50 Cent wins hip hop honours

50 Cent's real name is Curtis Jackson

Rapper 50 Cent picked up best new artist and best male hip-hop act at the Black Entertainment Television (Bet) awards in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The star opened the show with a medley of songs including What Up Gangsta? and 21 Questions.

He recently supported Eminem on his Anger Management tour, including three dates at the Milton Keynes Bowl in the UK earlier this month.

The Bet awards honour black music artists, actors and athletes. The nominees are voted for by the record industry, media representatives and fans.

James Brown was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Michael Jackson, who danced on stage with the soul legend.

Jackson practised James Brown dance moves as a child

"Nobody has influenced me more than this man right here," Jackson told the audience at the Kodak Theatre.

Brown, often referred to as "the godfather of soul", is currently touring the US.

Controversial rapper R Kelly tied with singer Jaheim for best male R&B artist.

Kelly is awaiting trial on child pornography charges but a judge ruled earlier this month that he was allowed to attend the awards ceremony.

Other winners in the entertainment categories included Queen Latifah for best actress, Missy Elliot for best female hip hop artist and Indie Arie for best female R&B act.

Rapper Latifah's acting career took off after her role as Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago. She recently starred in box office hit Bringing Down the House with Steve Martin.

DJs Grandmaster Flash, DMC, DJ Premiere, Jazzy Jeff and Kid Capri performed a special tribute to Jam Master Jay.

The pioneering rapper from Run-DMC was shot dead at a recording studio in New York last year.

The group split up shortly afterwards, saying they could not carry on without Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell.