Rick Ross, Gucci Mane Head to BET Hip-Hop Awards 2010

The BET Hip-Hop Awards 2010 are shaping up to be a star-studded affair. The fifth annual ceremony, taking place on October 2 and airing October 12 at 8 PM, has confirmed Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame as the first set of performers to grace the stage during the event, hosted by comedian Mike Epps.

The Hip-Hop Awards has also announced the preliminary list of presenters, which includes Oscar winner Mo'Nique and singer Keri Hilson. The show has also revealed that Nicki Minaj, Common, actress Taraji P. Henson, comedian Martin Lawrence and Missy Elliott will make special appearances throughout the show.

This year's ceremony, taking place at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will honor legendary trio Salt-N-Pepa as the I Am Hip-Hop Awards Icons, previously presented to Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, Russell Simmons and Ice Cube.

Nominees for the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards have already been announced, with Jay-Z leading the pack with a record 11 nominations including Lyricist of the Year, Track of the Year for 'Empire State of Mind' and Best Live Performer. Fellow nominees include Drake and Minaj -- with six nominations apiece -- Eminem, Lil Wayne, B.o.B and Ross.