to the morning show. ”That was some personal stuff, you know with Rocsi and Terrence you know, that’s his old lady I guess. Go look at the computer, look at the Vibe Magazine and that’s what happened.”

He also discussed a photo of Rocsi hugging him and their history.

“Look, look, look, that Vibe Magazine picture, that’s what happened. My album November 15. Savage Live 3,” he added. “I knew her before I made ‘Bad B***h’, ‘Gimme that P***y’ before I started making rap, I don’t know Terrence.”

“I didn’t never know her personally, I just know how we live and where we live and the picture just explains it all. I just say Terrence, get yo ho mane! Mane get yo ho mane, get yo ho mane, that yo ho, that ain’t got nothing to do with me and BET, this ain’t got nothing to do with the millions of kids that I say stay in school. I make sure to say stay in school," he continued. "At the end of the day that’s small, get yo ho, get yo girl.”

Webbie Disses Terrence & Rocsi

The beef between rapper Webbie and "106 & Park" hosts Terrence J and Rocsi escalated a bit this weekend with the rapper releasing a video and tweeting disrespectful taunts aimed at both hosts. Webbie was banned from BET after allegedly making inappropriate comments to Rocsi during a show appearance earlier this month.

"Not holding nmo beef with @TerrenceJ he a wanna be a** n*gga," Webbie tweeted over the weekend. "Ima just simply beat him up when I catch him."

"How can you tell me I'm not, I 'am' BET," Webbie said in a video. "You looking at BET right now. So Terrence, I'm sorry your b*tch [co-host Rocsi] wanted me to put that d*ck on her. Get your h*e, man. Get your f**king h*e man. Get your h*e man."

Lil Wayne Wins Big At Hip Hop Awards

The BET Hip Hop Awards aired last night (October 11) on BET and provided its fair share of highlights. From T.I. taking the stage with Young Jeezy for Tip's first appearance since coming from prison; to a surprise closing medley from Heavy D, the show had several unexpected twists.

Chiefly, R&B singer Chris Brown was among the night's big winners. Breezy has forayed into more hip hop-centric territory as of late, and picked up three awards over the course of the evening. He even made a pre-taped appearance in one of the show's famed Cyphers.

And the Cyphers were especially memorable, with everyone from 2 Chainz to B.o.B. to Lady of Rage to Eminem to Busta Rhymes to Yelawolf to TechN9ne showcasing their skills.

Lil Wayne took home awards for Best Live Performer and Best Lyricist; while Nicki Minaj nabbed the MVP of the Year Award.

T.I. Prepping New Single

DJ Drama informed Power 105's DJ Clue on Thursday that, not only is he working with several young artists including Roscoe Dash on new projects and hosting his syndicated radio show; he's also been prepping some tracks with recently-released superstar T.I.

Though T.I. is in a halfway house for a few more days, he's still been able to produce music.

"Tip just came home. I was in the studio with him," Drama said. "He's actually about to drop a new song next week."

"He's in a halfway house but when you're in a halfway house you can still get to work," Drama added. "So he's been in the studio during work time and he's banging out. Actually [his time in the halfway house] ends next week. So he'll be in the streets by the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards."

Free To Replace Mo'Nique?

Hip Hop Blog has learned from an unnamed source that Free could be replacing Mo'Nique as the host of a BET talk show. "The Mo'Nique Show" was canceled earlier this year, reportedly due to budgetary constraints, and according to the rumor mill, the sexy former host of "106 & Park" may be set to get her shot at hosting.

A person close to the contract negotiations revealed to Hip Hop Blog that talks reportedly became bogged down between Mo'Nique and the network after the Academy Award winner requested that her salary be doubled.

A similar situation occurred years ago when the Source was in talks to relaunch the Source Awards in a partnership with BET. The infamous hip hop brand also pushed for an increase in budget, but was rebuffed by BET when the network chose to focus its finances on launching the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Rocsi Featured In Phony Theft Story

Rocsi Diaz was the subject of quite a bit of web buzz on Wednesday (June 23) night. The "106 & Park" host sent Twitter into a hissy fit after a phony story began circulating that she had been photographed stealing from clothing store Wet Seal.

A story claiming to come from Reuters was posted online that said the hostess was caught in Miami, FL with several clothing items shoved into a bag. "Her villainous bravery got her into a heap of trouble," one 'representative' was quoted as saying. The article was full of typos and slang, which seemed to tip off several readers that it was a fake.

Lil Wayne & Drake BET Performers

Lil Wayne and Drake are among the artists scheduled to perform at the upcoming 2011 BET Awards. The show takes place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 26th. Additional performers during the ceremony include Chris Brown, Jill Scott and Alicia Keys.

Drake and Lil Wayne will hit the stage during the ceremony, according to tweets from BET's Stephen Hill. “BET Awards 11. Just announced: Lil' Wayne and Drake will be blazing the Awards show stage!!! June 26 8pm! #betawards,” he tweeted.

The rappers are both nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Collaboration for their respective duets with Chris Brown and Rihanna.

Rihanna In Video Controversy

Rihanna is stuck in the middle of yet another controversy. And once again, it involves the Parents Television Council. The PTC previously criticized the singer for a sexually-charged primetime performance with fellow pop star Britney Spears at the 2011 Billboard Awards. Now, the organization is balking at Rihanna's video for "Man Down." In the clip, Rihanna shoots a rapist. [video here]

The PTC has a problem with the violent imagery--even mentioning you-know-who in a tweet blasting the video.

“Rihanna's personal story and status as a celebrity superstar provided a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic violence," the organization said via statement. "Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability."

Then the statement added this little zinger:

"If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. Rihanna should not get a pass."

No idea what kind of point the PTC is looking to make by bringing up Chris Brown.

What to Expect From 2011 BET Awards Host Kevin Hart

From starring in the movie Soul Plane to appearing in eBay ads on TV, Kevin Hart has taken on some high-profile gigs over the years. But now the actor and comedian has announced that he will be the host of the 2011 BET Awards.  

In short, Kevin Hart is stepping up his game to a new level once again.

Way back when he was selling sneakers at a chain store in his hometown of Philadelphia, the aspiring comic was already nurturing visions of stardom. "Shoe salesman doesn't define who I was," he says with a smile. "Shoe guru more explains it." After some successful open mic appearances, the guru quit his day job and went hard in pursuit of his dreams.

Hart's leap of faith has paid off handsomely, with a series of credits in both TV and the movies, including the comedy specials I’m a Grown Little Man and Seriously Funny. His latest stand-up special, Laugh at My Pain, will be hitting theaters this fall. But this BET Awards hosting gig will be a brand-new kind of challenge.

"I want to make sure I'm the conversation the next day," he says.

The “Grown Little Man” will have some big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of previous BET Awards hosts Queen Latifah, Will and Jada Smith, Mo’Nique, and Jamie Foxx. But is Kevin losing heart? Not a chance.

"I'm excited to join a group of that caliber... As far as the people who did it before me, they were warm-ups," he says boldly. "They were good. I laughed. But they ain't make nobody cry."

To see if Hart really is the "host with the most," be sure catch the 2011 BET Awards live on June 26 8P/7C.