Hip-hop’s hottest stars stepped out tonight (July 1) at the 2012 BET Awards, posing for red carpet pictures prior to the show. Rhyme slingers like Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross and R&B hit makers like Elle Varner plus many more arrived at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Calif., for the big night in rap, R&B and hip-hop music.

‘Dance (A$$)’ rapper Big Sean stood for red carpet pictures pretty much shirtless, save for some gold chains and an opened black leather vest. Photographers also snapped some photos of A$AP Rocky, who also opted for the all-black look. Meanwhile, Rick Ross chatted up other rap stars on the red carpet and took the time to give some love to his fans.

As for the women of the 2012 BET Awards, Elle Varner kept it colorful in both her performance outfit and her red carpet look, while Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child went more subdued in a form-hitting pink and black dress. Monica was also present with her pro-baller husband Shannon Brown, and the songstress looked gorgeous in a maroon pantsuit.

Check out these red carpet pictures from the 2012 BET Awards and let us know who gets your vote for best and worst dressed of the night.

See Red Carpet Pictures From the 2012 BET Awards

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