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March 28, 2011
February 23, 2011
Internet politics
Internet politics: an interview with hip hop journalist and internet guru Davey D
by Minister of Information JR
This is the notice placed on websites that have been seized by the U.S. government.
You are listening to another edition of POCC Block Report Radio with the Minister of Information JR. Today our guest is legendary hip hop journalist and broadcaster Davey D.
We are going to be talking about the Internet and all of this new stuff going on – WikiLeaks, net neutrality and what is happening to this democratic library that we called the internet that was formed by the U.S. government. Davey, how are you?
Madea's Big Happy Family
Madea's Big Happy Family – Theatrical Release
Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It’s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter…and the revelation of a long-buried family secret
Buju found guilty
Buju found guilty - Entertainers react to verdict
By Sadeke Brooks,
His music filled the air, shock surfaced on faces and his name was a constant topic on everybody's lips yesterday, as news came that reggae artiste Buju Banton had been found guilty of three cocaine related charges.
The artiste, real name Mark Myrie, received the verdict from the 12-member jury yesterday in the Sam M Gibbons building in Tampa, which houses the United States Middle District Court, Florida Division.
A Movie And A Movement
MOOZ-lum: A Movie And A Movement
There are films that we’ll see this weekend just for sheer entertainment value, but Qasim Basir’s “MOOZ-lum,” is more than a film it’s a movement. On the surface it’s a dramatic well-written film about Tariq, a young man struggling with defining religion for himself. He is Muslim and the lessons he’s learned at the hands of his religious teachers, including his father, bring him nothing but pain.
Alaine Continues To Reap More Success
Alaine Continues To Reap More Success With 'You Are Me'
Singer Alaine continues to reap more success with her tribute You Are Me. The track which was written and produced by Alaine and released on her very own 1 Thirty 1 record imprint, has taken over the number one spot on the MTV Base Africa Dancehall chart.
Dancehall Acts Get Into soca
Dancehall Acts Get Into soca Groove...Ahead of Carnival 2011
The soca season has only just began and Jamaican artistes are already releasing carnival songs. Not new to soca, RDX recently released their song Girl Turn Around on Ballaz Productions' 'Bacchagal' rhythm.
December 29, 2010
Don Cheadle to Produce
Don Cheadle to Produce and Star in TV Pilot
Academy Award-nominated actor Don Cheadle has signed on to star in the half hour dark comedy Showtime pilot “House of Lies.” He will also executive produce with Matthew Carnahan, who’s the show’s creator and writer.
The show, based on the tell-all book “House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Tell You the Time” by Martin Kihn, follows a self-loathing management consultant from a top-tier firm. Cheadle will play Marty, a highly successful and cutthroat consultant who is never above using any means (or anyone) necessary to get his clients the information they want, reports AOL’s Black Voices.
“Don Cheadle is one of the great dramatic actors of our generation,” Showtime President of Entertainment David Nevis said in a statement. “He also happens to be an extremely funny man. House of Lies is the perfect show to take advantage of both sides of him. Honestly, I would have been happy just to get his autograph.”
Source: blacktalentnews
‘The Game’ Promo Pics
PHOTOS: BET Releases Promo Pics of ‘The Game’
“The Game” fans, the new season will be here sooner than later! Here are some pics that will hopefully get you through until the new season begins.
Official promo pics of the show were dropped via BET.com.
The fourth season will premiere on Jan. 11, 2011 at its new home, BET.
‘Nigger means God’
‘Nigger means God’: an interview wit legendary comedian Paul Mooney
by Minister of Information JR
Paul Mooney is one of Black comedy’s biggest breathing legends. Most notably, he partnered up with Richard Pryor to create some of Pryor’s most hilarious stand-up material as well as casting for “The Richard Pryor Show.” He also wrote for “Sanford and Son,” “Good Times.” “In Living Color” and “The Dave Chapelle Show,” to name a few of the monumental television shows that bear his fingerprints.
Every year for the last few years, Paul Mooney ends the year in the Bay doing a series of shows at the Black Rep in Berkeley from the day after Christmas leading up to New Year’s. This year, he will be doing two benefit shows on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. and at 9 p.m., that will benefit the SF Bay View newspaper. If you are going to support the fundraiser show, you must state that you are here for the fundraiser while you are buying your tickets.
Here is the legendary comedian Paul Mooney in our recent 2010 Q&A …
M.O.I. JR: Paul Mooney will be doing benefit shows at 7 and 9 p.m. for the SF Bay View newspaper on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and he will be at the Black Rep in Berkeley from Dec. 26 until New Year’s. Paul, how are you?
Paul Mooney: I didn’t know all of that was going on. You’re telling me stuff I didn’t know, Minister. So I guess you are the minister; we have to listen to what you have to say. I’m OK, man. How are you?
M.O.I. JR: I’m good. We go into this every year about the comedy show. One of the things that I appreciate most about you being the comedy legend that you are is your political critique of the news and your ability to always find some kind of ironic humor in the news.
Paul Mooney: Well, my theme this year for my show is Hallelujah, Bless God, an Egyptian sent me proof that the word nigger, it means God.
M.O.I. JR: It means God?
Paul Mooney: So, on the money, it’s trust in the niggers, not trust in God. No, I’m serious. The word was found in a tomb in Egypt, and the white people know it. They switched it around. They already know it. They tricked us. They know exactly what it means. It means God. That’s why I’ll never get rid of it.
M.O.I. JR: So that is the theme of the show this year?
Paul Mooney: Yes, sir. Hallelujah. The n-word means God.
M.O.I. JR: What do you think about the hundreds of thousand of secret documents that Julian Assange and WikiLeaks has leaked about the world’s governments?
Paul Mooney: I think it is hysterical. He was stealing from the government? I think that’s the best. If you could steal from this government, then you’re good, because this government usually does the stealing. Did they steal us? They’re usually the best at it. I just think it is very interesting because they’re usually the best. This is the first I heard of this. This is funny. I haven’t been listening to the news. I’ve been kind of resting. But I think that this is very interesting.
M.O.I. JR: He is supposed to be a computer hacker who is hooked up with some guy who was in the military, who supposedly leaked information to him.
Paul Mooney: He’ll be coming up missing soon. We’ll find him on the railroad tracks, not hearing the train coming.
M.O.I. JR: What movies have you been watching lately? And what is your critique of these movies?
Paul Mooney: About how these white people went crazy. First of all they have drove Black people crazy, because now we are colored again. I don’t know where these “Colored Girls …” are coming from, with all this white lady hair. I don’t see no colored girls, do you?
M.O.I. JR: No, sir.
Paul Mooney: That was back in the day. They’re ain’t no more colored girls. We supposed to be colored? I don’t want to wallow in something white folks called us. That’s what you call your dog or your bird or something you own, you know? We are not colored, we are not negro, we’re not Black, we’re not any of this stuff. What we really are, similar to what I put in when they send me the census, we are stolen Africans. That’s what we are. So that’s the reality of it, this other crap.
You know I have grandkids. I don’t want them asking me what does colored mean. They have no sensitivity when it comes to us. And they already know what we’re about.
December 27, 2010
Etana New Album 'Free Expressions'
Etana New Album 'Free Expressions' To Be Released February 2011
"Free Expressions” will be release under Record Label VP Records, who is releasing a digital EP celled Free, which features three tracks that are also included on the album. According to VP, this is a move to appease fans while they wait for the full length album.
Weighing in on her upcoming album, Etana said she called the second album Free Expressions because she adamantly refuses to be constrained by approach or lyrical content.
“This album was produced a little differently from the first, most of the sessions were less planned so there is more of a free vibe,” she reveals. “I just wanted to express myself freely, write just what I want without thinking too hard about what anyone’s opinion would be — just doing music as I feel to do it.”
Gregory Isaacs Foundation In The Works
Gregory Isaacs Foundation In The Works
Gregory Isaacs is gone but will never be forgotten. A foundation to assist charitable organisations is in the making in honour of late reggae crooner, Gregory Isaacs.
Isaacs widow June Isaacs last Friday handed over the offerings collected at the late reggae star funeral service on November 20, to the Walker’s Place of Safety for children in Jamaica.
The Cool Ruler got involved with this institution while he was alive to assist the children who have been indentified as being at risk. He was never one to brag about his good deeds, so his virtue for caring for the well being and advancement of the less fortunate, is not widely known.
November 29, 2010
Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj Beef
The Beef Between Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj Heats Up
One of the most classic types of beef is between an established entity and an up-and-comer. It happens everywhere, from sports to the everyday workplace. Veterans who have been through the battles expect the young’uns to not only show appreciation, but also pay homage. Newcomers, on the other hand, burst onto the scene and demand respect, feeling that their skills speak for themselves. Once either side senses the other isn’t giving them what they want, they find a way to let it be known.
How I Got Over
The Roots Show Hip-Hop the Way
Now that some time has passed, and the thrill of The Roots releasing a new album has subsided, it’s time to kick back and discuss exactly what Jimmy Fallon’s house band accomplished with their latest release, “How I Got Over.”
Any of the typical compliments an album could receive would sell “How I got Over” short. Yes, the beats are stellar and groove in all the right places, and it’s true that the lyrics are fresh, wise, and thoughtful. These descriptions can be used for any album released by The Roots, though, along with albums from other socially conscious hip-hop acts like Talib Kweli, Mos Def or Nas. “How I Got Over” is worthy of the aforementioned praise, but it also deserves more.
Before The Dawn
Buju Gets Personal On Before The Dawn
Before the Dawn is a short dose of positivity from the incarcerated deejay Buju Banton. The 10-track work is the ninth studio album from the 'Gargamel' released during his ongoing drug trial.
In an interview, Banton explained that the 10 tracks, which were released in Europe on October 1, were written before he found himself in his current situation with the law. He told Hip-Hop Weekly magazine: "All the songs on this album were written before I and I found I self in this current situation, yet they all speak profoundly to what I and I am going through right now ... You might can lock up the flesh but you can never lock up the spirit of Rasta."
'United States of Africa'
Luciano's Powerful 'United States of Africa'
It has been many years since I’ve been motivated or moved to review anything that Luciano has done. Life circumstances and disappointments made me step away from his works, until a couple months ago when I was fortunate to receive this most precious Jewel ever “United States of Africa”.
Although I received the CD in the mail a couple months ago; I really did not actually open it until October of this year and I was so floored by what I was hearing.
October 30, 2010
Mistrial Declared In Buju Banton Case
The Sun Shines Again
Sunshine Anderson – The Sun Shines Again
Release Date: 2010-11-02
“I love this record!” says Sunshine Anderson of her new single, “Lie to Kick It” from her new album, The Sun Shines Again. Her enthusiasm is justified. She has just found out the retro-soul single is the #1 most added song to R&B/Adult Contemporary Radio, beating out new entries from superstars such as Usher, R. Kelly and Eric Benet.
“I love this record!” says Sunshine Anderson of her new single, “Lie to Kick It” from her new album, The Sun Shines Again. Her enthusiasm is justified. She has just found out the retro-soul single is the #1 most added song to R&B/Adult Contemporary Radio, beating out new entries from superstars such as Usher, R. Kelly and Eric Benet.
Continuing the Musical Tradition of Trench Town
I-Cient-Cy Mau and the Mau Mau Warriors Continuing the Musical Tradition of Trench Town
Reggae artist I-Cient-Cy Mau and his band, the Mau Mau Warriors are continuing the great tradition of reggae music from Trench Town. Trench Town, ever since Bob Marley’s rise to an international icon and the king of reggae music, has been synonymous with outstanding musical talent as the birthplace of reggae music.
Continue reading "Continuing the Musical Tradition of Trench Town" »
The Lion of SHEBA™ Prepares to Roar
The Lion of SHEBA™ Prepares to Roar
New York, NY -- After a rock solid year, hitting the charts on three continents (#1 Jamaica, #1 Afro FM (Ethiopia), TOP 30 UK Club Charts) and propelling her Dancehall infused Lovers Rock video "Love This Lifetime (Remix)" featuring reggae superstar Bounty Killer onto stations like MTV UK and VH-1 SOUL from her self-run label, SHEBA is back with new songs, a new band, a new style and a new resolve to "tek dem by storm".
Almost one year after her mind blowing, sold-out debut performance at the famed Joe’s Pub in New York City, SHEBA returns to the legendary venue on Saturday September 18, 2010 at 11pm with an all new backing band, Judah Tribe, a highly talented 11-piece band of local musicians that plays everything from roots reggae to hip-hop, gospel, r& b and African music, to deliver a show that will turn heads.
"9 Lives"
Katt Williams "9 Lives" – DVD
Featuring rare never before released stand-up from early in Katt’s phenomenal career, go behind the scenes to witness the king of comedy’s meteoric rise to fame. This movie shows a star in the making as it traces back to Katt as a young comic then follows his evolution as a performer and his path to fame and fortune. Includes some of Katt’s greatest stand-up comedy, revealing interviews, and an intimate look inside the comic’s life and work. This movie seeks to answer the question on every fan’s mind: will Katt ever do stand-up again?
source:thinktankmktg
Jay-Z and Bing Change the Game
Jay-Z and Bing Change the Game with DECODED
In his first book, DECODED, pop culture icon JAY-Z describes the hidden meanings behind some of his most provocative songs and provides a highly personal narrative of the culture that so powerfully shaped his life and art. But some stories are bigger than the printed page. Bing, the decision engine from Microsoft, is launching a multi-platform search experience and interactive game to help people decode JAY-Z’s life and lyrics. JAY-Z’s words will be taken a step further, allowing fans to use Bing and decide how to find the very locations that inspired them. Every single page of JAY-Z’s book will be released to the public before the book is in stores, with pages physically placed in locations related to their specific content. The immersive journey will take players from the projects in the Brooklyn neighborhood where JAY-Z grew up and the London streets where he found inspiration, to the building of his empire in Manhattan and beyond. Fans physically in those locations and those playing online with Bing will be offered never-before-experienced insights into JAY-Z’s highly personal process. In addition to high profile media placements around the world, DECODED‘S three hundred pages will be appearing in places and on objects that have never before been used as advertising. From pools and pool tables to bronze plaques and high-fashion clothing racks; a variety of unexpected surfaces will become the canvas for JAY-Z’s art.
Suppressed in the Music Industry
Are African Artists in North America, Being Culturally Suppressed in the Music Industry?
Music is considered the Universal language, these days you can hear songs in Spanish being played on commercial English popular radio stations, by such artists as Pitbull or Marc Anthony. Dance European tracks sung in German, Dutch, Italian and more, are normally heard on radio. Yet, there is one musical culture considered the origin of most rhythm in our society today that hasn’t had much of a breakthrough in receiving commercial radio play; African music.
September 29, 2010
The Mighty Sparrow honored
The Mighty Sparrow honored in Toronto
By Norman (Otis) Richmond aka Jalali
(uhurunews)The Mighty Sparrow aka Slinger Francisco is alive and well.
Francisco opened his show at the Ontario Science Centre with one of his classics "Sparrow Dead."
While the Calypso King of the World has slowed down — he did sit down at times during his performance — he still has a lot in the tank.
Besides his classic calypsos, he found time to croon "Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart' and "My Way."
C.L.R. James observed that had Sparrow ended up in the United States he could have made it in the R&B arena.
Sparrow performed along with Sean Sutherland, E.B. John, Jay Douglas and Syl and McIntosh.
The production company Homegrown presented "Vintage a Tribute to the Mighty Sparrow and Frankie McIntosh."
The Rza To Direct Russell Crowe In 'The Man with the Iron Fist'
The Rza To Direct Russell Crowe In 'The Man with the Iron Fist'
By Wilson Morales
(BV)According to E! Online, Oscar winner Russell Crowe is set to join actor/rapper RZA in 'The Man with the Iron Fist,' an action packed kung fu film where the Wu-Tang Clan founder is making his film debut as a director and screenwriter.
RZA will play a weapons-making village blacksmith in feudal China. Crowe's character hasn't been described yet.
Continue reading "The Rza To Direct Russell Crowe In 'The Man with the Iron Fist'" »
Mistrial Declared In Buju Banton Case
Mistrial Declared In Buju Banton Case; Singer Seeks Bail
(AllHipHop News) A mistrial has been declared in the drug case of Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton, who alleged attempted to purchase five kilos of cocaine from an FBI informant last year.
According to reports, the 12 jurors could not reach a verdict after four days of deliberating Buju Banton's guilty, prompting U.S. District Judge James Moody declare a mistrial.
Bob Marley family loses case over hit records
Bob Marley family loses case over hit records By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bob Marley's family lost a lawsuit seeking the copyrights to several of the late Jamaican reggae singer's best-known recordings.
U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan said the UMG Recordings unit of Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group is the rightful owner of copyrights to five albums that Marley had recorded between 1973 and 1977 for Island Records.
The albums "Catch a Fire," "Burnin'," "Natty Dread," "Rastaman Vibrations" and "Exodus" were recorded with Marley's band The Wailers. They include some of Marley's best-known songs, including "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "No Woman, No Cry" and "One Love."
Continue reading "Bob Marley family loses case over hit records" »
September 28, 2010
NBA’s Baron Davis Nominated For Emmy
NBA’s Baron Davis Nominated For Emmy For “Crips And Bloods” Documentary
Dear Emmy voters, Baron Davis regrets to inform you that he won’t be able to attend the awards ceremony for his documentary film on L.A. gang life.
By then, he’ll be busy with his other passion.
The Los Angeles Clippers point guard will already be at training camp when the Emmy awards for news and documentaries are handed out in New York City next Monday.
From afar, though, he’ll be rooting for the film “Crips and Bloods: Made in America,” which is up for best documentary. Davis served as executive producer, putting up the money and providing entree into a world that he escaped from — largely because of basketball — but hasn’t forgotten.
“This is very prestigious,” Davis said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We’ve really been able to tackle a subject that’s kind of been picked on, but we’ve been able to tackle it and really shed some light on it from both sides of the spectrum. We want to let people formulate their own opinions about what’s going on in this country and in the impoverished communities.”
The 31-year-old Davis longs to be more than just a star athlete. He believes he can be an agent for social change, which is why he decided to form a production company, Verso Entertainment, and pushed to make the film about two of America’s most notorious gangs.
August 30, 2010
Tracee Ellis Ross Back On B.E.T.
Tracee Ellis Ross Back On B.E.T.
Tracee Ellis Ross will be returning to TV with Reed Between The Lines, a new half-hour comedy green-lit by BET. In the new show, Ross plays Dr. Carla Reed, a busy psychiatrist, wife, and mother, who’s struggling to balance career and family.
Ross will also produce, alongside Arthur Harris and Kellie Griffin, the former head-writer for Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.
Fly On The Wall
Bobby V. – Fly On The Wall
He’s had No. 1 singles, platinum and gold albums, has toured the world and has appeared on songs with Lil Wayne and Ludacris, among many others. Five years into a remarkable solo career, Bobby V (formerly Bobby Valentino) has experienced the best the music industry has to offer while working with some of the game’s elite. No wonder he’s calling his fourth album Fly on the Wall.
Kevin Hart – Seriously Funny
Kevin Hart – Seriously Funny
Voted the top comedian of 2009 by Humor Mill Magazine, Kevin Hart stars in his second solo stand-up performance live from Cleveland, Ohio.
Voted the top comedian of 2009 by Humor Mill Magazine, Kevin Hart stars in his second solo stand-up performance live from Cleveland, Ohio. Seriously Funny features Kevin Hart performing in front of a sold-out crowd at the Allen Theater—where he delivers his hilarious and unique brand of comedy. In this unforgettable night of comedy, Kevin Hart is in rare form and funny as ever!
July 27, 2010
Just Another Day
Just Another Day
Jamie Hector (The Wire, Heroes) is Young Eastie, a struggling rapper who dreams of getting a record deal through the legendary A-Maze (Wood Harris, The Wire, Remember the Titans). But connecting with his hero is going to be tougher than he thinks. Even though A-Maze is at the top of the ladder, his star is falling and hes getting desperate to hang on. Featuring top rap artists Trick Daddy, Lil Scrappy, Ja Rule and Petey Pablo, JUST ANOTHER DAY takes a compelling, true-to-life look at the brutal ups and downs of the cutthroat hip-hop business..
Click to watch (Trailer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2muC7cYuKg&feature=channel
Source: thinktankmktg
‘Shaq Vs’ Contenders
‘Shaq Vs’ Contenders Announced, Dwight Howard, Sugar Shane Mosley and More
ABC and Media Rights Capital today announced the challengers who will take on Shaquille O’Neal in the second season of “Shaq VS,” a reality competition series starring the NBA superstar. This season O’Neal will not only use his athletic prowess to challenge high-profile athletes, but also his energy and charisma to compete beyond the athletic arena in non-sports challenges. Season Two of “Shaq VS” will debut TUESDAY, AUGUST 3 (9:00–10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Unauthorized Oprah Biopic in the Making
Unauthorized Oprah Winfrey Biopic in the Making
Producer Larry Thompson announced today that he plans on turning Kitty Kelley’s controversial unauthorized biography on Oprah Winfrey into a TV movie or a miniseries. The biopic, said to be optioned for six figures, will air in September 2011, which will coincide with the end of Winfrey’s syndicate episode.
“Oprah Winfrey is a very powerful woman, and that’s also something that will make our movie great. As for the challenge of casting Winfrey, the plan is to audition both known and unknown actresses,” Thompson said, who prefers to cast an unknown. “Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous faces on the planet, and if you have an actress people know, it may make it more difficult to get into the character as the face may block the icon.”
Thompson’s biopic credits includes Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Sonny and Cher, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
The film is being made without Winfrey’s permission and participation, she has yet to comment.
Source:Blacktalentnews
“The Legend of Cain,”
Will Smith to Star & Produce in Vampire Re-telling of Cain & Abel
Will Smith has been reported to star in and produce, “The Legend of Cain,” a retelling of the biblical tale of warring brothers with a vampire twist. Under his shingle, Overbook Entertainment, Smith will play the title role of Cain and produces with his partners from “The Karate Kid,” his wife, Jada Pinket Smith, James Lassiter, and Ken Stovitz.
Dam Knauf, and Jada Pinkett Smith’s brother, Caleeb Pinkett, penned the original script. Andrea Berloff is performing the revisions.
Will Smith will next be seen in “Men in Black 3,” which stars production in August. He is currently finishing promotion for Overbrook’s latest film, “The Karate Kid”. The remake starring Smith’s son, Jaden Smith is rounding the $170 million mark for it’s six week run. A reported sequel is in the works at Sony.
Source:BlackTalentNews
Keenen Ivory Wayans In Search Of A 30-Ish Actress
Keenen Ivory Wayans In Search Of A 30-Ish Actress For New Film
CBS Films and Sony Pictures are teaming to acquire “It Takes A Village,” a comedy pitch that Keenen Ivory Wayans will write and direct about a 30-something white single career-obsessed woman who decides on a whim to adopt a child from a South Pacific island. But she comes home with the tribe’s chief and seven elders until she proves she’s mommy material.
Todd Garner will produce with Wayans and Rick Alvarez. It took two studios to make the deal for “It Takes A Village.” The pact that UTA brokered for Wayans is mid 6-figures upfront, but contains aggressive progress to production stipulations: after Wayans turns in the script, the studios either make it or the reps take it elsewhere. Wayans, who last directed the 2006 comedy “Little Man,” hopes to make this his next film. CBS Films chief Amy Baer, who spent most of her career at Columbia, put the pact together with Sony’s Columbia co-president of production Doug Belgrad, who worked closely with Wayans on “White Chicks.”
Continue reading "Keenen Ivory Wayans In Search Of A 30-Ish Actress" »
‘Lottery Ticket’
Bow Wow, Naturi Naughton and Ice Cube Speak On ‘Lottery Ticket’
Bow Wow stars alongside Ice Cube, Brandon T. Jackson, Naturi Naughton and more in the star-studded Warners Bros. Pictures “Lottery Ticket.” Bow Wow plays Kevin Carson, a young man living in the projects that wins $370 million in a nationwide lottery. When his opportunistic neighbors discover he has the winning ticket in his possession, Kevin must survive their greedy and sometimes even threatening actions over a three-day holiday weekend before he can claim his prize.
Ice Cube, Timothy M. Bourne, and Steven P. Wagner serve as executive producer. Erik White will Direct and Abdul Williams will produce.
June 28, 2010
Jive Says No to an Outkast Reunion
Jive Says No to an Outkast Reunion
An Outkast reunion has been in the talks for some time now, but Jive Records executives are doing everything in their power to make sure it doesn’t happen. The reunion was supposed to take place in Big Boi’s upcoming album, “Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty” but Jive won’t allow Andre Benjamin to reunite with his ex-bandmate.
Boycott of Comcast
NCAAOM Calls for Boycott of Comcast
The National Coalition of African-American Owned Media (NCAAOM) further denounced Comcast for its non-existent carriage of 100% African-American owned channels on its nationwide platforms (approximately 24 million homes) and underscored its opposition to the Comcast-NBCU merger unless specific ownership conditions are enforced by the FCC and DOJ.
In a recent LA Times article dated April 27, 2010, Stanley E. Washington, NCAAOM President & CEO stated,
“For decades Comcast has shut the door to widely distributed wholly-owned African-American channels; and pension funds by virtue of their investment in Comcast are supporting apartheid right here in America.” Comcast brings in approximately $3 billion per month, $36 billion per year, from nearly 24 million cable subscribers. Based on the large African-American populated cities in which Comcast serves, we estimate there are millions of African-American subscribers that contribute approximately 40% or $15 billion of Comcast’s annual revenue. Because of the enormous support that the African-American community has shown Comcast over four decades, we find it unacceptable that none of the 250 plus channels that are offered on the Comcast platform are 100% African-American owned and widely distributed on their nationwide platform.”
Further, in many of the U.S. cities where Comcast has a dominant share of the cable market, African-Americans comprise a majority or near majority of the population. For example, in Philadelphia — the city in which Comcast is headquartered — African-Americans make up more than 43 percent of the city’s population.
Are White Actresses Stealing Black Women’s Roles?
Are White Actresses Stealing Black Women’s Roles? Angelina Jolie to Play Cleopatra, ‘Queen of the Nile’
Film producer Scott Rudin has purchased the film rights to upcoming biography ‘Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra: A Life,’ and has confirmed that the movie is being developed for and with [Angelina] Jolie.” Jolie, a Hollywood A-lister, will do her best in bringing the story of the famed Egyptian queen to life, and it appears no one doubts she can do it… including Pulitzer prize-winning author Stacy Schiff, who penned the biography, “Cleopatra: A Life,” a book that won’t be on shelves until the fall.
Schiff already heavily endorses Jolie, stating, “I think she’d be perfect for it and I can see a possible Oscar in her future. Physically, she’s got the perfect look.”
Continue reading "Are White Actresses Stealing Black Women’s Roles?" »
May 24, 2010
Macy Gray – The Sellout
The Sellout - Macy Grey
At the start of 2009 and ten years into her career, Macy Gray found herself a free agent and on the verge of “The Sellout.” Sure, she sold 15 million albums, scored two Grammy Awards, two MTV awards and with “I Try,” had one of the most successful singles of all time, but after 2007’s Big, she found herself alone, with no one to answer to but herself. Big was the slickest album of her career and she considered going even further away from the true, gritty, whiskey-voice Macy, following instead of leading. In other words, selling out.
“I thought after Big flopped maybe I should do what everyone else was doing,” she says. “Go out and hire the hottest producers, the best writers, get real skinny. But none of those people called me back.”
The Disney Reggae Club
Walt Disney Records Presents – The Disney Reggae Club
The magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica, as Walt Disney Records readies an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. The Disney Reggae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films – from “The Little Mermaid” to “Jungle Book” – recorded by such esteemed artists as Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toots & the Maytals fame), five time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae’s most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Cedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu. The album is set to arrive in stores and at online retailers June 8.
April 29, 2010
Distant Relatives
Nas & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley – Distant Relatives
What we’re about to do right now is go back. Back to a time when rap’s greatest hits were created in basement soundrooms, not corporate boardrooms. When dancehall and hip hop music was all about moving the crowd not “moving units.”
Perfect Combination
Perfect Combination – DVD
Rick (Christian Keyes, Madea Goes to Jail) has got it allexcept a steady woman. As his 30th birthday approaches, he decides to enlist the help of a matchmaking service called Perfect Combination, launching a hilarious dating journey of one catastrophic date after another. With his luck and the “help” of an over-opinionated group of friends with their own romantic problems, will Rick ever find true love? With an irresistible cast that includes Angell Conwell (Baby Boy), Tiffany Hines (Beyond the Break) and Kareem Grimes (The Shield), Perfect Combination adds up to sexy, laugh-out-loud fun!
Source: thinktankmktg
New Amerykah Part Two
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh
When Erykah pics up a mic, people listen. This time around, ThinkTank wanted to make sure that EVERYONE listens. Through digital awareness of her single and controversial video, and an exclusive partnership with Good Wood for limited quantity, Erykah-inspired jewelry, we’ve got a ‘Window Seat’ on this take off to the success of New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh!
My brother, Gang Starr’s Guru
My brother, Gang Starr’s Guru
Written by Harry J. Elam Jr.
Harry Elam
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Boston-born Keith Elam, who rose to fame as Guru, founder of the rap group Gang Starr and a person who sought to merge rap and jazz,died earlier this week. His brother, Harry, a distinguished professor of drama at Stanford, has written this remembrance).
“Positivity, that’s how I’m livin..’” So goes the lyric from my brother’s early hip-hop song, “Positivity.” My brother Keith Elam, the hip-hop artist known as GURU—Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal—died this week at the too-young age of 48 because of complications from cancer. ‘Positivity’ was what he sought to bring to the music and to his life, and for me that will be a large part of his legacy.
In February of this year, my brother went into a coma, and I traveled across the country from my home in California to see him. At his bedside, I stood and stared at his overly frail frame, his head that he had kept clean-shaven for the last 20 years uncommonly covered with hair, his body connected to a sea of tubes and wires. I listened to the whirl of machines around us and took his hand. As I did, my mind flashed back to now-distant times, so many memories. And I saw us as teenagers at the beach on Cape Cod playing in the water together. And I saw us as boys, driving to school. My brother was five years younger than me, so we attended the same school only for one year — my senior year, his seventh-grade year — at Noble and Greenough School, and I would often drive us both to school. Invariably, I made us late, yet my brother, never as stressed as me, was always impressively calm. At school he endured the jests and teasing from the other boys about being my “little brother.” I was president of the school and had charted a certain path at Nobles. But my brother found his own creative route at school, as he would throughout his life. His journey was never easy, never direct, but inventive. Through it all he remained fiercely determined with a clear and strong sense of self.
Over the years I had proudly watched my brother perform in a wide variety of contexts. While at Nobles, we had a black theatre troupe known as “the Family.” In 1973, we put on a play entitled ”A Medal for Willie,” by William Branch, and because he was only in the seventh grade, Keith played only a small role, but even then you could see his flair for performance, his comfort on the stage. At home, our older sister Patricia would teach him the latest dances, and he would execute them with verve as I watched from the sidelines, impressed with his moves, and not without a few twinges of jealousy since I’ve always had two left feet. As a teenager he raced as a speed skater. I do not remember how he became involved in the sport; I only remember traveling with my family to watch his meets in the suburbs of Boston. I do not remember if he won or lost, I do know that he always competed with great ferocity and commitment.
When he announced to me that he was dropping out of graduate school at the Fashion Institute of Technology to pursue a career in rap, I thought he was making a grave mistake and warned him against it. But as always he was determined, and in the end he would succeed beyond perhaps what even he had imagined. Early on in his rap journey, he visited me in Washington., D.C., over a Thanksgiving weekend. I was teaching at the University of Maryland then, and we went to what was perhaps the most dreadful party we had ever attended. As we hastened out the door, I apologized for bringing him to this party. My brother replied “let’s write a rap song about it,” and we did. The lyrics made us laugh as we collaborated on the rhyme scheme and rode off into the D.C. night. It is one of my fondest memories, this spontaneous brotherly moment of collaboration and play.
Keith’s big break came with Spike Lee’s film ”Mo’ Better Blues,” with his song “A Jazz Thing” underscoring the credits. I watched that film over and over again just to hear my brother at its end. Soon he was on to creating his first Jazzmatazz album with others to follow, and he became credited for creating a fusion between jazz and hip hop. To be sure, that fusion owes something to our grandfather Edward Clark and Keith’s godfather, George Johnson, who introduced Keith to jazz by playing their favorite albums for him. He credits them both on his first Jazzmatazz. That first Jazzmatazz album featured musical heroes of my youth, Roy Ayers, and Donald Byrd, and here was my brother featuring them on his album. And with this success, came tours. I have seen him perform all over the world, and each time he would give a shout out from the stage to his brother and my wife, Michele. And I was so proud. It sometimes struck me with awe that all these people were there to see my brother. I watched him deal out magic; he was in his element feeling the crowd, and them responding to his groove. This was my baby brother, the kid with whom I once shared a room. The kid whose asthma would cause him to hack and cough and wheeze at night keeping me up. But when I would complain, my parents would send me out of the room. The message was clear: Love your siblings, whatever their frailties. Shorter than me and slighter of build, my brother suffered from asthma and allergies his whole life, but he was always a survivor.
Back in 1993, when he played at Stanford University, I was in perhaps my third year as a professor there. As I walked into the auditorium that night, the assembled audience of students looked at me with a new awareness, “that’s the Guru’s brother,” not that’s Professor Elam, but the Guru’s brother.
And I was, and am, the Guru’s brother. I admired and loved him deeply, my little brother. And I was and am so proud of him, and how he made his dreams reality . And with the outpouring of love that has crowded my e-mail with his passing, I know that he touched so many with his music. My brother cared deeply about family. He raps of my parents in more than one song. They are featured on his video “Ex girl to next girl.” It was one thing seeing my brother on MTV; it was another seeing my parents. His son K.C. was the joy of his was the joy of his life.
The doctors told me back in February that there was not much chance of my brother recovering from the coma. But my brother has always been a fighter, always been one to overcome surprising adversities, so this seemed just one more. We prayed that he would again prevail. But it was not to be. Still his drive, his spirit, his energy, his positivity will live on, and so will his music. “that’s how I’m livin…”
Harry J. Elam Jr. is the chairman of the drama department at Stanford University and the author of several books, including “The Past as Present in the Drama of August Wilson.”
_________
Source:
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2010/04/23/my_brother_gang_starrs_guru/?page=1
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.
February 12, 2010
I Will Not Apologize
I Will Not Apologize
Writer, actor and comedian Charlie Murphy has been a favorite since he captured the funny bones of America as a regular on the Emmy-nominated "Chappelle's Show." Murphy's breakout role – as himself – in his "True Hollywood Story" about Rick James and Prince ranks among the best sketch comedy performances of all time. Murphy, the brother of fellow comedian Eddie Murphy, will bring his no-holds-barred comedy to his first live performance DVD, "I Will Not Apologize," being released nationwide on February 16 by Image Entertainment.
Throughout his career, Charlie Murphy has done it all. As co-star of Comedy Central's top-rated "Chappelle's Show," writer of the DreamWorks comedy "Norbit" and voice on the critically acclaimed cartoon "The Boondocks," Charlie Murphy has made quite a name for himself. His film credits have spanned the last 20 years, ranging from "Harlem Nights" with Eddie Murphy to "The Perfect Holiday" with Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union. Now, drenched in the same "in-your-face" style of comedy that has made him a fan favorite, Charlie Murphy delivers his debut stand-up performance, "I Will Not Apologize," as only he can…raw and uncut.
January 21, 2010
NYOIL -Vs- Carol M. Swain
NYOIL faces off with Carol M. Swain on BBC "World Have Your Say"
Today Live on the BBC's program "World Have Your Say" Hip Hop Artist/ Activist/ and the I.B.W. Ambassador to Hip Hop NYOIL faced off against conservative Carol M. Swain (http://www.carolmswain.net/biointro.html) in a discussion on Barack Obama's first year in Office.
A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief'
'Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief' Adds New Musical Performances And Celebrity Participants
Beyonce to Perform in London Madonna in New York City Haitian Artist Emeline Michel in Los Angeles Participants to include President Bill Clinton, Ben Stiller, Brad Pitt, Chris Rock, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jon Stewart, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hanks, Will Smith with Muhammad Ali, and More Than One Hundred of the Biggest Names in Film, Television, and Music "Hope for Haiti Now" to Begin Accepting Donations via Online, Phone, Text and Mail at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, January 22 Music Performances Available for Pre-Order Exclusively on iTunes
Continue reading "A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief'" »
December 15, 2009
Wale
Attention Deficit
It's an intensely musical city, volatile, stratified, somewhat disenfranchised. Natives often chirp about the ‘crab-in-the-bucket' syndrome when it comes to artists' getting up and out. But without struggle there is no progress. And when they do get out, boy, watch out.
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Message To The Other Side (Osirus Part 1)
After establishing the Wu-Tang Clan, Ol' Dirty Bastard went on to a successful solo career. However, his professional success was hampered by his erratic personal behavior and frequent legal troubles, including incarceration He died in late 2004 of an accidental drug overdose only two days before his 36th birthday.
Kelis
Kelis; yet to be titled album
Harlem-bred vocalist Kelis left her parents' home at 16, but continued her education at the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. 2 years later with the support of producers The Neptunes, she landed herself a recording deal
Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire - Venom
The Houston-based entrepreneur strives to constantly elevate, adapt and grow through his music, his business ventures, and his relationships. These traits helped him become a mixtape phenomenon before he had a major recording contract. Chamillionaire has managed to become an internet forerunner at a time when others have failed to capitalize on the web's reach, a platinum plus selling artist during a time of sagging record sales, and a businessman who runs several successful companies.
All of his achievements and past experiences played a major part in shaping the direction of Chamillionaire's second major label album, "The Ultimate Victory." In fact, it was his time on the road and in the studio that provided a purpose for the man also known as The Mixtape Messiah as he crafted his new release. "Behind the scenes, a lot of artists talk about everything that they think is wrong with the world, but when it comes time to address the issues through their music, they don't," he explains. "I decided I couldn't sit back and needed to be the one to say something."
Unexpected
"Unexpected" By Angie Stone
Her new album, Unexpected, set for release on November 24th from Stax Records (a division of Concord Music Group), encompasses a diversity of styles and influences that Stone has distilled over the years – rap, R&B, soul, funk and more – and weaves them together in a narrative that addresses life's ups and downs, but ultimately strikes a redemptive chord.
"I wanted this album to be something different," says Stone, whose 2007 Stax debut, The Art of Love & War, was her first album to top Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart. "I didn't want to make the kind of neo-soul record I had made in the past. That would have been repetitive."
November 23, 2009
Who's; The Richest dead celebrity?
Richest dead celebrity: Bob Marley
A deal with the music superstar's estate is set to generate more than $1 billion in worldwide annual sales by 2012.
By Erik Heinrich, contributor
TORONTO (Fortune) -- Is reggae superstar Bob Marley bigger than Jesus? That's debatable, but the music legend who died 28 years ago is about to challenge Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson for the title of richest dead celebrity.
Toronto-based private-equity firm Hilco Consumer Capital has struck a management deal with the Marley estate, which is expected to generate worldwide annual sales in excess of $1 billion by 2012. That seems like a huge number, but by some estimates the Marley name, sound, and image already generate as much as $600 million in pirated merchandise.
"Marley is a strong global brand," says Mickey Goodman, a professional marketer and professor at New York University's Stern School of Business. "He enjoys a high level of awareness, and people feel positive about his music."
Major licensing agreements for the Marley brand are about to be launched in two key areas: consumer electronics -- including headphones, docking stations, and speakers -- and health care, which will likely feature skin-care products and herbal supplements. Also in the works, according to Hilco, are deals for a Marley-branded calming beverage, a video game similar to Guitar Hero featuring Marley's songs, and a chain of restaurants celebrating the music superstar.
0:00 /2:41Money to be made by dead celebs
Could this be commercial overkill for the Rastafarian whose spiritual songs about social injustice, hope, and redemption have become anthems for billions of fans, from Marrakech to Tokyo, and will it alienate them?
"This is not just about money," says Jamie Salter, Hilco's chief executive. "We have to believe in the people and products we partner with." Salter adds that the Marley estate will have final say on all business ventures, and that charities will figure into the overall mix of Marley branding.
Licensing of dead celebrities is an industry that has exploded in the last decade, thanks in large part to the proliferation of websites and blogs devoted to their memory. Typically, an estate receives 10% to 15% of gross proceeds from a licensing deal, which in this case will be divided between Hilco and the Marley family.
The artist who created such reggae hits as "One Love," "No Woman, No Cry," and "I Shot the Sheriff" fathered a total of 13 children, some out of wedlock, and it's not clear how many are included in the estate. Salter declined to explain how proceeds will be divided between his management company -- which also has an equity stake in a number of high-profile brands, including Polaroid, Sharper Image, and fashion label Halston -- and the Marleys.
However, at a conservative 10%, licensing fees from $1 billion in annual sales should pull in about $100 million for Hilco and the Marleys. That tops the latest figures reported for Presley ($55 million), John Lennon ($15 million), and Jimi Hendrix ($8 million).
Michael Jackson -- who is worth more dead than alive with an estimated $90 million in earnings in the last 12 months -- appears to be Marley's nearest rival for the richest-dead-celebrity crown. However, much of Jackson's reversal of fortune is due to a sharp spike in the sales of his albums and merchandise in the weeks following his death, as well as the one-time success of "This Is It," a film documenting rehearsals for shows he never performed at London's O2 arena.
But the danger of operating the Marley marketing machine in overdrive is that it could irreparably harm the natural mystic's image. Some brand experts now view Elvis as more of a caricature than icon as a result of overexposure.
For Sanjay Sood, director of the Entertainment & Media Management Institute at UCLA, there's one question to ask: If Marley were alive today, would he want his name associated with a particular product? "A lot of artists would say 'no,'" says Sood. "Otherwise, they would have done it when they were alive."
Presley's estate, which is managed by New York-based CKX, launched a line of clothing that turned out to be a bust. (CKX also controls the Muhammad Ali brand and has an equity stake in the company that produces the "American Idol" television show.)
More recently, Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has licensed her husband's song "Real Love" to be used by JC Penny (JCP, Fortune 500) in television ads, and she's given Ben & Jerry's ice cream permission to release a Lennon-inspired flavor called "Imagine Whirled Peace."
Salter of Hilco says the Marley brand has a long way to go before reaching saturation, noting he also considered doing business with the Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, and Jimi Hendrix estates, but settled on the Rastafarian from Trench Town, Jamaica, because that's where he says he saw the biggest potential.
There has never been a better time, it seems, to be a dead celebrity -- or perhaps, more precisely, the heir to a dead celebrity's name.
Source: CNNMoney.com
ANTHONY B TO WIN A GRAMMY?
ANTHONY B TO WIN A GRAMMY?
Reggae's most prolific and engaging artist Anthony B was notified that he could be nominated for a Grammy Award in the field "Best Reggae Album" for the 2009 release "Rize Up." Anthony B is teaming up with music producer and president of Raffles Entertainment, Raffles van Exel to start an Grammy Nomination awareness campaign.
"It is just amazing to be considered for a nomination!" Anthony B said. "Just to be named among a field with some of the greats in Reggae is something that I will cherish. If I am nominated, it will be a great honor."
"We want to secure this Grammy nomination for Anthony B because he is an amazing artist. He deserves a nomination and to ultimately win." Says Raffles van Exel. "We will do everything in our power at Raffles Entertainment to secure the nomination!"
Anthony B is considered to be one of the most prolific Reggae singers in the industry. He has released 13 albums, over 1000 singles and appearances on over 100 albums in the last 14 years. Anthony B is an electrifying performer whose music grips the public social conscience.
Anthony B has collaborated with Bone Crusher, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, and a host of other artists.
source: PRLog
Glen Beck’s Mumia obsession
Fox finds a new Black boogeyman: Glen Beck’s Mumia obsession
Demand a civil rights investigation for Mumia on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of Justice
Introductory comment by revolutionary journalist Kiilu Nyasha: I met Linn Washington in Philadelphia in 1995 when I managed to cover – for Black August ‘95 on KPFA – the last August hearing with Mumia present in court. He is a fine journalist and has been there for Mumia from the gitgo.
During that last August hearing, Judge Sabo was demonstrating his overt racism blatantly – more so than any other white racist judge I’d ever seen, and I’d seen several by then. Gov. Tom Ridge, who became U.S. national security advisor post-9/11 – had signed a death warrant and Mumia was scheduled for execution Aug. 17. We raised hell, with MOVE in the lead, and the death penalty was rescinded.
But here we are again, almost 20 years later, with Mumia still on death row, our movement in the doldrums, and right-wing mass media crucifying him as we speak. But can we blame it all on Fox? I think not. I think we have to blame our collective selves for the present-day passivity and non-movement.
Kiilu Nyasha - Photo: Scott Braley
We – especially Black and Brown folks – have dropped the ball big time. Oh, we can find all kinds of excuses, but excuses are like assholes; everyone’s got one. And, dammit, we’ve got to step up the pressure on this system to abolish the death penalty and free our political prisoners. Mumia, as Linn details, is the victim of the Philadelphia reactionary, racist power structure that could not tolerate such a politically charged voice, truly the voice of the voiceless.
The oldest civil rights organization in the country is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Where have these Johnny come lately NAACP folks been all this time? They have chapters all across this country, yet they’ve left the organizing around Mumia’s case to left-wing white folks whose denied racism has successfully run folks of color, especially Blacks, right out of the campaigns.
Are we gonna step back and let our stand-up brother, who has dedicated his entire life – co-founded the Philly Black Panther Party chapter when he was about 16 years old, becoming its minister of information – be murdered by the state? Without a real fight?
by Linn Washington Jr.
Relax Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Mumia Abu-Jamal - Photo: Prison Radio
The Fox News cable channel crew has discovered a new all-purpose Black boogey-man to rile latent racial animosity in America: Mumia Abu-Jamal, the internationally acclaimed death row journalist.
Abu-Jamal is now a regular reference in the weapons of mass deception arsenal employed by Fox and its friends to demonize their enemies de jour.
A few weeks ago, the campaign mounted by two Fox ideological allies that successfully sacked Fox liberal commentator Dr. Marc Lamont Hill highlighted Hill’s backing of a fair trial for Abu-Jamal as an objectionable offense.
Far-right agitators David Horowitz and Cliff Kincaid saw sinful scandal in Fox simply employing Columbia University Professor Hill for what the scholar was: a liberal hired by Fox to question postures conservatives proclaim sacrosanct.
Kincaid, in an Oct. 19 posting on his Accuracy in Media site, scored Hill for calling Abu-Jamal a “freedom fighter and political prisoner.”
Earlier this summer Fox’s onslaught against now former White House “Green Jobs Czar” Van Jones frequently cited Jones’ support for Abu-Jamal, who is on Pennsylvania’s death row due to a controversy-mired conviction for killing a Philadelphia policeman.
For weeks, Fox’s popular Glenn Beck bashed Jones for supporting efforts to free “a communist cop killer” – irrespective of the fact that Abu-Jamal is not a communist and card carrying communists never reference Abu-Jamal as a member of their movement.
Frequent emphasis by advocates of Abu-Jamal’s execution, including Fox hosts, that courts have repeatedly held up Abu-Jamal’s conviction ignore an improbability embedded in that accurate statement about this case.
The same Philadelphia and Pennsylvania courts that have found major flaws in 86 Philadelphia death penalty convictions between Abu-Jamal’s December 1981 arrest and October 2009 declare that not a single error exists in America’s most publicly contentious murder case.
Pennsylvania courts, for example, find no foul in prosecutors improperly excluding Blacks from Abu-Jamal’s trial jury, manipulating evidence and making secret deals with alleged eyewitnesses – all fundamental fair trial violations producing favorable actions by those courts for defendants in numerous cases.
Another example is Pennsylvania state and federal courts voiding 22 death penalties because of failures by defense lawyers to present any mitigating evidence for their clients during death penalty phase hearings following guilty verdicts.
However, those same courts found no fault in the failure of Abu-Jamal’s trial counsel to present any mitigating evidence during the penalty phase hearing.
A problem more troubling than the penchant of Fox and friends to fudge facts is the fact that too much of the mainstream media uncritically embraces rhetoric oozing from the far right, rarely subjecting that rhetoric to full and fair reporting that is supposed to be the cornerstone of journalism.
This lack of full and fair reportage polluted coverage of the onslaught against Van Jones and has long corrupted coverage of the controversial Abu-Jamal conviction.
A Sept. 6, 2009, New York Times article on the resignation of Van Jones from his White House post listed Jones’ public support of Abu-Jamal as one of Jones’ alleged liabilities.
However, that Times article lacked any reference to the fact that Jones, as an Ivy League trained lawyer involved with social justice issues, could legitimately have concerns about the disturbing evidence of fair trial rights violations enmeshed in Abu-Jamal’s conviction.
“Human rights organizations have pointed to egregious procedural mistakes in Abu-Jamal’s original trial, which were obviously rooted in a background of prevalent racism,” stated a resolution approved on Oct. 28 by the City Council of Munich, Germany. Elected leaders in over 25 cities from San Francisco to Copenhagen have approved resolutions demanding a new trial for Abu-Jamal.
Linn Washington Jr.
The seminal February 2000 Amnesty International report on the Abu-Jamal case concluded that “numerous aspects of this case clearly failed to meet minimum international standards safeguarding the fairness of legal proceedings.”
Yet, the New York Times and other major American newspapers deemed Amnesty International’s Abu-Jamal report not worthy of coverage despite major papers carrying nearly thirty articles referencing other AI actions during a ten-day time period surrounding release of that Abu-Jamal report.
Philadelphia’s largest newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, ran a 53-word News Brief on page 2 of its B-section on that 35-page Amnesty International report.
Although the AI report was the first from a major organization to thoroughly document egregious shenanigans by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the Abu-Jamal case, the Inquirer did not consider that report significant enough for full article coverage despite having published 67 articles mentioning Abu-Jamal in 1999 alone.
The mainstream news media’s mile-wide-but-inch-thick coverage of Abu-Jamal aids the ability of Fox, its friends and others to exploit public misunderstandings about this case.
Fair trial proceedings are a fundamental tenant of American democracy. Yet, the judge presiding during Abu-Jamal’s trial displayed unfair bias by proclaiming before jury selection that he was going to help prosecutors “fry the nigger.”
While such an overtly racist remark generally constitutes a judicial error requiring reversal of a conviction, a Philadelphia judge ruled no error existed because the jury not the judge convicted Abu-Jamal. That ruling contradicts the reality that judges control what evidence a jury hears.
That Amnesty International report noted that “the jury was left unaware of much of the crucial information regarding” the policeman’s death due in part to “the overt hostility of the trial judge.”
Surprisingly, a mainstream media usually quick to prick racially inflammatory remarks exhibits little interest in numerous instances of racism infecting the Abu-Jamal case.
Evidence of outrageous errors underlying Abu-Jamal’s conviction literally hides in plain sight. One glaring example is photos of the December 1981 crime scene taken by police investigators that do not show a critical element of the prosecution’s case against Abu-Jamal.
The eyewitness testimony of cab driver Robert Chobert was a central pillar of the prosecution’s case against Abu-Jamal, but police crime scene photos do not show Chobert’s cab behind the slain officer’s patrol car where prosecutors claimed it was parked when Abu-Jamal allegedly killed Officer Daniel Faulkner.
Four police photos capturing different angles of the crime scene contained in the trailer for a forthcoming film about Abu-Jamal’s case do not show Chobert’s cab.
There are only two possible scenarios for the missing cab in those crime scene photos: Either police tampered with the crime scene by removing the cab or the cab was never there. Either scenario is a major legal violation warranting a new trial.
Curiously, inconsistencies in crime scene evidence and irregularities in court rulings rarely elicit attention in mainstream media coverage of the Abu-Jamal case that takes a guilty-as-charged tact. Yet these inconsistencies and irregularities are what fuel the vast international movement supporting a new trial for Abu-Jamal.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, Abu-Jamal supporters have scheduled a rally at the U.S. Justice Department headquarters in Washington, D.C., urging Attorney General Eric Holder to launch a civil rights investigation into violations rampant in this contentious case.
One major civil rights violation often overlooked by Abu-Jamal supporters and ignored by his opponents occurred during a critical 1995 appeal hearing. Pennsylvania’s then Gov. Tom Ridge sabotaged that proceeding by improperly issuing a death warrant based on confidential information Ridge’s aides obtained from state prison personnel, who were illegally intercepting mail sent to Abu-Jamal by his defense lawyers.
Ridge’s warrant enabled biased trial Judge Albert Sabo to rush that appeal hearing where Sabo denied defense lawyers standard opportunities to adequately gather and present evidence.
While a federal appeals court faulted prison personnel for illegally opening Abu-Jamal’s legal mail neither federal nor state courts have found any fault in the damage to fair trial proceedings done by Ridge’s malicious action.
One problem with mainstream media coverage of the Abu-Jamal case and other instances of racial related injustices from the criminal justice system to other sectors of society like education or employment is that coverage presents racial inequities as isolated instead of endemic.
Failure to present inequities in context deprives the public of proper understanding. The 1968 Kerner Commission Report on race relations in America faulted the news media for this failure.
As noted in the Kerner Report, “If what the white American reads in the newspapers or sees on television conditions his expectation of what is ordinary and normal in the larger society, he will neither understand nor accept the Black American.”
Linn Washington Jr. is an associate professor of journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia and a columnist for the Philadelphia Tribune. He writes regularly on the Abu-Jamal case, inequities in the justice system and racism in the news media. This story originally appeared in Counterpunch.
October 15, 2009
Reggae star vs. 'Samurai'
Reggae star vs. 'Samurai'
A reggae star was slashed by a samurai-sword-wielding neighbor in Brooklyn yesterday during a fight over a woman, authorities and witnesses said.
Major Mackerel, whose real name is Garfield Dixon, 41, suffered deep cuts on his hand and head in the 8 a.m. assault with the 2-foot-long blade.
Oscar Joseph, 37, flew into a rage at their building on East 91st Street in East Flatbush because he suspected Dixon -- whose songs include "Fren Enemy" and "Pretty Looks Done" -- of harassing his wife, witnesses said.
"I came out this morning, walked past him singing my song, and we had a little fight," a bandaged Dixon said as he returned to his house yesterday.
But the exchange got hotter than a Jamaican summer, and Joseph allegedly whipped out the blade.
"When I saw him rush at Major, I ran right in," said Dixon's girlfriend , Novia Watson, 51.
"When I came back out, the damage was done. I could see him bleeding a lot."
Dixon was taken to Kings County Hospital.
"It's just a big surprise to me," said Dixon, sporting a hospital gown, with gauze wrapped around his head and hand. "I was just trying to not get stabbed."
Dixon claimed that he was not the one who harassed the suspect's wife.
Joseph was charged with assault, menacing and weapons possession.
Additional reporting by Jamie Schram and Tom Liddy
Source: NYPOST
October 07, 2009
THE MANNSFIELD 12 AIRING ON BET NOVEMBER
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY GETS A SNEAK PEAK OF THE MANNSFIELD 12 AIRING ON BET NOVEMBER 7TH TO KICKOFF BET HIP HOP AWARDS WEEKEND 2009
(Atlanta, GA)- On October 8, 2009 Craig Ross Jr. will premiere his award winning film The Mannsfield 12, at Clark Atlanta University in part with BET Hip Hop Awards Weekend. In lieu of the upcoming BET premiere, which airs next month, CAUs Campus Activities Board (CAB), is hosting an official screening of The Mannsfield 12 at the Carl & Mary Ware Student Activities Center in the heart of the AUC.
Subsequent to the screening, Ross Jr. (writer, producer and director of the film), will make himself available for an exclusive Q&A and cast members Joe Torry (Poetic Justice), Aaron D. Spears (The Bold and the Beautiful) and William L. Johnson (Motives 2), are set to join him.
The official Mannsfield 12 BET Hip Hop Awards Pre-party will be held the following night at Club 495 in Atlanta.
The Mannsfield 12 marks Ross's 7th project as an independent feature film director and he is showing no signs of slowing down. Armed with a brilliant script and capable cast, The Mannsfield 12, has unsurprisingly won Ross two awards – one being "Best Director" and another for "Best Screenplay." Through his many accomplishments Craig Ross Jr.'s has become known as one of the premiere urban independent filmmakers in Hollywood. In short, The Mannsfield 12 tells the story of a small group of men that come to grips with the reality that being good at what they did made them criminals…and standing up for who they were, made them legends.
"I did the movie because I hadn't seen anything like it before," Ross Jr. said. "I asked myself what if these inmates had made different choices in their lives... 'Where would they be now?'"
The Mannsfield 12 is scheduled to air on the BET Network November 7, 2009. Please check your local listing for specific airtime. For more info and to view the trailer please go to www.themannsfield12.com.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
The Mannsfield 12 Screening at Clark University
Carl & Mary Ware Activities Center
Room 102
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Host: Angel Robinson, green carpet correspondent for "The Yard" radio show
Co-host: Chrystal Davis, Clark Atlanta University Junior Class Representative & Co-President of Campus Activities Board (CAB).
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009
495 Night Club
Hosts: The Cast of The Mannsfield 12
Address: 495 Peachtree St.
Media & Celebrity RSVP's for all events can be made to christiwithaneye@gmail.com or Cnicolepr@gmail.com.
ABOUT MANNSFIELD 12: The East Wing in Mannsfield State Penitentiary is a special place that the warden has for the most successful hustlers in the joint. Twelve inmates reside in East Wing. If you live in the East Wing it's because you have a hustle so sweet the warden wants you close so that his kick back comes easier. Andrew Perryman was sent to Mannsfield on an eighteen-month sentence. To teach him a lesson, his father silently pays the warden $50,000 a month to put young Perryman in with hardcore criminals. Andrew caves psychologically from all the intimidation and violence of the East Wing. After stabbing Barron, the guard, in an effort to keep his monthly pay off coming in, the warden seeks a confession from the other inmates and tortures all twelve one by one. But the warden greatly underestimates these twelve men and in doing so, he underestimates the human spirit.
ABOUT CRAIG ROSS, JR: Craig Ross Jr. was born in Boston Massachusetts. After attending film school at the prestigious New York University, Craig established his own production company Asiatic Associates (ASA), now known as Asiatic Incorporated. Under Craig's direction, this production company has produced such films as Cappuccino and the award winning Blue Hill Avenue. Craig has directed hit television shows for CBS, NBC and the Fox Networks. Television shows such as Cold Case, Crossing Jordan, Bones and Standoff. In 2001, he was awarded the Black Film award and Grand Jury Prize for Best U.S. Film, and Best Director for Blue Hill Avenue.
###
Contact: Christi With an Eye Public Relations
Christi Harber (christiwithaneye@gmail.com)
Nicole Pierce (cnicolepr@gmail.com)
312-451-3796
The Renaissance continues.
The Renaissance continues...Video Premiere: Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones "Life Is Better"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoscbxjcwU
Q-Tip announces the premiere of the video for "Life Is Better" featuring Norah Jones today on YouTube. The Grammy Award winners collaborate on this smooth, funk-jazz track from Q-Tip's 2008 album The Renaissance. As heard, the duo celebrates the rich history of hip-hop starting with Kool Herc to current hitmakers such as Jay-Z and Kanye.
Having made many of 2008's year end "best of" lists, The Renaissance continues to gain recognition with a 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards nomination for "CD of the Year." The awards show is scheduled to premiere Oct. 27th at 8:00pm on BET.
While Q-Tip is still riding the success of The Renaissance, his newest album was years in the making. After struggling with his previous label to put out the shelved Kamaal the Abstract, he finally found a home for it at Battery Records. The long-awaited September 15th, 2009 release with its daring mélange of soul, supa-cool jazz, head nodding hip-hop, and organic pop magic was re-mixed and re-mastered for sonic impact. To stream Kamaal the Abstract in full, visit http://www.myspace.com/qtip.
Previously released videos from The Renaissance:
Gettin' Up- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A3OHelBweY
Move- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnpy7PEfWxo
ManWomanBoogie- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWHDoP5uwh8
Renaissance Rap- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6mzS7lIFrc
Q-Tip on MySpace
For more information, please contact:
Ben-David Fenwick
bdfenwick@gmail.com
c: 917-885-4415
Queen Latifah's Curves Bring Sexy Back; OneStopPlus.com Celebrates Real Sized Women
Queen Latifah's Curves Bring Sexy Back; OneStopPlus.com Celebrates Real Sized Women
NEW YORK, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- OneStopPlus.com, the leading online destination for curvy women looking for affordable fashion, asked their customers to vote for the sexiest plus-size woman in the world with their first ever Sexiest Plus Size Survey. http://www.onestopplus.com/sexiest. This exciting interactive survey asked shoppers to vote for one of 10 sexy plus-size women, reminding the world of just how sexy, "Real Women" are perceived today. Racking in 42% of the votes, famous actress and musician, Queen Latifah's bodacious bod is the one that stands out amongst the rest.
With this survey, OneStopPlus.com enabled millions of women to voice their opinion of who they deem the sexiest plus-size celebrity and that person that inspires their fashion, beauty and lifestyle the most. Posted on the site for multiple weeks and sent to customers through a dedicated email blast, this survey invited shoppers to vote from 10 of the most inspirational curvy actresses, singers and models including, in rank order starting with the winner: Queen Latifah, Whitney Thompson, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Hudson, Crystal Renn, Kirstie Alley, Jill Scott, Jennifer Coolidge, Kate Dilon and Mia Tyler.
Nancy Nadler LeWinter, Editorial Director for OneStopPlus.com, noted, "We are excited about this survey as it endorses the beauty of women of all sizes. There is no singular definition of beauty and now plus-size women, the majority of the population, have a voice in choosing the most beautiful curvy women in history. Now that the votes are in, we can say, 'All Hail The Queen!'"
OneStopPlus.com, the world's first and only online plus size fashion mall has long recognized the plus-size consumer. In business since 2007, OneStopPlus.com frequently adds new styles and brands, offering editorial like content, how-to-videos, a plus size blog and runway shows all in an effort to help the average woman embrace her curves.
Plus-size women now have the same fashion choices as their size 4 counterparts, with access to everything from the classics to the latest trends in fashion and accessories. Designers showcased on the site include: Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London, Avenue, European fashion brands Ellos and Taillissime, along with many others.
About OneStopPlus.com®
OneStopPlus.com® is a Redcats company located on Fashion Avenue on New York City. It is the world's first and only web-mall for plus-size women and big & tall men. The OneStopPlus.com® philosophy for plus-size women is reflected in every aspect of its website. The look and feel is upscale and the collections are not considered simply as clothing, but fashion. Plus-size women now have the same fashion choices as their size 8 counterparts, with access to everything from the classics to what's right on the mark in terms of the latest trends. Featured on this website include leading designs in American and European plus size fashion from Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London, Avenue, Taillissime and Ellos.
About Redcats USA
Redcats USA is a dynamic, multi-channel, web-driven home-shopping leader, with numerous well-known brands in its portfolio: AVENUE®, Woman Within®, Jessica London®, Roaman's®, KingSize®, BrylaneHome® and BrylaneHome® Kitchen sold on OneStopPlus.com®, The Sportsman's Guide® and The Golf Warehouse®. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and sporting goods/outdoor gear.
Source: OneStopPlus.com
CONTACT: Lindsay Hymson, +1-212-584-4279, lhymson@5wpr.com, or Jocelyn
Kahn, +1-212-584-4307, jkahn@5wpr.com, both of 5W Public Relations, for
OneStopPlus.com
"JAGGED EDGE" RELEASE FIRST OFFICIAL SINGLE FROM THEIR UPCOMING 7TH ALBUM
GRAMMY NOMINATED CHART-TOPPING R&B GROUP "JAGGED EDGE" RELEASE FIRST OFFICIAL SINGLE FROM THEIR UPCOMING 7TH ALBUM "THE REMEDY"
TO BE RELEASED IN 2010
JAGGED EDGE
"Tip Of My Tongue"
featuring Gucci Mane & Trina
http://limelinx.com/files/5dc17443bc1601b2ce304fa57f816cb5
JAGGED EDGE
"Tip Of My Tongue"
Classic R&B Version
http://limelinx.com/files/8e19acf471d8c966a2e4e2d2ccc73a4a
October 7th - New York, N.Y. Slip-N-Slide Records, one of the top independent labels in the industry founded by Ted Lucas, is gearing up for the release of Grammy nominated and chart-topping R&B super group Jagged Edge's 7th album The Remedy in 2010 with the release of their first official single, "Tip Of My Tongue" produced by Miami based hit-maker Mad Skrews. The single, which has a classic "Jagged Edge" feel to it that devoted fans have been longing for, samples the classic Art of Noise "Moments In Love."
With three platinum albums, three gold albums and numerous hit singles to their credit, Grammy- nominated and chart-topping R&B super group Jagged Edge (made up of twin lead singers Brian Casey, Brandon Casey, Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo) recently signed with Slip-N-Slide Records in May 2008 and are in the studio working on their highly anticipated 7th album, "The Remedy," which is set for release in 2010. Devoted fans have been longing for the group's classic, memorable R&B tunes for quite some time so expect the future hit album "The Remedy" to reestablish Jagged Edge as a driving force in the world of Pop & R&B music.
Says Ted Lucas, "I'm excited to welcome Jagged Edge to the Slip-N-Slide Records family. They are one of the preeminent R&B groups of our time. They are going to pick up right where they left off and bring their fans some great new hit songs."
Says Brian and Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge, "We are happy to embark on our collaboration between 581 Muzik Group and Slip-N-Slide Records. They have been a dominating force in rap music and we have been a driving force in R&B Music. Together Ted Lucas and Jagged Edge will make for a groundbreaking 2010! Look out for our new album in 2010."
Jagged Edge (made up of twin lead singers Brian Casey, Brandon Casey, Kyle Norman and Richard Wingo) began their mainstream recording career in 1998 with the album A Jagged Era which went gold and featured the hit singles, "I Gotta Be" (which reached #11 on the R&B charts and #23 on the Hot 100) and "The Way That You Talk." Following their debut album Jagged Edge released their breakthrough album J.E. Heartbreak in 2000. The album went double platinum and featured the hit singles "Let's Get Married," "He Can't Love You" and the #1 hit single "Promise." The group's platinum selling third release Jagged Little Thrill was released in 2001 and included the #1 hit single, "Where The Party At." Jagged Edge's fourth album Hard, was released in 2003. The gold-selling album featured the hit single, "Walked Outta Heaven." Their fifth album Jagged Edge was released in 2006. The album went gold and featured the hit single, "Good Luck Charm." Jagged Edge have been nominated for several American Music Awards, BET Awards, Grammy Awards and won two Soul Train Awards in 2001 for Best R&B/Soul Album for J.E. Heartbreak and Best R&B/Soul single for "Let's Get Married."
To schedule an interview contact:
Marilyn Lopez Marilyn Public Relations (P) 917.969.1660 (E) mlopez@marilynpr.com
For more information on Jagged Edge log on to
www.slipnslideworld.com
July 21, 2009
M. C. Duncan to Star in Van Peebles Flick
Michael Clarke Duncan to Star in Van Peebles Flick
Michael Clarke Duncan and Morgan Simpson will star in the Mario Van Peebles directed indie flick, "Bailey." Heavy Duty Entertainment's Jeff Bails and Rhoades Rader are producing along with Charlie Poe.
The film, which will lens in Nashville in August, centers on spiritual redemption against the backdrop of Memphis blues. Simpson scripted and will play the title character.
Production on "Bailey" is expected to begin this August in Nashville.
Van Peebles recently wrapped "Kerosene Cowboys" for Yari Film Group. His credits include "New Jack City" and "Badasssss!"
Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington Walks Away form Film
Denzel Washington Walks Away from the "Unstoppable" Train
By Monique D. Love
After months of waiting on a firm budget for "Unstoppable," Denzel Washington has officially withdrawn from the film after Fox studios unsuccessfully attempted to cut his $20 million paycheck by $4 million. Once the Oscar-winning actor walked away from the film Fox executive created new offers hoping Washington would reconsider his decision.
According to Variety, Washington is looking for new projects to keep him occupied during the fall.
"Unstoppable" is about an engineer who jumps into a runaway train, filled with toxic chemicals, in order to stop the train from running into a town.
The project has been on the rocks for some weeks now, but Washington remained attached to the film in order to re-team with director Tony Scott (The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3). First Fox cut the $107 million budget to $100 million, and is now cutting it down again to about $90 million.
If Washington doesn’t reconsider the project, Fox is already looking for available stars to jump onto the film.
Source:
Jaden Smith Stars New Film
Jaden Smith Stars in Dad's Overbrook Entertainment Film
By Monique D. Love
Jaden Smith stars opposite Jackie Chan in "Kung Fu Kid," the spinoff of the 1984 hit film "The Karate Kid." Dad, Will Smith's production shingle, Overbrook Entertainment, is producing. In the film Chan mentors a bullied boy, Smith, to become an accomplished fighter.
Ken Stovitz from Overbrook Entertainment said "Kung Fu Kid" will be set in modern-day Beijing with a three month window for shooting
Production began last week, with a traditional Chinese Ceremony. Harald Zwart directs the film from Overbrook Entertertainment, Columbia Pictures, and China Film Group.
"Kung Fu Kid" is slated for an early June 2010 release.
Source
Source
Will Smith to Produce & Star in New Film
Will Smith Set to Produce and Star in New Film
By Monique D. Love
Will Smith and director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) will be teaming up again for the 20th Century Fox film "The City That Sailed." Smith’s company Overbrook will produce the film that is written by Andrew Nicool.
Continue reading "Will Smith to Produce & Star in New Film" »
"Are We There?" Set for Small Screen
"Are We There?" Set to Conquer the Small Screen
By Monique D. Love/Black Talent News
After a bidding war between networks TBS has picked up Ice Cube's television version of the film "Are We There Yet?" Cube Vision is set to produce, while Ali LeRoi ("Everybody Hates Chris") will write the show. According to Variety, TBS will initially pick up 10 episodes of "Are We There," with an option of 90 more.
Maxwell Dominates Billiboad
Maxwell Dominates the Billiboad 200
By Monique D. Love
Maxwell's comeback album "BLACKsummers'night" has been a success, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200. In its first week, "BLACKsummers'night" sold 316,000 copies, his last album "Now" also debuted at number 1 selling 296,000 copies in 2001.
New Amerykah, Pt. 2
New Amerykah, Pt. 2 for Erykah Badu
By Monique D. Love
Erykah Badu is back in the studio recording her fifth studio album, “New Amerykah, Pt. 2”.
Chrisette Michele Opens for Maxwell
Chrisette Michele Opens for Maxwell
Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michele, who continues to tour the U.S. aggressively this summer in support of her second album EPIPHANY - has been chosen as the opening act for one of the highest profile tours of 2009, as she joins fellow neo-soul artist Maxwell on the road in support of his 8-year comeback album, BLACKsummers'night (released July 7th).
MC Hammer Keynote Speaker for the Gravity Summit
MC Hammer is Keynote Speaker for the Gravity Summit
By Monique Love
Gravity Summit is has announced that MC Hammer, the multi-platinum selling rapper and Executive Producer and star of A & E's new reality series "Hammertime," will be the featured keynote speaker at the upcoming Social Media Marketing for Business conference at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, MA on August 31, 2009.
Continue reading "MC Hammer Keynote Speaker for the Gravity Summit" »
Ghostface Killah Write's Comic Book
Second Wu Tang Member to Get a Comic Book Deal
By Monique D. Love/Black Talent News
Rapper Ghostface Killah from the group Wu Tang Clan has written a comic, "Cell Block Z", that is set to drop on July 29.
Drake signs Young Money
Drake signs with Lil Wayne's Young Money Label
After weeks of speculation and one of the biggest bidding wars ever, Toronto-born rapper (and former "Degrassi" star), Drake (real name: Aubrey Drake Graham), officially signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money with distribution through Universal Republic. His debut album, "Thank Me Later," with reported collaborations with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, is slated for a late 2009 release.
Ne-Yo's Protege Jadyn Maria Signed to Universal Motown +
Ne-Yo's Protege Jadyn Maria Signed to Universal Motown + New Music Video!
Universal Motown Records announces the signing of Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo's protégé Jadyn Maria. The gifted singer-songwriter prepares to introduce herself to the world with her debut single, "Good Girls Like Bad Boys", featuring Flo-Rida. The infectious pulsing electronic track will soon heat up Top 40 and Crossover radio airwaves.
Continue reading "Ne-Yo's Protege Jadyn Maria Signed to Universal Motown +" »
July 03, 2009
UNPLUGGED’ PERFORMANCE BY DÁVILLE IN NY
UNIFYING ‘UNPLUGGED’ PERFORMANCE BY DÁVILLE IN NY
Chart topping international reggae singer, DáVille, took time out to send an inspirational message of encouragement and hope to the youths of Jamaica, when he performed at ‘Unified Unplugged’ recently at the Denim Lounge in Brooklyn, New York.
An impassioned DáVille said, “The children must be a focus for us as they are our future.” He recalled his days as a youth and some of the obstacles he had to overcome to achieve success. DáVille and Fashozy Records have made a commitment that as part of their philanthropic focus, they will donate time and resources to help uplift the youths.
Backed by the New Kingston band, who were opening acts of the night, DáVille treated his New York fans to an energetic entertaining performance as he dished out his current chart-topping songs, ‘Missing You Right Now’ and ‘Never Gonna Cry’. Fans were also taken down memory lane with some of their favourite hit songs such as ‘On My Mind’, ‘In Heaven’, ‘I'm In Love With You’, ‘My Grade’ and ‘Fling It Up’, among others.
The crowd became his personal back-up singers as they sang along with him word for word. They wouldn’t allow DáVille to exit the stage and begged for more. When the singer wrapped up his performance, he couldn’t escape the several fans who lined up for him to sign autographs and take photos with them.
There was also an interactive question and answer segment in which fans could get up close and personal with the singer.
One satisfied fan was quoted as saying, “Any time I go to a Dáville show, I get my money’s worth. He is a great performer.”
Founder and president of the ‘Unified Unplugged’ entertainment series, Ronnie Tomlinson, explained that the event is about acts with a mission to restore and help build a potential future in the lives of the youths who are sometimes forgotten.
Through her promotion company, Destine Promotions, Ms. Tomlinson teams with the most prominent reggae and dancehall artistes to raise awareness for youths and their education.
In light of the recent alarming increase in youths dropping out of schools at the secondary level in Jamaica, Destine Promotions has decided to stage a series of ‘Unified Unplugged’ events aimed at raising awareness under the mantra ‘Choose Your Destiny – Be Educated’.
Throughout the staging of the events, sponsors and supporters will be recognised for their contributions to the proliferation of this ‘Stay In School’ campaign. During each event the artistes will do a video recording message addressed at the children telling them that they hold the power to their destiny.
All artistes who perform on ‘Unified Unplugged’ will be asked to introduce themselves to their fans, communicate their reasoning behind the lyrics they do and relate their upbringing to the audience.
June 29, 2009
The Revival; Royce Da 5'9S'
"The Revival"; Royce Da 5'9S'
This respect that Ryan Montgomery, aka Royce Da 5'9, has earned amongst his peers has been ten years in the making. Though he began his career at a time when these qualities were still abundant in the rap game, Royce is the last of a dying breed in 2009. He is one of the few artists today to put the quality of his music above everything else, choosing to opt for perfection over conforming to an overcrowded genre of mediocrity.
Now, in an age where hip-hop's drought has forced the audience to weed out the nonsense and search for the answer to a dull and uneventful art form, Royce returns with Street Hop, his full-length rescue mission to show MCs how it is supposed to be done.
Executive produced by DJ Premier, Street Hop is Royce's most personal project to date. Though it is chock full of creative ingenuity and picturesque stories that have wildly astonishing twists, Royce shows his versatility by mixing in songs like "Shake That," which recounts the turmoil and stress Royce felt as not only an artist, but also a husband and a father, while being incarcerated for a year.
Growing up on the West Side of Detroit, music was a constant companion for Royce. His father played guitar and made sure to expose him to Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Bootsy Collins, while his mother favored pop stars like Janet Jackson. However, as timing would have it, it was hip-hop that caught Royce's attention. Memorizing songs from Run-DMC and LL Cool J, and getting immersed in artists like D.O.C., Steady B, and N.W.A., Royce became inspired to make a name for himself around the D as a ferocious battle MC tearing up open mics at Maurice Malone's famed Hip Hop Shop, Ebony Showcase, Napoleon's Retreat, and C-Note Lounge. It wasn't long before his buzz caught the attention of the then up-and-coming Eminem, whom Royce's manager arranged a meeting with in 1997. The two clicked and began recording songs as the duo Bad Meets Evil. One of these songs, "Bad Meets Evil," made it's way onto Eminem's debut, The Slim Shady LP. Through his relationship with Em, Royce began his famed ghostwriting career, writing Dr. Dre's heartfelt, "The Message," on 2001. His hard work led to a deal with Columbia Records, who partnered with EI records to release his debut, Rock City (2.0), in 2002. A staple in the underground rap scene, the album spawned the DJ Premier-produced classic, "Boom."
Regardless of radio support or BDS spins, Royce has become one of Detroit's undisputed heavyweights, and hopes to keep having a positive impact on his hometown. "I'm proud to be someone who went through a lot of ignorant things and got past it," he says. "I'm the leader of a city and I want to be looked at as a leader and lyricist."
With a proven track record as a superb lyricist, Royce has always delivered on his early promise to make music that his fans, and even his fellow MCs have always come to expect. In 2004, he released his sophomore album, Death Is Certain, and followed it with the independently released, Independent's Day. Although the project was originally supposed to be a mixtape, his distributor insisted it be released as an album. Royce then quickly added the superior mixtapes, Bar Exam and Bar Exam 2, hosted by DJ Premier and DJ Green Lantern, to his catalog. "I think the Bar Exam mixtapes made up for what Independent's Day was missing," Royce says. "It reinvented me and let people know that I'm serious. Bar Exam 2 is probably my most lyrical project to date. And my new album, Street Hop, is going to top that."
With "Street Hop," Royce will finally cement his hip-hop legacy above ground, by introducing the masses to the same MC that so many rappers have grown to respect. Fueled with a sadistic sense of humor and biting sarcastic wit, songs like "Gun Harmonizing" and "Far Away" are haunting ditties illustrating the consequences that accompany going against Nine Nickel and his goons, and will appeal to the most hardcore hip-hop heads. Other songs such as "Part Of Me," may have a breezy laid-back club-ready beat, but the story's graphic ending will make any professional skirt chaser think twice about his ways and is controversial to say the least. "I could care less about radio. I don't like nothing that's on the radio, so why would I cater to radio," Royce admits. "I'm just going to stick to doing what I do. Radio's either going to come to me, or it's going to remain being corny."
Realizing that there is strength in numbers, Royce joined forces with three other MCs to form the hip-hop supergroup, Slaughterhouse. Joe Budden, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz all have the skill to impress even the toughest hip-hop critic. And together, they have decided to set off a massive hip-hop takeover. With Slaughterhouse's upcoming appearance on the Rock The Bells tour, a growing list of writing credits (Royce has already contributed to Diddy's next album), and popular video bloggin that has the internet on lock (ImNaShitFoolTV), Royce Da 5'9" is poised to make his biggest splash yet. Rappers, get ready.
EVA'S ON; INYOUR FACE
IN YOUR FACE RECORDS PERFORMING ARTIST EVA
The stunning blonde teen who recently left her home in Northern California to enroll in college at the University of Arizona has been rotating her schedule, taking the required freshman courses, joining a sorority and penning introspective lyrics to accompany the pulsating tracks for her highly anticipated release.
"We tried to get a lot of the material done before I started college," she continues, "I've always kept journals filled with material and various experiences I've had. I'm taking time now to go through them for inspiration and to select the areas of my life I want to explore on this CD. Some of the material is romantic, but all of it is personal. I like to keep my music upbeat and I'm working with a few rapper and hip hop producers for a different perspective."
Eva's passion for music brimmed under the surface as a child, where she listened to the radio and was glued to MTV. It wasn't until she was a sophomore in high school that she actively began to pursue a career in the performing arts. "Prior to that, I was shy," Eva recalls. "My family and friends didn't even know that I liked to sing because I was so shy and had stage fright. I got over my fear by appearing in high school musicals like Bye, Bye Birdy and Thoroughly Modern Millie. My first performances were background roles, but once I hit the stage I was hooked. Ultimately, I made my decision to record an album. I knew I had to break out of my shell."
Now that tracks have been recorded for her debut CD, Eva is ready for the spotlight. "The danceable tracks on my album are my favorites, but this CD reflects exactly who I am musically."
Eva's album is loaded with hot tracks and loads of star power. Wanting to immediately stand out, Eva enlisted the help of hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg on the CD's lead track "Popular." "Snoop heard the track, thought it was an instant hit and agreed to be a part of it," comments Eva. "Popular" explores the self conscious feelings many young girls have today in relation to their peers. It was produced by hip hop and R&B hit maker Poli Paul who has produced hits for Christina Milian and Chingy. Another stand out is "One Night Stand," which reflects the views of modern day romance. That track gets a touch of melodic flavor with the addition of grammy award winner Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs N Harmony fame.
The world will soon get the opportunity to be formally introduced to all facets of Eva's dynamic teenaged life as part of a new reality show chronicling her destiny for stardom. " All About Eva" will examine the balance she strikes between being a college student and the demands of a pop music career. It will also delve into the recording process and examine her interaction with many of music's top producers including Jonathan 'JR' Rotem, the man who made Rihanna and Sean Kingston music superstars. Rotem produced two club tracks for Eva, titled "Do That" and "I'm On Fire." The show will also examine how Eva shapes her image from her dieting woes to her furious gym and choreography workouts.
Mostly, Eva looks forward to being a role model to teens, just as female pop idols were to her. "I'm up for it," she affirms. From the days of performing in Thoroughly Modern Millie to becoming a thoroughly modern sexy songstress, Eva has arrived, singing and dancing her way to the top of the charts.
This summer, Eva will be working with Scott Storch on some tracks to complete her album, as well as rehearsing for live performances to get ready for a spot date tour opening for some major acts in August and September.
Serani's "No Games" is # 1
Serani's "No Games" is # 1 on America's reggae iTunes Chart
Serani's "No Games" is # 1 on America's reggae iTunes Chart
Alliance star Serani's bonafide hit "No Games" has landed at the #1 spot on America's reggae iTunes Chart for the first time, knocking Bob Marley's timeless classic "Three Little Birds" off the top spot. Having been selling thousands of downloads and ringtones for months, No Games has been flirting with the #1 spot for some time, but now replaces Bob Marley's anthem, that sells an average of 5,500 a week in downloads on iTunes.
"No Games is actually still gaining in spins across the country," said Serani's manager. "This record just won't go away. It’s still getting added to playlists in many states across the country every week so it continues to spread."
Serani recently recorded a remix for No Games with songstress Shontelle, while on tour in the UK. Shontelle scored big in the UK with her recent hit "T-Shirt" and being label mates Universal Music made the match and hooked up the two artists. Universal/Island Records will release the No Games + remix package digitally on July 6th.
"Shontelle was great to work with," said Serani. "She's a very talented songwriter and she has a great personality so the chemistry was good in the studio. The remix is hot."
‘MONTEGO BAY’ WAS WORTH THE WAIT!
QUEEN IFRICA’S ‘MONTEGO BAY’ WAS WORTH THE WAIT!
The anticipation, the crave and the suspense is finally over. The musical empress, Queen Ifrica, has finally released her eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Montego Bay’, appropriately named after the community from which she hails.
The album opens with T.T.P.N.C., (Tribute to The Pitfour Nyabinghi Center - located in Montego Bay). The song, produced by Tony Rebel, honours the elders within the Rastafarian community where Ifrica was raised. The reverential drumming and chanting compliments Ifrica’s chants, offering praises to the Most.
The sweet reggae melody of the title track, Welcome to Montego Bay is one that will immediately have listeners rocking to the bubbly feeling that the reggae-flavoured track gives, as Ifrica highlights some of the things that characterize her hometown.
The classic rhythm from the Rastafari anthem Satta Massagana is updated on Rebel’s production of Coconut Shell, a celebration of the Rastafarian sacred herb, marijuana, as Ifrica declares, “dah one yah red up mi eye… mi burn it dis morning as mi rise up… mi still dey up inna di sky, high, high…” The track allows listeners to “whole a joy and meditation” while bouncing to Ifrica’s lyrical rhymes on the smooth-flowing rhythm.
The ‘Fyah Muma’, who is like a Lioness on the Rise, asks, “are you ready, are you ready,” as she brings good music for fans whenever they call on her name.
Ifrica then changes her style of delivery by deejaying on Yad to the East, showing off her diversity, as she drops some fast-speaking lyrics that fans will surely appreciate.
The lovers rock that will take the minds of listeners Far Away is one that Ifrica expresses her romantic side. This single is among one of her more popular and much embraced singles from the album. Daddy, however, would be the single from the album that needs no introduction, as it is already one of the biggest hits of Ifrica’s career.
Don’t Sign is done on a dancehall rhythm which is easily identifiable. Ifrica here, shows that she can cater to a wide cross-section of audience.
Another track that has already gained in popularity is Keep It To Yourself, which is like a follow up to Daddy, as she continually defends the children through her music. Keep It To Yourself , produced by Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett, finds the Fyah Muma blazing against the increasing atrocities experienced by children in Jamaica and worldwide, and the corrupt forces unwilling to penalize such heinous actions.
It was then back to her African roots to “trample the beast” in Calling Africa, another Rebel production. Here, Ifrica sinjays amidst chanting, giving the single a unique twist.
Queen Ifrica’s ‘Montego Bay’ album is rounded off by tracks of a slower tempo, with In My Dreams, Streets Are Bloody and Daddy (Spanish Version) which allows listeners to fall into that meditative mood, reflecting on serious issues that plague the youths of Jamaica.
Overall, Queen Ifrica’s ‘Montego Bay’ was a well composed album that definitely delivered. It was worth the wait!
2009, International Reggae Day Festival
International Reggae Day Festival 2009 happens July 1st
International Reggae Day Festival 2009 will presented as a virtual global reggae party highlighting the power and impact of Jamaican music on the world by combining the power of music, media and technology to create a marketing platform for things Jamaican and the global reggae culture.
The IRD website at http://www.internationalreggaeday.net along with complimentary Facebook, Myspace and You Tube social network sites, will anchor the festival's Internet and media programming activities including new releases, mp3s and music business features.
IRD 2009 invites you to join us in saluting two major players in the internationalization of Jamaican music as a global phenomenon:
Island Records for its successful brand management of Jamaican music on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary as the world's first independent record label
Copeland Forbes as he launches his Reggae My Life Is brand sharing firsthand accounts of Jamaica's music history by its premiere tour manager
IRD will launch a Music Business Forum on its website as part of its effort to encourage year round traffic to the site which will be updated monthly video posts from international music professionals about various topics affecting the growth and development of Jamaican music, industry documents, blogs, links and a monthly newsletter highlighting key areas of the global music business, market trends and profiles.
Confirm participation at rastapickney@gmail.com and log on to celebrate IRD on July 1 at www.internationalreggaeday.net
Andrea M. Davis
3 Washington Drive,
Kingston 10, Jamaica W.I.
Tel/Fax: 876.969.6551
Mobile: 876.846-0754 or 881.6326
E-mail: rastapickney@gmail.com or siim@houseofsiim.com
Website: www.hialtd.com
International Contacts:
US Tel: 954-246-3762
UK Tel: 011-44-14-8985-8032
Affiliated Websites:
www.internationalreggaeday.net
www.facebook.com/intlreggaeday
www.youtube.com/irdmediatv
www.myspace.com/jahreggaeday
www.myspace.com/jahbookings
www.houseofsiim@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/buyart
www.bridgetsandals.com
www.tootsandthemaytals.com
www.naturalempress.com
Hollywood actors move closer to strike
Hollywood actors move closer to strike
AFP: Friday July 11, 2008
Hollywood's top actors' union appeared closer to strike late Thursday after the studios group said the actors had given no ground in contract talks.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) accused the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) of making unreasonable demands in talks Thursday on its proposed replacement of the old contract which expired on June 30.
"The refusal of SAG's Hollywood leadership to accept this offer is the latest in a series of actions by SAG leaders that, in our opinion, puts labor peace at risk," AMPTP said in a statement.
SAG "unreasonably expects to obtain more in these negotiations than directors, writers and other actors obtained during their negotiations," the studios said.
The 120,000-strong SAG did not provide any details of its response to the proposed contract after a five-hour meeting, but said its committee members will meet Friday to discuss the AMPTP's response to their demands.
AMPTP called on union leaders to put their offer to SAG members for ratification, saying it "includes more than 250 million dollars in additional compensation, important new media rights and protection for pension and health benefits."
"The last thing we need is a long, hot summer of labor strife that puts even more pressure on a badly struggling economy and deprives audiences of the entertainment they clearly desire in such difficult times," the studios said.
"Any further delay in reaching a reasonable and comprehensive agreement does a disservice to the thousands of working people of our industry who are already being seriously harmed by the ever worsening de facto strike."
Hollywood is currently in limbo after a previous contract between SAG and the AMPTP expired on June 30 with no new deal ready to replace it.
Ill-tempered negotiations between SAG and AMPTP have echoed the build-up to the strike last winter by screenwriters that paralyzed Hollywood for 100 days. It became the US entertainment industry's most damaging dispute for 20 years, costing an estimated two billion dollars.
Echoing that dispute, actors are seeking an improved share of royalty profits from new media and Internet sales.
Simmons Introduce New Pastry Line
Vanessa and Angela Simmons Introduce New Pastry Line
By Monique D. Love
(BTN)Jun 24, 2009 Vanessa and Angela Simmons (MTV's "Daddy's Girls") have added onto their already successful shoe and eyewear line, Pastry’s, a new hip clothing line called Pastry Capsule. Earlier this week the sisters exclusively introduced their line at Macy’s with a runway show.
Search for the Nation's Funnest Comics
NBC Universal Launches Sixth Annual "Stand-up for Diversity" Search for the Nation's Funnest Comics; Actor/Comedian Anthony Anderson (NBC’s “Law & Order”) Named 2009 Celebrity Spokesperson
NBC Universal has begun its yearly nationwide search for the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds with its sixth-annual “Stand-Up for Diversity,” which will include open calls in four major U.S cities.
It was also announced that acclaimed actor and comedian Anthony Anderson (NBC's "Law & Order") is the new celebrity spokesperson for the 2009 tour. The nation’s hottest rising diverse stand-up comic ultimately will be awarded a talent holding deal with NBC Universal, along with other prizes to be announced later.
The highly anticipated talent search and showcase opportunity begins June 28 in Miami. Additional cities will include New York, Atlanta and San Diego, with the final showcase scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in early December.
"With every new year, our efforts underscore NBC Universal's genuine commitment to spotlight fresh diverse talent for the general entertainment community in Hollywood," said Kendra Carter, Director, Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBC Universal. "Our entry-level outreach has proven to be successful in the past and will pitch a larger tent by adding more cities to the tour this year. This confirms our priority of introducing prominent industry players to some of America's funniest and diverse comics."
“I’m honored to be a part of ‘Stand-Up for Diversity,’ and excited that NBC Universal is making an effort to further its diversity efforts,” said Anderson.
The "Stand-Up for Diversity" tour will kick off June 28 with an open call at The Miami Improv in Miami with auditions that will start promptly at 10 a.m. at the venue, located at 3390 Mary St., Miami. The first 100 comedians will have the opportunity to perform a one-minute stand-up set (early arrival is strongly recommended). A small group of semi-finalists will be asked to return later in the day to perform a longer set for callbacks. The finalists will perform their original material at the NBC Universal-sponsored showcase the following evening.
Following the auditions, a live showcase will be held at the Miami Improv on June 29 at 8 p.m. Miami natives are encouraged attend and support their local comics as audience response will be a factor in determining which comic -- or comics -- will be selected for the “Best of ‘Stand-Up for Diversity’” showcase to be held in Los Angeles this fall.
Many of the comics from last year's “Best of ‘Stand-Up for Diversity’” showcase in New York City signed with top Hollywood agents and met with the entertainment industry's leading casting directors and executives. The top prize of 2008 went to comedian Rob Stapleton
Over the course of the next few months, open calls and showcases for "Stand-Up for Diversity" will be held at the following cities:
MIAMI
Miami Improv
Auditions: Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m.
Showcase: Monday, June 29 at 8 p.m.
SAN DIEGO
The Comedy Palace
Auditions: Sunday, July 12 at 10 a.m.
Showcase: Monday, July 13 at 8 p.m.
ATLANTA
The Punchline
Auditions: Tuesday, August 11 at 10 a.m.
Showcase: Wednesday, August 12 at 8 p.m.
NEW YORK
Auditions and showcase:
November 2009
(Dates and venue to be announced)
Prospective participants and audiences can check for details on the next open calls and showcases in these cities by going online to www.standupnbc.com or www.diversecitynbc.com.
SOURCE:
Indie Studios Launches' Venture
DF Indie Studios Launches a Producer-Centric Venture With Guaranteed U.S. Theatrical Distribution for Films Budgeted up to $10 Million
Entertainment finance and business development experts Mary Dickinson and Charlene Fisher have announced the launch of DF Indie Studios (DFIS), a new, producer-centric studio model for the independent film industry. DFIS aims to finance and distribute between 10 to 12 multi-genre, commercially viable films per year, budgeted up to $10 million and backed by a guaranteed U.S. theatrical release, $150 million in distribution guarantees, foreign sales, promotion and advertising (P&A) revolver, as well as distribution across all platforms.
This new film financing model bases investor returns on all the revenue streams of the company, including distribution fees and exit value.
DFIS' mandate is to serve as a home for a carefully selected group of producers, providing the tools to give their commercially viable films in this price bracket the best chance for national and international success. DFIS films will be produced by a team of established producers with successful box office track records including: This is that Productions - Ted Hope and Anne Carey (Adventureland, In the Bedroom, 21 Grams, The Ice Storm, The Savages); Scott Free - Ridley and Tony Scott's shingle (Gladiator, The Taking of Pelham 123, Thelma & Louise, American Gangster); Jennifer Fox (Michael Clayton, Good Night and Good Luck, Duplicity, Syriana); and RedBone Films whose co-founder, Samara Koffler, ran Harrison Ford's production company for eight years.
Dickinson and Fisher are joined by Rita Chiappetta-Thibault, chief financial officer of DFIS. As executive vice president of finance and accounting for New Line Home Entertainment, Chiappetta-Thibault helped grow revenues from $150 million to more than $1 billion.
The DFIS distribution strategy was developed in conjunction with veteran Ira Deutchman, a three-decade distribution and marketing expert who has worked on over 150 films and launched Fine Line Features, Cinecom Entertainment Group and Emerging Pictures. Foreign sales and output deals are managed by industry veteran Glen Basner, chief executive officer of FilmNation.
For the last two years, the DFIS founders have engaged respected studio finance executive John Hadity, to guide them through the intricate world of film financing, tax incentives and production planning. Hadity, currently the chairman of the Producers Guild of America East, served 12 years as executive vice president (EVP) of production for Miramax and currently heads Hadity & Associates. He will work closely with DFIS EVP of Production Amy Slotnick, a studio production executive and independent film producer who recently concluded her tenure with Miramax as senior vice president of production.
The DFIS advisory board includes Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Universal; David Wiederecht, president of Investment Strategies and chief investment officer for GE Asset Management; David Spieler, global head of Duff and Phelps Technology and Entertainment Practices; and Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton.
"DF Indie Studios is set to become an invaluable saving grace of a currently endangered species: the intelligent, ambitious and commercially viable independent film - maybe even of intelligent, ambitious and commercially viable independent filmmakers themselves," stated Tilda Swinton. "It is my honour and my personal pleasure to be working alongside Mary and Charlene in shaping this inspired and inspiring company."
"To launch a completely unlevered company in the current climate is the right way to go for our investors, partners and producers," said Mary Dickinson, who serves as chief executive officer of DF Indie Studios. "Our investors appreciate that they will share in all the revenue streams of the studio. They love that we will be also be generating 10,000 to 15,000 film jobs over the next five years, and pumping millions of dollars into local economies with DFIS."
"We couldn't be launching the company at a more perfect time. There is a huge opportunity in the independent film world and we believe we have found a singular place in the market," said Charlene Fisher, president and chief operating officer of DF Indie Studios. "There is a growing demand for commercial features, and a lack of quality products at the right price. At DFIS we will work with our production partners and provide end to end financing, a rigorous greenlight process and guaranteed U.S. distribution to meet this increasing demand. No one else is solely supporting films produced for up to $10 million in this way."
Chief Executive Officer Mary Dickinson has 20 years of experience in business building, investment and restructuring in entertainment and sports. She restructured and ran the leading extreme sports film production company, Teton Gravity Research, taking it from near bankruptcy to stability. Among other initiatives, her efforts included producing two NBC primetime pilots with Ben Silverman's production company Reveille. She consulted on the development and financing of RedBone Films (now a DFIS partner), and negotiated content and representation deals with ABC's "The View," British Telecom, and William Morris.
President and Chief Operating Officer Charlene A. Fisher has 16 years of experience in business development and restructuring in the entertainment, sports and internet arenas. Most recently, she restructured and managed a portfolio company for GE Asset Management and then worked with RedBone Films to develop a dynamic new independent film production business model. She has also worked with clients that include ABC, NBC, HBO, ESPN, The Golf Channel, NBA, NHL, MLB, and PGA and LPGA Tours, among others.
"I wanted an opportunity to get involved in independent film with a partner that treats its investors as exactly that - partners. The DF Indie Studios business model has been designed as an old-fashioned, unlevered model that ensures investors share in all revenue streams of the studio including distribution fees and any exits. Additionally, their veteran management team and producing partners are exactly the people who can deliver on the DF Indie Studios promise," says investor Sue Callaway, former general manager of Jaguar Cars North America, and a current contributing editor at Fortune and http://www.CNNMoney.com.
Mamet's "Race"
Kerry Washington to Join James Spader and Richard Thomas in Mamet's "Race"
Kerry Washington ("The Last King of Scotland," "Ray") will join previously announced stars James Spader and Richard Thomas in the forthcoming world premiere Broadway production of David Mamet’s "Race," which is scheduled to begin previews Nov. 17 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The play will open on Dec. 6 directed by Mamet.
The play will be produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel and Steve Traxler, the team behind Mamet’s "Speed-the-Plow," "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "November" as well as "August: Osage County," "Blithe Spirit" and "Hair."
No details on the storyline have been released yet.
SOURCE:
Hip Hop for HIV Awareness
Stars Set to Perform at Hip Hop for HIV Awareness
By Monique Love
Plies, Bun B, Twista, Yung L.A., Gorilla Zoe, Day 26, Bobby Valentino, LeToya Luckett and Ginuwine are set to perform at the Hip Hop for HIV Awareness free concert at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX on July 11.
Houston’s popular radio station 97.9 The Box, The Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Amerigroup Community Care, AIDS Foundation Houston, and the NAACP Houston branch have teamed up for the Hip Hop for HIV Awareness, to educate Houston residents about the ongoing AIDS epidemic.
Free testing started June 22 and continues til June 26 at the NAACP Family Technology Center. For more information visit http://www.kbxx.com.
SOURCE:
All-Star Comedy Jam Series
Shaq Partners with Jeff Clanagan to Produce All-Star Comedy Jam Series
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has teamed up with the Codeblack Entertainment's Jeff Clanagan to present the "All-Star Comedy Jam" series. Featuring some of today’s hottest urban comics, the series will provide sidesplitting, no holds barred hilarity on topics ranging from America’s new president to shopping at Target. It also provides the up-and coming comedians with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and perform alongside the stalwarts of comedy.
On his partnership with the NBA Legend, says Clanagan, “I am thrilled to collaborate with NBA’s most distinguished athlete on these multi-star live comedy events. This partnership will help expand Codeblack’s reach into television and further cement our desire to both develop and produce exciting entertainment projects from their inception as a live event through to their subsequent telecast.â€
Given Shaquille O'Neal’s entrepreneurial aspirations this project marks a natural evolution of his brand. “I am excited to partner with a veteran like Jeff Clanagan and I am thrilled to be venturing into the comedy and television world.
The "All-Star Comedy Jam" series, directed by Leslie Smalls, premieres on Showtime on Wednesday June 17th. The second installment of the "All-Star Comedy Jam" series will be filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival on June 26th in Miami and premiere on Showtime in January, 2010. Comedy genius DL Hughly will host this stand-up special which features Earthquake, Arnez J, Lavell Crawford and Mealaine Comarcho.
SOURCE:
Fall TV Lineup
Upfront Announcements: LL Cool J, Michael Straham, Wanda Sykes and Sherri Shepherd on Fall TV Lineup
The annual ritual of the networks unveiling their primetime fall lineups is in full bloom. LL Cool J, Michael Straham, Wanda Sykes and Sherri Shepherd are among the names on the fall primetime TV lineup.
LL Cool J is among the stars who have landed new series on CBS' schedule next season. LL will star in a spin off "NCIS" alongside Chris O'Donnell. The pilot recently aired as a two-part episode of "NCIS." Shane Brennan is executive producing.
Fox will try to do so with "The Cleveland Show," a new animated series that is a spinoff of the popular "Family Guy." "Cleveland" follows Peter Griffin's friend Cleveland Brown (voiced by Mike Henry) as he and son Cleveland Jr. move to Virginia to live with Cleveland's high school sweetheart ( Sanaa Lathan). The cast also includes Nia Long, Kevin Michael Richardson and Arianna Huffington "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Henry co-created the series and are executive producing.
Fox's "Brothers" stars former NFL star Michael Strahan as a former NFL star player who returns home to Houston to live with his parents and to help his brother, injured in a car accident, run a restaurant. His brother will be played by Daryl "Chill" Mitchell ("Veronica's Closet"). CCH Pounder ("The Shield") also stars in the series. "You'll see a real chemistry there," Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said yesterday.
Fox also announced "The Wanda Sykes Show," a late night Saturday show hosted by comedian Wanda Sykes.
Lifetime has picked up "Sherri," a comedy pilot starring "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd. The network has ordered 12 episodes of the multi-camera comedy series. Shepherd will continue her work on "View" while starring on the Lifetime series. The sitcom, loosely based on Shepherd's experiences, centers on a woman who deals with her husband's infidelity by allowing her husband's girlfriend and their child to move in with them. The cast also includes Tammy Townsend ("Lincoln Heights"), Kali Rocha ("Grey's Anatomy"), Elizabeth Regen ("The Black Donnellys") and Kate Reinders ("Ugly Betty"). Shepherd will produce alongside Terri Minsky, Nina Wass and Gene Stein.
"Brothers In Arms"
Matthew Sand to Rewrite Denzel Washington's "Brothers In Arms"
Matthew Sand has been hired to rewrite "Brothers in Arms," which Denzel Washington is attached to direct as well as produce for Alcon Entertainment. The film is about about the only black U.S. tank unit to fight in the European theater during World War II and is based on a nonfiction novel by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anthony Walton.
"Brothers in Arms" tells the story of how the unit overcame prejudice and sought to prove themselves on the battlefield by spearheading the Allied Forces' drive eastward toward Germany during the Battle of the Bulge. The battalion helped liberate some 30 towns and villages and won the respect of their fellow soldiers.
Alcon's co-founders and co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce alongside Washington.
Martin Luther King Jr. Biopic Set For Bigscreen
Martin Luther King Jr. Biopic Set For Bigscreen
DreamWorks has acquired the life rights to Martin Luther King Jr. and is bringing a biopic on the slain civil rights leader to the big screen, reports Variety. Steven Spielberg, Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones will produce.
King's estate owns the copyright to all the speeches, books and famous works of the slained civil rights leader. This will be the first film to be authorized by the estate and gives the producers the right to utilize King's intellectual property -- including his famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington.
"We are all honored that the King Estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these defining, historic events," Spielberg. "It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King's life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of."
"In trying to tackle such an ambitious project, the question we had to ask ourselves is, 'Why now?' " DreamWorks CEO and co-chairman Stacey Snider said. "The answer lies in MLK's own words: 'All progress is precarious.' With every step forward, new obstacles emerge and we must never forget that his life and his teachings continue to challenge us every day to stand up to hatred and inequality.
King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4th, 1968, at the age of 39.
SOURCE:
Martin Lawrence Set to Produce
Martin Lawrence Set to Produce Three Television Series
By Monique D. Love
According to Hollywood Reporter, Martin Lawrence and his production company Runteldat are set to produce three television comedy series.
The first series, an animated comedy based on his own experiences growing up in Washington D.C., has been bought by Fox. A second project, a scripted sketch comedy show based on comedian Gary Owen will be airing Starz.
Lawrence is also shopping around a comedy set in a funeral home.
SOURCE:
June 28, 2009
Family wants 2nd autopsy
Jesse Jackson: Family wants 2nd autopsy
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody – Jun 27,
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's family wants a private autopsy of the pop icon because of unanswered questions about how he died and the doctor who was with him, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday.
"It's abnormal," he told The Associated Press from Chicago a day after visiting the Jackson family. "We don't know what happened. Was he injected and with what? All reasonable doubt should be addressed."
People close to Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about the superstar's use of painkillers. Los Angeles County medical examiners completed an autopsy Friday and said Jackson had taken prescription medication.
Medical officials also said there was no indication of trauma or foul play. An official cause of death could take weeks.
The coroner's office released the body to Jackson's family Friday night. There was no immediate word on whether the second autopsy was being performed right away. Jesse Jackson described the family as grief-stricken.
"They're hurt because they lost a son. But the wound is now being kept open by the mystery and unanswered questions of the cause of death," he said.
Two days after Jackson died at a Los Angeles hospital, his most famous sister, Janet, arrived at the mansion Jackson had been renting. She drove up in a Bentley and left without addressing reporters.
Moving vans also showed up at the Jackson home, leaving about an hour later. There was no indication what they might have taken away.
There was also no word from the Jackson family on funeral plans. Many of Jackson's relatives have gathered at the family's Encino compound, caring there for Jackson's three children.
A person close to the family told The Associated Press they feel upset and angry about a lack of information about those who were around the pop superstar in his final days. The person requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation.
Jackson had been rehearsing for 50 London concerts aimed at restoring his crown as the King of Pop. He died Thursday at age 50 after what his family said appeared to be cardiac arrest.
A 911 call from Jackson's rented home reported that his personal doctor was trying to revive him without success. Police have talked to Dr. Conrad Murray and have said they intend to speak with him again but have stressed he is not a criminal suspect.
Murray has yet to speak publicly since Jackson's death. Police towed his car from Jackson's home hours after Jackson died and said later it could contain medication or other evidence. Coroner's officials also said Jackson was taking prescription medication but declined to elaborate.
A lawyer at a Houston firm, William M. Stradley, confirmed Murray had hired his firm and said one of its partners was meeting with Los Angeles police on Saturday. Stradley said Murray accompanied Michael Jackson to the hospital.
"He was there from the beginning and he's been cooperating with police from the very beginning," Stradley said. "Dr. Murray has never left L.A. since Mr. Jackson's death, and he remains there."
Murray lives in Las Vegas but apparently left his practice and moved in with Jackson about two weeks ago. No one answered the door Saturday at his Las Vegas home, which property records show Murray bought five years ago for $1.1 million.
The promoter of the series of London concerts that Jackson was to begin next month has said Jackson personally insisted Murray be on the payroll.
Also Saturday, spiritual teacher Dr. Deepak Chopra said he had been concerned since 2005 that Jackson was abusing prescription painkillers and most recently spoke to the pop star about suspected drug use six months ago.
Chopra said Jackson, a longtime friend, asked him for painkillers in 2005 when the singer was staying with him following his trial on sex abuse allegations. Chopra said he refused. He also said the nanny of Jackson's children repeatedly contacted him with concerns about Jackson's drug use over the next four years.
He said she told him a number of doctors would visit Jackson's homes in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Whenever the subject came up, Jackson would avoid his calls, Chopra said.
___
Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen in Chicago, Juan A. Lozano in Houston, and Gillian Flaccus, Brooke Donald, Beth Harris and Mike Blood and AP Global Media Services Production Manager Nico Maounis in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
doctor in Jackson's death
Questions swirl around doctor in Jackson's death
By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer Gillian Flaccus, Associated Press Writer – Sat Jun 27,
LOS ANGELES – Elvis had one. So did Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe. They are the doctors who cater to celebrities, dispensing powerful painkillers and sedatives to some of Hollywood's best-known entertainers.
Now, as police investigate Michael Jackson's sudden death, questions are swirling around the King of Pop's personal cardiologist and his actions in the superstar's final days.
Dr. Conrad Murray reportedly was with Jackson when he stopped breathing Thursday and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. An ambulance crew worked on Jackson at his home for 42 minutes before rushing him to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The cardiologist has hired a Houston-based law firm and on Saturday, an attorney there said he was cooperating.
"Dr. Murray has never left L.A. since Mr. Jackson's death, and he remains there. Investigators have indicated Dr. Murray is considered a witness and is not in any way a target of any kind," William M. Stradley told The Associated Press. He said his colleague was meeting with investigators on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said the singer's family wants a private autopsy because of unanswered questions about how he died and about Murray.
And Jackson's longtime friend Deepak Chopra said he's been concerned since 2005 that physicians were overmedicating the singer.
The suspicions of Jackson's friends and family fit into a long-standing pattern of celebrity doctors becoming entangled in death investigations involving prescription drugs.
Doctors can become enchanted by the glamour of the celebrity lifestyle and may find it hard to refuse potent painkillers for their clients because of their wealth and power.
"It's a big issue with people who are used to getting what they want. And if someone says no, they can pay someone else to get what they want," said Karen Sternheimer, a sociologist at the University of Southern California who is writing a book on social problems and celebrity culture.
"The physician is not immune to that heady feeling of being in a celebrity's inner circle."
In other instances, the doctors themselves may have questionable pasts or significant debts, and caring for a celebrity allows them to make large amounts of money, said Julie Albright, a sociologist at the University of Southern California.
"Some of these people might not be the most successful doctors, so the money will also buy their complicity in fueling a drug habit," said Albright, who was speaking generally and not specifically about Murray.
Records reveal years of financial troubles for Murray, a 1989 graduate of Meharry Medical College in Nashville who practices medicine in California, Nevada and Texas.
Over the last 18 months, Murray's Nevada medical practice, Global Cardiovascular Associates, has been slapped with more than $400,000 in court judgments: $228,000 to Citicorp Vendor Finance Inc., $71,000 to an education loan company and $135,000 to a leasing company. He faces at least two other pending cases.
Court records show Murray was hit last December with a nearly $3,700 judgment for failure to pay child support in San Diego, and had his wages garnished the same month for almost $1,500 by a credit card company. Another credit card claim for more than $1,100 filed in April remains open.
He also owes $940 in fines and penalties for driving with an expired license plate and for not having proof of insurance in 2000.
Best-selling author Deepak Chopra, a longtime friend of Michael Jackson and a licensed medical doctor, said he first became concerned about the pop star's prescription drug use in 2005, when Jackson visited him shortly after his trial on sex abuse allegations.
Chopra said Jackson asked him to prescribe painkillers and already had a bottle of Oxycontin.
"I was kind of a bit alarmed. I said, 'Why are you taking that. You don't need that,' and then I started to probe a little further, and after I grilled him a little bit, he admitted he was getting them from a bunch of doctors," Chopra said.
Chopra said he refused to prescribe the medicine, but over the next four years the nanny of Jackson's children would periodically call to say that a parade of doctors was coming to his homes in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City.
She told Chopra she felt they were overmedicating him, and one time she even tried to stage an intervention with Chopra's help, he said.
Each time, Jackson would discover the nanny's calls and then shut himself off from Chopra to avoid discussing the issue, he said.
Chopra, a spiritual adviser, said he last talked to Jackson directly about his drug use about six months ago and spoke with him on the phone about two weeks before his death.
But they did not discuss drug use on that call, and Chopra said in his final months, Jackson seemed much healthier and excited about his upcoming concerts in London.
"This is a strange addiction. You cannot get these pills or injections unless a physician prescribes them, and he had this bunch of enabling doctors who were in a sense criminals. And they get away with it half the time — and I hope they don't this time," he said.
"It's become a culture with celebrity doctors who in one sense get a sense of importance by hanging around with celebrities."
Marilyn Monroe died at 36 from an overdose of sleeping pills in August 1962. She had been under a doctor's care at the time.
Elvis Presley, who died in 1977 at 42, was known to travel with George Nichopoulos, a former physician who overprescribed drugs to clients. Nichopoulos lost his medical license but was acquitted of criminal charges related to Elvis' death.
More recently, Los Angeles County prosecutors charged a psychiatrist and a doctor with conspiring to provide Anna Nicole Smith with thousands of prescription pills.
Smith died Feb. 8, 2007, in Florida after collapsing at a hotel; medical authorities later ruled her death an overdose.
Megastars may be given more leeway than ordinary patients because of their wealth — and because of expectations that the famous often have eccentric habits, said Albright, the sociologist.
"It's almost expected in some ways if it's a rock star or a big actor. You almost expect them to have a larger-than-life lifestyle," she said. "People are drawn to celebrity like a moth to a flame, including these doctors who want to be around that lightness and brightness."
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Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen in Chicago, Juan A. Lozano in Houston, and Beth Harris and Michael Blood in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
June 04, 2009
UNFINISHED HOUSE
ETANA BAPTISED
ETANA BAPTISED AT THE EMMANUEL APOSTOLIC CHURCH!
Rastafarian reggae singer Etana made an important step towards bridging the idealogical divide between Rastafarianism and orthodox Christianity yesterday when she was baptized at the Emmanuel Apostolic church on Slipe Road in Kingston.
Etana, speaking in an exclusive interview with one876 this morning, said that the move was spontaneous and that most people in the congregation were shocked when she stepped forward to be baptized.
“No one knew…everyone was thrown off; they were shocked. When they saw a Rastafarian walking up the aisle then to see me embrace them as a Rastafarian, that was unseen,” she said.
She described the actual baptism as an ongoing conversation between herself and God.
“Minister Blackman said ‘yu know yu can’t turn back?’ and I said ‘turn back from what?’ Because when you think about it,the way I live my life is not unclean, the way I speak, what I express through my music. I don’t wear pants. If I embrace Christianity as I would my mother, or my brother or any member of my family, it makes a statement. If I say ‘love’ just as a Rastafarian, then you expect it, but if I embrace Christianity and preach love, it makes a bigger statement about how things ought to be.”
Etana said that she is hoping that this move will help to unite
“We speak of unconditional love and unity yet we are so separated and divided. I want to do my part to help get rid of the prejudice and division, and convey the message that no matter your class, race, creed or colour, it should be about one love and we should leave the judgment to God,” she intoned passionately.
“Why are we confusing the youths? If there is only one God, why the division? What kind of doctrines are we supporting?”
Etana said that the content of her music will not change because of her new-found faith.
“Don’t expect me to sing only religious Pentecostal songs, I shall remain the voice of the people. I will continue to sing about real life situation and the experiences of our life together as a people.”
SOURCE: one876entertainment
SASSA STEP CONTEST & VIDEO SHOOT
MR.VEGAS - SASSA STEP CONTEST & VIDEO SHOOT
The latest dance craze from Jamaica, the Sassa Step, is sweeping the Caribbean and North America like a flu virus this summer. All your friends know that you are one of the best dancers in your community but you’re not getting the props for your talent. Well, here’s your chance to grab your 15 minutes of fame. Now is your chance to show that you have mastered this nifty dance move for the whole world to see. Super-talented ‘sassa steppers’ can now record themselves doing the Sassa Step and send it to sassastepcompetition@gmail.com The best entries will be flown to Jamaica for the shooting of Mr.Vegas latest video Sassa Step, with Mr. Vegas footing all the expenses for your trip to the siland. Each entry must be no more than 60 seconds in duration. "Internet world, send us your video clippings. Who do the best Sassa Step dance move ah come inna the video with Ravers and the whole ah the dancers dem. Just ketch the dance, and anywhere you come from in the world, we're going to bring you to Jamaica to be a part of this video. Even if you come from Africa, we're going to bring you from Africa to Jamaica to be a part of this video, so check it out and don't miss a move, watch Mundo and the Ravers Clavers family," Mr. Vegas said. If you want to brush up on the steps, just log on to http://www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com, http://www.youtube.com/khoolray or http://www.myspace.com/mrvegas to learn the dance move. The competition ends on June 28, 2009, and the top 10 entries will be posted on Mr. Vegas’ myspace website where the voting public will choose the winner and you must be 18 years and over to enter. The Sassa Step was originally created by Mundo of the Ravers Clavers.
Brooklyn Music Festival: "In Brooklyn We Go Hard!"
May 06, 2009
Ron Browz's Jumping Out The Window
Ron Browz's Jumping Out The Window
Influenced by the sounds of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and Havoc, Ron's first big break came in the year 2000 when he produced four songs on the late Big L's album, The Big Picture, including the classic track "Ebonics." Big L taught Ron about the music business, and exposed him to a new network of contracts. The experience gave Ron reason to take the game seriously, and his career began to grow exponentially.
The following year of 2001 Ron Browz gave some beats to Queensbridge emcee Nas during the recording of the 2001 double-platinum album Stillmatic, Ron Browz was not expecting history to be made. Nas used Ron's track as the foundation for his lyrical battle classic "Ether," a scathing comeback to Jay-Z's "The Take-Over." "When I did the beat and Nas picked the track, I didn't know that's what it was gonna be for," explains Ron. "To this day I feel honored. I get a lot of respect for it when people meet me. " The credibility of "Ether" sparked a demand for the Ron Browz sound. His reputation for crafting walloping records grew with songs like the Ludacris smash hit "Blow It Out" from the album Chicken N Beer, which has sold over 2.5 million copies to date. Other platinum-plus albums with Ron's magic touch include Lloyd Banks The Hunger For More with the song "Playboy," DMX's "F'ck Y'all" on the Grand Champ LP, "Whatz The Word" on Lil Kim's La Bella Mafia album, and the Snoop Dogg collaboration with 50 cent "Oh No" on Snoop's Rhythm & Gangsta: The Masterpiece lp.
As time surpassed, Ron's perseverance became more memorable, with a strong showing on Jae Millz Street anthems "Who", and "Bring it back." Ron took the industry by storm when his production was presented as the opening song for 50 Cent's blockbuster film Get Rich Or Die Trying. The track, "I'll Whip Ya Head Boy," which features 50 and Young Buck over Ron's brazen baseline, was also nominated for an Oscar the following year. Ron's captivating, irrefutable sound coincides with the follow up album from Lloyd Banks "Rotten Apple", where you can hear his undeniable drums on "Playboy 2" or the heartfelt keys on the single "Help" which features singer Keri Hilson. His ‘sought-after' sound can also be heard on the Remy Ma song "Fresh" as well as songs with pop-singer Lumidee.
Faced with the fact that Hip Hop fans know his track record but not his name, Ron Browz humbly acknowledges that this should not be and issue much longer. "Every day a different person learns about me, and I want my name to be out there amongst the big names," he states confidently. "I bring raw talent to the game. I taught myself everything about making beats. For a person with eight gold and platinum plaques, I still don't get the recognition. When people hear my name, I want them to say, ‘I know its some fire.'"
The sky is the limit for Ron Browz, as his career progressively gains momentum, and he continues to deliver with such consistency. He continues to remain relevant. His hard work and diligence landed him two tracks on the recently released G-Unit album T.O.S, "Straight Outta South Side" and "Money Make The World Go Round." His impeccable craftsmanship can also be found on the upcoming release of Jim Jones new album, where his innovative sound can be heard on the song titled "Good Stuff." With the shortcomings in hip-hop and the inadequacy revolving around New York artist, Ron took it upon himself to venture out and start EtherBoy Records to make music more meaningful. "I'm not saying its dead, I'm just here to try and resurrect the feel for it, how music use to have a meaning, how it would move your soul." This brings us to his eminent single "Pop Champagne" where Ron introduces the world to his lyrical assertiveness over a pristine drum pattern once again captivating the consumers. When asked about his transition from a producer to an artist Ron stated, "It takes gumption to diversify one self as a producer, and as an artist. In the industry as a producer you're behind the scenes majority of the time. Whereas for an artist it consists of you having to be the front and center, but that's where I belong. It's a progression from one grind to a more complex one." "I realized in order for you to be overly happy with your self you have to follow your personal legend and continue to fulfill it. Find what you're most passionate about and go for it.
It wasn't easy to get where I am today. I worked hard for it. I took all the negative energy and created something big. I had to make it happen."
May 05, 2009
Electrik Red shows "How to Be a Lady Vol.1
Electrik Red shows "How to Be a Lady Vol.1
Throughout the history of pop music, few things have been more important than the relationship between artists and their producers. Legendary hit makers like Quincy Jones and Timbaland helped transform singers like Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake into musical icons. Staying in line with this formula for success, Def Jam is set to re-direct the face of popular music with all-girl singing group, Electrik Red. Paired with Grammy Award-winning writing/production team The Dream and Tricky Stewart (Rihanna's "Umbrella"), Electrik Red's edgy brand of hip-hop and R&B exemplifies the future sound of music.
Comprised of Naomi, Sarah, Lesley and Binki, Electrik Red hails from both New York City and Canada. Binki and Lesley, who attended NYC's prestigious LaGuardia School of Performing Arts, met the Toronto born Naomi and Sarah while individually performing as back-up dancers for artists like Usher, Mariah Carey and Ciara. After running into each other time and again at auditions and parties, the girls began to form a friendship. "We'd get together on our off time, and strategize," says Naomi. "For some of us the ultimate was getting to work with an amazing performer, like a Janet or Madonna," explains Binki. "But once you hit that mark it's like ok, now where do I want to take it? In our case, making music was the next plateau to aim for."
Although the move to step to the front of the stage may have seemed risky, the girls knew they were ready. "Everyone had lucrative careers," says Lesley, "but we had the confidence to say. Ok, let's stop all that and go off on our own with no help from anyone we'd worked for."
While their individual careers started with dance, the girls all grew up studying music. Binki learned the business early from her father who was a member in the legendary Caribbean soul group Kid Creole and the Coconuts. Lesley began vocal training at age three while Sarah studied the piano as a young girl. Once they decided to form a group, the girls decided on the name Electrik Red which they felt exuded their collective sensuality.
In 2005, the foursome recorded a demo, and instead of calling on their long list of family friends and contacts in the music industry, Electrik Red decided to keep their new project under wraps. "What's crazy is that as many people we knew, we never really shopped the demo, we were protective of our music," says Naomi. "We felt like we couldn't go to an executive at a label until we feel like we had the best music possible. We believe you only have one shot."
In February of 2007, that one shot came when Electrik Red secured a deal with Def Jam. The girls were then paired with the hottest hit makers in town, The Dream and Tricky Stewart, who had worked with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Beyoncé. "We all looked at each other and said ‘Holy shit guys!'" remembers Binki. "Look where we're at right now!"
The multi-talented group are now getting ready to release their debut album which has rapidly become heavily anticipated thanks to the massive buzz surrounding Electrik Red's first single, "Drink In My Cup." The slinky, yet hard hitting atmospheric "Drink In My Cup" showcases the girl's flowing harmonies and edgy phrasing. The mix of street and seduction makes it clear Electrik Red is taking mainstream R&B to an entirely new level.
Kristinia DeBarge
Kristinia DeBarge launches her career with "Goodbye"
(April 13, 2009 – New York, NY) 19-year old Kristinia DeBarge launches her career with the anthemic upbeat smash "Goodbye," her debut single, now hitting at pop radio weeks before the official April 27th impact date. Powerhouse stations such as WKTU (New York), WKQI (Detroit), Z100 (New York), (KHKS) Dallas and WKSC (Chicago) were the first to get on board, with many majors quickly following suit. In addition, Nivea had committed to licensing the new hit smash "GoodBye" as the theme song for their new Network TV Campaign. "Goodbye" is featured in both :15 & :30 spots that began April 6 and runs through July 13th. ("Goodbye" samples the classic #1 hit of 1969, "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by the group Steam, distinguished as the record that knocked the Beatles' controversial "Come Together" from the #1 spot in December.) A video shoot to capture the song's sexy fun feel is scheduled to take place shortly in Los Angeles.
Kristinia DeBarge carries on the tradition of her father James DeBarge, keyboardist and founding member of beloved Motown '80s group DeBarge. Kristinia knew she wanted to be a singer at the age of three, but didn't reveal her wishes to her family until she was twelve. To gage her passion, James DeBarge and Kristinia went to the studio and recorded a duet called "How I Feel Inside." Kristinia recalls. "Our session ended at 4am and my dad asked me after all those hours and after all that work if I still wanted to do this. I answered yes, and that's how he knew I was serious about being a singer."
"Goodbye" is the first release from Kristinia's debut album on new label Sodapop Music, set for summertime release. Many tracks on the album were written and produced by Babyface; "Goodbye," is co-produced by Babyface and The Pentagon. Sodapop Music is a full-scale label start-up for Babyface, one of his first since his LaFace Records (home of Toni Braxton, OutKast, TLC, and Usher), the wildly successful label co-founded in 1989 by Babyface and Antonio ‘L.A.' Reid, who today is Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. Also, co-founder Jeff Burroughs heads Sodapop Music after serving in senior executive positions over the past decade at RCA Music Group and as Executive Vice President of P. Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment.
May 01, 2009
Denroy Morgan gets spiritual with Theocracy Reigns
Morgan gets spiritual with Theocracy Reigns
April 27, 09
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Reggae veteran Denroy Morgan on Tuesday released his latest album entitled Theocracy Reigns.
Recorded on Asaph Records label and distributed through VP Records the 14-track album feature Morgan Heritage, LMS
Glenda Phillips-Lee (Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church) and Clifford Branch on piano.
The album, which was three years in the making is more than worth the wait as it packs powerful, uplifting messages where Denroy tells the story, but through it all he gives Jah the praise and glory.
Theocracy Reigns is a musical documentation of the ceremony and launching of the ministry that took place on July 23, 2005 at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of North and South America (Harlem).
In speaking about the experience Denroy shared, “The church has now welcomed the Sabbatical worship in oneness with their Sunday worship. When I come representing Asaph Music and told Abuana that I was ready to launch the musical ministry, he made it possible and gave us a charter to administrate it in the church.”
The CD is aptly titled as each song resonates of heavenly R&B and traditional gospel influenced vocals, soulful piano and guitar leads, international keyboards and the groundation of the Nyobingi drum. As the rhythmic pattern of the Nyobingi drum is blended with Reggae, R&B and gospel - a powerful spiritual revival takes place.
On the album Shy poo (Nashayah Morgan) mixes the R&B emotion on Little Children, while Peter Morgan moves to the choir on Jesus is Still Alive - Kirk Franklin style and on Holy Sabbath he revives the spirit. God Meant For My Good accompanied by Clifford Branch on piano is sentimentally sung by Glenda Phillips.
Among the other tracks on the album are Go Before Us Jah, The Lion of Judah, Theocracy Reigns, Rock My Soul and I’m Still Holding On.
Denroy Morgan is known for his chartbusting single I’ll Do Anything For You and later other hits such as Sweet Tender Love, Happy Feelings and Africa Is Calling.
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50 Cent Returns to the Silver Screen in "Twelve"
50 Cent Returns to the Silver Screen in "Twelve"
Apr 8, 2009
According to Variety, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has joined the cast of "Twelve," Joel Schumacher'sadaptation of Nick McDonell’s debut novel of the same name. Jackson joins previously announced cast members Kiefer Sutherland, Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, and Ellen Barkin.
"Twelve" follows a high school dropout-turned-drug dealer, whose life sours when his cousin is brutally murdered and his best friend is arrested for the crime.
Jackson recently pulled out of Sylvester Stallone's movie, "The Expendables" to finish up on his upcoming albums. The rapper's last big screen role was in "Righteous Kill." He made his acting debut in the semi-biographical pic, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."
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Source:http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_2270.shtml
Lucas' "Red Tails" Gets Star-Studded Cast
Lucas' "Red Tails" Gets Star-Studded Cast
Apr 8, 2009
Actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard have scored starring roles in George Lucas' upcoming WWII epic drama, "Red Tails," based on the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots in the American military history. Gooding and Howard join previously signed cast members include Nate Parker, Lee Tergesen, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley, Andre Royo, Jesse Williams, and Ne-Yo.
John Ridley ("Three Kings") wrote the script. Lucas has a story credit on the film. Anthony Hemingway ("The Wire") will direct. Production will begin soon in Europe.
Lucas, who is executive producing and financing through his Lucasfilm production banner, told Variety, "I've been wanting to do 'Red Tails' for 20 years, and we've finally got the means to showcase the skill of the Tuskegee pilots. We're working on techniques which will give us the first true look at the aerial dogfighting of the era."
This will be the first Lucasfilm feature film in 15 years unrelated to the "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" franchises.
Source:http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_2274.shtml
Will Smith Pacts with Sci-Fi Channel
Will Smith Pacts with Sci-Fi Channel
By Monique D. Love Apr 21, 2009
Will Smith's production company, Overbrook Entertainment, is teaming with the Sci Fi Channel -- which changes its name to Syfy on July 7 -- to produce the crime drama, "Unfinished Business." The drama is about an ex-cop who starts visions of the memories of the recently deceased. The visions move him to helping these lost souls resolve their unfinished business.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Unfinished Business" will air as a two-hour movie as the springboard for a potential series pilot.
Smith will produce alongside his Overbrook Entertainment partners John Lassiter and Ken Stovitz. Emmy winner Mikael Salomon ("Band of Brothers") will direct from a script by Emmy nominee Sally Robinson ("Iron Jawed Angels").
"Sci Fi is excited to begin development on Unfinished Business with Overbrook Entertainment and Will Smith," Mark Stern, executive vp original programming at Sci Fi told THR. "It is a compelling and thrilling drama that is perfect for our audience."
Source: http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_2286.shtml
Beyonce's "Obsessed" Tops Box Office
Beyonce's "Obsessed" Tops Box Office
Apr 27, 2009
Sony's Screen Gems' romantic thriller "Obsessed," starring Idris Elba and Beyonce, led the box office with $28.5 million from 2,514 theaters for a healthy $11,337 per screen average. The New School "Fatal Attraction" stars Knowles and Elba as a happily married couple until a sexy young office worker (Ali Larter) begins to stalk the husband.
"Obsessed" was a new career high for Knowles when in a lead role. It was also the second best in company history for Screen Gems. According to studio research, women made up 58% of the audience, while the age range was broad with 51% being over 25. Made for $20 million, "Obsessed" is headed towards a profitable run for Sony.
The Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.-starrer, "The Soloist," opened in fourth place with a disappointing $9.7 million from 2,024 theaters for a $4,800 per screen average. The $60 million film with two Oscar-caliber actors may have a tough time recouping.
In a limited opening in 11 theaters in New York and Los Angeles, Sony Pictures Classics Mike Tyson documentary "Tyson" posted a middleweight per-screen average of $7,817, grossing an estimated $85,982. Sony Pictures Classics acquired MIke Toback's "Tyson" after the film screened in Cannes last year and then played at Sundance. The critically acclaimed documentary examines the life of Mike Tyson, who appears throughout.
The following are estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC:
1. "Obsessed," $28.5 million
2. "17 Again," $11.7 million
3. "Fighting," $11.4 million
4. "The Soloist," $9.7 million
5. "Earth," $8.6 million
6. "Monsters vs. Aliens," $8.5 million
7. "State of Play," $6.9 million
8. "Hannah Montana: The Movie," $6.4 million
9. "Fast & Furious," $6.1 million
10. "Crank: High Voltage," $2.4 million
Source:http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_2292.shtml
Erup's "Click My FInger" video set to release
Erup's "Click My FInger" video set to release
Kingston, Jamaica - April 9, 2009) Truckback Records is pleased to announce the heavily anticipated release of the music video for the breakthrough song "Click My Finger" by Erup. The video will debut in late-April 2009 and Hype TV will air an exclusive behind the scenes look at the making of "Click My Finger".
CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW "CLICK MY FINGER"
Filmed around Kingston, Jamaica by sought after director Ras Tingle and his award-winning camera crew, Erup shines throughout as the object of many a beautiful woman's desire. When the big party kicks off at Club Weekenz, Erup is clad in sleek custom Italian apparel including shirt made with genuine Swarovski crystals spelling out "ERUP" on the back. Always the man of the moment, Erup clicks his fingers and a full entourage of sexy beauties gravitate around him. Star dancehall dancer Chi Ching Ching and model Latoya Grant deliver outstanding supporting roles in a creative storyline directed by Ras Tingle, produced by Danielle Desulme of TD Films and edited by one of the reggae industry's best editors, Mykal Cushnie. The video follows the dance promoter (Chi Ching Ching) as he tries convincingly - and hilariously at times - to woo the girl (Latoya Grant).
Dancehall's most recent breakthrough artist, Konshens, also performs along side Erup in a special cameo appearance while the party scenes feature stalwarts in the dance such as Rebel T Sound and Aly Patch as well as dance crews Judgement Yard and Dutty Link, rising stars Deh Deh, Shifta and the Fras Crew along side uber-promoter Dozer of Miami Link Up. Sanchez, of Erup's Fully Govern crew, also represented. The support of Magnum Tonic Wine and Peter Norton's innovative advertising firm, DigiAds.com,helped create a realistic mood on the set.
Reaching #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 R&B/Hip Song Chart at the end of 2008 is one of a series of milestones that saw "Click My Finger" touch #9 among overall spins on New York City's influential HOT97 FM, #1 on dancehall reggae charts in New York, London, Jamaica and South Florida and featured on Canada's #1 new Fall television show watched by an average of 1.36 Million viewers, So You Think You Can Dance Canada.
Operating out of a retired but still working converted box truck in Kingston, Jamaica, Truckback Records is the creation of Steve Locke, Heather Cameron, and Adrian Locke with promotional support provided by Johnny Wonder and Lisa Marie Edwards. "Click My Finger" is the lead track on Truckback's Gearbox Riddim, which spawned nominations for Riddim of the Year, Song of the Year ("Click My Finger"), Comeback Artist of the Year (Harry Toddler "Don't Run In")
LABEL CONTACT
myspace.com/truckbackrecords
Heather Cameron
truckbackrecords@aol.com
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
954-325-7725
PRESS CONTACT
Soul of the Lion Publicity
soulof_thelion@yahoo.com
Kingston, Jamaica
876-370-1310
April 02, 2009
Album Review: Jah Cure- The Universal Cure
Written by Serge Fleury
Every single person was put on earth for a reason, and Reggae star Jah Cure [Click to read Jah Cure interview] was put here for the sole purpose of making music—period.
The singer who has drawn close comparisons to Bob Marley brings his signature raspy voice back the forefront with is latest album, The Universal Cure.
Filled with his typical soothing material that is used to calm you spirit rather than make you want to “dutty wine,” the man born as Siccature Alcock assures the world that traditional Reggae is still alive and well.
Covering all aspects of life that everyone can relate to, whether they’re rich or poor, Jah Cure channels the legend of Bob Marley himself as he covers the classic song ‘Burning & Looting.’
From there, he joins forces with fellow kindred spirits Mavado, and Junior Reid for ‘Hot Long Time’ (which also features an unneeded appearance by Flo Rida).
Then Jah Cure uses songs like ‘Reflection’ to discuss his time spent incarcerated, while wishing to go back in time so he can become a better person.
The remainder of the album stays with the same tone with songs like ‘Luv On A 2 Way Street,’ ‘My Life,’ ‘Freedom,’ ‘Sufferation,’ ‘Journey,’ and ‘Universal Cure,’ being used to cleanse the impurities from your body, while also serving as life lessons with their comforting melodies and hooks to match.
In this fast-paced world of instant hits that end up leaving no substance to follow, it’s always refreshing to know that sometimes the simpler things in life can still have a huge impact, and Jah Cure’s The Universal Cure album is certainly a true testament to that… Jah Bless…
source:http://www.ihiphop.com/?p=13147
DMC To Host Positive-Themed Reality Rap Competition Series
RUN-DMC co-founder, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels has been tapped to host a new reality competition series titled, "The Kings of Rap," an "American Idol"-style, positive-themed hip-hop competition where contestants write music with unoffensive lyrics. The music cannot glorify violence, degrade women or include the use of profanity.
"There are so many talented kids out there who don’t get heard or don’t get signed because they're not controversial enough, or they're too positive. That amazes me," said McDaniels. "The spirit of hip hop was always about changing the world or yourself, not with a gun or with denigrating or offensive words, but by being effective with your mind. This is a time when everyone is talking about change and we as a country have the opportunity to make a difference. We can start by changing what we have to say to each other, and what we say to our kids through music."
Aspiring rappers will battle to land a recording contract and mentoring from MCDaniels.
Source:http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_2229.shtml
Bob Johnson's Letter to TV One Topper Alfred Liggins
Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson is "disappointed and puzzled" by TV One's recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing in opposition to digital must-carry status for networks such as Johnson's Urban Television, an upstart, urban-targeted network with Ion Media Networks. In a letter from Johnson to TV One Chairman Alfred Liggins. Johnson calls TV One's action "an amazing turn-about of self interest motivated by Comcast," a TV One stakeholder. Johnson, along with Ion Media Networks, is petitioning the FCC to grant Urban TV must-carry status under "share time" licenses.
Following is the full text of Johnson's letter to Liggins:
Dear Alfred,
I am very disappointed and puzzled as to why you would file comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (File Nos. BALCT-20081118AGX, et al.; DA 08-2621, DA 08-2772; filed/accepted February 19, 2009) in opposition to the creation of another programming network that I would own – Urban Television, LLC – that would help serve the viewing interests of over 30 million African Americans. As you know, TV One is the only minority-owned channel since BET is now a division of Viacom, yet you take the position in your filing that there is no need for another voice to serve the broad range of viewing interests in the African American community.
I can recall vividly when you launched TV One you made a strenuous argument that TV One should get mandatory carriage on any cable system that served urban markets. I further recall when you said BET was not enough. You felt then that BET should not be the only voice. Now, in an amazing turn-about of self interest or motivated by Comcast, the largest cable company which owns a significant stake in TV One, you argue that TV One should be the only voice. You know as well as I that there are over 500 majority-owned channels serving the viewing interest of the majority community and while African Americans represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, there is only one channel, yours, that is minority-owned. This position is not only a detriment to diversity, which we all support, it clearly argues that the cable industry has an obligation to serve the broad public interest by providing more diversity for the African American customers who spend in excess of $4 Billion annually on cable to receive literally two black program oriented channels.
Furthermore, let me be clear the digital must carry that we are seeking would in no way reduce carriage for TV One, BET, or will any way prevent the future expansion of TV One or BET. Cable systems (based on engineering specifications) have the technological capacity to carry a second digital channel without any reduction in cable channel spectrum. In other words, digital channels don’t require the cable operators to drop any existing cable service.
Therefore, your argument that Urban Television would “have a devastating impact” on TV One is totally without merit and absolutely self-serving. You suggest that the process that we’re proposing for a government mandated right to carriage is “a thinly-veiled” attempt to circumvent the system. I guess you mean by the “system” that we go to each cable market, system-by-system, and beg for carriage.
Alfred, as you well know, it is that very process which caused the failure of other African Americans who have tried to launch cable networks including Percy Sutton’s Apollo Channel and attorney Willie Gary’s New Urban Entertainment Television. As you well know, when I was at BET, and I am sure you did the same at TV One, we used every political leverage at our disposal to force many cable operators to carry our programming throughout their systems. In fact, had you not had the support of the largest cable company Comcast which was under political pressure to complete a minority deal, and I had Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI), our two channels would have never existed.
I would, at any time that you suggest, be willing to debate with you whether or not Urban Television deserves mandatory digital must carriage in front of any public interest group or government hearing. I would like to hear your argument as to why the FCC should not grant digital must carry that would promote diversity and better serve the viewing interests of African Americans.
My argument at these hearings would be that if Urban Television is successful in gaining digital must carry, other broadcasters could be encouraged to establish additional programming partnerships that could include content providers like Essence, EBONY, Black Enterprise or young African American Hollywood executives who are constantly searching for a distribution platform to showcase their creative ideas. These digital channels could also prove fertile ground for nonentertainment programming focused on education, health care, or financial literacy – all issues that are critically important to the African American community today. Moreover, if the digital stations are approved, there will be more opportunity for diversity and localism. For example a local Chicago, Atlanta, or Detroit broadcast station may want to provide local programming channels in partnership with minority entrepreneurs.
I would hope that you would hold a greater vision of this technological opportunity presented by digital must carry and join with Urban Television and the many organizations like the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), RainbowPUSH Coalition, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Urban League (NUL), the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the International Black Broadcasters Association, the National Bar Association, the Community Broadcasters Association (CBA), and others who have filed in support of this innovative use of digital technology and the necessity for mandatory cable carriage.
Warm Regards,
Robert L. Johnson
February 25, 2009
DANCEHALL VS SOCA = 0
By: Maria A. Hitchins
Dancehall practitioners please don’t be fooled by the broadcasting commission’s recent hasty rules. This is nothing short of the age old divide and conquers.
Scheming as they pit one genre of music against another.
The Dancehall and Soca fraternities need earnestly to come together, as wha ketch di pillow will soon soak through to di feather.
Let us be clear and agree, any musical style deemed overtly risqué should be banned, Soca, Dancehall even Hip Hop lovers, should now join hands.
Dancehall artists try no forget, some a unnu only have visa in jest,
And especially these days as the North American tour dates run dry,
is the same Soca Caribbean territories help upkeep unnu money supply.
Sing “Cum-ba-ya,” light candles, form your own watchdog lobbying group, but please don’t be conned into jumping through what is really a class- cultural hoop.
Deejays, Singjays, calling all massive and crew, put your points forward and mek dem know you nah eschew.
Your careers are at stake and everyman wah eat a food, simply do your research, argue intelligently, and mek dem know, “who, wha you did go a school!”
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com
Photo of Rihanna's battered face released
A very disturbing photo of superstar Rihanna's battered face has been leaked to the public via entertainment website TMZ.com.
Now that the photo is released, industry insiders and fans are now wondering if Chris Brown will indeed face criminal charges.
However according ABC News legal analyst Dana Cole, "If there's just swelling then Chris Brown may get away with simply being charged as a misdemeanor. If that picture does in fact depict broken bones, facial fractures, contusions, then he's looking at a felony and probable jail time."
Who leaked the photo?
According to reports, only the cops who were on the scene took photos of Rihanna’s injuries so the photo could have only been leaked to the public by someone of that police division. An internal investigation has now been launched by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Bar-Bee on top
Singer Bar-bee is receiving a lot of love where her single Love You Anyway is concerned. It is now sitting pretty atop Richie B’s Jamaica Music Countdown Reggae singles chart. On the Hype TV To 20 Singles Chart the single is also threatening to dethrone the current number one.
Incidentally the video for the single is perched in the number one spot also on CVM TV’s Hitlist Video Countdown chart.
A jubilant Bar-Bee says she could not be happier about the direction her career is going.
Since its release Love You Anyway has been getting rave reviews both on the local and international scene.
On Saturday, Valentine’s Day, Bar-Bee will have a chance to sing the love lyrics to her fans in Negril when she will be in performance at the Bourbon Beach alongside Nadine Sutherland and other local acts.
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com
Lady G earns her stripes at Rebel Salute
Following on the heels of an exciting Sting performance, deejay Lady G made a lasting impression on the crowd at the 16th renewal of the cultural showcase, Rebel Salute held recently in St Elizabeth.
Clearly in a no-nonsense mood, Lady G entered centre stage and took control. She quickly dispensed with formalities like bigging up show promoter/artiste Tony Rebel on his birthday, even telling him that her mother, who is a fan of his, had also sent special greetings to him on his earthstrong. She also had a speech for Barack Obama, the then US President-elect in whose honour Rebel Salute chose its theme for 2009. “What a man look fine,” Lady G said, to thunderous applause from her fans.
Bounding with energy and determined to get her year off to a great start — just like the ‘G’ in her name — she reached for her anti-lesbian lyrics in which she issued a stern warning to those elements trying to turn the order of things upside down.
And, hard on the heels of that warning, she did her tune which gives ultimate respect to “di man dem”. Lady G did a set that was fun, but was still filled with hardcore reality lyrics that reflected on the serious issues of the day.
She definitely kept her fans entertained during her 20 minutes on stage and showed why she is rated as one of the top female acts going into 2009.
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com
Gramps Morgan makes solo debut at Jamaica Jazz Festival
Gramps Morgan, part of the group Morgan Heritage, has now stepped out on his solo journey, and is scheduled to make his local debut on Thursday night at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay.
“It’s going to be a ‘moment in time’ as Beres would say,” an obviously excited Gramps said. “It’s historical … I’m really looking forward to it.”
Gramps, who performed with Morgan Heritage at Rebel Salute on Saturday, says he has absolutely no qualms about jumping on stage by himself. The keyboard player-cum-vocalist in the group, Gramps, whose real name is Roy, says his first ever solo performance took place last November in London. “It was a show with me and Marcia Griffiths and I was advertised as a solo act, so people came to the show knowing that it would be just me,” he explained.
However, according to Gramps, many persons, after seeing him perform, were surprised that he could actually sing. “But it has been all good so far … and the person I am happiest for is my father because he had predicted this day. He told us years ago that one day we would all take separate roads and show fans the different dimensions so they would know exactly what makes up the nucleus of Morgan Heritage,” he said.
The elder Morgan is indeed a happy man. “He just loves it when we do our solo projects and send him the songs to listen to. As soon as he gets one from me, he wants to know when he’s getting others,” Gramps said with a laugh.
Gramps has so far released a number of singles, Watch The Tears and Hour Of Prayer, a combination with Buju Banton. He is looking forward to performing these on Thursday night at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.
Mojo Morgan on Herbsman Anthem promotional tour
For singer, Mojo Morgan, the mission is continuing. It just happens that this time around, Mr Mojo, a member of the group Morgan Heritage, is on a solo flight, taking his musical message to the world.
In the very first week of the New Year 2009, Mojo packed his bags and headed off to Europe where he kicked off his Herbsman Anthem promotional tour, heating the continent with reggae music and making new fans along the way. Having spent a great deal of time in the studio working on building his solo repertoire, Mojo is using his world music to make an impression on European fans.
On January 5, he performed at the Reigen in Vienna, Austria, then he was off to Germany on January 10 for a concert at the Yaam.
Last weekend saw him in Milan, Italy at the Blanco Café on Friday night and, while the other members of Morgan Heritage were rocking crowds at Rebel Salute in St Elizabeth Jamaica on Saturday night, Mojo was singing his Herbsman Anthem and other singles at La Yard, in the Italian city of Genoa.
Reports out of Europe are that Mr Mojo’s promotional tour has been going “very well”.
“Given the current status of reggae/dancehall music in Europe now, the consensus is that Mr Mojo, the new solo act, has been doing quite well. He even recorded a song while in Germany called Dem Bwoy Deh,” a release from his publicist stated.
Over 400 persons attended the show on Saturday and that represented a capacity audience at the venue.
On January 24, Mr Mojo’s Herbsman Anthem tour moves to Arnhem, Holland for a concert at the Willemeen.
A Crosses Between Reggae, Hip-hop and R&B; Axum Riddim
Burning Spear Wins Best Reggae Album Grammy
| Reggae music icon and international recording artist Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney wins second career Best Reggae Album Grammy® for his all-new studio CD, JAH IS REAL For Immediate Release: New York, NY (February 10, 2009) - Burning Music Productions proudly announces that Reggae music icon Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney (O.D.) has won his second career Best Reggae Album Grammy for his all-new 2008 studio CD release, Jah Is Real. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards were held Sunday, February 8th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and broadcast on CBS TV Network in US and to a worldwide audience. Burning Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari album and has received a record 11 nominations (most in the Reggae genre) for releases over his career to date (www.Grammy.com). Spear and his wife/ Burning Music Productions partner Sonia, who also attended along with son, Kevin, are greatly appreciative of the recognition by the Academy members for the honor. It was also significant for them as being the only fully independent release among the nominations this year. Congratulations for Spear's win came backstage from other music icons as former Beatles member, Sir Paul McCartney, bluesman BB King, and many more from the musical community. He was also interviewed by the worldwide press in attendance including Fox Network, BBC, CNN, People, and many more along the event's red carpet upon his arrival at the Grammys. Jah Is Realis an all-new studio album produced and performed by Rodney and released / distributed through his own independent Burning Music Productions. The CD also features guest musical performances on several of the album tracks by Parliament-Funkadelic legends bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell. Jah Is Real and Burning Spear's extensive catalog of releases are available at the Burning Spear Store, on his official website, www.BurningSpear.net, and all leading retail music stores. Photo caption: 1. Burning Spear (left) and son Kevin (right) accept the Best Reggae Album Grammy at 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of AP) KEEP THE SPEAR BURNING ! For more information on the latest Burning Spear news, Burning Sound radio (on Live365.com), joining the Burning Spear Street Team and more - Visit www.BurningSpear.net |
January 26, 2009
"We don't always live what we portray so don't always believe the hype!!!"
(By Mondale smith)
http://dancehallreggaeweseh.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-dont-always-live-what-we-portray-so.html
On New Year's night 2009 thousands enjoyed the finals of the Kashif and Shanghai at Providence Stadium and the after show that followed but Linden was not void of international entertainment.
More than 3000 flocked to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground and got a full taste of Jamaican Dancehall artistes Serani and Cecile on New Year night but none in attendance can complain of the female artiste not having her voice this time around. But that story will be told in another installment.
Hopper caught up with the "Ride or die," "Waiting on my baby" singer who for the first time in her career spent New Year's away from Jamaica as she celebrates the release of "waiting" her new album. She says "It's a new year and you just want the people to know that whatever bad is going on in yah life you really still need to be thankful because you have life and with life there is hope."
Cecile is one of several female artistes who represent for women's rights and speak out against abuse in her home land via the women's organization Sisters for sisters and she says in 2009 she aims to become a mentor / big sister and has already consulted with probation officials on the way forward.
Speaking to the ladies she told Hopper "It's very good that you can idolize artiste but you need to know us and don't always believe the hype many of us don't live what we sing and portray and if you get to know some of us you'll probably hate us or get some sound advice.
What I do is a job and I'm not necessarily living what I portray and sing. This is how I make money so I can be independent but I don't live that way and that's my message always. Some other artistes sing and live the same way and young people are seeing them and are taking example especially with the violence but for me contrary to popular belief: I don't drink and I don't smoke and I'm always in the studio writing or reading a book says Cecile.
Unlike most dancehall artiste Cecile does not come with a bad girl ghetto youth story and Hopper learnt that while she's not the type to boast she is a sticker for education who left high school with a distinction in English, and is an ardent literature lover whose fluency in spoken French and Spanish is enticing. A graduate of an all girls high school she loathed piano lessons and music classes.
While toying with the idea that she may consider Guyana as a location for a video shoot Hopper got up in her business one-on-one.
Hopper: what are some things that people don't know about you?
Cecile: As a child I never played any sport, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't party and I can't swim. My mom's not rich by any means but she is smart and took a rich boy friend. On my father's side my Grandfather was a mayor and he was chief among people who never expected me to go into dance Hall in fact that subject was taboo but they are now warming up to it since they are seeing that it's not as bad as they thought.
Hopper: What do you think is the package for making it in the music industry?
Cecile: The package is talent, looks, education, attitude and being humble etc
Hopper: You've been to Guyana on five occasions now what is your impression?
Cecile: I really like Guyana. My first two visits were like really crazy shows and I was here with lady Saw and I'm learning a lot about the many happening here and until this trip I did not know that Linden existed. But when I was here for the Private party a few weeks ago me and Bennie Man went to the races and this was my first experience of watching live racing action and now I'm a racing fan thanks to Guyana.
Hopper: The last time you performed in Guyana your voiced failed what happened then?
Cecile: The last time I had just come off a European tour and I was really sick and when I got home I was diagnosed with asthma which I did not know I had before.
Hopper: What does 2009 hold for Cecile in the music industry?
Cecile: For me it not just about doing the music and the sexiness part of it's also me trying to motivate people to focus on positivity and I hope to share a little bit of that for the New Year. My album, more like debut, is out for the Caribbean and North America to enjoy and it has a lot of crazy new songs and some old favorites as well as some weightiness kind of songs too that I release Guyanese like. It gives listeners a chance to see who Cecile really is and I'm working on some videos.
Hopper: What is your message to people thinking of getting into the Music industry based on your experience?
Cecile: You really have to believe in yourself because it's a very hard business to get into so you really have to be focused. A lot of people think that we are always partying but behind the scenes of music its really about sitting down and writing and being in studios for hours upon hours and it can actually become really boring and at the end of it all you hope that you get play on radio and TV so that you can start reaping the benefits. So if you want to get into the business know it's not a joke thing. You have to have tough skinned and get ready to be criticized. Success is preparation meeting opportunity so if you prepare and your opportunity come you can reap the benefits but you must be prepared always.
Hopper: Many believe that as woman in the dancehall industry you have to be ruckus and common placed and sell skin and be very sexual and explicit always to make it what says you to that?
Cecile: To each his own and you have to be your own person and know what is your objective and you can't blame anyone. On the ladies side you have Cecile and Lady Saw or Queen Ifrica and Etana. On the men side you can listen to Beanie man then you have Tarrus Riley and Warrior King. Over all it's always good to respect yourself.
Hopper: Many opine that being a dancehall artiste one does not have to be smart or educated. How important is education to your job as an artiste?
Cecile: Back in the day dancehall music was something that you did when you never had anything else to do. Not anymore: it's not necessarily Ghetto music anymore and ghetto does not mean uneducated. Check Shaggy, Sean Paul, Busy signal, Alaine, Etana among others look at the way they write and you know that they are educated. Especially if you don't want to be ripped off by a manger, your lawyer or your financial adviser you better get educated and keep your head on. It helps you to make decisions for yourself. If you are stupid and you have people around you who see you as a money making tool they will make money off of you and you'll end up with nothing.
You need to be educated to do your interviews also or you will be laugh at and you would not recognize your fullest potential.
Hopper: What's your News year's resolution?
Cecile: If you are not educated you react with violence because you don't know how to make educated decisions and you wreak havoc on a country. I'm totally into reading and it's always been my escape to where I wanted to be so I'm working on my charity that will focus on teaching children to read. A lot of children can't read and that is causing them to act out with violence especially in the third world. So I'm starting my charity "Charley's Angel" in Jamaica because I think reading will help kids to dream bigger and go after opportunities that they really need.
With education young people realize that they can be anything not just doctor’s lawyers and police. And if you learn another language it increases you chances on the employment lien even more.
Hopper: What do you want the public to understand about Cecile?
Cecile: Understand when I'm on stage I'm singing for women that have been abused and under aged pregnant mothers and while I'm doing what I do as a job I'm as human as anyone else who is seeking to help charities and causes for women and children even though I'm singing something sexual and about money.
Hopper: What is life's most important lesson thus far for you?
Cecile: As youth the things you see as most unimportant and stupid are actually the things that make sense when you are grown up.
Life's resolve: if the Fame, hype and popularity ends today I'll still be writing music that's how much I like music. Some people use drugs but music is my get away.
Artistes need to unite and stop the bad vibes with each other
http://dancehallreggaeweseh.blogspot.com/2009/01/artistes-need-to-unite-and-stop-bad.html
Dancehall's top female entertainer, Lady Saw, is making an urgent appeal to all her colleagues in the business to start uniting and stop the bad vibes that will only lead to the fueling of negativity in the society.
The undisputed 'first lady' or should we say 'muma' of the dancehall, says she has been doing a lot of reflecting and does not want to be remembered for the negative part of her entertainment life, but for her humanitarian deeds and positive influence she can impart on the now generation.
"I just want all of the artistes to come together and stop the bad vibes with each other. The business we are in is one that attracts a lot of attention and it is up to us to send the right message to the listening ears," Lady Saw shared.
Pointing out that she was not speaking as Lady Saw but Marion Hall, the female DJ said, "Some of us artistes need to take a good look at what Shaggy and all the other artistes are doing to make a difference in the lives of unfortunate people. In all my years I have never heard Shaggy in a quarrel with an artiste. Why can't other artistes take a page from his book?"
"As for my female colleagues who want to be confrontational, it not going to do no good for unnu career. When yuh run out of lyrics and people to trace, in a matter of no time your faces will disappear off flyers, your voices will be silenced and unnu never live to fulfill unnu dreams of reaching international stardom," Saw said.
The female DJ said that it was not that opportunities were not there for the females, but they lack the staying power and resilience to keep their careers going. "Mi want money but at what cost? I don't want a promoter or producer to only draw for me because I have a good counteraction song. I want to be like a programmed bug always in the minds of people, so that they can draw for me for any occasion," she said.
When asked about her recent performance at the Shaggy & Friend's Charity show, she said, "Oh my God, it was a blessed event. I felt a sense of purpose knowing that I was contributing to a very worthy cause. You know, it was like something celestial overcame me during my performance and every word that came out of my mouth was like giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when I looked and saw how happy all the participating entertainers and the people in the audience were. I give thanks to God for Shaggy and his brilliant idea and am very glad to have been a part of such a worthy cause."
Lady Saw's resolution for the New Year and beyond is to help foster unity among her peers, to play her part in helping the less fortunate, use her talent to enhance and uplift others and most of all, to remember where she is coming from and the Father who made it all possible.
"Jamaica people, mi love unnu. Mi colleagues in the business, please mi a beg unnu meck wi work towards some positive changes in the business. Di bad mouthing, tearing down, grudgeful and bad mindedness of each other not going to get unnu anywhere," the first lady said.
Mavado's 2nd album;to Release VP in March
New York, NY, Jan 06, 2009 In early March 2009, one of the most talked about dancehall artists Mavado will unveil the second chapter of his stirring street narrative, Mr Brooks�?�A Better Tomorrow, on VP Records. Mavado �?? who was crowned "Best New Reggae Artist" at the 2008 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards and by Rolling Stone Magazine (April 2008) ?? is making dancehall a big screen production. The talented singjay from Kingston, Jamaica's toughest ghetto Cassava Piece, has crafted his strongest album yet �?? a bittersweet struggle over the dichotomies in his world �?? past vs. present, hope vs. despair, and freedom from strife.
Following Mavado's critically acclaimed debut Gangster For Life: The Symphony of David Brooks (July 2007), Mr Brooks�?�A Better Tomorrow is a true reflection of who Mavado (David Brooks) is today. This second installment of his latest hits and daring exploits are built on apocalyptic synthesizer progressions to which Mavado chats and sings simplistic yet profound lyrics with strong conviction and ease. His contagious hook and clever outlaw antics from the album's first single "So Special" (produced by Linton "TJ" White) has already turned this #1 Jamaican smash into a U.S. commercial radio hit remaining on Billboard's Top 100 Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay and Song chart for over a month and peaking at #52. The chart toppers will not end here. Mavado pours out his heart and soul on every track from his new diary. While his community is plagued by violence and corruption, Mavado unites the ghetto youth on rally cry anthems like "Overcome" (produced by Stephen McGregor) & "Don't Worry" (produced by Daseca) and gives thanks to Jah for all his good fortunes on "So Blessed" (produced by Stephen McGregor). And a Mavado album would not be complete without a steamy track like "In Di Car Back" (produced by Stephen McGregor), where sexual escapades and desires run rampant on this spicy melody. This "rising star with a battle-scarred singing voice" (New York Times) has created a breakthrough set for his 2009 release.
With a string of massive underground hits running back to 2006, his international street credibility, collaborations with hip hop's biggest names (Jay-Z, G-Unit, Foxy Brown, Wyclef, Lil Kim and Busta Rhymes), his first album Gangster For Life: The Symphony of David Brooks remaining in the Top 25 Billboard Reggae sales chart since its debut, major scores and endorsement deals, Mavado has gone from obscurity to ghetto super stardom. Deemed the "Gully God" by fans and media, the controversy surrounding him has also ignited an enigmatic gangster façade. Part prophet, part superhero and part fugitive, Mavado is the voice of the streets and represents dancehall for the new generation.
###
To view Mavado's media page and listen to songs from the album click here:
http://www.vprecords.com/index.php?page=vp1842_sampler
For all other press inquiries, please contact:
Tiffany Mea
Tiffanym@vprecords.com
PH: 718-425-1151
Tiffany Mea
VP Records Publicity
89-05 138th St.
Jamaica, NY 11435
AIM: VPTIFF
PH: (718)-425-1151
CeLl: (347)-325-4625
FAX: (718)-658-3573
January 02, 2009
Breakdown FM: An Interview w/ Sister Souljah-Still at War 'Til Midnight
Click Link Below to Listen to Breakdown FM Interview
http://odeo. com/episodes/23722448-Sista-Souljah-Interview
An Interview w/ Sister Souljah
Still at War Till Midnight
The first time I met Sister Souljah was back in 1989 when she rolled through the now defunct New Music Seminar in New York City and set the place on fire.
There was a historic panel discussion featuring Chuck D of Public Enemy, film director Spike Lee, Singer James Mtume and if memory serves me correctly music exec Bill Stephany also sat on that panel.
At that time we knew Souljah as Lisa Williamson and she was no joke. Fiery, articulate and uncompromising, she was one of those folks who made everyone step up their game.
She was the type of person who you wanted to be riding alongside you because there was no way she was gonna lose. She proved that during this panel discussion. The conversations that took place that day were heated. Mtume was a source of controversy because several months prior he had gone on the radio said something about rappers and sampling and how it was not a cool thing.
This prompted a response from the group Stetsasonic who released a song called 'Talking All That Jazz' which took Mtume to task. The Stets crew showed up to the session deep as it was first time the two parties had met. Anticipating more controversy, folks were pleasantly surprised as Mtume eased tensions by backing off the harshness of his initial statements and clarifying what he meant. He noted that he was a fan not an enemy to Hip Hop.
Spike Lee was the man of the hour because his movie 'Do the Right Thing' had dropped and set off racial tensions in New York. That day Spike was bold and brash and seemed to relish the storm that surrounded him and his movie. He pulled no punches as he explained that he felt his movie and the issues it raised was the 'right thing' and that it was high time folks dealt with the issue of race head on.
A few months after later New York's simmering racial tensions would boil over with the shooting death of Yusef Hawkins in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
Public Enemy was the biggest rap group at that time with Chuck D making folks quiver as he talked about his disdain for Elvis in the song 'Fight the Power'. That afternoon he spoke eloquently and laid out a 6 point platform that he said would take Hip Hop and industry to new heights. There were a lot of folks in the room that day that took notes and launched their careers using Chuck's advice. The tenet of his speech was centered around importance of positioning oneself to be a presenter of music and not leaving it up to others who did not love or respect the culture. He who controls and defines the music has major power was Chuck's mantra that afternoon.
Like I said the panel was on tilt, but the person who really rocked the house was the lone woman on that panel Lisa Williamson, who at the time was unknown to folks outside of New York, but known to many of the rappers in the room.
If memory serves me correctly, I think fellow journalist Harry Allen described her as a raptivist. That day she gave an impassioned speech about the importance of NOT allowing 'media middlemen' get in the way of the social, political and business dealings of Black people. She talked frankly about people outside the community coming in and playing folks off one another, by sparking conflict and redefining our issues and pushing their own agendas. She talked about how Black folks needed to communicate directly with one another and not let people come between us.
At that time she named off several music industry executives including Lyor Cohen and Cara Lewis.
She said, "If your name is Eric B you don't let Cara Lewis come between us you come talk to me first because I'm your sister... The middleman will beat us every time". Her remarks were riveting and for many in the room prophetic as many of us would have our own challenges with middlemen who would come into our midst and divide us if we didn't support or agree with their ideals and outlooks.
Sadly Public Enemy would be the first of many who would weather such a storm over remarks made by Professor Griff who was accused of being anti-semtic
Fast forward 19 years.
Lisa Williamson is now Sister Souljah, best selling author, scholar and most importantly still an uncompromising community activist and organizer. She's still the type of person who makes you straighten up your shoulders and step up your game when she enters the room. You step up, not because you're intimidated or brow beaten, but because her energy is infectious and you simply can't help yourself.
I caught up with Souljah the other day when she touched down in the Bay Area to promote her new book 'Midnight' which is the prequel to her book 'The Coldest Winter Ever'. It's her first book in 8 years and has got a lot of people buzzing as they were left wanting to know so much more about the character Midnight. We talked at length about her book, the process she underwent when writing and what sort of things she wanted to convey. Souljah noted that nowadays she finds it easier to get life lessons across through her works of fiction versus real life narratives.
She britsles at the notion of her being the jump off of what the industry now likes to coin gangsta /urban lit. She explained that there's no jumpoff and that Black folks have been writing and reading forever. She's a writer and a good one at that who produces material that is captivating to an audience that is often underserved and discounted. She doesn't dumb down her material or compromise on the quality of work. She strives to give her audience the best she has to offer and hates that there are those who feel that as a writer who is popular amongst this underserved audience that she has somehow compromising her talents.
We also talked about whether or not the stories were true about her and Will Smith's wife Jada Pinket Smith were working on a movie for 'Coldest Winter Ever'
She gave us the full 4-1-1. She said she is still working with the Smith's on making her book into a movie. She says she has plans to make sure all her books go to the big screen. She also talked about the importance of people owning their intellectual property. In 2008 with all the new technology around, owning your creations is more important then ever. "Get your business straight", she said.
That point would be reiterated later that evening before a packed house at Eastbay Church of Science in Oakland as she told the audience how HBO agreed to make the movie' but then backed out at the 11th hour after she and Jada had done all sorts of leg work including penning a screenplay. She noted that HBO backed out the deal, retained the movie rights to her creation and for the most parts were making no moves to go forward. She talked about how she had to shell out 300 thousand dollars to buy back her rights and how she learned a hard lesson. Now she owns everything outright and won't make such a mistake again. She told the audience to make sure they always understand their value in the larger scheme of things.
During our interview we built upon a number of topics.
She talked about President-elect Barack Obama and what his victory means to us as Black people. She broke things down as she explained that Obama has a job to do as president and that it doesn't have much to do with the day to day job each of us have to do to uplift our communities. She went into detail about this. We also touched upon Obama's background as a community organizer and how that measured up to the work she has long done as a community organizer who worked with and still works with homeless youth.
Souljah talked at length about how we should understand that all of us have jobs to do. All of us have a place to fit in. She talked about how we should not be lured into the trap of celebrity worship where we expect a rap artist to suddenly come along and craft a bill or get knee deep into work details that are required to be an effective community activist. She said we often put the wrong expectations upon people and then are left disappointed when they don't come through.
This discussion then led to a larger breakdown about leadership in the African American community and the current state of Hip Hop. With each topic Souljah kicked some keen insight that will leave many re-adjusting some of their concepts.
As we talked I realized that over the years and with all the topics we've discussed in interviews from politics to Malcolm X to relationship advice, I never got the background story that prompted her middleman remarks during that 1989 New Music Seminar panel.
She explained that as a young activist at 19 years old she was doing a lot of work with homeless kids and spending what little money she had on those kids.
She talked about how she met LL Cool J and came up with the idea of doing some sort of fundraising concert for the youth. LL wanted to make sure she was on the up and up and sat down with the kids sans Souljah and got the scoop. Once sastified that she was sincere he agreed to do a concert and not charge her so she could raise funds for her summer camp. This was the start of good thing as soon a number of other artists joined in and added to the lineup. Souljah soon developed a reputation for doing these big concerts at the Apollo Theater in Harlem where some of the biggest names in Hip Hop would come donate their time while she charged a high ticket price that was aimed at all the so called uptown ballers. 100% of the money went to the kids.
Souljah explained it was the perfect marriage. At the time everyone was under 21 and all who participated was excited at being able to contribute their talents to something that was overwhelmingly positive. This was all going down at the height of the crack era where you had young Black people who had been written off by society. It was astounding to critics and enemies of Black people and Hip Hop culture to see young people doing for self and pulling themselves up by their proverbial boot straps and not looking for handouts. People were helping build up their communities. Many of the artists who participated did so gladly because they saw the immediate benefits as that the money raised not only went to Souljah's camps but would also help spark after school programs for the youth in many of the artists own hoods.
As Souljah's concerts became legendary throughout New York she started to get some outright haterism from industry executives. Frustrated because she had violated no laws and the artists she tapped were in compliance with their contracts, they saw her concerts as something that was cutting them out and therefore a problem. Souljah had eliminated the middleman and went directly to the artists where she leveraged her friendships by highlighting everyone's mutual interests to help out the kids in the neighborhood.
Industry folks worked overtime to find ways to undercut Souljah including going to some of those popular rap artists and threatening to mess up future financial earnings. Souljah noted it was a cold game and quite eye opening to see outside forces could come into the hood and economically strong arm some of our best and brightest stars. One by one folks caved in fearful of economic reprisals. She noted that many weren't the soldiers she had thought they would be. many did not live up to rhetoric and science they kicked in their songs.
Souljah went on to note that many didn't come directly to her to explain their concerns. Instead industry execs inserted themselves into the equation insisting that they would handle all dealings including bookings for Souljah's concerts. The artist would no longer perform for free and in fact they were being priced out of the market. The end result was her being pressured and eventually written (black balled) out the picture.
A-List rap artists doing a free concert in New York-a city with more than 8 million people was apparently a big problem. Several years later Souljah's formula to help fund community organizations would be replicated by commercial radio stations around the country who would have major rap stars come through and do free Summerjam, Wintetrjam and every other type of 'jam' concerts for charity. The coldest part about this is while some of the gate receipts would go aid a few community groups, many of these stations would make up to a third of their yearly budget in behind the scenes sponsorship money for these megajams. So almost overnight, these huge rap stars went from helping fund community social programs in their own neighborhoods that were being systematically under-funded by the then Reagan and Bush administrations to helping fund the portfolios for investors and media moguls to tunes of millions of dollars. The platforms of these media moguls would later highlight harsh stereotypes that would far too often be used to demonize us and put us in bad light. Souljah's recounting of these incidents were sobering as we can see that in way too many instances the same tactics are used today with similar results.
It's with this backdrop and understanding that Souljah's remarks to the audience about owning your own, building institutions and us respecting and loving one another take on heightened meaning. The fact that after 15 years of marriage she and her family still hit the road attending all her lectures is a testament to her understanding about how we should strive to keep ourselves firmly rooted.
It was a pleasure chopping it up with Sister Souljah. As I said she's inspiring and full of insight. Her new book Midnight is one that she says she put her heart and soul into and is her favorite work to date. She noted this is the type of book that will hopefully help us grow and become better men and women..
This interview also weeves in excerpts from speeches that Souljah has given in the past as well as a reading from her new book Midnight...
Enjoy
http://www.daveyd.com/
January 01, 2009
The -SE of DASECA Productions; Serani
DJ PREMIER
There's an old saying: Rap is something you do; hip-hop is something you live. No truer words have been used to describe this music and culture. And no individual more truly embodies the second part of this maxim than DJ Premier-turntable technician, producer, and now, record label founder. Borne out of his daily operation to restore skills, soul and integrity to hip hop (ingredients that have been sorely neglected in recent times), Year Round Incorporated, DJ Premier's very own independent record label, is finally now a reality.
"I've always felt that it's important to have a name-whether it's my publishing, production company or email address-that has some real meaning to it," says Premier of how he christened his imprint. "'Year Round' describes me fully because I'm always working."
Though Premier is renown as both a member of one of hip hop's most respected groups, Gang Starr, and one of modern music's top aural architects, there's an equally valuable if less celebrated aspect to his tireless work: championing new and unheralded talent. Preem has been a crucial figure in the early development of some of rap music's modern legends specifically, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas when all were still relatively unknown, emerging artists, and went on to collaborate on classic records with each. He's brought light to such other well-respected acts as Freddie Foxxx, Heather B, G-Dep, and M.O.P. well before other producers and DJs were willing to take chances on them. And he continues to seek out new underground records with an honest enthusiasm and passion that few of his peers possess. It's in this spirit of breaking rap music's significant voices of tomorrow that Year Round Incorporated carries its mission.
Explains Preem: "Nobody cares about developing the artists when they come up anymore. It's not healthy for the game of rap. But instead of crying about it, we're doing something about it by going in the studio and banging out some joints that nobody can front on. Lately, I've been doing tracks for a lot of cats that normally couldn't really afford me, but have enough potential to deserve a track from me. With Year Round [Records], I'm focusing on these kinds of artists-the ones who are really gonna be a force to be reckoned with; all these little shiny cats out now are not gonna be able to hold a stick to them."
Case in point, Year Round's first signees, NYGz, composed of the BX-Uptown duo of Panchi and Shabeeno. If the group exudes a savvy, confidence and charisma missing from so many of today's up-and-comers, it's because Panchi and Sha aren't actually newcomers, but veterans (formerly known as Operation Rattification) who've patiently laid in the cut awaiting their opportune time to shine. Those who've patiently awaited a record that represents the classic sound of New York hip hop at its finest, commence bangin' NYGz's (and Year Round Incorporated's) debut release, "Giantz Ta Thiz"-a modern masterpiece of gritty rhymes, commanding flows, and, of course, ingenious production that brings underground hip hop back to the urban streets where it belongs.
Lyrically, Panchi and Sha run down their resume-reminiscing on hustling days in the '80s, running wild through the Rotten Apple's concrete corridors, and being "in the back of the Zodiac" where they "first tasted cognac." Beatwise, Preem literally stands hip hop history on its head-taking the bass-dominated rumble of the breakbeat classic "Seven Minutes of Funk" (the foundation of everything from the Furious Five's "Superrappin'" to EPMD's "It's My Thing" to Jay-Z's "Ain't No Nigga") and re-working it into a new, brilliantly syncopated groove that bounces with the fervor of the original. Very simply, it is one of the illest creations of his already esteemed career. With the equally hard-hitting "Strength" holding down the B-side, NYGz and Year Round possess one of the strongest singles of the forthcoming year.
Subsequent Year Round singles will continue to mine this impactive, back to basics aesthetic, and are set to include tracks from controversial Queensbridge underground legend Poet ("An OG who knows how to spit and isn't afraid to say what he got to say," says Preem) of the acclaimed PHD and Screwball, and newcomer Rave Roulette the Hitman-a Brooklyn emcee whose Five Percent-informed ill street lyricism merges the diverse influences of Kane, Rakim and Wu-Tang, and channels them into something entirely his own. With these and other Year Round releases in the chamber, the return of the real is upon us. Hip hop devotees, your dreams have now been fulfilled.
"It's like feeding someone a new drug," says Preem of the label's approach. "And then as you keep on feedin' 'em, they're gonna want more and more. I'm definitely a pusher. I push music that you should be hearing. I have no choice but to be that way."
http://www.myspace.com/djpremier / http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dj_premier
December 30, 2008
ACTOR DANNY GLOVER AMONG HONOREES AT AFUWI GALA 2009
ACTOR DANNY GLOVER AMONG HONOREES AT AFUWI GALA 2009
Friday, December 05, 2008 - Actor and Humanitarian Danny Glover, Bermuda Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Macy’s Department Store are among the list of honorees for the 12th Annual Fundraising Gala of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) to be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Pierre in New York City at 6:30 pm. Harry Belafonte will again serve as Honorary Patron. The Annual Gala is the AFUWI’s premier fundraising event in the United States at which the prestigious Legacy Awards are conferred on notable individuals who represent high levels of achievement within their respective fields of industry and enterprise. Awards will be presented in three categories; Caribbean Luminary, The Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award and The University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award.
This year’s recipient of the University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award is UN Ambassador Danny Glover.
“This honor is granted to individuals whose contribution to the advancement of arts and culture transcends boundaries of race, color, creed and geographies, uniting people throughout the world in a spirit that embodies the essence of the music and lyrics of the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M.,” noted Annmarie Grant, executive director of the AFUWI, housed at the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York City.
Sir Courtney Blackman, founding Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados and vice-chairman of the Stanford International Bank will be presented with the Foundation’s Special Award while Macy’s will receive the Corporate Award. Sir Courtney Blackman is also a former Chairman of the AFUWI and is being honored for his outstanding contribution to the Foundation as well as to the growth and development of the financial industry of the Caribbean region.
The 2009 Luminary Award recipients include; Dr. Ainsworth Allen, Dr. Ewart Brown, Hon. Helen Marshall, Dr. Muriel Petioni and Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, while the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Awardees comprise; Joi Gordon, Andrew Gray, Jerome Maxwell, Dr. Bert Petersen and Voza Rivers.
Veronica Campbell-Brown, 2008 double Olympic Gold medalist will also be on hand to receive the Foundation’s tribute, recognizing and saluting the superb performance of Caribbean athletes at the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Hosts for the black tie gala are; My9 TV Co-Anchor Brenda Blackmon; CNN Anchor Soledad O’Brien and WCBS News Anchor Maurice Dubois, all of whom have generously agreed to donate their talent in support of the Foundation’s effort to secure funds for scholarships and grants for needy students of the University of the West Indies.
A silent auction is included in the evening’s programme and will feature items donated by local businesses and members of the public.
Tickets for the benefit can be purchased at the AFUWI office in New York City by calling 212-759-9345. Corporate packages are also available. For information about donating to the Foundation, please log on to http://www.afuwi.org
Contact:Aubrey L. Campbell / JIS/NY / T: 212-935-7506
JAMAICAN FEATURE FILM FOR BROADWAY SCREENING
JAMAICAN FEATURE FILM FOR BROADWAY SCREENING
“Made In Jamaica”, a feature film chronicling the development of the island nation’s popular music culture, will enjoy special billing during the 16th Annual African Diaspora Film Festival (ADFF), which opens at six venues across New York City, from November 28 through December 16, 2008. Shot by Jerome Laperouz in Jamaica and France, the film explores reggae’s powerful path to worldwide recognition in just 108 minutes.
“Made in Jamaica is a powerful portrait of the leaders of Jamaican music that explore4s how reggae has become a worldwide phenomenon. Reggae is Jamaica’s blues, a music of both desperation and hope,” noted Diarah N’Daw-Spech, Co-Director of the ADFF.
The film traces the story of how a small island nation in the Caribbean with a population of less than three million people, took their human experience and turned it into songs full of emotion that resonate around the world.
Never before has a single feature film presented the leaders of the Reggae music genre with the intensity that ‘Made In Jamaica’ does, according to a festival release. The film features Grammy Award winner Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Bunny Wailer, 2006 Grammy Award nominees Third world Band, Shia and Cat Coore, Beres Hammond, sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Alaine Laughton, Tanya Stephens, Bounty Killer, Blessed, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Joseph Current, Vybz Kartel, Brick And Lace, Dr. Marshall, Capleton, Koolant and Left Side & Esco, among others.
It will be screened five times over two days exclusively at the Thalia Theatre (Symphony Space), 2537 Broadway @ 95th Street, Manhattan. Show dates and times are Sunday, December 14, at 5:00 pm., and 7:30 pm., and on Tuesday, December 16, at 3:00 pm., 6:00 pm., and 8:30 pm.
The annual festival aims to present films – 90 this year - about the Global Black Experience and to expose a diverse audience to a movement that continues to enhance the cultural scenario of New York City in ways unique to the ADFF.
General information on the festival, including special rates for students and groups, is available on line at; www.nyadff.com, T: 212-678-7438
–end—
Contact: Aubrey L. Campbell / JIS/NY. / T: 212-935-7506
St. Lucian Roots Reggae Artist Taj Weekes’ Album “Deidem”
St. Lucian Roots Reggae Artist Taj Weekes’ Album “Deidem”
New York, NY - November 10, 2008 - St. Lucian roots reggae artist Taj Weekes and his band Adowa celebrate the acceptance of their sophomore release DEIDEM for consideration of a Best Reggae Album nomination by The Recording Academy for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009. Grammy hopeful Weekes states, “We may just be the first St. Lucian artists to be nominated for a Grammy to date.” For the first time ever, the announcement of nominations for the 2009 Grammy Awards will take place during a prime-time television special, “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night,” on December 3 on the CBS Television Network. Enthusiastically received by fans and the media alike, Billboard Magazine proclaimed DEIDEM as one of “six albums that herald the roots reggae resurgence.” Veteran music journalist and XM Satellite Radio Program Director Dermot Hussey described DEIDEM as “raising the level of songwriting within the idiom of reggae music.” Reflecting on his position as a non-Jamaican reggae artist, Weekes muses, “Reggae†music is like a tree… its roots are in Jamaica, but its branches have outgrown the yard and the fruit has landed in other territories.” With potent and penetrating lyrics, DEIDEM, meaning “All of Us,” delivers a passionate commentary on the relevant issues of our time. Weekes explains, “Whether it’s Darfur, the Middle East, global warming…there’s something going on in every part of the world and we’re trying to bring it all together on one album. No one is talking to each other; the album is designed to create conversation where people can come together.”
Though the topics are insightful and serious, the grooves, melodies and rhythms are the familiar backbeats that reggae fans know and love. Reggae Reviews writes, “After releasing perhaps the best reggae album of 2005, Taj Weekes returns with an early candidate for the best of ‘08 in DEIDEM… It’s smart, inspirational, musically vibrant, and just plain gorgeous. No reggae fan can afford not to know Taj Weekes.”
Weekes’ commitment to humanitarian issues is demonstrated by his work as Goodwill Ambassador to the Caribbean in cooperation with the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals (ICCP) and as founder of his charity, They Often Cry Outreach, which is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean and beyond. A portion of the proceeds from the song “Orphans Cry” will be donated to TOCO to bring awareness to the issues that affect the Caribbean such as HIV/AIDS, global warming and poverty.
DEIDEM was released during the eligibility period on August 8, 2008 through Weekes’ independent label, Jatta Records, with U.S. distribution through the Independent Distributors Collective and Homegrown Music Network. Through a licensing deal with Spectra Records, DEIDEM was released to major distribution chains throughout the U.S., Canada and Asia. In conjunction with Afrikool/Culture Taxi Records, Jatta secured distribution for DEIDEM in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. DEIDEM is available online through iTunes, eMusic, Amazon and other online music distributors.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Shirley J. Menard - SJM Media Group
Phone: 917.488.5982
Email: management@tajandadowa.com
Websites: www.tajandadowa.com, www.theyoftencryoutreach.org
Contact: Shirley J. Menard - SJM Media Group
Phone: 917.488.5982
Email: management@tajandadowa.com
Websites: www.tajandadowa.com, www.theyoftencryoutreach.org
The Baddest" Model Search; Calling ALL Ladies !
Calling ALL Ladies! HIPHOPUCIT.com & Trina are "Looking For The Baddest" Model Search
Most importantly this is your chance at becoming a spokes model for Trina's new clothing line Pink Diamond Couture & at Being Filmed for her new Reality TV Show "Looking For The Baddest Chick!
Milwaukee, WI, 12/22/08, (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- 1HIPHOPUCIT.com and Mulit-Platinum Rap Artist Trina will team up with Nuvo Liqueur to present the 'Looking for the Baddest' Model Search. This event will allow many to see the importance of creative expression through fashion and Hip Hop's connection to insure that this freedom is exercised. In addition, this event will give female Hip Hop artist Trina a chance to launch her new clothing line Pink Diamond Couture and give the opportunity for aspiring models the chance of a lifetime to become the spokesperson for Pink Diamond Couture. The model search will be held Saturday, March 27, 2008 from 9pm-2:30am at a location TBA. To help Trina in her efforts of introducing Pink Diamond Couture to the Milwaukee area, this event will include various live performances such as, influential spoken word artist, a hip hop dance team, and a comedian that has been featured on BET's Comic View.
Trina's Pink Diamond Couture Collection has bling, a message and even some have 'Easy Access', but they all come accompanied with a temporary tattoo of Trina's logo. Trina gives an explanation of her logo "The logo means the strength of a woman. To be strong, profound and powerful …" Trina's handwork and dedication have paid off now it is time to see the fruits of her labor.
1HIPHOPUCIT.com along with Trina will help to show Hip Hop in one of its greatest forms by bringing the community together and properly presenting them with a way of life through music and fashion that has been misrepresented in our society as a negative outlet.
Press Contact [for public viewing]
More information on 1HIPHOPUCIT.com or Lookin For The Baddest Model Search found online at www.1hiphopucit.com.
For all interviews, please contact Loreal Patterson.
(c) 414.975.4663 (f) 773.496.8633 (e) patte028@uwp.edu
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Launches Dynamic New 'I Am King' Website
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Launches Dynamic New 'I Am King' Website
www.seanjohn-iamking.com
NEW YORK, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sean John Fragrances, creator of Unforgivable, the top selling men's and women's scent has launched a brand new website for Sean "Diddy" Combs' newest men's fragrance, I Am King -- www.seanjohn-iamking.com.
The sleek lines and strong imagery of the site itself is a direct representation of the power and sophistication of I Am King. Immediately upon entering, the user is immersed into the I Am King lifestyle, depicting fast-moving images of Combs jet-skiing through the waters of St. Tropez, racing from helicopter, to palatial yachts, and a grand casino with supermodels Bar Rafaeli and Ana Paula. The website captures the life of the modern day king -- he is daring and mysterious, powerful, with a sexy swagger. In the first three days of its launch, the I Am King website has received over 33,200 views, with 72 video submissions, a testament to the success of the Sean John brand.
Only Sean "Diddy" Combs, could debut I Am King, a scent designed to inspire those who dream big and live large. I Am King empowers the modern man to take on the soul of a king and conquer his biggest dreams. Defined by unique masculine freshness, sparkling fruits and sensual woods, it creates a new signature scent for today's man. I Am King empowers its wearers with confidence to live their dream and feel like a king.
The I Am King website welcomes users to the kingdom of Sean John, to Combs' virtual playground, where the male power players of the world can live -- and smell -- like a king. In his latest addition to the I Am King website, Combs presents an interactive challenge to his fans. He poses the question: do you have what it takes to be a king? On the site, Diddy posts a link, asking fans to upload their videos onto YouTube, explaining why they, themselves, are modern day kings. Diddy will select the top three submissions, and those winners will be flown to New York City to be treated like royalty, experiencing ultimate luxury. The three individuals with the winning video submissions will receive business class airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations and local transportation. In addition, each will receive a $500 shopping spree at the Sean John flagship store, dinner and an evening out at a NYC nightclub. The three winners will also tour the offices of Bad Boy Entertainment and receive one limited edition I Am King Lucite box.
Visit www.seanjohn-iamking.com to experience the I Am King lifestyle and enter a world of strength, style and unrelenting passion for life. I Am King makes the ultimate statement for today's ambitious go-getter: Here I am, in all my glory. Feel the power. Believe in the dream.
Source: Sean John Fragrances
CONTACT: Donna Rapisarda, Sean John Fragrances - Estee Lauder,
+1-212-572-4411, drapisar@seanjohnfragrances.com; or Stephanie Katzin,
skatzin@greatpress.com, or Melissa Gonzalez, mgonzalez@greatpress.com, both of
Paul Wilmot Communications, +1-212-206-7447
Web Site: http://www.seanjohnfragrances.com/
http://www.seanjohn-iamking.com/
Notorious B.I.G. NOT Overrated! / Notoriously Overrated:
Notorious B.I.G. NOT Overrated! - Response To What's So Big About Biggie Smalls?
By Paradise Gray
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=53228685&blogID=456808723
I found the article "Notoriously Overrated: What was so Big about Biggie Smalls?" by Minister Paul Scott distasteful and totally missing the point. While I consider Min. Paul Scott a good brother and a friend, I do not agree with his opinion of The Notorious B.I.G.
"Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one, and most of them stink!"
Here's my take on why "Biggie Smalls" was BIG:
It is not fair to compare the story of Biggie Smalls to the story of Fred
Hampton. It's not even like comparing apples and oranges (they are both
fruit), It's flat out wrong to try to compare rappers to revolutionary activists
and leaders. Rappers, athletes and other entertainers are too often cited
as role models by members of the media who somehow believe because
people cheer for them while being entertained, it somehow magically transforms individuals into heroes and someone to be imitated or admired off stage.
This new form of idol worship is a distortion of reality, basically setting
artists up for a long fall after building them up to the top as celebrities
who are morally and culturally un-vetted. Marketing and promotions brings us
capitalism at it's best (or should I say Worst?).
Rappers are more like actors who play a character or role, for Minister Paul
Scott to suggest that he knew Christopher Wallace as a person because he
listened to his music or saw his videos is inaccurate. If you did not know him
personally, you don't know any more about him than you know Al Pacino after
watching Scarface. No one judges California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger by the roles that he played as a Hollywood actor.
What is it about rapping the words that makes Biggie's artistic
contributions to pop culture less relevant than the cold hard stories of
the streets written by Donald Goines? The Notorious B.I.G. was a great writer
and story teller with a lyrical flow and swagger that in my opinion has earned
Christopher Wallace an indisputable place among the "Greatest Rappers Of
All Time" in spite of the fact that (as Davey D reminds us) his "body of works"
is very limited due to his un-timely death.
Lest we forget, Christopher Wallace was manipulated and exploited by the
corrupt system that is the music industry and the entertainment industry in
general. Much in the same way that Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson, Michael
Jordan, Elvis, Britney Spears and most artists that you ever heard of is
exploited and used. Industry executives are just as accountable for the
content of negative lyrics as the artists that they sponsor and exploit.
The artist is the low man on the totem pole who's carcass is free for the
picking by sleazy buzzards known as managers, promoters, producers, record
labels, booking agents, lawyers, magazines, television shows, radio stations
and the like. They could care less about the poor slobs that they shine
their lights on or the victims of the negative imagery as long as they make money.
In fact, radio stations and magazines fanned the flames between Tupac and
Biggie's so called East Coast VS West Coast beef to the point that I
consider them accomplices to both of their murders. It was a media feeding
frenzy that fed into America's blood lust that encourages drug use,
violence, misogyny, homo-phobia, racism and other distractions that *did not
begin with Hip-hop and won't end with it*. Love it or hate it, the things
that Biggie rapped about are as American as apple pie.
We have built rappers up with so much "keep it real" bull-crap to the point
that their rapping skills have less to do with their success in the industry
than their "Rap Sheets". What do you have to do to maintain street
credibility when 50 Cent himself (9 bullets in his body and all) has to
keep disrespecting people and calling out other rappers to maintain
controversy and remain relevancy in the eyes of the media who then transmit
the concepts to the record buying public.
We need to bring the unrealistic expectations that have been placed on
entertainers into perspective. They are cool, they sound great, they are
great to watch on TV, but I am qualified to say that most of what you see on
TV is fake as hell and should be exposed as such. We should take the time to
educate people about the multi-media brainwashing that has taken place that has
so many of our young people convinced that being a drug dealer, thug,
criminal in general or even a murderer is something to aspire to be.
Christopher Wallace was a talented writer who was murdered in his prime, a
man who deserves respect as an artist and as a human being. He is not
overrated as an artist and we will never know what kind of man he could have
turned out to be. Imagine if Detroit Red had been murdered before reaching his
potential of becoming Malcolm X.
We have to apply critical thinking to all media that we consume as well as
the media that we allow our children to consume. Keep entertainment and
media in perspective. It's O.K. to be entertained, but in the ironic immortal
words of Flavor Flav "Don't believe the hype".
Get beyond complaining about the messages in the industry, do something
about it, organize, be active, support conscious artists, create your own
positive media, don't just disrespect the memory of a beloved father, friend
and artist. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone", none of us are perfect.
As a Minister (Paul Scott) the words "Judge not lest ye be judged" should
resonate with you. We owe the hundreds of potential Biggies and Tupac's
who are currently still in the industry and the millions of them on the streets
all over the world more than rants of "Pull Up your Pants". The conditions
that exist in our communities are not just the results of negativity and criminal
elements, but the lack of involvement by intellectuals, men of God and positive
people.
I wonder how the story would have turned out had the conscious community, black churches, and revolutionaries had organized together and bailed out Tupac Shakur rather than Suge Knight.
Rest in Peace Christopher "Biggie" Wallace, only God can judge you now.
--
Paradise Gray
One Hood
Http://www.1hood.org
Http://www.myspace.com/paradisegray
Continue reading "Notorious B.I.G. NOT Overrated! / Notoriously Overrated:" »
New Entertainment Company Creating Change In Hip Hop
Spotsylvania, VA, 12/18/08, (Hip Hop PR Wire) --
Limaj Media Group LLC, also doing business as Eye Entertainment, is less than a year old; still in its seed stage as development goes. During these times of uncertainty, insecurity and distrust the owners are putting everything they have (and some things they don't) into their dream. But these young entrepreneurs see hope amidst the economic crisis – the belief that we are now standing upon the precipice that will force us to make a change. Their website states "Change is inevitable. We simply strive to make sure it is for the better."
The Business
Eye Entertainment is a networking and marketing company designed to provide individuals and businesses in the entertainment and fashion industries the resources and support needed to achieve their goals. So what distinguishes this entertainment company from the countless others that promise to do the same thing? Eye Entertainment's unique approach is two-fold: it allows artists to stand out in an industry over-saturated with people dedicated to becoming overnight celebrities; the music acts as a medium through which they spread the true meaning behind LMG.
"LMG is about more than us. More than hip hop. It's about the movement," explains Jamil Aaron, also known as VA the Governor, the CEO of Limaj Media Group.
The Movement
The owners, employees and supporters of Eye Entertainment understand that artists have an overwhelming influence over what is considered "cool" or acceptable, particularly within the urban and hip hop communities. Cleverly mixed into the impressive wordplay and hot beats is a message that they believe will stimulate the transition from a society obsessed with materialism to one that is focused on the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. They are dedicated to creating music for the mind, not the bank account. As posted on their website:
"We must not continue to enslave ourselves to mere representations of power. Money is not power. Neither are fast cars, luxurious mansions, or shiny chains. These are simply possessions that distract us from what can make us truly powerful. The ability to make knowledgeable, informed decisions is the key to becoming successful in anything we do, including life. After all, once the money's gone, what will be left to define you?"
After all, this is the year we elected for change.
More information about Limaj Media Group and Eye Entertainment can be found on their website, www.LimajMediaGroup.com. They have also set up a collection on fundables.com so anyone who believes in their mission can pledge their support. Any and all donations of time, equipment and resources will also be accepted. They can be contacted through their website or at info@limajmediagroup.com.
http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2008-12-07.5964621748/groupaction_view
Interview Contact: Melissa Henning
Telephone: (540)429-2444
press@limajmediagroup.com
http://www.limajmediagroup.com
Limaj Media Group, LLC
209 Burlington Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Voice: (800)965-4625 or (770)482-9900
Self Destruction 2009 Single
Self Destruction 2009 Single
Chicago, IL, 12/19/08, (Hip Hop PR Wire) -- Self Destruction 2009 Single is being released today to all media outlets in an effort to help spread the message of "Stop the Violence!" Artists lent their lyrics for a cause they believe in. The time is now as we approach the holidays and a new year; it will give us all something to think about and reflect on loved ones that lost there life to senseless violent acts. Let's make sure we kick 2009 off right!
Self Destruction 2009 – featuring KRS One, Syleena Johnson, Twista, Crucial Conflict, Phil G, Kenny Bogus, Straw and Pugs Atomz; Produced by Grant Parks. Grant Parks and CoalMine Music worked with KRS One and his Stop the Violence Movement in an effort to use music to help spread the message of "Stopping the Violence". Chicago & other major cities have suffered from high numbers of senseless killings over the last year and there is an urgent need to release this song. KRS One, The Stop the Violence Movement, Grant Parks and CoalMine Music thank all the artists for their participation in making this happen!
For your free MP3, email: jc@coalminemusic.com
Subject: Media MP3
coalminemusic.com // myspace.com/grantparks // myspace.com/coalminemusic
www.myspace.com/stoptheviolenceorg
For More Information Contact:
CoalMine Music, Inc. 630.544.7296
jc@coalminemusic.com
December 04, 2008
BRAHYHAN ART: Murder Dem A Play
BRAHYHAN ART : Murder Dem A Play
Representing a new generation of reggae that keeps in the tradition of crooners who came before him, those who inspire him, including the likes of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Toots Hibbert to name a few Reggae artiste Brahyhan Art, born Bryan Grant in St. Ann, Jamaica, recalls playing the guitar before the tender age of eight. His keen interest in music was inspired by his eldest brother, a recording artist known as Ray Grant. But it was his mother who taught him his first three primary chords on which he’d improvise for the next couple of years.
During Brahyhan's early teens, the guitar became secondary until years later when he began practicing for a college entry audition. He majored in guitar (Caribbean Latin American & Jazz Studies) while he attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. While in school Brahyhan was discovered by George Miller, who gave him his first big break as a guitarist - an opportunity to tour as a member of the Fire House Band (Luciano’s backing band at the time). An immeasurable experience, Brahyhan toured with Luciano (Grammy nominee), Mikey General and Sizzla for years and later with Bushman as band leader and guitarist of his Grass Roots Band.
About BRAHYHAN ART
When he wasn’t touring, Brahyhan was either teaching music in two local schools, or pursuing his long time dream of singing. He also wrote songs for artistes such as George Nooks, Singing Melody, Bushman, Luciano, etc. Today, devoted to his singing career the, Best New Artist for the year 2002 By; ER (Entertainment Report) TVJ, 2003, has done splendidly on many major shows including “Rebel Salute,” - on repeated occasions, “AT I,” “Fully Loaded,” “St. Mary Mi Come From” and “Unity Splash”, among others. His international appearances includes an extensive tour of the United States and Canada. Representing a new generation of reggae that keeps in the tradition of crooners who came before him, those who inspire him, including the likes of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Toots Hibbert to name a few, Brahyhan Art continues to bring a fresh voice to the genre. Email: brahyhan@aol.com www.myspace.com/brahyhanart
Contact: Jason Grant : 1876-360-7998 : 1876-392-4863 : 1876-578-3006
Email: brahyhan@aol.com www.myspace.com/brahyhanart
STEVIE CULTURE : CONSCIOUS LYRICS
STEVIE CULTURE : CONSCIOUS LYRICS
Stevie Culture has been a musician for his entire life. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Rastafarian parents. His Father was a musician who played the guitar and sang.
As the lead singer for “The S.A.N.E. Band” (Sounds Against Negative Expression—the top band in Jamaica during the 1990s), Stevie Culture performed as an opening act for many Reggae artists such as Shaggy, Anthony B, Sizzla, Third World, UB40, Steel Pulse, Culture, Burning Spear, The Wailers and Alton Ellis. More impressively, Stevie has performed on stage as a backing vocalist for many great artists like Dennis Brown, Tony Rebel, Everton Blender, Capleton and the late, great Garnet Silk.
Stevie Culture is an artist that has always worked toward keeping consciousness in Reggae music. He has also fought the same fight that legends such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh have fought throughout the years to keep the message of Reggae music important and valid.
“This song is about the upliftment of Reggae music. Over the years, Reggae has become mostly slack lyrics about sex and violence. So I’ve written this song to inspire others to think consciously when writing songs. Remember, the children are listening” Stevie Culture
Stevie Culture is a huge factor in the forwarding of cutting edge Reggae music coming out of Jamaica. He is a well know musician around the Jamaican musical community and is also a studio musician, composing original music and played on many future stars album, such as Crystal Axe, Steve Aliba form Africa. He also played keys on the Itals new album "Me Livity".
He not only produces the most exciting groundbreaking Riddims heard anywhere, he was the lead singer and drummer for the famous "SANE" band, and toured with Toney Rebel, Everton Blender & Utan Green. Stevie's tours have drawn massive crowds all over the world, from the Caribbean to Japan.
Stevie has collaborated on several songs with big name Reggae bands, such as Morgan Heritage and African Star. He has also opened for major bands like Third World, Maxi Priest and Shaggy.
His first official single release "Top Class" is making waves from Taiwan to JA. It is being played on hundreds of Radio stations worldwide and it is getting an amazing response. He plans to release his first Album on King Step Recording in June of 2006. The album's title is "Blessen", and is a harmonious blend of Modern Roots, Dancehall and a little something extra.
Born August 2, 1973 as Steffen Jones, Stevie grew up in a musically inclined family from Lacovia, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. His father, Jah Lenks (Lloyd Jones) was the lead singer of the band 12 Tribes of Israel. His biggest musical influences growing up were Bob Marley, Alton Ellis and Stevie Wonder.
Source:http://www.myspace.com/sculture http://www.stevieculture.com
ERUP 'CLICK'S HIS FINGER' AND ENTERS BILLBOARD HOT R&B/HIP HOP SONG 100 CHART
ERUP 'CLICK'S HIS FINGER' AND ENTERS BILLBOARD HOT R&B/HIP HOP SONG 100 CHART
TruckBack Records is proud to announce yet another major milestone for the groundbreaking single, "Click My Finger", by Jamaican dancehall reggae artist, Erup.
On November 8, 2008, Erup added the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to an already impressive collection of noteworthy chart positions. His Billboard debut at #94 follows a series of #1's on reggae charts worldwide, including the BBC 1Xtra Dancehall chart (United Kingdom), the New York and South Florida Reggae charts (USA) as well as the Jamaican Music Countdown (Jamaica). Set against TruckBack's Gearbox riddim, Erup's captivating Jamaican style of storytelling creates a persuasive party groove in any language. The combination pushed the song into the top ten among overall spins at New York City's influential Rhythmic radio station, HOT 97. And underlining its increasing popular appeal, "Click My Finger" was also recently selected for a feature in the October 15th episode of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada", Canada's #1 new Fall television show watched by an average of 1.36 Million viewers on CTV, Canada's largest private television broadcaster.
? "Click My Finger"?is the lead single on TruckBack Records' breakthrough Gearbox Riddim, whose seductive dancehall vibe established a new trend in Jamaican music. Nominated for 2007's Riddim of the Year, the Gearbox reached #1 on the reggae charts for a second time with Harry Toddler's "Don't Run In" and included standout tracks from Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel. Despite its success, TruckBack still runs on the grassroots, creative energies of brothers Steve and Adrian Locke, proof of which is evident in new projects the Ole Axle (2008), Clutch (2008), Springblade (late 2008) and Dash Board (2009) riddims. In the meantime, TruckBack will be driving Erup's career to new levels, including a blazing new single, "Mek Noise", on the way (check Myspace soon!).
November 26, 2008
A rapper making a musical? Oh lord, this must be dreadful.
Those were the thoughts of many audience members last night at 37 Arts in New York City before the premiere of rapper Jim Jones’ Hip Hop Monologues, Inside the Life & Mind of Jim Jones. Many sat and anticipated before the show with question marks on their face; what does Jim Jones, a rapper who trademarked the word ‘Balling’, know about theater? What does he know about acting? Well many of the critics, haters, and attendees in unison were silent after the show ended.
This show was phenomenal. It surpassed many of our expectations. It was well played out and everything in the show made sense. Jim Jones was stellar in his performance as himself, when he brought us through the journey of his life from a little boy in Harlem whose mother teaches him how to cook dope to survive the gritty streets; to a rap-superstar who is being followed by E! True Hollywood Stories to find out how the real life of Jim Jones’ is. Not only can Jim Jones tell a story through rap but he can also act; he can cry at a drop of a hat. “Every time he performs certain songs, he gets like that,” says Rap Producer Chink Santana. Some topics got Jones’ more fired up than other topics. Songs like “Frienemies” really brought out the aggressive side of him out as he talked about how a friend who betrayed him, while other songs brought out the caring, more loving side of Jones.
Comedy was another component in 'The Jim Jones Project'. Who would have thought that the play actually had a lot of funny parts in it? Jones’ kept many audience members in stitches with his different ways of doing things. Without spoiling too much of the play; one of Jim’s “Rites of Passage” duties was supposed to be to apologize for all of his misogynistic lyrics in the past. Jones brings out Harlem, who appeared numerous times on BET’s 106 & Park, out to serenade the ladies with a song. He’s passing out roses and bringing down the house with his voice then turns around and sings, “This is for my bitches.” I wanted to die on the floor; I couldn’t believe it. At the time, the word bitch didn’t mean a thing to me. I just couldn’t believe how they were able to flip it without offending the many ladies who were in the audience. I guess it was Harlem’s voice, he’s one talented young man and I was glad to see that Jones featured him on one of his songs.
What made this play superb besides the great story lines and the great body that Jim Jones must have been hiding under those clothes for years is that he actually used real actors in it and not his Hip-Hop cronies whose just trying to get on because their his friends. Some of the actors included one of my favorite models, Liris Crosse, Dr. Benjamin Chavis of Belly fame, Michael Harris, Serena Cobb, Jason Raines, Bijan Rhythmik Williams, Simone Wright, Kisa Willis, Glenn Gordon, and Brian Gilbert as young Jim.
Jim Jones ingenious used this project to promote his new album and many other projects he has coming out like a documentary respectively titled, This is Jim Jones, and a new mix tape like CD, Bad Santa, starring comedian Mike Epps. So what is in the mind of Jim Jones besides sex, betrayal, legal troubles, money and family? I know what, greatness! Jim Jones has accomplished something no other rapper has before. He made a hip-hopera of his own featuring his own music. Telling his story the way he wanted to tell it. He performed 80 minutes without any intermission and was still able to keep the attention of an audience filled with his peers like Hip Hop Mogul Dame Dash, Kim Osorio, Angie Martinez, Elle McPherson, Megatron, Melyssa Ford, and even the Countess (Lu Ann DeLesseps) from the Real Housewives of New York City (now that’s big). He was able to laugh, cry, and rap onstage and not feel uncomfortable which shows us all that our Jimmy boy has certainly grew up and really humbled himself over the years. He has the mastermind of a genius and a heart of a king so I truly expect big things in the future. And though I have never been a fan of his before this play, I will support him by buying his upcoming album and you should to.
SOURCE:http://talkdatish.blogspot.com/2008/11/rapper-making-musical-oh-lord-this-must.html
Skillz
While hip-hop has always revolved around passing fads, it's nice to know some things always stay the same. Since first signing with Atlantic Records in 1992, Skillz has sustained a solid reputation as an MC who can stay relevant no matter what the current trend may be. "I'm trying to show that there's still regular guys making music," says the Virginia rapper. "I don't talk about all of the things that most cats talk about. I'm not a thug, I'm not a gangster. You don't have to have a hidden agenda to make good music."
Skillz has spent nearly half of his life making music. Growing up in Richmond, VA he knew he wanted to be involved in hip-hop in some capacity, but didn't know where he fit in. "I tried all the elements of hip-hop," he says. "I DJed before I was rapping and I tried graffiti, but I sucked at all of them except for MCing." After rapping for just one year, he was offered a record deal with Atlantic after placing second in the NYC's New Music Seminar's MC Battle in1993.
Aside from dropping two critically lauded full-length albums, '92's From Where??? (Atlantic) and '02's I Ain't Mad No More (released internationally on Rawkus Records), Skillz has collaborated with Timbaland and penned a bevy of hard hitting singles - including 2005's candid "Confessions of a Ghostwriter" and five consecutive "Year-End Wrap-Up," tracks where the talented wordsmith summarizes each passing year's events into a witty collection of verses. His coveted "Wrap-Up" joints take the internet by storm every year for the simple fact that Skillz will say what most MCs won't.
"I'm a type of person that when you hear me you're gonna want to know what is he gonna say next," he says. "I'm the 'Wrap-Up' guy so when you hear my records you're not just listening to the beat."
In order to make sure his music hits the wide audience is deserves, Skillz has spent the past couple of years waxing poetic live alongside Jazzy Jeff and The Roots, an experience that is reflected on his new KOCH distributed album, Million Dollar Backpack. "When people hear 'backpack' they automatically think underground music," says Skillz. "But with this album I went in a different direction. I've been experimenting with a lot of live music. A lot of my beats were made using live instrumentation."
With production partners like Jazzy Jeff, Questlove, Karma Productions (Musiq, Freeway, Raheem Devaughn), Khari Ferrari and Dice Raw (The Roots), Jake One (G-Unit), Bink (Jay Z) and Kwame, Skillz created a slew of fresh sounds to rap over. As far as his vocal direction, the famed MC who is known for his measured rhyme consistency is as lyrically sharp as ever. "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything of that nature," he says. "I know what I'm good at and I'm gonna stick to my guns instead of trying to be something that I'm not. I really tried to get that point across on this album."
As in the past, Million Dollar Backpack finds Skillz rapping mostly about the reality in which he lives, a refreshing change from all of the thug posturing that runs rampant in hip-hop today. On "Preaching to the Choir" Skillz spins a superb narrative that details the ups and downs of relationships. He then flips the script on "Where I Been" to explain the wild ride that has been his career and gotten him to the honorable position he now holds as one of hip-hop's most respected lyricists. The album features guest appearances by Common, Kweli, Freeway and The Roots.
The first single off of Million Dollar Backpack, is "So Far So Good" feat. Common. The track finds Skillz reflecting on how far he has come and what he has to do to keep pushing ahead. On "Crazy World," he ponders on the many injustices we all face every day. Touching on the hysteria he feels has been creeping into the hood for some time now, Skillz spits: "There's kids on my block with pockets full of rocks/They used to think that school was cool but that came to a stop/The madness setting in, I know a veteran, shit he fought for his country and can't afford his medicine." The video for "Crazy World" can be seen online and was featured on MTV2's "Sucker Free" in late winter.
With an album chock full of substance, style and of course skill, Million Dollar Backpack promises to fill the creative void that's plaguing hip-hop. "Originality is missing in music," says Skillz. "You don't have to be a gimmick, just be yourself. I'm not mad at the state of music or what ain't happening, I'm just making my music and anyone who wants to listen to it I'm greatly appreciative."
Source:http://www.kochrecords.com/artists/detail/?Artist=Skillz
Sic Osyrus Releases 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 Hosted by Bedtyme357
If you haven't been following along, one of the freshest sounds to hit the streets and sites in a long minute is a Philly native and New York Resident named Sic Osyrus. 2008 has been a stellar year for Sic Osyrus (see below), and will continue to ride out as one with his latest offerings 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 Hosted by Justo Nominee and Remy Ma's Official DJ, Bedtyme357. Only 38 minutes long with skits, 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 takes you on a journey through the life, times and experiences of Sic Osyrus without a stop along the way. While most mixtapes contain alot of nothing, 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 gets to the point and is packed with production from some of today's illest producers on the grind including Drawzilla (Remy Ma, Capone from CNN, CL Smooth and more), Oz (Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli), Buda Da Future (50 Cent's 'Paperchaser') and newcomers Don Nottz and DJ Kep. The sole feature on 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 is with the UMA 'Buzz Factor of The Year' winner (Sic was also nominated for this award), Donny Goines (who you will also see featured in BARS Below) This is a must have in your ipod, so click for FREE Download.
Click here for the FREE Download of 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 Hosted by Bedtyme357
http://www.zshare.net/download/5161718238e055eb/ (includes artwork)
Also check out additional Sic Osyrus info, music, performance and video links
This year alone, Sic Osyrus has been featured on Allhiphop.com's Breeding Ground, YoRaps.com Next 2 Blow, HipHopDX.com DX Next, Rap Fanatic Magazines 'Warning Shots', Hip Hop Weekly's 'Indy Grind', Street Mos Magazine 'Warning Shots', Protege Magazines 'Weather Report' and Storm Watch' and All Access DVD's 'The Future' edition and several other sites, dvds, blogs, tv shows and hardcopy magazines.
Sic Osyrus's Video 'Why Lord' f/ Donny Goines, has been featured on over 50 blogs including Nahright.com, Onsmash.com, 2dopeboyz.com and more.
Sic Osyrus has also been featured on 60 mixtapes in last 11 months including Bedtyme357, DJ Rhude (XXL), DJ Pimp (Germany) DJ Ophax (France), DJ Ames (UK), All Biz (Microphone Bully), DJ Wats (The Bakery), Pop Off Productions, DJ Midas and many more.
Sic Osyrus is currently in studio with producers- The Legendary Buckwild (50, BIG, Jay Z, Big Pun, Big L), Jimmy Kendrixx (Jay Z, G Unit, Rihanna, Papoose, Ja Rule and Ashanti) Amadeus (Danity Kane, 50, Talib Kwei, Jim Jones) Vinny Idol (AZ, Cormega, The Lox), Illmind (50, G Unit, LL Cool J, Buckshot) Versatile (Fab, Jay Z, Uncle Murder, Redman, Method Man) and Drawzilla (Remy Ma, Capone from CNN, Chrisette Michele, Grafh and Nature)
Sic Osyrus has also opened for KRS One, EPMD, Freeway, Beanie Sigel, Peedi Crack, Maino, Black Moon, Joell Ortiz, Heltah Skeltah, Young Chris, JR Writer and Dru Hill.
Sic Osyrus was nominated for Underground Music Awards in 2007 (Best Male Rapper) and again in 2008 (Buzz Factor)
Sic Osyrus has done features some of the undergrounds illest emcees- E Ness, Reed Dollaz, Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Donny Goines, Big Lou, NYCE, Clap Cognac, Esso, Savkillz and The League.
Sic Osyrus has dropped 4 mixtapes of his own in last 3 years, all hosted by Remy Ma's DJ, Bedtyme357 including 'The Down Payment', 'Sic O Nomics' Vol 1, 'Sic O Nomics' Vol 2 and the new 'Sic O Nomics' Vol 2.5
Below you will find additional Sic Osyrus video, music, performance, and interview links, as well as his epk, myspace and youtube channel
Sic Osyrus @ CMJ08 'Justo Mixtape Award' Showcase
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ukm54NbVL0
Sic Osyrus @ Shades Radio Show Opening for KRS One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IriUUO0GyY
Sic Osyrus @ Beats on The Beach Miami Music Seminar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfqxZQMCGro
Allhiphop.com Breeding Ground
http://allhiphop.com/stories/breedingground/archive/2008/02/28/19356969.aspx
YoRaps.com Next 2 Blow
http://www.yoraps.com/next2blow1.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202291148&archive=&start_from=&ucat=4&
HipHopDX.com DX Next
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/dxnext/id.63/title.sic-osyrus
Nobodysmiling.com
http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/88292.php
Raptalk.net
http://raptalk.net/website/content/view/425/54/
Hoodgrownonline.com
http://www.hoodgrownonline.com/online/sic-osyrus.html
Rapcapital.com
http://www.rapcapital.com/forum/archive/index.php?t-18049.html
Rapmullet.com Reviews
http://www.rapmullet.com/artist/artist62.htm
http://www.rapmullet.com/artist/artist119.htm
Theflowlive.com
http://www.theflowlive.com/index.php?c=sic_osyrus
'BARS' (UMA Edition)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4FgpuPLHi4
Champ Magazine
http://www.champmagazineonline.com/spotlight/sicosyrus.html
'Why Lord' Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsyKlzsJNnc
All Access DVD Interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGwGZBBgVLY&feature=related
Free Download to Sic O Nomics's 1 and 2
http://www.datpiff.com/SicOsyrus-Sic-O-Nomics-mid6044.html
http://www.datpiff.com/Sic-Osyrus-Sic-o-nomics-2-mid14197.html
Sic Osyrus Online Profiles
www.myspace.com/sicosyrus1
www.sonicbids.com/sicosyrus1
www.youtube.com/sicosyrus1
--
J Hatch
Co Ceo of iStandard iNc
iStandardpublicity@gmail.com
jhatch@istandardproducers.com
Direct- 646.358.0548
www.iStandardProducers.com
www.iStandardPublicity.com (Coming Soon)
www.BeatsonTheBeach.com
MORGAN HERITAGE GOES FOR SOLOS
MORGAN HERITAGE GOES FOR SOLOS
After more than 10 years touring the world and releasing hit albums together as Morgan Heritage, the family of singers has decided to embark on temporary solo careers.
Known for songs such as She's Still Loving Me, Don't Haffi Be Dread, among countless others, Morgan Heritage consists of Roy 'Gramps' Morgan, Nakhamyah 'Lukes' Morgan, Memo 'Mr Mojo' Morgan, Una Morgan, Denroy 'Daddy' Morgan and Peetah Morgan.
Currently under the wings of Shane Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, Peetah explained the reasons for the temporary split.
"Everyone knows the group Morgan Heritage. Now we've decided to introduce each person as a single artiste to the fans around the world. We've been talking about doing this for a year now, but then we released another album this year, Mission In Progress, and we did a touring project behind it, so now we're focusing on our stuff."
The children of reggae veteran, Denroy Morgan, the Morgan Heritage clan has grown up with music all their lives. For Peetah, it was that inherent love of music which inspired him to become an artiste. While each member of Morgan Heritage has his own sound, Peetah describes his solo sound as more "hip-hop oriented, with R&B and, of course, a touch of reggae".
So far, Peetah has recorded over 20 singles and has released Save The World for Shane Brown, a song that he says speaks to the increase in violent crimes around the world.
Peetah has other songs on the way, including Bye Bye from producer Donovan Germaine and In Love With Ya from Brown. The artiste spends most of his time in the studio, opting to forgo some shows until his solo career is launched.
While Peetah will be spending time promoting his solo career, he still doesn't want to take himself too far way from his Morgan Heritage roots.
"I can't get away from Morgan Heritage and I wouldn't want to, but is just to let everyone know of us as individuals," he explained.
Plans for the future include a concept album from the group. Peetah explained: "We want to make a landmark album of our career, something that will stand out in the industry and will be written about decades after its release."
October 31, 2008
Jah Cure for Soundcheck on BETJ
International Reggae singer Jah Cure will be a special guest on BETJ's new programme, Soundcheck on November 8. Jah Cure along with his Iyah Cure band and backup singers shot the programme at the CPTC studio on an acoustic set in front of a live audience.
On November 8 at 8:30 pm, BETJ audiences worldwide will see the Danger Zone recording artiste perform favourites like 'Jamaica', 'My Life', 'Freedom', 'Longing For', 'Journey' and 'Reflections'.
BETJ's new Soundcheck programme will also feature other top Jamaican artistes. Tune in for a wonderful experience!!
.
A MAORI GIFT OF THANK YOU TO BOB MARLEY
A MAORI GIFT OF THANK YOU TO BOB MARLEY |
| Gold-selling reggae artiste, Ruia, recently came to Jamaica to film a Bob Marley documentary for the Mäori of New Zealand. It serves as the latest example of reggae's global reach beyond the major metropoles of New York, London and Tokyo. The documentary will air in New Zealand early next year in Ruia's native Mäori language. The documentary's translated title is A Gift of Thank You to Bob Marley and should air early 2009. It centres on the role reggae played in reigniting pride in the Mäori people. "Bob Marley's music came at a very important time and to tell you the truth Bob Marley woke me up, along with the messages of Marcus Garvey and Rastafari. There are similarities between our prophets and your culture. ..... And to tell you the truth, Rastafari Reggae Jamaica has influenced an initiation of a renaissance in our country....of our people are no longer lying down anymore, and being submissive. We now want to get up and challenge things," said Ruia earlier this month at Bookophila cafe in Kingston. Mäori are the original inhabitants of the New Zealand, they came before the Europeans, but have been colonised by the Europeans. "Today we own about seven per cent of the land," said Ruia whilst being filmed by his documentary crew. 
Some years ago Ruia's record label got the rights to translate 20 Marley songs into Mäori. He delivered a personal copy to the Bob Marley Museum. "We got to meet Stephanie Marley and gifted over the CDs with a covenant between our people and the Marley nation and the Jamaican people, and we also a carved a treasure box that we gifted to her. She has allowed it to be displayed in the Marley Museum." Ruia wants to broaden a cultural exchange of artists between both countries. "Part of the reason we come here to make connections with different artists. We were in Tuff Gong the other day, and we met about six artists and four or five producers. And we met two other producers. So we are looking at collaborations," he said. Jamaica is a sort of Mecca for Reggae and culture, he said: "Kiwi people love Reggae and love Jamaica, because of Bob Marley, Toot and the Maytals, Burning Spear, the Abyssinians all of them down to Buju Banton. So many of our people see Jamaica as a holy place and dream of coming here." |
October 29, 2008
"THE IMPACT OF WOMEN IN HIP HOP"
THE HIP HOP CULTURE CENTER IN HARLEM ANNOUNCES "THE IMPACT OF WOMEN IN HIP HOP" View Photos file
CINDY CAMPBELL, JAZZY JOYCE, SHA ROCK, MC LYTE, DANYEL SMITH, GAMILAH SHABAZZ, SHERI SHER OF MERCEDES LADIES, AMANDA DIVA AND DREAM HAMPTON SOME OF THE FEW TO BE HONORED
NEW YORK, NY – September 2008 – The Hip Hop Culture Center announces The Impact of Women in Hip Hop, an exclusive event honoring women who have leaped across barriers and blazed a trail in the Hip Hop industry.
Set to take place on Saturday, October 4th at The Hip Hop Culture Center, 2ND Floor of the Magic Johnson Theater on 2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd in Harlem USA, the 2008 first annual Tribute will induct legends officially into the Hip Hop Culture Center, while recognizing the generation of women following in their footsteps. Featuring The Hypnotized Dance Company and The Hand, an African drum and dance group, The Ladies in Hip Hop Fashion Show, Lyrical Showcases, Film Screenings and a Graffiti Tribute. The Hip Hop Culture Center of Harlem will make history with this Multi-Media Exhibition, bringing the evening to a culmination with The legendary Ralph McDaniels who will be video mixing the best of women in Hip Hop, showcasing his one of a kind archive of all of the females who have impacted Hip Hop.
Cindy Campbell: The talented 1st Lady of Hip Hop. Cindy Campbell is the catalyst for the humble beginnings of Hip Hop. Cindy had a vision to organize a back to school party. Little did she know that her party, DJ'd by her now famous brother, the legendary founder of Hip Hop, Kool Herc was to become known as The Beginning of Hip Hop.
Sha Rock: Sha-rock, the 1st Pioneer Luminary Emcee, originally from the group known as The Funky Four Plus 1, has created a legacy for generations of females to look up to. Her trailblazing work as a Hip Hop artist deserves its rightful place in history.
Gamilah-Lamumba Shabazz: The fourth of Malcolm X's daughters, Gamilah has continued her father's legacy of empowerment and education through her work with urban youth and her use of Hip Hop as a platform for her message of unity and change.
Sheri Sher of Mercedes Ladies: Sheri Sher is a founding member of The Mercedes Ladies, the first all-female MC and DJ crew in the history of hip hop. Sheri has also worked in the psychiatry and criminal justice fields, and she frequently speaks to young women about self-empowerment. She lives in Harlem U.S.A. and has recently published Mercedes Ladies, the novel.
Jazzy Joyce: This Bronx native began breaking down "male only" DJ doors in the early 80's. Inspired by her family and the emerging Hip Hop scene, she bought a pair of turntables, honed her skills and never looked back. Since breaking down the gender door she has made a name for herself that you're sure to recognize. She has also blazed the path for up and coming young women interested in breaking into the Hip Hop world.
Tamekia Flowers: Founder and president of Hip Hop 4 health, a non profit organization dedicated to use hip hop to promote health awareness. Hip Hop 4 health partners with health industry professionals to educate tweens (8-12) and teens (13-17) on health issues through interactive workshops, health fairs, concerts and empowerment seminars.
Amanda Diva: An accomplished poet, journalist, radio & television personality, scholar (she has a Master's degree in African-American Studies), singer, and lyricist, Amanda Diva is definitely the best kept secret in female emcees.
Danyel Smith: Smith is a former editor at large for Time Inc. and the former editor in chief of Vibe. She has also written for the Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Spin, the San Francisco Bay Guardian , and the New York Times. Smith is on the part-time faculty at the New School University and wrote the introduction for the New York Times' bestseller Tupac Shakur.
Dream Hampton: A Hip-Hop journalist who in 1990 became the first woman on staff at The Source magazine, she has penned essays on misogyny, police brutality and global issues. As a contributing writer at Vibe, she wrote career defining articles. Her essays and articles have appeared in a dozen anthologies.
The Impact of Women in Hip Hop will celebrate the successes and contributions of women in Hip-Hop through art exhibitions, film screenings, special performances and key note speeches. Additionally, this event will be used as a platform to educate and empower the community. There will be a voter's registration drive, free HIV screenings, and countless resources on site to promote heath and wellness.
KOCH RECORDS, DISTURBING THA PEACES' I-20
KOCH RECORDS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM BY DISTURBING THA PEACE ARTIST I-20
By Koch
DISTURBING THA PEACE PRESENTS...I-20: BLOOD IN THE WATER WILL BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 28TH ALBUM FEATURES LUDACRIS, PLAYAZ CIRCLE, LIL KEKE AND MORE
(September 29, 2008) - New York, NY - KOCH Records is happy to announce the release of Disturbing Tha Peace Presents...I-20: Blood In The Water. The album will hit stores on October 28th, 2008 and features appearances by Ludacris, Playaz Circle, Lil Keke and more.
Based in Decatur, GA, I-20 has one of the deepest and most imposing voices in hip-hop. He met a prestardom Ludacris in 1997, which led to him becoming a member of the multi-platinum rapper's Disturbing Tha Peace collective. Disturbing Tha Peace released their debut album Golden Grain in late 2002. The album sold over 620,000 units and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Rap Chart. I-20 quickly went to work on and released his debut solo album, Self Explanatory, in April 2004. The album scanned over 100,000 units. The second DTP album Ludacris presents...Disturbing Tha Peace was released in December 2005 and sold over 627,000 units.
Ludacris says I-20 is "The most aggressive highly underrated MC in the game."
With his second solo endeavor Blood In The Water, I-20 showcases his distinct baritone voice and southern hardcore wit. Powered by the lead single and video, "Really Like Her" feat. Ludacris, I-20 is back and once again taking his place among the best of Atlanta's hardcore rappers.
THE STORY OF THE WU-TANG CLAN
A Provocative Account of the Rise of Hip Hop's Most Controversial Collective
DVD and Soundtrack CD to Debut November 18th, 2008
DVD Offers Revealing Never-Before-Seen Interviews and Rare Concert Footage; CD Includes Classic Wu-Tang Clan Tracks and Solo Material
Los Angeles, California — The definitive story of one of the most influential rap crews of all time, Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan comes to DVD on November 18th, 2008 from BET Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. An authorized account of the spectacular rise of nine young men from obscurity to the pinnacle of recording industry success, Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan sheds new light on their story with exclusive archival footage, interviews with the surviving members of the group and a wealth of material not available anywhere else. A must-have DVD for every hip-hop and rap fan, Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99 US.
Simultaneously, Loud Records / Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, is set to release the soundtrack companion CD, Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan. The disc will feature such key Wu-Tang classics as "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Your Neck" alongside solo material from Raekwon, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, and Cappadonna. The CD will be available at both physical and digital retail outlets on November 18, 2008.
In 1993, nine young men — Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, RZA, GZA, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Inspectah Deck an Masta Killa -- emerged from the Staten Island projects to form one of the most successful rap groups of all time: The Wu-Tang Clan. For over a decade, they operated as a fluid alliance of exceptionally talented MCs, establishing themselves as one of the most significant musical collectives of the era, as well as individual artists who challenged convention with thought-provoking lyrics and beats. The Wu-Tang Clan went on to sell more than 20 million albums and become the original global hip hop franchise, lending their talent and name to music, comic books, clothes, online games and more.
The ambition, talent and innovative spirit that drove The Wu-Tang Clan's unique contributions to the hip hop scene also made its members multi-platinum-selling solo artists and record producers, Grammy winners, screenwriters, corporate spokespeople, entrepreneurs and motion picture composers. The group launched the acting careers of Method Man ("The Wire", Garden State, How High) and RZA (American Gangster) and brought attention to the controversial life and tragic death of Ol' Dirty Bastard. Directed by Gerald Barclay, this awe-inspiring documentary also features industry notables: Bonz Malone, Popa Wu, Bobito Garcia, Ralph McDaniels, Gano Grills and 3rd Rail.
Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan was named Best Documentary at the 2007 Hip Hop Odyssey Film Festival and was an Official Selection at the London Black Film Festival, the American Black Film Festival, the Pan African Film Festival and the Sao Paulo International Film Festival. Billboard magazine will host a special screening of Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan at this year's UrbanWorld Film Festival on September 12. Additionally, the documentary will have its broadcast premiere on BET on Thursday, November 13, 2008.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States , Canada and the Caribbean . BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news.; BET Digital Networks – BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
ABOUT PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Studios, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, PBS and Hasbro and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.
ABOUT LEGACY RECORDINGS
The multiple Grammy-winning Legacy Recordings, Sony BMG Music Entertainment's catalog division, produces and maintains the world's foremost catalog of historic reissues, an unparalleled compendium of thousands of digitally remastered archival titles representing virtually every musical genre including popular, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, folk, country, gospel, Broadway musicals, movie soundtracks, ethnic, world music, classical, comedy and more.
A peerless resource encompassing the wealth, breadth, history and diversity of recorded music dating back to the birth of the medium, Legacy Recordings is home to the works of hundreds of musical artists of the 19th, 20th and 21st.
Press:
Evelyn Santana
BazanPR
(212) 643-4664 x22
"50 CENT: THE MONEY AND THE POWER"
50 CENT SCHOOLS ASPIRING BUSINESS MOGULS IN THE ART OF SUCCESS IN THE NEW MTV SERIES "50 CENT: THE MONEY AND THE POWER"
SET TO AIR ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH AT 10PM ET/PT
(Trailer) http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/289822/nows-your-chance.jhtml#id=1597144
New York , NY (October 15, 2008) – 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) was the top earning rapper in 2007, earning an astonishing $150 million, according to Forbes magazine. He parlayed a stake in Vitamin Water to a 9-figure payout and he continues to be the single savviest businessman in the music game. As he puts it, "If I was just my image, I wouldn't have made this much money." 50 Cent's success is nothing less than the American dream and this show is his coming out party as an inspiration to a new generation of street-savvy entrepreneurs. His forthcoming book, "The 50th Law," co-authored with Robert Greene ("The 48 Laws of Power"), will share the lessons he learned as a street hustler and how those lessons allowed him to become the massive success he is today. In "50 Cent: The Money and the Power," hosted by and starring 50 Cent, he will share these lessons with a lucky few. The winner, the young man or woman whose ideas and drive make them worthy of 50's support, receives a $100,000 investment from 50 Cent himself. "50 Cent: "The Money and the Power" will premiere on MTV on Thursday, November 6th at 10pm ET/PT.
"50 Cent: The Money and the Power" contestants worked together while also living at "Camp Curtis," a Brooklyn warehouse where they slept in tents named after the five boroughs of New York City. The 14 wannabe moguls, personally hand-picked by 50 Cent, compete in inventive challenges that 50 Cent helped to create, while mastering the skills that took the rapper from his hard-knock life to the top of corporate America . Each week, 50 Cent will narrow down his search by testing the candidates on the knowledge he has taught them while pushing them to their limit. Viewers will be treated to special appearances by LL Cool J, Aubrey O'Day of Danity Kane, Lloyd Banks and radio personality and blogger Miss Info. And since no business mogul can work alone, 50 Cent recruited his G-Unit label mate Tony Yayo to be his "Underboss" and right hand man. Yayo kept contestants in line for 50 Cent throughout series.
Ultimately, the last individual standing will, in 50's eyes, possess the strongest combination of business flair, strength, ambition, and fearlessness to win the $100,000 and help achieve their dream and pave the way to future mogul status. "50 Cent: The Money and the Power" was mostly shot in New York City (in and around Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens , etc...) and will have ten one hour episodes.
In addition to his record label, G-Unit Records, 50 Cent has enjoyed enormous global success across a vast array of entrepreneurial ventures, including videogames, books, clothing, footwear, beverages, personal care products, automotive and more. 50 Cent is set to deliver his fourth major label album, Before I Self Destruct (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope), on December 9, 2008. Accompanying the album is the gritty feature length film, Before I Self Destruct, which 50 Cent wrote, directed and starred in.
"50 Cent: The Money and the Power" is Executive Produced by 50 Cent. Michael Hirschorn, Stella Stolper and Michael Bloom of Ish Entertainment are Executive Producers. Sacha Jenkins and Gabe Alverez are Co-Executive Producers. Chris Lighty and Laurie Dobbins of Violator are Co-Executive Producers. Bruce Klassen is Supervising Producer. Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley and George McTeague are creative executives overseeing project for MTV. "50 Cent: The Money and the Power" is produced by MTV and Ish Entertainment.
About Ish Entertainment
Ish Entertainment was launched in April 2008 by former VH1 execs Michael Hirschorn and Stella Stolper. Ish, which has a first-look deal with MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo, operates as a joint venture with Lionsgate, which handles Ish's international distribution. The first projects to come out of that deal are "Paris Hilton's My New BFF," "50 Cent: The Money And The Power," a docu-series with artist T.I., all for MTV; and a Christmas special starring Larry the Cable Guy for CMT. Ish Entertainment marries formats and talent focusing primarily but not exclusively on non-scripted programming, continuing a strategy that has helped VH1 launch an unprecedented string of hit shows with top talent. Ish Entertainment is based in Los Angeles and New York .
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched ten dynamic online communities and six new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com.
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My-lan Beauford
Mgr. Digital Publicity
Fanscape, Inc. ****NEW ADDRESS****
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Los Angeles , CA 90048
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http://www.fanscape.com/blog
Better Black TV Chairman P. Miller, New Show, (TRT)
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Better Black Television (BBTV) has added a new program to the network's growing roster. "Teens Real Talk" (TRT) will give teens an opportunity to express their ideas and feelings in order to help and advise both parents and teens on coming-of-age issues.
As a father and the only African American chairman of a television network, Percy Miller (formerly Master P) is committed to staying in touch with the community and its youth. He said, "This show is the home base where teens can freely connect with their peers, share their stories without fear of judgment, and collaborate with their families and community leaders to discuss resources and organize for social justice. It's time for Barack Obama to be the first African American president and it's time to empower the next generation of our nation's teens to be more responsible."
By discussing issues and topics in an open forum, the show aims to enable teens to affect the world in the most positive way through focusing their vision. Teens will be challenged to say "NO" to drugs, teenage pregnancy, crime, negative cycles, and violence, and "YES" to family values, education, financial literacy, wholesome teenage activities, and healthy relationships, lifestyles, and environments.
The show provides universal access to inform and equip teens through communication and information offered by special guests, teachers, doctors, volunteers, coaches, religious leaders, and influential role models. TRT is committed to the free expression of all people.
"The difference between this show and other teen shows is we're taking this one on the road, to the schools, to the churches, to the communities, to the people to talk about real issues and find real solutions," said Miller. "Education is what changed my life and I want to give teens across the country a wake-up call before it's too late; not everybody gets a second chance and it's easier to catch up now than to catch up later.
"We will also visit incarcerated teens in juvenile halls who are seeking answers and solutions. We have teamed up with major corporations and sponsors that share our vision of change and positivity. Our goal with this show is to preserve our future leaders."
Teens Real Talk is the TV show that's making a difference.
Also in production is the family-friendly original sitcom titled "Uncle Willy's Family," a show about a Vietnam veteran who comes to California from Louisiana in order to raise his brother's grandchildren. The 'country boy' makes life entertaining, educational, funny, and spiritual.
It's time for change, it's time to empower our teens and families, and it's time for Better Black TV.
D.L. Hughley to Host CNN Show
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Actor-comedian D.L. Hughley has inked a deal with CNN net to host his own show on the network that will offer a skewering take on news and world events. The show, set to air on Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 25, will feature Hughley and guests riffing on politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. The show will include one-on-one interviews with newsmakers and the reporters covering them.
"I’m a big fan of both of those shows," Hughley said about Jon Stewart ("The Daily Show With Jon Stewart") and Stephen Colbert ("The Colbert Report"), "but I’ve got a different skill set. I’m not going to parody a news show or a news anchor. My show will reflect my views on things just as their shows reflect their views."
"D.L. is a very thoughtful, well-informed guy with unpredictable views, and I’ve always admired his comedy," said CNN's president Jon Klein. "The basic premise of the show is, what if a guy like him was let loose in the CNN building for a weekend after the lights went off?"
Veteran producer Mitch Semel will be the executive producer and showrunner.
The most trusted name in news on CNN will soon be D.L. Hughley.
David Alan Grier's "Chocolate News"
David Alan Grier's character-driven sketch magazine series, "Chocolate News," debuts Oct 15 on Comedy Central. The "In Living Color" alum and Tony Award-nominated Grier is the creator, executive producer and host of the series which takes on a variety of contemporary topics from a decidedly African-American perspective where everyone and everything is fair game. In addition to hosting the series, Grier will also portray multiple characters within the series' investigative reports, which will be presented by a cast of three correspondents.
"This has been my dream show because every other show that I've been on has been someone else's vision that I have been trying to interpret," said Grier. "Even on "In Living Color" where I had the most freedom, probably, of everything I've done, it still was filtered through Keenen's vision. You know, so this one I wrote the original pilot, created it myself, and submitted it."
The debut episode features a story on platinum-selling rap artist Phat Man (portrayed by Grier) with a politically incorrect music video PSA promoting the "No Child Left Behind" act. The episode includes the recurring segment, "Can I Flow?" in which Grier presents a topical comedic editorial/rant. This episode's "Can I Flow" focuses on the death of Hip Hop and Rap as Grier argues, "We should have seen the signs when Ice Cube went from 'Kill at Will' to 'Are We There Yet?'" Also featured is a report on Poet Laureate Maya Angelou (played by Grier) reciting a poem she has composed to celebrate Obama's nomination. The poem begins innocently enough and then takes a decidedly "Chocolate News" twist with lines such as, "You have a mocha choke hold on the American Dream..."
Other surprising and revealing reports scheduled to be presented by Grier this season include: unmasking the shocking news that the super group KISS was originally black; "Fat Black Momma Syndrome," an investigation into the recent trend in Hollywood films of excessive "fat black mama" characters; "Vitahood," a report on Thelonias, founder of the "Jackie Robinson Empowerment Agency" who has devised a way to get drug addicts healthy by mixing vitamins in their illegal drugs; and "Tranny Wreck," a report on Candelabra, a cross-dressing transsexual who was once an aspiring NBA player but now spends his time competing in transgender beauty pageants.
The magazine format is a departure for Grier. "I personally wanted a different way to do sketch. A kind of way to do comedy that I didn't really see, especially from an African-American point of view on television. And just a fresh approach," she said. And for me, instead of creating a show that I know and I've seen, and it's a black version of that show, I wanted to try to come up with a new way to do it."
Trained in Shakespeare at Yale, Grier began his professional career on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in "The First." He joined the cast of "Dreamgirls" and went on to star opposite Denzel Washington in "A Soldier's Story," in both the theater and film versions. Grier starred on Broadway in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and has also performed at the New York Shakespeare Festival in productions of "Richard III" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in Central Park. Grier's network television credits include "Life With Bonnie" opposite Bonnie Hunt, "DAG" as the title character, "In Living Color," "Damon," opposite Damon Wayans and in the miniseries "The 60's" and "King of Texas" for cable television. In addition, Grier has gained recognition for his numerous feature film roles, including "BADASSS!", "The Woodsman" opposite Kevin Bacon and Mos Def, "15 Minutes," "Boomerang," "Bewitched," "Jumanji" and Robert Altman's "Streamers."
"Chocolate News" is executive produced by David Alan Grier, Robert Morton, Fax Bahr and Adam Small and independent production and management studio Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordan Levin. Gary Mann is the executive in charge of production for Comedy Central. The debut episode of "Chocolate News" is sponsored by Take-Two.
Source:http://www.blacktalentnews.com/artman/publish/article_1998.shtml
Justos Annual Mixtape awards
Tuesday evening's 11th Annual Mixtape Awards occurred in New York City. The event, which was started in 1995, by the late Justo Faison was free of violence this year, something that has marred the legacy of the awards in recent years.
Winners included Crooked I [click to view] as "Best West Coast Mixtape Artist," Styles P in the east coast version of the category, with Lil Wayne rounding out the southern equivalent.
DJ Drama and Don Cannon's The Aphilliates took home "Best Mixtape Team," as well as Gangsta Grillz taking "Best Series," "Best Dirty South DJ" (DJ Drama) and "Best Mixtape Producer" (Don Cannon) [click to read].
Other big winners included Joell Ortiz "Best Underground Artist" [click to read] and "Best Midwest DJ" to Mick Boogie [click to read].
The Mixtape Awards also honored Doug E. Fresh's Get Fresh Crew affiliate DJ Barry Bee ("Mixtape Legends Award"), Tony Touch ("Mixtape Pioneers Award") and the DJ Red Alert Award to DJ Jazzy Joyce.
A complete list of winners can be found at NahRight.com
Skyzoo, Joell, Charles Hamilton
So after self-analysis, I realized that my jitters were indeed from NOT performing in NYC for a while. All I can remember is how brutal the crowds were/are. AND I was in Brooklyn. Then I thought about it... when did I ever give a sh1t about response? I just do me... they have fun watching me do me. lol. So after a laundry list of performers came up and shot the crowd up (I swear everyone that holds a gun performed), Skyzoo came up with his Nas-esque hip-hop. I dug it. Not exactly positive, but not destructive. Had BK on his side. Hometown boy lookin ass n1gga... lol Skyzoo I got your email we gon get sumn poppin. Anyway. Joell Ortiz goes up and RIPS it. The wack thing is, there were so many performers before us, not really that many people were in the room. Damn mixtape awards. lol. So when I came up, the crowd was few, but filling back up when they found out I was performing.
Started off with "My Word", the song which seems to have people up in arms. I know for a fact that song is misunderstood, and even the lyrics being posted is wrong. Not an issue, because I know in my heart I'm not saying anything TOO crazy. Next was "People of the River", as featured in my Complex video. Then "Waterworks" with Show, then "Stutter" with Nate, then of course... "Brooklyn Girls"...
I like the feeling I get from "Brooklyn Girls".
I'm looking forward to more performances. The animal is out. YEAH BOY! Shouts to Show and Nate holdin me down onstage... I freestyled my verse to "Waterworks"... think I might do that more often... dig?
~~Charles Hamilton~~
Source:http://charleshamilton.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
Source:http://www.Hiphopdx.com
A.G (Andre The Giant)
Both New York and San Francisco have professional sports teams named the Giants. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that legendary MC AG—aka Andre the Giant—recorded his latest album, Get Dirty Radio, 3,000 miles away from his South Bronx birthplace, in California. What is a surprise, however, is that while longtime collaborators Lord Finesse and Showbiz appear on Get Dirty Radio, the majority of the tracks were crafted by producers the rapper’s never worked with before, including Jake One, Dabrye, Tommy Tee, Oh No, Look Records head honcho DJ Design, and—representing somewhat of a hip-hop head’s wet dream—Madlib and J Dilla.
“That’s gonna let em know right there,” AG predicts. “Those are two guys who carried the tradition of digging in the crates, and DJ Design linked me up with them, so it’s like the old legend with the new kings … The album is crazy.”
On the Madlib-produced “Frozen” (the album’s first single), AG proves he’s still got the verbal skills that made him a legend: Niggas say we real cause the way we got down/ From the streets to the industry locked down/Plot now on the world that’s the next stop/ Ladies listen cause I’m known to hit the wet spot. The DJ Design-produced “Triumph” bears much personal significance for AG, who’s overcome many trials and tribulations in his life, from a murder charge (since overturned), industry-related politics and the tragic death of his good friend Big L. On the track, he pays homage to his fallen comrade, declaring Big L will never be forgotten, then goes on to say, the Big Apple, I eat it rotten/ Just to keep it poppin’. Another unquestioned highlight is one of J Dilla’s last production credits, “Hip Hop Quotable (feat. Aloe Blacc), a brilliant track which traces the history of hip-hop through its more memorable lyrics over the years, and finds AG up in the lab, stabbing that pad with a pen again.
Get Dirty Radio’s emphasis on lyrical skills, classic concepts, and innovative new music might just change people’s minds about the current state of NY rap, which in recent years has followed trends more than it has set them. “If music is pumping, Imma get into it,” AG says. “But the message, the lyrics, and the content are horrible right now.”
The album marks not only a return to form for East Coast-style rap, but a new beginning for AG, a member of the fabled Diggin’ In the Crates (DITC) crew, still fondly remembered by hip-hop heads for such classic tracks as “Soul Clap,” “Runaway Slave,” and “Party Groove.” AG says making Get Dirty Radio “revitalized” him as an artist, to the point where he feels he’s at the “peak” of his game, 17 years after releasing his first record. “If I’m gonna be in it, I gotta live it,” he explains. “And Imma a live it to the fullest.”
Growing up in the South Bronx’s infamous Patterson projects, AG was exposed to both street life and hip-hop at an early age. He remembers excitedly watching parties thrown by the likes of Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Flash, and the Cold Crush brothers, and being introduced to freestyling by his cousin, LB (currently a graffiti artist and graphic designer with his own clothing line.) While in high school he battled metaphor/punchline master Lord Finesse; the two hit it off, and after meeting producer/DJ Showbiz, he became a full-fledged member of DITC, along with Show, Big L (R.I.P.), Finesse, Buckwild, Diamond D, Fat Joe, and OC. Show and AG’s first EP came out in 1990; an LP, Runaway Slave, followed in 1992; both are hailed as Golden Age gems which currently demand a pretty penny on eBay.
Show & AG’s 1995 album Goodfellaz got caught up in industry politics after their then-label Payday was bought by Universal. “The people in charge didn’t know anything about music,” he explains. “They didn’t do music, they didn’t live in the clubs.” Despite the setback, which cooled their momentum considerably, AG and his brethren continued to make records. 1998’s independently-released DITC album, Full Scale, moved a reported 30,000 units on vinyl and was hailed by the Source as one of the top underground albums of that year; in 1999, AG dropped his first solo album, The Dirty Version. Since then, the rapper has been sought out for guest verses on records by Dilated Peoples, Blacksheep, DJ Greyboy, Casual, and Handsome Boy Modeling School. He’s also toured numerous countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Japan. “I’ve been overseas a lot,” he says, noting that he’s been embraced by international audiences who appreciate hip-hop culture beyond just the current fad or trend. “They keep the real movement alive.”
In 2002, AG came across DJ Design backstage at a show in Germany. This was the first time the two reunited since 1994, when Design promoted a show in Seattle headlined by none other than Show & AG. The two discussed working together on an AG solo album, and soon after that, the rapper flew out to San Francisco to write what would become Get Dirty Radio, staying in a condo rented by Look Records, and getting inspiration from the change of scenery and California’s celebrated greenery. “It ain’t no dirt weed out there,” he says with a smile.
Initially skeptical about working with new producers, AG has come to realize that even veteran MCs have to remain relevant and contemporary. The cutout bins are littered with scores of albums by formerly great rappers who fell off or just couldn’t adapt to the current state of the hip-hop artform. Yet that’s not likely to happen with Get Dirty Radio, an album which deserves to be seen as a modern-day classic by a classic artist.
For AG, to “Get Dirty” means to take control of not just the music, but the artistic direction of his career. “We had to get our hands dirty,” he explains, adding “I think when we do it ourselves… it’s just a better result.” Dropping science, as is his custom—AG became a member of the 5% Nation while a youth, and still maintains 360 degrees of knowledge—he explains, “there’s an angle in everything you do. You just gotta find your angle without sacrificing your integrity in the music.”
With Get Dirty Radio, he says, “I think I found my angle. I figured out how to give them what they want by giving them what I want to give them, without bringing down the music. I think the music is coming back around to what we do.”
Source:http://www.lookrecords.com/?page_id=21
October 06, 2008
Pharoahe Monch to Host CMJ's International Hip-Hop Event GLOBAL HIP HOP THROWDOWN
Pharoahe Monch to Host CMJ's International Hip-Hop Event GLOBAL HIP HOP THROWDOWN
Event Will Unite the Talents of Global Hip-Hop's Rising Stars at New York Cities' Largest Music Conference and Networking Event
Global music and media company NOMADIC WAX & public relations/music promoter THE BLOOM EFFECT have joined forces and will co-produce this year's CMJ INTERNATIONAL HIP-HOP THROW-DOWN. The event will unite the talents of a creative and diverse group of lyricists and DJs from Africa, Korea, Canada, and Europe at club DROM, located at 85 Ave A in New York's East Village on Thursday October 23rd 2008. The event will begin at 8 PM and will last until 3 AM and will feature live international hip-hop music and DJs spinning music.
The College Music Journal Marathon (CMJ) is New York's largest music, film and media conference and will host hundreds of live performances, films, lectures and networking events. "CMJ is a perfect place for a global hip-hop event like this" said The Bloom Effect CEO, Fiona Bloom. "An event that unites MCs from a variety of backgrounds, countries and nationalities is exactly the kind of event that we want to be promoting at a global music conference like CMJ".
The CMJ International Hip-Hop Throw-down has been building up for me since I've been very supportive of this genre and have made inroads bringing great talent to the U.S stages and now we bring it one step further to a bigger platform. A tremendous opportunity. To have an artist like Pharoahe host this event is such an honor and is testament to the fact that international hip-hop is becoming more accepted by the mainstream." said Nomadic Wax founder Ben Herson.
This years event will feature a handful of rising stars including Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), Drunken Tiger( Korea ), King Reign (Canada), Empire Isis (Canada), Chachi (Cape Verde) and Too Many Fish France). Dj's Boo and DJ Soulscape from Korea will be on the turntables. V.J Kwon from Korea will set the tone and visuals for the night. Blitz the Ambassador (who will be backed by a 10 piece band, "The Embassy Ensemble") is no stranger to international hip-hop. Last year, Blitz headlined and hosted at the prestigious Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival, a three day global hip-hop event at Trinity College in Hartford CT.
"It's incredible to see such diversity in an event like this" said Blitz. "To have artists from all over the world performing on the same stage together shows how global and powerful hip-hop culture has become".
The showcase will end out with a party DJ line up of World Music Dj's from various radio programs and entities. The party will go till 3am.
This years event will be sponsored by Scion, WNYE (New York Public Radio), Fusicology, World Hip-Hop Market, Remix Hotel, End of the Weak, The Flava(Worldspace), Popular Printing, Lima Chips, The Hip-Hop Association and more TBA.
The International Hip Hop showcase is the only one of its kind during CMJ.
There will also be an all French Hip Hop showcase at Hiro Ballroom on Friday, October 24th featuring La Caution, Mangu and Wax Tailor.
Blitz The Ambassador- http://www.myspace.com/bliztheambassador
Chachi- http://www.myspace.com/bigchach
Empire Isis - http://www.myspace.com/empireisis
Drunken Tiger- http://www.myspace.com/tigerhiphop
King Reign- http://www.myspace.com/reignmusic
Webbafied- http://www.myspace.com/toomanyfish
Soulscape- http://www.myspace.com/djsoulscape
V.J- Kwon http://www.vjkwon.kr
Ben Herson (Nomadic Wax) - ben@nomadicwax.com (917) 225-8472
Fiona Bloom (The Bloom Effect) - fiona@thebloomeffect.com (646) 764-0004
Urban Communications, LLC Acquires Controversial N*ggaSpace.com
BALTIMORE, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore-based Urban Communications, LLC (UC) today announced the acquisition of N*ggaSpace.com, a social network visited over 7,000,000 times in 2007 according to Google Analytics.
"Urban Communications will soon be the number one trafficked network within the online African American community," said Kenny Clash, President, (UC). "Not only do Urban Communication users set the trends, they constantly want to associate with others in the community with similar interests."
"We plan to introduce N*ggaSpace.com users to better technology, which includes better enhanced content filters and privacy controls. It is remarkable that within the past 72 hours more than 30,000 people typed in the domain name N*ggaSpace.com," said Patrick Nagle, Product Development, (UC).
"Out of the 20 million African Americans online, 15 percent use or are aware of N*ggaSpace.com," said Chanda Cole, VP Marketing (UC).
About Urban Communications:
Urban Communications, LLC was launched in March 2008 with the goal of becoming the premier online destination for African Americans. Additionally, Urban Communications owns and operates:
OurSpace.com (http://www.ourspace.com)/ an online social location that currently provides HBCU Students a superior way to connect with others whom share similar experiences and perspectives. OurSpace.com enables users to share pictures, video and music. As a member of OurSpace.com you'll notice that it is easy to make new friends through our secure online social environment.
BlackPower.com (http://www.blackpower.com)/ "Black Power," a daily online magazine designed to inject wit, hipness and edge into the discussion of viewpoints currently shaping black culture. Using intelligent, out-of-the-box, thought-provoking discussion of issues from a variety of black perspectives, Black Power challenges the myth of monolithic black thought. Top journalists, bloggers and trend-setters come together in a face that will change the face of "black news." News, commentary, and opinion blend with satire, music and multi-media technology to create a unique online platform devoted to the totality of the black experience in the United States and all over the world.
Contact:
Chanda Cole
443.400.5114
cole@ourspace.com
http://www.ourspace.com/about
Source: Urban Communications, LLC
CONTACT: Chanda Cole of Urban Communications, LLC, +1-443-400-5114,
cole@ourspace.com
Web site: http://www.ourspace.com/
http://www.blackpower.com/
Beanie Sigel Clears the Airwaves about an alledged "Religious Breakdown" that was reported to the Ricky Smiley Show this Morning...
0/1/2008-Today Beanie Sigel spoke with the Rickie Smiley Morning show crew about his recent participation in the Urban Youth Racing School Celebrity Race, that took place on Sept 7th, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to the interview the publicist contacted the show to reschedule due to traveling reasons for the Def Jam recording artist and his family. As a result of miscommunication, A show co-host began the interview with asking Beans about his alledged religious breakdown. Sigel issues a statement to clear the airwaves, stating " Whatever that is…I did not have a " religious breakdown". I was traveling back from a religious event that my family and I attended yesterday ."
Besides Sigels recent involement with Urban Nascar, the artist is back in the studio with The Roots, Travis Barker, and Platinum recording producers Dre&Vidal others working on new music for his forthcoming LP. The official release date has yet to be announced..
For media inquirie please contact Brash PR:
--
Tiffiany Vaughn
Brash PR ((Philadelphia))
:Tel. 856.313.2012
:E tiffianyvaughn@gmail.com
:E tiffianyvaughn@brashpublicity.com
:W www.brashpublicity.com
AP
Kristen Ackryod
:T 1.609.827.5226
:E Kristin@brashpublicity.com
:E Kristin.Aileen3@gmail.com
:M myspace.com/k_aileen
World Series of Hip Hop Results Delayed Due to Errors on 250,000 Text Votes Submitted
New York, NY -- Texting errors have caused a delay in the announcement of the official winners of last week's World Series of Hip Hop $100,000 Main Event featuring rap battles between Mysonne and E. Ness, Lady Luck and Rece Steele, Murda Mook and Young Hot, and Tech 9 and T-Rex.
Giorgio Costonis the CEO of MoTv, made the following statement regarding the situation: "Several hundred thousand text votes of the World Series of Hip Hop $100,00 Main Event Rap Battle cannot be counted because of the incorrect keywords texted by individuals attempting to cast votes. Each artist was assigned a keyword that included a zero preceding his or her number, this zero was mistaken for the letter 'o' by the voting public. As a result only 600 total votes where properly executed. No one was charged for the incorrect keyword votes."
World Series of Hip Hop Chairman Furqaan Clover said, "New keywords have been assigned to each artist. To make it simple we will just change the zero to a one. So Mysonne's code is now motv11 instead of motv01, ect. Voting will be extended for another week, and will close on October 10th. The winners will be announced on Saturday October 11th."
The new text to vote keywords are as follows:
To vote for Mysonne text: motv11 to 99134 To vote for E. Ness text: motv12 to 99134 To vote for Lady Luck text: motv13 to 99134 To vote for Rece Steele text: motv14 to 99134 To vote for Young Hot text: motv15 to 99134 To vote for Murda Mook text: motv16 to 99134 To vote for T-Rex text: motv17 to 99134 To vote for Tech 9 text: motv18 to 99134
The WSOHH $100,000 Main Event was webcast in a live pay-per-view event on Saturday September 27th exclusively on www.wsohh.com. The event itself went off without a hitch with Monie Love hosting all the battles. G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kidd did not referee as initially announced, but was in the building during Lady Luck's battle with Rece Steele. The entire event can still be seen on www.wsohh.com.
For more detailed information on the World Series of Hip Hop please visit www.wsohh.com or contact Furqaan Clover, Chairman, World Series of Hip Hop, 347-524-0002; indiefilmx@gmail.com.
Press Contact: Alyse Feldman, President, On the Fly Public Relations, Toronto ON, 917-674-6067; ontheflypr@gmail.com
88-KEYS GEARS UP FOR THE RELEASE OF FIRST SOLO ALBUM, THE DEATH OF ADAM
88-KEYS GEARS UP FOR THE RELEASE OF FIRST SOLO ALBUM, THE DEATH OF ADAM IN STORES NOVEMBER 11TH
New York, NY - Moving from a behind the scenes producer to frontman, breakthrough artist 88-Keys presents his first solo album, The Death of Adam on Decon Records. A highly conceptual release, The Death of Adam examines mankind's most common storyline; the relationship between men and women.
The album, Executive Produced by longtime friend Kanye West, will be an introduction to 88-Keys the musician, extending beyond his production credits (A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Macy Gray and others) to highlight his skills on the mic as MC, singer and collaborator. The album, two years in the making, started out as a series of instrumentals from 88-Keys. Throughout the artistic process, and with the addition of Kanye West as Executive Producer, the album has grown to become one of the most well-executed and artistic conceptual records to date. 88-Keys appears on vocals on more than half of the tracks, and the album features the likes of Kanye West, J*Davey, Phonte of Little Brother, Redman, Kid Cudi, Shitake Monkey, & Bilal.
"My album has a deep & detailed story line which follows my boy Adam (whom EVERYBODY knows) through a day in the life of him trying to get 'some', and all of the trials and tribulations he goes through in order to get it," 88-Keys explains. The first single, "Stay Up! (Viagra)" is a perfect illustration of that universal storyline coming to life, and features the album's executive producer Kanye West.
Other tracks on the album follow suit, expanding on the story of Adam, and his repeated run-ins with the fairer sex. "'The Burning Bush', which features Redman, is a song which embodies the essence of the Funk Doctor Spock at his best," 88-Keys says. "This song captures the soul of James Brown, hard knock and melodic funkiness of my hip-hop spirit and the grit and dirt of Redman's humorous/Brick City-bred lyrics, all mixed into one. Use as prescribed!"
"'The Friend Zone' is a hard rocking song with crossover pop appeal aimed directly at the spirit of today's youth but contains adult undertones. Let's rate this one PG-13. This is a man's guide to not settling for being HER best bud since you can't be her best LOVE."
88-Keys continues, "'M.I.L.F.' (featuring Bilal) is a soul-drenched song which deals with the pleasure & pain of having a child with someone you're no longer (or probably never were) in love with. Bouncing bass, orgasmic organs, sexy strings. Basically this is baby-making music at it's finest. (Uh oh!)"
"The Death of Adam is heavily conceptual (and exceptional)." 88-Keys reflects. "I think it will remind people of how relationships work for the better or worse. I learned a lot about myself, as I am 'Adam', you are 'Adam'. 'Adam' is your father, your brother, a best friend or a friend of a friend whom you've heard about."
The Death of Adam will be available in stores November 11th.
Links:
•Hear the album snippets: www.deconrecords.com/88_keys_snippets
•MySpace: www.myspace.com/88keys
• "Stay Up! (Viagra)" ft. Kanye West Available on iTunes
•Download "Adam's Case Files" Mixtape: http://zshare.net/download/134769505dd109cf/
•News Piece #1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-NLZFwnUPo
•News Piece #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0lCETMyYGU
•News Piece #3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jq0M0Ar_Oc
Contact:
Roni Moore
New Media Manager, Decon
roni@deconmedia.com
Alma Geddy-Romero
Director of Marketing & Branding, Decon
alma@deconmedia.com
VH1 Represented Hip Hop to the Fullest at the 5th Annual 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors'
TRIBUTES TO THIS YEAR'S HONOREES CYPRESS HILL, DE LA SOUL, NAUGHTY BY NATURE, SLICK RICK AND TOO $HORT SET THE STAGE ON FIRE
THE 5TH ANNUAL "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" HOSTED BY TRACY MORGAN, PREMIERES MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 10 PM* ON VH1 AND SOUL
BEGINNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 CATCH EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE AND PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS ON HIPHOP.VH1.COM AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" HISTORY, WATCH THE FULL SHOW IN ITS ENTIRETY THE DAY AFTER THE ON-AIR PREMIERE
New York, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 brought down the house tonight at the 5th annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" as the best of the best in hip hop royalty came together for one legendary night to honor the ones who came before them and transformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon.
Taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom this evening (Thursday, October 2) in New York City and hosted by Tracy Morgan, the music and influence of each of the honorees was recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent. This year, "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" paid tribute to Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, Slick Rick and Too $hort.
The Cypress Hill tribute kicked off the night with an introduction by Freddy Rodriguez. Fat Joe, Jim Jones and Gym Class Heroes drove the crowd insane with the group's hit songs "The Phuncky Feel One," "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That," and "Insane In the Membrane." Cypress Hill lit up the stage with performances of "DJ Scratch Intro," "How I Could Just Kill A Man," and "(Rock) Superstar."
Actress Joy Bryant introduced the second tribute of the night, honorees De La Soul, who took it way back with performances from Estelle, Mos Def, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Cee-Lo and EPMD. They tore the roof off with the group's biggest hits, "A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays,'" "Stakes Is High," "Potholes In My Lawn," and "Ego Trippin.'" Topping off the performance, De La Soul broke it down true old school style reminding the crowd that they can still get down, breaking out in a medley of old school rhymes from "Me, Myself and I" to a remix of "Buddy!"
The show continued on a "slick" note with hits that defined Slick Rick's solo career. Legendary rapper MC Lyte kicked off the tribute with "The Ruler's Back." The crowd went crazy when Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star took the stage performing the "The Show" which brought everyone to their feet. They led into a true hip hop medley with the legendary Biz Markie and Ghostface Killah singing "La Di Da Di." Finally Eve took the stage with her rendition of the eclectic hip hop chart topper "Mona Lisa." Slick Rick then took to the stage performing "Hey Young World" and "Children's Story."
Next, in honor of R&B legend Isaac Hayes, a medley of artists took the stage to salute the icon. Mos Def took the stage first, outfitted in dark shades, setting it off with the hit theme song from "Shaft." Next British sweetheart Estelle performed a remix of "I Love You," and Cee-Lo kept the crowd grooving with "The Look of Love." Next on stage, Scarface dazzled the crowd with "My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me." Closing out this special tribute was Chuck D with "Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos."
Hip hop entrepreneur and producer Luke Campbell took the stage to introduce Too $hort. Luke talked about how he set the stage and paved the way for Too $hort to become the artist he is today. Also paying homage to Too $hort, Kid Rock gave a thrilling performance of "Life Is Too Short." Lil John got low with "Shake That Monkey" followed by a duet with Bun B of the electric "Blow the Whistle." After an intro performance of "The Ghetto" by Scarface, Too $hort got the crowd on their feet with "Gettin' It" and "Money In The Ghetto."
Bringing the show to an unforgettable end, Wyclef Jean, Juelz Santana and Big Boi ripped the stage with the all-time favorites, "No Woman No Cry," "Everything's Gonna Be All Right," and the monster hit "O.P.P." Naughty By Nature closed the show as only they could do, performing "Uptown Anthem" and "Hip Hop Hooray."
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" on VH1.com and VH1 Mobile:
VH1.com's dedicated hip hop site, HIPHOP.VH1.COM, will showcase on-demand content leading up to and post "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" including:
-- Backstage Coverage - VH1.com goes
behind-the-scenes for exclusive interviews with all the performers,
presenters and honorees.
-- Watch the complete "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" in Full - Starting October 7,
for the first time in "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" history, the full show will
be available in its entirety the day after the on-air premiere.
-- "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" Highlights - Select moments from the on-air show.
-- VH1 Mobile will offer "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" content including ringtones
from all honorees and performers and a dedicated WAP site available by
entering HIPHOP.VH1.COM into your mobile's
browser. Select video footage from the show will be available
following the on-air broadcast.
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blackjac Entertainment. Louis J. Horvitz will direct. Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddie are co-executive producers.
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is sponsored by T-Mobile USA, Taco Bell Corp., Sears, Windows(R) and Tag RecordsTM.
Hold Your Water(R) clips for crew water bottles on this production provided by BOLEO(R).
For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit VH1's press-only Web site at www.vh1.com/press
*All times ET/PT
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.
Contacts: Toni Herron Luis DeFrank
212-846-7528 212-846-7012
toni.herron @VH1staff.com luis.defrank@VH1staff.com
Nyle Washington
212-846-5576
nyle.washington@VH1staff.com
Surayyah McCarthy
212-846-8433
surayyah.mccarthy@VH1staff.com
Source: VH1
CONTACT: CONTACTS: Toni Herron, 1-212-846-7528, toni.herron
@VH1staff.com,Nyle Washington, +1-212-846-5576, nyle.washington@VH1staff.com,
Surayyah McCarthy, +1-212-846-8433, surayyah.mccarthy@VH1staff.com, Luis
DeFrank, +1-212-846-7012, luis.defrank@VH1staff.com, all of VH1
Web Site: HIPHOP.VH1.COM
VH1.com
www.vh1.com/press
dangerousNEGRO Shakes Up the Fashion World
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - Every decade an iconic urban wear line manages to infiltrate all levels of American street fashion. First Cross Colors, then FUBU, and now dN|Be Apparel (dangerousNEGRO Black Empowerment Apparel) has emerged as the street's choice for edgy, yet fun gear. In this politically charged election year, dN|Be Apparel has seen an enormous rise in popularity due to the socially active messages associated with its clothing. As a result, retailers clamored to get their hands on the line when it debuted at the recent MAGIC fashion show. In addition to previously established presence in Brooklyn, Houston and the Bay Area, dangerousNEGRO can now also be found in Manhattan, Atlanta, Detroit, and Orlando stores.
Derived from historical depictions of A. Phillip Randolph and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as "dangerous Negro" leaders, dN|Be Apparel is best known for promoting education and social awareness through its clothing. With the Hip Hop community latching on to social consciousness as the agent of change during the late stages of the Bush Administration, dangerousNEGRO tees have been popping up frequently in music videos. Signature shirt "Smart is the New Gangsta," is flashed several times in the video for Bun B's leadoff single "That's Gangsta." Furthermore, established artists like dead prez and Royce Da 5'9, as well as up and comers 5th Flow and Reo, all recently made appearances on dangerousNEGRO's latest free mixtape offering. Rhymefest and Mistah FAB have also proudly donned their dN|Be Apparel and are in talks to contribute to the next mixtape. Hip Hop has found dangerousNEGRO to be the line with the political energy and fashionable swagger to drive its rebellious principles into the future.
Being multi-dimensional has contributed greatly to dangerousNEGRO's rise in popularity. Not only does the company have a large following with its dN|Be Apparel line, free mixtape series, and strong online presence, dangerousNEGRO is also known for bringing its empowering message to college campuses in the form of public speaking. Marketing Director Demetrius Walker has made dozens of appearances from Northern Michigan University to the New York Institute of Technology in recent months. With a lecture titled "CEOtivated," Walker has been dangerousNEGRO's public motivational voice, encouraging entrepreneurship in students of all races.
Seeking to infiltrate all avenues of social, political, and economic empowerment, dangerousNEGRO will undoubtedly continue to stand out in the fashion industry. Along with the expansion of the clothing line, look for dangerousNEGRO to become further entrenched in the Hip Hop industry and the public speaking arena in the near future.
Additional information about dangerousNEGRO can be found online at www.dangerousNEGRO.com. For interviews please contact CEO Sebastine Ujereh at (615) 364-6733 or sebastine@dNBeApparel.com. dangerousNEGRO(TM) is owned and operated by dN Group LLC.
CONTACT:
Sebastine Ujereh
615-364-6733
Sebastine@dNBeApparel.com
There's No Doubt, A Sista Can Rock A Mic
Featuring Ndambi, Emily King, Angela Johnson, Liv Warfield, Yazahrah
Washington, D.C. – September 29, 2008 – The 4th Annual Can A Sista Rock A Mic? (CASRAM) Festival will feature local and national talent in Washington D.C. and Silver Spring, Maryland, October 8 – 11, 2008.
The four-day festival will feature Singer-Songwriters Liv Warfield, Grammy Nominee Emily King and Angela Johnson; New York-based Hip-hop/Reggae emcee duo, Nola Darling; DC-based artists EmoniFela, R&B singer Alison Carney and Electro-Afro beat artist Op Swamp 81; DC native Yazahrah; Atlanta-based soul singer April Hill; and New Jersey-based R&B artist Jean Baylor, formerly of hit duo Zhane and many more.
"Can A Sista Rock A Mic? showcases some of the best live R&B and hip-hop music. We also exhibit local artists and vendors as an effort to support the DC and Maryland community. The best thing about CASRAM is that you can enjoy the festival with friends and family," says Kimani Anku, solSource Group co-founder. CASRAM 08 opens with an acoustic show from one of the pioneers of the new soul movement, N'Dambi! for two shows: 8pm and 10pm - 8pm opening is D.C.'s own Tamara Wellons who is slated to release her newest album this month and opening the second show is HU graduate from Atlanta, April Hill.
On Thursday A collage of hip-hop inspired performances from newcomers Bless Roxwell & Ra the MC, electric funk band OP Swamp 81, funky hip-hop's Eagle Nebula, and electro-soulful Ms. TK Wonder (with Taylor McFerrin). This is a memorable show of unique performances that will leave you in a zone! Hosted by DC's own XO.
Friday night will be a double hitter stating with the play:The Saartjie Project: The life and legacy of Saartjie Baartman who is also known as the Hottentot Venus. Using drama, song, dance and spoken word we explore the continued fascination of the black female form, and then CASRAM's flyest take the stage for a live evening of rhythmic basslines and beautiful people as Canada's Ayah makes her D.C. debut, along with Portland, Oregon's Liv Warfield, pioneer Jean Baylor of Zhane' fame, rising star Alison Carney and hometown heroine Yahzarah. DJ/ Host: W. Ellington Felton aka Wes Felton.
Saturday will also be a double hitter with No! The Rape Documentary & Panel Discussion with Konyka Dunson: In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NO! The Rape Documentary is a groundbreaking feature length documentary unveiling the reality of abuse and healing in the black communities, and is being used around the world by grassroots movements around the world to end violence against women. After the film, there will be an audience discussion moderated by Konyka Dunson of WPFW & DCTV. Then CASRAM closes in grand fashion every year. This year, with a family friendly environment complete with vendors and visual art in beautiful downtown Silver Spring, we feature stellar, diverse performances by the truly soulful, energetic Angela Johnson, R&B singer Emily King, young hip-hop prodigy Ms. Emoni Fela, Singer & MC Josephine Silla, reggae spiced hip-hop gems Nola Darling, spoken word matriarch Dehejia Maat, the airy, electronic Yoko K. / aphrodizia, jazzy grooving Deborah Bond, up-and-coming DC soul singers Ne'a Posey and Teisha Marie and more!
Proceeds from this year's festival will benefit Raising Expectations, Inc., an organization that broadens the creative opportunities for at-risk youth and young adults in Washington DC to help them succeed in every aspect of life.
About CASRAM: Can A Sista Rock A Mic? Is a solSource Group production that celebrates the convergence of local, national and international women trendsetters in music, dance, spoken word, media arts and community activism in the Greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.
For more information about the festival, please visit http:/www.canasistarockamic.com To schedule interviews with an artist or with the solSource Group, please contact Kimani Anku kimani@solsourcegroup.com
or Brandon Felton brandon@solsourcegroup.com
Spike Lee film angers Italy's surviving partisans
Film director Spike Lee has set off a storm in Italy with a movie about black American soldiers fighting alongside Italian partisans in World War Two.
Surviving members of the resistance to the Nazi occupation of Italy have taken issue with "Miracle at St. Anna" ahead of the film's Italian release on Friday, distributing protest flyers and accusing Lee of distorting history.
Lee has said he wanted to set the record straight about the role played by black U.S. soldiers in the war. The film is based on a novel by James McBride and focuses on the all-black 92nd Buffalo Division which helped liberate Italy in 1944-45.
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At the heart of the dispute is the film's depiction of an infamous 1944 massacre in the Tuscan town of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, where Nazi troops rounded up and killed 560 civilians.
In the film, the massacre is portrayed as a response to the actions of resistance fighters, with one of them betraying the town and colluding with the Nazis -- a version of events that has angered surviving partisans.
Lee, who is in Italy promoting the film, has responded to the criticism in his characteristically feisty manner.
"I would not allow anybody to tell me how to make a film, be it a partisan or the president of the United States," Lee told a news conference in Florence on Wednesday after a preview screening, according to Italian media.
"This simply shows that in Italy the wound is still open. ... It is up to Italians to come to grips with their past, not up to me or James McBride or the film," he said.
Members of the ANPI association of resistance fighters were not amused.
"For Spike Lee the partisans who 'hit and then ran away' were responsible for the Sant'Anna di Stazzema massacre," ANPI said on its website.
"Before shooting his film, the director should have read the truth about that horrible slaughter," it said, posting a copy of the 2005 verdict of an Italian military tribunal which convicted 10 ex-Nazi officers for the murders.
(Reporting by Silvia Aloisi)
Compiled by Stacy Gilliam, BET.com Contributing Writer
October 01, 2008
Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre & Jay-Z To Release Albums In December
LOS ANGELES(RUSHPRNEWS)10/01/2008–It seems like that the year 2008 will end with a big bang in the rap game. Four Hip-Hop icons will release their new albums before the year ends, including Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre.As previously reported, Jay-Z is going to release his highly-anticipated album The Blueprint 3 on December 2, according to reports. 50 Cent’s last album on his deal with Interscope Before I Self Destruct will hit record stores shelves on December 9.
Most recently former G-Unit affiliate Sha Money XL revaled on his blog that Eminem’s record will be titled The Empack and that it will come before year 2009. Furthermore he announced that Hip-Hop legend Dr. Dre is going to release his often-delayed album Detox around the same times like 50 Cent’s new set.
West Coast rapper and Aftermath signee Bishop Lamont confirmed the Detox release date. In a recently released video, Lamont said that Dre is ready to release a single from Detox as early as November.
Despite XL’s statement, Eminem’s new album is still titled King Mather, according to News Of The World.
“It’s exciting times and, of course, there’s massive expectation surrounding this new record,” a source told the site. “But the fans need not worry about its quality. Most of the music’s being mastered at the moment. There’s a real belief the album will go stellar.
Yo! Raps Magazine
September 30, 2008
Big tings coming out of Big Ship
It’s a family affair with the McGregor reggae clan spearheaded by veteran singer Freddie McGregor, whose offspring have risen to fame - continuing the legacy of the ‘Big Ship” name.
Named after Freddie’s 1981 massive hit, “Big Ship” the family’s musical base is situated on a plush Havendale, St Andrew slope and is the creative mecca for Freddie and his children: 18 year old world renown producer, Stephen McGregor – also known as ‘Di Genius’; 29 year old outstanding songstress Yeshemabeth ‘Shema’ McGregor and Daniel, the popular rapper known as ‘Chino’.
All three children are making waves on the Jamaican and international reggae music scenes; and Stephen, who produces both siblings, is conquering global musical settings with innovative urban/classical productions.
And it is no wonder, as their upbringing by Freddie, who successfully followed a childhood dream of owning his own studio – nurtured the musical McGregors’ innate talent and powerful passion for the art form.
Chino’s poetic fluidity drives his almost abstract style while Shema seems almost cloned from her mother, Judy Mowatt – of Bob Marley’s I Threes – with physical and vocal exquisiteness. Both have been blessed with having Stephen in the family as he has propelled their careers with his huge abilities.
New York’s Hot 97 jock, Bobby Konders recently spoke highly of Stephen saying, “Jamaica has a lot of great producers, but people view him [Stephen] as the new kid carrying the flavor; so young but with a proven track record. He took many different influences from hip-hop and reggae and made them into his own sound. Stephen’s that dude, and he’s a winner.”
While Stephen’s thematically linked rhythms appear on a VP Records compilation, his unique rhythm tracks have extensive life; as is breathed into them by the more than a dozen artists who normally sing over them.
The ‘whiz kid’ fell in love with the studio at a very young age and by 7 years old, had taught himself to play keyboards, bass, guitar and violin. An undisputed exceptional child, Stephen’s abilities surfaced at age 5, when he wrote and released his first song, “School Done Rule.” Since then he has chosen the producer’s hat as the one to wear, and has been very successful in his work with artists like Sean Paul and Vybz Kartel.
Posted by yardFlex at September 25, 2008 08:50 AM
What Goes Around” plays for one night only in Toronto
The movie “What Goes Around” - directed by Steve ‘Tehut-Nine’ McAlpin, will have its Canadian premiere on October 9, 2008 in Toronto.
Presented by Jaydees Entertainment in association with L3 Publicity, the movie that has been described as a hit - following its US premiere in August, features some of dancehall’s hugest stars: Mavado, Nohard Grant, Flippa Maffia, KC Jockey, Ghost Teflon, Supa Twitch, Ding Dong and Maestro.
With a different take on the old saying, “you reap what you sow,” the movie that was also written by McAlpin, presents the twists and turns of romantic relationships that highlight the proverbial womanizer, absentee father, unfaithful girlfriend and cheating ‘playboy’ lover. Layered with humour, the film takes viewers through the rugged ups and downs of each character. Emotions run rampant as some of the colourful characters deserve sympathy while others stir up anger and trigger suspense.
It is presented against the backdrop of Southern Florida’s Caribbean/American music scene and also features Sakina Samuda, Kim Goss and Alton Ashman.
The movie will be shown for one night only on Thursday October 9th, 2008 at 7pm and 9pm at the Yorkdale Silver City Movie Theatre at 3401 Dufferin Street in Toronto.
Source:http://www.yardflex.com/archives/003181.html#more
Reggae Icon Cocoa Tea Releases Follow Up To International Hit
Reggae Icon Cocoa Tea Releases Follow Up To International Hit, “Barack Obama”, Launches Exclusive New Website For Digital Downloads
(September 17, 2008 - Miami, Florida) - Zojak World Wide is pleased to announce that just a few months after recording the international hit, “Barack Obama”, Jamaican roots reggae star Cocoa Tea is in the spotlight again with his follow up single, “Yes We Can”. “Barak Obama”, which has been circulating for months on the radio, among reggae fans young and old as well as casual music fans around the globe, is praised for its participatory message and catchy melody. “Yes We Can” is Cocoa Tea’s brand new, non-partisan follow up calling for unity between people of all political affiliations, races and classes. In cooperation with Zojak Worldwide, the leader in digital distribution, Cocoa Tea is making both tracks available for sale exclusively via the new website, www.cocoateabarackobama.com . “Yes We Can” is Cocoa Tea’s response to “Barak Obama”. A rootsy, non-partisan appeal for all classes, colors, races and creeds to come together, “Yes We Can” is a roadmap for people to unite across party lines, racial divide and international boundaries, despite personal differences.
Cocoa Tea sings, “Yes we can/Don’t let them tell us that we can’t/ Democrats and Republicans, let me hear you say yes we can, yes we can”
Cocoa Tea says “Barack Obama” and “Yes We Can” are significant in part because they reflect a remarkable mix of popular culture and international citizenship. When asked why anyone should be interested in what a Jamaican reggae artist has to say about American or international politics, Cocoa Tea answers,
“Because of the message. It says things about decisions being made in Washington, DC which affect people of the whole world. We know the USA is the greatest superpower so somewhere along the line we know what happens in Washington, DC will affect the world.”
“This is not about class nor color, race nor creed,” Cocoa Tea sings on “Barak Obama”. “Make no mistake it’s about the changes all the people them need.”
The song “Barack Obama” has struck a chord around the world and created a new generation of Cocoa Tea admirers while television appearances on CNN and FOX News as well as interviews with the BBC, the New York Times and New York Post have cemented Cocoa Tea’s place in international popular culture. “I been to Europe, Caribbean and America,” says Cocoa Tea. “The response has been the same - overwhelming. People who don’t like Barack Obama [the candidate] like the tune. Is a tune people love. I was surprised because [in Europe people] responded like it was a European tune.”
Both “Yes We Can” and “Barak Obama” will be featured on the upcoming Cocoa Tea album release from Zojak World Wide, scheduled for release on November 4, 2008, the same day as the US presidential election.
WWW.COCOATEABARACKOBAMA.COM
##
Press Contact:
Joshua Chamberlain
JA 876-370-1310
US 603-502-5531
soulof_thelion@yahoo.com
Zojak World Wide, LLC
zojakworldwide@gmail.com
www.zojakworldwide.com
Joshua Chamberlain
JA 876-370-1310
US 603-502-5531
soulof_thelion@yahoo.com
zojakworldwide@gmail.com
www.zojakworldwide.com
September 29, 2008
Making his Mark
Written by Osvaldo Dos Reis
SodadeOnline.com Senior Editor
| ||
On Thursday, September 18th, 2008 Norway-based rapper Marco da Veiga (a.k.a. RAW) will be in New York City to host Africa Beat, a program scheduled for future airing on PBS Television, he told Sodade during a recent interview.
Marco recently made the trip from Norway to promote his latest single “O.D. 98,” which was released in the U.S. in March 2008 as a track on “Let me be heard: Vol. II,” a compilation album distributed by New York-based Power House Entertainment.
The track, which has been heavily promoted by Norwegian media outlets such as MTV Nordic, NRK and Voice TV, is one of the various music videos that could be selected by New York’s Africa Beat, for special viewing in Times Square.
In 2007 Marco made his first trip to North America, where he recorded “O.D. 98” in conjunction with Capeverdean-owned M&M Productions. “It’s hard, but it’s progressing,” Marco, a new father, says of the steps taken in the music scene since, adding: “It’s given me another perspective as a musician, to speak the truth.”
Also on his promotional calendar is the upcoming release of his own mixtape, which he plans to make available for free download on the World Wide Web.
Born in Oslo, Norway from Capeverdean parents, Marco, who renamed himself RAW (Righteous African Warrior) emerged in 2002 as winner of an MC battle and later released the critically-acclaimed single “God” under his own label, Selassie Records.
www.Source:SodadeOnline.com
September 26, 2008
Minority Woman in Media Celebrates 12 Years in the Entertainment Industry
LaChic, Inc formerly Stowe Communications, Inc has just celebrated 12 years in the entertainment industry. CEO/Founder, Sibrena Stowe Fernandez, of Afro-Cuban descent, has been influential in Hop Hop. Sibrena Stowe Fernandez is a media tycoon whose columns "Speakin' It real w/ Sibrena" are her trademark. Sibrena is considered Hip Hop's Urban socialite and a leader in media buys.
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 24, 2008 -- La Chic, Incorporated (formerly Stowe Communications, Inc.), New York's premiere media firm since September 1996, has landed a new account with a successful recording label, Music World Entertainment, all while celebrating 12 years in media!
Currently, La Chic, Inc. has booked over 300 commercial ads for recording artist, Solange Knowles, whose album is entitled, "Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams". Solange debuted her sophomore album on August 9, 2008 and has placed #9 on the Billboard charts and sold over 46,000 copies in one month. Music World Entertainment has an established musical line-up and La Chic, Inc. will be instrumental in placing all TV ads for their entire roster, including gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7, whose album will be in stores in September 2008 and Grammy Award winner, Beyonce Knowles album will follow.
In addition to the procuring Music World Entertainment as a client, La Chic, Inc. has established themselves as the "go to" company for all Urban music and luxury brands that target African-American and Hispanic consumers. A few of La Chic, Inc's clients include Kedar Massenburgs' K'orus Wines, recording artist, "Joe" and Neo-Classic Soul singer, Algebra. Corporate clients include C3 Media- an interactive service, Universal Music Group, The Developer's Group, Egger's Jewelry , Urban Impact Conference and countless other companies.
Fortunately CEO/Founder Sibrena Stowe Fernandez has expanded her enterprise and has become a media tycoon within her own right, with her trademark columns and celebrity news articles called, "Speakin' it real with Sibrena," and as publisher to a bi-lingual publication called, "La Chic: The Magazine For Women." The upcoming Nov. 2008 issue will feature the Latin Grammy Awards and the cover story is called, "The ethics of an editor," which is about former Editor In Chief of The Source Magazine, Kim Osorio and her new biography called, "Straight from da Source."
Sibrena says, "I've been fortunate to stay in the game even when the times got tough. A lot of my colleagues had to shut down and work for a big corporations but not me, I'm a deliberate creator of my own destiny and I am earning a good living. I focus on my investments, the tuition for daughters' education at American University and then some!"
For Press Inquiries Contact: Diana Pena at LaChic, Inc. #347-270-4904
Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and Stargate Officially Anounce Label StarRoc
StarRoc Establishes Partnership through Roc Nation / Live Nation
NEW YORK, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter and multiple Grammy nominated production duo Stargate have officially announced the formation of StarRoc. Roc Nation has struck a global partnership deal with Stargate encompassing both a music label and publishing company, StarRoc Music Publishing. It is the first partnership for Roc Nation, JAY-Z's official venture with Live Nation.
"Stargate were like a secret weapon. We had great success with Rihanna and Ne-Yo. In only 2 years, they've generated 10 singles in the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and 3 of those singles hit the # 1 position. This has been a rewarding partnership and it was time to take the creative venture to the next level," commented JAY-Z.
"We've already had a lot of success together and look forward to building the new company," added Stargate. "Roc Nation and Live Nation are two of the most exciting companies in the music business today and we want to be part of that future."
StarRoc, based in New York, is a natural next step for the Norwegian duo that have already had successful collaborations with JAY-Z and the Carter Administration. Most recently Stargate has scored with the #1 songs "Irreplaceable" (Beyonce), "Take A Bow" (Rihanna), "Closer" (Ne-Yo) and "Unfaithful" (Rihanna). The focus is to find new talent and develop artists through mutually beneficial global partnerships which include music distribution, publishing, touring and merchandising.
Stargate, comprised of Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen are 6x time Grammy nominated 2008 producers, the 2007 PRS/ASCAP Songwriters of the Year, 2008 Rolling Stone Magazine Hitmakers of the Year, 2008 Ivor Novello Award recipients, Billboard #1 Hot Producers 2006 and multiaward- winning ASCAP songwriters 2006-2008.
This groundbreaking new division, headed by Shawn Carter will partner with artists to manage their diverse rights, expand their fan bases and provide a direct connection to fans through the global distribution platform and marketing proficiencies that have made Live Nation the world's largest live music company. Artist Nation is an equal partner in the new business unit. Utilizing Live Nation's global resources Roc Nation will provide a full range of services to the Roc Nation roster.
ABOUT LIVE NATION:
Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience for artists, fans and sponsors. Our core business is buying and producing artist rights and monetizing those rights via our global distribution pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live music concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to livenation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into direct concert ticketing and building the industry's only artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform.
Source: Live Nation
CONTACT: Jay Z Press Contact, Jana Fleishman of Island Def Jam Music
Group, +1-212-445-3298, Jana.Fleishman@umusic.com; or Live Nation Press
Contact, John Vlautin of Live Nation, +1-310-867-7127,
JohnVlautin@LiveNation.com
MASS APPEAL ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE "EYE-LEGACY" NEW SOLO ALBUM FROM LISA "LEFT-EYE" LOPES
Unreleased tracks featuring Tupac Shakur, Missy Elliott, Lil Mama, Chamillionaire, TLC, and Bobby Valentino, featured on new album from Grammy Award Winning rapper Left-Eye
BOSTON (September 25, 2008) –Mass Appeal Entertainment (www.massappealmusic.com) today announced the release of the late Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes' last solo project EYE-Legacy (www.lefteyelegacy.com). Mass Appeal Entertainment in conjunction with the Lopes family will release the new disc on November 11th filled with 12 unreleased tracks alongside re-tooled songs from the limited edition international release, Supernova (2001).
The first buzz record "Legendary" offers brand new production on a timeless duet featuring the late great rapper, Tupac Shakur. EYE-Legacy also pairs new vocals from the late Left Eye with her female counterparts, TLC and Grammy Award winning rapper/producer, Missy Elliott on the infectious single "Let's Just Do It." Other artists featured on the album include Chamillionaire (Ridin' Dirty/Hip Hop Police), Lil' Mama (Lip Gloss), and R&B crooner Bobby Valentino (Slow Down).
Boasting an amazing compilation with special collaborations from some of music's biggest stars along with new vocals from Left Eye, EYE-Legacy is a personal collection of creative testaments from one of music's most well-known female artists. The new disc will include exclusive bonus material with never-before-seen intimate video footage from Left Eye's final days. A percentage of the proceeds from the album sales will go to support the Lisa Lopes Foundation (www.lisalopesfoundation.org) and her orphanage in Honduras .
"We hope people understand the message in Lisa's music and appreciate her as not just a member of TLC, but as a solo artist as well. This album is Left Eye's musical gift to her fans and adds to the beauty of her legacy," The Lopes family states.
As a member of TLC, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes sold over 45 million albums and amassed numerous accolades for her talent, including 4 Grammy awards and 5 MTV Awards. Left Eye played an integral role in making TLC undoubtedly one of the best selling female groups in music history. EYE-Legacy will hope to grant the millions of Left Eye's fans, and music lovers alike, one more chance to connect to TLC's most celebrated, charismatic and outspoken member—Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.
For more information on the Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes legacy and her last solo project, EYE-Legacy, please log onto www.lefteyelegacy.com. For donations to the Lisa Lopes Foundation please log onto www.lisalopesfoundation.org.
###
About Mass Appeal Entertainment
Owned and operated by Producer/CEO Marcus "DL" Siskind (Backstreet Boys, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, etc.) Mass Appeal Entertainment is a Boston , MA based company with a multitude of artists currently signed from various musical genres. Mass Appeal also has divisions in Publishing (Shakertown Music is a joint venture with Sony/ATV Publishing), Recording (world class Blue Jay Recording Studio, www.bluejaystudio.com), and Production with 8 Producers and Songwriters crafting hit songs for many of today's top acts. In June 2008, Mass Appeal Entertainment entered into an exclusive, multi-year venture with KOCH Entertainment to distribute all forthcoming releases that include albums by artists such as the legendary Lisa Lisa (from Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam), Boston's Hiphop star Dre Robinson, Singer/Songwriter Ryan Toby (formerly of City High), Cape Verdean Singer Suzanna Lubrano, and Singer/Songwriter Javier.
Contact: Doning Barber , 5W
Phone: 212-584-4315
Email: dbarber@5wpr.com
VH1's '100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs' Reigns Supreme as Public Enemy's 'Fight The Power' Takes the #1 Spot
VH1 CELEBRATES Hip Hop WITH A 5-NIGHT COUNTDOWN EVENT BEGINNING MONDAY, September 29 AT 10PM*
Narrated by Fab 5 Freddy
Viewers Opportunity to Create Their Own List on VH1.com
NEW YORK, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 is paying tribute to rap royalty by counting down the "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs." This five-part compilation of beats, rhymes and lyrics is not just a countdown - it is an ultimate celebration of the greatest hip hop music - old school classics, gangsta rap and everything in between. The series will also feature new, original interviews with hip hop's biggest names, including rare and archival performances. Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Eminem and Grandmaster Flash are just some of the artists to be profiled.
Each new episode of VH1's "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs" will premiere beginning Monday September 29 -Friday, October 3 at 10PM*. The series will allow viewers to reminisce with the top 100 hip hop songs that had the greatest influence on music and pop culture. This countdown is also a nostalgic look at a time when high-top fades and shades paired with big gold chains and braids were still fresh; a time when throwing your hands in the air got the party started and it was cool to admit that you were down with "O.P.P."
VH1.com gave hip hop fans the chance to determine the outcome of VH1's "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs" through online voting. Fans were able to go to VH1.com's "VH1 Greatest Hip Hop Songs" page to vote for their favorite hip hop songs of all time. Additionally, VH1.com will offer exclusive clips that will not be seen in the on-air version of the special.
The complete list of VH1's "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs" is attached.
VH1's "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs" is a production of VH1, with Hilary Spiegelman serving as Series Producer, and Bernie Kaminski, Rick Hankey, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde serving as Executive Producers for VH1.
*All Times ET/PT
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1 Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.
Contacts: Surayyah McCarthy Candice Ashton
212-846-8433 310-752-8352
Surayyah.McCarthy@vh1.com Candice.Ashton@vh1.com
100 GREATEST hip hop songs
RANKED LIST
rank Artist / song
01 Public Enemy / "Fight The Power"
02 Sugarhill Gang / "Rapper's Delight"
03 Dr. Dre / "Nuthin But A 'G' Thang"
04 Run-DMC ft/ Aerosmith/ "Walk This Way"
05 Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five / "The Message"
06 N.W.A. / "Straight Outta Compton"
07 Notorious B.I.G. / "Juicy"
08 Snoop Doggy Dogg / "Gin and Juice"
09 Salt-N-Pepa / "Push It "
10 Kurtis Blow / "The Breaks"
11 Jay-Z / "Hard Knock Life"
12 L.L. Cool J / "I Can't Live Without My Radio"
13 Wu-Tang Clan / "C.R.E.A.M."
14 Tupac / "I Get Around "
15 Eminem / "Stan "
16 Missy Elliott / "Get Ur Freak On"
17 Sir Mix-A-Lot / "Baby Got Back"
18 50 Cent / "In Da Club"
19 Ice T / "Colors"
20 Kanye West ft/ Jamie Foxx / "Gold Digger"
21 Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force/ "Planet Rock"
22 Naughty By Nature / "OPP"
23 Outkast / "B.O.B."
24 Eric B and Rakim / "Paid in Full"
25 Fugees / "Killing Me Softly"
26 MC Hammer / "U Can't Touch This"
27 Beastie Boys / "Hold it Now, Hit it"
28 Ice Cube / "It Was A Good Day"
30 Digital Underground / "The Humpty Dance"
30 Tribe Called Quest / "Check the Rhime"
31 Kool Moe Dee / "How Ya Like Me Now"
32 Puff Daddy & The Family ft/ Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim
and The Lox/ "It's All About The Benjamins"
33 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony / "Tha Crossroads"
34 Cypress Hill / "Insane In The Brain"
35 Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love / "Ladies First"
36 Nelly / "Hot In Herre"
37 Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock / "It Takes Two"
38 Coolio / "Gangsta's Paradise"
39 Tone-Loc / "Wild Thing"
40 Run-DMC / "It's Like That"
41 Funky 4 + 1 / "That's the Joint"
42 Roxanne Shante / "Roxanne's Revenge"
43 Game, The ft. 50 Cent / "Hate It or Love It"
44 Method Man ft/ Mary J. Blige / "I'll Be There For You
/You're All I Need to Get By"
45 Geto Boys / "Mind Playing Tricks On Me"
46 De La Soul / "Me, Myself, And I"
47 Young MC / "Bust A Move"
48 Nas / "One Love"
49 Boogie Down Productions / "My Philosophy"
50 Lil' Wayne / "Tha Block Is Hot"
51 Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew / "The Show"
52 Foxy Brown ft. Jay-Z - "I'll Be"
53 Lox ft. DMX and Lil' Kim / "Money, Power, Respect"
54 MC Lyte / "Cha Cha Cha"
55 Terror Squad ft/ Fat Joe and Remy / "Lean Back"
56 Busta Rhymes / "Woo-Ha! Got You All In Check"
57 Big Daddy Kane / "I Get the Job Done"
58 Ludacris ft. Shawna/ "What's Your Fantasy"
59 Ol' Dirty Bastard / "Shimmy Shimmy Ya"
60 L.L. Cool J / "I Need Love"
61 Slick Rick / "Children's Story"
62 Digable Planets / "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)"
63 Kid 'n Play / "Rollin' With Kid N Play"
64 The Roots / "What they Do"
65 Spoonie Gee and The Treacherous Three / "Love Rap"
66 House Of Pain / "Jump Around"
67 Mase / "Feel So Good"
68 T.I. / "What You Know"
69 Common / "I Used to Love H.E.R."
70 3(rd) Bass / "Pop Goes the Weasel"
71 Whodini / "Freaks Come Out at Night"
72 J.J. Fad / "Supersonic"
73 Black Sheep / "The Choice Is Yours"
73 EPMD / "You Gots To Chill"
75 Lil' Kim ft. Lil' Cease/ "Crush on You"
76 Big Punisher ft. Joe/ "Still Not A Player"
77 Cold Crush Brothers / "Cold Crush Bros. at the Dixie"
78 Arrested Development / "Tennessee"
79 DMX / "Ruff Ryders' Anthem (Stop Drop)"
80 Three 6 Mafia ft. Paula Campbell/ "Hard Out Here For A
Pimp"
81 PM Dawn / "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss"
82 Chubb Rock / "Treat 'Em Right"
83 2 Live Crew / "Me So Horny"
84 UTFO / "Roxanne Roxanne"
85 Black Star / "Definition"
86 Heavy D. and the Boyz / "Now That We Found Love"
87 Wyclef Jean ft. Refugee All Stars / "We Tryin' to Stay
Alive"
88 Jungle Brothers / "What U Waitin' 4"
89 Cam'ron / "Oh Boy"
90 Pete Rock & CL Smooth / "They Reminisce Over You(T.R.O.Y)"
91 Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone / "Ridin'"
92 Yo-Yo / "Can't Play with my Yo-Yo"
93 N.E.R.D. ft. Lee Harvey and Vida / "Lapdance"
94 Master P ft. Sikk, Fiend, Mia-x and Mystical / "Make 'Em
Say Ugh"
95 L'Trimm / "Cars With The Boom"
96 DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince / "Parents Just Don't
Understand"
97 Eve / "Who's that Girl"
98 Warren G ft. Nate Dogg / "Regulate"
99 Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz ft/ Ying Yang Twins / "Get
Low"
100 Biz Markie / "Just A Friend"
Source: VH1
Mysonne, E. Ness, Lady Luck, Rece Steele, Murda Mook and Young Hot are Ready to Battle!
The World Series of Hip Hop $100,000 Main Event is only 2 Days Away!
September 25, 2008
New York, NY -- The hype is building around this Saturday's $100,000 Main Event presented by World Series of Hip Hop (WSOHH) in association with SMACK DVD & MoTV and all the contestants are ready to rumble… on the mic, that is.
The match-ups for Saturday are as follows:
Mysonne vs. E. Ness battling for $25,000
Lady Luck vs Rece Steele battling for $25,000
Murda Mook vs. Young Hot battling for $25,000
Tech 9 vs T-Rex battling for $10,000
Almost all of the battle participants have posted videos taunting their opponents as they prepare for the upcoming event.
E. Ness kicked it off by posting the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY3d31NInHk
Mysonne then posted the following in response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVTKVWZIJJY&feature=related
E. Ness followed up with the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol1PHa7tngo&feature=related
Mysonne replied with the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5CkBhdcwvI&feature=related
E. Ness and Young Hot talking about Mysonne and Murda Mook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMd_OV9--VM
Lady Luck asks, "Who is Rece Steele?":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93DCkSDOKfc
In a live interview on Tuesday September 23rd to promote the World Series of Hip Hop $100,000 Main Event rap battles taking place on Saturday September 27th, things got a little heated when Rece Steele snatched the mic away from Lady Luck. The entire hour interview with the ladies can be seen in its entirety at http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=181069357 or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Pxc-Lnkmo for the edited version. Mysonne and Murda Mook were also at the radio station at the time for interviews about Saturday's event.
"I'm excited that the artists are so enthusiastic about the event Saturday", said WSOHH Chairman, Furqaan Clover. "What happened at the radio station on Tuesday was unfortunate, but that was real Hip Hop right there… artists showing their true drive and passion! They have done it in every video they have put out and in every interview they have done about the event, this was just expressed in a different way. Saturday it will be about the craft, nothing more. We know it will be a peaceful event and a night to remember."
The $100,000 Main Event will be webcast live in a pay-per-view event for $9.99 from an undisclosed location on September 27th at 5PM EST exclusively at www.wsohh.com. Monie Love will host the event and all the battles will feature G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kid as referee. The event will also feature performances by Akinyele and G-Unit's Mazaradi Fox.
Pre-registration for the pay-per-view webcast is available now by logging on to www.wsohh.com/webcast.html and clicking the sign up link.
For the first time ever, the public will decide the winners of each battle via text voting! Each contestant will be assigned a number, which will be available on www.wsohh.com starting on Saturday September 27th at 12pm. Viewers can text their votes to the assigned numbers to decide the winner of each battle; each text costs $0.99 and they can vote as often as they wish.
The World Series of Hip Hop $100,000 Main Event is the re-launch to a series of other events including monthly battles with prize money for established artists as well as an annual event for all artists with a chance to win $1 million.
For more detailed information please visit www.wsohh.com or contact Furqaan Clover, Chairman, World Series of Hip Hop, 347-524-0002; indiefilmx@gmail.com.
Press Contact:
Alyse Feldman, President, On the Fly Public Relations, Toronto ON, 917-674-6067; ontheflypr@gmail.com
September 04, 2008
Tessanne Chin . Jamaica's Messenger to China
By Brandon Allwood Observer staff reporter
Sunday, August 31, 2008
When of-the-moment singer Tessanne Chin was invited to be the only performer at the PUMA/Team Jamaica Olympic after-party in Beijing, Jamaican's were left with their mouths agape.
Tessanne is by no means your run-of-the-mill artiste - but let's be serious. no one can deny that this sizzling songbird is talented and able to hold her own, and a note. The shapely 20-something woman is bringing the sounds of alternative music to our indeginous reggae sounds and people are liking it, clearly evidenced by the success of her singles Messenger, BlackBooks, and the run-away-make-you-want-to-grab-the-person-next-to-you-and-hug-them-track that everyone knows, Hideaway.
She spoke to Observer last week about her experience, and as she brought the scenes of the country that temporarily became the centre of the world closer to this writer than ever before, the slight shrill in her voice as she excitedly relays her experience, is evidence that Tessanne Chin is a real person.
"Oh my goodness, it was absolutely great," the soulful artiste exclaimed on the phone.
"This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, because I finally got to really connect with that side of my heritage," Chin said.
Of Chin's sightseeing escapades in Beijing, she says her visit to the Forbidden City was most exciting.
The Forbidden City, which was the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, is located in the Dongcheng District, in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of the Emperor and his household, as well as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government, and normal people were not allowed in.
"I mean, the attention to detail, just everything about the visit was mind-blowing. I love it," she said.
Tessanne also toured the Summer Palace, and certainly had her fill of real Chinese cuisine, which she also said was exciting.
Speaking of exciting, Tessanne could not begin to explain how thrilling her performance at the PUMA/Team Jamaica after-party was.
"The crowd was so diverse, and fun to perform to," she began.
"And our amazing athletes, Usain (Bolt) took on the role of being DJ for the night, so yeah, that made it even more exciting."
And how was the Olympic champion and world record holder for the 100-metre and 200-metre events on the wheels of steel?
A sharp giggle, morphs into a small laugh and gives way to "he did well. The whole club was having fun."
So, she's back, and for now Tessanne Chin will be known as Jamaica's Messenger to China. not a bad title at all.
Source:www.jamaicaobserver.com
A 'Slyce' of culture
Cultural singer Hyah Slyce is 'blessing up' the music in a positive light, striving to represent Jamaica in all its glory.
Born Germaine Bernard, in St Elizabeth Hyah Slyce was inspired to pursue music from an early age, having grown up in the church and having a love for singing.
His melodious voice soon inspired a friend to suggest he go to a studio. He followed the advice and recorded his demo at Studio Mix in Waterhouse.
The artiste would visit several studios to sharpen his musical skills. During this time, he went by many names including 'Slyce' and 'Slycer' before deciding on 'Hyah Slyce', which was suggested by Mikey General.
Humble man
Hyah Slyce describes himself as humble and thankful for those around him, who have helped him further his aspirations and dreams. He takes his inspiration from many artistes.
"I draw my inspiration from men like Sizzla, Sean Paul, Capleton; all artistes who do positive music, not negative" he said.
Slyce generated some serious buzz on the airwaves with the release of Poor Again on the Girlfriend Rhythm in 2007 and delivered another favourite, Sex Sales, on the Disturbance Rhythm.
Slyce's career got an extra boost when he aligned himself with the Coppershot family in 2007.
"Mi link mi cousin, who select on the sound, Cutty, and he called me to come and voice a song, and dem like it. A dem put mi to di world, get me video, airplay, nuff island show. The Coppershot family has really motivated me," he explained.
Hyah Slice later released his song All and All on Coppershot's All and All rhythm, a cultural love song that announced to the reggae community that Hyah Slyce was here to stay. The video, directed by Scorpio 21, has received rave reviews and is in heavy rotation on both local and international stations.
Reinforcement
"It's been a joy to hear my music on the radio. This serves as a form of reinforcement and additional motivation for me to continue making good, conscious music that everyone can embrace. I remember how great it felt when my song (Poor Again) played on the radio for the first time. I am just thankful that I am doing what I love and, in the process, trying to make a positive contribution to the music industry and my country," Slyce said.
He continued: "It's important that I continue to work hard and, in the process, align myself with others who are making a positive contribution to the music. I want to make the most of this opportunity and live up to my full potential, wherever that may take me. So, by staying focused and working hard, I hope to fulfil my true potential and spread love and joy to the masses through my music."
Slyce is working on a number of singles including Do You Hear and Love Is An Action, produced by Kurt Riley, Dem Gone A Stray, produced by Dr Dre of Renaissance and Highest to the Skyest, produced by Coppershot.
Source:http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20080903/ent/ent3.html
Stadium Ent & Nappy Boy Digital Presents "True To the Game"
Stadium Entertainment Corporation, the full-service entertainment company founded in 2006 by longtime music industry veterans Gary Katz, Camille Barbone, and Jerome Mas has formally announced that they have inked a licensing agreement with the multi-platinum-selling rapper T-Pain's digital-only label, Nappy Boy Digital.
Under this new licensing agreement the first single from Stadium Entertainment's upcoming CD release is "Beam Me Up," featuring T-Pain, Rick Ross and introducing Nappy Boy artist Tay Dizm. "Beam Me Up" will also appear on Stadium's debut compilation CD, TRUE TO THE GAME, which is being released on October 21, 2008. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of TRUE TO THE GAME will benefit the fundraising initiatives of the Kansas City-based Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Stadium Entertainment Corp. was created because "we recognized the need to construct a new paradigm in an industry that often forgets that its reach and power comes with certain responsibilities," stated founding member Barbone. Stadium Entertainment Corp. is uniquely different from other emerging independent record and consumer entertainment entities in that each release, with the Stadium Entertainment Corp. imprint,will create a revenue stream that is pledged to the fundraising efforts of a wide-variety of politically-correct, grass-roots, philanthropic organizations. With this mission and its focus on philanthropic efforts, Stadium Entertainment will generate projects featuring like-minded artists, such as T-Pain who share a socially-conscious perspective, and who desire to "give back" to the community-at-large. As Gary Katz describes: "We've created a new business model where the artists, their music and worthy charities can come together to participate in projects that have a profound impact on the lives of others."
David Abram, one of Nappy Boy Digital's founders added: "We embrace out-of-the-box thinking, and we felt that Stadium Entertainment exemplifies this. Gary, Camille and Jerome have developed an incredible vision that calls upon their collective intellectual currency and practical experience. We knew, almost from the start, that working with them and helping to further Stadium Entertainment's philanthropic thrust would result in creating an exciting new business model and we're excited to be a part of it all."
TRUE TO THE GAME, in addition to this first single, will feature new tracks combining the talents of successful and prominent recording artists with new talent such as GLC featuring Kanye West, Chingy featuring Ziggy Nina, Raiyn featuring Talib Kweli, Sam Chris featuring Big Boi of OutKast, Tone BlacQ featuring Snoop Dog, and Yung Joc, which Stadium Entertainement believes will capture and engage the music-buying consumer's attention.
Currently, "Beam Me Up," is receiving more than 500 spins each week at urban and mix radio formats and the indie digital label has yet to formally seek "adds." Distribution of "Beam Me Up" is handled solely via digital sales, and Nappy Boy has sales agreements with major online digital music retailers such as iTunes, Napster, LaLa and Liquid Digital, among others. In addition to single sales on the web, revenue streams are being created with ringtones and licensing agreements such as the one created with Stadium Entertainment Corp.
Stadium Entertainment's mission is to aggregate the varying elements of unique entertainment projects that will attract consumer support, involve viable and practical corporate participation, and utilize the unique creative talents of award-winning, platinum and multi-platinum-selling performers in order to generate sales that will support a wide range of innovative creative projects, raise funds for worthy charitable causes, and bring new and talented individuals to the public's attention.
The company has offices in Santa Monica, California and New York.
Robin Thicke's "Something Else"
Something Else is aptly titled. "It's time for hope and change," Thicke says. "It's in the air. And I'm speaking on the times around me." Thicke echoes the change with mesmerizing Superfly-era vocals, Gamble and Huff-inspired horn arrangements ("Hard on My Love"), unabashed lyrical optimism and an irresistible invitation to the dance floor ("Side Step"). "I don't want to be a preacher, but I do think at the core of every great existence is an abundance of love and joy, and the only way to create that is to give it," he adds.
Born in Los Angeles, Thicke grew up with an ear trained squarely at R&B and hip-hop. "I was listening to Kurtis Blow at 8, NWA at 12, Jodeci and Mary J. at 14 and Boyz II Men and Babyface soon after," Thicke says. "I didn't even listen to rock and roll music until I was 17. And I find myself thinking that's more normal than it is." André Harrell (then president of Bad Boy Entertainment and mentor to Mary J. Blige, Puff Daddy and Thicke) heard the lanky white kid and was dumbstruck. "I heard what Martin Luther King, Jr. described in his dream of a new America: a place where a white man in the San Fernando Valley can feel Detroit, Harlem and the blues," he says.
The spirit of Michael Jackson looms large throughout the new release. "Michael is the epitome of celebration, and the core of this album has that: It's celebratory, healing, loving music," Thicke says. To deepen that connection, Thicke employed the same horn section used on Jackson's "You Wanna Be Starting Something," from the 1979 classic, Off the Wall. "André Harrell told me, ‘When God is singing loud, that's the sound of horns,'" he says. Gary Grant and the Jackson horn section contributed to the album's trans-generational appeal. "I kept the kids on some songs and the adults on others, so it's the sound of young and old coming together."
Something Else also benefits from writing sessions that took place in different cities, a tactic employed by several of Thicke's idols, including Marvin Gaye. "New York is the center of information, so I took a few trips there and set up a big studio," Thicke says. Songs like "Sidestep" and "Something Else" with their heavy, insistent grooves, were the result. "Paris is the center of romance," he says, "and I went there, and found ‘Sweetest Love,' ‘You're My Baby' and ‘Miss Harmony.'"
The first single, "Magic," draws all of Something Else's influences together into one blast of disco-infused dance pop. Robert Hales, director of Gnarles Barkley's "Crazy" video, was tapped to add visual balance between downtown dance couture, references to Fred Astaire's Mr. Universe and Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of Thicke's all-time favorite films.
Melding the retro and the modern across 12 tracks, Robin Thicke leads his international fanbase into inspired, sexy and refreshing new territory.
Robin Thicke's first album, A Beautiful World, released in 2003, yielded the hit song, "When I Get You Alone," and paved the way for his breakthrough second release, 2006's The Evolution Of Robin Thicke. Now on the way to double platinum status, Evolution's mega hit "Lost Without U" became the #1 most played song in Urban Adult Contemporary BDS and topped four Billboard charts simultaneously: #1 R&B /Hip Hop album, #1 Hot R&B / Hip Hop song, #1 Hot R&B Hip Hop Airplay, and #1 Hot Adult R&B Airplay. TV appearances included the unprecedented distinction of two appearances on Oprah Winfrey – within two weeks.
The year 2007 concluded with the VH1 Soul/ Vibe award for "Best Breakthrough Artist" and nominations from BET ("Best Male R&B" and "Viewer's Choice"), Soul Train ("Best R&B Soul Album, Male"), MTV VMA ("Male Artist of the Year"), MOBO (Best Song, "Lost Without U"), the American Music Awards ("Favorite Breakthrough Artist") and "Lost Without You" was named ASCAP's ("Song Of The Year"). Robin will begin a run of dates with his longtime friend and fellow musician, Mary J. Blige beginning 9/19.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com/home
Raphale Saadiq - "The way I see It"
"Every record I've ever made has had those influences…The Temptations, Al Green, The Four Tops and so on," Raphael explains from the L.A. studio where he recorded his latest illustrious work. This album is the culmination of a life time of experiences informed by the music i grew up on."
Indeed. Listening to The Way I See It, it's immediately obvious that it could have been recorded thirty years ago. Musically cohesive in the same way that soul music albums were recorded back in the day, Raphael's third solo album and first for Sony BMG is not merely a throwback: it is as close to the kind of record made in Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, Miami or New York by any number of super R&B hit makers to anything recorded since. While other contemporary artists may attempt to emulate the sound and flavor of ‘70s soul music, Raphael Saadiq brings real emotion, real feeling and production values that are simply (to borrow a popular phrase from back then), right on.
The inspiration for singer/songwriter/musician/producer and arranger Raphael's follow up to 2004's critically-acclaimed "Ray Ray" set came from an unlikely destination. "I was out of the country, cooling out, in Costa Rica and The Bahamas. I was surfing and ran into people from all kinds of places…and I noticed everybody was listening to this classic soul music and when I came back home and the music for this album flowed organically, naturally. Since I have my own studio, I was able to perfect it, take my time to make it right. I was able to live with it, day after day and I think that had a lot to do with how the album turned out. In all, it took about four months to put it all together."
The result is that The Way I See It has the kind of smooth musical flow associated with great records made by pioneering producers at famous R&B companies like Motown, Invictus and Brunswick. From the foot-tapping opening track, "Sure Hope You Mean It" to the head-shaking reflective closer "Sometimes," Raphael delivers a present day potent ode to a bygone era. Talking about the songs, he notes, "The first track shows my deep connection to The Temptations. The vocal has a David Ruffin ‘feel': I pictured how it was when Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and the guys in the Temps were first introduced to the world. I looked at a lot of their album covers so I could immerse myself in the characters. I think of the track as vintage Motown with a Stax guitar line factored in…it's like a melting pot of the two sounds…"
Loyal Tony! Toni! Toné! fans will particularly appreciate "100 Yard Dash," which Raphael describes as "a juke joint, Booker T.-type groove. I reflected back to my first T!T!T! albums when I was singing in a high tenor voice." British R&B fans – specifically ‘Northern Soul' lovers – will dig "Keep Marching" with its insistent driving beat and Raphael notes, "That's the kind of song that can drive people crazy at my live shows…it's a performance piece." Cognizant of the strong respect and appreciation that UK audiences have for authentic soul music, Raphael adds, "I can't wait to get to Europe to perform the songs on this album!"
Speaking of the love Brits have for old school R&B, Grammy-winning Joss Stone (with whom Raphael worked on the best-selling 2007 set "Introducing Joss Stone") is a special guest on the Smokey Robinson-inspired "Just One Kiss," which also invokes memories of The Temps' "Just My Imagination." Says Raphael, "The track reminds me of early ‘70s soul songs and getting Joss to sing on it wasn't hard because she has a profound appreciation for great classic music."
That same love for real music is exactly what has created a solid and loyal audience for traditional soul sounds among a whole generation of Latino concert-goers and record buyers: "Callin,'" with its Spanish language lines and pronounced doo-wop flavor is, Raphael notes, "a jump back to the music of the ‘50s. I wanted to make a track that would get the low riders. People talk about the division between Latinos and blacks but we all grew up together loving the same music. This song is a reminder of how we do when we get together…"
Hearkening back to the Hot Wax and Invictus records made in Detroit by Holland-Dozier-Holland (soul music buffs, think Freda Payne and The Honeycone), "Staying In Love" is a nifty dance floor gem: "It reminds me of a Jackson 5 record, with that James Jamerson bass line, the kind of energy folks love from those Motown tracks." And the lyrics? "I wrote it with my ex in mind…some of it is fabricated and some of it is true to life!" Raphael doesn't fess up about the lyrics for the catchy "Let's Talk A Walk" (opening line,
"This place is crowded/Don't know bout' you/I need some sex/Some sex with you…") only commenting that it's "self explanatory!"
As self-explanatory is the fact that Raphael Saadiq would make an album so satisfying for both old school heads and today's hip music buyers: his background as a musician, singer and songwriter is steeped in a love for R&B married with a commitment to making his own brand of expressive soul music. Born and raised in Oakland, California learned to play guitar, drums, and bass at the age of six, making the bass his preferred instrument. Singing with a professional gospel group by the time he was nine, Raphael's musical education encompassed classical music, ‘40's spirituals, hymns, jazz and, of course, R&B. Shortly after high school, Saadiq won a chance to join Prince and Sheila E. on their 1984 "Parade" world tour.
As the lead vocalist and bass player with late ‘80's/early ‘90's group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael experienced his first taste of mega-success, kicking off with the hit single, "Little Walter" in 1988 through the now-classic slow jam "It Never Rains (In Southern California)" and the club/dance party of "Feels Good," resulting in total sales of over six million copies for the band.
After leaving the group, Raphael recorded two singles for hit movies (1995's "Ask of You" from "Higher Learning" and "Me & You" from "Boyz in the Hood"). In 2000, he created the supergroup Lucy Pearl (with En Vogue's Dawn Robinson and A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad) and the team's much-appreciated sole self-titled album received Grammy, American Music Awards and Soul Train Music Awards nominations.
Production credits for artists like Macy Gray, TLC and the Roots followed: in 2000, Raphael won a Grammy for the song "Untitled" from D'Angelo's "Voodoo" and in 2002, he released his much-anticipated first solo album. Released on his own Pookie Entertainment imprint, the soul-infused "Instant Vintage" made history when Raphael became the first artist nominated for no less than five Grammy Awards without having a major record label deal.
In 2003, Raphael released the live CD, "All Hits at the House of Blues" following it in 2004 with "Ray Ray." In demand as a producer, songwriter and musician, Raphael's impressive list of credits includes Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, Devin the Dude, Kelis, Q-Tip, Lil' Skeeter, Ludacris, The Bee Gees, Nappy Roots, T-Boz from TLC, Young Bellz, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others: in 2006, he was the main producer and co-writer of seven songs for the "Introducing Joss Stone" project.
Now comes The Way I See It, a masterful collection of new material that speaks to Raphael Saadiq's deep love for rhythm and blues. "While I was making the album, I watched videos by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Four Tops…and fused them all together," Raphael says speaking of the further inspiration he found for creating the album, which truly showcases the rich diversity of funky grooves and smooth balladry that is Saadiq's calling card.
The standout "Oh Girl" (not the Chi-Lites classic but an original Saadiq composition) stirs up images of famed Philly soul harmony groups like The Delfonics and The Stylistics: "I love the ballads by those groups, they're among my favorite songs. When I listen to them, I wonder where did that sound come from. "Oh Girl" is like the kind of slow jam (director) Quentin Tarantino has use in his movies…" Another director, Spike Lee provided the impetus for the fast-moving "Big Easy," with its notable New Orleans flavor: "I watched Spike's DVD on the Katrina disaster and watching the people stay in the water for three days, man, wow …"
Raphael grins when talking about the hypnotic "Love That Girl": "Man, that's all about the swing…the way girls swing their hips! It's the type of song that will make people move and that shuffle beat reminds me of those ladies I used to see playing drums in church!" With its Motown-flavored tambourine-featured beat, "Never Give You Up" is what Raphael calls "my three generations song. It includes C.J., this youngster from Baltimore that I'm working with and Stevie Wonder. When we first did the track, I had this spot where we said, ‘Please invite Mr. Stevie Wonder to my album' the way Stevie did with Dizzy Gillespie on one of his records. Originally, Stevie wasn't on it but I felt like he should be there. I ended up calling him and he came over to the studio in an hour! I still can't used to Stevie Wonder being my friend."
The Way I See It ends appropriately with the Sam Cooke-influenced "Sometimes" which Raphael explains is "the story of my mother and my grandmother who have always been such an inspiration to me through this journey. It felt right to close out the record this way."
Concluding, Raphael Saadiq – whose most recent studio excursions have included work with Keisha Cole, Snoop Dogg, The Grouch and Dave Young – says his latest album was "harder to make than "Instant Vintage." Once I got into this, I got almost stuck ‘in character,' the character of the old school singers I listened to. But I'm happy and excited it's done. I put in a lot of work and I feel like I achieved something really great." As longtime R&B historian and expert David Nathan of Soul Music.com says, "Raphael Saadiq's latest album is the closest I've heard to a genuine, feel good R&B record since the ‘70s! Unlike others who copy or attempt to recreate the sound of soul from those days, Raphael Saadiq delivers the real thing." ‘Nuff said.
Kenny Lattimore's "Timeless"
"Songs have so much power," states Kenny Lattimore. "Great songs are universal, and a great song can transcend time and speak to people all over the world. A great song can be interpreted in so many different ways and still communicate emotionally. That's what we set out to achieve with the new album, Timeless."
Indeed, Kenny Lattimore's new album (and Verve debut) Timeless is a testament to the transcendent properties of classic songcraft, as well as a vehicle for the performing talents that have long made Lattimore one of the most popular and respected vocalists in contemporary rhythm and blues. Although he's known for his own songwriting skills, Timeless finds Lattimore reaching into the past to apply his interpretive abilities to a compelling set of familiar—and not-so-familiar—material drawn from a wide range of sources from the worlds of pop, R&B, rock and jazz.
The eleven songs that comprise Timeless cover a broad emotional palette, inspiring Lattimore to deliver some of the most sensitive and technically accomplished performances of his career. The Al Green-penned "Something", which is updated here with timely clips of news reports, combines gospel urgency with righteous outrage. Lattimore's remarkable ability to convey tenderness and intimacy is displayed on his deeply-felt recordings of the Beatles standard "And I Love Her", Jeff Buckley's "Everybody Here Wants You", and the Norman Connors/Michael Henderson '70s hit "You Are My Starship", which is the first single from the album. Lattimore is equally persuasive when channeling the raw intensity of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way", Otis Redding's "I Love You More Than Words Can Say", and the Donny Hathaway/Van McCoy cult classic "Giving Up". With the artist delivering equally impassioned performances of songs by Marvin Gaye, Terence Trent D'Arby, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, Timeless is possibly the most personal musical statement Kenny Lattimore has ever made.
"I wasn't interested in covering the same songs that have already been covered a million times, and I wasn't interested in just doing remakes. In some cases, it could be a little intimidating, and it felt like I might be treading on sacred ground. But I just kept asking myself, 'OK, what can I bring to this?'
"Some of these are songs that I've loved since I was a kid," he adds, "but others I discovered in the course of doing this project. I wasn't familiar with Jeff Buckley before, for example, but I loved the song so much that I really got into his life and career and went back and discovered how amazing he was. So that aspect of it was educational for me, and I like the idea that I can pass that on to my audience."
According to Lattimore, the experience of recording Timeless with veteran producer/arranger/musician Barry Eastmond taught him some valuable new lessons. "It really pushed me to expand as a singer," he states. This album really pushed me to just be more free, to throw caution to the wind and just go for it, to express whatever I was feeling at that moment. Sometimes in the past I've over-thought things and tried to make them perfect. But this project forced me to realize that Otis Redding wasn't thinking about making it perfect; he just went in and hit it and expressed how he was feeling. That was a major realization for me. After that, it became more like singing in church, because when I sing in church I sing completely free. The whole situation was very organic and natural, because Barry and I would sit down at the piano and build up the arrangements from there. It was really liberating to work that way."
Growing up in a musical family in Washington, D.C. area, Kenny Lattimore began singing early in life, winning junior-high talent shows and singing everything from R&B to classical, during his high school years. After studying architecture and city planning at Howard University, he became lead singer of the R&B group Maniquin, which released an album on the Epic label. After leaving that act, he concentrated on developing his songwriting skills, resulting in his compositions being recorded by Glenn Jones and Jon Lucien.
After moving to New York, Lattimore was awarded a solo recording deal with Columbia Records and released his self-titled 1996 debut. That album went Gold and spawned the hit single "Never Too Busy" and the perennial wedding song "For You", winning Lattimore a reputation as a dynamic and charismatic performer, with an image as a strong but sensitive romantic. The album's success earned Lattimore an NAACP Image Award as Best New Artist. 1998's From the Soul of Man documented the maturation of Lattimore's songwriting talent, and yielded the hits "Days Like This" and "If I Lose My Woman", as well as Lattimore's visionary reworking of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". He moved to Arista for 2001's Weekend, and in 2003 released Things That Lovers Do, a well-received album of duets with his wife and fellow R&B star Chante Moore. The couple released a second duets album, Uncovered/Covered, in 2006.
Despite his past successes, Timeless demonstrates that Kenny Lattimore is more interested in making expressive, enduring music than pandering to momentary musical trends. "I like that Verve is a label that cares about music," he asserts, adding, "They gave me the freedom to be myself and trusted me to follow my heart. I've been in so many situations where I'd finish an album and the record company comes back and says, "We need a radio hit", and they ask you to come up with a song that sounds exactly like what everyone else is doing. With this project, I felt like the label was more interested in getting the artistry right, and then presenting it to people and allowing them to decide if they like it."
Joe Thomas - "New Man"
Teaming-up with his manager of 15 years, Kedar Massenburg, who also serves as executive producer on the much anticipated project, Joe has come back stronger than ever. Indeed, from the first listen to his soulful emancipation JOE Thomas,New Man (on 563 Music & Kedar Entertainment, distributed by Fontana Distribution), it is obvious from the looseness of his voice and the texture of his timbre that he was feeling a little different.
"Of course there is a happiness that comes with independence, but I also felt more confident in the studio," JOE explains. "I was able to work at my own pace, choose my collaborators and sing the truth. Kedar and I have been working together forever, and we know how to make a great soul record."
Yet, just because JOE Thonas, New Man is an indie R&B record, does not mean that this is a bargain basement affair. "I've developed many close relationships with some of the best in the business," Joe says. "When it came time for me to go into the studio I was able to call on my friends like Puffy, Bryan Michael Cox and (video director) Billie Woodruff to come through."
In addition, Joe was also blessed with contributions from Nas, Game, Busta Rhymes, Mario and Trey Songz, Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy. "I only like working with people who can take their art to the next level. But, believe me, getting all the right folks for this project was a blessing."
Releasing dual singles "ER" and "Why Just Be Friends," the talented balladeer is more than ready to compete with his rivals on the radio. "The track "ER" was produced by a newcomer named D'Mile, a young and eager dude out of Brooklyn (Janet Jackson, "Feedback")," Joe says. Serving as the opening for New Man, the theme of unrequited love is one that runs through the majority of the disc.
"All of us know what it's like to be feeling somebody who might not be feeling you," laughs Joe. "For a lot of guys it's not about what they have, but what they want."
With a voice that is sweet as chocolate and strong as coffee, "Why Just Be Friends" is the perfect summer record detailing the carnal blight of dudes, as Joe explains, "gets caught in the friend zone too many times." Produced by the Stereotypes, a crew hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Joe says, "They passed along some tracks, and I was really digging what these guys were doing. I mixed the song myself in a home studio I have owned for about eight years. I call it simply, Joe's Crib Studio."
Fact is, once the various tracks were perfect, most of Joe's vocals were recorded from his home studio. "I like doing things quickly, and in the home studio I can get in the zone and work at my own pace." On the club ballad "We Need to Roll," the singer got a chance to make another musical dream of his come true.
"I recorded that song with Trey Songz and Mario, because you almost never hear R&B guys singing together," Joe explains. "I remember how hyped I was when Quincy Jones put out ‘The Secret Garden,' and I wanted that kind of vibe on the record."
A southern boy who was raised by two preachers in his hometown of Columbus, Georgia and Opaleika, Alabama Joe mastered an array of instruments when he was still a kid. "I have nothing but respect for musicians," Joe explains. "Though I don't play on this project, I'm working on something special right now where I'm playing everything in the studio."
Admiring the genius and swagger of artists like Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, Joe's songs also share the sacred/profane dilemma in his music that elevates beyond the arena of his peers. From the sweet as cherry Kool-Aide lyrics on "Man In Your Life" to lonely teardrops of "Sorry" to the freaky deke of "Triple Black Room," Joe continues to dig deep into his own psyche for the best material. "The artists who are my heroes, be it Marvin, Prince or Donny, were never too proud to reveal there true selves. It is impossible to be a true artists if your art isn't honest. Although it might hurt sometimes, I have no problem baring the realness of my life in the songs."
Coming across as a protector on the lush song "I Won't Let Him Hurt You," the track has slight Asian touches in the music that is beautiful. "I spend a lot of time overseas, and those sounds are as much a part of my influence as soul or gospel. I want to experiment, and mix a little of that flavor with what I do best."
Smooth as butter and perfect as the pyramids the track "By Any Means" is one of those songs that lingers in the mind hours after you've heard it. Utilizing a cool groove laid-down by his homie Bryan Michael Cox (who has produced hits for Usher and Mariah Carey), this song is an obvious hit. "Bryan and I have worked together a few times in the past, and obviously his track record speaks for itself."
Once nicknamed "the Casanova crooner" by Hip-Hop Soul magazine, New Man proves that Joe has lost none of his spunk or flavor. If anything, dude has simply gotten better. Let's hear it for soul brother number one!
JOE Thomas, New Man is comes out on September 23, 2008 on Kedar Entertainment Group and is distributed by Universal Fontana Distribution.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com/home
August 28, 2008
MILITANT REGGAE/DANCEHALL ARTISTES AVOCATES COUNTER BAN ON RED STRIPE BEER/GUINESS
By Baldwin Howe
A militant set of Reggae/Dancehall artistes have initiated a bold counter move of their own, in reaction to the announcement made earlier this month by Red Stripe Beer to sever their association, in terms of sponsorship, from ‘live music events” that they say, “encourages and facilitates the use of violent and anti-social lyrics.” The justification given by the artistes for their counteraction is quite understandable. Most of the artistes think that, in light of this development, one good turn deserves another. They say their ban is just an equal reaction to the beer company’s move.
A few of them have even gone on to voice their opinions openly. Popular dancehall deejay, Mavado, is of the feeling that if the company, (Red Stripe), feels that it should withdraw its support of dancehall related entertainment events then dancehall artistes and supporters of the genre should also withdraw their support from Red Stripe Beer and the company’s other products, (Guiness etc.)
Beenie Man also is annoyed at the beer company’s move has also been quoted in the national media as saying that this is the second time that Red Stripe has taken this action. He said in essence that, people don’t attend dancehall events to listen to beer and stout bottles workout. They are willing to sponsor ‘rock’ shows in Europe but don’t hesitate to dis’ national promoters and artistes. He thinks it is just an attempt to try mash up de t’ing. He further vented his feelings by saying the artistes and events assist in making Red Stripe Beer and Guiness stout sell. That the artistes work hard in assisting to promote Jamaican music and its products and Red Stripe Beer is a Jamaican product. Beenie Man is advocating that all artistes and dancehall supporters should stop drinking Red Stripe and Guiness and start to drink more Magnum Tonic Wine. Beenie Man thinks that artistes and supporters of the dancehall genre should not support the products of companies that, by their actions, are boxing food from the mouths of promoters, artistes and their children.
Female deejay sensation, Spice, also holds the view that if Red Stripe Beer have slapped a ban on the dancehall, then is only fair that the people the ban affect should respond in kind. Spice was recently quoted in the national media as saying that she don’t think the dancehall fraternity should have anything to do with Red Stripe Beer. Her opinion is if Red Stripe withdraws from supporting dancehall events and artistes, then the dancehall fraternity should also withdraw their support from them.
The current furore, as it relates to the ban and counter ban, came about when, on April 4, 2008 Red Stripe Beer issued a public statement to the effect that the annually held Reggae Sumfest and Sting ‘live’ show events are no longer going to enjoy being main beneficiaries of the company’s sponsorship of their events. This action amounts to rescinding of the agreement they had with the organizers of both events. The public statement read in part thus: “Over thee years, however, a very negative trend of glorifying violence has crept into some aspect of the music, causing consternation among well-thinking Jamaicans and others, at home and abroad. This has far-reaching and damaging implications for the industry, and for Jamaica as a whole.”
In further proffering their position to institute a counter ban on Red Stripe Beer, most of the artiste argues that the dancehall genre share a major part of the responsibility in assisting to popularize the product among patrons who support dancehall events. It their view, when ’live’ stage show events are held, (Sumfest, Sting etc.), patrons do not pay to come and be entertained by Red Stripe Beer, they pay their money to see and hear a Bounty Killa, Mavado, Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji and others acts advertised to perform.
Dancehall artistes are not alone in expressing disgruntlement over Red Stripe Beer’s decision.
Popular poet and broadcaster, Mutabaruka, has also voiced his views on the matter. This he made public during a performance he was giving at the Liberty Hall, on
King Street, in downtown Kingston. In essence he opined that the realization is that it is not really violence that is being fought against, it is the position most, if not all, dancehall artistes take against homosexuality. He noted that violence has been in the national music for a very long time. The reality, he observes, is that Red Stripe Beer is pulling out because the powerful lobbyists of the gay community has also done so. He considers Red Stripe Beer’s action to be a hypocritical one.
Maxine Whittingham-Osbourne, the head of corporate relations at the beer company, in responding to the impending ban said in the national media that her company is disappointed about the brewing developments but is adamant in remaining firm regarding its stance. The Red Stripe Beer executive further stated that the artistes’ reaction to the decision is a sad affair and if it is truly the case the company expresses its disappointment but will, non-the-less be standing by its decision. She said that it is not Red Stripe Beer’s modus operandi to be retaliatory and the company will be seriously assessing the current situation to see what initiatives could be developed as Red Stripe Beer in not against the music industry.
Another part of the company’s statement made it clear that Red Stripe Beer will be ensuring that its product and the various brands it distribute are conveniently made available whenever and wherever loyal consumers enjoy their premium alcoholic beverages, despite the beer company’s withdrawal of sponsorship to Reggae Sumfest and Sting.
Whittingham-Osbourne further sited the fact that the sponsorship withdrawal was in keeping with Red Stripe Beer’s corporate strategies and values. In her view, the key matter is the situation that currently exists wherein Jamaica now wears the label of being the murder capital of the world, and in that regard, the company think it needs to take stock of all the factors that are contributing to this prevailing trend. It is Whittingham-Osbourne firm opinion that the glorification of violence in our music in not complimenting Jamaica’s current situation.
We here at Reggae Times will be closely monitoring the current situation between the Red Stripe Beer and the dancehall fraternity/music industry with the hope that some rational understanding will prevail, for the full benefit of Jamaica and all concerned.
SOURCE:http://reggaetimes.com/wordpress/?cat=16
17 North Parade Unleashes Hit Parade of Jamaican Classics on Five New Releases
17 North Parade has announced the re-issue of five essential albums that capture the crucial messages and music of Jamaica in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. From Toots & The Maytals to Tenor Saw, from Steelie & Clevie to Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson, from Harold Butler to Half Pint, the material now being made available represents a unique collection of Jamaica’s finest artists and producers who defined their respective eras and musical styles. Remastered and featuring extended liner notes and bonus tracks, we are proud to bring these hits and hit-makers back to life for dedicated collectors looking to improve their collection and casual fans interested in experiencing the authentic reggae vibe.
HAROLD BUTLER - THE BUTLER DID IT
Release Date: AUGUST 12
This rare LP which has never resurfaced since it’s original 1978
release features one of Jamaica’s premier pianists and musical
arrangers in Harold Butler who leads a star-studded set of musicians
and artists from their early days including Beres Hammond, Cynthia
Schloss, Pam Hall & Prilly Hamilton (lead singer on Third World’s
debut album). If it sounds this good, it must be the ‘Butler‘ who did it.
THE MAYTALS - THE SENSATIONAL MAYTALS
An expanded re-issue of Toots & The Maytals second album
produced by Byron Lee & Ronnie Nasralla and originally released
in 1965, a time when the Maytals where arguably the dominant
vocal group in Jamaica, The Sensational Maytals represents classic
Ska music at a time when the music crossed over to an international
audience through Mr. Lee’s extensive touring and participation in
New York’s 1964 World’s Fair. Originally recorded at Jamaica’s
Federal Recording Studio and released as a 12-track album, we have
added 6 bonus tracks from when Toots & The Maytals shifted to Rock
Steady the following year. For the first time ever the complete early
works of The Maytals in partnership with Byron Lee & The
Dragonnaires come together on one CD.
TENOR SAW & NITTY GRITTY - TENOR SAW MEETS NITTY GRITTY
Starting with the original 8 tracks on the Power House LP of the
same name, 17 North Parade presents this reissue LP inna
showdown style with the artists (who are also cousins) facing off,
track for track. In addition, we have included 4 of the biggest songs
from each artist for various producers to complete the musical
confrontation. While Tenor Saw and Nitty Gritty both passed away
prematurely, they will forever symbolize a high point of the
Waterhouse style of singing that originated with the likes of Michael
Rose, Don Carlos and Junior Reid, and now immortalized in this crucial
LP re-issue.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - OLD TO THE NEW (DELUXE): A TRIBUTE TO JOE GIBBS CLASSICS
Release date: SEPTEMBER 9
Gibbs & Errol Thompson’s most popular and beloved hit songs (and
the album that brought us Sean Paul & Sasha’s monumental “I’m Still
In Love With You” smash) now includes a second disc featuring all
of the classic Mighty Two productions in all of their glory while
celebrating the life of Jamaica’s most revered musical teacher,
Joe Gibbs. The old and the new come together here, and justifiably so.
HALF PINT - GREETINGS (SPECIAL EDITION)
Already the most popular album in the Power House catalog, this 17
North Parade Special Edition release includes 7 additional tracks from
Half Pint previously heard only as singles on the Power House
imprint… until now. Featuring what is widely viewed as Half Pint’s
greatest hit, the ragamuffin anthem and title track Greetings, along
with classics such as Level The Vibes and Living Is Hard, these
George Phang productions show ‘Pint’ at the top of his game and are
a significant sign of the times, just prior to reggae’s ‘digital revolution.
Launched in 2007 by VP Records, the 17 North Parade imprint pays homage to the historic location of Randy’s Record Mart, the premier recording studio and record shop in Kingston and mecca for Reggae music between the late 60’s and 70’s. 17 North Parade is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing the recordings of the Caribbean’s most influential musical pioneers.
Reggae Legends Black Uhuru Releases Classic Live In London DVD
Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru Was The First Reggae Group To Win A Grammy Award, For Their Influential Release 'Anthem' In 1984
The Live In London DVD Is A Special 25th Anniversary Digitally-Re-mastered Edition
"This live set is a stimulating history lesson about the most exciting reggae band around." – ROLLING STONE
Tuesday August 19; Kingston, Jamaica: Nacional Records and No Joke Entertainment are proud to announce that reggae icons Black Uhuru will release the 25th Anniversary Edition of their classic Live in London DVD today August 19th. The DVD captures the groundbreaking group at the top of their game, with core members Derrick 'Duckie' Simpson, Mikel Rose, and Sandra 'Puma' Jones backed by the drum and bass greats, Sly & Robbie. Highlights include roots reggae anthems like Shine Eye Gal, I Love King Selassie, and Happiness. The new digitally re-mastered DVD features a never-before-seen photo gallery of stills spanning the group's entire 40-year career.
With the death of reggae king Bob Marley in 1981, some thought that reggae music had passed with him. However that assumption became short lived when Black Uhuru released the album Red' later that year. The triple platinum release was named the 23rd best album of the decade by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Considered a potent live act by critics and fans alike, Black Uhuru has toured with international music icons including The Clash, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, The Police and U2. The group is currently at work on a new studio album.
DVD viewing parties are planned nationwide, beginning Wednesday August 20th at the Echoplex's Dub Club Party in Los Angeles hosted by Wayne Jobson a.k.a. Native Wayne of Indie 103FM.
LIVE IN LONDON -TRACK LISTING
01. Shine Eye Girl
02. Plastic Smile
03. Puff She Puff
04. I Love King Selassie
05. Youth of Eglington
06. Push Push
07. General Penitentiary
08. Happiness
09. Whole World Is Africa
10. Sponji Reggae
11. Sinsemilla
For more information about Black Uhuru and the 25th Anniversary Live in London DVD, please contact:
No Joke Entertainment
Mario Lazarre - Mario@nojoke-ent.com
Tel: 876.856.6238
Nacional Records
Paul Dryden - paul.dryden@cookman.com
Jennifer Sarkissian - Jennifer.sarkissian@cookman.com
Tel: 818.763.1397
August 21, 2008
Reggae Legend Beres Hammond releases new album twice!
Reggae Legend Beres Hammond releases new album twice!
A Moment in Time hits web August 19, 2008 CD w/ DVD in stores October 14, 2008
(New York, NY, August 15, 2008)
A Moment in Time hits web August 19, 2008 CD w/ DVD in stores October 14, 2008
(New York, NY, August 15, 2008) One of Jamaica’s most soulful music legends, Grammy nominated Beres Hammond will have his new album, A Moment in Time released not once but twice. The album will be available digitally on August 19, 2008 and then in-stores on CD with accompanying DVD on October 14, 2008. Both releases will be on VP Records. The digital release date was moved to coincide with Beres’ current North American tour which has been generating excitement among reggae enthusiasts along with quick demand for the album. “We had planned for one worldwide release in October,” says Cristy Barber, VP Marketing & Promotion/VP Records, “but quickly decided to make the album available digitally with all the requests we’ve been getting. Both the tour and the recent airplay on the single made us readdress our retail plan.” Exploring an array of topics from love to self-reflection, this carefully compiled 14 track LP A Moment in Time features Beres's honey-smoked vocals coasting over smooth melodies—produced mainly by the man himself.
Beres’s daughter Nastassja Hammond also shares production credits on the jazzy bass-driven title track where Beres unveils the simple yet profound truth that “It takes just one moment in time to change your life forever/It takes just one moment in time to put it all together.” This is one of his many thought-provoking pieces. On the soulful reggae groove "Friends," he questions the meaning of companionship, and on “Cry No More” he uses real life experiences to find revelation (both cuts produced by Beres). However, a Beres album would not be complete if it did not have its dose of stirring love songs; Beres can’t resist temptation on the tender ballad “No I Can’t” explaining all the reasons why he could never leave his woman alone. On “I Feel Good,” the album’s first single by esteemed producer Donovan Germain, Beres paints a picture of an intimate dance while riding a saxophone driven melody. The single quickly went to #1 on the US Media Guide Chart for the reggae category and has remained there for the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, Beres has been selling out venues across the US. (North American Tour dates listed below). Critics call him “the Luther Vandross of Jamaica” (Virginia Pilot, 8/11/08) and say he is “one of most underappreciated reggae artists of his time…a soulful crooner indebted to classic rocksteady and American R&B, one who prefers live instrumentation and writes much of his own material.” (KGO Radio 8/2/08)
Known to many as the originator of “Lover’s Rock” Beres Hammond has been writing, producing and pouring out his smoky-sweet voice over every kind of riddim track for over 30 years. From his early days as the lead singer of the ‘70s funk-reggae infused band Zap Pow, Beres has consistently produced hits and number one singles.
From his first studio album, SOUL REGGAE in 1976 spawning the number one hit “One Step Ahead” to his 2001 hits “They Gonna Talk” and “Rock Away” from his Grammy nominated album MUSIC IS LIFE, Beres Hammond has collaborated with Reggae’s elite—Marcia Griffiths and Buju Banton who are virtually staples on any Beres tour—and has worked with legendary producers Willie Lindo, Steely and Clevie, and Philip “Fattis” Burrell, to name a few. In 2003 VP Records released THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION: CAN’T STOP A MAN to commemorate Hammond’s career, and in 2004 his album LOVE HAS NO BOUNDARIES .
While newcomers today are searching for a breakthrough hit and old timers are plotting their comeback, Beres is a study in longevity.
Whether it is romance or reflection, A Moment in Time reveals a new chapter for the renowned reggae icon.
August 12, 2008
HOT & TAG RECORDS-SURVIVAL OF THE FRESHEST
TAG Records, Jermaine Dupri and Brooklyn-based rapper Q kick-off the “Survival of the Freshest” tour on Thursday, August 14 at Rucker Park – excitement starts at 3pm. Q is the first artist signed to TAG Records.
All aspiring hip-hop talent can come down and MC battle for a chance at a demo deal w/ TAG Records & JD.
WHO
Island Def Jam Music Group, Jermaine Dupri, and Procter & Gamble’s TAG body spray are making history in the music industry with the formation of a new hip-hop label, TAG Records.
Q - formerly known as Q Da Kid - is the first artist signed to TAG Records and will have a positive voice within hip-hop music. Q’s first album will drop in November.
WHEN
Thursday, August 14th - Entertainers Basketball Classic
3pm-6pm: Live MC competition
7:30: MC competition finalists battle at half-time, to be judged by JD and Q
WHERE
Rucker Park - 155th Street & Marcus Garvey Boulevard
WHAT
The “Survival of the Freshest” Tour will connect with the urban community by fulfilling the mission of TAG Records to propel emerging hip-hop talent.
“Survival of the Freshest,” is an 11- market tour aimed at bringing exciting new opportunities to the urban market
The Survival of the Freshestwill be coming to each city in the form of The TAG Tour Bus where participants will receive the ultimate TAG treatment with a fresh line-up from Tag barber, free Tag tees and samples
Tour will provide local artists chance to participate in MC competition – winners awarded a $5000 Make History grant from TAG Records and Hip Hop Summit Action Network and a chance to battle for a demo deal with Jermaine Dupri
Go to TAGRecords.com for more information on
the “Survival of the Freshest” Tour
Source:http://www.hot97.com/
July 23, 2008
"The Greatest Story Ever Told" - By David Banner
 |
Let's cut to the chase: David Banner is one of the most underappreciated rappers to emerge from below the Mason-Dixon Line in the last five years. Since his SRC/Universal debut Mississippi: The Album in 2003, many have been enthralled by Banner's obvious dedication to lyrical craft, roaring tracks and b-boy stance. Still, while past tracks like the cranked "Like a Pimp" from his debut to the electro-bounce of "Play" (Certified, 2005) has helped build a loyal fan base, with the release of The Greatest Story Ever Told this country boy is finally connecting on a larger scale.
Exposed to all kinds of music while growing up, Banner's musical palette is never lacking. From the funky head nod of the Akon-produced first single "Speaker" to the dark path of "Suicide Doors," featuring UGK to the textured grooves of "Cadillac On 22's Part II," David Banner proves he can do it all. "UGK, Sun-Ra and The Police all have had their influence on what you hear in my music," he laughs.
In 1999, as a member of the Mississippi rhyme duo Crooked Lettaz, Banner became part of the dirty south revolution, releasing the critically lauded and criminally slept-on Tommy Boy Records debut Grey Skies. A year later, Them Firewater Boys Vol. 1, his introduction as a soloist, saw Banner blazing through the underground; both XXL and Murder Dog named it one of the best albums of the year. Soon the major labels were knocking on Banner's door, sparking off a bidding-war. When legendary music executive Steve Rifkind (Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun) signed the self-contained Banner and his b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment imprint to Rifkind's SRC label, the music industry took notice.
Having recently released his first single, "Speaker," which features Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and producer Akon, it obvious that David Banner has concocted the perfect hip hop banger. "When people listen to my songs, I want them to consider them the soundtrack to their lives," David Banner declares. "I'm not just making songs for the moment; I'm creating material that I hope lasts in their minds forever.
"2006 was a difficult year for me," Banner continues. "So, for 2007 I wanted to come out celebrating. To me, "Speaker" is a celebration of hip-hop and what it can represent. Rap gets blamed for all the ills in the world today; I just wanted folks to know there is a lot of love in the music too."
In the last year, David Banner has also made the transition from the studio to the screen, having appeared in Black Snake Moan and the forthcoming movies This Christmas and Days of Wrath. "I started taking acting classes soon after ‘Like A Pimp' came out," Banner states. "Now, making movies is like my new love; it's hot to be able to go from one art form to the next."
A complex man who is both street-wise and book-smart, Banner has carried many burdens over the last few years. From working closely providing aid for Katrina victims (his foundation and concert Heal the Hood raised $500,000) to burying his father earlier this year, his heart has been heavy. "The world isn't a nice place. Often, my music was an outcry of my pain," he says. "But, a lot of my music has been too dark and depressing; right now I'm trying to bring some light into my life." The brightness of Banner's optimism blares brilliantly on the hypnotic "Get Like Me," a track that features collaborations with Young Joc, Jim Jones and Chris Brown.
Produced by the man himself, who has stirred massive pots of musical gumbo for T.I. ("Rubberband Man") and Trick Daddy ("Thug Holiday"), Banner has constructed his most mackadelic track to date with "Get Like Me." "Chris Brown is like my little brother," Banner says. "It's been amazing for me to watch him grow as both an artist and a man. I knew from the beginning, that I wanted him on this track." But, what about the song's production? "I'm a real producer, not simply a beat-maker," he explains. "When I'm in the studio, I'm thinking beyond just samples, I'm trying to build something special. Unlike a lot of other people, I'm still a fan of music and it's that fan in me that I'm making music for."
Combining an old-school sensibility with new-school grooves, one of the standouts on The Greatest Story Ever Told is the amazing "Hold On." Revolutionary in its execution, this sweeping song has the cinematic appeal of a ‘70s blaxploitation flick playing down at the local movie theater. Yet, instead of getting caught-up in a web of blown-out afros and leather pimp coat clichés, Banner has a deeper tale to relate. Deep as quicksand and soulful as a steaming plate of catfish, "Hold On" is social commentary at it's finest. "A lot of rappers today don't tell stories," Banner comments, "but, on that track, I went through an entire lifetime. Nobody does that anymore."
David Banner has bee busy perfecting his skills. "For me music is about honesty, pain and a willingness to cry as well as fight. As a rapper and producer, my goal is to unite with the audience, not trying to rein over them." Coming straight out of Jackson, Mississippi with a license to thrill, The Greatest Story Ever Told is a crowning achievement for a rapper whose moment of recognition has come. No longer on the outside looking in, David Banner is ready for his close-up.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com
July 21, 2008
Passionate about filmmaking. Think you are good at directing, acting or screenwriting do you believe you are the best in the industry highly passionate and innovative in making movies but still you do
United States of America (Press Release) July 15, 2008 -- Crelligence Media LLC, 14 July 2008.Do you feel making movies is a nightmare. Facing the heat of getting right video production unit or a stage to propagate your videos. Here is a solution from Crelligence Media LLC a fast growing technology startup through http://www.crelltube.com filming has become as simple as possible.
crelltube is an online platform that allows you to have thousands of filmmakers create videos just for your company and have them distribute it to millions of viewers online through video sharing sites like you tube, AOL and MySpace. CrellTube allows filmmakers to create commercials for companies. By registering with Crelltube, they will have the ability to search through existing campaigns and find the brand, company or product that they like. Then will be able to make a video for that company and be able to post it anywhere online.
The best part about crelltube is that film makers will actually get paid. they will be paid once a month for the number of views, clicks or sales that your video generates and will be able to track their performance right through the online dashboard and request to be paid either through PayPal or by check. Further the can refer their friends and get 5% commissioned from whatever they make from their videos. The filmmakers need not pay any initial amount nor will their credit card number not be asked.
The minimum requirement in making videos or making film is to be at least 13 years and above. The filming doesn’t need a high end camera to show off your videography talent it could even be animation. Technical quality of video is not given a priority rather the number of views.
Once candidate is selected to make video he will be given guidelines by producing brand and the budget. You will make the film and submit which will be evaluated by cerlltube members and producer counterpart. Incase of any discrepancy you will be given a chance will be given to make changes before being rejected.
With film making made so simple and providing a win -win solution to both producer and film makers cerlltube has made history in the way videos are marketed to have more idea about the cerlltube and clarify your query you can visit http://www.crelltube.com
crelltube is an online platform that allows you to have thousands of filmmakers create videos just for your company and have them distribute it to millions of viewers online through video sharing sites like you tube, AOL and MySpace. CrellTube allows filmmakers to create commercials for companies. By registering with Crelltube, they will have the ability to search through existing campaigns and find the brand, company or product that they like. Then will be able to make a video for that company and be able to post it anywhere online.
The best part about crelltube is that film makers will actually get paid. they will be paid once a month for the number of views, clicks or sales that your video generates and will be able to track their performance right through the online dashboard and request to be paid either through PayPal or by check. Further the can refer their friends and get 5% commissioned from whatever they make from their videos. The filmmakers need not pay any initial amount nor will their credit card number not be asked.
The minimum requirement in making videos or making film is to be at least 13 years and above. The filming doesn’t need a high end camera to show off your videography talent it could even be animation. Technical quality of video is not given a priority rather the number of views.
Once candidate is selected to make video he will be given guidelines by producing brand and the budget. You will make the film and submit which will be evaluated by cerlltube members and producer counterpart. Incase of any discrepancy you will be given a chance will be given to make changes before being rejected.
With film making made so simple and providing a win -win solution to both producer and film makers cerlltube has made history in the way videos are marketed to have more idea about the cerlltube and clarify your query you can visit http://www.crelltube.com
Carifest 
Cancelled
Carifest C.A.R.E.S. Cancled
By Brittany Somerset, Intrepid Reporter, Manhattan, NY.Due to a combination of poor ticket sales and inclement weather, Carifest C.A.R.E.S has been cancelled. In the past Carifest has drawn criticism from gay activist groups who vehemently protested certain dancehall artists who used Carifest as a platform to wax philisophical about burning gays. Anti-gay sentiments that receive massive forwards from audiences at festivals in Jamaica, where homophobia is socially acceptable and even encouraged, do not go over well in New York City.
In an effort to make a positive change this year, Carifest C.A.R.E.S (Compassionate Artists Recognizing Entertainment Solutions) was meant to be a charitable event to sponsor Keep A Child Alive (KACA) an organization which provides medicine and relief to African children orphaned due to the AIDS pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives. Some critics felt however, that taking a community renowned for its homophobia, and preaching AIDS awareness to them, was an insurmountable task and alienated its core audience.
While it is ridiculously ignorant in this day and age to think that AIDS is primarily a homosexual disease, a popular, promiscuous reggae singer who asked that his name be withheld stated while he hardly ever uses prophylactic protection, he believes as long as he thinks positively, he wouldn’t get AIDS because Jah would protect him. It was this type of ignorant, detrimental and potentially deadly attitude that Carifest CARES wanted to enlighten people about.
Carifest CARES has not been without controversy. Earlier in the month, artist Eek-A-Mouse was kicked off the bill, due to the racist remarks he made during a press conference for the event, verbally attacking white Jewish reggae artist Matisyahu, among others. His tirade was posted on YouTube.com for the world to see, drawing derision from even the most loyal of his fans. He posted a rebuttel on YouTube.com, further explaining his position, to no avail.
Various artists with a much more positive vibration were considered as a replacement for Eek-A-Mouse, from Spanner Banner to the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, however the promoter was not able to secure the necessary additional time from the Parks Department, in order to accommodate additional band changes.
While removing Eek-A-Mouse from the bill did not due any damage to the integrity of the festival itself, fans speculate that the overall line-up itself simply wasn’t strong enough to draw the amount of people required to make the event a success. Whereas past Carifests have included heavy hitters with crossover appeal like Collie Buddz, Ninjaman, who had been previously barred from entering the country for over a decade, and is heralded as the best Jamaican-born MC, as well as typically top drawing festival artists like Beenieman, the Carifest CARES line-up featured repeat artists like Matisyahu, and newcomers like Meta and the Cornerstones, causing people to speculate that the types of artists who would be necessary to make this event a commercial success did not want to participate or be associated with a benefit for AIDS awareness. Others would speculate that it is difficult to get Jamaican artists to reduce their performance fees for a charitable event of any kind.
Fourth of July weekend itself, normally a notorious party weekend in New York, has been washed out, due to fog and rain. At many hotspots all over the city where people had assembled to watch the fireworks, from the rooftop of the Gansevoort hotel to South Street Seaport, myriad complaints could be heard about not being able to see the fireworks clearly. It stands to reason that people who are not going to want to stand out in the rain to see the annual fireworks display, are not going to want to stand out in the rain to see an annual concert event.
While Carifest Cares promoters Team Legendary and Alphonso D’Niscio Brooks in particular are to be commended for their efforts to enlighten their community about the AIDS crisis, it is unfortunate that this event had to be cancelled partially due to lack of support from their community. Carifest CARES publicist Erika Tooker stated, “Moving forward with the concert under these circumstances will in no way benefit the cause. Reggae-Carifest N.Y., Inc. apologizes to all patrons who purchased tickets and assures such patrons that full refunds will be made. All ticket holders can return to point of purchase to receive a full refund.” At this time, no plans have been made to reschedule Carifest CARES.
Mr. Vegas Delivers Explosive Performances in Europe
Posted by Publisher - J.P.R
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Kingston, Jamaica, July 20, 2008:- As the summer season unfolded in Europe, thousands of revelers descended on the vast continent to attend a number of highly publicized Reggae music festivals. Many elite members of the Dancehall music fraternity were billed for the events and Mr. Vegas scored among the best. It has been five years since Dancehall star Mr. Vegas toured Europe, and in an effort to make up for lost time, the popular singjay brought fans up-to-speed with his repertoire of soaring hits by consistently delivering fiery performances at every stop along the way. Mr. Vegas’ lasting effect on the European massive is truly undeniable, as calls for his next European tour have flooded his management.
“I truly appreciate the support that my fans in Europe have given me over years,” says Mr. Vegas. “I have spent five years away and I really wanted to pay them back with unforgettable performances…….my plan was successful!”
Mr. Vegas’ European tour, sponsored by Media Com, consisted of 10 cities. On the tour, he was joined by a full ensemble including Thugz band, DJ Fatta and High Energy dancers. Mr. Vegas injected the unique and attention-grabbing format of a DJ and live band combination into his stage show. This style, which alternated between DJ Fatta spinning hot selections from pioneer dancehall artists and Thugz band playing Mr. Vegas’ rhythms, was a sure-fire hit with the fans. Adding Mr. Vegas’ High Energy dancers to the mix made for an even zestier recipe.
While in Cologne, Germany at Summerjam, Mr. Vegas was billed as the closing act, following Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal, Cecile and a host of other Jamaican artists. The singjay brought the festival to an energy-fueled close, executing nothing short of a 1 ½ hour spectacular set. Adorned in a black Armani suit, Gucci shirt and alligator skin Prada shoes, Mr. Vegas fulfilled the thousands in attendance with a show that measured up to his attire. Singing scores of hits, he also moved the audience with a cover of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low.” Ultimately, his rendition prompted patrons to wave their cell phones in the air, creating a glowing effect.
Mr. Vegas’ stint at Rototom Sunsplash in Osoppo, Italy was equally explosive. On this line-up, he joined members of the dancehall massive including Voicemail, Bugle and Wayne Marshall to name a few. Due to a heavy rain storm, for a moment, it looked as if Mr. Vegas wouldn’t perform. But low and behold, the rain let up and dancehall’s most swank artist belted out an infinite string of hits – altering the “dampened” mood of the event. Thousands of fans rushed to the performance area to be a part of the Mr. Vegas experience.
After almost two hours in to his set at Rototom Sunsplash, the crowd begged for more. Still in designer gear, but a little more laid back, Mr. Vegas killed it. Because the whole show was phenomenal, no one segment can be highlighted. It’s clear that the precise coordination between Mr. Vegas and Thugz band played a major role in this extraordinary performance.
Although Mr. Vegas was not the official closing act of The Big Reggae Festival in Antibes, France, he still managed to drive the crowd wild. In a compact set (due to the show getting a late start), he wooed the crowd, capitalizing on techniques from past successful performances. Some time after his segment, Mr. Vegas was asked to join the wildly popular French Dancehall group Dub Inc. on stage to close the show with his hit “Mus Come a Road.” Mr. Vegas belted out the favorite, while Dub Inc. laced the rhythm with French vocals. The audience erupted in adulation.
“Mr. Vegas’ performances in Europe exceeded my expectations,” says manager Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. “I think that Vegas understands the importance of giving quality, flawless shows……he definitely has mastered the live performance thing.”
In August 2008, Mr. Vegas will embark on his first tour of Africa and return to Europe for a long-awaited tour of the UK. Mr. Vegas’ emanating presence is undeniable. As you read this, the singjay is leaving his imprint on the world. In several markets, Mr. Vegas has songs and videos in heavy rotation including the summer anthems “Mus Come a Road,” “Hot Gal Nuh Fight Ova Man” and the newest sensation “Daggering.” And notably, Mr. Vegas boasts the #2 tune on the Billboard Dance Chart, “Shake it.”
Mr. Vegas burst on the scene in 1997 with the break-through smashes “Heads High” and “Nike Air.” The mainstay artist has since unleashed over a decade of countless dancehall hits and standards. Through good music and hard work, Mr. Vegas has maintained a consistent presence on the dancehall scene. In the Summer of 2007, Mr. Vegas released his fifth studio album Hot It Up (Delicious Vinyl) to raving reviews — which landed the racy “Hot Wuk” on the Billboard charts. Also in 2007, Mr. Vegas signed on to Irish and Chin, Inc. to manage his career.
Flair Lindsey
Ends - 845 words
Check Out: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MRVEGAS
Reggae Legends John Holt and Winston “Merritone” Blake to headline Concert to Commemorate Jamaica’s 46th Year of Independence
Posted by CaribbeanVibesRadio.com
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In what is billed as “An Evening of Elegance,” reggae veterans John Holt and Winston “Merritone” Blake will headline a concert to celebrate Jamaica’s 46th anniversary at the swank Zanzibar Night Club. This semi-formal event will take place Aug. 2, and doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are available online—at www.pumpstn.com—for $25 and $30 at various tickets outlets.
Presented by Pumpstation Entertainment, this “Evening of Elegance” is a first-of-its-kind event catering to a broader Caribbean and urban base audience. “We plan to take people back down memory lane, particularly Jamaican people,” says Omar Stephenson of Pumpstation Entertainment.
The event coincides with Jamaica’s 46th independence celebration, where traditional celebrations “back-home” are often laced with sweet reggae music, delicious Jamaican food and beautiful people.
Zanzibar On the Waterfront will provide drink specials and a complimentary Jamaican style buffet. Reggae crooner John Holt, backed by Ruff Stuff Band, will deliver a sweet serenade of classic tunes like “Dusty Road”, “Further You Look,” “The Tide Is High” and the unforgettable “Stick By Me.”
With well over 50 years in the reggae music business, both Holt and Merritone carry equally a sense of pride and tradition, representating what can be claimed, as truly Jamaican. After all, that’s what it’s about, as an important milestone in Jamaica’s history is celebrated 46 years from British rule.
Additional music will be presented by Pumpstation Sound System and Caribbean Vibes Radio’s own PauL MacK, who promises to dig deep into his musical vault to keep the vibe right.
For more information and store locations, visit www.pumpstn.com.
Sourec:http://www.jamaicapressrelease.com
July 13, 2008
Gorilla Zoe Unleashes Sophomore Album Don't Feed Da Animals
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Gorilla Zoe builds anticipation for the forthcoming Don't Feed Da Animals with buzz-worthy records, "Waddle" featuring Gucci Mane and "Dope Boy." Production from the industry's newest heavyweights, Justice League-"P*ssy Talk" and "Neighborhood," Don Vito-"Dope Boy," and Luney Tunez N Yo Area-"Waddle" to name a few are rounded out with seasoned producers, Jazze Pha "Locked Up or Dead," and J.R. Rotem "On the Corner."
According to Gorilla Zoe, Don't feed Da Animals is collectively "a huge album, filled with my life experiences, thoughts and feelings-real and uncut."
Exclusive new music and updated photos can be found on www.myspace.com/gorillazoe96 and fans are now able to contact Gorilla Zoe via a new marketing tool, www.saynow.com, by calling the artist directly at (678) 608-0521.
BIO
In 2007, Gorilla Zoe entered the jungle known as the rap game simply hoping to adjust to his new habitat. But, one year after his mega-single, "Hood Nigga," and the world-wide success of his debut album Welcome To the Zoo, Zoe is securing and defending his own territory with his newest effort, Don't Feed Da Animals.
Acting as both a forewarning and a told-you-so, Don't Feed Da Animals speaks to what happens when you don't follow advice. As hungry an artist as you will ever find, the rapper born Alonzo Mathis only needed one shot to prove that he had the talent and voice to become a household name. When Block Ent. CEO Russell "Block" Spencer gave Zoe that chance as a soloist and member of supergroup Boyz N Da Hood, it opened the gates for this Gorilla to wreak havoc.
"My first album was all real life; I was just talking about where I was at, at that time," says Zoe about his debut, which peaked at #3 on Billboard's Top Rap albums chart. "Now, I've tasted success and been around the world, but I'm still hood. You see me in the same places you met me. I don't have money like Bill Gates or Jay-Z, but I'm hood-rich and I'm telling my story from that point of view."
Songs like the autobiographical "Man I" speak to Zoe's ascension from a wayward youth strolling the streets of Atlanta looking for a place to stay, to a man who was able to improve his quality of life. So do songs like "Get Away" and "Dope Boi," where Zoe simply enjoys the fruits of his labor without alienating those who haven't made it to the top, yet.
"I've watched so many folks get money, leave the hood, and think they're better than everyone else," says Zoe. "I ain't gonna change who I am; I don't think success means you've got to leave or change who you are. But at the same time some change is good. Anything that doesn't change isn't alive. People, just like flowers, grow, bloom, and die. If I'm gonna grow, bloom, and die, I'm gonna make sure people love me."
In addition to traveling the world through touring, in the past year Zoe has made a name for himself via guest spots on both rap and R&B songs by his labelmates Yung Joc and JC. Hoping to display more of his versatility, Don't Feed Da Animals has plenty of songs showing Zoe's growth as a recording artist.
"Get Off Me" has the raspy-voiced rapper demonstrating complete mastery of his distinct vocal tones, while "Ladadi" has the hood nigga crushing all stereotypes and flowing over a Crystal Waters sample. He also experiments with different cadences on songs such as the high-tempo "Salute" and the hood narrative "Another Day."
"In making this album, I've learned what to do with my voice," says Zoe, citing the lead single, "On The Corner" featuring Sean Kingston, as a prime example. "I know what sounds fit me, so I'm in my zone right now. I understand that it's ok to just be me, instead of jumping in and out of trends."
Unafraid to do a little of what's considered the norm, Zoe manages to bring his own appeal to tracks like "S.W.A.G.G." featuring Shawty Lo and Rocko, and "44" featuring T-Pain.
"I look at everything and everybody accordingly," says Zoe. "I've seen people look at me like I'm nothing but a dope boy, or say I'm not a real hip-hop artist. I don't make music for those people. That's why I call mines 'relative music' - it's made for people to relate to. I'm the hood spokesperson and my clientele will grow with me."
Media Contact:
Branded PR, LLC
Tahira Wright, Publicist
404.578.6560
brandedpr@gmail.com
Real Hip Hop Returns!
Hip hop maestro and the driving force behind the New York Masta Mix Records label, Traum, proudly announces the release of his debut album "Mad Dreamz". Mad Dreamz will be released august 26th 2008 Under the leadership and production of rap sensation Traum and featuring collaborations with Cormega, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Screwball, Big Noyd and many more, this release features some of the illest sounds ever to spit out of the ghetto including beats by the legendary producer Ayatollah.
Credibility is crucial in any industry but when it comes to a music scene where "real recognize real" is the overriding mantra, New York native Traum walks it like he talks it.
Bloodlines in Hip Hop's crowded family tree can be hard to explain but Traum's pedigree is nothing short of thoroughbred: born in the Bronx, the birthplace of the genre and then raised in Queens, Traum was practically destined for his current role as one of the east coast's hottest artists and most innovative independent label bosses.
After watching RUN-DMC's Rock Box video the young Traum had a feeling rap's rawness and ghetto culture would be huge, but early attempts to get into the business weren't always peaches and cream: a deal with a major label turned sour and an early experiment performing as one half of a duo saw his partner came on stage one night and drop the mike in front of a hard-assed baying crowd. That was when this artist knew he'd have only himself to rely on if he wanted to make it.
Early collaborations with the legendary Jam Master Jay – who was helping Traum with his solo album when he was tragically shot - and killed. JMJ helped shape Traum's vision: keeping Hip Hop street but retaining the style, class and intelligence that makes his music stand out from inferior products such as Dirty South – you won't find any fallacies in Traum's lyrics.
Since being recognized as one of Hip Hop's up-and-coming MC's Traum, under the umbrella of his own label Masta Mix Records, feels the time is right for the flava that Traum is spitting, the New York edge, the rawness, and ghetto-fabulous essence of Hip Hop are all here collated under the expert guidance of one of the scene's most trusted mentors.
Traum says: "What makes me different is I'm totally hands on at Masta Mix. I am one of a new breed of Artist/Label owner. I actually mix and produce most of the music"
Traum's plans for Mad Dreamz is to set off the Mad Dreamz tour later this year and just constantly promote some of the most hardcore and authentic Hip Hop around. He has the brashness of spirit that comes from growing up in one of the world's toughest 'hoods and knows exactly where he wants to take his music and artists: "Over the next year I want obtain major label distribution for my company. I like being an indie artist but I know I have major label appeal".
Traum is here to stay and the big boys are sitting up and taking note.
For more info on Traum go to http://www.myspace.com/traumthemc
Press:
mastamix1@juno.com
FEG Presents She'k 2nd Annual Females In Rap and Hip-hop Seminar and Showcase
Atlanta, GA -- On Aug 16, 2008, FEG (Fowler Entertainment Group) will host the She'k 2nd Annual Females In Rap and Hip-hop Seminar and Showcase in St. Louis, MO.
She'k, Your Number One Source for Females In Rap and Hip-hop has been in existence since December 2006, providing the largest, most consistent platform for females in rap and hip-hop on the web. A weekly podcast is produced by the host KD and consisting of a top 10 countdown plus the She'k Make It or Break It, where listeners can vote online and an old school mix. The show features exclusive She'k Interviews with many of the artist as well as segment producers for entertainment, motivational speaking and physical fitness. FEG has also launched She'k TV which will feature female artist, business owners as well as other females selected by FEG.
The 1st Annual She'k Weekend was held in Atlanta with the top prize going to The Georgia Gurlz. The event this year will be held in St. Louis, MO at the Saint Ann Community Center. This event is intended to provide information to the community targeted mainly at females interested in the entertainment industry. Seminar panelist consist of professional females in the entertainment industry. This year panelist include promoter Vanita Applebum (VanitaApplebum Entertainment Services, Inc.), Lynne "Blasia" Parker Vice President of Fyreboy Records, media company owner Chantell Overton (OhhMy.net), fashion expert Maxine Elbert a.k.a. Big Sexy, music producer and composer Single WOne (Single WOne Productions & Publishing), Mz. Fe owner Get It Girl Entertainment, promoter Mz. Law (Law for Life Entertainment) plus many more.
The event will be hosted by She'k TV hostest "Desiree" and co-hosted by St. Louis own, promoter and comedian, Mz. Funy.
For event tickets, artist, media/press passes and other information, please visit the website:
http://www.shekwomenrap.com
or send an email to:
shek_showcase@hotmail.com
For sponsorship request contact:
Kala Brown, Trees With Roots Entertainment
404.380.0506
N.Y.OIL READIES "HOODTREASON" 2 DISC EDITION--NEW COMMERCIAL!!!!
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An unparalleled emcee and intellect, N.Y.OIL has been turning heads with his scathing commentary on the sad state of affairs in hip-hop music and culture and his shocking videos for "Y'all Should All Get Lynched" and "What Up My Wigger Wigger" that vividly address the very core concerns that precipitated his growing social movement.
WATCH the commercial for the highly anticipated 2 disc release now including shocking footage from BET's animated "Y'all Should All Get Lynched" video: http://www.ihiphop.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=1318
EMBED IT NOW: <object width="400" height="320"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1318" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed flashvars="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1318" src="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="320" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
AUDIO: "Soldier" feat. Chuck D. (of Public Enemy)
DOWNLOAD IT: http://burnupload.ihiphop.com/download.php?id=2848CCE41
EMBED IT: <object width="410" height="310"><param name="movie" value="http://www.ihiphop.com/players/audioplayer.swf"></param><param name="flashvars" value="xmlFile=http://www.ihiphop.com/xml/audio/feed.hhc?userid=137802&gig_lt=1214962101244&gig_pt=1214962107540&gig_g=2"></param><embed src="http://www.ihiphop.com/players/audioplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="xmlFile=http://www.ihiphop.com/xml/audio/feed.hhc?userid=137802&gig_lt=1214962101244&gig_pt=1214962107540&gig_g=2" width="410" height="310"></embed></object><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bT*xJmx*PTEyMTQ5NjIxMDEyNDQmcHQ9MTIxNDk2MjEwNzU*MCZwPTI*NDczMSZkPSZuPSZnPTI=.jpg" />
For more information, music and the embeddable widget, please visit: www.ihiphop.com/nyoil www.babygrande.com
N.Y.OIL "HoodTREASON" The Deluxe 2 Disc Edition In Stores July 8th!
-- PR Department Babygrande Records 212.633.8835
KOCH Records Enters New Deal With Black Hand Entertainment
First Release Coming This Fall From Queens Rapper Grafh
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - July 8, 2008) - KOCH Records announces a new deal with Chaz Williams and his Black Hand Entertainment.
The first release under this new deal will be the new album by New York rapper and Black Hand Entertainment President Grafh. He is set to release "The Evolution," on Black Hand Entertainment/KOCH Records this fall.
KOCH Records General Manager Alan Grunblatt says, "All of us here at KOCH Records are absolutely thrilled to be working with Grafh, he is truly a great New York artist. This is the first big record we are doing via Black Hand and Chaz Williams. Chaz and I are pardners!"
Black Hand Entertainment CEO Chaz Williams adds, "KOCH Records has been at the forefront of indie music for some time. This is the perfect climate for what we do at Black Hand as an independent movement."
The first single from Grafh's "The Evolution," "Like Ohh," can be heard on urban radio now. Grafh says, "'Like Ohh' is the first in a succession of singles leading up to the release of my first commercial album, 'The Evolution.' It's the perfect summer street record that recognizes the change in the climate of the music industry."
The track is getting great reaction and attention from Mixshow radio as this past July 4th jump off weekend proved. New York's Hot 97 played the track 30 times during the weekend alone! Look for the "Like Ohh" remix featuring Busta Rhymes to hit radio shortly.
Click here to check out the hit single "Like Ohh:" http://kochent.edgeboss.net/download/kochent/radiohits/like_ohh_clean.mp3
Grafh acquired an early buzz on the mixtape circuit, and received early support from mixshow DJs in New York, and elsewhere. However, long before the public recognized his skill, lyrical finesse, and consistency, he became the flagship artist of Black Hand Entertainment, and his previous background at St John's University eventually qualified him for double duty as president at the indie label Black Hand Entertainment.
Grafh's songs have been heard on HBO's "Entourage," Fox's "Meth and Red," BET's "Ultimate Hustler" and numerous video games, including EA Sport's "NFL Streets," "Saint's Row," and "25 to Life."
About KOCH Entertainment
KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987 and now in its twenty-second year, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH's operations encompass record and video labels, music publishing as well as distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada. Its record label KOCH Records is the # 1 independent label in the U.S. and had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for seven years in a row (2001 - 2007). KOCH Entertainment is a subsidiary of Entertainment One Ltd. which is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market (ticker symbol "ETO.L").
For more information,
Contact
Giovanna Melchiorre
At 212-353-8800x257
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=CFFF26CDC679CCD2
Sony Pictures Classics' The Wackness
THE HIGHEST PER SCREEN AVERAGE OF THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND ($23k+ per screen)
LOS ANGELES, July 7 /PRNewswire/ --
Winner - 2008 Sundance Audience Award
Winner - 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Audience Award
Currently in theaters in New York and Los Angeles, expanding to select markets July 11th and July 18, nationally on August 1
Starring Sir Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck (TV's Drake & Josh), Olivia Thirlby (Juno, Snow Angels), Famke Janssen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jane Adams & rapper/actor Method Man
Written and directed by Jonathan Levine
It's the summer of 1994, and the streets of New York are pulsing with hip hop and wafting with the sweet aroma of marijuana. The newly-inaugurated mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, is only beginning to implement his anti-fun initiatives against "crimes" like noisy portable radio, graffiti and public drunkenness.
Two people, however, are missing out on the excitement. Luke (Josh Peck) is a socially uncomfortable teenage pot dealer with no friends, issues with his parents, and a whopping lack of confidence with girls. He trades weed for sessions with his therapist, Dr. Squires (Sir Ben Kingsley), whose much-younger wife (Famke Janssen) is slipping away from him. Squires, a drug-addled shrink with a hairline retreating to the back of his neck and a state of mind slouching back to adolescence, is an unlikely role model -- but the two of them forge a friendship based on a mutual need: neither one is getting laid.
The intergenerational duo set off on a crawl that takes them all over New York, where they encounter several of Luke's "business associates," including a Phish-following dreadlocked pixie (Mary-Kate Olsen), a New Wave, keyboard-playing one-hit-wonder (Jane Adams), and Luke's supplier (Method Man). Luke has long had an aching crush on Dr. Squires' way-out-of-his-league stepdaughter, Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby from "Juno"), and is stunned at his good luck when she returns his affections. Luke's innocent first love experience with Stephanie becomes a life lesson that sets him on the pathway towards adulthood. And when Squires breaks down, it is up to the younger man to throw the older one a lifeline.
Propelled by an exuberant hip hop score, "The Wackness" captures the spell of 1994 -- a time of pagers, not cell phones; a time when Tupac and Biggie were alive but Kurt Cobain had just died. Funny and moving, "The Wackness" is an offbeat tale of two lost souls stumbling towards maturity.
http://www.thewackness.com/
Source: Sony Pictures Classics
CONTACT: Shannon Treusch, shannontreusch@falcoink.com, or Betsy Rudnick,
betsyrudnick@falcoink.com, both of Falco Ink; or Lisa Danna of
Block-Korenbrot PR, +1-323-634-7001, ldanna@bk-pr.com, all for Sony Pictures
Classics
Web site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/
http://www.thewackness.com/
A Uneek idea moves Female Emcees Babs Bunny, Lady Luck, Lady of Rage and Amil
New York, NY -- Radio personality Ed Lover of Power 105.1FM and Uneek, formerly of the Bounce Squad have joined forces to create a movement entitled Females Earning Money (FEM). FEM features four of the fiercest female lyricists the industry has ever experienced… Babs Bunny, Lady Luck, Lady of Rage and Amil.
"This is the perfect time to do a project like this", expressed co-Executive Producer of the FEM Movement, Ed Lover. "A lot of people have been wondering what happened to the female emcees, well these ladies are about to prove that they are here and they are better than ever! The FEM Movement is great for the future of hip-hop!"
Uneek, who transitioned her career from artist to manager (currently managing Babs and Lady Luck and consulting for Rage), spearheaded this movement with Ed Lover to unify female emcees in a way never seen before. "Females don't come together enough and we need to show unity and cohesiveness. Men do it all the time and now it's our time to stand up, stand together and make some money", said Uneek of why she decided to create FEM. "FEM gives these talented women an opportunity to come together as a movement to show the power that we have when we work as a team, while still allowing each member to maintain their solo emcee status."
"Women seem to have a hard time working together, but we are about to change that and make history", said Lady Luck. When asked about the FEM Movement Babs stated, "I'm excited about the project. Each one of us brings something great and different to the table and I'm ready to go in! We are all very talented and we have all worked with major artists in the industry… Rage with Dr. Dre and Snoop, Amil with Jay-Z, Luck with Def Jam and EPMD and myself with Diddy. None of us are amateurs, but at the same time we all still have something to prove."
Currently the FEM artists are in the studio working on a mixtape hosted by DJ Doo Wop. Rah Digga, as well as other female emcees to be announced will be featured on the mixtape. Plans for a tour and album are also in the works.
www.myspace.com/officialfem
For show bookings or tour information contact:
Uneek – uneekishot@gmail.com
For interviews or information contact:
Alyse Feldman, President, On the Fly Public Relations, Toronto ON,
917-674-6067; ontheflypr@gmail.com
ICE CUBE READIES FOR RELEASE OF EIGHTH SOLO ALBUM, RAW FOOTAGE
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GODFATHER OF GANGSTA RAP KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL & US PROMOTIONAL TOUR ON JULY 11TH
( New York , NY – July 7, 2008) Multi-Platinum and Award Winning Hip-Hop Superstar Ice Cube makes his highly anticipated return to the mic with the debut of his eighth solo LP, titled Raw Footage. Following the 2006 release of the critically acclaimed, Laugh Now, Cry Later, which debuted at #2 on the R&B/Hip Hop sales chart and #4 on the Top 200 sales chart, making it the years highest selling independent release in hip hop, the West Coast's Greatest Rap Lyrist is back again. Raw Footage which will be released by Ice Cube's independently owned label, Lench Mob Records, will hit shelves and online on August 19th.
Boasting production from producers such as Maestro, Emile, DJ Crazy Toones, Teak "Da Beatsmith" Underdue and Dee Underdue and featuring guests Musiq Soulchild, Young Jeezy, The Game and WC, Cube looks to continue his reign as rap's heavy weight champion, showcasing his creative and lyrical genius throughout 17 solid tracks. With the streets already talking about the earlier released buzz single & video "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," which MTV boasted as the first great song and video of 2008, Cube follows up with the album's first official single and video, "Do Ya Thang." Following its debut as at the #1 most added record at rhythmic radio recently, the certified banger produced by Palumbo Beats makes its video debut today on www.icecube.com. Directed by Dale "Rage" Resteghini, the video perfectly paints Cube's message about "doing your thing and not worrying about who's looking," blending cool summer scenes with new sports cars and signature West Coast low riders.
As he readies for the highly anticipated release of Raw Footage, Cube will kick off an International tour on July 11th in Leipzig , Germany for 11 dates which will lead into his US tour starting on August 21st in Seattle and ending on September 21st in New York City .
Ice Cube Tour Dates are as follows:
July 2008
11 – Leipzig , Germany – Splash Festival
12 – Frauenfeld , Switzerland – Openair Frauenfeld
14 – London , UK – Electric Ballroom
15 – Tilburg , Netherlands – 013
16 – Amsterdam , Holland – Melkweg
18 – Dour, Belgium – Dour Music Festival
19 – Stuttgart , Germany – MTV Hip Hop Open
21 – Stockholm , Sweden – Kagelbanan
23 – Helsinki , Finland – Helsinki Icehall
25 – Copenhagen , Denmark – KB Hallen
26 – Oslo , Norway – Rockefeller Music Hall
August 2008
21 - Seattle , WA - Showbox at the Market
22 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot
26 - San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
27 - Bakersfield , CA - The Fox
29 - Anaheim , CA - The Grove
30 - Las Vegas , NV - House of Blues
September 2008
1 - West Hollywood , CA - House of Blues
2 - San Diego , CA - 4th and B
3 - Tempe , AZ - Marquee Theatre
5 - Albuquerque , NM - Sunshine Theatre
6 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen
7 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
9 - North Kansas City, MO - Harrah's North Kansas City/Voodoo Lounge
10 - St. Paul, MN - Myth
12 - Fort Wayne, IN - Piere's
13 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
14 - Cleveland , OH - House of Blues
16 - Mt. Clemens , MI - Emerald Theatre
17 - Johnson City , NY - Magic City Music Hall
19 - Philadelphia , PA - The Fillmore at Theater of Living Arts
21 - New York , NY - The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
ABOUT ICE CUBE
Known to be one of the most important figures in rap history, Ice Cube began his career with the Notorious West Coast Gangsta Rap Group N.W.A two decades ago. At the height of the group's success, Ice Cube broke away to start his own solo career. His initial release, "Amerikkka ' s Most Wanted" (Priority, 1990) sold over a million copies. His sophomore solo effort, "Death Certificate" (Priority, 1991), a concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, debuted at #1 on the R&B Album chart, #2 on the Top 200 album chart and went on to sell over two million copies. His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of both his double album "War and Peace," and hit albums "Lethal Injection," "Bootlegs & B-Sides," "The Predator," and the gold certified, independently released "Laugh Now, Cry Later." Ice Cube has sold over 10 million albums to date.
Contact: Tracy Nguyen or Kisha Maldonado
5W Public Relations
212-999-5585 or 323-492-4312
tnguyen@5wpr.com or kmaldonado@5wpr.com
WU-TANG AFFILIATED SUPERGROUP ALMIGHTY UNVEIL 1ST SINGLE, FREE MIXTAPE & MORE
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DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE NOW! http://burnupload.ihiphop.com/download.php?id=F24484171
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With anticipation of this benchmark release for the extended Wu-Tang family, Almighty presents an exclusive early-look/preview of the album to satisfy rampant fan-demand: the Almighty Mixtape (artwork attached). With additional guest spots from such legendary indie-MC's as MF Doom, Capadonna, Tragedy Khadafi & many more, this is more than your typical mixtape. Look out for Almighty as they gear up for their July 22nd release date, and keep the hip-hop world wanting more.
DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE NOW! http://burnupload.ihiphop.com/download.php?id=31664A401
Check out the exclusive commercial/trailer for Almighty's forthcoming album, Original S.I.N (Strength in Numbers).
WATCH THE TRAILER NOW!
http://www.ihiphop.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=1291
EMBED THE TRAILER NOW! <object width="400" height="320"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1291" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed flashvars="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1291" src="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="320" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>
For more information, please visit:
www.ihiphop.com/thealmighty
www.babygrande.com
Almighty "Original S.I.N. (Strength In Numbers)" In Stores July 22nd, 2008
-- PR Department
Babygrande Records
212.633.8835
Plies Announces Non-Profit Organization and $10,000 "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund
New Album, "DEFINITION OF REAL," in Stores Now
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - June 27, 2008) - Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced details of his very own non-profit organization, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions Foundation, Inc., as well as a scholarship program, the "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund. This all comes as the Ft. Myers, Florida-bred rapper continues to ride the wave of success proven by his sophomore release, "DEFINITION OF REAL," which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 215,000 copies in its first week. In fact, the album's first week sales gave Plies the highest selling first-week numbers in the history of Miami-based Slip-N-Slide Records.
Keeping in the tradition of Plies' philanthropy, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will provide funding for legal representation and aid to needy individuals, specifically those who are incarcerated, with the goal of promoting a more functional, productive, and just community. The organization will also provide educational forums, classes, workshops, trainings, opportunities, and other charitable activities aimed at individuals in the community, in particular focusing on rehabilitation.
In addition, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will focus on promoting activities for youth and minorities, including education, mentorship, cultural experiences, and preventative measures aimed at combating incarceration in the Tampa and Ft. Myers, Florida areas.
The organization's first effort will be the "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund 2008 (named after the song "Somebody (Loves You)" from his current album), which is designed specifically for students attending an accredited college or university, who have a parent(s) that is presently incarcerated and who is financially disadvantaged. The scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled or who will be entering school this fall. Two scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female in the amount of $5000 each.
According to a published Senate report in September of 2000, as many as 70 percent of children of incarcerated parents will become involved with the criminal justice system unless effective intervention strategies are set in place. Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions, Inc. hopes to inspire and encourage these at-risk youth to break the cycle of incarceration. Co-founder Plies comments, "We want to provide those who have been and continue to be affected by the negative impacts of the prison system with a sense of hope, and to let them know that they are not forgotten. No matter what adversities one may face in life, one thing remains true -- and that is that somebody loves you."
For more information on the organization and scholarship, as well as scholarship application details, visit www.pliesworld.com/somebodylovesyou.
In other Plies news, "Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)," the first single from "DEFINITION OF REAL," continues to be another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is ranked at #2 at Urban outlets nationwide this week. What's more, "Bust It Baby Part 2" is turning out to be a pop mainstream summer sensation, coming in this week at #3 on Billboard's "Hot 100 Airplay" ranking, as well as #8 on the overall "Hot 100."
"Bust It Baby Part 2" is also continuing Plies' incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is currently #3 on Nielsen Ringscan's "Top 200 Mastertones" ranking.
Plies recently shot the music video for his next single, "Please Excuse My Hands (Feat. Jamie Foxx and The-Dream)," which is slated to hit video outlets nationwide early next month.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.pliesworld.com, www.myspace.com/plies, and www.imeem.com/plies.
CONTACT:
Catharine McNelly
212-707-3069
catharine.mcnelly@atlanticrecords.com
Cara Donatto
818-238-6819
cara.donatto@atlanticrecords.com
RAS KASS PREPS "INSTITUTIONALIZED VOL. II" FOR AUGUST 5th RELEASE ON BABYGRANDE RECORDS
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One of the most critically acclaimed West Coast emcees of all time, Ras Kass is renowned for his complex lyricism, sharp battle rhymes and witty punchlines.
1996's debut "Soul On Ice" established Ras as one of the front-runners of the post West Coast gangsta rap movement pioneered by seminal acts such as N.W.A. and nationally popularized by modern day icons Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg & more.
Marrying a hardcore street sensibility with his signature witty wordplay, Ras built a loyal underground core with subsequent albums including 1998?s "Rasassination," featuring guest appearances by Dr. Dre, Xzibit, Twista & RZA (of Wu-Tang) as well as multiple mixtape releases.
Currently serving time, Ras Kass? ambition in the face of adversity is on full display with the August 5th bow of "Institutionalized Vol. II." Sure to satisfy Ras? loyal constituency and beyond, "Institutionalized Vol. 2" is a testament to both Ras? resilience and the raw skill that underlies his longevity within the ever-changing hip-hop landscape.
For more information and to sample some tracks, please visit:
www.crackspace.com/raskass
www.babygrande.com
Ras Kass
Institutionalized Vol. 2
In stores August 5th!
--
PR Department
Babygrande Records
212.633.8835
New Outlawz Street LP "We Want In" Stakes Their Claim in The Rap Game
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New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 12, 2008 -- We Want In is the Outlawz declaration to music moguls, program directors, industry gatekeepers and hip hop bosses that with all due respect, they want in the game. Dubbed the street LP, 1 Nation Entertainment and Gold Dust Media will launch We Want In throughout North America, the UK, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa on August 5th.
Battling barriers is the status quo when Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors. The Outlawz; EDI, Young Noble and Kastro have toured all over the world, galvanized countless devotees, and although they get the utmost respect from their musical peers, they have theoretically been on the outside looking in for over a decade.
"We've been knocking for a long time now," says Outlaw EDI "Now we're kicking in doors. We Want In is just another way of saying it's our turn." He continues. "A lot of these cats out here took pages from our books and were inspired by our rhymes...we don't want any of their money, we just want to do business."
The Outlawz have labored tirelessly to be recognized as one of hip hop's most prominent groups. As independent artists they are constantly on the grind and in the lab. They have been featured in top music publications from XXL and Source to Murder Dog and Scratch, earning honors as underground legends and boasting a discography that includes some of the most successful rap albums including; All Eyez On Me, Still I Rise, 2 Pac & Outlawz, Better Dayz, and Makaveli.
According to Young Noble, "We not begging to be accepted -- come on, we're Outlawz…We've worked with all of these dudes, kept it real with our fans and have held our own, but our money definitely ain't matched our fame." He goes on to say, "Label heads and artists are always speaking on how they ride for Pac, but respect ain't being shown for what we helped create. We on over 100 songs with Pac and 60 mill sold, how much work we gotta put in to get the credit we deserve?"
Even In the absence of a major label deal, the Outawz still consider themselves 'successful' and remain driven by their passion for making music, taking care of their families, building on the legacy of fallen Outlawz; Kadafi and Makaveli and staying true to ghetto gospel that they personify. The We Want In street LP speaks to the struggle for all the underground, independent hustlers forging their imprint in the game.
The Outlawz are launching the video for the album's first single; "We Want In" in the month of June. The street LP will be in stores August 5th. Submit Press Requests to Trea Davenport (Trea Day Management and Publicity) at 678.570.4930 or trea_d@yahoo.com.
For information regarding the distribution of We Want In, contact USA Media Director, Stephen Boles (Gold Dust Media) at 718.722.9935.
For More on the Outlawz and We Want In Music News Check Out:
Official Outlawz Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/outlawz
Media Contact:
Trea Davenport
Trea Day for 1 Nation Entertainment & Gold Dust Media
678.570.4930
trea_d @ yahoo.com
Outlawz Publicity Team
http://www.myspace.com/treadavenport
Continue reading "New Outlawz Street LP "We Want In" Stakes Their Claim in The Rap Game" »
June 25, 2008
Nas: The N****r Mixtape
June 23, 2008
Eek-A-Mouse Removed From Carifest Benefit Concert
Reggae legend and Dancehall pioneer, Eek-a-mouse has been removed from the anticipated lineup of this year’s Carifest Benefit Concert because of his outburst at the event press launch in New York recently.
Promoters of the event are concerned that the outburst by the artiste has sent shockwaves throughout the Reggae community worldwide, and has widened a growing racial rift that has been downplayed by industry professionals for years.
In his blunt and uncharismatic statement, Eek-a-mouse expressed his disgust and anger at the preference the mainstream music community has shown for white or lighter skinned reggae oriented artistes.
He accused UB40, Matisyahu, Sean Paul and Shaggy of all being successfully accepted because of the marketability of their skin color.
Eek-a-mouse was scheduled to perform on July 6th alongside Lee Scratch Perry and Jewish Musician Matisyahu.
The Reggae News Agency
www.riddimja.com
June 16, 2008
Better Mus come
An urban love story unfolds against a backdrop of political turmoil.
Set in 1970's Jamaica the story of "Better Mus Come" follows Ricky, a young man from an inner city community fighting against all the odds to escape the prevailing hardships of life in the ghettos of central downtown Kingston.
Haunted by the recent tragic death of his devoted young wife and psychologically paralyzed by conflicting feelings of guilt and loyalty, he tries desperatley to navigate his way through the political minefield created by the constant social upheaval that seems to be umbiquitous in his community.
After months of incarceration as a suspected political agitator Ricky is released. At his surprise home coming party he meets Kemala. In many ways Kemala and Ricky are opposites but fate nevertheless throws them together and what started with antagonism quickly transforms into burning passion
Kemala seems to understand Ricky and it is through her influence that he draws enough strength to be able to face the socio-political forces that confront him daily while trying to find a way out of his unfortunate predicament of desperate poverty, and provide a better life for his son.
Ricky tries in earnest to convince a small group of old friends from his community to adopt a more passive approach. To defy the status quo of confrontation, with the understanding that it definitely limits ertswhile avenues of opportunity and leads to the inevitable fatal cul-de-sac. The big question is can Ricky and his friends beat the odds and ensure that Better Mus' Come.?
sOURCE:http://www.bettermuscome.com/
Damian & Stephen Marley's "The Mission" have the # 1 Spot locked
By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES
TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 11 The Mission-Damian Marley & Stephen Marley-Tuff Gong (2wks@#1) NM
02 2 12 Wine Gal - Beenie Man - TJ Records (3wks@#1) NM
03 5 10 On The Rock- Mavado-Baby G U-2
04 3 14 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship (2wks@#1) D-1
05 6 7 Nah Go Nuh Weh-Vybz Kartel- Big Ship U-1
06 7 10 Money Changer-Mavado-Juke Boxx U-1
07 11 4 Gully Creepa-Elephant Man-Seanizzle U-4
08 4 14 Brown Bottle-Mavado-Big Ship (pp#4)D-4
09 10 7 Laptop-Macka Diamond-D-Ice U-1
10 12 6 Dancers Anthem-RDX-Apt 19 U-2
11 13 6 Chiney-K-Mavado-Big Ship U-2
12 8 25 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back (3wks@#1) D-4
13 16 3 Falling Down-Stacious-John John U-3
14 15 8 Stinking Rich-Serani-Daseca U-1
15 9 26 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John (2wks@#1) D-6
16 17 3 Dem Nuh Want Nuh Gal - Assassin-Board House U-1
17 19 3 Ting Dem Tall - Chino - Big Ship U-2
18 20 2 No, No-Beenie Man-Big Ship U-2
19 14 25 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John (pp#4) D-5
20 - New What Have I Done To You-Bugle- Daseca
TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 2 15 Mercy Please - Black Judah feat. Warrior King -Teflon Blood (1wk@#1) U-1
02 3 12 Mood For Love (Missing You)-Terry Linen-Uplifting Music International U-1
03 1 14 Just As I Am - Lust-Born Music (4wks@#1) D-2
04 5 11 Choppa Grade-Queen Ifrica-Nice Time Music Inc U-1
05 4 16 I'm Bless-Prestige-Timeless Records (pp#4) D-1
06 6 9 Pain-Capleton, Bobo Zaro and Contractor-Tad's Int'l/ Green Lion NM
07 7 15 Love You Pure-Sophia Brown-Cell Block/321 Strong NM
08 8 15 Love Fire-Tony Rebel-Taxi (pp#6) NM
09 10 12 Love Question-Mega Flex-Flex Production U-1
10 11 7 My Lady- Fyakin - Solar Ent. / Fearless Records U-1
11 9 23 Yesterday-Daville-Fashowzy (2wks@#1) D-2
12 13 6 I Am Not Afraid-Etana-No Doubt Record U-1
13 14 6 No Time To Linger-Terry Linen-Joe Fraser U-1
14 16 3 Different Page - I-OPctane - Arrows U-2
15 17 4 Always - Lutan Fyah-Nice Time Music Inc. U-2
16 18 2 Looking For Love-Patriot-Hill Side Entertainment U-2
17 12 13 Want Tek Life-Jnr Reid feat Andrew & Wada Blood-JR Productions (pp#6) D-5
18 19 3 Bed Of Roses-Noddy Virtue and Jodi-Ann Pantry-Reflection U-1
19 20 2 Clearly-Alibra-5 Star U-1
20 - New Ride or Die - Cecile -Dangerzone
TOP TEN ALBUMS/CD CHART
TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 2 8 Mission In Progress-Moragn Heritage-VP Records (1wk@#1) U-1
02 1 13 Turf-Hopeton Lindo-Irie Pen(2wks@#1) D-1
03 3 6 Let's Get Physical-Elephant Man-Bad Boy/VP Records NM
04 5 7 Fight With All Your Might-Anthony Cruz-Penthouse/VP Records U-1
05 6 5 Ragga, Ragga, Ragga 2008-Various Artistes-Greensleeves U-1
06 4 15 Revelation-Little Hero-Inspire/Diamond Edge (2wks@#1) D-2
07 9 2 Gideon Boot-Richie Spice- VP Records U-2
08 7 16 Jah Is My Navigator-Luciano–VP Records (3wks@#1) D-1
09 8 25 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records (2wks@#1) D-1
10 10 12 Voice of Love - AJ Brown- GRC Music NM
01 2 8 Mission In Progress-Moragn Heritage-VP Records (1wk@#1) U-102 1 13 Turf-Hopeton Lindo-Irie Pen(2wks@#1) D-103 3 6 Let's Get Physical-Elephant Man-Bad Boy/VP Records NM04 5 7 Fight With All Your Might-Anthony Cruz-Penthouse/VP Records U-105 6 5 Ragga, Ragga, Ragga 2008-Various Artistes-Greensleeves U-106 4 15 Revelation-Little Hero-Inspire/Diamond Edge (2wks@#1) D-207 9 2 Gideon Boot-Richie Spice- VP Records U-208 7 16 Jah Is My Navigator-Luciano–VP Records (3wks@#1) D-109 8 25 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records (2wks@#1) D-110 10 12 Voice of Love - AJ Brown- GRC Music NM
01 2 8 Mission In Progress-Moragn Heritage-VP Records (1wk@#1) U-102 1 13 Turf-Hopeton Lindo-Irie Pen(2wks@#1) D-103 3 6 Let's Get Physical-Elephant Man-Bad Boy/VP Records NM04 5 7 Fight With All Your Might-Anthony Cruz-Penthouse/VP Records U-105 6 5 Ragga, Ragga, Ragga 2008-Various Artistes-Greensleeves U-106 4 15 Revelation-Little Hero-Inspire/Diamond Edge (2wks@#1) D-207 9 2 Gideon Boot-Richie Spice- VP Records U-208 7 16 Jah Is My Navigator-Luciano–VP Records (3wks@#1) D-109 8 25 Book of Life-I-Wayne-VP Records (2wks@#1) D-110 10 12 Voice of Love - AJ Brown- GRC Music NM_____________________NOTES_____________________________________
Numbers in bracket indicate the number of weeks at the No. 1 Spot.
Key: U - Upward, D - Down, NM - Non-Mover
TW - This Week, LW - Last Week, WC Weeks on Chart, PP in bracket -
Peak Position
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play
Wayne Marshalls' ; Tru Story!
Wayne Speaking about the mix tape says "the beats and songs are unpredictable, it delivers hip hop riddims, dancehall and reggae. This cd is strictly for promotion and will be distributed extensively over the internet and on the streets. Some of the songs that are featured are brand new jams never before heard on the road," he told YardFlex.
Featured on the mix CD are Bounty Killa with a serious high-grade medley, Busy kicks a freestyle collabo with Marshall, Sean Paul and along with Marshall present their new combination entitled "As far as I see".
Wayne Marshall also shared that Mavado and Jay-Z "On The Rock" is done in a different style, Junior Gong and Stephen Marley represents for "Tru Story" dub plate style along with the likes of Bling Dawg, Demarco, Esco, Dr.Evil, Future Fambo and much more.
Wayne Marshall assured that a lot of work was put into the mix tape to ensure maximum pleasure. He shared that the interludes are hilarious, the tracks are hot and the mixing is on point.
The cd is hosted by the Federation Sound headed by Max Clazer who is well known in both the reggae and hip hop worlds.
Source:http://www.yardflex.com
June 11, 2008
10th Annual RCC
10th Annual Reggae Carifest – CARIFEST CARES!.
http://impoetryious.com/blog7/2008/06/10th_annual_reggae_carifest_ca.html
Alfonso D'Niscio Brooks, Musician Mathisyahu, the 2008 Carifest C.A.R.E.S Press conference 6/4/08, The 40/40 Club, NYC. Photo by N. Jeremiah
2008 is a year to celebrate – Reggae Carifest turns 10 this year.
So, we made it past the so-called seven-year itch and now we are looking forward to a great milestone, our ten-year anniversary. This marks a great moment in the lives of reggae lovers the world over. Taking a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished and now we are ready to celebrate the one-decade mark on Sunday July 6, 2008 at the USTA Arthur Ashe Tennis Center.
2008 is a year to celebrate our history, our accomplishments, our community and our future. We have laid the groundwork for another great 10 years, years where we can influence each other for the better, demonstrate what openness, transparency and broad participation look like, marvel at the distributed excitement and fierce dedication to the Reggae Carifest vision for The Planet, The People, The Arts and our Survival, and do things we haven’t even dreamed up yet.
This summer cultural activity to attend in New York City will once again be granting you the opportunity to have the rewarding social experience you have been awaiting. We will be offering a social and/or personal encounter with artists you love. It promises to be relaxing and educational, highlighting the many things we as a people can do to bring about change for a better. As the producer D’Niscio says: “Reggae Carifest is not just an Event it is more so a place to go if your into “having fun”, a “good time’ or “meeting new people”.
In its tenth year, Reggae Carifest has decided to get you more involved. We want to know your desires and showcase the artists you long to see. We have set up a hot line 718 856 3336 to take your calls, voice your opinions and basically let us know how Reggae Carifest has impacted your life. You can always text the word Carifest to 23907 for up to date info. If it’s more convenient you can always log onto www.reggaecarifest.com and let your voice be heard. Free from hate, mischief and jealousy don’t bury your heart; make your dreams a reality – Bob Marley.
The Reggae Carifest Experience is an explosion of Cultural exhibitionism. You are invited to take part in this celebration of Culture. Past shows are as vivid today as the original dates when talked about. Our legacy has excited a passion in our loyal attendees that revel in the memories of our year-to-year captivating presentations allowing for a continuous growing attendance. It truly is a festive occasion enjoyed by an eclectic strain of folks spanning all walks of life.
Looking back to the inaugural event launched in 1998 at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, and monitoring its growth as it moved through venues such as The Keyspan Park, Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium and Randall’s Island Park.
The luster of our event’s illumination continues to shine as the beacon occurrence of all that is diverse, catering to any and all that appreciate authentic cultural expressions and aesthetics. In this sphere we dominate the playing field, we at Team Legendary seek to out do our past year’s productions going into each “Carifest”. This mandate was impressively achieved at “Reggae Carifest 2k5” where we were the first promotional company in America to film a West Indian concert in large scale in High Definition and Dolby 5.1 digital surround sound. Team Legendary is opening roads for the West Indian genre with the support of its community and the artists, steadfastly keeping the foundation ever present in today’s ever changing market.
Source:http://reggaecarifest.com
June 07, 2008
The New National Party (NNP) government in Grenada said it was forced to caution Jamaican dance hall artiste Vegas about using offensive lyrics during his recent live performance at one of its rallies, this according to a report on radiojamaica.com
The New National Party (NNP) government in Grenada said it was forced to caution Jamaican dance hall artiste Vegas about using offensive lyrics during his recent live performance at one of its rallies, this according to a report on radiojamaica.com
Youth Minister Senator Emmalin Pierre made her disclosure in response to public concerns as the party faced a likely fall-out over another pre-election concert.
Local media have reported that Vegas' performance featured songs promoting drug use and branding women as prostitutes in the presence of ruling party officials.
Miss Pierre said the artiste was advised that he should immediately refrain from offensive lyrics and he complied.
Callers to talk shows had complained against the choice of some of the lyrics used by Vegas, some of which were played back on several local TV stations.
A month ago, there was public outcry following a concert with another Jamaican artiste Beenie Man.
This forced NNP officials to apologize for aspects of the event.
General elections are constitutionally due in Grenada by April 2009 but speculation has been mounting that polling day could be next month.
REGGAE LOVERS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Reggae lovers are fighting back! There is a commission formed to defend freedom of speech where reggae music is concerned.
Based on the tremendous pressure some dancehall artistes have been facing with gay rights group the commission is now formed to fight back.
The most recent attack surfaced in Waterloo, Ontario on May 10th where Mr Vegas was scheduled to perform but could not, as the venue was threatened by gay activists stating that if Vegas perform they would picket the event.
Unfortunately, the venue cancelled the show to avoid the unwanted negative attention the establishment would receive had the show gone
on. In an effort to fight these many cancellations and in some cases song withdrawals, blogger Maria Jackson has put a group together called REGGAE LOVERS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH. The purpose of the group is to investigate and challenge these gay activists as oppose to simply giving in to their every requests. The group which currently has members hailing from different parts of the world is open to the public and does invite any and everyone who believes that reggae is being unfairly targeted to join the fight.
Posted by yardFlex on 02:36 PM | Comments (14
BUJU BANTON PRESENTS: Jamrock Classics Vol. 1
Gargamel Music will be dropping their newest compilation titled Jamrock Classics Vol. 1 in North America today, June 3. The compilation will be available in stores and online in the US and Canada.
Produced by Banton at his Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamrock Classics Vol. 1, features stellar guest turns from the legendary Pinchers, George Nooks, Terror Fabulous, Ghost, Jah Cure, Yami Bolo, Tony Curtis and Lutan Fyah. Buju has two tracks on the compilation on with Gargamel artiste New Kidz on the deadly combo "Curfew" and the other with the timely anti-gun tune "Cowboys,"
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Mavado freed of gun charges; to star in movie
Dancehall artiste Mavado had the gun-related charges against dropped earlier today when he appeared in the Gun Court in Kingston.
According to IrieFM, the director of public prosecution made an order that the proceedings should not continue after the police told the court this week that the witnesses had migrated.
These charges were the reason for him being refused entrance to the US awhile back. Hopefully, with the charges dropped, the DJ will once again be able to travel to the US.
July 27th last year, it was alleged that Mavado was involved in a shooting incident on Mannings Hill Road in St. Andrew.
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Continue reading "Mavado freed of gun charges; to star in movie" »
"One of our sons are Missing" ;June 19 - 21, 2008, Brooklyn
"One of Our Sons is Missing": June 19 - 21, 2008, Brooklyn
We All Have Secrets... Some Kill
Provocative and engaging, One of Our Sons is Missing explores the lies we tell ourselves and the truths we hide from others when a Caribbean family is forced to confront dark secrets, prejudices and fear as the threat, and reality, of HIV/AIDS invades their world. It also examines the risks to which young people may be exposed in their relationships, often without being fully aware of the consequences.
When first staged in his native Trinidad, Godfrey Sealy's work was considered at once groundbreaking and scandalous for dealing openly with the issues of sexuality and HIV/AIDS in the English-speaking Caribbean. Unfortunately, after almost two decades, the scandal is its narrative remains painfully contemporary.
Kumble Theatre for the Perfroming Arts
Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus (corner Flatbush Ave Extension & Dekalb Ave)
June 19 - 21
May 28, 2008
Jean Bayor - Testimony: my life story
As one half of the platinum duo that gave us some of the most memorable R&B tracks of the nineties, Jean Baylor, formerly Jean Norris, of the hit group Zhane returns with her first solo effort "Testimony: My Life Story". As an artist, she transports her audience to another place...delivering vocal performances so angelic that it makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud. Song after song, Baylor demonstrates her growth musically, spiritually, and lyrically from years past, and the end result is a compelling collection of songs remarkably blended in elements of hip hop, pop, and R&B/Soul. Not only is Testimony: My Life Story the personal soundtrack of Baylor's life but it's a compassionate anthology filled with hope, inspiration, and gratitude. Drawing from her own life's experiences, she pulls listeners in tight and up close with personal accounts of her journeys of love, pain, and spiritual growth.
source:http://www.blackplanet.com/Jean_Baylor/
May 22, 2008
Soca Gold 2008 - Various Artist
Product Description
SOCA Gold 2008 shines with 17 reggae jewels like 'Get On' by Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez, 'Breathless' by Roy Cape featuring Blaxx, 'Gyal Farm' by Shal Marshal/Kerwin Dubois, 'Feel Like I'm Home Again' by Edwin Yearwood, 'Soka Junkie' by Mr. Dale, 'Pressure Boom' by Ricky T and other glistening jems for your wild nights.
Afro Bop Alliance - Caribbean Jazz Project
From the Artist
The genesis of the project was more organic than top-down conceptual, says Dave Samuels, who first encountered the Afro Bop Alliance a few years ago and enlisted trombonist Dan Drew to rearrange some CJP tunes originally written for the small group setting. "Dan very cleverly and artfully took these songs and orchestrated them for big band," says Samuels. "Then I thought, `Why don't we try to record this and see what happens?' So the whole idea evolved from the music outward, as opposed to the concept coming before the music."
The results were eye-opening, even for the musician who composed the original pieces. "Repackaging something that had been played a lot in a smaller group was a way to see it and hear it in a new light," says Samuels. "You react differently to it. It's a different ball game. It's the difference between playing on a five-man team and a fifteen-man team. And if you're the listener, you may have heard these tunes with the small group, but it's a completely different experience hearing it with this big band."
About the Artist
The Caribbean Jazz Project, the Latin jazz collective of vibraphonist David Samuels, steel pan drummer Andy Narell and saxophonist Paquito d'Rivera, crafted their first recordings on Heads Up International in the 1990s and immediately captured the imagination of audiences and critics worldwide. In the years since, the GRAMMY Award winning ensemble CJP led by Samuels has recorded subsequent albums on the Concord label and a few of the faces in the group's roster have changed. Nevertheless, Samuels and company continue to explore and test the commonly accepted boundaries of Latin jazz - and jazz in general - via innovative compositions and exciting arrangements.
Since their inception less than five years ago, the brassy and high-energy Afro Bop Alliance has electrified audiences at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Jazz Café, The W. C. Handy Jazz Festival and many other music and cultural festivals.
Product Description
The Caribbean Jazz Project-Afro Bop Alliance, set for release on Heads Up International, recasts nine CJP signature pieces - some by composer/vibraphonist Dave Samuels and others by Coltrane, Monk and other jazz luminaries - in a fresh new light via full-bodied arrangements by the Maryland-based Afro Bop Alliance, one of the most exciting new bands on the Latin jazz scene today.
Caribbean Connection
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The reggaeton from Puerto Rico, musical genre that is monopolizing the musical panorama, now will come to countries where it is still unknown. "Caribbean Connections" (New Era Entertainment/VI Music/Machete Music) it is a masterpiece that will let the public learn the origins of reggae and its influences in reggaeton. "Caribbean Connections" presents an impressive mixture of Caribbean's sounds and pretends clarify the rumored conflicts and competition among both famous musical genres. This new album features the best exponents of Puerto Rico's reaggaeton with famous artists of reggae coming from Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Creating a unique merge of the Caribbean that will make history. The reggaeton from the Island of Delight (Puerto Rico) was born from the influence of Jamaica's reggae. The reggae movement has climbed up to countries like Europe, Asia and Japan, places that until now just a few exponents of the Puerto Rican reggaeton are notorious. But now with the album "Caribbean Connections", the artist of reggaeton will be lead hand to hand by the artists of reggae already known in this countries, where surely, they will impose the only and incomparable style. "Caribbean Connections" present singers from the old school reggaeton rithm as Vico C, the international height of Daddy Yankee, Don Omar and Wisin & Yandel; famous reggaeton singers as Julio Voltio, Angel & Khriz, Zion & Lennox, Héctor " The Father", Eddie Dee, Alexis & Fido, Baby Rasta, between others performers of reggae as Bennie Man, Cuban Link, Wayne Wonder and many more. The producer of this new album, Nelson Gustavo Colón, consider this moment a strategically term to create a compilation of this height and caliber.
Click here for more HIP HOP and R&B
May 21, 2008
The Harder They Come [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [SOUNDTRACK]
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzell made reggae an integral player in his gritty 1973 saga of a renegade Kingston singer who becomes a modern Robin Hood, casting one of the style's earliest stars, Jimmy Cliff, in the lead, and filling this soundtrack--here presented in a remastered version--with classics from Toots & the Maytals ("Pressure Drop," "Sweet and Dandy"), Desmond Dekker ("Shanty Town"), the Melodians ("Rivers of Babylon"), and the Slickers ("Johnny Too Bad"). Cliff himself gets pole position, however, getting in the first ("You Can Get It If You Really Want") and last ("The Harder They Come") words in this first-rate reggae primer, which also features Cliff's enduring "Many Rivers to Cross." --Sam Sutherland
Product Description
Japanese digitally remastered reissue of 1973 soundtrack, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Featuring music mostly performed by Jimmy Cliff but also including tracks from Melodians, Maytals, The Slickers & Desmond Dekker. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzell made reggae an integral player in his gritty 1973 saga of a renegade Kingston singer who becomes a modern Robin Hood, casting one of the style's earliest stars, Jimmy Cliff, in the lead, and filling this soundtrack--here presented in a remastered version--with classics from Toots & the Maytals ("Pressure Drop," "Sweet and Dandy"), Desmond Dekker ("Shanty Town"), the Melodians ("Rivers of Babylon"), and the Slickers ("Johnny Too Bad"). Cliff himself gets pole position, however, getting in the first ("You Can Get It If You Really Want") and last ("The Harder They Come") words in this first-rate reggae primer, which also features Cliff's enduring "Many Rivers to Cross." --Sam Sutherland
Product Description
Japanese digitally remastered reissue of 1973 soundtrack, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Featuring music mostly performed by Jimmy Cliff but also including tracks from Melodians, Maytals, The Slickers & Desmond Dekker. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
SOURCE:REGGAE
May 20, 2008
"The Icon" Nina B
Nina spent her teenage years writing and educating herself on the ins and outs of the music industry. By age 16, Nina was offered a major record deal, which she professionally declined. By nineteen, NINA B was an active participant in Russell Simmons/Bruce Willis Art Start and Hip-Hop Project, where she met Amber Ravenel, CEO of Ravenel Records. In 2003, Nina B signed with Ravenel Records, becoming the first female artist on their roster. Since then, Nina has released six mix-tapes, did a barrage of live performances at venues throughout the New York/Tri-State area, has been featured on some of hip-hop's most notable sites, and publications.
As a female artist signed to an independent label run by a woman, Nina B and Amber Ravenel have broken down barriers in what has always been considered a male dominated industry. Nina's song ‘Can't Stop" has been pick of the week on Hot 97's morning show with Miss Jones and DJ Envy. She has made four appearances on Rap City, a record for an independent female artist. She has also been highlighted on The Drhama Hour with DJ Kayslay and his Sirius Satellite Radio Show, Cipher Sounds "Don't Quit Your Day Job" Show, and "On The Spot" with DJ Green Lantern. These are all huge accomplishments for an artist not signed to a major record deal, being represented by an independent label. Combine Nina B's consistency, diligent work ethics, and lyrical flow, with the misfortunes of her past serving as her strength for her future, and you have a female artist whose future and success has no limits.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com/projects/more/216/nina_b_the_icon
Lil JJ's "Almost Grown"
Almost Grown showcases Lil JJ's comedy, acting, rapping and dancing talents. Almost Grown also features show stopping performances by teen heartthrob Lil Tre, the precociously talented nNocent, Life and the Almost Grown Dancers.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com/projects/more/220/lil_jj_almost_grown_variety_show
"Trust Me" Craig David
HIP HOP and R&B
H ot Stuff (Let's Dance)' combines Craig David's inimitable vocal gift with irresistible funk-infused beats and a sample of David Bowie's classic track ‘Let's Dance'.
Recorded in Havana, Cuba with producer Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, James Morrison) and writer/producer/mixer Fraser T. Smith (Craig David, Kano, Beyonce, Plan B, Jamelia), the track ‘6 of 1 Thing' emphasises how Cuban musical culture influenced his new work, whilst the ballad ‘Awkward' (highlighting guest vocals from a female west London star-to-be) features some of his most evocative lyrics to date. Other highlights include the infectious hook and insistent rhythms of the title track, and ‘She's On Fire' which combines sublime bass with Craig's fluid lyrical flow.
Since becoming a global phenomenon with ‘Born To Do It', Craig David has become a huge UK superstar with two #1 singles (‘Fill Me In' and ‘7 Days') and a further ten appearances in the Top 10. All three of his albums have been chart hits: ‘Born To Do It' (#1), 2002's ‘Slicker Than Your Average' (#4) and 2005's ‘The Story Goes…' (#5).
A multiple-award winner who has earned three Ivor Novello Awards (including Songwriter of the Year and Best Contemporary Song), four MOBOs (one of which was for Best UK Act) and two MTV Europe Awards, Craig David has worked with a talented array of artists including Sting and Artful Dodger's Mark Hill and Pete Devereux. Craig David also recently featured on Kano's Top 20 single ‘This is The Girl'.
Source:http://www.thinktankmktg.com/projects/more/213/craig_david_trust_me
Ashantis' "The Declaration" 
Ashantis' "The Declaration"
HIP HOP and R&B @ Amazon
The Declaration is an impressive rollout of A-list producers, including Jermaine Dupri, LT Hutton, Babyface, Pharrell Williams, Bryan Michael Cox and others. A sizzling snapshot of the heat-seeking Ashanti can be gleamed from the new single; "The Way That I Love You" produced LT Hutton. The song skillfully plays up the ever-present voice of the star. You can feel Ashanti reveling in her new-found independence, which she effortlessly displays with a powerful sense of purpose throughout every song on the new album. "One of the reasons I call the album ‘The Declaration,' is because I feel it's important to present all sides of what being a woman is about," she says. "Historically, we've always been relegated to the bottom of the totem pole, whether it's business or the battle of the sexes or just empowering each other. I want this album to make people feel stronger about themselves. I've always used the ups and downs in my own life as well as others close to me as a motivational tool and I hope my music comes off that way. I felt a lot of passion making this record. I loved every minute I was in the studio."
Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Author Ashanti is a native of Glen Cove, Long Island. She burst onto the music scene with her 2002 smash hit debut album self-titled Ashanti. The album landed at the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week. Her first week set a Sound scan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart's history, granting her a spot in the Guinness book of world records. Simultaneously, Ashanti also secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart and the R&B/Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart with her song, "Foolish." She made Billboard history by having her first three chart entries land in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. She is the first female to accomplish this feat previously only attained by the Beatles. That year she was awarded 8 Billboard Awards. Her album "Ashanti" topped the Billboard Album Chart and also won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. In addition, that year she won 2 American Music Awards and the Soul Train Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the year Award. Her follow-up release, "Chapter II," debuted in the no. 1 slot on the Billboard Album Chart and spawned two Top-10 singles. In addition to her Grammy, she's also won an NAACP Image Award. Numerous Soul Train Awards, A MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award, A Comet Award (Grammy Equivalent in Germany), Lady of Soul Awards and a Teen Choice and Nickelodeon's Kid Choice Award, along with many other nominations including an MTV movie award nomination for "Coach Carter." Ashanti's other albums include "Ashanti's Christmas", "Concrete Rose", and a remix album titled, "Collectibles by Ashanti".
Ashanti is hot off the #1 box office hit, "Resident Evil Extinction" staring opposite Milla Jovovich for Sony Screen Gems. Previously, she stared in the hugely successful "John Tucker Must Die" in an ensemble cast composed of Ashanti, Brittany Snow, Sofia Bush, Ariel Kebble and Jessie Metcalfe. In her feature film debut "Coach Carter," she co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson. She can be seen as an Indian Songstress who sings in Hindi and English as she dances in the film, "Bride & Prejudice." Ashanti made her telefilm debut helming "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," opposite Miss Piggy and Kermit. She got her start in acting on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," and portrayed Dionne Warwick on "American Dreams."
She has written her first book of poetry through Hyperion titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love which is currently in its sixth edition.
Ashanti is also an entrepreneur who has her own fragrance, "Precious Jewel" sold at Wal-Mart and other fine stores as well as a Dietary Supplement "Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend".
Her endorsements include: Herbal Essences, where she is the first African American to land a national campaign, Candies Apparel, as well as MUDD Jeans, "DELICIOUS CURVES".
Ashanti has performed before Presidents and Royalty. She has performed duets with the likes of Pattie Labelle, Smokie Robinson, Ronald Isley, Stevie Wonder and Kenny Chesney to name a few. She has appeared on shows ranging from Oprah, Ellen, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis & Kelly, Saturday Night Live, The View, Conan O'Brien, BET 106 & Park, MTV TRL, VH1 and Fuse TV among others. She has performed on virtually every music awards show from the American Music Awards to the Grammy's, the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Europe Awards, the Soul Train Awards and the Kids' Choice Awards. She is an American Favorite, singing the National Anthem and God Bless America for major events including the World Series.
The Declaration Track Listing:
Intro
The Way That I Love You
Your Gonna Miss Me
So Over You
Struggle
Girlfriend
Things You Make Me Do feat. Robin Thicke
In These Streets
Good Good
Body On Me feat. Nelly & Akon
Mother
Shine
The Declaration
May 14, 2008
Thug Life Army Records to Release In The Shadow of an Icon 12/14
Grassroots record label Thug Life Army Records is set to re-arrange the urban hip hop landscape with the release of their highly anticipated hip hop project 'In The Shadow of an Icon'.
In stores January 15th nationwide, 'In The Shadow of an Icon' is a unique project putting artists from all across the nation together for a meaningful message filled CD, built on the 'thought process' of the late hip hop and rap icon Tupac Shakur (2Pac). The project contains no music by Tupac (2Pac), but it does reveal artists who grew out of the 'shadow' of the hip hop Icon
As we see the urban hip hop musical landscape infiltrated by corporate hip hop and what seems to be so much music with out a meaning, this unique project from Thug Life Army Records focuses on the 'real' things going on in the streets and in the lives of many in hip hop culture.
Hip Hop icon Tupac Shakur was more than a rap artist. He was also a poet, an activist, a reporter and yes a teacher. The artists put forth on this unique project have all learned and have crafted their skills out of the 'shadow' of the teacher Tupac Shakur; they too have re-taken the place of 'street reporter' to enlighten, spread the news and/or deliver true street messages in their rhymes.
This project, from Thug Life Army Records, distributed by Fontana/AMG/Universal/, was released to all the major digital download sites in mid December and is available now for on line download.
If your local record source does not have the CD ask them to order it and if your local radio station is not playing tracks from 'In The Shadow of an Icon' please request that they do. Support of this album will show that Hip Hop is not Dead, people are just not looking in the right places for it.
When asked about the direction the music takes in the CD, RB explains "The various sides and teachings of the 'man', Tupac Amaru Shakur are represented on this CD - from his street side, to his political side, to his deep inner self. A total look is taken at the course Tupac had traveled in his short life. A picture of Tupac's life is a picture of many of our lives. His up's and down's are roads many of us have shared along the way. That is why Tupac gained the respect of almost everyone in the hip hop community - we could feel his pain and joys, as he felt ours. His words and teachings remain relevant today because the situation has not changed since Pac first started exposing the real truth of hood life, and the artists on this project continue with
Pac's message of 'keeping it real' thru real talk. No spinning rims or drinking in the club, just solid true about the reality of being raised in a society that does not understand you or your situation."
"Violence has touched many in this country, not only the hip hop community. This is not only a requiem for the life of Tupac and for all the fallen 'souljahs' who have died needlessly or have found themselves in situations they cannot control, but it also emphasizes why the lyrics that Tupac spit and the knowledge he put forth is still relevant today; because nothing has really changed over the last 11 years since Tupac was murdered, and the artists on this project came together to put out a hip hop album with a 'meaningful message'."
With over 25 different artists participating in the project, there are many backgrounds and each artist has their own region where they rep from and their own experiences in life.
Here is the track list for 'In the Shadow of an Icon' and more information can be found at http://www.myspace.com/intheshadowofanicon or on the Thug Life Army Records web site at http://thuglifearmyrecords.com .
Track list for 'In the Shadow of an Icon'
Disc One
1.) Boo Kapone - KNOWLEDGE
2.) Concrete Souljahs - Walk wit me
3.) allfrumtha i - Everywhere I Go (good and evil)
4.) SUPe – The System
5.) Hustle Creed - We Live and We Die
6.) Purple Lounge "H.O.P.E"
7.) Nolan – PEOPLE
8.) 1223 - Wish I Knew
9.) Jasiri X and Franchise - 2 Pacs More
Producer: Paradise Gray (X Clan) and GM3
10.) Page 1 - Fallen
11.) Ebony Burks – Choice
12.) G Luv - Revelation
13.) FAME – Next 2 Kin
14.) U.N.D feat. Teeka – Understand
15.) binky mack - Conflict Of Interest
Disc Two
1.) Kemo the Blaxican - Breathe
2.) Celly Cel - No Tomorrow
3.) Dolo - So Much Drama
4.) Qwiccshott - Never
5.) Sammy B feat Big Dee – No Half Steppin
6.) 3RDegree – Broken Home
7.) allfrumtha i - Me & My Dawg
8.) K – Loron – Speed of Life
9.) Concrete Souljahs - Related to the Undergroud
10.) Tommy Danger - Run for Cover
11.) Wize-Fool – DANGEROUS FREE THINKER
12.) binky mack - Taken Over
13.) Malign20 - Hopes and Dreams
14.) Queen Josie - Young Men of Today (Spoken Word)
Web Site - http://thuglifearmyrecords.com
And on MySpace at - http://www.myspace.com/intheshadowofanicon
and http://www.myspace.com/thuglifearmyrecords
Press Contact
RB Riddle
ThugLifeArmyrecords@gmail.com
Cell – 513-673-3144
For radio mp3's and/or a press promo copies of the album for review or banners to help promote this project on your site please contact RB Riddle or Thug Life Army Records at Info@ThugLifeArmyRecords.com
TWISTA RELEASES FIRST GROUP FROM HIS LATEST KOCH RECORDS VENTURE OF GET MONEY GANG (GMG)
SPEEDKNOT MOBSTAZ
MOBSTABILITY II: NATION BIZNESS
IN STORES MAY 27, 2008
New Video "Money To Blow" Playing on MTV Jams Now!
Chicago, IL (May 12, 2008) Multi-platinum rapper, Twista launches his Get Money Gang (GMG) Imprint via Koch Records, with yet another anticipated Speedknot Mobstaz album entitled MOBSTABILITY II: Nation Bizness, set to release Tuesday, May 27, 2008. With new single "Money To Blow" both radio and MTV Jams are strongly supporting group members Liffy Stokes, Mayz and Skooda. "No lie, this album is on some real street shit, none of that Ringtone shit. This music we're putting out is for the everyday Hustla on the grind. Its been a long time coming for me and the crew, now that everything is in place we can finally give the fans what they want," says Speedknot Mobstaz member Liffy Stokes.
Surrounding all of the hype in regards to the release of the new album, the Speedknot Mobstaz recently accepted the offer to perform on the Rock The Vote Tour scheduled to hit over 20 cities throughout the United States . In addition to that, the Speedknot Mobstaz will introduce their video "Money To Blow" on BET's Rap City next week. In 1998, the Mobstaz released their first album entitled MOBSTABILITY: Nation Bizness which ultimately certified them RIAA gold status with over 700,000 in sales. Strategically, prepped with a half a million copies sold from three compilations, the group feels they are ready and set to really jumpstart their career and never look back.
Rolling out the red carpet for the team he believes in, Twista is on a mission to expand his music and entrepreneurial vision with Get Money Gang. The Speedknot Mobstaz are just one of the many artists that will be unveiled from the GMG imprint through other label deals. "Expect to hear real music coming from the heart of the Chi. I am dedicated to making this GMG label a movement first in Chicago , then nationwide. If you got real talent and about getting money, then you got a spot at my label," says Twista. The release of this album promises to set summer radio on fire!
View "Money To Blow" Video Here:
Hi-Bandwidth: http://kochent.edgeboss.net/wmedia/kochent/twista/money2blow512k_stream.wvx
Brandon Moore
Echoing Soundz
Lifestyle Marketing | Public Relations | Event Production
www.echoingsoundz.com
www.myspace.com/buziness
818.787.7633 Office
818.787.8748 Fax
310.259.5973 Cell
thebiz@echoingsoundz.com
ILL BILL, KILLAH PRIEST, DEFARI (DILATED PEOPLES), APATHY, OUTERSPACE, RA THE RUGGED MAN, SMIF-N-WESSUN, C-RAYZ WALZ & MORE JOIN WITH GERMAN PRODUCTION TEAM SNOWGOONS FOR THEIR SOPHOMORE SET "BLACK SNOW"
May 12th, 2008 Album hits streets June 24th on renowned indie Babygrande Records; first video premiered featuring Reef The Lost Cauze
Amidst critical fanfare and a rapidly expanding US profile, The Snowgoons, the renowned German production team of Det, DJ Illegal, Torben & DJ Waxwork, prepare their sophomore offering, "Black Snow," featuring a veritable who's who of the independent hip-hop scene.
Building off of the critical and commercial acclaim of their debut release, 2007's "German Lugers," The Snowgoons once again enlist the upper echelon of independent talent for "Black Snow," including Defari (Dilated Peoples), Killah Priest, Smif-N-Wessun, ILL Bill (Non Phixion & La Coka Nostra), Outerspace, C-Rayz Walz, R.A. The Rugged Man, Apathy, Edo G., Sabac Red (Non-Phixion), Doap Nixon, Reef The Lost Cauze, Sick Jacken, Rasul Allah (Lost Children of Babylon), Scheme (The Molemen), Main Flow, El Da Sensei, Block McCloud, Pace Won, Slaine & many more. With a line-up of features that rivals (and outshines) most independent labels' rosters, The Snowgoons once again storm the US shores with their distinctive blend of beats paired with the cream of the independent emcee crop.
In connection with the announcement of the release, The 'Goons unveil the first of multiple videos showcasing the gritty underground stylings that will define their sophomore entry "Black Snow:"
"This Is Where The Fun Stops" featuring Philly's own Reef The Lost Cauze.
Check for more videos in the ensuing weeks featuring guest emcees from the album...
WATCH "THIS IS WHERE THE FUN STOPS" FEATURING REEF THE LOST CAUZE:
www.hiphopcrack.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=1050
CHECK OUT THE WIDGET FOR MORE INFO AND TRACKS!!!
www.crackspace.com/snowgoons
SNOWGOONS
"BLACK SNOW"
IN STORES JUNE 24th!!!
www.crackspace.com/snowgoons
www.snowgoons.de
www.babygrande.com
Hidden in Plain Sight -Positive Messages in Mainstream Rap Songs
Hidden in Plain Sight -Positive Messages in Mainstream Rap Songs courtesy of Rap & Rock confidential
rockrap@aol. com
"Hip-hop needs to find the next subject. Politics and social stuff—those are going to be the next real subjects groups get into.
"
—George Clinton-
, Detroit Free Press, summer 2007
Too many in the hip hop audience accept the big lie promoted by opportunist preachers and politicians that hip-hop is only about madness and misogyny. The truth is very different. There are many, many hip-hop songs reaching millions of people which carry a message of unity, songs whose protests and promise promote a vision of a world without war, poverty, and racism. The truth here should set us free, free of false divisions between mainstream and underground, between bling bling and backpack.
Let us know what we've missed.
"All of Me," 50 Cent featuring Mary J.
Blige—Two heavyweights talk about politics at square one, between a man and a woman in a relationship. Fifteen rounds of intense negotiation lead to the kind of "win win" outcome music manages best.
"Bendicion Mami," Fat Joe—A tribute to his mother and, just like Tupac, it resonates beyond the individual situation because our mothers are held up as subhuman by the media and by the masters of puppets in the White House. Here it's also about unconditional love for one's family and support in the face of physical illness and the sickness of the system.
"Black and Brown," Xzibit—"80% of inmates are black and Hispanic/They're trying to wipe us off of this planet/Dammit….That's why we've got to sit down/And talk about the black and the brown." A love song to brothers thrown against brothers in Los Angeles, nationwide and worldwide, with a dream of what could happen if we learned to focus on our real enemy.
"Buck the World," Young Buck—"My rent due/Baby need food and shoes/I'm flat broke/Still I refuse to lose." A song about reaching the breaking point and choosing life anyway, changing a "Fuck the World" goodbye to a "Buck the World" throwdown.
"Cold World," Xzibit—A rap that follows the money at the root of a young woman savaged by a dehumanizing job then by unemployment, of a kid locked into a losing street hustle and of an Iraqi family facing guns and bombs.
"Concrete Jungle," Jim Jones, featuring Max B, Rell, Dr.
Ben Chavis and Noe—There's power to Jones's shout out to his "political soldiers" behind bars—without romanticizing the streets, he's dreaming of the world that can come out of making the culture of those streets work for us.
"Do Your Time," Ludacris with Beanie Siegel and C-Murder—A roll call of friends and loved ones locked down by a justice system "fucked up," bolstered by details of life behind bars, suggestions for how to support these brothers and sisters and contemplating what MLK would think of how far we have to go.
"Dreams," The Game—King's dreams again, asking us to contemplate what they have in common with those of Huey Newton, Easy E, Marshall Mathers, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Jackson, Aaliyah and Left Eye Lopez.
"Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," Ice Cube—Lays waste to the logic that blames rap for everything from selling crack to college shootings, in fact arguing that gangsta's the loudest voice against everyday violence. And the reason, Cube explains, "Lyrically I'm so lethal…Just to feed all my people.
"
"Georgia Bush," Lil' Wayne—Sums up the first year after Katrina, calling the President out for ongoing genocide. A sample of Ray Charles's "Georgia" not only emasculates the president but restores the power of that refrain free of nostalgia.
"Get Ya Hustle On," Juvenile—Life after Katrina's a lot like life before Katrina, "your mayor ain't your friend/he's the enemy," your friends are behind bars, and there's no government for the people just a hustle to stay alive. But this song's not about defeat—"It's crunch time," Juvenile declares, "It's the movement.
"
"Ghetto, Arab Remix," Ali B featuring Yes-R & Akon—This call for worldwide unity features Morrocan rappers Ali-B and Yes-R joined by R&B singer Akon, who has his own roots both in St. Louis and West Africa.
"Hangin' On (My Song)," Chingo Bling—Biggie rapped about contemplating suicide, here it's the terrorism of the immigration police that puts a man in that mind state.
"Hard Out Here for a Pimp," Three 6 Mafia—Oscar or not, this song stands strong on its own, deromanticizing the hustle of "seeing people killed and seeing people deal and seeing people live in poverty with no meal.
"
"Hate It or Love It," The Game and 50 Cent—"The underdog's on top, and I'm going to shine, homie, until my heart stop." Summons Rakim and Marvin Gaye to remind listeners that playa hatin' avoids the hard work of dealing with the power structure.
"Hip Hop Police," Chamillionaire featuring Slick Rick—Cites Snoop Dogg's "Murder Was the Case" to suggest hip hoppers not let themselves be turned against each other but, instead, stay focused on the real sources of injustice.
"Hope," Twista and Faith Evans—Twista wishes, "I could go deep in a zone/And lift the spirits of the world with the words within this song." He does just that and so much more, calling for his brother to get out of jail, his grandmother to get well, an end to drug dealing, war and poverty. Faith's refrains make it easy to "take this music and use it, let it take you away.
"
"Imagine," Snoop Dogg, Dr.
Dre and D'Angelo—In this world without hip hop, there's all the same poverty, sickness, madness and death except no music to bring people together to fight.
"Let's Get This Paper," Rich Boy—May be the angriest, hardest-hitting political statement anyone's made about the war against the poor, here at home and over in Iraq.
"Lighter's Up," Lil Kim—In English and in Spanish, Brooklyn's self-proclaimed queen of rap serves up this reggaeton-flavored rap for unity, "no matter where you from.
"
"Live Again," Yin Yang Twins—Dirty South bad boys contemplate the quiet agonies of women forced out of their homes and into the streets, taking off their clothes to feed their kids and hoping for a second chance at life. D-Roc bemoans the fact that the schools don't prepare these women for the world they face, and the preachers don't give them refuge, so their hopes and dreams only find voice in rap.
"Make Me Better," Fabolous and Ne-Yo—A Brooklyn rapper joins forces with a sweet voiced refrain to show just how much we need one another.
"Memphis," Eightball & MJG—A rally cry for unity among all the hoods of the Mid-South, calling upon the region's rich musical history and pointing toward a future where all the ghettos nationwide come together.
"My Hood," Young Jeezy—"Everytime I do it, I do it for my hood/And everytime I do it, I do it for your hood/and everytime I do it, I do it for they hood/It's understood….
"100 Years," Plies—Story after story indicting a justice system out to put every young man in the hood behind bars, asking such pointed questions as "how in the fuck can four birds get you a life sentence, but give a cracker seven years for money launderin' millions?"
"Over and Over," Nelly—Even without the video of a day in the parallel lives of Tim McGraw and Nelly, these blues suggest the strong ties that bind Nelly being "country" to country music.
"Pal Norte," Calle 13—This rap about the political vision of an immigrant to El Norte ran in heavy MTV rotation after its album knocked Jennifer Lopez off the top of the Latin pop charts in 2007.
"Ridin'," Chamillionaire—A tribute to the Undeground Kings's "Ridin' Dirty," this huge hit is the catchiest, boldest protest of racial profiling yet.
"Runaway Love," Ludacris with Mary J.
Blige—Just what it sounds like, a love song to children fleeing violence and a dream of a future those kids can live for.
"Slap," Ludacris—A working man's blues that runs through the details of a hard scrabble life, growls at the wealthy, tells the President to just shut up, and then stops and contemplates the abyss. "Troops gone and we still at war/Nobody even knows what for/Even more I'm scared to find what the world really has in store.
"
"Slippin'," Lil' Kim featuring Denaun Porter—"Fuck the law, the whole system's corrupt," Kim declares as she describes just what's universal about the dog-eat-dog situation that landed her in jail.
"Speaker," David Banner featuring Akon, Lil Wayne & Snoop Dogg—West Coast and Southern unity "busting out of your speakers," relishing a sense of power and self control that comes with others at your side.
"Stand Up," Eightball & MJG—A call to the South, East, West and Worldwide for rappers to talk straight, stay true, stand up for each other, go the distance and forget those who've got nothing better than do than hate on other artists.
"Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," Wyclef Jean with Lil' Wayne and Akon—A redemption song for a high school sweetheart all but lost to that same mess that threatens to take us all down.
"The Message," Styles P—To each member of his family, to his hood, to his crew, to the poor, to the jail, to the kids, to the ladies, to the rich, to the world, the messages P leaves vary in specifics, but they're tied together by "one is all and all is one/I'm going to see us all rich before all is done.
"
"The Morning News," Chamillionaire—After the enormous success of his debut album, this Houston rapper opened his second album with this attack on the emptiness of television news, where Rosie debates the Donald and the latest gaffes by Paris Hilton and Michael Jackson are worth more time than the reality that your tax dollars just "pay for classes," CEO's are "slavemasters….and if you ain't upper class/then your opinion is irrelevant.
"
"The Way I Live," Baby Boy Da Prince—An appreciation of life in Marrero, one of the neighborhoods spared by Katrina's floodwaters but not New Orleans' neglect and devastation before or after.
"We Takin' Over," DJ Khaled (with Rick Ross, T.I.
, Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe and Akon)—Exactly what it sounds like, blasting off with tympani and some kind of outer space choral/keyboard part that says, think big and then think bigger. Arab-American, West African, Latino and African-American voices plan a takeover, "one city at a time….with enough work to feed the whole town." A manic Lil' Wayne vocal promises that those who polite society most fear will soon be heard.
"What's Going On," Remy Ma with Keisha Cole—A heartbroken prayer to an aborted child from a young mother, without money or even support from her family or the father of her child, waiting for an answer.
"Why We Thugs," Ice Cube—The original gangsta still standing spells out the tough questions gangsta's critics either don't think hard enough to ask or willfully dismiss.
"Call me an animal up in the system/But who's the animal that built this prison?/Who's the animal that invented lower living?
*****
"The turn to death themes in the spirituals was partly due to the execution of Nat Turner in 1831. Soon after, many songs included references to the coming 'Judgment Day' for the plantation regime and, later, for the Confederacy—'Can't stand the fire.' Turner's rebellion also sparked a movement that spread white Christian missionaries across the South in order to establish churches for African-Americans that used only approved songs. The battle over lyrics and music censorship, sacred and secular, has been fully engaged ever since. The day-to-day life of the plantation bloc was built around perpetual monitoring of the behavior of blacks and whites.
"— Clyde Powers, from Development Arrested: Race, Power, and the Blues in the Mississippi Delta
5:08 PM
May 13, 2008
Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His Music
Reggae - In - Motion : Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His Music |
 Beres Hammond @ Central Park NYC Photo by Stan Evan Smith Who is Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond? The “Reggae Role Model of The Year” in Jamaica according to the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards for 2008. Arguably, the most successful songwriter/composer/singer/performer in Reggae music’ since 1990, Hammond is the voice of Reggae soul power. Hammond’s effect on audiences often times defies description, but let me try. ‘Cudjo’ Hammond’ romantic rude boy love songs have women literally lose their minds, and their clothes. Males, watched with grateful anticipation awaiting the treats awaiting them at home, if they listen to him. are an exercise in liberation soul power. For women, his live concert is an ‘exercise orgasmic rapture. Hammond glides through the subtle nuances of love and romance with a sensitivity and insight rare for male reggae singers or men in general. His relationship with his audience could be described as a symbiotic synergistic electrical vibration flowing between Beres and his fans. His live shows take his audiences on journey to new heights Hugh Beresford Hammond was born in the Parish of St. Mary in Jamaica. He grew up in a large family of mostly females. These females impacted his early development as a young male and their influence his sensibilities and are reflected in the way he writes his songs. A modest but confident artist/person, his musical odyssey takes his fans as close to him as he will allow them to get. On one album he invited them to come spend “A Day in the Life” of Beres “Cujo” Hammond.
SS: Do you have a philosophy you live by and would you like to share it? BH: Love is the most important thing in life. It was here before me and it will be here after I am gone. I am not into publicly discussing politics, religion or philosophy. I realize that whatever your thoughts are about life, there are folks who will agree with you and then there are others who will be offended. Because I see no reason to offend anybody or let my beliefs be an offense, I keep my thoughts to myself. SS: Do you realize how important you are to a lot of people? BH: (laughing) when I am on stage and they ask for another song, I feel a sense of welcome. Being on stage I do get that sense. SS: Does all the responsibility of touring and spreading reggae music get to you? Beres & Buju Banton@ MSG in NYC Photo by Stan Evan Smith BH: Sometimes peoples’ expectation and the burden seem like too much at times. SS: While growing up did you ever feel that one day you would be traveling the world and bringing so much joy to so many people? BH: I always wanted to do that. Every kid growing up wants to be president. To be honest with you I always waned to do that but never thought deep inside that it would manifest.  SS: Now that it has happen, how do you feel about it? BH: It makes me feel great, but it feels normal now after doing it all these years. It has become like another day in the life of Beres. SS: As one of the premier singer, producer and song writer in Reggae what do you think of the young singers coming out of Jamaica presently? BH: To my surprise there are a whole lot of talented singers. What they need to do is to get the right songs. They need to get professional management, good songwriting to actually show the world the talent…. SS: Name some of your musical influences? BH: Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Taylor, in the R&B genre. Locally Alton Ellis, Ken Booth, Leroy Sibbles of the Heptones, John Holt and Delroy Wilson. I started out with R&B as a singer. I practiced to be like these guys and when I was growing up I wanted to sound like them. They had fantastic talent that I always tried to measure up to, but could not. I then realized that I could only measure up to mine. SS: Tell me about your have a record label? BH: Yes, Harmony House. It was formed exclusively for Beres as an artist in 1981. Since 1997, it has grown and I have included others acts. I formed the label not to make money but to produce great music. It is for people who can appreciate good music and effort. Beres @ Forrest Hills Stadium NYC Photo by Stan Evan Smith SS: You love to record in the studio, why? BH: I think it is my true calling. I have a passion for the studio more so than any other aspect of the business. I love writing songs whether for Beres or others. SS: What do you think is the cause of the decline in the quality music in Reggae? BH: Reggae, as a beat is out there more than it has ever been. In terms of music creativity and quality, simply nothing is really taking place. The many different sides of the music need to be presented to the international community in order to give them a choice and show the music’s diversity… S.S: In my opinion, you are on of the best songwriters in Jamaica. How do you go about writing a song? B.H. I have never thought about it. S.S. That’s what they have people like us for; we try to get you to sit down and think about it. B.H. A song to me is like an every day runnings, that’s what I'm saying now I really do not put pen to paper and sit down and write. Most of my writings go on in the studio. For some reason, anytime I enter the studio door a vibe always reach me, and I write about the things or I should say I sing about the things that I feel instantly, that writing feel now and it could be anything. S.S. You seem to write a lot of love songs about women? B.H. Yea, because women give me so much encouragement, and the strength to go on and love is a common thing with all of us, and it is about the most common thing with all of us that I can see that looks positive. Every other common thing about us is negative, and love as far as me concern; me born come see love; me live in love and when I gone I figure love will still be here as long as you have man and woman. So I'd prefer dealing with the love thing. In other words, them revolution song, that good, and me will deal with songs that deal with every day issues like pressure it nice too, but me realize that them songs don't reach too far cause what I feel is that people don't need a one to remind them of the hard situation, what them need is consolation that I can think of is love. SS: You have always had female management throughout your career – is this by design or coincidence? BH: No, it was not a deliberate choice. It just happened that way. I feel more comfortable working with women; because they tend to understand better how an artist feels. SS: Do you have any kids? BH: Yes, I have five kids and I love them. SS: How do they fit in with you busy career? BH: I function as a father. I try to not discuss my life in terms of music with them. I deal with what fathers do. SS: Any of them interested in becoming an entertainer?
BH: They have never said it to me. SS: Would you encourage it? BH: Not necessarily, I would love for one of them to be doing what I am doing. The rewards today are far better than when I started. Until one of them says I want to do this, it would not be something that I would suggest to any of them. SS: What do you do for recreation? BH: I play dominoes and Ludo. It always goes back to some more songs. I am always preparing to go into the studio. I seldom find myself with the spare time to be able to do something else. My whole life is surrounded by music. About the writer: |
THE CARIBBEAN URBAN MUSIC AWARDS
CARIBBEAN URBAN MUSIC AWARDS
The Caribbean Urban Music Award (CUMA) was held at Sugarman’s Beach in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
BEST MALE ARTISTE
Spragga Benz
BEST GROUP
T.O.K
BEST NEWCOMER
Erup
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Sizzla Kalonji
BEST FEMALE
Cherine Anderson
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Beenie Man
BEST ALBUM
Overstanding – Sizzla
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE
Beenie Man
BEST CALYPSO
Machel Montano – Trinidad & Tobago
BEST COLLABORATION
Daville/Sean Paul – Always On My Mind
BEST INTERNATIONAL DISC JOCKEY/SOUND SYSTEM
Bass Odyssey – Jamaica
BEST MAGAZINE (ONLINE & OFFLINE)
Outaroad.com
BEST MUSIC TV STATION
Reggae Television
BEST RADIO STATION
Irie FM – Jamaica
BEST REGGAETON ACT
Daddy Yankee – Puerto Rico
April 21, 2008
Lil' Mama is the unlikely inspiration for a big-screen reinterpretation.
AUSTEN'S EMMA
(www.wenn.com)
Rapper LIL MAMA is the unlikely inspiration for a big-screen reinterpretation of JANE AUSTEN's classic novel EMMA.
Austen's 1816 book will be re-worked into a contemporary urban tale featuring strong hip-hop influences by production company Screen Gems.
The company's CEO Clint Culpepper reportedly came up with the idea, after seeing the video for Lil Mama's hit single Lipgloss last year (07).
The film will be renamed Emme and set in a U.S. high school, according to Allhiphop.com.
Austen's Emma also served as the inspiration for popular 1995 movie Clueless.
April 20, 2008
Eminem Booked for Mandela Birthday Concert: But TMZ says his camp has yet to offically acept offer.
(April 14, 2008)
*Will Eminem come off of an extended break to perform for Nelson Mandela or not? Multiple reports over the weekend said the rapper had accepted a request to perform at the 90th birthday bash of former South African president Nelson Mandela, which is being organized by former Queen member Brian May. But TMZ reported yesterday that Em's camp says May's invitation has yet to be officially accepted.According to the New York Daily News, May first contacted the artist's team about a month ago without much expectation that he'd ever sign on. As previously reported, Will Smith is tapped to host the celebration, and confirmed performers include Stevie wonder, Annie Lennox, Razorlight and Keane. Source,Eurweb: http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur42578.cfm
Jay - Z, live Nation said to be in talks over deal that could hot $150 Million
LOS ANGELES — Concert promoter Live Nation Inc. said Thursday it was in talks with rap mogul Jay-Z over a potential business deal. The company, however, stopped short of confirming published reports that the deal would give Live Nation a stake in virtually every aspect of Jay-Z's career and land him a potential windfall in excess of $100 million.
A person familiar with the negotiations between Live Nation and Jay-Z told The Associated Press the proposed 10-year deal was worth about $150 million and would cover three albums. The person requested anonymity because of the confidential nature of the ongoing talks. An e-mail seeking comment from representative of Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, at William Morris Agency was not returned. Under the proposed deal, Jay-Z would be paid about $25 million upfront, another $25 million toward concert tours and advances of $10 million for each of at least three albums, the person said. Live Nation would pay Jay-Z about $20 million for publishing, licensing and other rights, and put up $50 million toward a joint venture dubbed Roc Nation through which Jay-Z would sign artists and engage in other entertainment projects, the person said.Live Nation is currently producing a tour with Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige.Jay-Z still owes his current label, Def Jam, one studio album.He was president of Def Jam for three years but stepped down in December because he and the label's corporate parent, Universal Music Group, could not agree on a new contract. Los Angeles-based Live Nation also struck recent deals with Madonna and U2. Sporce: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5idAHLBTJfk2DDjHVfOgpkK2vEjHg
Music Video Available Aexclusively on Smirnoffsignaturemixtapes.com
KRS One & DJ Premier's "Criminal Minded '08 (Smirnoff Signature Mix)" video is now available exclusively on www.SmirnoffSignatureMixSeries.com. The video is directed by Rik Cordero and Nancy Mitchell of Three/21 Media.
The Smirnoff Signature Mix Series is a campaign pairing three acclaimed rappers with some serious beatmakers to create new versions of iconic hip-hop songs. Internationally renowned artists Common, Q-Tip, and KRS One joined musical forces with Just Blaze, Cool & Dre, and DJ Premier to re-imagine Common's "The Light," A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight," and Boogie Down Productions' seminal "Criminal Minded."If you haven't heard the much buzzed about mixes yet, be sure to download KRS One and DJ Premier's "Criminal Minded '08 (Smirnoff Signature Mix)," Common and Just Blaze's "The Light '08 (It's Love) (Smirnoff Signature Mix)" featuring vocals by Marsha Ambrosius and Bilal, and Q-Tip and Cool & Dre's "Midnight '08 (Smirnoff Signature Mix Series)." All three tracks are available for FREE download at http://www.SmirnoffSignatureMixSeries.com Press: Roberto Santos / roberto@cornerstonepromotion.com
The Daily Telegraph talks about an "English Story" Reggae compilation on Soul Jazz Records that attempts to document dancehall's lasting influence on popular British music.
An England Story: how Jamaica changed the voice of teenage Britain
In the US, Jamaican-style MCs created hip hop. In the UK, says Peter Lyle, their influence has been subtler but just as strong Listen to Tippa Irie's hit 'Complain Neighbour' It is one of the mysteries of modern life. 'Maddest comedian is Kenny Everett': Papa Levi, who took British MCing to number one in Jamaica How on earth did a peculiar kind of mockney patois become the default spoken English of a generation of British kids - white, black, Asian; rural, urban; posh, poor (and Ali G)? A new CD offers one solution. An England Story, a musical anthology that charts the impact of Jamaican reggae on British pop culture, is a fascinating survey of the musical scene in which that patois first took hold on these shores.Jamaican MCing - also known as toasting, chatting, and, confusingly, deejaying - has been around since the late Sixties. As Jamaica's DJs invested in ever grander and louder equipment, the sound systems sought to outdo each other with both raw power and exclusive material. This led not only to the invention of the modern remix, but also the rise of the live MC, whose job was to enliven the crowd and insult rivals.Jamaican expats in New York took these elements and turned them into something new: hip-hop. In Britain, though, their localisation was slower, more subtle, and truer to their roots.An England Story started life as a mix by the DJ duo the Heatwave (Gabriel Myddelton and Gervase de Wilde) who wanted to make an aural history of the British reggae MC. Over the 25 years that the compilation covers, the consistent thread, Myddelton says, is "a feeling that you're the underdog and up against it. It is to some extent anti-authority, kicking out at being poor and living in some s*** place." From Tippa Irie's Complain Neighbour ("Turn that noise down!") to Things Change, a new track by Warrior Queen ("London no bed o' rose…me have to wipe me runny nose"), the lyrics contain a lingering resentment of the law, the lifestyle and the weather that greeted Jamaican immigrants to this country. Crucially, there is always humour, too - this was Saturday night music; even when they wanted to moan, MCs had to make their listeners want to party. British dialects, particularly cockney, are a frequent source of comedy in the music, as are the delights of belonging to two cultures. "Sweetest singer is Sugar Minott/Maddest comedian is Kenny Everett," rhymes Papa Levi on My God My King, the 1984 single that put British MCs on the map. With its new, super-speedy style of MCing, it topped the British reggae charts, became the first Jamaican number one by a British MC, and had an audible influence on Jamaican stars. Soon after, Irie made the top 10, and fellow funnyman Smiley Culture won a cameo in Absolute Beginners.That was probably the scene's pop peak. Soon, American rap would muscle in and present music-making Britons of Caribbean descent with an alternative, angrier sound to aspire to, and a harder one to make their own. Rodney P - an MC who toured with Big Audio Dynamite when he was 15, and has since worked with Roots Manuva and Björk - found a way. In 1988, his London Posse released Money Mad, a record that crudely but brilliantly spliced rap, reggae and local observation into a gleefully noisy new sound that finally gave British rap an identity of its own. "We had been to New York by then," he recalls. "In New York, I became very nationalistic: I'm English, I'm not American. I was speaking more cockney." It's remarkably similar to the way Damon Albarn was later to define Blur's invention of Britpop as a response to US grunge. Britpop is long gone, but the comic, kitchen-sink vernacular of British MCs still has echoes in the storytelling style of Lily Allen and Mike Skinner. "You kind of forget, in England, that though reggae isn't really mainstream, it is all around," says Myddelton. "The places where reggae was really important - Southampton, Birmingham, London - are the places where things like garage and dubstep took off later." It's no coincidence: grime, jungle, and other dance scenes also owe the bulk of their DNA to the conventions of the reggae sound system. An England Story is available now from www.souljazz.co.uk
WuChes.com: RZA & ChessPark.com Join Foces
RZA announced on Saturday at the Mind Over Matter HHCF Chess and Grappling Exhibition that he's teaming with www.ChessPark.com to create www.WuChess.com.
No official launch date but you can sign up now on the site.BET/MTV STUDY: the galring truth on Bet & MTV daytime Programming.
BET/MTV STUDY:The glaring truth on BET and MTV daytime programming is transparent.The limited selection of misogynistic, sex and violence themes label them as corporate predators. Almost half the audience are under age… Leaving your child watching BET is like trusting a klansmen to teach black
history.The facts speak for themselves!-Paul Porter http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/reports/RapStudy/STUDYBET-MTV080410.pdf
The Spahetti Junction Urban Film Festival: Delivering cinima in true color, Hip Hop inspired sreenings to debute, inspire, and emotionally impact audiences.
Discounted pre-show ticket deadline: April 15, 2008
March 22, 2008 (Decatur, GA): As one of the fastest growing American urban film festivals in Southeast US, nationally acclaimed filmmakers are expected in Decatur, Georgia Wednesday, April 16 - Sunday, April 20 for the 6th Annual Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival (SJUFF). Hip-hop inspired films are a part of this year's must see film list and include Craig 'muMs' Grant (Oz) in Rhyme Animal a hip-hop/psychological horror tale of a Brooklyn DJ and a rapper/potential cannibalistic serial killer. Next there is Comedian/Actor Faizon Love (Who's Your Caddy, Idlewild) in his directorial debut, Tao of The Golden Mask. Hip-hop youth's influence on politics in Dakar Senegal is documented in the groundbreaking film, Democracy in Dakar, after the controversial 2007 presidential election in Senegal Africa, and audiences will experience the Southeastern Premiere of Tupac Assassination: Conspiracy or Revenge, the new documentary film that lays out the entire murder conspiracy plot surrounding the tragic murder of Tupac Shakur, written/directed/executive produced by RJ Bond and co-produced by Frank "Big Frank" Alexander, Tupac's former bodyguard.Hosted at Galaxy FunPlex Center (Formally Screenworks) 2801 Candler Road (on premises of The Gallery at South DeKalb), and under the festival's theme Delivering Cinema in True Color, the festival opens with Red Carpet screenings, film shorts, feature premieres, indie film workshops, the IMPACT Awards Black & White Ball announcing the 6th Annual film festival winners, and film industry celebrity guests including Rob Hardy and Will Packer (The Gospel, Stomp The Yard and This Christmas), actor/producer Rockmond Dunbar (Soul Food, Prison Break) and actor/singer Jason Weaver for their World Premiere of the drama film Jada, Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), premiering Black August, about the explosive life and times of civil rights activist George Lester Jackson, this year's 2008 SJUFF IMPACT Award presentation to Ralph Scott Executive Producer for 'The Best Shorts' (BET-J) and Atlanta's own radio personality/actress Rashan Ali (Hot 107.9FM) in her feature presentation of Three Can Play That Game, starring Vivica Fox, Tony Rock, Terry Vaughn, Kellita Smith, Jason George.Tickets available through TICKET ANNEX for the screenings price as low as $6.99 Discounted tickets are pre-sold until April 15.
For more information contact:
Jen Farris | PR Manager | ZDennis Media Group (404) 921-5921 | jenfarris@zdennismarketing.com / Spaghetti Junction Urban Film Festival www.sjuff.com
Log on & Vote for the Soca Queen
Allison Hinds continues her reign as an undisputed Queen of Soca with recent nominations for two separate prestigious Caribbean music awards.
Following the November, 2007 release of her Salaam Remi produced debut solo album, "Soca Queen," Alison picked up four nominations in the categories: 'Best Soca Artist' and 'Best Calypso Act' for the first annual Caribbean Urban Music Awards 2008; and 'Best Music Video (Roll It Gal)' and 'Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer' for the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Both ceremonies are uniquely positioned to glean the people's choice; with voting opportunities for the Urban Music Awards and IRAWMA currently open at www.urbanmusicawards.net and www.martinsinterculture.com respective Fans of Allison Hinds are urged to log on, register and make your vote count.On April 26, the Caribbean Urban Music Awards will hold its inaugural Caribbean ceremony at James Bond Beach in Ocho Rios. Allison and other nominees were short listed from an impressive 1.5 million hopefuls, spanning the globe.IRAWMA gets underway on May 4 at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Caribbean and World Beat music lovers have for years flocked this one of a kind award show that is the longest running of its sort in the world. Voting for IRAWMA ends online by April 20.
Dr. Rolland Rose is a category sponsor the prestigious 27th Int'l Reggae & world music awards(IRAWMA) at Apollo Theater in NYC on May4, 2008
(Chicago, IL/New York, NY) – April, 2008 – Dr. Roland Rose, who has served the Jamaica, New York area for several years, is the Best Female Vocalist category sponsor of the prestigious 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), produced by Martin's International & Associates, LLC. The Caribbean-oriented event, which is dedicated to health awareness, returns to Harlem at the world famous Apollo Theater, located at 253 West 125th Street, NYC, on Sunday, May 4, 2008. A VIP reception begins at 6:00 pm and general admission is at 7:00 pm.
Dr. Roland Rose located at 108-25 Merrick Boulevard; Jamaica, NY 11433 has been practicing medicine in the Jamaica, New York area for many years and servicing quite a few patients with great success. Today, Dr. Roland Rose and ACE Medical Rehabilitation, PC continues the same great services as the previous Rose Chiropractic Health & Wellness, PC to many more patients locally as well as throughout the world. "IRAWMA executives and its media partners warmly welcome Dr. Roland Rose on board with great anticipation of a partnership that will last for years to come servicing the chiropractic needs of national and international patrons of the 27th IRAWMA," said Ephraim Martin, founder of IRAWMA.The official announcements of the nominees were made recently to a packed house in the Jonkanoo Lounge at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica. Special guest artists, celebrities and media personalities such as Miss Jamaica World 2007, Yendi Phillips, Ce'cile, D'Angel, Norma Brown Bell - RJR, Lovindeer, Copeland Forbes, Claudette Kenlock - Hilton Kingston, Winford Williams, Candice Bucannan, and Milk of CVM-TV were on hand to announce the 2007 nominees.Leading with IRAWMA's most nominations for 2007 is Tarrus Riley, with a mega seven (7) nods, including Best Male Vocalist and Best Song, for the female anthem "She's Royal." Gangster DJ Mavado has five (5) nods from IRAWMA for Best Male DJ, Best Album, Best Recording Artist(s), Songwriter of the Year, and Community Service.Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Steven Marley, Shaggy, and Sean Kingston all received four (4) nominations, while Kymani Marley, Junior Reid and Soca star Machel Montano each received three (3) nominations. Reid, competing against himself, is nominated twice in the same category...Best Crossover for his hits with Alicia Keys and rapper MIMS. Other nominees include: Ziggy Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Rihanna, Jay Z, Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, King Sunny Ade, Sly and Robbie, Youssou N'Dour, Toots & the Maytals, Beres Hammond, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Angela Kidjo, Femi Kuti, and Jah Cure.Ephraim Martin announced that the preliminary list of performers are Beenie Man, Kymani Marley, Shaggy, Doug E. Fresh, Macka Diamond, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Junior Reid, Queen Ifrika, Dean Fraser and Friends, D'Angel, Cecile, Mutabaruka, Freddie McGregor, Dwight, Shelia Hylton, Duane Stephenson, and Winsome Benjamin. Machel Mantano, Buju Banton will be among the presenters for the star studded event. The full list of performers and presenters will be announced soon. Other IRAWMA representatives at the press conference were Directors Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean, Randy Connor, as well as Jamaica representatives Karlene Levy and Teddy Laidley.Music lovers traveling from overseas or outside the state of New York are advised to secure their tickets now as seats are limited. EARLY BIRD TICKETS are available at the following prices: VIP PLATINUM $125, VIP GOLD $99 and GENERAL ADMISSION $53. TICKETS CAN BE ORDERED AT WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM, 212-307-7171, OR AT THE APOLLO BOX OFFICE, 212-531-5305. Sponsors and prospective partners for this highly anticipated event include: Dr. Roland Rose, American Airlines, Carib News, JAMROCK Magazine/LinkUp Media, Carib News, Sam's Caribbean Market Place/Sams24-7.com, Dennis Shipping, Atlas Vacations, Transcontinental Shippers, CVM-TV, Keeling Records, J & L Tax Consultant, NY Liberty Star Newspaper, Street Hype Newspaper, African Spectrum Newspaper, Ideal Health - Toni Haynes, Uptown Juice Bar, Baba Roots-USA, Eye Collection Clothing, SARFMRADIO.COM, Bennett Bridal/World Class Limousine, D. Wilshire Tux and Limo.
Grandsonn is getting ready to release His Debut Album.
Talented Rastafarian Chanter Gransonn is currently working on his debut album, which is scheduled to be released this summer. The album is being produced by his management company Hedge Sounds Production. Gransonn says the main emphasis of the album is to bring a positive message to the world. “As a Rasta man I have to encourage love and harmony throughout Mother Earth, therefore my message is always one of love and upliftment. Even though I blaze a musical fire I always encourage love and harmony amongst one and all”.
The album which not yet named will feature only original tracks and will also sport a rich Roots Reggae sound. It will be the first such project for Hedge Sounds Production, which is owned and operated by Paul Hedge. Mr. Hedge says that he and his team is working hard with Gransonn to make this project a very special and successful one. Therefore he is doing everything possible to make sure that the album will be of the best possible quality. Most of the tracks were done live by topflight European based musical arrangers Lee Holness a Jamaican musician, producer & arranger who plies his trade in Austria.The album will feature several songs such as “Fear No Evil”, Rivers To Cross”, “Pain In My Heart”, “Strive”, “Sunshine”, “No More War” and “Bye Bye Love” (HighLight Jamaica label) which is receiving a lot of air-play locally and in countries abroad such as Austria, Germany, Spain among other places.
DuprI, Def Jam Launche New Hip Hop Lable: TAG Body Spray also on board New York based Venture.
(April 11, 2008)
*Jermaine Dupri and Island Def Jam are teaming with the people behind TAG Body Spray - yes, the deodorant brand – to launch a new hip hop label called Tag Records. Dupri will serve as president of the New York-based venture, which involves setting the label's creative vision as well as developing its musical talent. Acts signed to the label are expected to be announced next month."Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records," said Dupri. "This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support - a first in the industry. I'm hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip hop." he launch of TAG Records is part of the TAG brand's initiative to get a stronghold in the urban community through the development of programs that provide opportunities for aspiring hip-hop talent. The partnership will also call on TAG Record's artists and Dupri to appear in various TAG brand advertising and marketing initiatives throughout 2008. In other J.D. news, the record exec tells People magazine that his girlfriend, Janet Jackson, has fully recovered from the illness that caused her to cancel an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" last month. "She's 100-percent better now," says Dupri. "She was really sick. She had bronchitis." But the singer is back on track: "She's in Japan right now. She's better and doing all the promotion that she didn't get to do because she was sick when the album launched." Source: eurweb: http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur42525.cfm
April 17, 2008
Reggae Music Achievement Awards 2008, June 8, 2008, Toronto
Toronto, ca , April 9, 2008: In recognition of Black Music Month, The 2nd Annual Reggae Achievement Awards will be held Sunday, June 8, 2008 in the Trillium Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Select Hotel located at 970 Dixon Rd , in Toronto , Ontario , Canada . The Awards show will begin promptly at 7:00PM and will feature well known reggae artists ’Jr, Jazz, Sadiki and Steele as well as performances by international guests and artists, and of course the presentation of the actual RMAA awards. Cocktails will begin at 5:30PM. The purpose of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards is to publicly recognize and highlight the outstanding contributors to the reggae music industry in Canada . This special awards event also gives the Caribbean community in Canada an opportunity to showcase the talent and culture of Canadian reggae artists and the hardworking people behind the scenes in the music industry in Canada and abroad.
Sponsors, The West Indian Fine Foods, Kaladel Designed, 89.5 ciut, Senvia, Patty World , vibesent.com, Club Epiphany, Caribbean Camera, Pride, Vibes, CHRY 105.5, CkLN 88.1 FM, and many others to be announced.
“We are grateful and proud to be aligned with such a stellar roster of partner brands, which support many different aspects of the events surrounding the 2nd Annual Reggae Achievement Awards” said Delroy Sterling, Producer, Organizer/Facilitator of the 2nd Annual Reggae Achievement Awards Show. “ With their generous and creative support, we look forward to making this year’s RMA Awards show another huge success”.
Last year’s Awards show was a smashing success, with attendees and nominees from all over Canada and the Caribbean, as well as the United States . Some of the highlights of last year’s awards show, hosted by top radio personality, Bro GEE 89.5 & Luther Brown 105.5 fm ,Radio, included performances, by Norris Wear, Steele, The Mystics, Kay Morris, Jimmy Reid and many, many more talented artists. This year’s show will include performances by Steele, Norris Weir & The Jamaicans, Larry Marshall & Jackie Robinson all backed by the Mountain Edge Band. There will also be performances by other reggae music artists, as well as international guests, which will be announced, in upcoming press releases to follow shortly.The RMAA’s are now accepting nominations in the following categories:1. Best New Artist (Male & Female)2. Artist of the Year (Male & Female)3. Producer Of The Year
4. Songwriter Of The Year
5. Best Reggae Band
6. Album Of The Year (Gospel)
7. Best Reggae DJ (Female)
8. Best Reggae DJ (Male)
9. A Special Media Award
10. Community Recognition Award
11. International Artist Of The Year (Male & Female)
12. Promoter Of The Year
13. Lifetime Achievement Award
14. Best Reggae Single
15. Best Reggae Album
16. Outstanding Reggae Award
17. Top Reggae Dub Poet
18. The Dennis Brown Award
19. Appreciation Contribution to the Reggae Industry ( Canada )
20. Best Promising Reggae Artist
21. Reggae Dance Promoter
22. International Radio DJ Award
23. Song Writer Awards
24. Outstanding Community Recognition Award
Please mail your submissions to:
RMAA Reggae Music Achievement Awards
500 Rexdale Blvd. - PO Box 27097 – Toronto , M9W 6K5Submission in person can be made at:
Club Epiphany @ 4000 Steele’S Ave west
Irie Music Records Store (Inside The Albion Mall)
Treajah Isle Records& Gifts 1514 Eglinton ave west
Information: (416) 669-1577
www.reggaemusicachievementawards.com
reggaemusicachievementawards@yahoo.com
directors@reggaemusicachievementawards.com ( for more information)
www.myspace.com/reggaemusicachievementawards
rmaawards@yahoo.com
Nominations must be received by May 25, 2008 in order to be considered for an award. Nomination criteria: Decisions should be based on materials that were