US rapper Lil' Wayne took home three awards at the BET Hip-Hop awards in Atlanta over the weekend.

The rapper, who had been shortlisted for twelve prizes, won Lyricist of the Year, MVP of the Year and People's Champ.

Russell Simmons was honoured as a Hip-Hop icon for his contributions to the hip-hop industry by LL Cool J.

Other winners at the ceremony, which was hosted by T-Pain, included Shawty Lo, who was named MySpace Music Rookie of the Year.

Rapper T.I. was one of a host of major names who appeared at the event. Last year, the rapper was forced to miss the ceremony after being arrested on federal weapons charges.

He has since pleaded guilty to the charges and is due to be sentenced in March 2009.

(by Jason Gregory)