MTV2 CROWNS THE BEST IN HIP HOP…

MTV2 CROWNS THE BEST IN HIP HOP ON

SUNDAY, JULY 25 at 12pm ET/PT

A Week Of “Sucker Free Summit” Themed Programming

Kicks Off On July 19 at 12pm ET/PT

More info after the jump…

New York, NY (July 15, 2010) – MTV2 is celebrating the spirit of hip–hop with the first ever “Sucker Free Summit” airing on Sunday, July 25 at 12pm ET/PT. The “Sucker Free Summit” will pay tribute to the hit makers that have created the hottest music throughout the past year. Hosted by DJ Envy, the Summit will take a fresh approach to honoring hip-hop music by bringing together a panel of industry insiders to dive into a passionate debate about the artists nominated for the “Sucker Free” crown. Created to shine the spotlight on emerging and established artists alike, the Summit’s panel will pore over the nominated artists continually grinding to take the genre to the next level.  “Sucker Free Countdown” airing Sunday, July 18 at 12pm ET/PT will be the start of “Sucker Free Week: On to the Summit.”

During the Summit, Envy will lead a panel of avid hip–hop heads in a gritty debate about the artists nominated in each category. They will discuss the proven track records of established artists, decide which new music maker has the potential for greatness, and talk about the state of the hip–hop industry as a whole. The ultimate decision of the “Sucker Free” crown winners, however, is determined by a collection of 57 music industry tastemakers. Representing the North, South, East and West, the Summit’s industry insiders have been pulled from backgrounds including print and online, radio and television and club DJs.

Featured participants include:

• • Fat Joe, multi platinum selling Latino artist and CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment
  • Ron Artest, member of the NBA Championship winning LA Lakers, and rap artist – recently releasing the single “Champion”
  • Bun B, One half of UGK, known for bringing the laid back Texas rap style to the masses
  • DJ Drama, creator of the hugely popular “Gangsta Grillz” mixtape series.
  • Elliott Wilson, RapRadar.com creator, former Editor In Chief of XXL and hip-hop aficionados
  • Miss Info, “Celebrity Drama” gossip reporter corresponding regularly across all forms of  media
  • Jermaine Hall, veteran music publisher currently serving as Editor in Chief of Vibe Magazine

To find out which artist reps the hardest for their region, the Summit is letting the people behind the scenes have their say. From New York to Houston, our tastemakers will give viewers a taste of why music from their area has taken over the country and beyond. Taking a break from making mixtapes DJ Don Cannon and DJ Holiday join Bossip columnist Janee Bolden to speak about Atlanta’s rap scene. A mainstay in the Miami club scene, DJ Irie and Ozone Magazine’s Julia Beverly will tell viewers what makes Florida hip-hop hotter than any other region. Michael aka 5000 Watts of Houston will chop it up about the Texas takeover. Does the east coast still reign supreme? Find out when New York personalities Angela Yee, Chuck Creekmur, Cipha Sounds, Peter Rosenberg, Datwon Thomas, Funkmaster Flex, K. Foxx and Uncle Ralph and Boston’s DJ Clinton Sparks show love for the East. A complete list of tastemakers selected to participate in voting for winners of the crown will be available online on the “Sucker Free Summit” page.

Additional participating influential tastemakers who weighed in include Editor in Chief of XXL, Vanessa Satten, DJ Clue and DJ Bay Bay repping for Dallas.

The road to the Summit begins with a week of special “Sucker Free” episodes. Each day the series will feature videos themed to spotlight the artists nominated for a crown. Throughout the week, viewers will also hear from the music fans expressing who they think deserves to win.

SUCKER FREE COUNTDOWN:  ON TO THE SUMMIT
AIR: SUN 7/18

This edition of the Sucker Free Countdown will consist of artists nominated for a “Sucker Free Summit” crown. Summit participant, Fat Joe – with host DJ Envy – brings a special edition of “Sucker Free Countdown” consisting of videos from artists all nominated for a “Sucker Free Summit” crown. Additionally, viewers will hear messages from fans as well as nominated artists as they express their reaction to receiving a “Sucker Free Summit” nomination.

SUCKER FREE WEEK:  ON TO THE SUMMIT

AIR: MON, 7/19

MTV JAMS will be taken over with a special “Sucker Free Summit” music block.

SUCKER FREE WEEK:  ON TO THE SUMMIT
AIR: TUES, 7/20

This edition of “Sucker Free Daily,” will air videos of the nominees from the category of CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR.

SUCKER FREE WEEK:  ON TO THE SUMMIT
AIR: WED, 7/21

On this edition of “Sucker Free Daily,” the videos will focus on the category of INSTANT CLASSIC.

SUCKER FREE WEEK:  ON TO THE SUMMIT
AIR: THURS, 7/22)

“Sucker Free Daily,” will run videos of the nominees from the category of REMIX OF THE YEAR in this edition.

On the “Sucker Free Summit” page, fans can watch the videos up for the crown, check out artist profiles, watch clips from past “Sucker Free” episodes, and view up-to-the-minute show information. Fans can also sound off about the artists that have taken over the hip-hop game this year.

“Sucker Free Summit” is executive produced by Eric Conte with Lee Harris as supervising producer. Candida Boyette is Sr. Producer for “Sucker Free.”

-Stay Fly!