Nipsey Hussle's posthumous Humanitarian Award

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Nipsey Hussle will be posthumously awarded the Humanitarian Award at 2019 BET Awards.

The late rapper - who is also nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist - was in the process of starting a foundation to improve his neighbourhood of Los Angeles before he was shot and killed in March outside his Marathon clothing store in the California city, and his philanthropic efforts will be recognised at the upcoming ceremony.

Connie Orlando, executive vice-president, head of programming at BET, announced: "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.

"His passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry and to the culture."

Connie added: "We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change.

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

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

Long before his passing, the musician had begun laying the groundwork for a charity designed to improve the quality of life in Crenshaw, particularly for young people.

Nipsey's relatives took over plans for the organisation and according to the website, made it their "top priority" over the 'Double Up' hitmaker's 14 other businesses.

One of the foundation's aims was to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes for students.

Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson revealed that the kind-hearted star had already donated shoes to students at 59th Street Elementary, well as repaving the basketball courts at the school.

And that's not all as Nipsey had a meeting with L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff scheduled to take place the day after his murder to discuss what could be done to help prevent gang violence.

The #TimeDone campaign with Californians for Safety and Justice continues to do the work the 'Racks In The Middle' hitmaker had intended to carry out.

Meanwhile, the star-studded bash will also see Mary J. Blige honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.

The first wave of performers to be announced for the 19th annual ceremony - which will be hosted by Regina Hall - include Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Lil Baby, Yung Miami of City Girls and Lucky Daye.

'Invasion of Privacy' rapper Cardi leads the list of nominees with a staggering seven nods this year.

Her shortlisting includes two nominations for Video of the Year with 'Money' and 'Please Me' with Bruno Mars, and she is closely followed by Drake with five nods.

Beyoncé, Travis Scott and J. Cole all have four nominations whilst Bruno Mars, 21 Savage, Childish Gambino, H.E.R. have three nods each.

Among the presenters at the ceremony will be Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Morris Chestnut, Yara Shahidi, and Marsai Martin.

It was previously announced that Tyler Perry is to receive the Ultimate Icon accolade at the event.

The 2019 BET Awards will air on Sunday, June 23 at 8pm.