The BET Network has announced that they will give the 2012 I Am Hip Hop Icon Award to veteran rapper Rakim. They are recognizing the artist for being one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
The award will be presented during the BET Hip Hop Awards on September 29 at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.
Rakim joins such previous honorees as Grandmaster Flash (2006); KRS-One (2007); Russell Simmons (2008); Ice Cube (2009); Salt N Pepa (2010) and LL Cool J (2011).
From BET:
In the history of the Hip-Hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as Rakim Allah. Universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with longtime collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered to this day. No serious discussion of the music's greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend.
Rakim's uncanny innovation was the focal point of the critically acclaimed recreation of Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle and has helped propel movie soundtracks such as Juice, Brown Sugar, The Rugrats, American Psycho and 8 Mile to Best Seller status. His role model status has led world famous brands such as Reebok, The Coca Cola Company, LVMH, Ecko and Sean Jean to choose him as spokesperson.
Now nearing twenty-five years at the top of Hip-Hop's Greatest list, the Long Island, NY native not only continues to record for himself, but also works with young artists signed to his own record imprint, Ra Records. With recent tributes in 2012 such as being named the #1 Lyricist of All Time by The Source magazine, receiving the coveted BET Lifetime Achievement Award and being nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two original music projects, his first feature film role and sold-out international tours keeping the world's eye on the one many call The GOD EmCee, Rakim Allah continues to lead where others just follow.
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