The third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards kicked off with a bit of a surprise in Atlanta this evening (Oct 18).

Attendees of the event were greeted by surprise host T-Pain, who took over the role of master of ceremonies from comedian Katt Williams, who has hosted the award show since it’s inception in 2006.

While T-Pain provided no clue to the last minute line-up change, rumors have surfaced that the replacement was made due to a disagreement between Williams and the brass at BET or even that the pint-sized comedian had been arrested in the hours preceding the start-studded live taping.

BET.com’s P.O.V. blog, however, provides a much more interesting theory, courtesy of the Network’s Executive Vice President Stephen Hill.

“So we were all hanging out last night and Katt bets T-Pain couldn’t beat him in a break dance battle,” Hill was quoted as saying. “Not knowing T-Pain was an extremely DOPE break dancer, Katt thought it was an easy win. T-Pain said if I win, I get to host the Hip-Hop Awards.”

An official statement released by BET Networks following the awards ceremony at the Atlanta Civic Center simply stated that Williams was “unable to attend.”

The Hip-Hop Awards provided several memorable moments, in a year where on-stage performances provided a much more balanced look at the culture.

The contrast could be seen from performances by T.I, who kicked off the festivities with some assistance from Ludacris and later Swizz Beats; to Common and N.E.R.D. performing “Spazz” and “Universal Mind Control,” the first single from Common’s forthcoming eighth studio album of the same name.

Additional performers included Nas, Young Jeezy, Plies, Ne-Yo and Rick Ross, who was joined by Nelly and Avery Storm on “Here I Am.”

The most spectacular moment of the night was a tribute to women in Hip-Hop, showcasing the talent of some of the genre’s lady pioneers.

The Women In Hip-Hop medley consisted of rousing performances by YoYo, MC Lyte, the Lady of Rage and Salt-n-Pepa, who dedicated “Push It” and “What A Man” to Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.

“In 2008, we’re pushing for change in America, and we’re pushing for Barack Obama,” explained Cheryl “Salt” Wray of the first dedication, before launching into the second with photos of the Obamas together on the campaign trail.

On a tragic note, The Game missed his scheduled performance alongside Ice Cube and Musiq, due to the recent accidental injury to his sister, up-and-coming rapper B-Fly, during a drive by shooting in Compton.

At press time, there is no word on the young woman’s condition, although sources told AllHipHop.com that she is recovering from a minor graze wound.

Presenters and performers alike used the platform as one more opportunity to speak on the importance of taking part in the electoral process, with Lil’ Wayne making the Republican ticket a target of a freestyle verse.

There were several performances dedicated to Democratic candidate Barack Obama, and Ice Cube urged the audience to “vote black.”

The BET Hip-Hop Awards also featured an exclusive trailer of the Notorious B.I.G. bio-pic Notorious, set to hit theaters in January.

Lil’ Wayne was the evening’s biggest winner, taking home four of the five awards presented during the taping.

He shared one award, Best Hip-Hop Collaboration, with Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross for DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood.”

Wayne also took home the Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Award, Lyricist of the Year and MVP of the Year.

The only other award presented Saturday night, MySpace Music Rookie of the Year, went to Shawty Lo, who made it a point to shout out T.I. during his acceptance speech.

The special “I AM HIP HOP” Icon Award was presented to Russell Simmons by LL Cool J for his notable contributions of outstanding significance to the Hip-Hop community.

The Third Annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will debut on BET Thursday, October 23 at 8 p.m. EST.

Cash Money CEO Bryan “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams appeared in a Kingsport, Tennessee courtroom yesterday (October 17), where they pleaded no contest to possession of marijuana charges.

The Williams brothers and 12 of the 13 other co-defendants entered into the same plea, which stemmed from a November 2007 incident, in which a pound of marijuana was found inside their RV.

The charges were allowed to be dropped to misdemeanors, because prosecutors believed the pound of marijuana was for consumption and not redistribution.

Prosecutors dropped the charges to misdemeanors citing “Bonnaroo cases,” a reference to a popular musical festival in the area, that frequently finds fans in possession of various drugs, for personal consumption.

“You’re in the same situation, or the state wouldn’t be willing to reduce this, but you’re a little bit different, because you have the at least, in my view, have the ability to influence young people…I hope that you discourage them,” Judge Toohey told Bryan Williams.

The Williams brothers were sentenced to 11 months and 29 days of unsupervised probation.

If they avoid any legal trouble, the charges will be expunged from their records, because they were free of any prior convictions.

“If you get in any trouble and the state finds out about it then your subject to having this probation revoked and you could serve 11 months and 29 days in jail,” Judge Toohey warned Bryan Williams.

Two of the Williams brothers’ entourage failed to show at yesterday’s hearings, resulting in each man being issued two separate felony failure to appear warrants.

Atlanta’s hosting of third annual BET Awards will only be the beginning of the evening‘s festivities, as Lil Wayne and T.I. have confirmed appearances for the show’s official after-party.

The party will be located at DreamzATL, one of Atlanta’s fastest growing premier nightclubs. With 14,000 square feet of lavish loveseats, contemporary art, and fashionable décor, the club promises to have enough space for tonight’s inevitable large crowd of patrons.

“With a lineup like T.I. and Lil Wayne, we are set to shut the city of Atlanta down during BET’s Hip-Hop Award’s weekend,” states party co-sponsor Jacob York.

In addition to the relaxing atmosphere, the party will feature an exclusive performance by T.I., with Wayne acting as the all night host.

The main room contains a state of the art sound and light system, which is expected to give T.I.’s performance the feel of a national concert.

DreamzATL is located on 3595 Clairmont Road, and doors will open tonight at 9 PM.

For more information, visit www.dreamzatl.com.

Tonight’s BET Awards taping will premier on October 23 at 8PM.

Imprisoned rapper Gucci Mane issued a statement today (October 17), squashing growing rumors that he was found dead in his Fulton County jail cell.Gucci Mane, born Radric Davis, is currently incarcerated for violating the terms of his probation on a assault charge, on multiple occasions.Despite attempts by his lawyer to quell the speculation, rumors persist that the rapper overdosed in jail.Gucci Mane himself issued a statement to AllHipHop.com to prove that he is still alive.“I am alive and doing well,” Gucci Mane said in a statement. “I am in good health and in good spirits. To my friends, fans, and supporters – thank you for your concern and I apologize for the inconvenience of having to deal with these bogus rumors. I promise that I’ll be out before you can bat your eye and that I will be stronger than ever.”Gucci Mane has suffered numerous legal challenges over the years.He was involved in a violent feud with Young Jeezy, which ultimately ended up with Gucci Mane being charged with murder in May 2005.DeKalb County prosecutors accused Gucci Mane of shooting and killing a CTE associate during a botched robbery attempt in which four men burst into an apartment with guns drawn.Prosecutors dropped the charges against Gucci Mane in December of 2005 after insufficient evidence and a witness corroborated his claim of self-defense.He has been involved in a number of incidents since, including assaulting a promoter with pool stick, as well as weapons and DUI charges.Gucci Mane’s probation was revoked in September and a judge ordered hi to serve the remainder of the time in prison, after the rapper only completed 25 of his mandatory 600 hours of community service.Despite these challenges, Gucci Mane’s manager Debra Antney, also President of Mizay Entertainment, believes her client will prevail.“The streets did not break or kill him and neither will prison,” Antney said. “Gucci is a brilliant rapper/poet and this time away will only make his music more real and enlightening. He is writing and composing from his cell and will come home with fresh and hot new lyrics.”

Cash Money Records’ CEOs Bryan “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” will go on trial today (October 17) on drug possession charges, after police found a pound of marijuana in the RV they were traveling in.

Police in Kingsport, Tennessee stopped the brothers’ vehicle, after the driver allegedly attempted a lane change that almost forced a tractor trailer off the road.

In July of 2008, the Williams brothers declined a plea deal being offered by prosecutors and instead pleaded not guilty to the charges at a preliminary hearing.

During the hearing three of the 16 people who were arrested during the incident failed to show up in court, forcing the trial to be postponed.

The brothers’ attorney said he hopes today’s trial will be brief and in his clients’ favor.

In related news, Bryan Williams is at the center of a new lawsuit from a California-based concert promoter.

According to the suit, which was filed Wednesday (Oct. 15) in Los Angeles Superior Court, Jose Fernandez is suing the rapper for breach of contract, fraud and money had and received.

The suit stems from accusations of Williams being a no-show for a concert scheduled to take place on Nov. 23, 2007 in New Orleans.

The show, billed as Birdman and Friends, was also slated to include Cash Money artist Lil Wayne.

Williams was given an advance for the show and executed a “concert commitment” on Nov. 12, 2007, the suit noted.

That same month, Fernandez was told the event was cancelled due to “lack of time to promote the event, not enough time to schedule the talent and that the weather was too cold.”

Despite the cancellation, Fernandez agreed to reschedule the concert for Jan. 5, 2008 in Miami and pay Williams an advance fee to ensure the show would take place.

The second show was ultimately cancelled, the suit stated, in light of Williams and co-defendants Rhonita Thornton and Kreative Kontrol claiming there wasn’t “enough time to promote and the inability to line up the talent.”

A third concert was set up for March 16, 2008 in Miami as Fernandez continued to pay advance money for the artists to appear.

Williams was not present for the second or third show.

“As a direct and proximate result of the breach of contract, Plaintiffs have been damaged in a sum in excess of $275,000,” according to the suit, which mentioned that no payment was made to Fernandez and that the show has yet to take place.

In addition to the loss of funds, Fernandez alleges that emotional damage was caused by the fraud as he mentioned that his trust with Thornton was broken, after it was discovered there was no intention of the Birdman and Friends concert taking place, despite the $275,000 advance to arrange a venue for the show and retain performers.

Starting today (October 16) Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is marking the 13th anniversary of the historic Million Man March with a series of community outreach events.The first initiative has Minister Farrakhan speaking extensively with inmates of Chicago’s Cook County jail. His remarks there will focus on challenging the incarcerated men to take the pledge of self-improvement given to the Million Man March attendees in Washington, DC on October 16, 1995.On Sunday October 19, Farrakhan will oversee the rededication of the Nation of Islam’s Mosque Maryam, located on 7351 S. Stony Island Avenue in Chicago.The event is also marked as the group’s Holy Day of Atonement 2008, and is expected to feature a keynote address (“A New Beginning”) focusing on the importance of different faith communities building bridges through common elements and values.“Many have desired to know and gain a better understanding of the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam, and a better understanding of the religion that has captured the attention of the world, the religion of Islam,” Minister Farrakhan explained to AllHipHop.com. “We have restored Mosque Maryam completely, and we will dedicate it to the universal message of Islam, and the universal aspect of the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. It represents for the Nation of Islam, a new beginning.”On hand for the ceremony and representing Hip-Hop culture will be mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and celebrated Queens lyricist Nas. Diddy previously participated in the original Million Man March, advocating support for greater funding in public schools. This year, Nas paid tribute to the minister on the track “Louis Farrakhan,” off of his acclaimed Untitled album.The rededication and address will commence October 19 at 2PM, with doors opening at noon. The entire event is free to the public.For those outside of the Chicago area, a webcast will be available through http://www.NOI.org

Rapper Max B has revealed that though he did have a run in with the law in New York over the weekend, his brief arrest was not related to rumored beef with his former Dipset and Byrdgang affiliates.Earlier this week, a video surfaced in which DipSet South/Big Cat Records artist Freekey Zekey claimed that he and one time collaborator Max B were involved in an altercation outside of South Bronx gentleman’s club Sin City late Thursday night (October 9). According to Freekey’s account of the incident, as well as that of an eye witness, their verbal confrontation promptly turned physical, leading to Max B’s arrest.However Max B revealed to AllHipHop.com exclusively that he was, in fact, in Miami at the time and did not return to New York until Saturday morning (October 11). It was at that time that the artist was briefly detained by the NYPD for a much tamer reason. Max B, born Charly Wingate, was arrested as a result of several warrants issued for a failure to properly respond to up to 30 traffic violations, he explained.While Max B continues to release music via the mixtape circuit that lead to his success as a member of Jim Jones’ Byrd Gang crew, a studio album may not come as swiftly as fans might hope. In a recent interview with Rhapsody.com, Jim Jones indicated that by repeatedly airing his grievances publicly, Max B may have irreparably damaged his future career.“I own him, so you tell me when his album’s gonna come out,” Jones said. “He sold his publishing to me for like 100 stacks or whatever the bail was when he was cryin’ to me to get out of jail. He signed to me, not Asylum. He won’t be coming out with an album anytime soon.”Max B on the other hand maintains that he has no beef with his former crew, acknowledging, albeit sarcastically, that he “couldn’t have made it this far without them.”

Reunited for the first time since the late 90’s, original No Limit recording artists Mia X, Mr. Serv-On, Mo B Dick, KLC and Fiend have confirmed a multi-city reunion tour for the winter 2008 season.

Christened the War Games tour, the selected concert dates will give long time fans their first opportunity in years to reconnect with key members from one of southern Hip-Hop’s pivotal movements.

In addition, the artists are anticipating using the tour as a springboard to reestablish No Limit as a viable brand in 2008’s Hip-Hop market.

“This tour is long overdue,” remarked Mr. Serv-On to AllHipHop.com. “We owe this tour to our fans.”

Founded by then known Percy “Master P” Miller in 1991, No Limit Records to date has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Utilizing production from Beats By the Pound and a business model that emphasized pushing new albums nearly every month, No Limit was instrumental in providing a blueprint for labels such as Cash Money, and illuminating major label attention on southern rappers as potential national stars.

While dates have not been finalized, cities verified for the tour include Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Jackson (Mississippi).