Hip Hop Gets Cold Shoulder At American Music Awards

The American Music Awards kicked off the award season in style and are a showcase of the finest in each musical genre. But this year found Hip Hop to be the one to get the cold shoulder on the big stage.

Boasting performances by Chris Brown (w/ T-Pain), Mary J Blige, Fergie (w/ Will.i.am), Queen Latifah, Rihanna (w/ Ne Yo), Alicia Keys (w/ Shabba Ranks, Elephant Man and others) and Beyonce (performing her hit "Irreplaceable" with bluegrass group Sugarland), the 2007 AMAs were missing the element of hip hop throughout the show.

While there were no hip hop performances throughout the event, the Hip Hop/Rap category also saw no action during the televised event.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony won the award for Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Rap/Hip Hop) and claimed it on air. But as for Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album (both won by T.I.), neither was presented during the show.

Could this have anything to do with T.I.'s recent arrest or was this a reflection of Hip Hop being in a slump? Regardless, here's this year's winners from the Hip Hop/Rap and Soul/Rhythm & Blues categories (as well as other categories involving Hip Hop and R&B artists).

Breakthrough Artist
Daughtry
Robin Thicke
Plain White Tees

Favorite Male Artist
Akon
Ne Yo
T-Pain

Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock)
Akon
Timbaland
Justin Timberlake

Favorite Male Artist (Rap/Hip Hop)
T.I.
Fabolous
Young Jeezy

Favorite Album Soul/Rhythm & Blues
Beyonce/ BDay
R. Kelly/ Double Up
Justin Timberlake/Futuresex LoveSounds

International Artist Award
Beyonce

Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Rap/Hip Hop)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Pretty Ricky
Shop Boyz

Favorite Album (Rap/Hip Hop
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony/Strength & Loyalty
T.I./T.I. vs T.I.P.
Young Jeezy/The Inspiration

Favorite Female Artist (Soul/Rhythm & Blues)
Beyonce
Fantasia
Rihanna