BET J Explodes in June With a Sizzling Lineup of Hot Originals, Returning Shows and Music Specials

BET J, the adult complement to BET, announced a new slate of shows for June 2007 which includes Black Music Month specials, returning BET J favorites, and BET Awards-related specials to name a few. The fresh menu of shows offers viewers a diverse mix of music and entertainment specials, as well as provocative spoken word and intimate, engaging profiles. There is no doubt that the "Cool Like That" channel will raise the temperature and the level of programming for June 2007!

This June, BET J celebrates Black Music Month with a lineup of red-hot music specials featuring today's music favorites. Caribbean music lovers will savor the island vibes in the exotic music special, SOCA IN THE CITY featuring soca star Machel Montano's electric performance from New York City's famed Madison Square Garden to premiere during BET J's "Island Lime" Saturdays on June 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET/PT.

R&B crooner Musiq Soulchild is featured in the Black Music Month specials, MUSIQ SOULCHILD, MAKING OF THE VIDEO: TEACH ME which documents the making of his latest music video, and LUVAN' MUSIQ which highlights the vocalist's phenomenal music and performances premiering on Thursday, June 14 at 10:30 p.m. and Friday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. respectively.

Viewers can also look to returning BET J favorites like the cool and funky LYRIC CAFE and the sultry REAL LIFE DIVAS which exude the Black experience. LYRIC CAFE pays homage to the rich history of the spoken word and features a hot music lineup including Raheem DeVaughn, Anthony David and Kindred as they come together with today's hottest spoken word artists to deliver episode after episode of beautifully blended musical performances and sonnets. The first episode premieres on Thursday, June 14 at 10:00 p.m. and features musical guest, Musiq Soulchild and a special appearance by legendary musician Bootsy Collins.

Regal and beautiful women reclaim the spotlight in BET J's returning original series, REAL LIFE DIVAS, a show that profiles the dynamic lives and contributions of prominent African-American women, and the personal challenges and circumstances they overcame. Starting Thursday, June 28 at 10:30 p.m., REAL LIFE DIVAS will roll out fresh, new episodes showcasing the Divas who make a difference -- whether their influence was artistic, social or political. The first episode will detail the phenomenal life of actress, comedienne and activist, Mo'Nique.

Also in June, BET J teams up with sister network, BET to honor the signature BET network special BET AWARDS '07. Leading up to the BET AWARDS '07 highly-anticipated June 26 premiere, BET J will air BET Awards ancillary programming highlighting this year's nominees, as well as the humanitarian & lifetime achievement honorees. On Wednesday, June 13 at 9:30 p.m., BET J will air SOUL APPROVED: THE BET J NOMINATION SPECIAL showcasing R&B notables Brian McKnight, Elisabeth Withers, Eric Roberson, Gerald Levert and Musiq Soulchild, and the chance for one of them to be "soul approved" for a BET J Award nomination.

On Monday, June 18 at 9:00 p.m., the BET HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT SPECIAL will detail the amazing life of Don Cheadle, the 2007 Humanitarian Award recipient, and his steadfast commitment to uplifting humanity and furthering philanthropy efforts. The illustrious life, career and contributions of soul songstress Diana Ross is documented in the BET J award special, BET LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT SPECIAL airing on Monday, June 18 at 9:30 p.m.

Following is a more detailed programming schedule of BET J specials/shows for June 2007:

* AMERICAN GANGSTER marathon: Narrated by actor Ving Rhames and documenting America's most notorious Black criminals' infamous reign and fall, and the detrimental impact their actions had on their on communities through personal accounts and intimate interviews. Marathon
episodes include up-close features of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, "Freeway" Ricky Ross, Lorenzo "Fat Cat" Nichols, Leroy "Nicky" Barnes,
Troy and Dino Smith, and the Chamber Brothers: Billy Joe, Willie, Larry and Otis. Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.; and Sunday, June 17
at 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

* SOCA IN THE CITY featuring soca performer Machel Montano. Saturday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 p.m.
and 7:00 p.m.

* MUSIQ SOULCHILD, MAKING OF THE VIDEO: TEACH ME highlighting the making of Musiq Soulchild's latest music video, "Teach Me". Thursday, June 14 at 10:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

* LUVAN' MUSIQ showcasing the music and memorable performances of Musiq Soulchild. Friday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 23 at 1:00 a.m.; and Sunday, June 24 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.

* LYRIC CAFE which pays homage to the rich history of the spoken word. Episode 1 features spoken word artists Georgia Me, Abyss, Spinxx; music performance by Musiq Soulchild; and special appearance by Bootsy Collins. Thursday, June 14 at 10:00 p.m.; Friday, June 15 at 1:30 a.m.; and Monday, June 18 at 1:00 a.m. Episode 2 features spoken word artists CoCo Brown, Tommy Bottoms, Black Widow; and music performance by
Christopher. Thursday, June 21 at 10:00 p.m.; Friday, June 22 at 1:30 a.m.; and Monday, June 25 at 1:00 a.m. Episode 3 features spoken word
artists Phillippia, Amir Sulaiman, Queen Sheeba, Cola Rum; and music performance by Raheem Devaughn. Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 p.m.;
Friday, June 29 at 1:30 a.m.; and Monday, July 2 at 1:00 a.m.

* SOUL APPROVED: THE BET J NOMINATION SPECIAL showcasing R&B artists most likely to receive the BET J Award. Wednesday, June 13 at 9:30 p.m. and
Wednesday, June 20 at 9:30 p.m.

* BET HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT SPECIAL honoring this year's 2007 BET Humanitarian recipient. Monday, June 18 at 9:00 p.m.

* BET LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT SPECIAL honoring this year's 2007 Lifetime Achievement recipient. Monday, June 18 at 9:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: video clips of BET J's sizzling June 2007 lineup are available for download starting June 5, 2007 for media coverage purposes only at website, http://www.bet.com/pr

ABOUT BET J

BET J, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is a sophisticated digital network infused with innovative and original programming featuring a unique mix of music, culture and style embracing the Black experience. It is the premiere destination for a multicultural audience delivering music from all genres along with movies, riveting talk, concerts and in-depth interview shows. BET J keeps viewers talking with exciting original programs such as: MY TWO CENTS, REAL LIFE DIVAS, THE BEST SHORTS and SOUL SESSIONS, and is currently viewed in over 26 million households and growing.