TV One to Premiere Season 4 of LEXUS VERSES AND FLOW, 8/16

Lexus and TV One today announced the show stopping return of the NAACP Image Award-nominated variety show Verses and Flow, premiering on Saturday, August 16, at 10 p.m. EST. Blending electrifying musical and soul-stirring spoken word performances, the eight-episode season will feature mega-watt stars Maxwell, K. Michelle, Joe, Johnny Gill, Ruben Studdard, Candice Glover, Gary Clark Jr., Sebastian Mikael, Leela James, Anthony Hamilton, Alice Smith, Mali Music alongside more than 25 of the best up-and-coming poets.

Taking the helm as host is Laz Alonso, who recently reprised his role as Fenix in the mega-hit feature film, Fast & Furious 6, and is currently in production on the TV series, The Mysteries of Laura. Laz previously starred on the NBC series, Deception, and carried the lead role on the A&E drama, Breakout Kings. He won the hearts of many with the hit romantic comedy, Jumping the Broom for which he won a 2012 NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture."

"At Lexus, we are dedicated to giving artists platforms to expose their craft. We created Verses and Flow to offer these talented poets and R & B stars a high profile space to gain visibility with the broader audience they deserve. Season Four is especially exciting because this year we present a fresh new look with a brand new studio and host. In addition, we are happy to partner with ICON MANN showcasing poetry by some of the most highly regarded actors in the Black community," said Brian Smith, Lexus Vice President of Marketing.

"Verses and Flow continues to amplify and deliver on TV One's commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of remarkably talented artists," said Maureen Guthman, SVP of Program Strategy and Acquisitions for TV One. "Bringing together today's iconic musicians and preeminent spoken-word artists on one stage presents a narrative that is as inspiring as it is entertaining. "

To view a clip of the ICON MANN performance click HERE.

This season will feature expressive performances by musicians and spoken word acts including:

August 16 at 10 p.m. EST- Maxwell accompaniedby Adam Blackstonewith spoken word artists Miles Hodges, Chiara Richardson, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and the celebrity participants of ICON-MANN

August 23 at 10 p.m. EST - Johnny Gill, and spoken word artists Treesje Powers with Rudy Francisco, Breeze "I Life This" The Poetand Joe P.

August 30 at 10 p.m. EST - K. Michelle and spoken word artists Rage Almighty, Rob Gibsun and Ramya Ramana

August 30 at 10:30 p.m. EST - Leela James, Anthony Hamilton and Sebastian Mikael, with spoken word artists Michael "Chief" Peterson, Tonya Ingramand Deonte Scott

September 6 at 10 p.m. EST - Candice Glover and Mali Music with spoken word artists "Tim Toaster Henderson," Phenomenon The Poetand Black Ice

September 13 at 10 p.m. EST - Joewith spoken word artists DDE The Slammer, Obbie West and Lady Caress

September 20 at 10 p.m. EST - Ruben Studdard with spoken word artists Jasmine Williams, Jive Poetic, Joshua Bennettwith Zora Howard

September 27 at 10 p.m. EST - Gary Clark Jr. and Alice Smithwith spoken word artists Philosophy, Pages Matamand Katelyn Lucas

Exclusive series content will be available at www.tvone.tv and at the Lexus site for Black consumer content, Luxury Awaits, www.luxuryawaits.com. Viewers can interact with Verses and Flow via its own website at www.versesandflow.com via Facebook at Facebook.com/versesandflowits Twitter/Instagram handle @versesandflow and Tumbler using versesandflow.tumblr.com.

Verses and Flow is produced by McMann, Tate & Stephens for TV One. Executive producers from Lexus are Mariko Kusumoto, MaryJane Kroll and Stacy Henderson along with executive producers from McMann, Tate & Stephens which are Aaron Walton, Cory Isaacson and Ayiko Broyard. Craig Henry is executive in charge of production for TV One.

About Lexus

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 234 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

About TV One

Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvone.tv) serves 57 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners; and Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK; www.comcast.com], one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information, and communications products and services.

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Photo Credit: Lexus