(Photo: Kristian Dowling/PictureGroup)

Hip hop is full of young, cavalier rhyme-slingers who lay claim to being the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), but few have actually done more to warrant the title than the incomparable LL Cool J.  In recognition of the LL’s pioneering accomplishments in music, the platinum-selling superstar will receive this year’s “I Am Hip Hop” icon award at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2011.

The honor goes to LL to pay homage to his influential achievements over the past 25 years. From his start as a hotshot emcee out of Queens, New York, to his evolution into an accomplished actor, with more than 30 films under his belt, and a bestselling author (LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout), LL's career is truly noteworthy. Since signing to Def Jam Records in 1985, he has released 13 albums, won countless music awards and is now the star of the hit television drama, NCIS: Los Angeles.

Many of today’s top rappers have been influenced by Uncle L’s classic hits, like “I Need A Girl,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Doin It” and “Around the Way Girl.”

BET will celebrate LL Cool J’s chart-topping contributions, and more, at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 on October 11, 2011 at 8P/7C, to be hosted by comedian Mike Epps. Past “I Am Hip Hop” honorees include Grandmaster Flash (2006), KRS-One (2007), Russell Simmons (2008), Ice Cube (2009) and Salt N Pepa (2010).