Hip-Hop Version of Hollywood Squares Heading to VH1

NEW YORK: Producer, actor and rapper Ice Cube is giving the classic game-show format Hollywood Squares a hip-hop makeover, with the new version due out on VH1 this fall.

Produced by the performer’s Cube Vision banner in conjunction with Jesse Collins Entertainment and Jeff Kwatinetz’s The Firm, the revamped title will be called Hip Hop Square. It will see celebrity contestants match wits and test their pop-culture knowledge with star “squares.”

“Hip Hop Squares is going to be fun and spontaneous; unlike typical game shows, viewers should never know what’s going to happen next,” Ice Cube said. “When VH1 asked us to join the producing team, we jumped aboard as we have had success with VH1, and we love their team, excitement and commitment to the show.”

VH1 and Logo President Chris McCarthy added: “Ice Cube is one of the most prolific figures in hip-hop history and American culture at large. We are thrilled to partner with him and CBS Distribution to reinvent one of America’s most iconic game shows with Hip Hop Squares.”

Scott Koondel, the executive VP and chief corporate content licensing officer at CBS Corporation, remarked: “We cannot imagine a more ideal talent than Ice Cube to take our great comedy format to new heights. Ice Cube’s phenomenal personality and popularity are vital keys to making Hip Hop Squares VH1’s next big hit.”