VH1 has announced today (August 13th) the honorees for their fifth annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors. This year, VH1 will take the time to show appreciation to rappers Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature and Too $hort.

For those unfamiliar with these popular pioneers, Cypress Hill is an L.A. based group who brought a welcomed Latino perspective to Hip Hop, as well as rock/rap hybrids that crossed musical barriers and unified the rock and rap worlds. De La Soul is a Long Island trio known for their often playful style. Their innovative sound has shaped the entire underground movement within the Hip Hop culture. Naughty By Nature put New Jersey Hip Hop on the map by creating hit singles that quickly became anthems for a generation. Their smash hits “OPP” and “Hip Hop Hooray” are two of the most popular records in rap history. British born, but Bronx raised rapper Slick Rick is famous for his incredible story-telling skills. A true pioneer in Hip Hop, Slick Rick is also known for his collaboration with Dana Dane, forming a Hip Hop duo as Kangol Crew. Last, but certainly not least, Oakland native Too $hort made a lasting name for himself with his gritty, raw, often sexual lyrics and hard core style.

Hosted once again by comedian Tracy Morgan, this year’s celebration will give viewers a chance to reflect upon the time in which Hip Hop began to make its transition from a mis-understood “disposable” art form to a staple in American pop culture.

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“Now in its fifth year, the VH1 Hip Hop Honors has come to represent the pinnacle of innovation and achievement in hip hop music,” said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of VH1, via press release. “This year’s five honorees are no different and are being recognized for their significant contributions to hip hop culture and for helping to elevate hip hop into a truly global phenomenon.”

On September 16th VH1.com will launch its dedicated VH1 Hip Hop Honors Web site with honoree profiles, exclusive online programming, show information and more at HipHop.VH1.com.

The fifth annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors premieres on VH1 and VH1 Soul on Tuesday, October 7 at 10PM.