2012 BET Awards Deliver Big

The BET Awards were as star-studded as expected, with Nicki Minaj, D'Angelo, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and a stirring tribute to Whitney Houston among the night's highlights. Host Samuel L. Jackson served as the perfect Master of Ceremonies for a night that saw the legendary actor and renowned movie director Spike Lee performing a raggedy version of Jay-Z and Kanye West's hit single "N***as In Paris" to kick off the festivities.

Famed soul singer/songwriter D'Angelo made a triumphant return to television, with Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Usher and Chris Brown both took the stage for high-energy performances; and Monica, Brandy, Chaka Khan and Cissy Houston all paid tribute to the late pop superstar Whitney Houston. Rapper Soulja Boy was moved to tears during Cissy's heartfelt rendition of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in tribute to her late daughter. Legendary soul band Maze featuring Frankly Beverly were honored for a lifetime's body of work.

Eric B. & Rakim Nominated For HOF

Eric B. and Rakim are among the artists that could be a part of next year's class for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The 2011 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been announced, and the list includes a wide array of rock, alternative, soul and hip hop acts.

Among the nominees are Guns N' Roses, Heart, the Cure, the Spinners, Rufus w/Chaka Khan and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna Summer and WAR are among the returning nominees.

Acts are eligible for nomination 25 years after their first commercial release. Voters will decide who makes the final cut. The annual ceremony will take place on April 14th, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio.