Russell Simmons and Reverend Run Host 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors'

Russell Simmons and Reverend Run Host 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors'

Performers Kanye West, Eve, Nelly, Common, Jazzy Jeff, Snoop Dogg And Missy Elliott Blaze the Stage on Monday, September 26 at 9pm*

The Second Annual Hip Hop Celebration Will Feature Tributes to LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Notorious B.I.G., Ice T, Salt -N- Pepa, and The Film: Boyz N The Hood

NEW YORK, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 pays homage to the hip hop pioneers who transformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon with the second annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors." Hosted by Russell Simmons and Reverend Run, this year's celebration will honor LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Notorious B.I.G., Ice T, Salt -N- Pepa, and the film Boyz N The Hood.

Premiering on VH1 Monday September 26 at 9PM*, "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," which will be taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, will include performances by Kanye West, Eve, Nelly, Common, Jazzy Jeff, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent. Generations of hip hop will bridge the gap for one exceptional night to set it off with the original style and flavor that sparked and inspired the evolution of the music.

*all times ET/PT

Contacts: Tracy McGraw/VH1 Toni Herron/VH1
212-846-7879 212-846-7528

Vanessa Reyes/MTVN Tina Wynn and Toni Brown/T&T
310-752-8081 201-886-8770

Last year, VH1's inaugural show honored DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, KRS- One, Public Enemy, Rock Steady Crew, Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, Tupac Shakur and The Graffiti Movement and featured performances by Kid Rock, Fat Joe and Terror Squad, Nas, Beastie Boys, Anthrax, MC Hammer and Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, Sugarhill Gang, Chic, Doug E. Fresh and Kid Capri and appearances by Ice T, Method Man, Salt-n-Pepa, Roselyn Sanchez, Taye Diggs, Reverend Al Sharpton, James Brown and Debbie Harry.

In addition to artist nominee profiles and an exclusive hip hop timeline VH1.com is launching FREESTYLE 59, an online contest to seek out the best undiscovered MCs across the country, beginning July 12. Five finalists will be selected by a celebrity panel of judges, flown to New York to record a video, and one winner will be chosen by online voting via VH1.com and announced during the 2nd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors."

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is sponsored by T-Mobile.

Go now to VH1.com for artist and music information and check soon for interactive honoree profiles, exclusive programming, show information and more.

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blackjac Entertainment. Louis J. Horvitz will direct. Nelson George and Fab Five Freddie are consulting producers.

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Tracy McGraw, +1-212-846-7879, or Toni Herron, +1-212-846-7528,
both of VH1; or Vanessa Reyes, of MTVN, +1-310-752-8081; or Tina Wynn and Toni
Brown, +1-201-886-8770, both of T&T

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" CREDENTIAL APPLICATION The second annual "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" will tape at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Thursday, September 22 at 8PM. Please note that the show will air on Monday, September 26, at 9PM* (*all times ET/PT). This credential request form is for access to the arrivals area as well as the press room. Please complete this form and fax it to (212) 846-7686 or email to Luis.defrank@vh1staff.com by Thursday, September 8. If you have any questions, please call Tracy McGraw at 212-846-7879, Luis Defrank at 212-846-7012 or Vanessa Reyes Smith at 310-752-8081. Please check one of the following: TV CREW___ RADIO___ PHOTOGRAPHER___ PRINT JOURNALIST___ ONLINE___ NAME(S)_______________________________________________________________ MEDIA OUTLET__________________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS________________________________________________________ PHONE_________________________________________________________________ TOTAL # of CREW ______ PRESS ROOM ACCESS (TV, RADIO, ONLINE): Are you planning to pull footage or review the show?_____ Are you planning to broadcast live on TAPE DAY?_____ Are you an international media outlet?_____ What countries are in your reach ______________ PHOTO ACCESS (FOR ARRIVALS ONLY): NAME OF AGENCY _______________________________________________ EDITOR'S PHONE NUMBER*_________________________ EDITOR'S EMAIL* __________________________________ *Please note that applications will not be processed without this information. There is no access to the front of the house Those outlets receiving credentials will be informed by Wednesday, September 14. Credentials will be available on the day of the show. Thank you for your interest in the second annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors"

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