Nelly is set to receive the ‘I Am Hip Hop’ top honorary award at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards ceremony.

The 46-year-old rapper will be honoured ‘for his massive contributions to music and the culture at large’.

Nelly released his hit debut album ‘Country Grammar’ in 2000 and has been a success ever since.

In statement, he said: “I am honoured to receive this award and humbled to be in such great company of past artists who have received this award.

“I have been blessed to work with some incredible people in my career, making 22 years go by in the blink of an eye. This award isn’t just about Nelly; it is about my fans, BET, and the people that continue to support me and allow me to do what I love to do.”

Previous artists who have won the award include LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Master P.