The fact that there is currently no dominant female presence in Hip Hop isn't stopping BET from including the ladies in its 2008 award show. During a special segment of the BET Awards, Hip Hop pioneers MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and the Lady of Rage will all be honored.

"Women need to get out and support each other in Hip Hop," MC Lyte tells fellow honoree Yo-Yo, who interviewed her for BET.com. "Women need to get out and support each other's records. If we only count on dudes who love Hip Hop and love women, then we're in trouble. The reason men sell as many records as they do [is] because not only do men buy them, but women are buying them too."

Lyte, Yo-Yo and Rage rose to prominence in the early 90's, yet all three women are still very active in the Hip Hop community. In addition to her work with VH1 and BET, Lyte is currently a member of the band Almost September. Yo-Yo is currently a DJ at LA's KDAY 93.5 FM, and she is planning to return with a new album, entitled Fearless, this year. The Lady of Rage splits her time between rapping and acting. She is a solo artist and also a member of the group F.E.M., which consists of Rage, Babs (of Making the Band fame), Lady Luck and former Roc-A-Fella artist Amil.

The 2008 BET Awards airs Thursday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. ET/PT