Debut Superstar Snags Most Prestigious 2006 MTV Video Music Awards Rap Honor
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 2006--It's not just a hip-hop story anymore! Music's biggest debut artist of 2006, Houston rapper and entrepreneur Chamillionaire, emerged victorious last night at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards' most competitive, buzzed about category, beating out proven legends including 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and others for Best Rap Video of the year honors for the groundbreaking video "Ridin," featuring Krayzie Bone. Propelled from his major label platinum-plus debut smash album, The Sound Of Revenge, the song became the year's most popular multi-format anthem, establishing the underground trailblazer as a mainstream music force. The explosive single had great success at radio, and literally transformed the digital music landscape with the savvy Chamillionaire becoming a groundbreaking ringtone artist by selling over 3 million ringtones of "Ridin." An eloquent and grateful Chamillionaire accepted the award last night in New York's Radio City Music Hall, telling the star-studded audience the award "made my year."
And what a year it's been, with the versatile wordsmith going from Houston underground rhyme prodigy - literally selling mix-tapes from the back of his trunk - to mainstream hip-hop gatekeeper, with his first hit single "Turn It Up," featuring Lil' Flip opening the door, and the explosive phenomenon of "Ridin," breaking it down. Brilliantly balancing the year's most impressive multi-threat entertainment arsenal, the visionary artist has attracted a worldwide following, locking down more than 3 million viewers on MySpace, over 550,000 Digital Sales (out selling Nelly "Grillz," and T.I. "What You Know") and now - with MTV's coronation - taking his success story to a level many established superstars have yet to reach. Chamillionaire has also garnered acclaim for his bold stance against the alleged law enforcement practice of racial profiling, with the acclaimed "Ridin'" also becoming an unofficial protest song that has helped initiate a dialogue about the controversial practice.
Contacts
Universal Motown Records
Vickie Charles, 212-373-0783
vickie.charles@umusic.com
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Kimberly Harris, 212-373-0701
kimberly.harris@umusic.com
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5W Public Relations
Tracy Nguyen, 212-999-5585
tnguyen@5wpr.com
