Rap veteran LL Cool J is to be honored for his career achievements at the upcoming BET Hip-Hop awards.

The I Need Love hit-maker is to receive the I Am Hip-Hop Icon trophy at the ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia next month, following in the footsteps of legendary artists including Grandmaster Flash, Russell Simmons, Ice Cube and Salt-N-Pepa.

Comedian Mike Epps is to host this year's show when it takes place at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on October 1st.