VH1 Hip Hop Honors pays homage to the hip hop pioneers and luminaries who tansformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon.  The music and influence of the honoree is recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent.  Past honorees include, among others, Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, Public Enemy, Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J, Salt -N- Pepa, Notorious B.I.G., Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys and Ice T.