BET plans to honor famed rapper and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle with the Humanitarian Award at the 2019 BET Awards on Sunday, June 23.

The award will commemorate Nipsey's efforts to promote financial literacy, real estate acquisition and violence prevention in South Los Angeles.

Through his clothing brand, The Marathon,  the 33-year-old hired formerly incarcerated people and residents of underemployed communities. Nipsey was tragically shot right outside of the store in March.

"As a prolific artist and leader, Nipsey Hussle was zealous about driving change for the betterment of his community, empowering and employing those in need and being an influential and highly respected leader," Head of Programming at BET Connie Orlando said in a statement Thursday

"His passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry and to the culture. We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change."

Nipsey is also nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and the show will include a tribute featuring YG, John Legend, and DJ Khaled. Khaled recently paid tribute to the late, Los Angeles native through his album's lead single, "Higher," featuring John Legend and Nipsey Hussle.


"We are forever grateful, humbled and honored to have experienced his presence and we are invested in doing our part to ensure that the marathon will indeed continue," Orlando added.

"It is an immense honor for us to recognize him with this year's Humanitarian Award."