Snoop Dogg said he initially felt misunderstood at the beginning of his rap career that ended up turning into a legendary one while accepting his "I Am Hip Hop" honor during a politically-charged BET Hip-Hop Awards show near Atlanta.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar surprised attendees Saturday evening by introducing and handing Snoop the award during the 11th annual awards, which was taped. Lamar, in front of a packed crowd at the Cobb Energy Performing Centre, said the ultra-smooth West Coast rapper "paved a way into many hearts" with his authentic rap flow and infectious persona.
Hip-hop royalty from Dr. Dre to Pharrell Williams paid homage to Snoop, a legend in his own right.
"He mastered the game through tests and challenges that earned him the respect of a college professor, except his game came from the streets," Lamar said.
During his acceptance speech, Snoop encouraged up-and-coming rappers to continue to "push the envelope" in being creative and original.
"To all the young rappers in the game, a lot of people don't understand you. Y'all are misunderstood," he said. "I was misunderstood at the beginning. So you got to keep pushing, be original and diverse. Hip-hop was created many years ago and it's taken people so many places. You have to be who you are."
When Snoop Dogg wasn't being honored, the show focused its attention toward police brutality of African-Americans.
Lamar took home Lyricist of the Year, Fat Joe and Remy Ma won Track of the Year award for their song "All the Way Up."

Source: Arab News