Hip hop hasn't had the greatest track record when it comes to award shows. The Source Awards and the VIBE awards, for example, both went down in flames and the history books for ratchet, unrestrained, uncouth behavior that had attendees heading for the door and television viewers covering their eyes in horror. But the BET Hip Hop Awards have held up for four years now largely without incident. But this year, there might be trouble afoot. Here are four reasons to worry:
1. Waka Flocka isn't only performing, he's also nominated for awards
Hip hop has always had its court jesters. Flavor Flav, MC Hammer and Soulja Boy, just to name a few. And sure, Lil' Jon and his crunk movement was largely fueled by aggro male, testosterone-driven shout music. But why does listening to Waka Flocka feel like an assault to the alphabet?
Maybe it's because Waka has the public speaking skills of a Mexican donkey, (peep this video of him explaining why kids should vote) or maybe it's cause he looks and sounds high 95 percent of the time he's in front of a camera. Whatever the reason, Waka Flocka and his brand of crunk music kill brain cells. And with nominations for Rookie of the Year and Best Club Banger, he's poised to be rewarded for it.
2. B.o.B. is nominated for CD of the year
Aside from this category seriously needing a name change (CD? Really? Heard of iTunes?), even more worrying is the fact that B.o.B. has been nominated for album of the year, for an album that most hip hop heads shrugged their shoulders at.
No shade toward B.o.B. He had a phenomenal year and some ridiculously popular singles. But two of them, are shameless pop crossover material, leaving only "Nothin' On You" comfortably in the hip hop category. And aside from the singles, B.o.B.'s album didn't move people much. In fact, many hailed his mixtape material as being superior. BET missed an opportunity here to shine the light on a rising star, much in the way the VMAs did for Florence + The Machine, rather than stacking the category up with only the commercial artists. Surprise us every once in a while, BET.
3. Nicki Minaj might break the rainbow trying to top her last award show wigs
Being hip hop's Lady Gaga, it's great fun to see Nicki Minaj vamp it up with the fashion and the exotic hair pieces. But after the Sunkist Orange and Toxic Shock Pink wigs she whipped out at the BET Awards this year, the skittles of the rainbow might want to run and hide. No color is out of bounds for Nicki.
4. How is Rick Ross gonna make it on to the stage if he wins?
Unlike Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross hasn't jumped on board with Weight Watchers. And unlike Nelly, Rick Ross hasn't become a gym rat. But as a multiple-time nominee and one of the most in-demand rappers on the scene, the likelihood of Rick having to make his way up to the stage accept an award is high.
At the 2010 VMAs earlier this month, Rick Ross rolled out on his scooter to pick Chelsea Handler at the end of her skit. The audience busted out laughing but Rick seemed mighty mobile and comfortable on his scooter. Depending on where BET sits him and if he's feeling like Big Meech or Larry Hoover that night, it might be a lot faster if they just seat Ricky Rozay in the front on his scooter next to a wheelchair accessible ramp. Time is money.
The BET Hip Hop Awards will air on BET on Oct. 12 at 8 pm. See all the nominees and performers here.
