Funk legend GEORGE CLINTON will be honoured at the BMI URBAN AWARDS later this year (09).
The music pioneer will take the BMI Icon title, previously awarded to James Brown, The Bee Gees, Willie Nelson and Al Green.
The event honours Urban songwriters who have "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers" and belong to the BMI - a performance rights organisation.
Clinton pioneered the P-Funk genre of music and was the mastermind behind bands Funkadelic and Parliament - who have since been sampled by hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
An all-star group will perform during the ceremony to honour the 68 year old, although the line-up is yet to be announced.
The BMI Icon Awards will take place on 10 September (09) at New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center.