Spike Lee, Kanye West and Will Smith are among the stars nominated for the first-ever award ceremony in memory of slain hip-hop star Jam Master Jay.

The J.A.M awards, which will take place on November 29 in New York City, aims to recognize outstanding efforts in promoting social justice, arts and music.

The Run DMC DJ, real name Jason Mizell, was gunned down in his Queens, New York, studio in October 2002.

Chuck D, Dr. Cornell West and Smith are up for the Justice Award, while Lee, Robert L. Johnston and Lee Quinones are nominated in the Arts Award category. West, Nelly and Wyclef Jean will battle it out for the Music Award.

The awards seek to promote music and arts education among urban schools.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)