The 4th Annual Dirty Awards ended abruptly tonight when violence erupted at the Georgia International Congress Center near downtown Atlanta.

The 2008 Dirty Awards presented by Radio One’s HOT 107.9, started off without a hitch tonight as rap stars T.I., Ludacris, Rick Ross, Trina, Rocko and singer Monica, Diamond & Li’l Scrappy, Common, and others walked the red carpet.

My spies tell me T.I. and Shawty Lo showed a unified front backstage before the event. The two rappers even took pictures together.

But problems began during Shawty Lo’s performance when he asserted his ownership of the South. Next thing you know, a chair flew onstage and police rushed forward to restore order.

T.I. promoted non-violence and Peace during his performance. He ended his speech with, “AND YOU KNOW BANKHEAD RUNS THIS!” Just then, Shawty Lo’s crew rushed the stage and fists flew. Attendees jumped on top of tables to avoid small fights that broke out near the stage.

According to sources, the police pepper sprayed bloodied Grand Hustle rapper Alfa Mega in order to subdue him. The thick clouds of mace sent guests running to the exits.

This is a developing story…