It's a safe bet we'll see Kanye West [ tickets ] perform at VH1's "Hip-Hop Honors" in October. The lineup for the event is yet to be announced, but West is a top-tier Def Jam artist, and the label will be getting a special nod for its achievements in the genre.

Kanye's strides alone are worthy of special attention. The 31 year old has chalked up a staggering 12 Grammy Awards. Nothing if not confident, West seems to hold nothing back in channeling his life into his music. Example: his performance of "Hey Mamma" at the 2008 Grammy Awards, a mere three months after his mother died.

At the Chicago Theatre in Chicago next week (6/11), he likely will be thinking of her more than ever as he performs at the "Stay in School" benefit. The event, hosted in part by The Kanye West Foundation, was founded in 2007 by the late Dr. Donda West herself. Fans can see the show later this summer on the Fuse Network, when a taping of the event will be aired.

In 2006, I caught West's set at Lollapalooza [ tickets ] as a smiling Donda watched from the wings, and here are some of my shots.