Rap pioneer MC Lyte was honored with the prestigious I Am Hip Hop Award at the 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards Saturday (Sept. 28) in Atlanta. Rapper Eve was on hand to present the 42-year-old artist her trophy.

"She set the precedent for female freestylers," Eve said of MC Lyte (quotes courtesy of the Associated Press). "I'm truly, truly honored. She has meant so much to me in my career."

A humbled Lyte (real name Lana Michelle Moorer) thanked several people who help guide her career. She also urged today's female rappers to shine bright in the genre and to push the culture forward.

"Please keep the dream alive, I am with you," she said.

Among the winners at the BET Hip-Hop Awards included Drake, who nabbed the People's Champ award, and A$AP Ferg, who received the Rookie of the Year trophy. Unfortunately, both rappers were a no-show at the event. In addition, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz and Drizzy won the Reese Perfect Combo Award for their ubiquitous anthem, 'F---in' Problems.'

Although the show featured great performances and entertaining Cypher segments, they were some who felt that more female rappers should have been center stage at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.



The 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards will air on Oct. 15 at 8PM ET.

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