Time to celebrate Hip Hop!

This Thursday will kick off the first ever VH1 Hip Hop Honors Week in New York City.

Hip Hop is finally getting props in the city where it all began. The city is buzzing with opportunities for New Yorkers and tourists to learn about Hip Hop history and culture through extensive, exciting events in all five boroughs.

Thursday starts off a week of performances, events, exhibits, workshops and retail specials that all recognize and celebrate the heritage and incredible impact of Hip Hop since it's birth decades ago on the streets of New York City.

All the excitement leads up to the third annual Hip Hop Honors hosted by Ice-T, airing on Saturday, October 17 at 9pm ET/PT. This year's celebration will honor Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, Rakim, MC Lyte, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys and Eazy E.

"The tremendous depth of activities during 'Hip Hop Honors Week' confirms how this music has become the dominant force in pop culture," said Tom Calderone, Executive VP, General Manager, VH1. "New York City is truly the only place in the world where we could hold our event."