NEW YORK, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will pay tribute to hip-hop artist and actor, Ice Cube as latest honoree at the 3rd annual event. The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a cultural phenomenon. Since its inception, New York City has served as the inaugural host city to launch this special event and concert.

Ice Cube joins this year's previously announced honorees, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E. 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. The star-studded event, hosted by Ice T, is slated to take place at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, October 7 and will be broadcast on VH1 on Tuesday, October 17 at 8PM*.

This year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. Co-executive producers are Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddy. Louis J. Horvitz will direct.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

    *all times ET/PT

    Contacts:

    Tracy McGraw        Toni Herron         Scott Acord
    VH1                 VH1                 VH1
    212-846-7879        212-846-7528        310-752-8075