Chris Brown opened the show with a medley including "Fine China," "Don't Think They Know" (his Aaliyah tribute) and a surprise duet with Nicki Minaj on "Love More."

Riffing off the promoted hashtag #AnythingCanHappen, up-and-comers Kendrick Lamar and Miguel were two of the night's top winners and each took the stage three times to perform breakout hits.

-Dot took home two of the night's biggest awards, Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best New Artist Award, but missed his acceptance speech for the latter as he was preparing to perform his breakout hit "B***h, Don't Kill My Vibe," which literally exploded on stage with a pyrotechnics show and a guest appearance by Erykah Badu.

The rapper got a chance to speak out to fans while accepting the Best Male Hip Hop Artist Award, where he reflected on his underprivileged upbringing and encouraged viewers to reach for their dreams.