Grab the Mic and Bring Your A-Game! Rap School Is Now in Session!

Ice-T Schools Kids on the Art of Hip Hop in the VH1 Original Series 'Ice-T's Rap School'

Series' Sneak Peek on Tuesday, October 17 at 11PM,* Following the Premiere of VH1's 3rd Annual 'Hip Hop Honors' Also Hosted by the Legendary Rapper 'Ice T's Rap School' Premieres on Friday, October 20 at 9PM* With Two Back-To-Back Episodes

NEW YORK, Oct. 5 -- Remember back in the day when school was all about reading, writing and arithmetic? No more. A group of well-heeled students are getting schooled in a whole new way -- learning how to bust rhymes with one of the world's greatest rappers. Ice-T invades New York City's exclusive York Prep on Manhattan's Upper West Side to teach a class of 7th and 8th graders how to become fresh MCs. A sneak peek of "Ice-T's Rap School" will air on Tuesday, October 17 at 11PM,* following the premiere of the 3rd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," which is also hosted by Ice T. The series will premiere with two back-to-back episodes on Friday, October 20 at 9PM.*

For these beat-challenged kids, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn rhyming, timing, scratching and breakdancing from one of hip hop's greatest masters. Using rap to find their voice and conquer personal issues such as shyness, speech problems, and coping with their parents' divorce, "Ice-T's Rap School" also creates an outlet for these kids to express themselves.

Meet the York Prep Crew:

* Dodge: Obsessed with the 1950s, "Dodge City" brings a wacky retro sensibility to the stage.

* Sam: "Money Man Sam" is an ultra-serious student with a powerful rap message.

* Leir: "Big L" is a little man with a huge -- sometimes too huge -- personality.

* Phil: "Phil the Agony" must overcome a serious stutter to find his inner hip hop star.

* Mary: Painfully shy "Missy M" uses rap to fight through personal problems and social awkwardness.

* Sophia: "So Fine" is the popular alpha girl who's not afraid to speak her mind-loudly.

* Erin: "E-Rizzle" is a quiet girl who seems best suited as a dancer.

* Arielle: "Lady A" is another quiet one, though able to handle both dancing and rapping.

For Ice-T, "Rap School" is a chance to show some privileged kids what hip hop culture is really all about, while also transforming these prepsters into playas-and proving to skeptical parents and faculty that rap can be a positive force.

After pressure-packed auditions and recording sessions, the kids' skills are put to the ultimate test, as they face a daunting final exam: opening up for rap pioneers Public Enemy at the acclaimed B.B. King's Club in New York City.

Will the York Prep Crew bring the noise-or go out with a whimper? Find out on "Ice-T's Rap School."

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" pays homage to the hip hop pioneers and luminaries who transformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. 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. This year's celebration will honor Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E with tribute performances by Lil Kim, Diddy, Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Remy Ma, Q-Tip, Common, The Roots, George Clinton, Young Jeezy, Erykah Badu and KRS-One. With appearances by Outkast and Mike Epps. Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson of the Roots will be this year's musical director.

"Ice-T's Rap School" is produced by RDF Media in association with VH1 and executive produced by Wendy Roth for RDF Media and Michael Hirschorn and Shelly Tatro for VH1. Mark Anstendig is supervising producer for VH1. Sara Mast is co-executive producer for RDF.

SOURCE VH1
http://www.vh1.com