AceShowbiz -

The second round of BET's Hip-Hop Awards have handed out their statuettes on Saturday, October 13. T.I., the predicted big winner in the event ironically didn't attend the ceremony to accept the two awards that he won out of 9 nominations.

T.I. snatched 'Album of the Year' for 'T.I. vs. T.I.P.', sharing the title with fellow rapper Common who won through his album 'Finding Forever'. Common sent out his support for T.I. upon taking the winning saying, "I salute my guy T.I., who also won, wherever he is." Common also won Lyricist of the Year.

The absence of T.I., who was arrested for illegal weapon possession on that same day, still took effect both on stage and the people attending the event. He missed the scheduled performance of 'Hurt', leaving collaborators Busta Rhymes and Alfamega to do their part alone. Busta shouted 'Free T.I.!" during the stage act.

Kanye West meanwhile, chose to take his hat off and be humbled by his winning. Upon receiving Video of the Year for 'Stronger', he said that UGK's 'Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)' feat. OutKast should have won over him.

"I didn't deserve this award above them," said West. "They do instead of me." He also brought home 'Best Live Act'. Later on Big Boi of OutKast returned the favor saying, "You worked too hard for this. No, you deserve it."

The awards will air on BET on Wednesday, October 17. Other winners at 2007 BET Hip-Hop Awards include:

• Best Dance - Soulja Boy for 'Crank That'
• Best Collaboration - UGK and OutKast for 'Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)'
• Best Track - Shop Boyz for 'Party Like a Rockstar'
• Producer of the Year - Timbaland
• Hustler of the Year - 50 Cent
• Rookie of the Year - Rich Boy
• DJ of the Year - DJ Khaled
• MVP of the Year - Lil Wayne