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...

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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)

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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)

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)

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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)

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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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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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Salt-N-Pepa - Year of Honor: 2010Long before there were Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown and Nicki Minaj, there were a number of artists breaking down barriers for femcees, including Queen Latifah and Monie Love. Cheryl 'Salt' Wray and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton, also known as Salt-N-Pepa, were perhaps the most impactful. With their fun rhymes and openness about socially-conscious issues, the princesses from Queens, NY, gave way to the Azealia Banks' of today.(Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

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Salt-N-Pepa - Year of Honor: 2010Long before there were Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown and Nicki Minaj, there were a number of artists breaking down barriers for femcees, including Queen Latifah and Monie Love. Cheryl 'Salt' Wray and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton, also known as Salt-N-Pepa, were perhaps the most impactful. With their fun rhymes and openness about socially-conscious issues, the princesses from Queens, NY, gave way to the Azealia Banks' of today.(Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

LL Cool J - Year of Honor: 2011The fourth honoree to hail from Queens, NY, LL Cool J is an undeniable rap legend who has managed to remain relevant generation after generation. Much like Ice Cube, "Uncle L" has catapulted himself into a career in film just as big as his career in music. Whether you're watching NCIS: Los Angeles or dusting off an old pair of TROOPS, it's evident that it's not just the ladies who love Cool J, it's  hip hop culture as a whole.

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LL Cool J - Year of Honor: 2011The fourth honoree to hail from Queens, NY, LL Cool J is an undeniable rap legend who has managed to remain relevant generation after generation. Much like Ice Cube, "Uncle L" has catapulted himself into a career in film just as big as his career in music. Whether you're watching NCIS: Los Angeles or dusting off an old pair of TROOPS, it's evident that it's not just the ladies who love Cool J, it's  hip hop culture as a whole.

Rakim - Year of Honor: 2012 The Long Island emcee rose to fame during the golden era of hip hop and has influenced a generation of rappers that hope to achieve the success and respect that Rakim has over the past 27 years.There's no wonder why this "Paid In Full" lyricist has been named one of the greatest MCs of all time.(Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

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Rakim - Year of Honor: 2012 The Long Island emcee rose to fame during the golden era of hip hop and has influenced a generation of rappers that hope to achieve the success and respect that Rakim has over the past 27 years.There's no wonder why this "Paid In Full" lyricist has been named one of the greatest MCs of all time.(Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

MC Lyte - Year of Honor: 2013Although her name has Lyte right in it, her weight in the hip hop industry is extremely heavy. She's the first femcee to receive a certified gold single ("Ruffneck"), to release a solo LP (Lyte As a Rock) and to be nominated for a Grammy as a solo act (also with the single "Ruffneck"). Now MC Lyte is the first solo female MC to be I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame certified. Be sure to check Lyte and many other artists and performances during Hip Hop Awards 2013. Monday, October 15th at 8P/7C.(Photo: WENN)

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MC Lyte - Year of Honor: 2013Although her name has Lyte right in it, her weight in the hip hop industry is extremely heavy. She's the first femcee to receive a certified gold single ("Ruffneck"), to release a solo LP (Lyte As a Rock) and to be nominated for a Grammy as a solo act (also with the single "Ruffneck"). Now MC Lyte is the first solo female MC to be I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame certified. Be sure to check Lyte and many other artists and performances during Hip Hop Awards 2013. Monday, October 15th at 8P/7C.(Photo: WENN)

Doug E. Fresh - Year of Honor: 2014Known for his impeccable beat boxing skills and signature folow, Doug E Fresh has been at the fore of Hip Hop for the two decades. His brand was recently repopularized with Cali Swag District's "Teach My How To Doug", which taught a whole new generation about one of the greatest entertainers on earth. Watch his legacy be honored at the 2014 Hip Hop Awards. 

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Doug E. Fresh - Year of Honor: 2014Known for his impeccable beat boxing skills and signature folow, Doug E Fresh has been at the fore of Hip Hop for the two decades. His brand was recently repopularized with Cali Swag District's "Teach My How To Doug", which taught a whole new generation about one of the greatest entertainers on earth. Watch his legacy be honored at the 2014 Hip Hop Awards.