By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Hip-hop artist Common will be among the honorees during the 5th annual AEC Grammy Luncheon, to be held Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilton hotel.

R&B hottie Chris Brown and original 'Dreamgirls' star Sheryl Lee Ralph will also be feted by the not-for-profit Artists Empowerment Coalition, which considers itself the urban music industry's leading social responsibility organization.

"The AEC Brunch is a wonderful celebration and acknowledgement of those who use their creativity, music, art and culture to "give-back" to the community and inspire others to do the same," offered respected entertainment attorney L.Londell McMillan, who founded the organization in the early 1990s. "The event represents the soul and faith of a creative people hoping and working to improve the quality of life for our community. It also brings so many wonderful and talented people together to congregate and fellowship."

Through the years, McMillan --through his New York City-based law practice The McMillan Firm, and NorthStar Business Enterprises -- have represented some of the biggest names in music, including Prince, Michael Jackson, Spike Lee and Lil' Kim, among many others.

Legally known as Lonnie Rashied Lynn, Common is a hip-hop pioneer who brought the Midwest rap scene into the mainstream with a slew of albums released in the 1990s via the now-defunct Relativity Records. Currently a spokesperson for Gap clothing brand, and a staunch advocate for AIDS/HIV Awareness, the single father has been a shining example of evolution and progression -- without all of the pomp and circumstance of many of his platinum-plated colleagues.

"Common has been an innovator and shining example of maximizing both street credibility and social consciousness by performing great music and demonstrating his love and commitment to his community," McMillan said. "He has authored children's' books, makes himself available to speak to the youth, established an admirable HIV awareness and prevention program and more. He has also been a longtime AEC supporter and we respect and honor Common for all his gifts."

According to event spokesperson Nicole 'Nikki Marz' Marzan, rootsy rapper Mos Def will do a special presentation to Common during the ceremony.

Additionally, 'Dreamgirls' movie star Jennifer Hudson will reportedly present Ralph with her award. And Jive Records labelmate Ciara will be on hand to support Brown.

Previous honorees at the exclusive event have included entertainment icons such as Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Queen Latifah, Chaka Khan, Tyra Banks, Danny Glover, Prince, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Nas.