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Fashion and Music Collide for the Network Premiere of BET's Annual Fashion Special RIP THE RUNWAY on Monday, March 15 at 10:00 P.M.*

NEW YORK, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- This year RIP THE RUNWAY makes its flashy return with a new group of designers showcasing their latest collections along with the hottest names in music. Exemplifying that music and fashion go hand in hand, RIP THE RUNWAY features eclectic performances by GRAMMY® Award winning artist Ludacris, sultry rap queen Trina, Hip-Hop princess Nicki Minaj, UK singing sensation Estelle, Bad Boy artist Janelle Monae, "All the Way Turnt Up" rapper, Roscoe Dash featuring multi-platinum artist Soulja Boy, and Grand Hustle artists, B.o.B. Hosted by Pooch Hall and Nicki Minaj, RIP THE RUNWAY premieres Monday, March 15 at 10:00 P.M.*

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/NE67883 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

RIP THE RUNWAY has something to suit everyone, from those on a recessionista budget, to 'sexy' plus-size, athletic and swimwear - it's THE fashion hour on television not to be missed. This year the shoe game mania takes center stage along with Dwight Eubanks of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' who makes a special appearance and gives one lucky New Yorker a make-over that takes them from the subway to the runway.

RIP THE RUNWAY epitomizes "Music Moving Fashion Forward" by pairing the hottest music with the newest trends in fashion on one runway. This year's top fashion designers: Tracy Reese, Tennille White, KEVA by Keva J Swimwear, Gavin Douglass, and Protege will give viewers a taste at spring 2010 must have looks while tantalizing their senses with captivating music and sexy models.

RIP THE RUNWAY was first established five years ago, and provides viewers with the latest trends in fashion, accessories and shoes. Since its launch in 2005, the show has been a success and has developed an ever growing following and fan base. For more information on BET'S RIP THE RUNWAY and to see exclusive photo and video packages like, "The Many Faces of " our hosts Pooch Hall and Nicki Minaj and Road to Runway 2 (a look at a models journey from audition to the show) visit www.bet.com/riptherunway now and be sure to visit the site immediately after the show for additional interviews with the hosts; fun facts about the models of the show; an exclusive look at style with True Style! with Misa Hylton; and every look of the show posted online. Log on now and be sure to come back after the show!

*All times ET/PT

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

SOURCE BET Networks