Hip-hop royalty will come together to host the first ever UK Hip-Hop Summit (UHHS) in July 2006, it has been announced.

The city of London will host the five-day hip-hop extravaganza that will see some of the biggest names from the UK and US hip-hop industries come together to empower and inspire youths in Britain.

Celebrities confirmed for the Summit, which is endorsed by Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Network, so far include hip-hop and rap heavyweights Blak Twang, Ty, Skinnyman, Jonzi D, Tim Kash, Ice T, Melle Mel, Mark Live, Afrika Bambaataa, Shystie, Li’l Chif, Leon Black and many more.

From July 2 – July 14, several UHHS music events will be held in venues across London to celebrate various forms of the hip-hop genre. One night will see performances from Scottish, Welsh, and Irish acts, another will be dedicated to Women in Hip-Hop, while a third night will be dedicated to Tru Skool hip-hop pioneers. Leading hip-hop and r&b station Choice FM and MTV Presenter Tim Cash will also host separate UHHS events.

On Saturday 15 July a London Community Summit will be held at the Islington Carling Academy (ICA). The day will give youngsters the opportunity to learn about the mechanics of the music industry and discover new careers behind the music industry scene.

The main UHHS Summit (Televised) will take place on Sunday 16 July at the Forum, Kentish Town. The UHHS Summit, hosted by hip-hop veteran Ice T and UK media mogul Akosua, will discuss topics including Reality vs. MTV, Entrepreneurial Motivation, What is UK Hip Hop/Grime, Global Entertainment Business, Integrity Vs Business, and The Art of Hip Hop, to name a few.

The Main Summit, Red Carpet and Afterparty will be live broadcasted to US, France, Italy, Germany and Nigeria in sister events on location.

This groundbreaking event will conclude with a public after party and a two-hour long Internationally broadcasted VIP Red Carpet sequence to be held in a secret London location…

After hearing about the event, one US press contact said: ‘Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!’

Trinket T. Lewis, Sr. Manager BET On Blast.

Editor’s Notes

- The UHHS will take place across London from 2 July to 16 July.

- The UHHS is delighted to announce that the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) is the official associated charity for the event. 10% of profit made from tickets and CD/DVD sales will go to ACLT.

- Westminster University will host an Urban Summer School program for underprivileged youths from 2 July – 9 July. This program will be highlighted with ‘mini classes’ held by UHHS celebrities and entrepreneurs.