Hip-Hop Superstar’s Latest Effort Will Be Available Worldwide Through All Major Digital Retailers and Mobile Services

NEW YORK, NY — (Market Wire – Oct 30, 2006) –  The Orchard, the world’s leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, today announced that it will release the digital version of Ice T’s upcoming album, "Gangsta Rap," on October 31, concurrent with the album’s CD release on Melee/Universal. The digital version of "Gangsta Rap" will be available worldwide through all leading digital music stores and mobile content services, including eMusic, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Movistar, Jamster, and others.

"From the beginning of his career, Ice T has been a trail blazer, pioneering gangsta rap and the explosive alchemy of hip-hop and metal. He’s also transcended those beginnings to become a cultural icon, from taking on leading roles in feature films and TV programs and hosting his own show on VH-1, to speaking out for free speech and inspiring a generation of rappers with his hard-hitting, thought-provoking lyrics," said Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard. "With Ice T’s visibility at an all time high and his fans primed for the first new material from him since 1999, we’re confident about our ability to deliver for him and his worldwide fans."

"I’m a big believer in using the Internet to reach fans around the world, and The Orchard is the team to beat when it comes to digital distribution and street-smart marketing," said Ice T. "I’m also excited about The Orchard pushing ‘Gangsta Rap’ outside the U.S., where it’s only going to be available digitally — you live in Europe, Japan, wherever, then you only get the record through digital retailers. These guys have the tools and the talent to kick it, and I’m ready to get in the game with them."

In keeping with Ice T’s history as a lightning rod for controversy, "Gangsta Rap" has been at the center of a media frenzy over its sexually explicit cover, which depicts the artist and his wife, the model Coco, naked in bed. Many brick-and-mortar and digital retailers refused to stock the original version of the album, so Ice T created a sanitized edition with a sticker that reads: "Censored: the highly anticipated new album from Ice T."

About The Orchard

The Orchard is the world’s leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, with a catalogue of more than one million tracks representing 73 countries, thousands of labels, and every music genre. This catalogue includes titles from multi-platinum acts such as Green Day, Coldplay, Ray Charles, and Ice T, as well as from breaking bands like The Hold Steady, Bedouin Soundclash, and Immortal Technique. The Orchard supplies all the leading legal digital music stores and mobile operators throughout the world and markets its labels’ catalogues for sync song placements in films, commercials, and television shows. The company is owned by Dimensional Associates, the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc. whose portfolio companies also include eMusic and Dimensional Music Publishing. The Orchard is headquartered in New York and London, with offices in 23 countries and six continents. For more information, please visit: www.theorchard.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Paul Verna
Director of Corporate Communications
The Orchard
212-300-2824

gpv6Indie success story continues impressive year with special event at flagship Apple store in New York City. Screening to be followed by Q & A with Director Dave Cool.

New York, NY (PRWEB via Billboard Publicity Wire) October 31, 2006 — On Sunday, November 12th at the Apple Store-SoHo in New York City (103 Prince Street), the documentary film "What is INDIE?" will screen as a special event from 1:00-3:00PM. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session with Director/Producer Dave Cool (yes, that’s his real name!), Author Daylle Deanna Schwartz (Start and Run Your Own Record Label) and the Editor of The Indie Bible, David Wimble.

About the Film:

At a time when independent artists in the music industry have more power and control over their careers than ever before, "What is INDIE?" tries to determine just what it really means to be ‘indie’.

The film features interviews with indie music experts including Panos Panay (Founder of Sonicbids) and Derek Sivers (Founder of CD Baby) as well as with 20 artists including Ember Swift and Paul Cargnello.

A True Indie Success Story:

Without any prior background in film (except for watching Super-Size Me "way too many times") and funded entirely with his own credit cards, Montreal director Dave Cool has taken "What is INDIE?" from a small do-it-yourself project and turned it into an indie success story in its own right that continues to turn heads in the music and film industries, even catching the attention of CNN.com, Newsweek Magazine and Canada’s National Film Board.

http://www.whatisindiemovie.com/intro.cfm

Dave Cool
Stand Alone Records
514-843-5931

Mr. Joseph Jackson, The Patriarch of the World Famous Jackson Five, is bringing his Hip Hop Boot Camp to Singapore, and Malaysia. Jackson’s Goal is to take the vulgarity and violence out of the Hip Hop Game.

New York (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 — Joe Jackson’s Hip Hop Boot Camp welcomes the hip hop talent from Singapore and Malaysia to bring it to the audition stage for a chance to compete in 2007. Hip Hop Boot Camp is spinning some beats on the tracks of Singapore on November 2, 2006, when Joe Jackson from the world renowned Jackson Family arrives to announce the Singapore ‘Clean Hip Hop’ Music Talent Competition.

The semi finalists will then be groomed at the Boot Camp in the motherland of hip hop, New York City. These semifinalists will return shining in their Hip Hop glory back to Singapore to compete for the grand prize.

For more information and updates on times and locations, please go to www.hiphopbootcamp.com and check our happenings section.

Contacts:
Charles Coupet 917 400 0845
Angel Howansky 562 458 6700 Publicist and Spokesperson
Gail Felix 209 839 8310 Asst.

Ground-Breaking Hip-Hop Artist, Producer, and Performer Is November’s ‘Artist of the Month’ On Music Choice On Demand

October 31, 2006

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Music Choice®, the leading, multi-platform music network, today announced that DIDDY, one of today’s most powerful forces in music, would be the featured ‘Artist of the Month’ in November on Music Choice On Demand. This multi-platform promotional program, reaching millions of music fans through their TVs, PCs and cell phones, takes an unprecedented look at the life of one of today’s most focused, creative artists and highly successful business executives. DIDDY’s music video “Bad Boy For Life” and the video “Come To Me,” his blockbuster first single/video from his new #1 album Press Play will be available for viewing thru the month of November, along with an extensive collection of music videos from a variety of hot recording artists from Bad Boy Records, one of the industry’s hottest labels. Music Choice On Demand viewers will be asked to vote for their favorite Bad Boy artist’s music video (“Mo Money,” “Mo Problems,” “I Need a Girl” and “Big Poppa”) by recording their vote at http://www.musicchoice.com/aom. The results will be posted throughout the month on the Music Choice R&B/Hip Hop audio channel.

A BEST OF BAD BOY Hot Video List, featuring music videos from Danity Kane, Cassie, Young Joc and DIDDY, will also be offered on Music Choice On Demand throughout the month of November to watch whenever—and however often—at no charge.

The exclusive content includes two unique shows: MAKING OF THE MOGUL and DIDDY NAKED, produced by and for Music Choice On Demand. MAKING OF THE MOGUL features DIDDY sharing the secrets of his success, while his colleagues in the music business answer the burning question, “What is it that makes DIDDY, well DIDDY?” In addition, through his responses to candid questions from fans on the street, DIDDY reveals some of his inner most thoughts on DIDDY NAKED.

There will also be a mobile platform to the DIDDY Artist of the Month program in November. DIDDY will be Sprint’s featured artist from November 1 thru November 15th with the Music Choice channel featuring a DIDDY/Bad Boy music video each day, along with behind–the-scenes footage from DIDDY’s photo shoot, clips from DIDDY’s hosting of a freestyle content and Bad Boy artist features. Warner Music will also be offering exclusive DIDDY content to Sprint customers during the artist promotion.

In addition to the content available on Music Choice On Demand, the No. 1 free video-on-demand service in the country, the Music Choice non-stop audio music service, which reaches 30 million homes nationwide, will feature a wide selection of audio tracks from DIDDY’s early days through today.

“Within just six weeks of launching our new Artist of the Month program, Music Choice has realized more than five million orders for its featured artists in September and October,” says Damon Williams, VP of Programming and Production for Music Choice. “Now, the excitement is at a fever pitch with the addition of DIDDY to our distinguished list of featured artists.”

About Music Choice®

Music Choice is the premier multi-platform music network that reaches millions of consumers nationwide through their TVs, PCs and cell phones. Music Choice programs both video and audio music channels, produces exclusive music shows, films in-studio artist performances and interviews, and distributes daily entertainment news. Headquartered in Horsham, PA, Music Choice is a partnership among subsidiaries of Microsoft Corporation, Motorola, Inc., Sony Corporation of America, EMI Music and several leading U.S. cable providers: Comcast Cable Communications, Cox Communications, and Time Warner Cable. MUSIC CHOICE® is a registered trademark of Music Choice. Visit the Music Choice website at <http://www.musicchoice.com>.

Contacts

Music Choice
Karen Doler, 215-784-5842
kdoler@musicchoice.com

‘Irv Gotti Project,’ ‘Man Band,’ ‘ego trip’s White Rapper Show,’ ‘Whitestarr Project,’ ‘Rags To Riches’ and ‘Bridging The Gap’ All Set To Premiere on VH1 in 1Q of 2007 As Part of A New Music Branded Block of Programming – VH1′s Wild Life

NEW YORK, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ — VH1 gives rockers, rappers, boy banders and fallen music execs a cozy spot in the home for music and pop culture. The network has greenlit six new series, it was announced today by Brian Graden, President, Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Group. The new music series greenlit include: "Irv Gotti Project," "Man Band," "ego trip’s White Rapper Show," "Whitestarr Project," "Rags To Riches" and "Bridging The Gap." On the heels of VH1′s wildly successful "Celebreality" franchise, the network creates "VH1′s Wild Life" to house these programs.

"The breadth of this slate of music-based series illustrates, once again, that VH1 is the only place for adults to go to see the kinds of music and storytelling that speaks only to them," explained Graden. "This slate features all kinds of characters — Irv Gotti, Cisco Adler, Jeff Timmons, Queen Latifah — we love that they all have a place at VH1."

"Just as we gave Hulk and his family a home with ‘Celebreality,’ we wanted to create a new branded block for all the crazy rockers and rappers that we love so well," commented Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager. "’VH1′s Wild Life,’ — it’s a home for the ‘raging!’"

Irv Gotti Project

After being investigated for 3 years by the federal government on charges of money laundering and acquitted, Irv Gotti is now attempting a comeback with his label The Inc while also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father.

Irv Gotti Project is executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for Mindless Entertainment and 51 Pictures. The duo has produced 10 shows for VH1 including the hit franchises "Flavor of Love, "Surreal Life," "My Fair Brady" and their latest project "Celebrity Paranormal." Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes, Alex Demyanenko and Kristen Kelly are the executive producers for VH1. Michael Hirschorn also serves as Executive Producer for VH1.

Man Band

For half a decade Boy Bands ruled the airwaves, maintaining a strange hold on their bustling, female audience and just as quickly they faded from the spotlight. Now, all grown up, VH1 has decided to bring members of these teenage heartthrobs together in the new reality series "Man Band." Living together under one roof, five boy band legends including Bryan Abrams (Color Me Badd), Rich Cronin (LFO), Chris Kirkpatrick (‘N Sync) and Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) will be challenged to create new music, a dynamic stage show and then perform as a new pop group — all of which begs the question "Can lightening strike twice?"

"Man Band" is executive produced by Troy Searer and John Foy for Tijuana Entertainment, Tony Harding and Kennedy for Kandokid Productions and Jim Ackerman for VH1. Christian McLaughlin is the supervising producer and Michael Hirschorn serves as Executive Producer for VH1.

ego trip’s White Rapper Show

Since the first rhymes flowed in the parks of the South Bronx, most of rap’s major emcees, have been African American. But from the from the mean streets of Brooklyn and Detroit, the likes of The Beastie Boys and Eminem emerged and dedicated themselves to boldly going where no white boys had gone before … the top of the Hip Hop world. Now, 20 years after the Beasties first exercised their "License to Ill," VH1 and ego trip have stepped in to search for the next great "White Rapper." VH1 last teamed up with ego trip in 2004 for "TV’s Illest Minority Moments Presented by ego trip." Adapted from ego trip’s Big Book of Racism, the special took a look at some of the most compelling, controversial and unintentionally hilarious race-related moments in television history.

Hosted by white rap legend Michael "MC Serch" Berrin (of the group 3rd Bass) and producing legend Prince Paul and set in the in the birthplace of hip hop — the South Bronx — "ego trip’s White Rapper Show" features 10 contestants representing from all over America who must battle their way through challenges designed to test their musical cred, knowledge of hip hop culture and their ideas about race.

Ken Mok is executive producer and Paul Buscemi is supervising producer for 10X10 Productions. Sacha Jenkins, Gabriel Alvarez, Brent Rollins, Elliot Wilson and Jefferson Mao are executive producers for ego trip. Jim Ackerman and Michael Hirschorn are executive producers and Christian McLaughlin is the supervising producer for VH1.

Untitled Whitestarr Project

This comedic romp follows privileged Malibu rocker and Mischa Barton’s boyfriend, Cisco Adler and his band Whitestarr as they balance gigs, groupies and girlfriends in their last shot at rock and roll immortality. Whitestarr lives the rock life. They attract screaming hordes of female fans, have been in and out of rehab, have fired members of the band and re-hired them the same day.

They’ve learned that future rock gods look better in tight pants, especially if they’re womens’ and that there’s no shame in hiring a chubby lawyer to be your dancer. They’re connoisseurs of everything Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll. The only lesson they haven’t learned is how to sell a record. Now, these unlikely rock heroes are allowing cameras to follow their path to rock stardom. Viewers will get an insider’s look at the backstage drama as these four rockers (and one dancer) fight their way to the top of the charts, or at least sell their first record.

Untitled Whitestarr Project is executive produced by George Verschoor (Jamie Kennedy’s "Blowin’ Up," "Nashville Star") and David Osper (MTV’s "Homewrecker"), and produced by Verschoor’s Hoosick Falls Productions. Jill Holmes, Damla Dogan, Jeff Olde and Michel Hirschorn are executive producers for VH1.

Bridging the Gap

This limited series documents two established artists who come together for the first time to explore their shared musical passions. In each episode these artists who share a mutual admiration and respect for the other will, in the span of a day, discuss their lives and music while creating a new track produced by one of today’s hottest producers. Eve and Queen Latifah are featured in the first episode of this half hour music series.

"Bridging the Gap" is executive produced by Troy Carter and Charles Alston from the Coalition and Michele M. Dix and Karla Hidalgo for VH1. Shelly Tatro and Michael Hirschorn also serves as Executive Producer for VH1.

Rags to Riches

A half-hour verite series that celebrates the best aspects of human nature: the capacity to overcome hardship through dedicated work and talent, the thrill of enjoying hard-won material possessions, and the compassion realized when giving back to those still in need. In each episode, a musician or actor will take viewers on a journey to their humble beginnings and walk them through their childhood, the challenges of growing up and how they have given back to their community and the people who helped them realize their stardom. The pilot episode which has previously aired on the channel featured Snoop Dogg.

"Rags to Riches" is created and directed by Lauren Lazin, who was nominated for a 2005 Academy Award for her film Tupac: Resurrection. Executive Producers are Brad Abramson, Shelly Tatro, and Michael Hirschorn for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 88 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array if digital services including VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Tracy McGraw, +1-212-846-7879, Tracy.mcgraw@vh1staff.com; Scott
Acord, +1-310-752-8075, scott.acord@vh1staff.com

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1.com/press

"eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack" to Debut October 30; eMusic Takes Formidable Music Expertise to TV; Indie Artists Get Video Exposure on IFC, Web and More

NEW YORK, NY — (Market Wire – Oct 30, 2006) –  eMusic (www.emusic.com), the no. 1 site for independent music and the world’s largest retailer of independent music, announced today that it has partnered with the Independent Film Channel (IFC) to create a program called "eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack." The program will premiere on IFC on Monday, October 30. It also will be distributed on eMusic’s website, through video-sharing sites, and through additional eMusic marketing partners.

The partnership extends eMusic’s formidable music expertise beyond the web, bringing its passion for finding great independent music to millions of IFC viewers and creating an important new avenue of visibility for independent artists. eMusic’s expert staff worked closely with IFC to create a program that perfectly marries independent music and independent film, which have long shared a similar spirit. Employing the same curatorial approach that they bring to eMusic, the staff hand-picked the best in new, noteworthy, and undiscovered independent artists, giving deserved exposure to many acts making important music — in effect giving the music-junkie staff of the corner record store a megaphone for championing bands.

"eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack" brings the eMusic Dozen, one of the site’s most popular features, to life via 12 short video segments. The first episode, titled "Independence," introduces viewers to the world of independent music through a captivating video montage that includes concert footage, interviews, animation and "found" video set to an independent-music soundtrack. Breaking indie artists such as the Hold Steady, Kaki King, RJD2 and Madvillain are featured, plus eclectic gems like Beirut and Konono No. 1, indie stars Bjork and Spoon, and soul/R&B icon Isaac Hayes. Viewers are encouraged to check out the artists online at www.emusic.com/ifc.

"Fans of independent film and independent music are intellectually curious, passionate, and eager to discover culture outside the mainstream," said David Pakman, eMusic President and CEO. "This is the perfect partnership and brand extension for eMusic. We wanted to find a way to translate our success on the web to other popular media, and not only does it help bring indie artists to a wider audience, it helps our labels break new bands in the process."

eMusic, which has also created branded packaging and content for retail (Circuit City), hotels (Westin) and print (Paste and other magazines), is responsible for a significant portion of independent artists’ digital sales and has sold more than 85 million tracks in the last three years.

Evan Shapiro, EVP/GM of IFC, said, "Much like IFC and our commitment to ‘TV. Uncut.,’ eMusic gives independent artists a voice, one that can be expressed without censorship or corporate interference. This partnership between our two companies is a very natural linkage that will enable both of us to extend our reach and brand awareness."

The second episode, titled "A World of Sound," features the Pixies, Supersystem, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Dr. Dog, M. Ward, Baaba Maal, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joanna Newsom, Fiery Furnaces, Michael Franti & Spearhead and the North Mississippi Allstars, and will air in December. Following the success of the pilot, eMusic will produce additional episodes.

The partnership with IFC also includes eMusic television advertising, a joint advertising promotion in the December issue of SPIN magazine, and 10,000 co-branded cards offering 25 free eMusic downloads. eMusic experts also will work with IFC to help select music for upcoming film and television productions.

"eMusic Dozens: The IFC Soundtrack" airtimes are as follows (please note that television airtime windows are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM; therefore a 10/30 early-morning airdate is technically 10/31):

Episode 1: "Independence"
Monday, 10/30 12:45 AM
Wednesday, 11/1 12:25 AM
Wednesday, 11/8 12:25 AM
Monday, 11/13 12:25 AM
Sunday, 11/19 1:35 AM
Tuesday, 11/21 6:15 AM
Wednesday, 11/22 12:25 AM
Monday, 11/27 12:40 AM
Friday, 12/1 1:20 PM
Monday, 12/4 12:35 AM

Episode 2: "A World of Sound"
Wednesday, 12/6 7:10 PM
Sunday, 12/10 2:30 PM
Monday, 12/11 12:25 AM
Tuesday, 12/12 11:35 AM
Saturday, 12/16 6:30 AM
Sunday, 12/17 12:40 AM
Monday, 12/18 12:30 AM
Tuesday, 12/26 6:25 PM
Wednesday, 12/27 12:50 AM
Thursday, 12/28 12:40 PM

About eMusic

eMusic (http://www.emusic.com) is the world’s leading digital retailer of independent music, second only to iTunes in number of downloads sold. The eMusic website offers a global catalogue of more than 1.7 million tracks from established and emerging artists in every genre from the world’s leading independent labels. Created by music experts for music fans, it features award-winning editorial content, a vibrant online community and unrivaled music discovery tools. A subscription-based service that offers 25 free downloads at sign-up, eMusic gives consumers an inexpensive, low-risk way to explore great new music they wouldn’t find otherwise, and unlike other download services, its universally compatible MP3 files play on any device including the iPod®. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic.com Inc. is wholly owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

About Independent Film Channel

The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial-free. The network is part of IFC Companies — the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.

CONTACT:

Cathy Halgas Nevins
eMusic
212-201-9201

Matt Hanks
Alexis Tedford
Shore Fire Media
718-522-7171

Recommendations for Concerts, Free MP3s, and Registration-Free Radio Lead the Bill

LONDON, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Last.fm, the online social music networking site, today announced it is bringing its music revolution into the real world by offering its users new features that suggest concerts, free mp3s and even match users’ compatibilities — all based on Last.fm’s intelligent music recommendation engine. Additionally, music lovers will now find it easier to listen to music online through a new Flash player radio, which operates without registration or special software.

Last.fm is the leading global online community of music fans who share musical discoveries and interests with like-minded individuals regardless of language or geography. Fifteen million unique active users tell Last.fm 350 million times a month what they’re listening to. With a database that boasts 65 million individual tracks from seven million different artists and over 150,000 artist biography wikis, Last.fm has the world’s largest, most diverse, and most informed social music community.

The new features include:

Events system. Takin’ it to the Streets. Want to see a show but don’t know who’s playing, how to get tickets or if you’ll even like the music? Last.fm makes it easy by suggesting concerts based on where you live and what you and your friends listen to. Whether you like mainstream pop, hip-hop beats or indie rock, getting tickets will be as easy as following a link thanks to Last.fm’s global partnerships with ticket resellers. Moreover, since updates are posted live to your user page, you’ll always be the first to know what’s going on in your local music scene.

Free MP3s. Free music now! Last.fm can recommend free MP3s to download based on your musical taste. Suggested downloads are chosen from a large selection of hundreds of thousands of free MP3s ranging from independent and emerging artists to mainstream pop names. A single click and you’ll be listening to the latest free music in iTunes or any mp3 player.

Flash player radio. The new Flash player radio makes it simpler than ever to listen to music that you like on the Last.fm website. Simply select your artist and listen. Predictive software pays attention to what you like and dislike and plays new songs based on your selections. You can even recommend tracks to friends and add tags. Don’t like a song? Last.fm lets you skip ahead to the next track and if you really hate something, you can banish it forever with just a click.

Taste-o-meter. Find your musical soulmate. Ever wonder if your new girlfriend or boyfriend has conflicting musical taste? Looking for new concert or jam session buddies? Use Last.fm’s taste-o-meter to find out how compatible you are. By paying attention to what you like and by comparing your tastes to that of others within the Last.fm global community, Last.fm is able to assign a musical compatibility score. Pair this up with a user search for local people and you’ve got a very powerful tool for finding new buddies in your local music scene.

Built as an open source platform, Last.fm is designed for support on all media players including iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, xBox, TiVo, mobile phones, Slim devices, Launchcast, Yahoo Music Engine and even Pandora. Listeners can link their media players to Last.fm to share songs, statistics and playlists with the Last.fm community. Last.fm’s scrobbling function pays attention to what users are listening to — not just what is listed in their library — and suggests artists, people, and concerts based on their musical preferences. You can even post charts and listening habits to your blog or MySpace and have Last.fm update them automatically. Select a chart from a variety of user-submitted styles or customize your own.

"We’re creating a social music revolution," said Last.fm cofounder Martin Stiksel. "For the past two years Last.fm has connected music fans around the globe. Whether you listen to Bach, Britney, or Big Black, this is about a community that wants to share its music no matter what player or platform they are using. The sheer amount of data we’ve collected makes our service one of the most comprehensive social music communities."

Collaborating with record labels and artists who upload music to the Last.fm community, Last.fm makes money by selling music through affiliates, advertising on the site, and by offering user subscriptions for premium features.

About Last.fm

Founded in 2002 in London, Last.fm is the online, social music revolution that connects people with music and artists with listeners. By joining the Last.fm community, music enthusiasts can choose to share their music preferences by linking their media player (e.g. iTunes) to the Last.fm database. This database is populated continually with over 12 million daily track submissions from Last.fm music fans. As a result, Last.fm can intelligently recommend songs, artists, local concerts and even other members based on their musical tastes. Learn more about Last.fm at www.last.fm .

CONTACT: Europe, Christian Ward of Monument PR, +44

Source: Last.fm

Between the Halloween holiday and my main computer needing some minor repairs, Hip Hop Press and ProHipHop will not be updated again till Wednesday.

In the meantime, you can:

Check out Music Biz Search, ProHipHop’s new music industry search engine powered by Google Custom Search Engines;

Bid on domains in ProHipHop’s Hip Hop Domain Auction;

Or sign up for our weekly new album releases newsletter over at Weekly Hip Hop Albums.

I’ll be back.

Debut Album from Cool & Dre Protege Rapper to Drop In 2007

NEW YORK, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Skeleton Key Entertainment, the mainstream entertainment division of Mega Media Group, Inc. (www.megamediagroup.com) (EduLink, Inc. (MYIQ.PK)) announced today the execution of a contract with Cool & Dre’s label imprint, Epidemic Music, through which the popular producers will release their newest recording artist, Joe Hound.

Marcello "Cool" Valenzano and Andre "Dre" Lyon are best known for their production and writing work for such prominent artists as Rick Ross, Juvenile, The Game, DJ Khaled, Christina Milian, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne and Chamillionaire. More recently, the duo has brought their signature sound to collaborations with Young Jeezy, Eve, Chris Brown and Keyshia Cole.

Commenting on the announcement, Cool stated, "Joe Hound captures the Miami sound that we’ve worked hard to develop. He has the potential to be at the forefront of a musical movement for Miami." Dre added, "We believe that the industry is changing and that the best way to introduce Joe to the masses is through an independent company like Skeleton Key that understands our vision and supports what we are trying to achieve."

Charles Suitt, Executive VP of Urban Entertainment for Skeleton Key, commented, "I have watched Cool and Dre’s career grow over the years and have become a true fan of their work. I have complete confidence in their ability to develop and help break a promising new talent like Joe."

To learn more about Skeleton Key Entertainment please contact Neil Steinberg at nsteinberg@5wpr.com or via phone at 212.584.4306. For information regarding Cool & Dre or Joe Hound please contact Tammy Brook at tammy@fyipr.com or via phone at 212-586-2240.

ABOUT EDULINK, INC. / MEGA MEDIA GROUP / SKELETON KEY ENTERTAINMENT

EduLink operates its business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mega Media Group, Inc., which is a multi-media holding company operating its business through its subsidiaries, Mega Media Studios, Inc., Mega Media Records, Inc. d/b/a Skeleton Key Entertainment, Mega Media Film, Inc., Mega Media Sports Entertainment, Inc. and Echo Broadcasting Group, Inc. Mega Media Group focuses its business in mainstream entertainment and media and Russian ethnic media. These subsidiaries offer a broad range of services, including talent management, music publishing, recording, music production and distribution, video production and distribution, radio broadcasting and Russian ethnic programming.

ABOUT COOL & DRE

Miami-based super producers Marcello "Cool" Valenzano & Andre "Dre" Lyon, and their production company, Epidemic Music, continue to produce chart- topping and ground-breaking songs for today’s hottest artists. They are helping to bring the Miami sound to the masses and are creating a musical movement from Miami along with such other notable Miami-based artists as DJ Khaled and Rick Ross.

  CONTACT:
  Neil Steinberg, 5W Public Relations
  212.584.4306
  nsteinberg@5wpr.com

  Alyssa Miller, 5W Public Relations
  212.584.4290
  amiller@5wpr.com

  For Cool & Dre CONTACT:
  Marilyn Lopez or Tammy Brook 212.586.2240
  marilyn@fyipr.com
  tammy@fyipr.com

Source: EduLink, Inc.

CONTACT: Neil Steinberg, +1-212-584-4306, nsteinberg@5wpr.com, or Alyssa
Miller, +1-212-584-4290, amiller@5wpr.com, both of 5W Public Relations; or For
Cool & Dre CONTACT: Marilyn Lopez, marilyn@fyipr.com or Tammy Brook,
tammy@fyipr.com, +1-212-586-2240

The Latin Recording Academy® and NYC Big Events Team Up to Promote International Showcase of Latin Music

New York City Hosts Telecast for First Time

October 30, 2006
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Latin Recording Academy®, in conjunction with NYC Big Events, today announced the corporate sponsors for the upcoming 7th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006. This will mark the first time New York City will host the Latin GRAMMYs, which will be broadcast on the Univision Network from 8–11 p.m. (ET/PT).

Major corporate sponsors include Heineken, Clinique, Delta, Washington Mutual, Verizon Communications, Verizon Wireless, Wal-Mart, Pepsi, Bally Total Fitness, McDonald’s®, Univision Online and Univision Radio. The sponsors help to support the programs surrounding the biggest night in Latin music, including the festive Latin GRAMMY Street Parties, the prestigious 2006 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute honoring Ricky Martin, and the Latin GRAMMY After Party, presented by Heineken.

"The Latin Recording Academy is thrilled to have such strong supporters and partners joining us as we celebrate excellence in the Latin recording arts," said Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa. "The wide array of support we are seeing from such major corporate sponsors proves the incredible growth in the popularity of Latin music. This is just the beginning."

"The City of New York is proud to have forged relationships with an A-List group of brands to help bring the Latin GRAMMY Awards to New York City," said Jim Donofrio, Senior Vice President, Sales and Partnership for NYC Marketing. "Together we have developed powerful marketing programs that celebrate the flavor and culture of the Latino community through our week-long series of events: ‘NYC Celebrates in Latin Style.’"

Heineken returns for the seventh consecutive year as the official beer and malt beverage sponsor of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Heineken will sponsor the "Heineken Green Carpet" arrivals at the telecast, The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year tribute to Ricky Martin, and will serve as presenting sponsor of the Latin GRAMMY After Party. This year Heinenken offered consumers, via online and in participating stores, the chance to be a guest DJ in the Heineken Lounge at the official After Party through their "Spin @ the Latin GRAMMYs" sweepstakes.

Clinique will introduce this year’s new color, Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in "Coqueta," and — for the first time ever — will feature this new shade in its "Latin GRAMMY Look" promotion. Available at Clinique makeup counters throughout the U.S., "Coqueta" will be given to Arrivals guests at the show. As the official cosmetics of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, Clinique also will sponsor the "Clinique Happy Lounge" at the After Party celebration.

Delta joins the ranks as a first-time sponsor of this celebration of Latin music and culture as a part of the company’s continued commitment to its customers in the U.S., Latin America and around the world. Delta has undergone a remarkable momentous expansion to new, popular Latin American routes as it continues its global growth and is constantly looking for new ways to improve the customer travel experience.

Along with the live telecast, Univision Radio will broadcast Latin GRAMMY programming, promotions, news and events throughout the U.S., including exclusive interviews from rehearsals backstage at the Latin GRAMMYs. Univision Online will host the official Web site of the Latin GRAMMY Awards (Univision.com, Uniclave: Latin GRAMMY) with editorial coverage of the festivities.

Returning for the third year is leading communications and entertainment provider Verizon. Verizon Wireless will offer exclusive VCAST coverage of the Latin GRAMMY Pre- and Post-Shows, including interviews with nominees, ringtones, wallpaper and downloads. Verizon will also feature content online at www.verizon.com.

Bally Total Fitness is a first-time sponsor and the official fitness center of the 7th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Bally is inviting everyone to get in shape through its Latin GRAMMY Awards promotion and to participate in the Latin GRAMMY Street Parties. Prior to the ceremony, Bally will have on-air and online promotions inviting consumers to come to Bally Total Fitness centers for more information about getting in shape.

Another first time sponsor, Washington Mutual is sponsoring its "Gratis y Libre VIP Latin GRAMMY Experience." Customers opening a free checking account in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Orlando, Houston and Chicago will be entered for a chance to attend the Awards. Also, the "WaMu DJ" booth has been present at the Latin GRAMMY Street Parties throughout the country.

New partner McDonald’s will sponsor the "McDonald’s Latin GRAMMYs Viewing Party" at the 40/40 club in New York and the "Savor the Latin GRAMMYs with McDonald’s Sweepstakes." These events will be part of a New York area marketing and media effort to support the launch of the New McDonald’s Snack Wrap and "NYC Celebrates in Latin Style."

Pepsi is also partnering with the Latin GRAMMY Awards for the first time, sponsoring an aggressive promotional campaign in Los Angeles and New York that includes customized event cans and advertising on Pepsi bottler trucks in Manhattan. In addition, several sweepstakes featured at participating Pathmark and White Rose during the month of October give consumers the opportunity to win a trip to the Latin GRAMMY telecast.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is proud to be the exclusive retail and telecast sponsor of the 7th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards. As part of its commitment, Wal-Mart will feature a New York citywide advertising campaign around the telecast which will include bus shelters and street banners. Wal-Mart is also excited to have the catalog of Latin GRAMMY Nominees’ CDs available at the Wal-Mart price so music fans nationwide can celebrate and enjoy Latin music.

For more information on all of these sponsors, please log on to: www.heineken.com, www.clinique.com, www.delta.com, www.washingtonmutual.com, www.verizon.com, www.verizonwireless.com, www.walmart.com, www.pepsi.com, www.ballytotalfitness.com, www.mcdonalds.com and www.univision.com.

About The Latin Recording Academy

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

About NYC Big Events

NYC Big Events, Inc. is the City’s official organization dedicated to attracting high-profile events, creating new ones and working with existing major New York City events. NYC Big Events’ most recent successes include the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, the 2004 Republican National Convention, the 2005 VH1 Save the Music Foundation Benefit Concert , the 2005 Country Music Awards and the 2006 VH1 Hip Hop Honors.

About NYC Marketing

NYC Marketing is a local development corporation created by the Mayor to provide alternative ways to generate revenue, support City agencies and promote New York City globally for the growth of jobs and tourism. By developing innovative public-private partnerships that use the City’s well-regarded image and vast set of resources, NYC Marketing helps qualified partners grow their business while helping make New York City a better place to live, work and visit. More information on NYC Marketing can be found on www.nyc.gov/marketing.
Contacts

The Latin Recording Academy
Lourdes López, 310-392-3777
www.grammy.com
or
NYC Big Events
Kimberly Spell, 646-587-5633