In April of 1992, Snoop Dogg burst onto the Rap scene thanks to the title single from the Deep Cover soundtrack. The Long Beach, California MC with the smooth flow, seemingly effortless delivery, and calm demeanor in tight circumstances became an instant sensation. After playing a crucial role on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop followed one year later, launching a campaign of 14 solo albums, starting with Doggystyle

During his decorated career, Snoop Dogg has transformed from a trigger-happy gang-banger (“Serial Killa”) and a free-wheelin’ womanizer (“Ain’t No Fun”) into a peacemaker (“Vato”) and romantic (“Beautiful”). Beyond the music, Snoop’s real life traces this same journey. The Murder Was The Case star was really on trial in a strange twist of art imitating life. Eventually acquitted, Snoop would distance himself from negative energies in his business and personal lives, and go on to eventually promote messages of peace through his recent Reincarnation album, released under the moniker Snoop Lion. Furthermore, Snoop’s been a role model for family, which is documented in a reality series with his sons, and he spends much of his time coaching youth football and doing charity work.

In light of all he has accomplished as an ambassador for the culture, in his nearly 25-year career, it is completely fitting that BET has announced that it will give Snoop its highest honor in the upcoming airing of the 2016 Hip-Hop Awards next month (October 4). The member of 213 and Da Eastsidaz will receive the “I Am Hip-Hop Icon Award.” The man born Calvin Broadus will join Scarface, KRS-One, Doug E. Fresh, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Rakim, Grandmaster Flash, MC Lyte, Salt-n-Pepa, and Russell Simmons. Snoop has worked with many of those artists throughout his extensive career. Last year, when ‘Face received the award on the BET stage, Snoop was the event host.

Scarface Receives The I Am Hip-Hop Award Like An O.G. (Video)

Snoop’s Hip-Hop career ties closely to the genre’s storyline since the early 1990s. The MC was a central figure in making Gangsta Rap mainstream, causing and bridging its coastal divides, embracing its emphasis on Southern sounds, expanding it to film and brand partnerships, and, recently, navigating its tenuous relationship with police officers. Through collaboration and platforms like his GGN interview series, Snoop has been an ambassador throughout the Hip-Hop community, and an avid fan of the music.

Snoop & The Game Meet With The LAPD To Build Trust Between Police & The Community

The awards platform is a sensitive one for Snoop. In his career, he has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards, without a win. That is the most in the history of the organization. In a video supporting Jada Pinkett-Smith’s call for a boycott of the 2016 Academy Awards, due to their paltry recognition of the contributions of people of color, Snoop said “”Being nominated for 17 Grammys and never winning one … I feel what she’s saying as a far as great performances never being acknowledged…But who gives a fuck? Fuck the Grammys. Fuck the Oscars. Fuck all that slavery-type award shows.” It is fitting then, that the biggest accolade of his life comes from an award show that celebrates the culture that he helped build.

Snoop Dogg Discusses How Master P Saved Him From Death Row & Changed His Life

Regardless of the the lack of recognition from mainstream industry institutions, Snoop Dogg always has had the support of the people. He has released seven platinum albums—with his ’93 debut remaining his best-selling.In July, Snoop released Coolaid, his 14th solo album, a feat few artists in any genre can claim.

Puff Daddy & Snoop Dogg Symbolically Use 1995 Source Awards Footage To Put BEEF To Bed (Video)

The 11th annual BET Hip Hop Awards will be hosted by DJ Khaled. Snoop is also slated to perform, along with T.I., Gucci Mane, and Travi$ Scott.