MUSIC NEWS: VH-1 LINE UP...CELEBRATING HIP HOP

BEHIND THE SCENES OF HIP-HOP HONORS

*VH1 Honors the legacy of hip hop and the men and women who created the beats heard around the world with all-new series, documentaries, specials and movies throughout October.

Premieres include: "BRIDGING THE GAP: QUEEN LATIFAH & EVE" & "BRIDGING THE GAP: SNOOP DOGG & THE GAME" PREMIERE MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 STARTING AT 11 PM*

• "Bridging The Gap" documents what happens when two established artists come together to explore their shared musical passions. Queen Latifah and Eve are featured in the premiere, while The Game and Snoop Dogg collaborate in the second episode at 11:30 PM.

"RAGS TO RICHES: NICK CANNON" PREMIERES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT 11 PM*

• Join Nick Cannon, as he takes viewers through the streets of South East San Diego to expose his personal account of early struggles and humble beginnings. Watch as he celebrates the best aspects of human nature: the capacity to overcome hardship through dedicated work and the joy of giving back to those in need. "VH1 ROCK DOCS: FADE TO BLACK" & "CLASSIC ALBUMS: JAY-Z" PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 STARTING AT 8:30 PM*
• The "Fade To Black" film chronicles his legendary concert at Madison Square Garden. Viewers get the rare glimpse into Jay-Z's creative process as he searches for inspiration, poetry, and perfection in his songs.
• Premiering at 11 p.m. is VH1's latest addition to the "Classic Albums" franchise that takes us back through the whole creative process behind Jay-Z's stunning first release "Reasonable Doubt."

"VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" PREMIERES MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 10 PM*

• Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year's honorees include A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop Dogg, Whodini, Missy Elliott, the film Wild Style and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing. The honorees are set to take the stage and showcase their legendary talent, along with Ciara, Eve, Pharrell Williams, T.I., Timbaland, Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, Common, T- Pain, Keyshia Cole, Nick Cannon, Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo, KRS-One The Teacha, Jermaine Dupri, Grandmaster Caz, Nelly, Mos Def, Kool Moe Dee, Grand Wizzard Theodore and The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, as well as appearances by Chris Rock, Harvey Keitel, LL Cool J, Salt -N- Pepa, Kerry Washington and Diddy. "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on October 4.

"THE SALT -N- PEPA SHOW" & "GOTTI'S WAY" PREMIERE MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 STARTING AT 10 PM

• "The Salt -N- Pepa Show" will follow the ladies as they attempt to reunite on and off the stage. They soon discover however, that achieving this is easier said than done since most of their past issues are still unresolved. Salt is angry about being unappreciated when they were together and Pepa blames Salt for breaking up the group.
• "Gotti's Way" starting at 10:30 p.m. will provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at Irv's company and the music machine that he is, working with artists such as Vanessa Carlton, Lloyd, Ja Rule and more. After being investigated for three years by the federal government and acquitted, on charges of money laundering, Gotti is now attempting a comeback with his label, The Inc., while also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father. The show will also focus on the raw emotions between Irv and wife, Debbie, by exposing their struggle to mend a severed relationship and make it functional for the sake of their family.