Thug Life Army

Can you remember back in the day when school was all about reading, writing and arithmetic? No more. A group of well-heeled students are getting schooled in a whole new way -- learning how to bust rhymes with one of the world's greatest rap artist.

Legendary hip-hop rap and gangsta rap artist Ice-T invades New York City's exclusive York Prep on Manhattan's Upper West Side to teach a class of 7th and 8th graders how to become fresh hip-hop MCs. "Ice-T's Rap School" premieres on VH1 in September, 2006.

For these beat-challenged kids, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn rhyming, timing, scratching and breakdancing from one of hip hop's greatest rap masters. Using rap to find their voice and conquer personal issues such as shyness, speech problems, and coping with their parents'' divorce, "Ice-T's Rap School" also creates an outlet for these kids to express themselves.

For Ice-T, "Rap School" is a chance to show some privileged kids what hip hop culture is really all about, while also transforming these prepsters into playas -- and proving to skeptical parents and faculty that rap can be a positive force.

After pressure-packed auditions and recording sessions, the kids'' skills are put to the ultimate test, as they face a daunting final exam: opening up for rap pioneers Public Enemy at the acclaimed B.B. King's Club in New York City.

Will the York Prep Crew bring the noise -- or go out with a whimper? Find out on "Ice-T's Rap School."

"Ice-T's Rap School" is produced by RDF Media in association with VH1 and executive produced by Wendy Roth for RDF Media and Michael Hirschorn and Shelly Tatro for VH1. Mark Anstendig is supervising producer for VH1. Sara Mast is co-executive producer for RDF.

More info at  www.VH1.com.