The event was hosted by T-Pain instead of scheduled host, comedian Katt Williams.
The show featured a hip-hop matriarch medley that included MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Salt-n-Pepa.
The award for Best Hip-Hop Collaboration for "I'm So Hood (The Remix)" went to DJ Khaled, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross.
LL Cool J presented Simmons with the "I Am Hip-Hop" Icon award. It's given to an individual who has made notable contributions of outstanding significance to the hip-hop community.
BET airs the awards show Oct. 23.
