NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Lil Kim joins the line-up of performers at the 3rd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" premiering Tuesday, October 17 at 9PM*. She will honor MC Lyte with a performance of "Lyte As A Rock."

"MC Lyte is at the top of the list when you talk about Hip Hop pioneers. She paved the way for myself and many of today's greatest MC's. I'm honored to have the opportunity to show my respect and how she influenced me," said Lil Kim in a statement.

Hosted by Ice T, "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 the exception of Russell Simmons, Afrika Bambaataa and Eazy E, all the honorees are set to take the stage and showcase their legendary talent, along with 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. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

Past honorees include Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, KRS-One, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, Public Enemy, Rock Steady Crew, Tupac Shakur, The Graffiti Movement, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Ice T, Notorious B.I.G., Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Salt -N- Pepa, and the film Boyz N The Hood with performances by Kid Rock, Nas, Anthrax, MC Hammer, Kanye West, Nelly, T.I., En Vogue, Ludacris, Chic, Doug E. Fresh, Faith Evans, Ciara, The Roots, Pete Rock and Biz Markie.

Beginning September 15, VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel at http://vspot.vh1.com will launch a dedicated Hip Hop channel with extensive on-demand music playlists from this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" honorees. The channel will be programmed with additional content throughout September and October and will include honoree profiles and exclusive programming and performances from the on-air broadcast of the show. A dedicated "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" blog and will launch later this month on http://www.vh1.com .

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is sponsored by T-Mobile, USA, Chevrolet, Taco Bell® Corp, Jergens® Shea Butter and Warner Bros. Pictures: Blood Diamond.

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 88 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com .

    *all times ET/PT

    Contacts:

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


                             "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS"
                            CREDENTIAL APPLICATION

The third annual "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" will tape at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, October 7 at 9 PM. Please note that the show will air on Tuesday, October 17, at 9 PM* (*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 Tuesday, September 26. If you have any questions, please call Tracy McGraw at 212-846-7879, Luis Defrank at 212-846-7012 or Toni Herron at 212-846-7528.

    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. Filling out a credential form

              does not guarantee access to arrivals/press room.

 Those outlets receiving credentials will be informed by Thursday, September

                                     28.
            Credentials will be available on the day of the show.

     Thank you for your interest in the third annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors"