RAP LEGEND RICK ROSS TO HOST AND PERFORM AT THE "2017 MTV WOODIES" MUSIC FESTIVAL LIVE FROM AUSTIN ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16 AT 11:00 P.M. ET/PT

New York, NY (February 23, 2017) - MTV today announced that four-time GRAMMY(R) Award-nominated and multiplatinum, 21st century rap legend, Rick Ross will host and perform at the "2017 MTV Woodies." The 13th annual "MTV Woodies," will air LIVE on Thursday, March 16 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT from Austin, Texas during South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW). Prior to the one-hour live telecast, MTV will once again host its emerging artist festival beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET which will be available via livestream on woodies.mtv.com. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

"I'm excited to attend SXSW this year. The biggest boss is hosting the 'Woodies' and my album drops March 17. MTV, get ready."

"Untouchable" is the best way to describe Rick Ross's decade-plus run at the top of rap. Along the way, he achieved five Billboard Top 200 #1 debuts and three #2 debuts, received four GRAMMY Award(R) nominations, graced the cover of Rolling Stone twice, and made history more than once. His debut single "Hustlin'" became the "first mastertone ever certified RIAA platinum before the associated album had been released." He sold millions of singles and albums and cemented his status as one of rap's biggest and brashest voices. Moreover, he founded Maybach Music Group home to Meek Mill, Wale, and more. Signing to Epic Records in 2016, his "untouchable" streak continues with the March 17 release of his ninth full-length "Rather You Than Me."

The "MTV Woodies" is a yearly event that spotlights an eclectic roster of emerging artists across musical genres. The 2016 line-up boasted Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals, A$AP Ferg, B�RNS, The Chainsmokers, CHVRCHES, Jack Garratt, Jidenna, Kehlani and Lukas Graham. Past "MTV Woodies" performers include Wiz Khalifa, Twenty One Pilots, Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, Steve Aoki, Foo Fighters, Odd Future, The 1975, Childish Gambino, Santigold and Mac Miller.

Official sponsors of the "2017 MTV Woodies" broadcast include Cricket Wireless, Doritos(R), Pepsi(R), REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups and State Farm(R).

Garrett English and Ryan Kroft are the Executive Producers with Vanessa Whitewolf and Andria Parides serving as Producers for the "2017 MTV Woodies."

MTV is a global youth culture brand inspired by music. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA).