Star-Studded Exhibition Basketball Game is Part of a Week-long Celebration

Hip Hop Luminaries Confirmed to Participate include Fat Joe, Doug E. Fresh, Chris Brown, Ice T, Pete Rock, Kurtis Blow, Busy Bee, Grand Master Caz, Whodini,  Grand Master Mellie Mel, DJ Mister Cee and DJ Cash Money, DJ Alamo of Brand Nubian, Pharoahe Monch, Damien Escobar of Nuttin' But Stringz,
Nina Sky, Among Others

New York, NY – September 28, 2006 – VH1 will be working in conjunction with the City of New York and the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) to present "Hip Hop Honors Celebrity Hoops," a celebrity basketball exhibition game on Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 PM at Brooklyn's Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center located at Long Island University, One University Plaza in Brooklyn.  The game will take place on "Sports Day" as part of "Hip Hop Honors Week," which begins on October 12th and ends on October 17th.  The week-long celebration will showcase various aspects of Hip Hop culture and also will focus on education, music & culture, fashion and cuisine.

Contacts:    

Toni Herron, VH1 212-846-7528 office 917-923-7748 mobile	Surayyah McCarthy, VH1 212-846-8433 office 917-692-3599 mobile
Stefan Malliet, EBC 212-862-2323 office 347-282-0217 mobile	Kimberly Spell, City of New York 646-587-5633 mobile

"As part of Hip Hop Honors Week, we are excited to bring together two of New York City's greatest traditions -- basketball and Hip Hop," said Maureen J. Reidy, President &CEO of NYC Big Events.  "Through our partnership with VH1 and the Entertainment Basketball Classic, we look forward to providing a fantastic evening of basketball and entertainment with some of Hip Hop's leading pioneers -- all for a good cause."

The two teams participating will be comprised of many Hip Hop legends – both old and new – including teen R&B sensation Chris Brown, Ice-T, Pete Rock, Kurtis Blow, Busy Bee, Grand Master Caz, Whodini,  Grand Master Mellie Mel, DJ Mister Cee and DJ Cash Money, among others.  There will also be a special halftime performance by Fat Joe, sponsored by Modell's Sporting Goods.  Beginning October 15, Modell's will offer a special edition Champion Hip Hop Honors Super Hood sweatshirt, available for sale in limited quantities at the Modell's Fulton Street, Brooklyn location.  Other participating Hip Hop stars include legendary Doug E. Fresh – who will be the MC for the day.

Tickets are priced at $20 and $50 and will be available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and Gemstone Management (group ticket sales only, call 877-488-0200), beginning on September 21, 2006.  Proceeds from the game will go to benefit Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, with a portion of ticket sales to be donated to this charity.

The EBC, which is celebrating its 26th year in business, is best known for sanctioning the nation's largest basketball tournament that attracts fans from around the world to New York City's famous Holcombe Rucker Memorial Park.  NBA professionals, including Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett, and Stephon Marbury can be found on the court at Rucker Park on any given day.

Hot 97 is the official radio station of "Hip Hop Honors Celebrity Hoops."  You can tune in to Hot 97 to listen and win tickets or log on to www.hot97.com.