Paying tribute at the 3^rd annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors, will go to hip-hop artist, west coast rap legend, gangsta rapper and actor, Ice Cube.

The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a cultural phenomenon.

Ice Cube joins this year's previously announced honorees, hip-hop crew Wu-Tang Clan, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, talented hip-hop beauty MC Lyte, super lyricist Rakim, hip-hop’s Beastie Boys and the ‘godfather of gangsta rap and founder of NWA and Ruthless Records the late Eric ‘Eazy E’ Wright.

The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent.

The star-studded event will be hosted by another hip-hop legend – rap artist Ice T. The 3^rd annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors is slated to take place at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, October 7 and will be broadcast on VH1 on Tuesday, October 17 at 8PM*.

This year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be executive produced by Lee

Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. Co-executive producers are Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddy. Louis J. Horvitz will direct. *all times ET/PT

More information is available from VH1 at http://www.VH1.com