BET wants to be known as the King Kong of cable networks, as it announced its original programming for the upcoming season. Variety reports that eight original shows will premiere on the channel this fall, including several that go behind the scenes in the lives of celebrities or up-and-coming stars.

Next Level: Vince Young follows the NFL rookie-to-be as he prepares for the football season; Star Time Keyshia Cole charts the public and private successes of the young thrush; and, perhaps most surprising, DMX: Soul of a Man pledges to reveal a caring and concerned side to the hardcore rapper that some never knew existed.

Other series include Black Book Diaries; a documentary on the history of black gangsters, American Gangster; a look at the world of gadgets and gizmos, Hotwyred; entertainment news skein The Black Carpet; and a slot dedicated to Ultimate Fighting, Iron Ring.