Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj and current albums chart champ Drake were among the big winners at cable television network BET's annual salute to R&B and hip-hop stars, while Diddy, Kanye West, Eminem and El DeBarge wowed the audience with their performances.

Veteran funk-rocker Prince was given a lifetime achievement award at the show, which was hosted by comedian, actress and rapper Queen Latifah.

Prince watched in the audience as Stevie Wonder paid tribute in a video, and onstage Janelle Monae gave an energetic rendition of his "Let's Go Crazy" while disco diva Patti Labelle pumped out a rousing "Purple Rain."

Wearing white trousers and turtleneck, Prince took the stage, thanked the crowd and said, "I do believe the future is in good hands, I've seen so much talent here tonight.

"I was pretty wild in my younger days and you don't have to do what I do," he said, with a smile. "You don't have to make any of the mistakes that I made. The future is in your hands."

The night's top honor, BET's viewers choice award, went to Rihanna and Young Jeezy for their song, "Hard."

Keys, who also performed a Prince song, took home two trophies for R&B female singer and best collaboration for smash hit, "Empire State of Mind," sung with Jay-Z.

Trey Songz, whose hits include "Can't Help but Wait," was named best R&B male singer. "I want to let you all know that anybody can be anything, all it takes is dedication and a lot of hard work," Songz said.

Canadian rapper Drake was named best male hip-hop artist, and Minaj took home the trophy for best female hip-hop singer. Beyonce and Lady Gaga earned video of the year honors for their collaboration "Video Phone," but were not on hand to accept their trophy.