2012 I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame

What would hip-hop be without these individuals?

I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame - Through the years, the BET Hip Hop Awards has recognized great artists for their contributions to the culture. The I Am Hip Hop Award is not only based on artistry alone, but the overall influence these icons have had on subsequent generations.

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I Am Hip Hop Hall of Fame - Through the years, the BET Hip Hop Awards has recognized great artists for their contributions to the culture. The I Am Hip Hop Award is not only based on artistry alone, but the overall influence these icons have had on subsequent generations.

Nas - Seemingly tired of being a longtime Columbia signee, Nas entertained joining The Inc. back in 2002. Four years later, Nas signed a lucrative contract with Def Jam.  (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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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:  Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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. Remember: Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything.(Photo: Frank Mullen/WireImage)

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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. Remember: Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything.(Photo: Frank Mullen/WireImage)

Russell Simmons (@UncleRush) - TWEET: "My twitters a lil heavy…on a lighter note @RickyRozay's right "real n***as don't send d**k flicks" \r\r\rRussell Simmons quotes a statement Rick Ross made in his GQ cover story after being asked his thoughts on the Anthony Weiner scandal. \r\r\r(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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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.(Photo:  Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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 the "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. Yay, yay!(Photo: Ben Rose/PictureGroup)

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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 the "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. Yay, yay!(Photo: Ben Rose/PictureGroup)

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Salt-N-Pepa - Year of Honor: 2010Before Lil Kim and Foxy Brown, there were a slew of artists breaking down walls for the femcee including Queen Latifah and Monie Love. Perhaps, the most impactful of the pioneering ladies were Salt-N-Pepa. With their fun rhymes and openness about socially-conscious issues, the princesses from Queens, NY, gave way to the Nicki Minajs of today.(Photo: Paul Abell/PictureGroup)

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Salt-N-Pepa - Year of Honor: 2010Before Lil Kim and Foxy Brown, there were a slew of artists breaking down walls for the femcee including Queen Latifah and Monie Love. Perhaps, the most impactful of the pioneering ladies were Salt-N-Pepa. With their fun rhymes and openness about socially-conscious issues, the princesses from Queens, NY, gave way to the Nicki Minajs of today.(Photo: Paul Abell/PictureGroup)

LL Cool J - Year of Honor: 2011The latest recipient of this prestigious award (and the fourth one who hails 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. (Photo: Chris McKay/Getty Images)

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LL Cool J - Year of Honor: 2011The latest recipient of this prestigious award (and the fourth one who hails 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. (Photo: Chris McKay/Getty Images)

Rakim - Year of Honor: 2012 This year's honoree is the legendary lyricist Rakim! 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. Don't miss the living legend, Rakim on the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 9 at 8P/7C!(Photo: Facebook)

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Rakim - Year of Honor: 2012 This year's honoree is the legendary lyricist Rakim! 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. Don't miss the living legend, Rakim on the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 9 at 8P/7C!(Photo: Facebook)