New York announces 'Hip Hop Week'

NEW YORK, March 31 (UPI) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- aka "Mike B." -- has announced the Big Apple's first "VH1 Hip Hop Honors Week."

"This year, for the first time ever, you won't need to score a ticket (to the show) to get involved in the action," Bloomberg -- flanked by VH1 and hip-hop luminaries -- told a City Hall news conference, the New York Post reported Friday.

City schools, museums, restaurants and parks will all host events starting Oct. 12.

The 3rd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom Oct. 7. It will be taped for Oct. 17 broadcast on VH1.