In Rhyme We Trust VH1 Announces the Return of 'FREESTYLE 59' - The Ultimate Online Search for the Next Great Rap Lyricist

The 2006 'FREESTYLE 59' King or Queen To Be Crowned At 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' In New York and Awarded $10,000

NEW YORK, July 19 -- This summer is set to be a scorcher as VH1 announces the return of "FREESTYLE 59," an online video-upload contest setting out to find the hottest and best undiscovered hip hop talent in the country.

"FREESTYLE 59" challenges MCs across the nation to show off their best rhymes in 59 seconds or less. Beginning July 19 through August 21, contestants can post their videos for consideration at http://freestyle59.vh1.com.

Five finalists will be selected and viewers will decide through online and mobile voting who has what it takes to be crowned the winner. Beginning September 12, one finalist will be voted out of the competition each week until two MCs remain. The final two contestants will be flown to New York to attend the taping of the third annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors." The winner will be announced during the broadcast of "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" on October 17 at 9PM* and will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to meet one of VH1's 2006 hip hop honorees.

Hosted by Ice T, this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will pay tribute to Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys, Ice Cube, and Eazy E. The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a 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.

* all times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1
http://www.vh1.com http://freestyle59.vh1.com