Top awards for industry pioneers.

Soul II Soul founder Jazzie B claims to be in a state of "deep shock", after being recognised in the New Year Honours list.

The producer and DJ, who is a key figure in the history of black British music, was nominated for an OBE, while Beggars Group chairman and indie stalwart Martin Mills has become an MBE.

In addition, Live Nation director of special projects Graham Pullen is to be presented with the Member of the Royal Victoria Order medal, for services to the Queen, for his part in organising 2007's Concert for Diana.

Speaking of his complete surprise at the award, Jazzie B says he has no idea who nominated him for the honour.

"I've been totally freaked out by it. I'm still trying to work out if it's a joke or not," he says. "I've never really had any real accolades in the UK, but it's 20 years since I started releasing music so I can only guess that it's related to that."

In his career, which included several US hits with Soul II Soul, Jazzie B has also produced and remixed the likes of Nas, Destiny's Child and Sinead O'Connor, and picked up two Grammys and the keys to seven American cities.

Mills set up Beggars Banquet as a record shop with Nick Austin in 1974, launching a label of the same name in 1977. It has since grown into the Beggars Group, encompassing stakes in labels ...