BET Addresses the Current State of Hip-Hop in New Series, Hip-Hop vs. America

For the past year, the hip-hop culture has been under attack. From the Don Imus controversy to Rev. Al Sharpton protesting derogatory and violent lyrics, 2007 has been a year to forget for hip-hop. BET News will address the current state of hip-hop in a new three-part series entitled Hip-Hop vs. America. Hosted by BET’s Toure and Jeff Johnson, the series will tackle issues such as hip-hop’s relationship with criminality and the streets, snitching, police brutality and images of Black woman. Rappers Nelly, T.I., Mike Jones, MC Lyte, Master P and Chuck D will appear as guest commentators along with various hip-hop journalist and industry figures. “The battle over hip-hop lyrics, images and values is the flashpoint of conflict and debate between almost every division within our community — between men and woman, younger and older generations, between economic classes and educational backgrounds,” says Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment, BET. “Our special relationships with the most important thinkers, icons and leaders in our community allow BET to deliver the most complete exploration of this topic on television. This is the first of many town halls that BET will convene to address the most pressing issues facing our community.” Part one of Hip-Hop vs. America will air on Tuesday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET, with the second hour airing on Wednesday, September 26. The third and final episode will air on www.BET.com/ontv immediately following part two.