I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame

Doug E. Fresh is honored at this year's show.

I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame - For going on 8 years the Hip Hop Awards has paid homage to great emcees by recognizing these artists for their influential contributions to Hip Hop culture. The I Am Hip Hop Award is not only given based on artistry alone, but the overall impression these icons have had on subsequent generations. Check, check, check 'em out...
Nas - Year of Honor: 2006It seems contradictory to award a man who proclaimed hip hop to be dead in an album title (which was released the same year he received this award) with the first I Am Hip Hop award. However, hip hop as a culture has always been at odds with itself and no artist has ever embodied that struggle better than Nas. Hailing from Queensbridge, NY, his highly-lauded debut album, Illmatic, was credited with ushering in a new era of rap music whose effect can still be heard today.(Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
KRS-One - Year of Honor: 2007Activist. Teacher. Pioneer. Even though a few emcees will be remembered as hip hop’ founders, only KRS-One is universally heralded for his loyalty and continued advancement of the culture. The definition of dropping jewels, KRS-One always leaves a lesson on the microphone.One thing you should remember: Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything. (Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Russell Simmons - Year of Honor: 2008Since his entrance into the music industry, Russell Simmons has been an innovator in virtually everything he's touched. From building the Def Jam empire with Rick Rubin, to establishing Phat Farm as one of the premier apparel brands in the '90s, Simmons helped make hip hop acceptable (and profitable) to mainstream America. With the launch of Global Grind, his online media network, he continues to be a savvy game-changer undaunted by the challenges of new technology and changing times. (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)Ice Cube - Year of Honor: 2009If there's one great example of an artist doing a 180-degree career change, it would be Ice Cube. From being a founding member of  "world's most dangerous group" N.W.A, to becoming a seasoned actor in family-friendly movies, Cube has paved the way for other emcees to make it in the film industry. Though some would accuse him of selling out, most would agree he's still the “n---a you love to hate” on the mic. (Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

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Nas - Year of Honor: 2006It seems contradictory to award a man who proclaimed hip hop to be dead in an album title (which was released the same year he received this award) with the first I Am Hip Hop award. However, hip hop as a culture has always been at odds with itself and no artist has ever embodied that struggle better than Nas. Hailing from Queensbridge, NY, his highly-lauded debut album, Illmatic, was credited with ushering in a new era of rap music whose effect can still be heard today.(Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

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