National competition offers rappers across the country a chance to win $1 million prize

Beginning March 3, 2009, the first annual MoTV1 1 World Hip Hop Championship will offer aspiring rappers from across the county the chance to make their dreams a reality and showcase their talent in hopes of becoming America's first 1 World Hip Hop Champion. Artists are encouraged to upload their original free-style audition video at WorldHipHopChamp.com to qualify for the 1 World Hip Hop Championship finals taped in Chicago, (quarterfinals), Las Vegas, (semifinals) and the Championship finale in Atlanta, for a chance to win $1 million prize. Hosted by groundbreaking disc jockey, Parry P and performing artist, Mena Heaven, elimination finals will be aired on MTV2 with scheduled celebrity guest appearances and performances.

Ambitious rappers over the age of 18 can register on the 1 World Hip Hop Championship Web site (www.WorldHipHopChamp.com) to upload their original 60-second free-style audition. Once registered, contestants will receive a unique keyword with a corresponding URL they can use to self promote and garner votes from their fans. Votes are accepted via text and begin midnight, March 3, 2009 through midnight, April 3, 2009.

"I have such profound respect for rappers. I grew up listening to old school hip hop - the founders of what has made hip hop a thriving music genre," MoTV1 founder, Giorgio Costonis says. "1 World Hip Hop Championship is open to any rapper who wants to enter from a kid in the street to a multiplatinum artist. It's a true gladiator contest with no advantages to rappers who face-off in our ring. This competition is unlike any other, because it also gives contestants the tools to start promoting their talents the instant they upload their video - and show the world what it takes to be the next 1 World Hip Hop Champion."

Ten finalists will be announced on April 3, 2009 and flown, all-expenses paid, to attend the quarter-finals in Chicago, Ill., where they will compete to further their chances to the semi-finals in Las Vegas, Nev., In Las Vegas, four finalists will compete as they move one step closer to the finale in Atlanta, Ga., where the final two contestants will battle head-to head for the coveted 1 World Hip Hop Champion $1 million prize.

QUARTERFINALS:
What: Top Ten Finalists Compete
When: April 11, 2009, MTV2 air date: April 26, 2009
Where: VENUE TBD, Chicago, Ill.

SEMIFINALS:
What: Top Four Finalists Announced and Compete
When: Taping date: May 3, 2009, MTV2 air date: May 17, 2009
Where: VENUE TBD, Las Vegas, Nev.

FINALE:
What: Top Two Finalists Announced and Compete
When: Taping date: May 24, 2009, MTV2 air date: June 7, 2009
Where: VENUE TBD, Atlanta, Ga.

The 1 World Hip Hop Championship is determined solely by the public via texting, available only to North American SMS cell phone carriers. The winner will be announced on Wed, June 24, 2009.