4 reasons why you can't miss VH1's Dirty South Hip Hop Honors

Image Credit: Theo Wargo/WireImage.com

Last night (June 3) at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom VH1 paid its annual homage to hip-hop, VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South. The "Dirty South" part is new. For the first time, VH1 chose to pay its respects to a specific region—an effort that a few Southern legends found disrespectful. Wondering why VH1 couldn't simply incorporate more Southern acts into their regular Hip Hop Honors celebrations, Suave House Records founder Tony Draper and veteran Houston rapper Scarface both declined on opportunities to be involved. But the show went on. And aside from a couple of technical difficulties Uncle Luke and his 2 Live Crew experienced, it went off without a hitch.

Missy Elliott, Fabolous, and Keri Hilson came out to honor hitmaker and Virginia native, Timbaland. J Prince of Rap-A-Lot Records sat back and enjoyed performances from fellow Texas homeboys Paul Wall and Chamillionaire. But there were a few moments that stood out above the rest, making its premiere this Monday (June 7) must see TV. One was nasty. Another was backwards. Read what they are after the jump.

1) Host Craig Robinson's band, The Nasty Delicious – Look for the comedian to set things off with an explicit set. He created the band years ago to support his comic stand-up acts. "Imagine Eddie Murphy playing with Earth, Wind & Fire," Craig describes. "That's what I'm going for. But it might come out like your cousin Leroy playing with the church choir."

2) Drake channeling UGK's Pimp C. – It's no secret that hip-hop's most talented youngster is a huge fan of the Underground Kingz. He regularly collaborates with Bun B. So it was no surprise when the 23-year-old came out to rap Pimp C's verse on "Get Throwed" with Bun. He earned the biggest cheers and squeals from the audience.

3) Lil Jon and Paul Wall's comedy combo – Before last night, the only thing most expected would come of putting Jon and Wall in the same room was a lot of noise and bedazzling, jeweled grins. But there's more: They're funny guys. In one sketch, the producer and rapper attempt to give a lost man directions. Their Southern slang gets in the way, leaving the lost man even more confused. Thank goodness for GPS.

4) Bow Wow's show-stealing surprise – Jermaine Dupri's segment was easily the livest. Diddy came out to assist the the producer on "Welcome to Atlanta." But the highlight came when Kris Kross' "Jump" came blaring out of the speakers. Rapper Bow Wow rose out the audience wearing a Yankees jersey and jean shorts backwards in true Kris Kross fashion, rapping to the Dupri-produced 90s jam. In case you forgot, "inside-out is wiggity wiggity wiggity wack!"

Looking forward to the show this Monday? Who is you favorite hip-hop act from down South? Let us know.

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