The BET Hip-Hop awards will start off with a bang by calling on Hip-Hop heavyweights to perform on the show airing October 23. Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, and The Game are all among the acts lined up.

While last year's award show garnered plenty of press due to rapper T.I.'s run-in with the law on his way to the show, this year BET has a few tributes to hold audiences' interest. Actor/comedian Katt Williams will host the event which will honor Russell Simmons with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award. Female Hip-Hop pioneers will also be honored in a special tribute.