The Bet Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday night (29Sep12) were marred by an altercation backstage which prompted officials to call police.

The scuffle is said to have broken out at the Atlanta Civic Center during the prizegiving and cops were called to break up the fight, which was allegedly linked to rappers Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.

Officers used pepper spray during the incident, which took place at the same time as LL Cool J's onstage tribute to late hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty. No arrests were made.

A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department tells Tmz.com, "Atlanta Police Department officers on scene responded to break up the fight and used OC spray (pepper spray) in the process. Individuals fled the scene. There were no arrests or reports of serious injuries. Reports of shots fired appear to be untrue."

A statement from organisers reads, "Bet Networks works very hard to bring the best in entertainment to the city of Atlanta. For the past seven years Bet has celebrated the true art form of hip-hop. Due to some misjudgment (sic) of select attendees, it is unfortunate that certain incidents took place. Bet Networks does not condone any type of violence."

The show, which was not interrupted by the scuffle, featured performances from stars including Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Missy Elliot and 50 Cent, while a number of trophies were handed out.

The People's Choice award went to 2 Chainz, T.I. presented rapper Rakim with the I Am Hip-Hop Icon honour, and Kendrick Lamar went home with Lyricist of the Year award.

The show will air in the U.S. on 9 October (12).