David Banner was awarded with the Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes humanitarian award at the annual HOT 107.9 Birthday Bash in Atlanta this past Saturday (June 17).

More than 20,000 people who turned up at the event, witnessed the Mississippi bred rapper get honored for the contributions he made via his "Heal the Hood" foundation and concert, which raised $500,000 last year for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Heal the Hood" is Banner's non-profit organization, which he started before the hurricane hit to help people in harsh urban environments.

In related news, Banner will be one of the co-hosts for OZONE Magazine's 1^st Annual Awards. Nominees for the event include Bun B, Scarface, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, T.I., Three 6 Mafia, Lil Wayne, 8Ball & MJG, Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Young Jeezy, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile and Little Brother in categories like Best Lyricist, Breakthrough Artist, and the Living Legend Award.

The awards will be held on August 6th in Orlando, Florida at the Sheraton Downtown Orlando.

[For news on David Banner's new diss track check out SOHH.com's Ya Heard blog]