The BET Hip-Hop Awards has officially taken over Atlanta!

Last night, NYC-based marketing/PR firm the 135th Street Agency kicked off? the awards festivities with its 5th Annual BBQ, which was held in Atlanta for the first time.

Over 400 VIPs packed Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall, including event co-hosts Fonzworth Bentley and Kelly G (BET’s EVP, Music Programming), along with featured DJs Drama, Trauma and Traci Steele.

Spotted in the crowd of party goers were Da Brat, Ray J, Devyne Stephens, Dondria, Lil Duval, French Montana, Verse Simmonds, Jovita Moore (WSB TV anchor), Kwanza Hall (Atlanta City Council), Faune Watkins (actress & wife of Derek Watkins aka Fonzworth Bentley), D.Woods, Shanti Das, Derek J and more.

Photos below:

Da Brat and Dondria looked mighty cozy together…

and so did DeVyne and Ray J… 😕

My boo Derek J was there rocking some snake skinned pumps… [sidebar: I tried to crop FreddyO out but his head was too big.. 😛 ]

Atlanta news anchor Jovita Moore…

DJ Trauma on the 1’s and 2’s

D. Woods (formerly of Danity Kane) was spotted gettin her “shimmy” on…

Props to Saptosa Foster and the 135th Street Agency crew for the awesome event! It was a great kick-off to a busy weekend.

More photos from this event HERE…

Photo Credits: Jame Pray, Erin Kyle, Chris Mitchell & OMG Booth

FULL PHOTO GALLERY