Behind the Music

Linda Perry talks candidly about her abusive childhood and how she turned her angst into hit songs. After quitting 4 Non Blondes, Linda went on to produce and write for stars like Pink, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera.

BTM Ludacris shines a spotlight on one of the South's finest hip hop lyricists. In his most revealing interview, Ludacris opens up about his struggle to achieve rap notoriety and dealing with his loving yet alcoholic father.

"Behind The Music: P!nk" will discuss how motherhood has changed her life as well as her continued career success since her previous "Behind the Music" special. The show will also include new interviews with P!nk and her husband, Carey Hart. Since her debut in 2000, P!nk (Alecia Moore) has released 6 albums, sold over 32 million albums, 65 million singles (nearly 20 million digital tracks), over 1 million DVDs worldwide and has had 12 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. She is the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards, 2 Billboard Music Awards, 5 MTV Video Music Awards, 2 MTV Europe Awards, 2 People's Choice Awards, and many more. P!nk's last studio album Funhouse debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and produced the smash single "So What", which marked P!nk's 2nd #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 (after "Lady Marmalade"). Her latest album, Greatest Hits So Far. debuted in the Top 10 in over 13 countries and spawned the hit singles, "F**ckin Perfect" and "Raise Your Glass" which marked P!nk's 3rd #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. P!nk is set to release her 6th studio album, The Truth About Love on September 18th. The first single "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" has sky-rocketed to the top of music charts all over the world and mark's P!nk's 12thTop 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Behind the Music: T.I." (aka Clifford Harris Jr.) will catch up with the prolific rapper in the eventful 3 years since his last "Behind the Music" special. T.I.'s update will include the artist and wife Tiny discussing both stints in prison and lessons learned. He also discusses his wedding to Tiny, their hit reality show, "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle," (returning to VH1 September 3 at 9pm), his life as a husband and father, as well as his growing acting career, the publication of his book and the upcoming release of his highly anticipated 8th studio album.After an adolescence of crime, violence, and drugs on the tough streets of Atlanta, T.I., channeled his frustration and sadness into rapping. In 2007, while attempting to buy a firearm, T.I. was set up in a sting operation and busted by federal agents. After serving a year in prison, T.I. was sent back in 2009 for a parole violation. Upon release nearly 2 years later, he made an important decision to change his approach and has since become a mentor, reaching out to troubled youth and preaching against the very mistakes that he made.

In "Behind The Music: Toni Braxton," the ultimate R&B icon and survivor speaks candidly and openly for the first time about her roller coaster career journey: her health struggles, including her diagnosis with lupus and her son's autism, and sets the record straight on her two bankruptcy filings.

Alternative/hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes discuss their rapid rise to fame and the significant challenges it brought, including Travie McCoy's addiction to painkillers and his very public relationship and breakup with pop superstar Katy Perry.

Nicole Scherzinger discusses the road to stardom and the struggles along the way, including opening up for the first time about the behind-the-scenes tension that came with the mega success of the Pussycat Dolls.

Carrie Underwood speaks openly about the challenges that came along with her sudden fame. She also discusses her search for love, which led to her fairytale romance with her hockey player husband, Mike Fisher.

"Behind The Music: NE-YO" explores the R&B heartthrob's status from talented up-and-comer to one of the industry's most ubiquitous and successful singer-songwriters.

Despite their days of obscurity and struggles to get a record deal Train rose to rock stardom before personal losses, drugs and alcohol abuse threatened to destroy it all.

Behind The Music: Notorious B.I.G. shows the Brooklyn-born MC rising from the streets to the throne of hip hop, revealing how his thriving career and larger-than-life presence was cut short when he was gunned down at 24.

"Behind The Music: Brandy" will chronicle the Grammy Award-winning artist from her days as young girl singing in her church choir to flourishing into a successful musician and actress. It will also follow Brandy's trials and tribulations, both personally and professionally, and illustrating how she re-emergered as a dynamic, hit-making musical recording artist with a successful acting career. At the tender age of 18, Brandy found herself dealing with the high costs of fame, maintaining her "perfect" image, all the while balancing her career as a musician and coping with the pressures of starring in her hit TV series "Moesha."During this period, Brandy suffered life-altering tragic events, which are chronicled in this "Behind the Music" special. Raising her daughter as a single mom and serving as a role model in her community via her Norwood Kids Foundation, which supports music and the performing arts in public schools, Brandy is on top of her game and currently in the studio working on her debut album for RCA/Chameleon Records set for release later this spring, as well as being a go-to actress for several TV and film roles including her upcoming role in Tyler Perry's film "The Marriage Counselor," as well as her roles on "90210," BET's scripted series "The Game" and serving as a mentor on the reality TV talent show for kids entitled "Majors and Minors."

"Behind The Music: Nas" tells the story of one of hip hop's most daring and prolific icons. Raised in the gritty Queensbridge projects of New York City, Nas narrowly escaped his violent surroundings. He later channeled his experiences into a lyrical style that would revolutionize hip hop. A musical legend by the age of 20, Nas' passion for music has carried him through a tumultuous career. Despite very public distractions including multiple feuds with hip hop's biggest names, political controversy, a highly publicized divorce with R&B star Kelis, as well as the devastating loss of his mother, Nas' seven consecutive platinum albums have cemented him as one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. The special features candid interviews with Nas, members of his family, friends and hip hop luminaries including Russell Simmons, Q-Tip and Common. "Behind the Music: Nas" is the truly unfiltered story of Nasir Jones as it's never been told before.

In "Behind The Music: Akon," VH1 traces the artist's early beginnings in Senegal, Africa, through his struggles forging an identify in America and his criminal past as a car thief, landing him in prison. While there he ultimately found redemption by turning to music. Under heavy media scrutiny after his commercial success, Akon was forced to defend his heritage in the wake of several controversial onstage incidents. BTM catches up with Akon for a-day-in-the-life as he promotes his forthcoming album, "Stadium." In the special, Akon opens up about his home life and addresses the notorious onstage incidents that included dirty dancing with an underage daughter of a preacher in Trinidad and tossing a fan off the stage at a concert in New York. He also talks about discovering Lady Gaga and being the last artist to record with the legendary Michael Jackson. In an effort to promote cultural tolerance and understanding, Akon is charting a career path to become hip hop's first truly global artist.

More than ten years after the tragic death of Aaliyah, Behind The Music revisits the original 2001 episode that documented the career and untimely passing of the young talent considered the Princess of R&B. We'll look back into Aaliyah's impressive career - from her meteoric rise to her shocking end. Along with tributes from her family and peers, we include fresh updates - featuring new interviews with close friend Missy Elliott and esteemed hip hop journalist, Nelson George.

"Behind the Music: T-Pain" explores the rise of a shy kid from Tallahassee, Florida to the heights of the music industry. T-Pain was born Faheem Najm into a stable, middle class family that supported his natural curiosity and talent in music at a very young age. An outsider in school, T-Pain spent his childhood locked in his makeshift bedroom "studio," producing his own music, eventually dropping out of the 8th grade to pursue his dreams full-time. As a teenager, he found local success with a group called the Nappy Headz. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities in Tallahassee, the falling apart of his family and a tense relationship with his father, T-Pain ran away from home and signed with Akon's fledgling label, Konvict Records. Finally on the national scene, his use of auto-tune created a signature sound and he quickly became one of the most sought-after producers, working with everyone from Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Britney Spears. A multi-platinum selling artist in his own right with 2005's Rappa Ternt Sanga, 2007's Epiphany, 2008's Thr33 Ringz and his most recent release rEVOLVEr , T-Pain has produced and been featured on over 45 top ten songs and 16 No. 1′s.Those participating in the special include: T-Pain, his family including wife Amber Najm, his parents and brother, Eric "DoeBoy" Youman, Akon and BU, Akon's brother and the person who gave T-Pain his first big break with a label and Michael Blumstein, Dave Abrams and Rocco Valdez from Chase Entertainment.

"Behind The Music: Game" tracks the unlikely rise of a young gangbanger from Compton into the most successful west coast rapper since N.W.A. and Snoop Dogg. Born into a life of drugs and hustling, by the age of seven he was in a foster home. By high school, he was a full-time gang member and drug dealer. After being shot five times and left for dead, Game dedicated himself to becoming a rapper and against all odds, rose to the top of the genre, putting west coast gangsta rap back on the map. Despite numerous beefs, battles with depression and multiple arrests, Game has managed to stay on top with four consecutive #1 hit albums. Featuring candid, no holds barred interviews with Game, his family and close friends, Behind the Music: Game is a riveting portrait of one of hip-hop's most misunderstood artists.

It's only through struggle that resilience arises and for Armando Christian Perez, better known to the world as Pitbull, the past ten years have seen the charismatic Cuban-American rapper evolve from an embattled upstart to become one of the most entertaining acts in all of pop music. Growing up in the gang-infested neighborhoods of Miami, Florida, Pitbull saw hip hop as a way out of the streets and into a better life. With his lighter complexion and "Spanglish" rhymes, he made an unlikely battle rapper, but his quick tongue and talent for wordplay earned him his first record contract at 20 years old. He spent the next several years honing his craft and transforming himself into an international superstar whose rapid-fire rhymes, billion-dollar beats and infectious hooks continue to take the world by storm.By the time his sixth studio album Planet Pit was released this past year, Pitbull had transformed into a platinum-selling global sensation, whose knockout smash of the summer "Give Me Everything" climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Pop charts and was also a top ten hit in 15 countries. In this installment of "Behind the Music," Pitbull opens up about his family struggles and how reconnecting with his dad as an adult filled a void in his life. With interviews with Lil' Jon, rap legend Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew, and hip hop mogul Irv Gotti, along with Pitbull's family and inner circle, "Behind the Music" follows Pitbull's extraordinary journey from the negative to the positive, topping charts and touching lives all around the world.

Nobody's got female fans' hearts fluttering more than Ricky Martin with his sexy dance moves and sultry voice. As one of the most successful crossover singers in history, Ricky sold upwards of 60 million albums with global chart toppers like "Living La Vida Loca," "She Bangs" and "La Copa de la Vida." In this "Behind the Music," Ricky Martin recounts his career from his early days with the Latin pop group Menudo through his days as a soap opera star and finally to his career as a music phenomenon. Viewers will watch as Ricky opens up to "Behind the Music" for the second time, including discussing his decision to come out a gay man, a topic he first revealed in his 2010 autobiography "Me." Finally, Ricky reflects on his 20-year career and how he balances his life as a father of twin boys and as an international performer.

Glam-rock powerhouse, Adam Lambert has taken pop music by storm with his handsome looks, electrifying stage theatrics and jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. In this episode of "Behind the Music" Adam Lambert opens up to VH1 about the challenges he faced during his childhood including realizing he was gay in 6th grade. After finally coping with his identity, Adam freed himself at the age of 18, coming out to his family and moving to Hollywood, CA to pursue his dream of being an entertainer. Struggling to make ends meet, Lambert received his first big break when he landed a part in the European tour of "Hair" at age 19. The excitement of his first role brought out Adam's wild side as he began to experiment with sex, drugs and rock n'roll. For the next eight years Adam was continually cast in various stage productions including "Wicked." At age 27 and without a record deal, Adam had a realization during a psychedelic experience at the Burning Man festival that if he wanted fame he would have to take control and make it happen. In turn, Adam decided to audition for the iconic TV show, "American Idol." Making the top 13, Adam was poised to go far in the competition until scandalous photos of him dressed in drag and kissing another man leaked on the Internet. Adam remained tight-lipped about the photos to the press, determined to keep the focus on his talent. As he advanced to the final round of the competition, the media began to debate whether America would elect a gay Idol. Placing second, Adam quickly landed a record deal with RCA and 19 Recordings, taking the opportunity to come out about his sexuality in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. However, Adam wasn't done shocking the world, and during his debut television performance at the "American Music Awards" he stunned audiences by kissing his male bassist onstage. Following a huge backlash from viewers, Adam released his debut album "For Your Entertainment," which skyrocketed to #3 on the Billboard chart in its first week. Viewers of this episode of "Behind the Music" will see never-before-seen home video footage, interviews with family, friends, industry experts and musical luminaries including Barry Weiss and "American Idol" Season 8 winner Kris Allen. With constant criticism about being too bold, too offensive and too gay, Adam Lambert comes clean to VH1 about who he really is and the obstacles he has overcome to get where he is today.

Enrique Iglesias is the son of a legendary musical family and one of few artists who can legitimately be called a "global sensation." Beginning his career by singing Spanish love songs, Enrique soon conquered the Latin music market and was a breakout star leading the charge of the Latin music explosion into the mainstream pop market in 1999. With more than 58 million records sold worldwide, he's already outlasted many of the artists that followed in his wake and continues to sell out concerts across five continents and top the charts all over the world. In this "Behind The Music," the notoriously private singer will discuss how he got to be the man he is today, what the people in his life mean to him and reveal his inner-most thoughts on rumors and issues that have plagued his career, as well as his ten-year-relationship with tennis superstar Anna Kournikova. Starting out with a $48 million recording contract, Enrique has experienced both highs and lows in his career but now finds himself at the top of his game. Viewers will watch as Enrique Iglesias, a man who has successfully crossed over to both Latin and English music for over a decade and whose 2001 song "Hero" helped a nation through one of the most horrific times in its history, finally feels the success and joy that his life has to offer. In this episode viewers will hear from childhood friend Andres Restrepo, musical artist Pitbull, President and CEO Universal Republic Records Monte Lipman and Enrique himself.

Take a look inside the life and outstanding career of Mary J. Blige, the reigning Queen of R&B. Watch as VH1 captures the story of how faith, courage and a never-ending search for love and contentment helped one of the world's most talented musicians survive a tumultuous past.

Twenty-seven year-old, Grammy Award-winning Miranda Lambert fell in love with music at a young age and was determined to one day be a part of the country music world, keeping her tough Texan attitude as she rose to the top.

Follow the three-decade-long career of legendary rapper Ice Cube from his journey as a founding member of the notorious rap group NWA to a blockbuster movie star.

Behind the Music: Nelly will trace the artist's epic journey from St. Louis hoodlum to rap superstar. Born to parents who were unable to care for him, Nelly spent his early years bouncing from home to home, sleeping on couches and changing schools with alarming regularity. This lack of supervision quickly led to a life of crime. Before he was old enough to have a driver's license he had already been arrested for stealing cars. Later, he joined a gang, shot a man, and sold drugs while his infant daughter slept in the back seat.What eventually saved him was his love of music. He joined a group called the St. Lunatics and finally found the family he'd been lacking his whole life. But loyalty to that family would be tested when record labels came calling, saying, "We want you--not them."With his group's blessing, Nelly signed to Universal and released "Country Grammer." The album sold nearly 10 million copies and forever changed the face of hip hop. But since then, life has hardly been easy for Nelly. From album flops and controversial videos to his best friend's incarceration and his sister's tragic death from leukemia, Nelly has battled plenty of demons. "Yeah I've had my fair share of tragedies," says Nelly, "but I also feel like karma's a bitch and it's payback for all the dumb s*** I did, all the people's lives that I helped ruin."In this Behind the Music, Nelly tells stories he's never told before publicly and for the first time addresses his relationship with Ashanti, who is also interviewed. Hear the tragic and triumphant tale of his life through in-depth interviews with close friends, family, and the person who knows it best of all--Nelly himself.VH1 has re-imagined "Behind The Music" to now focus on top current artists who have had a major impact on the music scene from rock to hip hop to pop. Expanding on the storytelling legacy that has earned the series five Emmy nominations, each episode will include verite footage of the artists at work today, connecting the past with the present, the music with the life.

Behind the Music: Missy Elliott tracks the rocky road to stardom of one of hip hop's most pioneering, successful female hip hop artists. Born in Virginia, Missy Elliott's childhood was plagued by poverty, horrific domestic abuse between her father and mother, and sexual abuse at the age of eight. Hear candid stories about how Missy used these hardships for motivation and eventually came to terms with her past, even reaching out to her father for the first time since childhood. Also learn how Missy gained a new outlook after the tragic death of close friend Aaliyah and almost losing her own life to a health crisis.Interviews with family, friends, industry executives, and music luminaries including Timbaland, Ciara, and Mary J. Blige contribute personal stories to this in-depth profile of a truly groundbreaking and gifted artist.VH1 has re-imagined "Behind The Music" to now focus on some of the top current artists of today who have had a major impact or contribution to the music scene from rock to hip-hop to pop. Expanding on the storytelling legacy that has earned the series five Emmy nominations, each episode will include verite footage of the artists at work today, connecting the past with the present, the music with the life.

In this episode of Behind the Music, Fantasia speaks for the first time - in an exclusive interview -- about her harrowing pill overdose and suicide attempt; and her relationship with a married man that triggered a national scandal. But Fantasia's emotional breakdown was years in the making.Fantasia grew up in rural High Point, North Carolina and was a singing sensation with her family group, which performed locally in the south. But despite her talent, she was a target of abuse in school--for her big lips and dark skin. Fantasia suffered from low self-esteem and dressed provocatively in high school to gain attention. She would be scarred for life when she was raped, at age 14, by a fellow classmate. After dropping out of school, she disappeared down a self-destructive path, became pregnant at 17, and the victim of domestic abuse.A single teenage mother who couldn't find a job, Fantasia was running out of options --until she turned back to music.In 2004, after watching an episode on TV, Fantasia decided to take a shot at American Idol. After arriving to the auditions late (and finding the doors locked), she was the last one to perform after a kind security guard discreetly helped her into an Atlanta stadium. She would go on to impress all of America and win the title, outshining such notable singers as Latoya London and Jennifer Hudson. Her first album was a huge hit and was nominated for four Grammys. She had continued professional success starring on Broadway in The Color Purple and in her own reality show, Fantasia For Real.But Fantasia has endured numerous struggles away from the microphone, including a lawsuit from her father, a scare with cancer, near bankruptcy, and the financial stress of supporting a large family. Her most recent headlines pushed her over the edge -- and nearly cost Fantasia her life. Now, she discusses her tumultuous journey in riveting detail. Just 26 years old, Fantasia has been to hell and back, but thru it all, she's found an inner strength to help overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.

From a small town choirboy who was discovered at a local talent show to one of the biggest selling R&B artists of all time, Usher is a triple threat entertainer starring in film, TV and Broadway.

Perhaps no other entertainer in the last two decades has dominated the media landscape more than the Bronx, New York bombshell, Jennifer Lopez. Better known to her fans as JLO, she is an undeniably charismatic dancer--actor-singer who personifies the American dream.This Behind the Music tells the story of a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx who made it big. Jennifer was a "girl from the block" who literally danced her way onto the national stage as a Flygirl on "In Living Color." She battled with the other "Flygirls" and eventually left the show to pursue acting. As an actor, she had to overcome "sassy Latina" stereotyping... cruising through a slate of forgettable TV appearances, before landing the coveted role of slain Tejano singer Selena. Jennifer's brilliant portrayal shifted her career into overdrive and put her on the road to superstardom.Not content with a successful acting career, Jennifer fulfilled her childhood dream of being a recoding artist and released her debut album "On the 6", which shot to #1. But fame came with drama and controversy. She began dating rap impresario Sean Combs, but left him after dodging bullets in a nightclub shooting. She married dancer Chris Judd, but then divorced him and fell in love with Hollywood golden boy Ben Affleck. Their romance played out on the cover of tabloid magazines. The attention caused stress on their relationship and ended with them calling off their wedding at the last minute. Eventually, Jennifer found her Prince Charming in Latin superstar Marc Anthony. They were married and one year later Jennifer gave birth to twins, filling an emotional void in her life. Now at 40, Jennifer says she has found a way to have it all, after living through a lifetime of hard lessons.In addition to Jennifer Lopez, this Behind The Music includes interview with Marc Anthony, Sean Combs, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Tommy Mottola, Kevin Smith (Dir.), Gregory Nava (Dir.), and others.

Behind The Music traces Jennifer Hudson’s humble beginnings of growing up on the south side of Chicago to her early elimination from "American Idol". Interviews include Randy Jackson, Jamie Foxx, and many others.

Courtney Love is one of the most controversial, reviled and riveting rock stars in the world and during this episode, she tells the epic story of the rock star, actress and mother.

Behind the Music: Eve tracks the rocky rise to fame of one of rap's most successful female artists. A journey plagued by bouts of depression, excessive drinking, a stint at a strip club, and painful reminders of her past.>> Eve talks openly for the first about her struggle with depression and her attempts to re-connect with her father, who left when she was a child and who she hasn't seen in many years.>> She also discusses the attempts of others to dredge up her past for profit, with photos of her stripping days and a sex tape of her and former boyfriend Stevie J.

Surviving an abusive childhood and struggling against a record label trying to control her image, Christina Aguilera's road to superstardom was not an easy one.

Born Earl Simmons and raised in the notorious School Street Projects of Yonkers, NY, multi platinum rapper DMX was drawn to life on the streets. This episode of Behind the Music will trace DMX's journey from his childhood home of violent beatings and his experience with the juvenile justice system to becoming the voice of the streets. As a rapper, he battled his way to the top, becoming the first hip hop artist to have 5 consecutive records debut at Number 1 and crossing over into a lucrative movie career.But DMX's life long demons have yet to be quelled and through out his entire career, run-ins with the law have been the norm. For the first time, DMX comes clean about his criminal record, including a shooting he was a part of that the police never solved, as well as his infamous arrest at JFK Airport for impersonating an FBI agent. The artist also reveals his struggle with his 25 year-long addiction to crack cocaine. We'll see never before aired footage of DMX's earliest battles and his life in Yonkers.Candid interviews with his family, his wife as well as hip hop luminaries Irv Gotti, Lyor Cohen, Swizz Beatz and Eve contribute personal stories to this in depth profile of a troubled and incredibly gifted artist.

Curtis Jackson III, aka 50 Cent, grew up on the violent and drug infested streets of Jamaica, Queens. His mother was murdered when he was 8, and by the time he was a teenager, he was following in her footsteps, dealing crack to make ends meet. Several arrests led to hard time in a "shock incarceration" boot camp. Headed down the wrong road, 50 Cent gave up the hustle and chased a new dream: to become a hip hop star. But his road to superstardom wouldn't be easy. With gritty street rhymes, 50 attacked the industry and his bad boy reputation grew as fast as his list of enemies. A public feud with fellow Queens' rapper Ja Rule led to a brawl and 50 got stabbed. Then, in May 2000, nine bullets nearly ended 50 Cent's life. Facing his moment of truth, 50 persevered thru intense physical pain, emotional self doubt and came back to the game even stronger. Teaming up with Dr Dre and Eminem, his first two albums, Get Rich or Die Trying and The Massacre, were hugely successful. 50 Cent parlayed his street hustle instincts into an empire, forming the G Unit business enterprise and inking a lucrative deal with Vitamin Water that reportedly earned him over 100 million dollars. Always a target, 50's street cred was attacked as he engaged in feuds with everyone from Fat Joe to his protégé, The Game. The beefs only fuel 50's drive. Older and wiser, he hasn't lost the edge he honed on the streets of New York as he continues his relentless quest for success.

T.I, aka Clifford Harris Jr, grew up on the tough streets of Atlanta's Bankhead neighborhood, an area filled with crime, violence and drugs. By the time he was 18, he was a high school dropout who was behind bars for dealing crack.Stuck in a cell, he channeled his frustration and sadness into rhymes, talking about "life in the trap." Paroled, he quickly turned those rhymes into a rap career and inked a deal with LaFace Records. But after his first album flopped, he was dumped from the label and was back to square one. This time, T.I took to the streets with his own independent mix tapes and generated enough buzz to get a second chance. Signing a new deal with Atlantic Records, he broke thru with the successful 2003 release "Trap Muzik." But once again, just as T.I began to make progress, he ended up on the wrong side of the law. Busted for gun possession, he spent another six months in jail. Upon his release, his career took off and by 2006, T.I was on top of the world. Then tragedy would rock his world forever. When a bar room brawl escalated into a shoot out, T.I watched his close friend, Philant Johnson, die. Riddled with guilt, T.I went into a tailspin and suddenly his life as a celebrity was filled with paranoia and threats against his life. To protect himself, he began collecting a vast array of weapons. In 2007, while attempting to buy another firearm, T.I was set up in a sting operation and busted by federal agents. Facing 30 years in prison, T.I settled on a unique deal: one year behind bars and 1500 hours of community service. Using his charismatic personality, T.I has thrived in his role of mentor, reaching out to troubled youth and preaching against the very mistakes he once made. T.I is admittedly a reformed man, and while he says he will never get over the death of his friend, he is at peace with past, is currently serving his prison sentence and looks forward to working for a "higher cause."

Bret Michaels and his band of brothers left home in Pennsylvania with a rock-n-roll dream and a desire to taste the good life on L.A's notorious Sunset Strip. It was the 80's, hair metal was thriving and Poison soon exploded onto the scene. Living fast and partying hard, Bret took decadence to a new level. Drugs, booze, women and more women -- anything and everything happened. A diabetic, Bret's self indulgence took its toll, but not even collapsing on stage could slow him down. The lifestyle also cost Bret a valued romantic relationship (he turned his heartbreak into the hit power ballad "Every Rose Has It's Thorn") and a trusted friendship, as he and bandmate CC Deville came to legendary blows. One of the biggest groups of their time, Poison soon crashed and burned. Bret then turned to the bottle and, driving under the influence, nearly lost his life after a brutal crash. This served as a wake up call and Bret cleaned himself up, starting a successful solo career and even dabbling in film production, writing and starring in 1997's "A Letter From Death Row." Making amends with a now sober CC Deville, Bret triumphantly reunited with Poison but the best was yet to come. In 2007, he starred in his own reality show, VH1's "Rock of Love." Over the course of three plus seasons, Bret showed fans a different side of him and once again skyrocketed into a mainstream star, completing a long and turbulent road living in and out of the spotlight.

Growing up in the tough, poverty stricken projects of Roxbury, MA, Bobby Brown was a bad boy from the start. He experimented with drugs and idolized the gang leaders who ruled the neighborhood. He was also enormously talented. A naturally gifted singer and dancer, he became a child superstar with New Edition and lived the good life, travelling the world and enjoying the spoils of success. But Bobby quickly grew tired of New Edition's squeaky clean image and began to rebel. He wanted a tougher image, more control, and to be the undisputed lead singer. Tensions soon boiled over and Bobby was kicked out of the group. This hardly slowed him down. He thrived as a solo artist and behind the smash single, "My Prerogative," took his success to new heights. Bobby lived life fast, spending his money on women and a growing cocaine habit. And then he met Whitney Houston. When the Bad Boy of R-n-B married America's Pop Princess, it became instant headlines. Bobby soon retreated from the spotlight, deferring to his wife's career, and found himself mired in an increasingly nasty drug habit, feeling "alone." His well documented and turbulent relationship with Whitney quickly deteriorated and when they divorced, Bobby was left with nothing. His life continued to spiral out of control; the low point coming when video vixen Karrine Stephans filmed him passed out on her couch and released the clip on the internet. Humiliated, Bobby slowly began to pickup the pieces, got clean and sober, and resurrected himself with a stirring performance on the CMT reality series, "Gone Country." Inspired to be on stage again, Bobby is now back together with former New Edition members Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gil in a group they call Heads of State. Bobby also has a new romantic interest, welcomed a baby boy into the world in 2009 and, perhaps most importantly, is at peace with himself.

Scarred by her parents divorce, Pink (who grew up Alecia Moore) was a troubled, angst-ridden teenager who rebelled against authority, experimented with drugs and often ran away from home. Music was her one salvation, and after toiling underage in the rough and dangerous Philadelphia club scene, she caught her first break. Joining the all female R-n-B group Choice, Pink soon broke out on her own and became a bonafied pop star. But she was hardly satisfied. Determined not to be boxed in and stereotyped, she went against the wishes of her record label, collaborated with childhood idol Linda Perry, and delivered Misundastood, a defining record that started her evolution as a thoughtful and expressive songwriter. She also found love with motocross star Carey Hart and their turbulent on again / off again relationship became the fuel for the most emotional and cathartic songwriting of her career. Now 30 years old, Pink has come to grips with the demons that haunted her youth, repaired the relationships that damaged her past and is primed to continue breaking new ground as a songwriter.

By the time he was 11 years old, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., aka Lil Wayne, had lost his virginity, dealt drugs, snorted cocaine and nearly shot himself to death after accidentally pulling the trigger on a gun he found in his mother's bedroom. That was life in the dangerous, poverty stricken neighborhood on New Orleans 17th ward, where Lil Wayne grew up. A musical prodigy, hip hop was Wayne's ticket to a better life. As a nine year old, he began recording rhymes with his surrogate family and mentors, Baby and Slim Williams, who owned the fledging label, Cash Money Records. Together, they shared in Wayne's success, first as a teenage sensation with the Hot Boys, then as a solo artist. But Wayne's path to stardom was littered with personal challenges. The violence of New Orleans struck again as his stepfather was gunned down when Wayne was just 14. To support his mother he dropped out of high school and put everything he had into jumpstarting his music career. A year later, at 15, Wayne became a father and now had a family to support. Then, just as his solo career was taking flight, his hometown was decimated by Hurricane Katrina, a tragedy that profoundly affected Wayne. Rumors of an addiction to prescription cough syrup and an arrest in New York City for gun possession only fueled the controversy surrounding the outlaw rapper. Regarded as a renegade, Wayne then released a prolific and game changing record, Tha Carter III. Almost instantly, Lil Wayne rocketed to superstardom and became the pop icon of 2008. The self proclaimed "greatest rapper alive" received the ultimate validation when Wayne walked away with four Grammy Awards, completing a remarkable journey for the 27 year old.

In 1988, when the New Kids On The Block's second album "Hangin' Tough" was released, there were very few acts that equaled the success of The Beatles or Michael Jackson. But overnight, "Hangin' Tough" sales catapulted the five young teens into superstardom. With each airplay the "New Kids" sold more merchandise and concert tickets than virtually any other musical act. They became a money-making machine. Their success set a new standard for many, many imitators to follow.Through the millions of screaming girls, tours around the world, homesick nights, private jets, psychotic groupies, rumors and deceptions, they had developed a bond like soldiers in a foxhole.However, the whirlwind of exploitation soon surrounded the New Kids. Combined with the changing music climate and the ever-escalating pressures of being international superstars, the group was pushed to an unexpected breakup.But what if they could do it all over again? What if they're given the opportunity to do it their own way -- unlike before? Is that brotherhood bond still strong enough? Do they still have what it takes?VH1, in association with Allentown productions, will trace the history of New Kids On The Block while also documenting their inspired 2008 reunion. Thru rare archival images and modern day verite footage, intercut with interviews from all five band members, their enterprising producer, and the people closest to them throughout their career, this hour long documentary will take viewers on a wild ride "behind the music." This isn't just another reunion show. It's about five "brothers" whose experience was unmatched by anyone else in history.

A behind the scenes look at Nick Lachey that no one has ever seen before covering his entire life story from beginning to end in an exclusive sit down interview.

In the early 1990s, when hair metal was being sheered from the charts by grunge and earnest hard-rockers like Guns N Roses, Pantera, righteously flew the hard-edged heavy metal flag, almost single-handedly saving the genre from extinction.Formed in 1981 by brothers "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott while still in high school, Pantera quickly developed a rabid following as hard-drinking, hard rockers in the Southwest triangle of Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana while issuing four independent albums throughout the `80s.National success would elude them, however, until vocalist Phil Anselmo joined the party in 1988. Signed to Atlantic in 1990, Pantera's major label debut Cowboys From Hell, put the thrashy petal to the metal, earning guitarist Dimebag Darrell recognition as one of heavy rock's true innovators.On the road, Pantera's traveling show was legendary for its debauchery. Vinnie Paul and Dimebag were known to imbibe a cocktail or ten before, during and after gigs. By the mid-90s, vocalist Phil Anselmo developed a nasty heroin habit. He overdosed in 1996 after a Pantera gig in Dallas. The singer hid his drug use from the band, and became increasingly estranged from his bandmates, spending more time on side projects like Down and Superjoint Ritual.Pantera formally disbanded in 2003, though they hadn't recorded together since 2000's "Reinventing the Steel," a platinum seller that culminated with another Grammy nomination. Then, on December 8, 2004, the ultimate rock and roll tragedy struck. Shortly after his new band Damageplan hit the stage at a Columbus, Ohio club, Dimebag Darrell was murdered, shot three times at point blank range by former Marine and Pantera fan Nathan Gale. Behind the Music: Pantera uncovers the true story of this resilient, hard rocking band.

Ratt grabbed a decade of decadence by the tail, but their legendary excess came back to bite them -- it cost them their career, and, in the case of guitarist Robbin Crosby, his life. This special edition of Behind the Music contains exclusive behind the scenes footage of the band, as well as an never before seen interview with Robbin Crosby, conducted three years before his death.

He's a rapper, a rocker and a country charter, a stone cold pimp with a deep love for music. By the turn of the 20th century, Kid Rock was one of America's most well known personalities and best-selling musicians, commanding admiration from his peers and bringing the funk back to Motown. But he faced a titanic struggle in a decade long quest for respect.Born Bob Ritchie on January 17th, 1971, he was the third of four children in an upper class family in Romeo, Michigan. By the time Bob was four though, the cozy, country atmosphere of his youth was shattered forever. On a wintry Michigan day in 1975, his brother Billy lost a leg in a tractor accident, changing the family dynamic forever. Forgotten by parents who now had to care for a crippled son, Bob turned to music and immersed himself in a sea of beats and rhymes by early rap pioneers. At just 15, the white kid with the six inch flat top was a polished DJ, performing at basement parties in the neighboring black community of Mt. Clemens. Thanks to his skills, people began to gasp in amazement: "Look at that kid rockin' the turntables!" Kid Rock was thus born.Despite his parents' disapproval, Bob signed a deal with Jive Records in the summer of '89 and took off for New York with dreams of hip hop stardom. Unfortunately his first album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast, was released during the fateful odyssey of Vanilla Ice and Jive subsequently dropped Kid Rock from its artist roster. Re-signed the very next year by a small imprint called Continuum, the rapper released his second album but the label soon folded and Rock was once again relegated to obscurity in his hometown of Detroit. Undeterred, he polished his act in the mid-90's, implementing more instrumentation, signing up a pint-sized hype man named Joe C and taking advantage of a new form of music called rap-rock. With a fresh sound and a new look, Kid Rock was signed by Atlantic in the summer of '97 and released his fourth album, Devil Without a Cause. Riding the rap-rock craze and with a huge boost from MTV, Devil shot up the charts and sold ten million albums by years end; Kid Rock was finally a musical icon.Taking advantage of his newfound popularity, Kid Rock began dating babes from porn stars to pop stars and even proposed to one of Hollywood's hottest women, Pamela Anderson. Despite the amazing ride, 2000 marked a sad year for Rock. With barely any warning, his three foot nine inch sidekick and best friend Joe C passed away due to complications from Celiac disease. Gathering himself and his band, Rock rocked out another album in November of 2001, Cocky, and went four times platinum thanks to a country duet with Sheryl Crow. Now a rap, rock and country icon, Kid Rock has jammed with legends such as Hank Williams, Jr. and Stevie Wonder and has himself become a musical marvel. For a man who fought his way through years of adversity, his is a story of sheer inspiration.

The Backstreet Boys are by far one of the most famous boy bands in music history. They've sold over sixty million albums worldwide and have left millions of screaming girls love sick along the way. These five heartthrobs have managed to stay together for over eleven years but have had to overcome health scares, drug addiction, and several tragic deaths along the way. If you thought being a pop star was easy ... had better guess again.The boys back-story is as unusual as their music journey. In 1978 A.J. McClean was born in West Florida but by age two was abandoned by his father after his parents divorced. By age 8 A.J. fled to the stage performing in local talent shows and mastering the art of puppetry. It was on stage that he met 11 year old Howie Dorough. The two toured the Orlando theme park circuit for several years trying to make it big. Nicknamed the second Hollywood, Orlando had became a breeding ground for young talent and Nick Carter and his family moved to the Disney crazed environment to join in the struggle.In July 1992, with no musical background to speak of Transcontinental Airlines owner Lou Pearlman put an ad in the entertainment circular Blue Note looking for five talented boys to form a new boy band. He was looking for a New Kids on the Block look with a Boys II Men sound. A.J., Howie and Nick auditioned for Lou and were hired. The group was then rounded out by Kentucky native Kevin Richardson and his cousin Brian Littrell.But the US wasn't ready for their clean--cut sounds. In 1994 Lou shipped the boys to a pop friendly place called Europe and it was there that they became an international phenomenon. It would take three long years before The Backstreet Boys would be accepted in the United States as serious pop band. In 1997 "Quit Playin Games With My Heart" was finally played on MTV and the fan following and pressures began to grow at an enormous rate. The Backstreet Buzz had begun to grow and now there was no continent left to conquer.By March '98, the Boys had been touring for over six years straight and had sacrificed sleep, personal health and normal childhood for their fans and demanding press schedules. They were exhausted, and Brian's health suffered the most. In March 1998 he was given news that the congenital heart disease he had since birth had grown dramatically worse due to the strain of touring. Doctors advised three surgeries before Brian finally took a break from performing to undergo the operation. Meanwhile the stress of touring pushed A.J. into full-fledged cocaine and Jack Daniels dependence and after watching his grandmother pass away from cancer A.J. lost control completely. After threatening to quit he finally sought out rehab instead and his patient bandmates watched as twenty-six year old A.J. was finally getting control over his life.The exhausting tours, health problems and out of control addictions had soiled the Backstreet Boys' spirits as a group and after their last tour in September 2001, they decided it was time to take a break from each other.In their four year hiatus, Brian Littrell became a father, Kevin found the Broadway stage, Nick sought out a brief solo career and Howie has kept busy as a real estate mogul. A.J. continued battling his addictions and cleaning up his life.In 2002 the Backstreet Boys reunited again and started working on their new album. Edgier, more mature and honest, BSB hope Never Gone can recapture the same success they had years before. They are more determined to remain a family and stick together no matter where the road takes them. This is not your typical boy band ... but this is their story.

They were the original boy band. Five friends from Boston whose undeniable talent lifted them out of the projects and into the hearts of countless teenage girls. But while New Edition was paving the way for some of the biggest bands of the past twenty years, they were plagued by bad business deals, internal battles, and a frustrating struggle for respect.In the late 1970s, Roxbury was the most impoverished and crime-ridden district in Boston. And in the middle of it all sat the Orchard Park Housing Projects. It was there that four friends -- Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell and Ralph Tresvant -- began singing and dancing together as a way to escape the turmoil that surrounded them. They called themselves New Edition and, after gaining some local notoriety, they attracted the attention of Maurice Starr, a local record producer who was looking for the next Jackson Five. The boys added a fifth member, Ronnie Devoe, and with Starr's guidance, New Edition recorded and released their first single, a perfect pop confection called "Candy Girl." The single and subsequent album exploded, selling hundreds of thousands of copies, sending the boys on a seemingly endless tour around the country. Yet, for all of their hard work, the boys came home to Roxbury still broke and living in the projects.Determined to reach greater heights of success, New Edition split with Maurice Starr in 1984 and signed with MCA. They released the top ten hits "Cool It Now" and "Mr. Telephone Man" and toured the world, only to discover that they had once again signed to a record deal that had left them all in debt.Meanwhile, other problems were brewing. Lead singer Ralph Tresvant had emerged as the fans' favorite member, and the others, particularly Bobby Brown, became jealous and were eager to step out of the background and into the spotlight. With tensions rising, Bobby Brown left New Edition, leaving fans to wonder what the future held.After a brief stint as a four piece, New Edition added new member Johnny Gill, hoping to attract a new, more mature audience. But once again internal clashes threatened the band's future as Ralph and Johnny squared off. Their differences settled, the band released their most successful album to date, Heart Break, only to be unexpectedly overshadowed by the multi-platinum juggernaut that was Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel, one of the most successful R&B albums of all time.In the early 90s, the band splintered into a series of side projects that brought them their greatest success. Following Bobby's lead, Johnny and Ralph released solo albums, and Ricky, Mike and Ronnie formed Bell Biv Devoe. Divided, the members of New Edition put an unprecedented stranglehold on the pop chats, racking up a string of top ten hits and multi-platinum sales.As their solo success began to fade, all six members of New Edition reunited and released the album Home Again, and instant number one album. But the subsequent tour was less successful. Bogged down by bigger egos, and bigger battles, the band was nearly torn apart on a worldwide tour that Johnny Gill described simply as "Hell." Meanwhile, Bobby Brown had begun what would turn out to be a decade-long downward spiral of drug and alcohol addiction and run-ins with the law.In 2002, New Edition looked to revive their careers by signing with P. Diddy's Bad Boy label and in November of 2004 released One Love. Throughout a career that has spanned three decades, New Edition pioneered a style of music that is still strong today and have achieved tremendous success both as a group and in side projects. But for all they have accomplished, the members of this pop dynasty wonder if they can ever truly achieve the respect and notoriety they deserve. This is Behind the Music: New Edition.

He's the first true hip-hop sensation, something like a phenomenon in the rap world. By the age of eighteen, LL Cool J had achieved the rank of platinum performer and was defining a unique, new genre of American music. Amazingly, twenty years and two Grammy's later, LL is still bustin' out ferocious rhymes and has attained a mythical status as a true pioneer of pop music.Born James Todd Smith on January 14th of 1968, the kid from St. Albans, Queens had a rough childhood. At the tender age of four years old, he watched as his mother and grandfather were injured by gunshot wounds inflicted by his own father. His mother would move on but ultimately date another man who for years physically and verbally abused the young boy, unbeknownst to his caring mother. There was only one thing that saved James Todd Smith from possible personal destruction: Rapping.Beginning at age 9, he would stand in front of a mirror and rhyme to himself. By the time he turned eleven he was mixing beats and molding a style that would dominate rap music for two decades. Calling himself LL Cool J, short for "Ladies Love Cool James," LL's career took off in 1984 when he shopped his demo tape around the recording industry. He found believers in a couple of young entrepreneurs named Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. The pair released LL's "I Need A Beat" as a launching pad for their new label, Def Jam. The record sold 100,000 copies and made LL Cool J an instant celebrity. With the success of the single, LL dropped out of high school to concentrate on music full-time and released his debut album, Radio. The catchy rhymes and innovative style propelled the album up the charts and earned LL his first platinum achievement. James Todd Smith - LL Cool J - was just eighteen years old.By 1990, with gangsta rap firmly in control of the rap scene, LL Cool J smoothly adapted his style with "Mama Said Knock You Out." Backed by a legendary, live acoustic performance on MTV Unplugged, the album peaked at double platinum and officially made the acronym "LL" part of the American subconscious.Since the mid-90's, building on the overwhelming success of his music, LL branched into other pop culture mediums, appearing in over twenty films, a hit television show and playing a presidential inauguration-while still continuing to make music for his fans.After eleven albums and countless hit singles, LL's longevity in the rap game is unprecedented. Most importantly, he's now a father of four beautiful children and has conquered the demons of his past. Behind The Music explains how the man has cemented his place in the history of American music.

He ranks beside Prince, Madonna, Springsteen and Jacko in the pantheon of true '80s pop giants. He's sold over 70 millions albums worldwide and his fashion trademark - leather jacket, Ray-Bans, five o'clock shadow - is an image burned in the mind of anyone who lived in the Reagan era. He's Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, aka George Michael.As one half of Wham and a solo artist, George wrote and sang song after song after song you know by heart (to name a few: Careless Whisper, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, I'm Your Man, Everything She Wants, I Want Your Sex, Faith, Father Figure, Freedom and so on). But for every platinum album and jam-packed arena, the singer has known unthinkable struggles, heartache and loss. Some of which you might remember (a little bathroom escapade) but most have been locked in the closet of an intensely private man.From childhood to now, BTM examines the hurdles and hurt on Michael's road to greatness, with never-before-told stories from the man himself and those who know him best (his father Jack, members of Wham, Elton John, Geri Halliwell, managers, etc.).Among those stories covered: George's childhood, wracked by grave insecurity and an oppressive father who did everything he could to keep his only son from chasing his pop dreams. His early struggles with his sexual identity and a one-night rendezvous that changed his life forever. The absolute hugeness of "Faith" and how the image he created would ultimately haunt him. His first true love, with a Brazilian named Anselmo Felappa, who would die of AIDS. The tragic and sudden death of his mother. His infamous Beverly Hills bathroom fiasco and subsequent coming out. His present day life with longtime partner, Kenny Goss. Tune in for an amazingly candid interview George himself calls the definitive conversation of his life.

Guns N' Roses emerged from thicket of the hair metal jungle on Hollywood's Sunset Strip in the mid-80s and single-handedly reinvented rock and roll with righteous riffs and a real and present element of danger. Songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" were not merely rebellious anthems; they were autobiographical snapshots of a band that lived and worked on the edge. The band's exploits became as notorious as its music as members dabbled with drugs, booze and other forms of debauchery.Guns' 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, struck a raw nerve - enrapturing teens and enraging parents. Thanks to arena-ready tunes like "Jungle" and "Sweet Child O Mine," the album would become one of the most successful debuts ever, selling more than 14 million copies worldwide.Led by vocalist Axl Rose, Guns were a magnet for controversy - be it album covers, song lyrics, or bad behavior. And even as the band was quickly rising up the pop music food chain, internal struggles always threatened to tear the band apart. Original drummer Steven Adler was fired for his losing battle with heroin in 1990. Founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin would leave soon thereafter.In spite of the turmoil, after the 1991 release of Use Your Illusion I and II Guns N' Roses were the biggest, baddest band in the world, with expensive videos and elaborate stage show to match. Guns stayed on the road to support Illusion for two and a half years, tours that were marred by tragedy - riots in St. Louis and Montreal - Axl showing up hours late or not at all. Founding members Slash and Duff McKagen dealt with Axl's unpredictable behavior by drinking the frustration away. Soon after they got off the road in 1993, Guns N' Roses disappeared into the world of rock myth. Band members came and went, with the only constant being the mercurial Axl Rose. A decade later, the world still awaits the follow-up to Illusion.Behind the Music: Guns N' Roses tells the true story of this band of rock and roll outlaws.