Hip Hop Press: Hip Hop Press Releases

Plies Hits the Road in Support of "REAL"

Rap Superstar Heads Out on Nationwide Promo Tour, Including Visits to U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy Bases; "Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)" Busts Into Top 10 as Video Lights Up BET; "DEFINITION OF REAL" Drops Everywhere June 10th

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced a number of major promotional events in celebration of his eagerly awaited new album, "DEFINITION OF REAL." The collection -- which features the top 5 smash, "Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)" -- arrives in stores and at all online retailers on June 10th.

The Fort Myers, Florida-based rapper kicks off a nationwide promo tour this week. The trek will see Plies paying tribute to his many fans in the U.S. military with a series of appearances in association with Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy Exchange Service Command.

"Bust It Baby Part 2" is looking like another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is currently bulleting its way up the top 5 at Urban outlets nationwide, while also ascending the top 10 at Rhythmic. What's more, "Bust It Baby Part 2" is proving a mainstream sensation, coming in this week at #23 on Billboard's "Hot 100." The single is set to impact at CHR/Top 40 radio outlets later this month.

The "Bust It Baby Part 2" companion video recently had its world premiere on BET's "Rap City," and was quickly named "New Joint" on the network's "106 & Park," which also featured a walk-on appearance from Plies. Little more than one week after its debut, the clip is already a "Heavy" rotation favorite on BET, has hit the "106 & Park" countdown, and has been added to MTV2. "Bust It Baby Part 2" is also poised to make its FUSE debut on the upcoming edition of "No. 1 Hip Hop Countdown."

"Bust It Baby Part 2" is also continuing Plies' incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is now a top 10 success on Nielsen Ringscan's "Top 200 Mastertones" ranking.

"DEFINITION OF REAL" also features the blazing street track, "Who Hotter Than Me," which is currently available at a number of major digital retailers, including the iTunes Stores, Amazon MP3, and Zune Marketplace. The track has just shipped to multi-format radio outlets coast-to-coast. In addition, "Who Hotter Than Me" and its companion video are now streaming on Plies' official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/plies.

In conjunction with the release of "DEFINITION OF REAL," Plies is holding a special "Real Things" promotion in which two diamond chains will be awarded to a pair of very lucky fans. The promotion -- which will run for three weeks, beginning on the album's June 10th street date -- allows fans to enter for a chance to win either a diamond "Plies Bust It Baby" chain or a diamond "Goon" chain.

Plies -- who recently came in at #6 on Forbes' list of "The Year's Hottest New Music Stars" -- is offering exclusive swag to fans who pre-order "DEFINITION OF REAL" via the Atlantic Records Media Store (located at http://store.atlanticrecords.com). In addition to an immediate MP3 download of "Bust It Baby Part 2," buyers will receive their choice of a men's "Certified Goon" t-shirt or a girl's "Bust It Baby" baby-t.

Just last month, an innovative Plies Fan Club was launched, split into two individual branches for the rapper's male and female followers -- known respectively as the "Certified Goons" and "Bust It Baby" clubs. Fans who sign up at www.pliesworld.com/fanclub will have a chance to score tickets to Plies live shows in their area, get the first look at new videos, photos, and other exclusives. The Fan Club has already proven a great success, with over 1600 females and 800 males joining within the first two days. In addition to his fan club, Plies recently re-launched his own website, www.pliesworld.com.

"DEFINITION OF REAL" arrives hot on the heels of the rapper's 2007 RIAA gold debut, "THE REAL TESTAMENT." The album -- featuring the blockbuster hit singles, "Shawty (Feat. T-Pain)" and "Hypnotized (Feat. Akon)" -- entered the Billboard 200 at #2 upon its release last summer and continues to run strong, coming in this week at #14 on Billboard's "Top Rap Albums" ranking. In addition, "THE REAL TESTAMENT" has spawned a series of smash hit ringtones, with six tracks from the album currently present on Nielsen Ringscan's "Top 200 Mastertones" chart.

Plies has also become an online powerhouse, with his hugely popular www.pliesworld.com, www.youtube.com/pliesworld, and MySpace sites. The rapper is currently among MySpace's top 5 "Top Hip-Hop Artists - Major," as well as a top 10 on the "Top Artists - Major" and "Top R&B Artists - Major" charts.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.pliesworld.com, www.myspace.com/plies, and www.imeem.com/plies.
CONTACT:
Cara Donatto
818.238.6819
cara.donatto@atlanticrecords.com

Catharine McNelly
212.707.3069
catharine.mcnelly@atlanticrecords.com

Confirmed: Grand Theft Auto IV Breaks Guinness World Records(TM) With Biggest Entertainment Release of All-Time

LONDON, May 13/PRNewswire/ --

- The Popular Franchise Trumps All Other Entertainment Title Sales

The famed Grand Theft Auto series has made headlines yet again! As newly- released sales figures show, Grand Theft Auto IV has crushed the competition by selling 3.6 million units and earning US$310 million in its first day of release, earning Guinness World Records(TM) for the Highest Grossing Video Game in 24 Hours and the Highest Revenue Generated by an Entertainment Product in 24 Hours. These records establish GTA IV as the most profitable entertainment release of all-time, far surpassing other video game, film and book releases. According to Guinness World Records(TM), this is how the game stacks up against the competition:

    - Fastest-selling video game in 24 hours: Halo 3 at US$170 million

    - Fastest-selling theatrical movie in 24 hours: Spider-Man 3 at US$60
      Million

    - Fastest-selling book in 24 hours: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows
      at US$220 million

For more spectacular gaming records see Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008 (RRP GBP15), the first Guinness World Records book devoted solely to the world of gaming, is on shelves now and bursting with new records, high score statistics and fascinating facts.

Source: Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008

For more information please contact: Amarilis Espinoza, PR Manager for Guinness World Records, Amarilis.espinoza@guinnessworldrecords.com, +44-207-891-4516. Mark Karges, Bender/Helper Impact, +1-212-689-6360, Mark_karges@bhimpact.com

H3 Enterprises, Inc. Announces Microsoft's Xbox 360 as an Official Sponsor of The HipHopSodaShop

Significant Agreement Partners HipHopSodaShop With The Leader In Online Gaming And Entertainment

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- H3 Enterprises, Inc.'s (Pink Sheets: HTRE) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, announced today that Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has become an Official Sponsor of H3 Enterprises' HipHopSodaShop. In this multiyear agreement, Microsoft will partner with the HipHopSodaShop to enrich the experience at every HipHopSodaShop. Dr. Chavis emphasized, "We are proud to have Microsoft as an Official Sponsor and their leadership with Xbox 360 will better enable HipHopSodaShop to provide the best Restaurant Video Game experience in the country." As the first publicly traded hip-hop company, H3 Inc. is pleased that Microsoft has made this investment into the hip-hop community. H3 Inc. looks forward to expanding this partnership as HipHopSodaShop grows into new regions in the U.S. throughout the year.

According to Mike Fischer, General Manager of Microsoft's Xbox Marketing, "HipHopSodaShop is a great example of bringing video gaming into a social environment to create a unique entertainment experience that people of all ages will enjoy. We are really excited to bring the Xbox experience to all of the people who go to HipHopSodaShop around the country."

About H3 Enterprises, Inc. and the HipHopSodaShop

H3 Enterprises, Inc. is the parent company of the HipHopSodaShop, with its corporate headquarters located at 116 John Street, New York, NY 10038. As the first publicly traded Hip-Hop company, H3 Enterprises, Inc. is dedicated to the mission of empowering young people through investment, education and economic development.

The HipHopSodaShops are a franchise restaurant operation that brings hip-hop music, sports and community involvement to every city where they open. The HipHopSodaShop comes complete with a healthy quick-service menu, merchandising, a state of the art recording studio, 30 giant LCD screens, the latest Xbox 360 live video games, and a large area dedicated to competitive on-line video gaming. The HipHopSodaShop in Tampa is over 11,000 sq ft and is a modern day cultural arts center where many forms of Hip-Hop can be expressed by patrons and embraced by the community. The HipHopSodaShops carry a message of giving back to the community in the forms of empowerment, investment, employment and the arts.

Safe Harbor: Certain information included herein may contain statements that are forward looking, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results.

Source: H3 Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Larry Kopp, larry@thetascgroup.com, Cell: +1-917-282-2357 or
Seth Allen both of The T.A.S.C. Group, LLC for H3 Enterprises, Inc.,
+1-646-723-4344; or Investor Relations - Stephanie Browne for
H3 Enterprises, Inc., +1-917-445-2662

Russell Simmons, Majora Carter and Bhai Mohinder Singh Will Be 2008 Hollister Award Recipients

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Russell Simmons, music industry pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, will receive a 2008 Hollister Award on September 18, 2008 from the Temple of Understanding (ToU) in honor of his work to bridge the divide between people of different religions and cultures.

Majora Carter, the second awardee, will be honored for her work to bring social and environmental justice to poor and disenfranchised communities around the world. She is a leading urban revitalization strategist, the founder of Sustainable South Bronx, and a 2005 MacArthur "Genius" Fellow.

Bhai Mohinder Singh, the third awardee, is the leader of the largest Sikh community in the United Kingdom. He will be honored for his work as an intra- and inter-faith educator and for his dedication to advancing interfaith issues at the United Nations.

The three awardees will join a distinguished list of past recipients, which includes: His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Wangari Maathai, Peter Max, Daniel Pearl, Fr. Thomas Keating, Queen Noor of Jordan, Maestro Ravi Shankar and Dr. Thomas Berry.

The United Nations Delegate's Dining Hall is the location for this year's event. Among the 300+ guests, UN dignitaries, leaders of national and international organizations, past awardees, corporate leaders, religious dignitaries, and music industry leaders are expected to attend.

The Hollister Award is presented to religious figures who bring interfaith values into the place of worship; and secular figures who promote greater understanding of spiritual values in areas such as the arts, education, media, government, science, law and ecology.

The Temple of Understanding is a leader in educating youth and adults cross culturally and inter-religiously in order to alleviate fear and hatred between different ethnic and religious groups. Founded in 1960 by Juliet Hollister, with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt and leaders from religion and politics, ToU is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations.

The Executive Director of ToU is Alison Van Dyk. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama is one of the Honorary Chairpersons. The co-Chairpersons are Sherry B. Bronfman, Marshia Glazebrook, and Laxmi Shah.

If you'd like further information or to schedule an interview, please
contact Andrea Brown at 212-573-9224, ext 22 or
info@templeofunderstanding.org

Source: The Temple of Understanding

CONTACT: Andrea Brown of Temple of Understanding, +1-212-573-9224, ext.
22, +1-646-522-0529 (Mobile), info@templeofunderstanding.org

Web Site: http://www.templeofuderstanding.org/

KOCH Records Signs Long Term Agreement with Play MPE(R)

Largest Independently Distributed Record Company to Digitally Deliver Releases

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Destiny Media Technologies (BULLETIN BOARD: DSNY) is pleased to announce the signing of a termed agreement with KOCH Records, a division of KOCH Entertainment, to utilize the Play MPE(R) System to digitally deliver music to trusted recipients and music industry VIPs. KOCH Entertainment, North America's largest independently distributed record company and KOCH Records, the fastest growing independent record label in the U.S., will utilize the Play MPE(R) System for digital delivery of their pre-release content to radio broadcasters. This continues to confirm Play MPE(R) as the global standard for digital delivery.

"Play MPE(R) is a fast, convenient, and cost effective way to deliver our music," said Chuck Oliner, VP Radio and Video Promotion at KOCH Records. "Their high quality audio files make it easy for us to send our music digitally to radio programmers. Play MPE(R) is a simple solution that makes moving to digital delivery painless for us ... I hate having to find that little spindle for those 45s."

"KOCH Records is the largest independent label in the U.S. today and we are thrilled to have them signed with Play MPE(R)," said Laurie Gail, Director of East Coast Label and Radio Relations. "As the #1 Independent label 7 years running in the U.S., KOCH is an icon in the industry. We welcome KOCH to our long list of signed record label partners."

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").

About Play MPE(R)

With almost 21,000 users and over 82,000 songs from more than 1,000 record labels, including Universal Music Group, EMI Music Group, Sony BMG and Warner Music Group, Destiny's Play MPE(R) system is the most widely used digital distribution system available to the recording and radio industries. Play MPE(R) is a secure distribution system that features state-of-the-art encryption to protect content while delivering high definition audio to users in radio, marketing and media. A powerful promotional tool, Play MPE(R) also allows record companies to distribute video, text and graphics including music videos, CD covers, credits, lyrics, promotions, and other content. More information on Play MPE(R) can be found at http://www.plaympe.com/

About Destiny Media Technologies

Destiny (http://www.dsny.com/) is a software development company which provides tools that some of the world's largest media companies use to distribute their content on the Internet. Products include Play MPE(R), Clipstream(R) and Radio Destiny(TM).

Safe Harbor Statement

"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability of raw materials, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

   Company Contact:
   Steve Vestergaard, CEO
   Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.
   (604) 609-7736 (ext. 222)
   Email: steve@dsny.com

Source: Destiny Media Technologies

CONTACT: Steve Vestergaard, CEO of Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.,
+1-604-609-7736, ext. 222, steve@dsny.com

Web site: http://www.dsny.com/
http://www.plaympe.com/

Advertisers Learn to Speak Tr3s at MTV Tr3s Upfront

Bilingual MTV Tr3s Reaches New Milestones in TV Viewing Shares, Ratings, and Impressions

Cooltura Panelists Offer Advertisers Unique Insights on TV Programming that Matters to Them

Network Announces New Made-For-Latino Youth Programming

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Fueled by the unstoppable growth of Hispanics 12-34, the insights of a panel of Latino youth trendsetters and the youth expertise of the MTV brand, MTV Tr3s announced today that it has doubled its distribution in the less than two years since it launched, doubled its Hispanic TV viewing shares among persons 12-24 since it became Nielsen rated last October, and doubled its ratings and impressions among persons 12-24, also since last October.

The bilingual network's momentum has given it widespread distribution of 6.3 million Hispanic TV households and 33.3 million total households and the highest concentration of Hispanics 12-34 (67.5% according to Nielsen), making MTV Tr3s a dominant, multiplatform brand that is an integral part of young Latinos' unique lifestyle.

Advertisers gathered at the MTV Tr3s upfront held in New York City to learn more about tapping into the growing and increasingly influential Latino youth segment by learning how to "speak Tr3s," the language of young Latinos that is very different from their non-Latino counterparts.

"Latino youth are leading Hispanic and overall 12-34 growth while the general market is shrinking," said Lucia Ballas-Traynor, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MTV Tr3s. "They are shaking America's political, economic and cultural foundation because beyond their sheer size, their role as trailblazers, communicators and gatekeepers all add up to unprecedented clout and influence that you can't ignore in order to grow any business."

The MTV Tr3s Cooltura panelists are a group of Latino trendsetters and trendspreaders in key U.S. markets. MTV Tr3s taps into the Cooltura panel regularly to help the network stay ahead of cultural trends so that it can immediately respond with the right content for its audience.

Jesus Lara, Senior Vice President of Music and Talent, MTV Tr3s and MTV/VH1 Latin America, said Cooltura has been influential in refining the channel's three music pillars: to bring viewers the biggest names in music, provide an opportunity for viewers to participate in the channel's music programming process and offer a continuous music discovery experience.

"Cooltura helped us understand that although our audience is curious about general market pop artists, they turn to MTV Tr3s to showcase the Latin artists that define their identity and that they won't find anywhere else," Lara explained. "Therefore, the majority of our music mix is Latin, irrespective of language, with artists such as Don Omar, Camila, and Belinda, and includes some of the general market hitmakers they are interested in, artists such as Justin Timberlake, Fergie, and Usher."

Also in response to audience feedback, Lara announced the launch of Fresh Music Mondays, a new music block that gives young Latinos the bragging rights they crave by being the first to know about a hot new video or a cool new artists.

Music My Guey, where fans can go online, create their own playlist, post a few photos and potentially be selected to air will return for a second season, said Lara. "The show has been a hit, with over 10,000 registered users and 8,500 playlists submitted in a short four months," he said.

Music discovery is also a top priority for young Latinos and is therefore woven within the fabric of the MTV Tr3s brand. Lara also announced that the network's marquee multiplatform music discovery initiative, Descubre & Download, will return in 2009. The program not only profiles new artists in innovative ways through on-air vignettes and branded video rotation, but also offers exclusive free music downloads of the artist from the mtvtres.com site. It has been hailed by music label executives as "critical" to new artist development. Last year MTV Tr3s was the first to showcase some of the hottest new Latin artists, including Jesse and Joy, a brother and sister duo from Mexico, who went on to win a Latin Grammy award for Best New Artist; Kat de Luna, who has since sold over 500,000 downloads of her Descubre & Download single "Whine Up"; and Colby O'Donis who recorded a Spanish-language version of his hit single "What You Got" especially for the Descubre & Download campaign.

MTV Tr3s will take the music discovery process to a whole new level as it seeks the best unsigned Latino artist in Dame Un Break, set to launch on June 3rd.

MTV Tr3s programming also reflects the world of young Latinos in a way that no mainstream media can. As explained by Lily Neumeyer, MTV Tr3s Vice President of Programming and Production, "MTV Tr3s is the one place where young Latino viewers don't have to choose between their two identities or compromise their cultural values. They can, and do, invest their whole selves in our shows' mind, heart and spirit."

Among the returning programs MTV Tr3s viewers can expect channel defining shows such as Mi TRL, Karlifornia, Sucker Free Latino, and Pimpeando, along with new comers Bust-a-Ritmo and Rock Dinner.

Neumeyer announced that the third season of Quiero Mis Quinces, the hugely popular series that celebrates the Latina rite of passage into adulthood, quinceaneras, will expand production into U.S. Hispanic communities starting in 2009. A companion Quiero Mis Quinces digital extension of the series simultaneously will capture all the new social behavior around the show's content.

Neumeyer also announced an expanded slate of MTV Tr3s Weekend Stunts, designed to capitalize on the network's popularity among young Latinos during the weekends. MTV Tr3s Weekend Stunts will be programmed around events and holidays such as Father's Day, MTV Movie Awards, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Fashion Weekend, Mexican Independence, Dia de Los Muertos, and Thanksgiving, amongst others.

MTV Tr3s will add its first short-form animation series, Lugar Heights, as part of its 2009 upfront offerings. The series follows the adventures of a number of friends living in Lugar Heights, USA. Combining satire, dark humor, and pop culture in a parody of mass entertainment, the show is refreshingly innovative in its style, subject matter, and language, making it a milestone of urban entertainment.

The network will continue addressing the issues that are dear to young Latinos in a new production, The Yearbook Chronicles, a documentary project about the challenges that some Latinos face to graduate from high school.

"Their size, fast growth, influence and age make young Latinos a must for any marketer looking to establish brand loyalties and grow their business. To emotionally connect brands to them and engage them with messages, content and experiences that are authentic and resonate with them, advertisers need to have a deep understanding of the hot, cultural passion points that shape their identity. We call that Speaking Tr3s," concluded Ballas-Traynor.

MTV Tr3s (http://www.mtvtr3s.com/) is the most widely-distributed TV network dedicated to superserving today's bicultural Latino youth and is currently seen in 6.3 million Hispanic TV households and 33.3 million total TV households. Music programming is at the core of MTV Tr3s and the channel features hitmakers, emerging artists and new sounds that resonate with young U.S. Latinos and celebrate their hybrid identity and culture. In addition to music programming, the MTV Tr3s programming slate features lifestyle series, news, documentaries and other long-form programs.

Source: MTV Tr3s

CONTACT: Ariana Urbont, MTV, +1-310-752-8079,
ariana.urbont@mtvstaff.com; or Emma Carrasco, MTV Tr3s, +1-305-751-7171,
ejcarrasco@yahoo.com

Web site: http://mtvtres.com/

[Posted for reference at ProHipHop]

New Era Cap Joins Forces With Marvel to Launch Premiere Super Heroes Collection

- Host of Characters Including Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, X-Men to Launch Every Few Months Through 2010 -

BUFFALO, N.Y., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- New Era Cap's signature 59FIFTY is now donning some of most famous and notorious Marvel comic book heroes and villains. New Era, the leading headwear designer and manufacturer, announced today that it has signed a licensing deal with Marvel to launch a new series of caps dubbed the "Super Heroes" Collection. This new series will feature character designs from Marvel's enormous library of world renowned characters with designs that reflect each characters' persona from the comics.

New Era's first two collections will be focused on the Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk movie events. Iron Man caps are available now in selected retail stores throughout the country as well as online for about $35. The designs feature either Iron Man's face or an image of his hand. In addition, consumers will be able to get the caps in a variety colors and choose from two different fabrics including wool and satin. Go to www.neweracap.com/ironman to check out the caps, see the movie trailer and learn about the story behind Iron Man.

Caps for the Hulk will be available in mid-May at selected retailers as well as online. The designs for this collection focus on the green Super Hero's most famed traits -- his eyes and incredible strength.

"We're ecstatic to align ourselves with such an iconic brand as Marvel," said Gerry Matos, Senior VP of Marketing at New Era. "With their vast collection of characters and our signature caps as a canvas, we expect the demand for these caps to be high."

Paul Gitter, President of Consumer Products for North America, Marvel Entertainment, added "New Era is truly an innovator in the headgear category. Their fashion forward designs and strong retail clout will help further present our Super Hero universe to a wide, diverse audience."

New Era will release a Super Hero collection every 2-3 months with a focus on different characters including Captain America, X-Men and the Fantastic Four. New Era will also debut a cap collection in September tied to the action packed theatrical release of The Punisher.

New Era Cap

Founded in 1920, New Era Cap Company, Inc., the leading headwear manufacturer and creator of New Era Apparel, brings to market products that transcend time, culture, sport and fashion. Producing more than 35 million caps per year, New Era is the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of the official on-field cap worn by every Major League Baseball team and their Minor League affiliates and maintaining agreements with other licensed entities. On the street, New Era is known as the Originator of the True Fitted for its signature cap style, the 59FIFTY. Some of the Company's core markets include Action Sports, Children, Fan, Suburban, Women and Fashion/Lifestyle. The Company, headquartered in Buffalo, New York, employs approximately 1,700 people world-wide in New York, Alabama and at its operations in Canada, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong. New Era is a 'Category A' affiliate of the Fair Labor Association.

Marvel Entertainment Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 high-profile characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios), publishing (via Marvel Comics) and toys, with emphasis on feature films, DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

Marvel and all related characters: TM & (C) 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk Movies: (C) 2008 Marvel Film Finance LLC. Super Hero is a co-owned registered trademark.

   Contact:
   Dana Marciniak, New Era Cap Co.
   (716) 604.9259
   dana.marciniak@neweracap.com

   Philip Crimaldi, DKC
   (212) 981.5131
   philip_crimaldi@dkcnews.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080502/NYF065-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080502/NYF065-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN7,8
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: New Era Cap

CONTACT: Dana Marciniak, New Era Cap Co., +1-716-604-9259,
dana.marciniak@neweracap.com; or Philip Crimaldi, DKC, +1-212-981-5131,
philip_crimaldi@dkcnews.com, for New Era Cap

Web site: http://neweracap.com/
http://www.neweracap.com/ironman
http://www.marvel.com/

[Posted for reference at ProHipHop]

Tyga takes on fans with Xbox Game With Fame

From out of Compton with nothing but a mixtape, lots of ambition, and a serious amount of talent, comes Michael Stevenson, aka Tyga, who's going to lay down his Madden moves with Xbox LIVE® members in Madden(TM) NFL 08 on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Xbox LIVE Gold members can get their chance to play with the man who VIBE Magazine described as one of the best undiscovered rappers in the country. Members can send a friend request to the Gamertag (GWF Tyga) and be online half an hour before (6:00 P.M. ET) the Game with Fame session starts at 6:30 P.M. ET on Thursday, May 15:

Tyga's debut album, No Introduction, comes out on Decaydance Records this spring. With appearances from Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, and Lil Wayne, Tyga's initial full release is slated for major success, especially with its lead single, "Coconut Juice." Tyga notes how that song came about, "I don't drink alcohol, so at parties I would just walk around with a cup mixed with whatever else I could find. When people asked what I was sipping on I would say 'coconut juice' because it sounded funny. So I made a song about it."

Xbox Live Game With Fame with TYGA

Date: May 15, 2008
Time: 3:30- 5:30 (Pacific Time)
Game: Madden 08
Gamertag: GWF Tyga (** please note space between GWF and Tyga)
Linking URL: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2008/0509-tyga.htm

If you get a chance to play with Tyga, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail at xlmail@microsoft.com with the subject: "GWF - Tyga" Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

For more info on Tyga, visit http://www.myspace.com/tyga

Press:
Roberto Santos
roberto@cornerstonepromotion.com

DanceJam Presents Monsters of HipHop

May 9, 2008                                                                
Baltimore, MD - Monsters of HipHop, the world's leading hip hop dance convention, today announced that DanceJam, the social network for all things dance, will be the title sponsor for the 2008-2009 Monsters of HipHop Tour.

DanceJam is quickly becoming the world's favorite venue to watch and rate dance videos.  With its innovative social community features, the site offers dancers and enthusiasts the ability to create unique profiles, upload dance videos and rate performances.  Videos of individual performances and dance crews can be easily uploaded from online destinations such as YouTube.com.  DanceJam catalogues dances and popular street moves, and includes video instruction for a variety of dance genres.

"Our new sponsorship by DanceJam is a win-win for both parties," said Andy Funk, the founder of Monsters of HipHop.   "DanceJam saw Monsters as number one in HipHop dance events, and we see DanceJam as the front runner in online dance field.  Together we can expand our reach and further build our brands as leaders in the world of dance."

As the title sponsor of Monsters of HipHop conventions, with their 13 city U.S. tour through cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Denver plus new international destinations Mexico, Japan & Europe, DanceJam will showcase exclusive dance footage, competitions and contests for convention participants. 

As leading innovators of hip hop dance instruction, Monsters of HipHop participants will benefit directly from DanceJam with new, online tools in development.  Monsters' performance groups are able to use the community features of DanceJam for video critiques and comments to improve their performance and showmanship.

Monsters faculty are notable dance choreographers who work with Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pink, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, The Pussycat Dolls, and many more.  They have been the creative force behind blockbuster dance films such as Stomp The Yard, Hairspray and Step Up 2.

Monsters of HipHop freestyle battles will be taken online to a new arena.  This new channel will increase overall participation and visibility for tomorrow's dance superstars.

According to Geoffrey Arone, the CEO of DanceJam, "Our relationship with Monsters of HipHop allows us to engage and work with the top dance talent in the world today.  Monsters' access to casting agents, talent scouts, and TV show executives allows our community to literally dance their way to fame."

About Monsters of HipHop

Founded by Andy Funk, Becky Funk and Angie Servant in 2003, Monsters of HipHop is the conceptual blend of competitive dance, business and marketing.  While Monsters has grown tremendously, the company strives to maintain the family environment on which it was built with its mission to bring hip hop dancers together with the industry's top dance professionals in a fun and challenging environment that fosters self-fulfillment and career development.

About DanceJam

DanceJam was founded by M.C. Hammer along with visionary Internet entrepreneurs Geoffrey Arone and Anthony Young from Flock.com.  The current popularity of dance globally is evident by the success of dance television shows such as 'Dancing with the Stars,' 'So You Think You Can Dance, ' America 's Best Dance Crew' and online videos such as 'The Evolution of Dance'. DanceJam's founding trio saw an opportunity to create a niche video site focused entirely on dance and dance culture.  From this, DanceJam was born, created to cater exclusively to the growing community of dancers & their fans.

------------------

Christopher Fucanan
Atomic PR
415-439-4219
chris.fucanan@atomicpr.com

EXPLOSIVE MEMOIR THAT IS SURE TO SEND SHOCKWAVES THROUGHOUT HOLLYWOOD AND HIP HOP

HIDING IN HIP HOP:
On the Down Low in the Entertainment Industry -
from Music to Hollywood
(Atria/Simon & Schuster)
By Terrance Dean
To Be Released May 13, 2008

May 2008
There has long been speculation about who's gay, bi-sexual, or on the down low in the entertainment industry. It is this very speculation and guessing game that fuels gossip columns, blind items and entertainment industry blogs.

Prior to Confessions of a Video Vixen by Karrine Steffans and It's No Secret by Carmen Bryan, the large majority of celebrity-driven memoirs were published outside of the African American community. Yet, both books told compelling, jaw-dropping page-turners of sex, drugs and hip hop. The stories were not entirely shocking regarding the celebrities mentioned in those pages and served to further heighten their notoriety within the industry and amongst select fans.

However, former MTV and Hollywood insider Terrance Dean writes a compelling account of his tumultuous life involved with celebrities and a taboo secret they would prefer never, ever be revealed in his new book HIDING IN HIP HOP: On the Down Low in the Entertainment Industry - from Music to Hollywood (Atria; May 2008; ISBN: 1-4165-5339-8; $23.00).

HIDING IN HIP HOP is as much revealing about the "velvet rope" worlds Dean traveled in as it is about his own tragic-turned-triumphant life. Raised by his Grandma Pearl, his mother was a drug-addicted prostitute who would eventually succumb to the AIDS virus, also as would his younger brothers Jevonte and George.  Sexually molested at age thirteen by a male neighbor babysitter, Dean began to question his own sexuality at an early age.

At a towering six feet by his teen years, physically fit and attractive, he naturally grabbed the attention of young women and explored sexual relationships with them. Still by his senior year in high school, Dean's attraction to men began to overwhelm him. College introduced him to a whole new, more liberated world and he began to fully explore his attraction to men.

By the time Dean moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment, he was well-rooted in his lifestyle and Hollywood became a perfect "hiding place." There was a whole community of people who were on the "down low", in front of and behind the camera. Like Dean, they could not afford their sexual preference being revealed for fear of losing the careers and the respect for which they'd worked long and hard.

Unlike It's No Secret and Confessions of a Video Vixen, the identities of those who are discussed in HIDING IN HIP HOP are protected.  "I have no desire to ruin anyone's dreams or careers. That's not why I'm writing this book," says Dean. "What I'm truly hoping for is the start of a real conversation about why, in this very contemporary day and age, we as black people are still made to feel that we cannot be comfortable in our skin?'

"This is a particularly valid question because there is a sizable community of gay and lesbian White business leaders and celebrities in Hollywood and they are not ostracized from the industry. In fact, they are considered major dealmakers and power players. Also, why is bi-sexuality and homosexuality still a 'dirty little secret' in the black community?" he questions.

There are many revealing stories and first-hand anecdotes offered by Dean about his travails throughout Hollywood and hip hop. Readers will be introduced to a wide range of personalities, including by not limited to (not their real names):

·         Jazz, "a nice looking brother, had women swooning when his character as a hard-working, married man graced the television screen.  His hit show marked a milestone because of its accurate portrayal of African-American family life. The world doesn't want to know that their favorite actor likes sleeping with other men."

·         Lucas, "a megastar. No matter what film project he was attached to it was bound to be a box office smash," and Kareem, "a leading sitcom actor, is married to an actress."  The film crew took bets on "how often Lucas's 'boyfriend' Kareem would show up and how long he would stay.  It was like clockwork; Kareem arrived each day at the same time and went straight to the trailer for hours on end.  Our circle was talking about the down low circle Lucas and Kareem were in. But it was a hard nut to crack; they were superstars."

·         Gus, a singer, attractive with "clear skin, dark eyes, bushy eyebrows, and short, wavy hair did not give way for a thug image. He was just too pretty."  "One morning, I turned on my television and I wasn't prepared for what I saw on BET- my boy, Gus, parade in his video with a host of celebrity cameos mean mugging for the camera- I just wondered how he would keep his secret of sleeping with men a secret."

But most important is the primary message that there are a substantial number of celebrities and successful business leaders in entertainment, who are African American, hiding behind their sexuality when they should not have to. With HIDING IN HIP HOP, Dean hopes to open up the debate to start the healing and forge a path to acceptance rather than living in shame.

For Dean, he accepted his life and role as a gay black men and has been all the better ever since.  He bravely left the comfortable and prestigious confines of MTV to build his organization, Men's Empowerment.  After losing to AIDS a longtime friend, Dirk, Dean's mother, his brothers Jevonte and George, along with Kenny Greene, lead singer of once popular R&B group Intro, Dean decided to stand up and make a bold, necessary statement.

HIDING IN HIP HOP is his stunning, courageous story. Readers from all corners will be intrigued about HIDING IN HIP HOP. They may initially be fascinated by the "straight, no chaser" blind item stories within the book, but ultimately readers will gain a renewed appreciation for understanding why acceptance is key if we are to ever truly embrace change and promote healing.

HIDING IN HIP HOP is available at Amazon.com and at bookstores every.  To visit further with Terrance Dean as he reveals his eloquent voice, go to www.TerranceDean.blogspot.com  and his special "Confession" blog hosted by SOHH.com at   http://blogs.sohh.com/confessions/.

"There needs to be an open dialogue within the Black community, particularly within the Hip-Hop community. I am here. Let it begin with me," expresses Dean.

NOTE TO MEDIA:  Terrance Dean is available for interview, contact makeda@jazzmynepr.com . For book request, please send name, media outlet and mailing address for forwarding to the publisher.

Contact:
Makeda Smith
(661) 718-8843
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
makeda1313@aol.com
www.jazzmynepr.com

Yona Deshommes
Publicist
Simon and Schuster Publishers
Atria Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas Rm 13-132A
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-698-7566
Fax: 212-632-8083

Chocolate Industries and Artist To Market Distribution (A2M) Announce Exclusive Distribution Agreement for The Cool Kids Debut Release, The Bake Sale

TROY, Mich., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Artist To Market Distribution(A2M) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Chicago based label, Chocolate Industries, to be the exclusive distributor of the label's highly-anticipated debut release from The Cool Kids, The Bake Sale. The Bake Sale will be released on June 10th, 2008, and will carry a suggested retail price of $9.98.

As with prior agreements, A2M provides artists, labels, and content owners of all kinds with a streamlined and flexible supply chain solution to both traditional and non-traditional music retail outlets, thus bypassing the traditional music label infrastructure. This allows the album to be offered at an attractive price to consumers, while enabling retailers to achieve a fair profit margin.

Seven Bedard, Creative Director of Chocolate Industries, stated, "Working with A2M will open new doors and possibilities for The Cool Kids and Chocolate Industries, and we are looking forward to working with this innovative company."

Paul Ignasinski, General Manager of A2M, commented, "We're beyond excited to be partnering with The Cool Kids, Seven, and the entire Chocolate Industries staff. It's great to be involved not only with this incredible project, but also with a group of people motivated and genuinely excited to approach the business in a fundamentally new way. In a business so full of pessimism and sky-is-falling attitudes, these guys are invigorating and we at A2M hope this is just the start of a long and fruitful relationship."

The Cool Kids are in the midst of a sold-out world tour, including stints with M.I.A., the upcoming Rock the Bells tour, and high-profile festival performances such as Coachella 2008, Lollapalooza 2008, and South-By-Southwest (SXSW) 2008. Check out www.myspace.com/gocoolkids for more information and updates.

About Artist To Market Distribution

Launched in 2005, Artist To Market Distribution (A2M), www.artist2market.com , is an independent distributor designed to work directly with artists, labels, and content owners to streamline the supply chain, and deliver new product to the marketplace at a lower cost. Over the past two years A2M Distribution has partnered with a diverse group of platinum and multi-platinum artists including Dolly Parton, Tracy Lawrence, Tommy Lee, John Michael Montgomery, Sinead O'Connor, Unwritten Law, and Tracy Byrd.

About Chocolate Industries

Established in 2000, Chocolate Industries is a forward-thinking record label with an eclectic roster of artists. Based in Chicago, Chocolate Industries is home to successful acts Lady Sovereign, Diverse, The Cool Kids, Money Mark, and Free Moral Agents, and is distributed worldwide. The label is built upon the idea that music and art not only coexist, but can also have an involved relationship that extends beyond album cover art. Nationally recognized graffiti and graphic artist, Cody Hudson, is the Visual Art Director of Chocolate Industries.

Source: Artist To Market Distribution (A2M)

CONTACT: Paul Ignasinski of A2M Distribution, +1-248-458-3987,
paul@artist2market.com, or Seven Bedard of Chocolate Industries,
info@chocolateindustries.com

Web site: http://www.myspace.com/gocoolkids
http://www.artist2market.com/

Interactive One, Radio One's Digital Unit, Inks Exclusive Multi-Year Advertising Deal With AllHipHop.com, the #1 Site for Urban News

Interactive One + AllHipHop.com means extended reach into sought-after urban demographic online

NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Interactive One, the digital division of Radio One. (NASDAQ:ROIAK) (NASDAQ:and) (NASDAQ:ROIA) , in partnership with AllHipHop.com (AHH), the fastest growing provider of music related urban online content, today announce a five-year multi million dollar deal to offer advertisers access to the most engaged and active African-Americans online. The move aligns two of the most prominent African-American media organizations, creating the largest and most scaleable online advertising network targeting the African-American consumer. The combined traffic of both Interactive One and AllHipHop.com will give advertisers access to more than 4 million monthly unique visitors and over 500 million page views.

"We firmly believe that the future for the African-American consumer and those dedicated to communicating with them is in new media, and as such, this relationship extends our commitment to being the online leader in the African-American space," said Alfred Liggins III, CEO of Radio One, Inc. "Our relationship with AllHipHop.com is another example of our ability to enable blue chip advertisers to reach African-Americans online, whether it is across social networks, online news outlets, or digital content providers. AllHipHop.com is the leading site for all things relating to hip hop and their editorial vision and product innovation is a great complement to our sales and marketing expertise."

Interactive One will be the exclusive sales agent for AllHipHop.com. The move gives the site access to Interactive One's valuable relationships with big name advertisers while also extending Interactive One's online reach, offering advertisers a one-stop media solution to address the unique values and needs of the African-American online consumer.

The combined reach of Interactive One and AllHipHop.com will now give advertisers access to the largest group of active African-Americans online who have yielded more than 500 million page views across their combined properties per month. Interactive One's existing online brands include Blackplanet.com (the largest social network targeting African Americans, with over 18 million members), Giantmag.com, MiGente.com, Newsone.com, TVONE.TV and the websites of 53 urban radio stations across the country.

Both companies have seen tremendous growth in 2008. Interactive One recently launched Newsone.com in addition to last month's acquisition of Community Connect Inc., the largest publisher of niche social networks reaching more than 23 million multicultural social networking users in the U.S. This, combined with AllHipHop.com's unparalleled access to the urban trendsetting community, gives advertisers the opportunity to integrate into the largest digital network that provides news, information, entertainment, community, tools and services that uniquely speak to African-Americans.

"We expect that 2008 will continue to be a landmark, thrilling banner year for AHH Holdings and this deal will act as a mutually beneficial situation that will allow all parties to delve into new business arenas," said Chuck Creekmur, co-founder and CEO of AllHipHop.com. "It pleases us to enter into this deal at such a pivotal moment for AllHipHop.com, as we celebrate our 10th year anniversary in '08."

This exciting partnership is the first of many major announcements that AHH Holdings LLC, parent company to AllHipHop.com, plans to make in conjunction with their 10th Year Anniversary Program. As the pioneering leading source of urban news and information on the Internet, the AllHipHop brand looks to expand into television programs, concert series, and numerous global branding opportunities and will continue to be a force in Internet innovation for years to come.

ABOUT ALLHIPHOP.COM For 9 years now, AllHipHop.com has been the #1 online destination for Hip-Hop news, reviews and industry insights. Continuing to strive for excellence as a website but also a business entity, AllHipHop.com won the Rising Star' Award from Black Enterprise, May 2006, delivering over 150 million audited impressions per month and growing. AllHipHop.com is the world's most visited Hip-Hop/urban website and attracts an average of 5 million visitors per month. AllHipHop.com is the brainchild of "Grouchy" Greg Watkins and Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur. The website was launched in 1998 and has become the premier Hip-Hop/urban news provider on the web. The site features daily updates, interviews, reviews and a fast growing community, sharing news and views of their own. Sources as varied as CNN, The Associated Press, The O'Reilly Factor, XXL Magazine, VIBE and the New York Daily News all regularly use AllHipHop.com's pages. Since 1998, the site has also been an innovator in the mobile field, delivering daily news alerts to over 300,000 music industry taste makers and Hip-Hop lovers' phones and emails. Watkins registered AllHipHop.com in 1997 and initially used it as a vehicle to promote artists that were recording for his fledgling imprint, Oblique Recordings. In late 1997, Charles "Jigsaw" Creekmur was working on another Internet venture and the two combined forces and created the first version of AllHipHop.com. Since then, the independently owned site has grown organically and has grown to rival several of the top sites on the Internet, including BET.com, MTV.com and others. Essence Magazine noted AHH as 1 of the 4 top music websites among YouTube.com and MySpace.com in the June 2007 issue and VIBE Magazine in its annual Juice issue, ranked AHH as #29 out of the top 100 music industry leaders. AllHipHop.com is the only urban site to expand its reach outside of the internet.

ABOUT RADIO ONE, INC. (http://www.radio-one.com/) is one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies and the largest radio broadcasting company that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. On a pro forma basis, after closing the sale of our Los Angeles station, Radio One will own and/or operate 53 radio stations located in 16 urban markets in the United States. Additionally, Radio One owns Magazine One, Inc. (d/b/a Giant Magazine) (http://www.giantmag.com/), interests in TV One, LLC (http://www.tvoneonline.com/), a cable/satellite network programming primarily to African-Americans, Reach Media, Inc. (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/), owner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and other businesses associated with Tom Joyner, and Community Connect Inc., an on-line social-networking company, which operates a number of branded websites, including BlackPlanet, MiGente, and Asian Avenue.

Source: Radio One

CONTACT: Taryn Langer of Group SJR, +1-212-751-3392,
tlanger@groupsjr.com, for Interactive One; or Tammy Brook of FYI Public
Relations, +1-212-586-2240, for AllHipHop

Web site: http://www.radio-one.com/

The Harry Fox Agency and RightsFlow Enter Download Licensing Arrangement

NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. (HFA), a leading U.S. music rights licensing organization, and RightsFlow, a provider of licensing and royalty services, announced today that they have entered a licensing arrangement for full-length, permanent digital downloads.

"We are very excited to begin this relationship with HFA," stated Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO of RightsFlow. "Our clients look to us to provide a turnkey outsourced solution for publishing licensing and royalty administration. Working with HFA is a key step that will allow us to license and account more swiftly and efficiently, allow our clients to get more product available for sale, and create a greater value for all."

"This arrangement illustrates how HFA provides business solutions that facilitate the distribution of music by enabling RightsFlow to act as a licensee on behalf of its clients," said Gary Churgin, President and CEO of HFA. "RightsFlow will use HFA's bulk licensing system to handle mechanical licensing, ensuring that publishers and songwriters are properly compensated under U.S. law."

HFA began offering bulk digital download licensing in 2002. HFA represents over 1.9 million songs from almost 35,000 music publishers for mechanical licensing within the U.S. Under American Copyright Law, mechanical licenses are required for music to be distributed through online music services. The current U.S. statutory mechanical rate is 9.1¢ for songs five minutes or less and 1.75¢ per minute for songs over five minutes.

About HFA

Established in 1927 by the National Music Publishers' Association, HFA represents almost 35,000 music publishers for their licensing needs in the United States, issuing licenses and collecting and distributing the associated royalties. In addition to being the premier mechanical licensing agent in the U.S., HFA is dedicated to finding new ways for its affiliates publishers to recognize value for their catalogs, including lyrics and tablature. For more information about HFA, or to become an affiliate publisher or a licensee, see www.harryfox.com.

About RightsFlow

Privately held NY-based RightsFlow, LLC is a music, media and entertainment-focused Professional Services & Outsourced Music Licensing Service company. RightsFlow specializes in intellectual property licensing and copyright management, helping companies in music and media fields save time, save money, and sell more content. For more information on RightsFlow's services and management team, visit www.rightsflow.com.

Source: Harry Fox Agency, Inc.

CONTACT: Laurie Jakobsen for HFA, +1-212-834-0133,
ljakobsen@harryfox.com; Patrick Sullivan for RIGHTSFLOW, +1-917-509-8360,
patrick@rightsflow.com

Web site: http://www.harryfox.com/
http://www.rightsflow.com/

Wes Fif Leaves Slip-N-Slide Records

May 09, 2008
Orlando, FL – After less than six full months of being with the Miami based record label Slip-N-Slide Records, Orlando, FL artist Wes Fif has ended his relationship with the label citing creative differences as the reasoning for the departure.

The 22-year-old Orlando resident who looked to be the next star to rise from the camp released his official single "Wastin' Your Time" featuring Eliseo (from the group Treal) January and soon after released his first official mixtape as a Slip-N-Slide Records artist, "The Streets Chose Me" with DJ Smallz this past February.

In regards to the situation Wes Fif had the following words. "The experience was one that I can honestly say I learned from. Both good things and bad. It enabled me to witness a lot of things I was unaware of industry wise. I can't really say I regret one minute of the unique situation that we had."

Recognizing the following that Wes Fif had in his home state, Jullian Boothe VP of A&R at Slip-N-Slide Records invited Wes Fif and his camp to Miami last September to meet with Ted Lucas to discuss the two camps joining together to have him be the next big act to come out of Slip-N-Slide Records. According to sources close to Slip-N-Slide Records, the label thought that Wes did not and could not come up with a track that the DJ's would support, so the partnership between the two, as well as his production company Clientell Music Group could no longer prolong.

"To me, and to many other people, DJs included, top DJs at that; I had a hit record on deck, more than one actually. It just didn't translate into spins, and in my opinion the record(s) weren't given the proper time to grow. In some cases, it may take a record 5-6 months to grow, in others it may seem overnight. In those instances when its overnight though, there is a certain amount of 'muscle' as they say put behind it, that my records were never given. So it was a mutual decision to dead the situation totally and go separate ways. I feel like it was the best decision. Why be involved in something when you're putting in 1000% and getting 2% in return. Ted Lucas is an idol of mine in this business; SNS will remain a powerhouse indie label, and I will remain a staple in this business and go on to another situation that will be better fitting for me. I will continue to make good music and keep my fans happy. Shit don't change" stated Wes Fif.

Slip-N-Slide Records so far in 2008 has had a very successfully run with Rick Ross' sophomore album "Trilla" debuting at #1 and approaching gold and Trina debuting at #6 with her latest album "Still Da Baddest." Plies is soon to release his second album "Definition Of Real" June 10th featuring his current hit "Bust It Baby Part 2."

Since becoming a free agent, Wes Fif has really been in small talks with a couple of labels whom had thought that he was already signed or did not have an interest in the label, but nothing is set in stone as of yet. Wes will continue to push the single "Wastin' Your Time" along with a new track called "Through Da Roof" which will be released within the next few weeks. He also plans to release a digital album this summer to hold down anxious fans who await an album by Wes Fif. More details regarding the digital album project will be released at a later time, says a rep for Wes Fif. Wes still hopes to sign with a major label in the near future and release "Get Money Guidelines" by the end of the year.

For more information on Wes Fif, please visit his website http://www.wesfifonline.com.

For More Information Contact: Leon Bailey
Email: LBailey@WordofSouth.com

Hottest independent rap artist on the Net!!!! Gutta Slim

Release Date: 2008-05-08

Gutta Slim is taking the internet by storm with his new hiphop album "From Da Gutta to DA Top". With his smash singles "Get Loose"and his club banger "Left to Right" many will be drawn in by his witty southern slang and his ear tinggling production. This album you will discover insight on what urban life is like being black and not being able to find a job or getting fired from one. Also you will hear content about being a single father trying to make ends meat in the hood!!! This album has eargasms for the club hoppers to the stripper s dancing on that silver pole. To fans abroad will enjoy with excitement being captivated by this hiphop Odyssey to true street hop!!! "So Gutta So Hood"

Contact Information:
Name: israel deveaux
Phone: +1 561.305.0592
Email: israeldeveaux@aol.com
Website: www.guttaslim.net

Shams DaBaron To Appear In BET'S American Gangster Series On The Life of Hood Icon Larry Davis

New York, NY; (PRWEB) May 08, 2008 –  BET's peripatetic cameras are ready to roll as it continues its critically acclaimed American Gangster Series. In development is the life and times of hood icon Larry Davis who was brutally murder in a New York State prison on February 20, 2008. The episode will present a penetrating look into police corruption and drug dealing that targeted a black youth name Larry Davis, who along with musical partner Shams DaBaron was on the cusp of stardom. The episode is executive produced by famed producer and screenwriter Barry Michael Copper (New Jack City, Above the Rim, Sugar Hill).

Davis became a public figure at 19 years old, when over 30 corrupt police officers came to assassinate him. A bloody shootout ensured and in the aftermath six police officers were wounded. Davis eluded the NYPD for 17-days and became a street legend for defending himself and his family against the most notorious police department in the country.

According to an article published in the NY Times, "Mr. Davis seemed the embodiment of a trend towards lawlessness that had sweep New York, but to others, particularly some of the residents in heavily black neighborhoods of the Bronx and other boroughs, he became something of a folk hero."

The story on Larry Davis is real and there will be no truth to the story if Shams were not involved.  The saga of November 19, 1986 would be relegated to urban folklore," states Journalist/Filmmaker Rahiem Shabazz. "We are extremely proud BET decided to get a first hand account from the person who was at Larry's sister house hours before the raid, spoke with him during the infamous 17 day manhunt and present during the trail and verdict. Shams was also involved in Larry's trials, even testifying for him in court. In the streets he worked hard to keep the name of Larry Davis alive," he concludes.

"I'm not quick to jump up in the cameras and stuff like that. I decided to participate with this American Gangster episode on Larry to give others a glimpse into who this man really is." stated Shams DaBaron. "I want people to see that aspect of him. Mayor Koch ain't gonna tell you. So when I heard they interviewed Koch I said I must speak for my Fam, Larry. The fact that Barry Michael Cooper was involved made me agree to it and I hope that when people see it, they get something positive out of it," concluded Shams.

With an unmatched determination, Shams overcame the twisted wreckage of his early childhood, growing up in a foster home and living in despair. Solace came in the form of music, along with his partner Larry Davis; he felt he was making his rounds on the proverbial victory lap. It was not long before a recording contract was offered and the bright skies opened up, revealing the silver lining in the cumulus clouds. The episode explores the musical career of the duo and how it came to a screeching halt after Davis imprisonment.

Besides, appearing in the series, Shams is also producing a tribute track titled "LD Rest In Peace". He has also been instrumental in helping the Estate of Larry Davis, which is being spearheaded by Larrimma Davis, daughter of Mr. Davis and the Executor of his Estate and Founder of the Larry Davis Foundation. A full length movie is being written by Shams along with his brother journalist/filmmaker Rahiem Shabazz and with the assistance of the Davis family.

Press & Music Inquiries Please Contact"
Rasha Media Group
admin@rashaentertainment.com
404-484-2706

New Artist "Los Don" Releases First Single featuring Ne-Yo "Real Good Love"

Harlem, NY (May 9, 2008) – Back to Back Entertainment announces the release of "Real Good Love," the new single from artist Los Don, featuring Def Jam recording artist Ne-Yo. "Real Good Love" is the first single from Los Don, who plans on releasing his debut album in early 2009. Sure to be one of this year's hottest tracks, "Real Good Love" couldn't come at a better time, with summer around the corner, and Ne-Yo's "Year of the Gentleman" album available in stores on June 24th.

Blending Ne-Yo's soulful sound with Los' smooth, New York swagger, the song is sure to captivate the masses, and is rapidly gaining buzz on the internet. "I wanted to come with something new, moving away from what everyone expects from a New York artist," says Los, while adding "That's not to say that some of my tracks won't have that traditional New York swag, 'cause the album will be laced with my Harlem style."

Being his first major-release single, "It's refreshing to see and hear an artist willing to step outside their comfort zone, opening themselves up to new ideas and sounds," manager Andre Grell adds. "Los has such a diverse range of styles that it's hard to categorize him, or label him an "East Coast" or "West Coast" artist."

Los recently appeared in Virginia and Pennsylvania, opening for Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones and Lil' Wayne, and has shows planned for New York and Florida in the near future. For more information on Back to Back Entertainment or Los Don, call Andre Grell at Universal Republic at (212) 841-5100, or email at agrell@tharightway.com.

Contact:  Andre Grell
Universal Republic
(212) 841-5100

Lincoln and Hip-Hop Superstar Common Announce the 'Lincoln Spotlight' Grand Champion Lyricist

DEARBORN, Mich., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- West Hollywood, California resident and aspiring lyricist Jael Gadsen has been chosen the grand champion of the Lincoln Spotlight online music competition by a panel that included Grammy Award-winning hip-hop superstar Common, Grammy-winning music producer Bryan Michael Cox, VIBE magazine editor-in-chief Danyel Smith, music executive Derek Dudley and renowned DJ Tony Touch.

Lincoln, the fastest-growing luxury brand in America last year, and Grammy Award-winner Common began the nationwide search for the best and brightest aspiring lyricists in February. Gadsen will be presented with a prize of $10,000 and an opening spot for hip-hop superstar Common at one of his 2008 performances.

"The Lincoln Spotlight competition appealed to me because it gave me the opportunity to write about a topic that I feel very strongly about: reaching high for your dreams and the chance to encourage someone else not to give up," said Gadsen. "Making it to the top five was already the icing on the cake! Actually winning - I am still at a lost for words. All I can say is 'overwhelming excitement!' "

The Lincoln Spotlight contest was open to the public and invited aspiring lyricists to create an original song and video articulating one of Lincoln's brand truths: advancing the American dream, exploring what it means to reach higher, daring to do more and taking pride in one's history.

Contestants were to use music tracks available on www.lincolnlounge.com. Online viewer voting helped determine the top five finalists and Lincoln's panel of music industry experts selected the grand champion. Judging was based on originality and creativity, verbal technique and visual sophistication.

Said Cox, "I was happy to be part of Lincoln Spotlight because it is a great way for young aspiring artists to focus their creativity on positive themes. The contestants had uplifting, inspiring lyrics, but I gave Jael the highest score because she had a sincerity in her delivery that is equally as important as the message when artists perform. The passion that the performer has for the message is what really draws the audience in."

Lincoln Marketing Manager Tom Grill added, "We were really excited by the enthusiasm we received from the public with this contest. Spotlight allowed us the opportunity to give exposure to other talented artists and to celebrate a favorite American pastime - music."

  Lyrics by Lincoln Spotlight Winner Jael Gadsen, Copywritten 2008

  Song Title: Your Season

  Verse 1

  Have you ever heard a voice in your head?
  It's the voice of your heart telling you
  "That you have a higher purpose,
  Don't let your life be worthless,
  Come on you deserve this!"

  Some say that your dreams can't come true
  They laugh and they call you a fool
  And then you get discouraged
  And try to find excuses of why you can't do this!

  Oh! You gotta reach for your dreams and you'll see!
  That everything you need is within your reach!
  Your purpose will take you where you need to be!
  Listen to your heart and believe.

  Verse 2

  You decide to give your dreams a try
  Deep inside you know it feels right
  Then you start to make some headway!
  Then all of a sudden road blocks
  Keep landing in your pathway!

  People talking, money short and, time is wasting, keep the pace man
  Cause you gotta be head strong, keep on pushing on
  Cause you're a fighter!
  Keep reaching higher!

  Oh! You gotta reach for your dreams and you'll see!
  That everything you need is within your reach!
  Your purpose will take you where you need to be!
  Listen to your heart and believe.

  Keep reaching higher and higher
  Don't ignore your desires
  You feel this way for a reason
  Soon it'll be your SEASON!

  Oh-oh-oh!
  Listen to your Heart! Oh Oh oh! Within your reach! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

  Oh you! Keep reaching higher and higher. Oh you! Keep reaching Higher!
  h-i-g-h-e-r.

  Lincoln and Common

In fall of 2007, Lincoln and rising star and Grammy Award-winning performer Common announced a multifaceted marketing alliance to promote the 2008 Lincoln Navigator and other brand initiatives. The exclusive partnership includes Common's appearances in national television broadcasts, radio and print advertisements. In addition, Lincoln is working with Common to develop other cross-promotional and marketing programs. For example, Common will perform and make personal appearances on behalf of Lincoln at auto shows and dealer events, and will be an integral component of other Lincoln events.

About Lincoln

Award-winning new products, including the new Lincoln MKX crossover, Lincoln MKZ sedan, and Lincoln Navigator, are a few of the key reasons behind Lincoln's growth. In 2007, Lincoln was the market's fastest-growing luxury brand. And that momentum is set to continue in 2008, with a summer launch of an all-new flagship sedan, the Lincoln MKS.

For more information on the Lincoln products, including the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS, visit www.lincoln.com
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080509/NYF028
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Lincoln Mercury

CONTACT: Shelley O'Connor, +1-212-219-7187, soconnor@uniworldgroup.com,
or Mark Schirmer, +1-313-390-8647, mschirme@ford.com, both for Lincoln
Mercury

Web site: http://www.lincoln.com/
http://www.lincolnlounge.com/

Sunset Urban Records will host the Sunset Urban Live Music Showcase on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at The White Gate (1222 Putnum Avenue) in Brooklyn, New York

The next Sunset Urban Live Music Showcase has been announced this week to be held on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at The White Gate (1222 Putnum Avenue) in Brooklyn. The doors open at 7:00pm; admission is $5 to the public. The show is part of the ongoing Sunset Urban Showcase series featuring the up-and-coming Sunset Urban artists and songwriters in rap, hip hop, R&B and neo-soul.

(Billboard Publicity Wire) May 10, 2008 -- The line-up includes such rising Sunset Urban artists Capt. Crunk, Paula Perry, Blackwell, Lil Dynomite, the Rican Rebelz, and B.L.O. and the entire show is hosted by Knowledge again that night. The show will be filled with hiphop music with Capt. Crunk premiering music from his "It's A Hell Of A drug" CD which will be in stores that week on May 27th.

The Sunset Urban Showcase will also feature new music from the upcoming Paula Perry CDS due in stores this summer. And, will feature a special guest performance by the latest Sunset Urban Records signing, Lil Dynomite.

Sunset Urban opened its doors this year and just released the first CD by the upstart label this week. The brand new by D'Cyple. The For My People CD is currently in stores at Target and sold online at Amazon. Expect new releases every month at Sunset Urban Records this year.

About Sunset Urban Records / Sunset Holding Co.:
Sunset is a privatly owned Don Lichterman Company and is one of the leading independent record labels and entertainment companies in the world. The Sunset Group of Entertainment Companies, and its global operation, acquire, develop, and distribute major music recording artists, home visual entertainment products, online-digital entertainment technologies and music and filmed entertainment worldwide. Sunset's four major divisions are the Sunset Distributed Label Group, the Sunset Strategic Marketing and Licensing Division, the Radio Sunset Network and the Sunset Filmed Entertainment Division. All corporate information can be found at www.SunsetHolding.com. The Sunset Urban Records web site is www.SunsetUrban.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Don Lichterman
Sunset Urban Records
609.413.6949
Email us Here
http://billboard.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=924904

Amnesty International Presents JAMNESTY Highlighting Miami Artists

Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Will Participate in the Human Rights Organization's Guantanamo Cell Replica National Tour to Close U.S. Detention Facility

MIAMI, May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) presents its Counter Terror with Justice JAMNESTY, a concert highlighting some of Miami's prominent independent musical artists. The event will be held at Tina Hills Pavilion in Bayfront Park beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, in Miami.

The concert will be emceed by LaGuardia. Musical guests scheduled to appear include Latin hip-hop group the Cornerstoners, indie-rock artist Rachel Goodrich, jazz musician Renee Fiallos, underground hip-hop stars Brimstone and Lox the Rippa and the Miami Beach Capoiera.

In addition, Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, will make a special guest appearance at the concert. She is now leading Realizing Rights: the Ethical Globalization Initiative and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award in 2004 for her work in promoting human rights.

At the concert, Amnesty International's Guantanamo cell replica will be on exhibit Friday and Saturday, May 9-10 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Sunday, May 11 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Visitors may tour the cell and record a 30-second reaction video that will be posted on youtube.com and tearitdown.org, as well as sign the global petition to shut Guantanamo down.

This cell replica will visit cities and towns across the United States. The cell is designed to provide all visitors with a tangible glimpse into the life of a Guantanamo detainee. The replica includes a steel toilet, florescent lights, frosted windows and a sliding metal door. Many detainees are held in isolation in similar conditions for as long as 23 hours a day.

  EVENT: Amnesty International's Counter Terror with Justice JAMNESTY
  DATE: Saturday, May 10, 2008
  TIME: Beginning at 1 p.m.
  LOCATION: Tina Hills Pavilion
  Bayfront Park
  North Biscayne Blvd
  Miami, Florida 33132

For more details and further information, contact the AIUSA media office at 202-544-0200 x302.

Source: Amnesty International

CONTACT: Sharon Singh, +1-202-459-8703 or AIUSA media office,
+1-202-544-0200 x302

Web Site: tearitdown.org

DSA MEDIA GROUP AND PARTNERS ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET TO CELEBRATE JAY-Z & MARY J. BLIGE "HEART OF THE CITY" SUCCESSFUL TOUR

New York, NY – May 08, 2008 – On Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 Spotlight Live was host to one of its biggest nights to celebrate the wrap up of JAY-Z & MARY J BLIGE "Heart of The City Tour", hosted by Mary J. Blige. The event produced by DSA Media Group, Don Pooh, and LTB ENT garnered celebrities from the fashion, music and television industries at Spotlight Live to mark this dazzling occasion.

The evening was a star-lit red carpet affair that had all the ingredients of an 'Award Ceremony'; The invited guests were treated to an open bar from sponsors Ciroc and Jose Cuervo Platino, red carpet, and music spinned by DJ Goldfinger." Lyor Cohen, who was in attendance last night, said about the event "Mary J is coming off a successful tour and we had to come out to celebrate. She has a rare, genuine quality and we have to celebrate it. Congrats to Mary J. Blige and congrats to my friends at DSA Media Group for putting this together."

If you visited Times Square on that warm Wednesday night, you couldn't miss the huge line outside Spotlight Live. Various celebrities came out to celebrate with Mary J.Blige. Bad Boy's own Making The Band Day 26, Songwriter Bryan Michael Cox, Nik Pace from America's Next Top Model, Power 105.1 fm's Ed Lover, Actor Shaun B. Laurent from HBO hit show "The Wire", Singer/ Actress Naturi Naughton, The Retro Kids, NY Giants' own Derrick Ward, Brandon London, and Geoffrey Pope were among some of the celebrities to light up the red carpet.

DSA Media Group President Dante Simpson said, "We had a great event that was beyond flawless, and an overwhelming amount of support from trendsetters from all around the city."

The stars will light up Spotlight Live again in the coming weeks, when the next installment of R'n'B Live, presented by DSA Media Group, 1st Class Entertainment, and LTB Ent will take place.

For images from Mary J. Blige "Heart of The City" Afterparty, visit Wire Image http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=316882&nbc1=1

###

ABOUT DSA Media Group

DSA Media Group is headquartered in New Jersey, with an office in Los Angeles. DSA has become the nation's most recognized firms, within the worlds largest market (New York City), with experience including BET Networks, Cadillac Motor Company, Vitamin Water, Smart Water, Thomas Jones (N.Y. Jets), Reebok, Adidas, Ciroc Vodka, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Westwood One, Mixcast TV, Virgin Charter Jets, VIBE Magazine, Grey Goose, FIJI Waters, XBOX 360, IHOP, Microsoft, BE Magazine, celebrities including Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, SonyBMG Music Entertainment, a plethora of other global interests, and a variety of national corporations and consumer brands, high-profile individuals, and regional businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT

For additional information about DSA Media Group or specific news, requests, and interviews:

Carine Dikambi | 646-644-7370 | PDG Public Relations | carine@pdgpr.com

Live Nation and AdBrite Enter Exclusive Multi-Year Online Advertising Partnership

New 'Live Nation eFan Finder' Service Helps Local Concert Promoters, Agents and Managers View and Manage Performance of Online Ads for Live Nation Concerts in North America

SAN FRANCISCO, May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Live Nation (NYSE:LYV) and AdBrite today announced the launch of Live Nation eFan Finder, a new proprietary service that helps local Live Nation concert promoters, artist managers and agents track and view the performance of Live Nation's online advertising campaigns for thousands of shows it produces and markets in North America each year.

Research shows that more than a third of live music fans find out about concerts on the web, while traditional concert industry marketing practices are to spend only a small fraction of advertising dollars online. With Live Nation eFan Finder, Live Nation's local marketers are able to easily create and place tailored ad campaigns for the company's concerts, utilizing geo- targeting and other advanced matching technologies to connect with music fans on AdBrite's network of 50,000 web sites. Live Nation eFan Finder then allows artists, agents, and band managers to see websites on which their ads have appeared and provides reporting to show how many times an ad was shown and clicked on.

"Our partnership with AdBrite and the creation of Live Nation eFan Finder enables us to market our 10,000 shows in North American more efficiently by reaching music fans directly on the web," said Jason Garner, Chief Executive Officer of North American Music at Live Nation. "We expect eFan Finder to result in reduced marketing costs and increased impressions, all while providing instantaneous reporting for managers and agents and our local marketers across the U.S."

TNS Media Intelligence forecasts online ad spend will increase 14.4% in 2008, outpacing the growth in spend on traditional media such as TV, radio, outdoor, and newspaper. While targeted and cost-effective, online ad placements can be less predictable or visible than the newspaper ads, radio spots, or outdoor placements than band managers are accustomed to seeing. Live Nation eFan Finder provides transparency to artists and band managers, making their online campaigns more tangible and allowing them to better understand how their online advertising is performing.

Today's announcement builds on a deepening partnership between the two companies. Over the past year, Live Nation has used AdBrite's network to promote concerts for artists such as Van Halen, Josh Groban, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, and Jonas Brothers. These programs have leveraged many of AdBrite's most powerful tools, including OTX (Open Targeting Exchange), Full Page Ads, and the company's Facebook App channel.

"We're pleased to be working with the world's largest live music company. Live Nation is a truly progressive marketer who is committed to driving results for artists, agents, and band managers," said Ignacio Fanlo, CEO of AdBrite. "With AdBrite's transparent marketplace and new Open Targeting Exchange (OTX), Live Nation's concert promoters have a powerful new platform for connecting with music fans and proving the results to artists, agents, and band managers."

The AdBrite marketplace reaches 85 million U.S. monthly visitors, serving ads on nearly one billion page-views per day. AdBrite serves ads on over 50,000 websites, including 8 of ComScore's Top 20 US media properties. AdBrite's Music Channel features quality sites such as Billboard, Pure Volume, and Music.com.

About Live Nation

Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." More information can be found at http://www.livenation.com/.

About AdBrite

AdBrite is the Internet's Ad Marketplace. The company makes it easy to buy and sell advertising online, giving advertisers and publishers more transparency and control than any other ad network. With banner and text ads, as well as innovative formats like BritePic, InVideo and Full Page Ad, AdBrite has created a simple and more effective advertising marketplace for advertisers and publishers of all sizes. In January 2008, AdBrite ads reached 85 million unique users in the U.S. (comScore).

AdBrite was founded by Philip Kaplan and Gidon Wise in 2002 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. AdBrite is backed by venture capital firms Sequoia Capital, DAG Ventures, and Mitsui Ventures. For more information, visit http://www.adbrite.com/.

   Live Nation Media Contact:
   John Vlautin
   310-867-7127
   johnvlautin@livenation.com

   AdBrite Media Contact:
   Paul Levine
   650-740-4735
   plevine@adbrite.com

Source: Live Nation; AdBrite

CONTACT: John Vlautin of Live Nation, +1-310-867-7127,
johnvlautin@livenation.com; or Paul Levine of AdBrite, +1-650-740-4735,
plevine@adbrite.com

Web site: http://www.livenation.com/
http://www.adbrite.com/

SonicAcademy.com Launches Online Music Production School

LONDON, May 9/PRNewswire/ --

- A New Video Tutorial Website Enabling Music Making Enthusiasts of all Abilities to Develop Their Skills has Been Launched Today

SonicAcademy.com is a new web portal for anyone interested in music production, particularly in the use of software driven music systems.

Providing worldwide support for aspiring musicians DJ's and producers, SonicAcademy.com offers step by step video tutorials on the latest software and hardware products, combining an ethos of high production values with features, news and reviews as well as an online community where people can meet, learn from and share knowledge with other music makers.

Courses include training on Ableton, Cubase, and Reason (for computer and live music production) with coverage on mixers, turntables and DJ CD players, enabling enthusiasts to download full courses or individual tutorials according to their needs without the high costs associated with physical courses. With exclusive training tips and tutorials from the world's leading musicians, DJ's and producers, registered members can also upload their own music and have it rated by other music makers.

The new venture is an extension of the highly successful Sonic Academy training centre in Belfast that provides face to face training for music presenters and broadcasters, accredited education courses for school and college students and training for home enthusiasts.

Launched by musician, former Divine Comedy band member and DJ Kevin Traynor and DJ / producer Phil Johnston in 2003, Sonic Academy has attracted complete beginners through to professional DJs and producers including Agnelli & Nelson and Fergie (formerly of Radio 1).

Praised by top DJ's including Carl Cox, the site is supported and endorsed by the world's leading manufacturers of music technology hardware and software and other key industry players, including Pioneer, M-Audio, Vestax, Steinberg, Ableton and the Ministry of Sound.

SonicAcademy.com is one of six successful companies to receive funding from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment's Broadband Content Initiative, which was designed to encourage creative and IT entrepreneurs to seize the commercial opportunities of developing content for the internet.

Everyone who registers now at SonicAcademy.com (for free) receives access to free tutorials along with the chance to WIN a signed Carl Cox PMC-CX Vestax mixer and free tutorials for a year.

http://www.sonicacademy.com

Editors Notes

For further information, video footage, photographs or interview opportunities, contact: Anna Morgan, Media Ink PR, E: press@mediainkpr.com

Source: www.SonicAcademy.com

Anna Morgan, Media Ink PR, T: +44(0)7909-905-882, E: press@mediainkpr.com

G4'S "FREESTYLE 101" TAKES THE PRIZE FOR "BEST ONLINE FILM & VIDEO" IN THE MUSIC CATEGORY OF THE 12th ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS

G4's Popular Hip Hop Show Is Selected to Share the Honor with Other 2008 Webby Winners Such as The Onion and Tom Green

Los Angeles, May 8, 2008 - The 12th Annual Webby Award winners are in and G4's "Freestyle 101" is taking home the "Best Online Film & Video" Webby Award in the Music Category. "Freestyle 101" is G4tv's weekly multi-platform, nerd-chic hip hop series where today's top MCs step into the studio to rap about videogames, tech and their own experiences, and chat about the art of the rhyme. The show regularly features freestyle raps and exclusive interviews from both well-known artists such as Fat Joe, Ice T and Del the Funky Homosapien, as well as underground stars like Papoose, Joell Ortiz, Ali Vegas and Murs. Their videos can be found online at www.g4tv.com/freestyle101.

Winners will be honored at two star-studded ceremonies in New York City : The Webby Film & Video Awards on June 9th and The 12th Annual Webby Awards Gala on June 10th. A full list of both Webby Awards and People's Voice Awards winners can be found at: http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=12

Hailed as the "the Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Websites. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington, and Harvey Weinstein.

"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. "Freestyle 101's win is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

"It's truly an honor to win this award," said "Freestyle 101" producer, Frank Meyer. "This underpins the synergy that exists between nerd culture and hip hop, and will further promote the voices of hip hop on the web."

"We continue to be amazed by the talent that consistently comes through the Freestyle 101 studios," said Neal Tiles, president, G4. "My congratulations goes out to Freestyle 101 team for winning this prestigious award in the New Media space."

The 12th Annual Webby Awards received a record 9,500 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states.

In addition to Freestyle 101's award, several network properties were also selected as Official Honorees:

    * "Geek Out: Crazy4Cult" has been selected as an Official Honoree for the Documentary: Individual Episode category
    * "Fresh Ink Online: Lesbian Dragons" has been selected as an Official Honoree for the Variety category

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. Past headline-grabbing speechmakers include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote"), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Prince ("Everything you think is true.")

Available for streaming on G4tv.com and as an iTunes podcast, new episodes of "Freestyle 101" premiere every Tuesday on G4tv.com at 9 am PT/12 pm ET. G4 is in 64 million homes in the U.S.

Additional information on "Freestyle 101" is available at: http://www.g4tv.com/freestyle101

About Comcast Entertainment Group

Based in Los Angeles , Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming; and G4 offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity, and "Internet culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to nearly 94 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States .  In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere from online to broadband video to wireless to satellite radio to VOD.  The Style Network currently counts 58 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America , is available in more than 64 million cable and satellite homes nationwide.

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 12th Annual Webby Awards received a record 9,500 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: Adobe; The Creative G