"Operation Hip Hop' Nets 8 Arrests in Illinois Involving Federal and State Drug Trafficking Charges

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew L. Traver, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Gary G. Olenkiewicz, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division, Drug Enforcement Administration; Elissa A. Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent; and Aurora Police Chief William Powell today announced the arrests of eight Aurora men on federal and state drug trafficking charges.

Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested the eight men following a six-month undercover investigation and the filing under seal of federal and state complaints. Three federal and state search warrants were served subsequent to the arrests.

The following were charged federally for distributing a controlled substance, namely 50 grams or more of mixtures and substances containing cocaine base in the form of "crack cocaine": Kalvin Stewart, aka "Bo Peep," DOB: 4/6/67, 833 2nd Avenue, Aurora; Randy Stewart, aka "Quee," DOB: 8/7/69, 431 Blue Ridge, Oswego; Shaunta Turner, aka "Little Vader," DOB: 4/3/81,195 N. Sumner, Aurora; and Karlid Lash, DOB: 8/27/60, 533 Seventh Avenue, Aurora. If convicted, the defendants face maximum penalties of life in prison.

State charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church or school were filed against:

Robert Cox, DOB: 3/22/75, 317 Oak Avenue, Aurora; Vangle Pryor, DOB: 12/26/76, 915 E. Benton, Aurora (WANTED); Quadious Rush DOB: 1/13/84, 747 Hinman, Aurora (WANTED); Tyree Pryor, DOB: 12/29/78, Illinois Department of Corrections; Gregory Warfield, DOB: 6/8/50, 230 Comstock, Joliet; Willie Mayes DOB: 9/20/82, 1321 Prairie St., Aurora (WANTED); Ricky Stewart, DOB: 8/7/69 461 N. Lake St., Aurora; and Eric Glover, DOB: 6/12/75, 235 S. Lincoln, Aurora

During the course of the undercover investigation, approximately 470 grams of crack cocaine and 384 grams of powder cocaine were purchased. The execution of arrest and search warrants today resulted in the seizure of approximately $13,000, eight ounces of crack cocaine, two vehicles, a computer, and eight cellular telephones.

Traver of ATF stated, "The arrests of these alleged drug dealers in Aurora and the surrounding area should serve as stern notice to them and others that if they engage in violent or criminal acts, we will find them, pursue them and remove them from society. There is no safe place to hide from the relentless pursuit of justice."

Olenkiewicz of DEA stated, "The multiple federal and state arrests made here today are the culmination of over a year's cooperative work with our federal, state and local counterparts. Because of these combined efforts, Kalvin Stewart and his associates will no longer be a menace to the city of Aurora. The DEA is proud to have been a partner in this investigation with the Aurora Police Department, ATF, Kane County, and others, and will continue to work with our partners in the law enforcement community to make sure that gangs, drugs and guns are no longer a threat to our children and neighborhoods."

Brown of ICE said, "The lawlessness that drug traffickers propagate presents a grave threat to public safety," said ICE Special Agent in Charge Elissa A. Brown. ICE is proud to be a member of this task force and we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that law abiding citizens are protected from narcotics traffickers that terrorize our communities."

Aurora Police Chief Powell stated, "Today's operation is a bit different in that we built a solid investigation around two individuals and expanded it to include their associates instead of going after a particular street gang. By working with our federal, state, and county partners, the intelligence that was originally gathered by the Aurora police grew to be the cornerstone of this case. Federal agents are assisting our officers every day with the shared goal of eradicating gang and drug crimes. By adding state ... county ... and local agencies to the team -- it truly demonstrates that anyone with a badge is dedicated to this same cause."

Kane County State's Attorney Barsanti stated, "This case is a fine example of what can be accomplished with extra-jurisdictional cooperation between law-enforcement agencies."

The charges announced today were the result of a cooperative effort among the law enforcement agencies named above as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, the Oswego Police Department, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Getter represented the federal government.

The public is reminded that complaints contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt, which will be determined at trial by a jury.

  Contacts:

  Special Agent/PIO Thomas J. Ahern 312-846-7228, 312-735-0675
  S/A Joanna Zoltay, DEA, 312-886-2597
  PIO Gail Montenegro, ICE, 312-347-2210
  Lt. Lincoln Hampton, ISP, 312-446-1676
  Dan Ferrelli, Aurora P.D., 630-801-6777

Source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CONTACT: Thomas J. Ahern, Special Agent\PIO, +1-312-846-7228,
+1-312-735-0675; or S\A Joanna Zoltay, DEA, +1-312-886-2597; or PIO Gail
Montenegro, ICE, +1-312-347-2210; or Lt. Lincoln Hampton, ISP,
+1-312-446-1676; or Dan Ferrelli, Aurora P.D., +1-630-801-6777, all for Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Web site: http://www.atf.gov/

T.I., Busta Rhymes and Chamillionaire Top Impressive Nominees List for Inaugural BET HIP-HOP AWARDS Premiering Wednesday, November 15 at 9 P.M. ET/PT

Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, T.I. & Young Dro, and Young Jeezy Among the Stars Slated to Rock Mics at BET HIP-HOP AWARDS Hosted by Katt Williams at Atlanta's Historic Fox Theatre

ATLANTA, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- If you thought last summer's BET AWARDS '06 were off the hook -- and they were -- just wait until the inaugural BET HIP-HOP AWARDS premieres on Wednesday, November 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The nominees for BET's first awards show honoring the cream of hip-hop culture in 14 different categories were unveiled today during a press conference at the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. On hand to make the announcements were: Katt Williams, actor/comedian and host of the BET HIP-HOP AWARDS; Multi- platinum rapper and Academy award-winning film Crash cast member Ludacris; hip-hop mogul and super-producer Jermaine Dupri; platinum-selling rapper Young Jeezy; Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President for Entertainment, Music Programming and Talent and BET HIP-HOP AWARDS Executive Producer; Lisa Borders, Atlanta City Council President; Sam A. Williams, President of the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce; Spurgeon Richardson, President and CEO of Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Fox Theatre General Manager Allan Vella.

With southern hip-hop being so dominant now, it's quite appropriate that Atlanta was selected to host the first BET HIP-HOP AWARDS show. ATL's own T.I., leads all nominees with eight nods. T.I. is up for possible honors in the Video of the Year, Hip-Hop Track of the Year, Hip-Hop MVP of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performance, Best Collaboration, Hip-Hop CD of the Year and Hip-Hop Hustler of the Year categories.

"We are extremely excited to be producing our first BET HIP-HOP AWARDS and look forward to a show that reflects the genre with the respect, acknowledgement and show production value it's due," said Stephen Hill, Executive Vice President of Entertainment, Music Programming and Talent for BET Networks. "This show is very much about where hip-hop culture is RIGHT now, but we will honor the original 4 elements of hip-hop and show their connection to today's beats, rhymes and life."

Joining T.I. with multiple nods are: Busta Rhymes with six, Chamillionaire with five, Yung Joc and Lupe Fiasco with four; Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and Young Jeezy with three each; and Common, Rick Ross, Nelly and Cham with two apiece.

The show will also feature live performances by Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, T.I. & Young Dro, and Young Jeezy ... and more to be announced at later dates. Although hosting an awards show -- particularly one with this caliber of talent -- is no easy gig, Katt Williams, perhaps best known for his scene- stealing turn as Money Mike in "Friday After Next" and his recent HBO stand-up comedy special "The Pimp Chronicles, Part 1," says he's up for the challenge.

"Well, you know, I'm a great believer that enthusiasm is always the most important ingredient," Williams says. "So you want to have somebody hosting a hip-hop show that actually loves hip hop and has for as long as they can remember. So in that respect, there's not a lot of weight on my shoulders. It's really a joy, because I'm going to be excited every second that I'm onstage. And the audience needs to see that sort of thing, not 'I'm qualified to be here and that's why I'm here.' But really, I'm so excited to be doing this."

In paying homage to the core tenets of hip hop (DJing, MCing, Breakdancing and Graffiti (art)), The BET HIP-HOP AWARDS has established special recognition for the exceptional work and contributions to the genre in the areas of beat production, lyricism, dance, and film/visual art with four special Element awards: Producer of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Hip-Hop Dance of the Year and Director of the Year. Additional categories include Rookie of the Year, Hip-Hop Movie of the Year and the Alltel Wireless People's Champ Award (Viewers' Choice). BET has again teamed with Cossette Productions, famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the six previous record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to jointly produce this fresh salute to everything hip-hop.

For the first-time ever, BET will splash some international flavor on its awards show with special honors geared around the British urban music scene. Five noted hip-hop artists from the United Kingdom will battle for recognition by British hip-hop fans as Best UK Hip-Hop Artist. BET International is joined through partnerships with British music entities MTV Base and 1 Xtra BBC in establishing this category spotlighting British hip-hop.

The following is a complete list of the 2006 BET HIP-HOP AWARDS nominees and categories:

  HIP-HOP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
  Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks,
    Papoose & DMX - Touch It Remix
  Common - Testify
  Lupe Fiasco - Kick, Push
  T.I. - What You Know
  Yung Joc - Goin' Down

  ELEMENT AWARD: VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
  Benny Boom:
  Chain Hang Low (Jibbs)
  Fresh Azimiz Remix (Bow Wow f/ Mike Jones)
  Have A Party (Mobb Deep f/ 50 Cent & Nate Dogg)
  Hustler Musik/Money On My Mind (Lil Wayne)
  Like This (Mack 10 f/ Nate Dogg)
  Shooter (Lil Wayne f/ Robin Thicke)
  Touch It (Busta Rhymes)
  Touch It Remix (Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott,
    Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX)
  Touchin' (David Banner f/Jazze Pha)

  Dr. Teeth:
  Chunk Up The Deuce (Lil KeKe f/ Paul Wall & Bun B)
  Diamonds Remix (Slim Thug f/ Young Jeezy, Slick Pulla & Killa)
  Everybody Get Up (Pitbull f/ Pretty Ricky)
  Front Back (T.I. f/ UGK)
  Let's Cheat (Tango Redd f/ Lloyd)
  Spit Ya Game (The Notorious B.I.G. f/ Twista, Krayzie Bone, 8Ball & MJG)
  They Don't Know (Paul Wall f/ Mike Jones & Bun B)
  Way I Be Leanin' (Juvenile f/ Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Skip & Wacko

  Hype Williams:
  Control Myself (LL Cool J f/ Jennifer Lopez)
  Diamonds On My Neck (Smitty)
  Drive Slow (Kanye West f/ Paul Wall, T.I. & Gangsta L. Crisis)
  Freeze (LL Cool J f/ Lyfe Jennings)
  Gold Digger (Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx)
  My Hood (Young Jeezy)
  Snap Yo Fingers (Lil Jon f/ E-40 & Sean Paul of YoungBloodZ)

  Little X:
  Girls (Beenie Man f/ Akon)
  Shoulder Lean (Young Dro f/ T.I.)
  Temperature (Sean Paul)
  U And Dat (E-40 f/ T-Pain & Kandi)
  (When You Gonna) Give It Up To Me (Sean Paul f/ Keyshia Cole)
  Wild 2 Nite (Shaggy f/ Olivia)

  Sanaa Hamri:
  Ghetto Story Chapter 2 (Cham f/ Alicia Keys)
  Nasty Girl (The Notorious B.I.G. f/ Nelly, Diddy, Jagged Edge & Avery
    Storm)

  HIP-HOP TRACK OF THE YEAR
  Goin' Down - Yung Joc, Produced by Nitti
  Ridin'- Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone, Produced by Play-N-Skillz
  Stay Fly - Three 6 Mafia f/Young Buck, 8 Ball & MJG, Produced by DJ Paul &
    Juicy J
  Touch It - Busta Rhymes, Produced by Swizz Beatz
  What You Know - T.I., Produced by DJ Toomp

  ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
  Cham
  Chamillionaire
  Lupe Fiasco
  Rick Ross
  Yung Joc

  ELEMENT AWARD: PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
  Jermaine Dupri:
  Control Myself (LL Cool J f/ Jennifer Lopez)
  Fresh Azimiz Remix (Bow Wow f/ Mike Jones)
  Pullin' Me Back (Chingy f/ Tyrese)

  Kanye West:
  Drive Slow (Kanye West f/ Paul Wall, T.I. & Gangsta L. Crisis)
  Gold Digger (Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx)
  Heard 'Em Say (Kanye West f/ Adam Levine)
  Shake (Ying Yang Twins f/ Pitbull)
  Testify (Common)
  Touch The Sky (Kanye West f/ Lupe Fiasco)

  Lil Jon:
  Presidential (YoungBloodZ)
  Snap Yo Fingers (Lil Jon f/ E-40 & Sean Paul {YoungBloodZ})
  Tell Me When To Go (E-40 f/ Keak Da Sneak)

  Nitti:
  Goin' Down (Yung Joc)
  I know You See It (Yung Joc f/ Brandy "Ms. B" Hambrick)

  Swizz Beatz:
  New York **** (Busta Rhymes f/ Swizz Beats)
  Spit Ya Game (The Notorious B.I.G. f/ Twista, Krayzie Bone, 8Ball & MJG)
  Touch It (Busta Rhymes)
  Touch It Remix (Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott,
    Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX)
  Touchin' (David Banner f/Jazze Pha)

  HIP-HOP MVP OF THE YEAR
  Chamillionaire
  Lil Wayne
  T.I.
  Young Jeezy
  Yung Joc

  ELEMENT AWARD: LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
  Busta Rhymes
  Common
  Lil Wayne
  Lupe Fiasco
  T.I.

  ELEMENT AWARD: BEST HIP-HOP DANCE OF THE YEAR
  Chicken Noodle Soup
  Hyphy (Go Dumb)
  Motorcycle
  Shoulder Lean
  Snap

  BEST HIP-HOP MOVIE
  ATL - Director: Chris Robinson
  Beef: 3 - Director: Peter Spirer
  Boss'n Up - Director: Dylan C. Brown
  Get Rich or Die Tryin' - Director: Jim Sheridan
  Waist Deep - Director: Vondie Curtis-Hall

  BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE
  Busta Rhymes
  Kanye West
  Missy Elliott
  T.I.
  Yung Joc

  BEST COLLABO
  Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks,
    Papoose & DMX - Touch It Remix
  Cham f/ Alicia Keys - Ghetto Story Chapter 2
  Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone - Ridin'
  Nelly f/ Paul Wall, Ali & Big Gipp - Grillz
  Young Dro f/ T.I. - Shoulder Lean

  HIP-HOP CD OF THE YEAR
  King - T.I.
  Late Registration - Kanye West
  Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 - Young Jeezy
  Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor - Lupe Fiasco
  Tha Carter II - Lil Wayne

  HIP-HOP HUSTLER AWARD
  Diddy
  Jay-Z
  Ludacris
  Nelly
  T.I.

  BEST UNITED KINGDOM ARTIST (BET International Category)
  Dizzee Rascal
  Sway
  Plan B
  Kano
  Blak Twang

  ALLTEL WIRELESS PEOPLE'S CHAMP AWARD (VIEWERS' CHOICE)
  Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks,
    Papoose & DMX - Touch It Remix
  Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone - Ridin'
  Dem Franchize Boyz f/ Peanut & Charlay - Lean With It, Rock With It
  Lil Jon f/ E-40 & Sean Paul (YoungBloodZ) - Snap Yo Fingers
  Rick Ross - Hustlin'
  Young Jeezy - Trap Star/Go Crazy

  About BET Networks

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 83 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

http://www.bet.com/PR

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tosha Whitten Griggs, +1-818-655-6712,
tosha.whitten-griggs@bet.net, or Zabrina Horton, +1-818-655-6737,
zabrina.horton@bet.net, both of BET Corporate Communications; or Jeanine
Taylor of JCEC Public Relations, +1-213-739-5009, jcecpr@gmail.com

Web site: http://www.bet.com/

Paris' DJ Just Dizle to Jump off International Mix-CD Series - PROVIDENCE: The Second Coming, Vol. 1: New Jeruz Rapture, During Planet Hip Hop 3, November 9-12th, NJPAC

Newark, NJ, October 12, 2006 - DJ Just Dizle of Paris, France along with French producers and rappers, will collaborate with New Jersey's hottest Hip Hop artists and producers on the first in a series of Mix-CDs that will target the East Coast's Underground in an effort to return to Hip Hop’s innovative core.

Dizle and fellow producers will descend upon Newark , NJ November 9-12 for New Jersey ’s premiere Hip Hop event – Planet Hip Hop 3 at NJPAC.  There, he will mix it up during the 4-day event, enlisting New Jersey ’s finest with the help of Newark ’s Hip Hop ambassador, Black 45, purveyor of the famed Meet the Producers Beat Battles (MTP Jersey).

Planet Hip Hop 3 & the MTP Jersey Beat Battle Championship will be the jump-off for Volume 1 of the PROVIDENCE Mix-CDs. The first CD will be partly recorded in Newark & Paris , merging the best of the two. Subsequent mix-CDs will focus on NYC, Iledelph and other East Coast-breed artists and producers. For Parisian artists it’s an opportunity to inspire and be inspired, give respect and get respect and to touch Hip Hop at its core. For East Coast artists, PROVIDENCE will bring to light what’s been in the dark for too long.

There was a time when East Coast Hip Hop led the way when it came to cut-throat lyricism, hardcore beats and undeniably raw talent. Making its way around the world in the early 80's, it's cultural influence birthed Hip Hop scenes across the globe. France , the second largest Hip Hop music market after the US , was one that swayed with the East Coast's rhythm of change - easily identifying with the music via the culture.

Paris’ Hip Hop market has also been slighted by the commercial industry’s stranglehold on it’s creative forces. The more formulaic approach for meeting the bottom line – the shift to abandon the grit & the grime for the glam & the glitz – has left has left a void. “We’re starting to go back to the origins. Lyricism is reemerging in French Hip Hop music. It’s a very crucial element that’s being ignored [by the industry],” says Dizle.

Today, Dizle recognizes that Hip Hop, now a global culture, has been without its primary influence. “The thing about East Coast Hip Hop was always its dynamic nature,’ says Dizle. “On one hand you had your hardcore, then you had the Native Tounges.  The thread – the ‘je ne sai quoi’ was in the way rappers flowed to the music.” And while Hip Hop has overcome some economic, racial, social, and language barriers, Hip Hop's toughest hurdle yet is the industry itself. You see, once its life-blood, what the East Coast originated has been noticeably absent.

Still innovating, still elevating, still paving the way, the East Coast rapture remains the creative under-current that originally carried Hip Hop around the globe – and that inevitably will take it to the next level. Dizle hope’s that cross-pollinating East Coast and Parisian heads will take the music to its edge. The return to lyricism both here and there will let the industry know who really control’s the culture.

As DJ Just Dizle makes his way from Europe to North America, his mission is to uncover the East Coast's underground in a way that hasn't been done before and will enlist an army of Paris' fiercest rappers and producers to collaborate with the East Coast's illest in an attempt to shine a light, pay homage and break the industry's blockade on grassroots Hip Hop.

Whether Dizle and his Parisian coverts find the crème de la East Cost in New Jeruz, NYC or some other hidden jewel along Interstate 95, for the East Coast's most underrated, infamous and feared, joining them for the ride will be epic.

If you are one of those whose music remains uncompromised, relentless & next-level, than submit your full-length tracks for consideration for DJ Just Dizle's ‘PROVIDENCE: The Second Coming, Volume 1: New Jeruz Rapture’  & for submissions for coming mix-CDs,  NJ, NYC, PA, DE & CT artists and producers please visit  www.justdizle.com/providence to learn more about the PROVIDENCE Mix CDs, or contact Dahaomine Moody, Dahaomine@griotmedia.tv for more information.

For more about DJ Just Dizle, visit www.justdizle.com or www.myspace.com/justdizle.

Get your tickets today for NJPAC's Planet Hip Hop 3 which will focus on hip-hop artists as activists – artists committed to the artistic, cultural, economic, social, educational, and political concerns of their communities. This intensive four-day event will include performances, film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and more. For more info visit www.planethiphop.org.

Contact: Dahaomine Moody
Griot Recordings
Phone: 973-214-5031
Fax: 973-230-0752
Dahaomine@griotmedia.tv

Big Boi Partners With Russell Athletic to Promote HBCU

Entertainment Mogul Will Design Football Jersey for Bayou Classic

ATLANTA, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Athletic's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) division announced today its partnership with Outkast's Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061012/CLTH071 )

Big Boi will help promote Russell Athletic's unique partnership as the official athletic apparel provider for all HBCU schools in the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC conferences. Outfitting over 500 men's and women's athletic teams on 49 HBCU campuses, Russell Athletic provides over $350,000 in scholarship money to the HBCU conferences each year. Russell Athletic also designed an e-commerce Web site, www.buyhbcu.com, to provide official licensed merchandise for HBCU schools.

In his first collaborative efforts with Russell Athletic to support HBCU schools, Big Boi is designing a one-of-a-kind football uniform to debut Nov. 25 at the Bayou Classic. SWAC rivals, Grambling State University and Southern University, will face off in the classic.

"The Bayou Classic is one of the most well-known rivalries in HBCU football. My partnership with Russell Athletic is a great opportunity to promote HBCU athletics in order to generate the publicity they deserve," said Big Boi, who will be in attendance at the Bayou Classic.

Both Grambling and Southern will showcase innovative, new Russell Athletic jerseys. Grambling will wear the Big Boi inspired jerseys for the game; however, jerseys for both Grambling and Southern will be on display at the Bayou Classic and through www.buyhbcu.com.

"We expect the Bayou Classic to be one of the biggest HBCU events of the year. The fans are excited, the teams and bands are ready, and most importantly, New Orleans will be full of energy for the game. This makes it the perfect time to debut Russell Athletic's partnership with Big Boi and his inspired jersey design for HBCU schools," said Torarie Durden, Director of HBCU programs for Russell Athletic.

Recently appointed Russell Athletic President, Doug Kelly, said, "Our HBCU partnership is a tremendous asset in the Russell Athletic portfolio. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with HBCU athletics."

The Bayou Classic, which attracts more than 70,000 fans and is a sell-out each year, is considered one of the most distinguished sporting events. This year's Bayou Classic will be significant as the game returns to New Orleans' Louisiana Superdome after being relocated in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. The game will also be televised on NBC Sports.

Celebrating the heritage of HBCU football, Russell Athletic's Everyday Performance Tour will visit the Bayou Classic. Fans can get involved with interactive elements including a basketball goal, football toss and chin-up competition. Russell Athletic premium items will also be distributed. The tour vehicle will also include the history of Russell Athletic and recent innovations in HBCU products.

Beginning in early November, Academy Sports and Outdoors will have a month-long promotion surrounding the Big Boi inspired jersey. The promotion, in up to ten Louisiana stores, will give customers a chance to win numerous gifts including the grand prize, an autographed Big Boi jersey.

Russell Athletic and Big Boi have also formed another partnership to further their relationship. Russell Athletic lends support to the Big Kidz Foundation, a philanthropic project created by Big Boi. Big Kidz was created to help children make lifestyle advances through film and music. Russell Athletic and www.buyhbcu.com were recently participating sponsors for the foundation's signature event, "STRUT," a fashion show and charity auction held at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

Big Boi, an Atlanta resident, is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists and producers of the past decade. As a member of Outkast, the duo has received numerous Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album (2002, 2004), Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (2002, 2003) and Album of the Year (2004). Big Boi has also ventured into film with a starring role in the recently released Idlewild.

ABOUT RUSSELL ATHLETIC

Russell Athletic serves as the main operating division and flagship brand of Russell Corporation. Russell Athletic is dually headquartered in Alexander City, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, and employs 1,800 people worldwide. For more than 100 years, Russell Athletic has supplied America's athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best. This year Russell Athletic will outfit more than 500 Division I teams and offer more than 200 pieces in its fall 2006 retail line alone. www.russellathletic.com
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061012/CLTH071
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Russell Athletic

CONTACT: Molly Malone of Hope-Beckham Inc., +1-404-604-2614, or
mmalone@hopebeckham.com, for Russell Athletic

Web site: http://www.buyhbcu.com/
http://www.russellathletic.com/

The Catalog for Giving(R) of New York City to Celebrate the Lives and Achievements of 10 Teen Urban Heroes

October 12, 2006
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, October 24th, The Catalog for Giving(R) of New York City, a not-for-profit organization, will celebrate the lives of 10 extraordinary New York City kids ages 11 to 21 at the 11th Annual Urban Heroes Awards. Celebrity presenters include Russell Simmons, Tamara Tunie of Law & Order: SVU and VH1 personality and Barneys New York creative director, Simon Doonan. The awards ceremony will take place at Pier Sixty at the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex on 23rd Street in Manhattan.

Through the Urban Heroes Awards, The Catalog for Giving highlights courageous inner-city kids who, through their participation in programs funded by The Catalog, have overcome adversity such as poverty, homelessness, drugs or violence. Among those honored will be an 11-year-old aspiring figure skater in Harlem, a young Brooklyn woman who became the first in her family to complete high school, and a young Bronx man who, after experiencing violence first hand, became a leader to prevent it. “Just a few years ago, some of the kids now being recognized had been involved with gangs and crime—their very lives were at risk,” said Susan Wyant, executive director of The Catalog for Giving. “Through The Catalog and its programs, these young adults transformed their lives and the lives of others and became Urban Heroes.”

This year’s event will also honor one of The Catalog’s former Urban Heroes, Chris “Kazi” Rolle, founder of The Hip Hop Project. Chris was a teenager at a “last chance” alternative New York City high school when he was introduced to Art Start, which was then a Catalog supported program. In 1999 with Art Start’s help, Chris formed The Hip Hop Project which introduces young people to the music industry. The intensive program teaches students about budgets, how to write, produce, record and distribute their music. Chris’ life story, from his roots as an abandoned child and homeless teenager to youth advocate and entertainer, inspired the feature-length documentary, The Hip Hop Project.

For 11 years, The Catalog for Giving® of New York City has chosen Urban Heroes from the non-profit programs it supports. The Catalog funds, for a period of three years, non-profit organizations serving at-risk youth in New York City. “As these organizations are able to raise their own funds, they ‘graduate’ from The Catalog making resources available to other programs in need,” said Ms. Wyant. The groups receive 100% of contributions made to The Catalog. The Catalog’s board covers all its own administrative expenses. Since its inception in 1994, The Catalog for Giving® of New York City has raised over $8 million.

The Catalog’s 11th Annual Urban Heroes Awards will honor participants in Added Value & Herban Solutions, CitySquash, Community-Word Project, Figure Skating in Harlem, Free Arts NYC, Global Action Project, iMentor, Leave Out ViolencE (LOVE), Urban Dove and Youth Advocacy Center.

For more information, contact Monica Orbe at (212) 272-9294 or email morbe@bear.com. To purchase tickets, call (212) 765-8212 or visit www.urbanheroes.org.

About The Catalog for Giving of New York City

The mission of The Catalog for Giving is to transform the lives of New York City children and teens whose opportunities are severely limited by poverty, crime, drugs and violence. The Catalog identifies, funds and supports emerging local organizations that use extraordinary approaches to set disadvantaged young people on new paths to success. Expenses of The Catalog for Giving are funded by its board of directors, so that 100 percent of donations go to the featured organizations and the young people they serve. Since its inception in 1994, The Catalog has raised millions of dollars for its programs and helped transform the lives of more than 50,000 children across the five boroughs. www.cfgnyc.org.
Contacts

For The Catalog for Giving of New York City:
Monica Orbe, 212-272-9294
morbe@bear.com

WISCONSIN BASED RAPPER BODAIGA SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM OCTOBER 31ST

Las Vegas, NV (October 12, 2006) - Representing the Midwest to the fullest, Wisconsin based rapper Bodaiga releases his highly anticipated album, 'The Warehouse' on October 31, 2006. Singles from the album have already started to gain airplay in select U.S. markets and college radio stations.

“The album is like a warehouse, it has so much in it. It’s like a big, diverse melting pot. It provides the goods and the needies to everybody…a little something for the North, South, East and West,” Bodaiga explains. He teamed up with some of the hottest producers in the game for this project including Joe Traxx, Knobs and Ginx.

The lead single, ‘We Don’t Play Dat’ featuring Lil’ Jon, Wine-O and Bun B of UGK immediately hypnotizes you with the signature, multi-platinum sounds of Lil’ John in the backdrop. Of course with The King of Crunk, the hook is energetic and contagious. Bodaiga’s flawless delivery combined with the vocals of Wine-O and Bun B flows perfectly on this street tough but radio-friendly track.

Bodaiga born “Daiyon Mackell Davis” is destined to become of one today’s most relevant music artists. This versatile and creative artist, with his laid-back style has been compared to the likes of hip hop icon, LL Cool J. Bodaiga garnered major street credibility when he was recently named, Best Artist of the Midwest at the 4th Annual Underground Music Awards (UMA’s).

For further information and a preview of song samples from the new release ‘The Warehouse’, please visit www.myspace.com/theofficialbodaigapage and/or www.sonicbids.com/bodaiga2

Press Contact:
Tricia Conley
707.330.1534
tconley@tcpublicrelations.com

Rap legend agrees to write column for urban music magazine

MILWAUKEE - As part of the trio Run-DMC in the 1980s, Darryl McDaniels knows what its like to be a pioneer. Along with Joseph "Run" Simmons and the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, McDaniels and Run-DMC accomplished many firsts in the rap industry from their Grammy nomination and appearance on “Saturday Night Live” to their cover appearance on Rolling Stone and numerous athletic endorsements.

Almost a quarter century later, McDaniels remains a pioneer in the music industry. Ya’Heard Magazine is proud to announce that it has come to an agreement with McDaniels, who will write a column in each issue of the Urban Music Pocket Guide based out of Milwaukee, Wis. The new columnist sat down recently with YHM Editor-in-Chief, NaMia Moore, to talk about his legendary career and his newest pursuit within the urban music publishing game.

While in the city known for its beer and motorcycles, McDaniels also took the time to chat about the current state of rap and hip-hop, reuniting with his birth mother, and he even broke down a few verses for the YHM staff! Publisher Matthew Johnson said “I’m very excited about D’ joining our Ya’Heard Magazine team. His column will provide a way for him to express his views on the world of hip hop and it will provide us with a real-life perspective from a true legend.”

Readers of the pocket-sized publication already know that YHM includes features about upcoming artists, hip-hop trends, and up-to-date industry news. This latest collaboration will also provide readers with great words of wisdom from a rap innovator, according to account executive Leslie Stewart, Jr. “Ya’Heard Magazine continues in the legacy of its quality and content, with the addition of DMC to our brand.”

The first of McDaniels’s columns is scheduled to appear in the December/January issue of YHM.

About Ya’Heard Urban Music Pocket Guide
Ya' Heard Urban Music Pocket Guide is a publication that was launched out of Milwaukee in 2002 by Strive Media Institute (SMI). It is geared towards the urban communities of today. Highlighting the hottest artists, producers, record labels, industry trends, and lifestyles of today’s entertainers, the pocket-sized publication was created for the urban music lover. Our goal is to provide more opportunity for those in urban settings that want to be exposed to the world of entertainment.

About Strive Media Institute
Formed by Matthew Johnson in 1990, Strive Media Institute (SMI) is a non-profit mentoring and training program that provides at-risk high school students with the opportunity to gain real-world knowledge and experience in the field of mass communications.

SMI’s mission, “Promoting Diversity through Mass Communication,” comes out of the need to reach today’s youth and help them strive to be their best in life through new academic and self-development opportunities. Through partnerships with existing industry professionals and local university faculty, SMI has developed a comprehensive curriculum in four fields of mass communication: print journalism, integrated marketing communications, technology, and film and video production.

SMI students are selected based upon their motivation and dedication to learn, contributions to the field of mass media, and desire to help educate their peers. Students come from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

# # #

Contact: Christina Relacion, Co-Editor
Office Phone: (414) 264-7898
Fax: (414) 374-3512
E-Mail: crelacion@yaheardmagazine.com

IVNET.TV WILL FINALLY AIR THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL CONCERT FOOTAGE EVERYONES TALKING ABOUT

Date: October 11, 2006
Who: DMX, Lloyd Banks, Young Joc, (Jim Jones, & Foxy Brown)* not performing
What: Concert Web Cast

When: Saturday, October 14, 2006 (7 pm EST)

Where: Filmed “live” at The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on (September 30th) and will be broadcast to over 1.6 million viewers around the world this Saturday, from the IVNET studios.

Why: Anywhere, USA -- October 11, 2006 – Everyone’s been talking about it, reading about it, and wondering about it. Well, you don’t have to wait any longer. The most controversial concert footage in quite sometime will finally make it to the masses. What was supposed to be a celebration about the kids, and encourage them to look forward to a good school year, was instead the scene of a great time soured. The Back 2 School Jam had some real bright spots like the opening dance troops, the 13yr old lyrical phenom, and you can’t forget about Young Joc. Joc actually put on a pretty good show considering it was hard for he and his 4 man entourage (which is small by hip-hop standards) to get access to his dressing room right away. The highlight of the evening so far for the kids was G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks who almost brought his whole record company roster on stage including El Presidente himself 50 Cent. Now it would have been a great night if the story ended right there, G-Unit on stage with all the blue and white confetti coming down all around but, wait, we still had two more acts the crowd was screaming for and they let 50 know that before he got off stage. DMX, then Jim Jones (rapper) were up next. X took the stage in raw hip-hop fashion, just himself, a D.J., and a bottle of Hennessey. His performance was very energetic and intense but, due to insurance issues every promoter has, the show had to end at 11:30pm. What happened next is up for debate. Once the sound system was officially cut off, things started to get very dicey on stage as well as in the audience. Thank goodness IVNET had the exclusive rights to film the entire event, and doesn’t have some grainy camera phone footage but, six separate camera shots of all the action in crystal clear quality. Tune in to catch what really happened!

For more info visit: http://www.ivnet.tv
Or
To schedule an interview with IVNET executives contact: Haywood Donerson III
Haywoodd3@verizon.net

MP3Musicgrams.com Enters into Partnership with MusicGorilla.com to Mutually Help New Indie Artists and Bands Promote their Music Online

Delta, and B.C. – October 11, 2006, www.MP3Musicgrams.com, a free music promotion site featuring MP3 music uploads and Musicgrams, has entered into an online artist promotion and revenue sharing partnership with MusicGorilla.com. Both sites offer unique services for new unsigned artists to promote their music. MP3MusicGrams.com artists will get 10% off of memberships with MusicGorilla.com as part of the partnership.

MusicGorilla.com places artist’s music directly onto pages built for Major Labels, Indie Labels and Film Studios. Artists get access to FREE submissions for film, TV and video games; they are eligible for FREE live label showcases, digital distribution and more. MusicGorilla.com does not  take any piece of any deals made on the site, and have had many successes including placement in film, as well as, songwriting, publishing and distribution deals.

Sign up at: http://www.mp3musicgrams.com/sign_Up.aspx
Just enter the code "musicgrams" for discount. Membership is 100% guaranteed!
Sign up here: http://www.musicgorilla.com/artist_registration.asp

MP3Musicgrams.com is a new unique free online music promotion service designed to let artists and record labels promote their music in an immediate preview format featuring their MP3, image, and band description that can be sent in a viral format, similar to a greeting card. Music fans can preview and send music without effectively downloading the MP3 and have the ability to forward the Musicgram to other friends and fans once received and opened up.       

MP3Musicgrams.com Music Fan and artist contest:  October 16, 2006 - December 11, 2006. Artists and bands in all musical genres from rock to country to hip hop can upload a promo MP3, image and add their website link to direct users back to their site. The contest will feature monthly prizes for the most sent MP3 Musicgrams by artists, with a grand prize of an electric or acoustic guitar to be awarded at the end. More importantly, artists and bands that upload their music get a chance to be heard by new fans and have their MP3 spread virally for global exposure.

Contest page: http://www.mp3musicgrams.com/contest.aspx

MP3 Musicgrams offers artists and bands in all musical genres from blues to rock, rap or country an opportunity to upload their song, photo or image, band or artist description and a link to their web site. The site also selects “Featured MP3”, currently at the site’s discretion. The current featured MP3 Musicgram is “Lucy” by a band called KARMA from South Africa .

About MP3Musicgrams.com http://www.mp3musicgrams.com/about_Us.aspx

MP3Musicgrams.com offers a unique online service for music fans, artists and music sites. The free MP3 Musicgrams provide a Free Music Promotion Service and Music Community for Music Fans and Artists to discover new bands and artists and help spread the word!

MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/mp3musicgrams

Contact:
Taylor or Dawn Van Zant
info@mp3musicgrams.com
604. 952-0400

Source: MP3Musicgrams.com

NETS PART-OWNER SHAWN "JAY-Z" CARTER OFFERS HIS HOTLY ANTICIPATED NEW CD "KINGDOM COME" COMPLIMENTARY TO NETS FANS WHO PURCHASE PREMIERE WEEK TICKET PACKAGE

Carter to hand-sign 100 of the CD's to be randomly distributed

October 11, 2006
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ  - Nets part-owner, Grammy Award-winner and music executive Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is offering complimentary copies of his highly anticipated new CD "Kingdom Come" to all fans who purchase the Nets Premiere Week ticket package. In addition, Carter will hand-sign 100 of the CD’s that will be randomly distributed to ticket package buyers.

This unprecedented offer, on sale now, consists of tickets to the first three Nets home games for the upcoming season, including the electrifying match-up against Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and the NBA champion Miami Heat on Friday, November 10. The three-game ticket package begins at $85.

“I’m excited about this package as it combines two of my passions: music and the Nets,” said Carter. “This is a great opportunity for our fans to see our first three games of the season and to get my new CD as soon as it hits the market.”
Fans can buy the ticket package by calling 1-800-7NJ-NETS or by logging on to www.njnets.com. 

Contact: Lupé Todd, 917-202-0116

The Raw Report and Block Entertainment Premiere Yung Joc's "The Jocumentary" on MixCast.tv

Program is the First of Many Hip-Hop Reality Series to Be Aired by the Raw Report DVD Magazine on MixCast

October 11, 2006 09:00 AM Pacific Time
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MixCast, a leader in hip-hop and urban lifestyle television, today announced the addition of the Raw Report DVD Magazine to the channel lineup on the MixCast Network. The Raw Report, well known for being the first DVD to cover the infamous Black Mafia Family, is one of the most respected brands in the urban DVD market. Now the Raw Report’s “The Jocumentary” will be available to viewers worldwide through MixCast’s phone, web, and television distribution.

"People only hear the hit records but I wanted them to know what it takes to get there,” said Yung Joc. "From the video shoots to the performances, now the fans can see firsthand how it really goes down."

The reality series follows Yung Joc as he shows you the pain of his past, the state of his present, and the promise of his future. It takes the viewer on a journey from the streets of Atlanta to the BET Awards. The series features guest appearances from Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Jim Jones, Kevin Liles, Rick Ross, and Paul Wall to name a few.

“Like much of the authentic lifestyle programming featured on MixCast, ‘The Jocumentary’ gives viewers an uncensored look at one of their favorite artists that can’t be found elsewhere in traditional media,” said Gary S. Murray II, Founder of MixCast. “Joc has truly grinded his way into the limelight this summer, and we are excited to be chosen to showcase his journey.”

In addition to “The Jocumentary”, MixCast will offer other current and future episodes of the Raw Report DVD Magazine. Viewers can tune into the Raw Report’s channel free of charge at MixCast’s online video portal or download it through MixCast’s video on demand service.

Viewers can access the Internet version of MixCast’s channel at www.mixcast.tv.

About The Raw Report DVD Magazine

The Raw Report is the leading provider of Hip-Hop entertainment and news via the DVD and internet platforms. The Raw Report DVD-Magazine gives viewers an inside look at the lives of their favorite artists who are well loved and often ignored by major media outlets. In a consistently creative and captivating manor, The Raw Report covers the business, legal, political and social aspects of the Hip-Hop world.

About Mixcast

The MixCast Network is a global urban lifestyle channel for your phone, web, and TV. It is the only television network offering a first hand peek into global urban culture through the eyes of the very people defining the trends. In addition to powering the digital offering for some of the most credible names in hip-hop, MixCast is establishing a worldwide network of independent affiliates who report on the local trends and culture of every major city. Additionally, the Company assists major sponsors with delivering highly effective promotional campaigns to the urban market.
Contacts

The MixCast Network
Gary Murray, 301-560-0982
gmurray@mixcast.tv

St. Petersburg Community Celebrates HipHopSodaShop

October 11, 2006 12:23 PM Pacific Time
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--H3Enterprises, Inc.'s (OTC:HTRE) new CEO Jackie Robinson met with several influential members of the St. Petersburg community yesterday to discuss the upcoming opening of Warren Sapp's HipHopSodaShop. Robinson discussed what the SodaShops will mean to the area in terms of job creation, scholarship programs and investment opportunities.

This morning, Robinson announced that a local investment group, led by several prominent community officials, purchased a major interest in the new location. They have joined Warren Sapp and H3 as the key investors in the project. The investment group was also given the rights to open four more units in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market along with Sapp.

The meeting was held at the first HipHopSodaShop location at 8901 4th Street North. In attendance were members of the St Petersburg Police and Fire Departments, the Florida State Legislature and Mayor’s office, several members of the St.Petersburg City Council and local religious leaders.

H3’s corporate partners for the SodaShop program including Verizon were also present. Jim Burke, Specialized Services Manager for Verizon addressed the large gathering stating, “We believe in H3’s corporate philosophy and look forward to supporting the development of HipHopSodaShop’s nationwide expansion program.”

Frank Peterman, Jr., a member of the Florida House of Representatives, opened the meeting by leading the group in prayer. Robinson then took the podium to talk about how the SodaShops can provide a safe and fun “hang out” for the city’s youth, as well as a means for people in the neighborhood to invest in their own culture, in their own communities and in themselves. “Just as HTRE gives everybody an equal opportunity to directly invest in the HipHop revolution and participate in the great wealth being generated by our own culture, so too do the SodaShops. The SodaShops give people of all ages and means the chance to become owners rather than spenders, the chance to invest their money and watch it grow for the future while creating good jobs for themselves and their neighbors.”

Brian Peters, founder of H3Enterprises, concluded the meeting by stating, “H3 is a way for young people to understand entrepreneurship and to build wealth in our communities the right way by eating healthy, managing money, employing our own and recycling dollars throughout our communities. H3 will be the beacon of empowerment and employment of African-Americans.”

H3 will continue the weekly conference call with CEO Jackie Robinson at 12:00 Noon Eastern Time, 9:00 AM Pacific Time.

H3Enterprises is the first publicly traded company dedicated to the hip hop culture and lifestyle. H3 is committed to the positive growth of the entire community through business, educational, and investment opportunities. Management has created a business focused on feeding the worldwide demand for everything hip hop and maximizing returns for its shareholders. H3 Enterprises is the owner, creator, licensor, and franchiser of HipHopSodaShops, neTVizon, H3Raps, H3WhiteTeaBeverages, H3Players.com, H3Merchandising, and H3Players' WorldSeries of CyberSports. For more information, please visit www.h3inc.com.

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.
Contacts

For H3Enterprises, Inc., St. Petersburg
April Cash, 407-936-1010
acash@quantifiedmarketing.com

Vixens Media Group/VMG Magazine/VideoVixens.net Launches an International Model Competition

Vixens Media Group, MixCast Network and Hair Confusion, launch an international model competition for a red carpet correspondent for VMG Magazine at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards. One model will win a contract and all expense paid trip to the awards in Las Vegas.

CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) October 11, 2006 -- VMG Magazine, a division of Vixens Media Group, has teamed with MixCast, a leader in hip-hop and urban lifestyle television, and Hair Confusion, the industry leader in supplying laced and non-laced hair units to celebrities to launch the ultimate model competition. The competition will be conducted completely online and Vixens Media Group affiliated website www.videovixens.net and www.videovixens.tv and MixCast viewers will vote to select one lucky winner. The prize is an immediate contract to become a hostess for VMG Magazine on the red carpet at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 4, 2006.

The winner will conduct celebrity interviews which will be seen on MixCast's cellular, broadband, and residential channels, as well as on VMG Magazine's website which will debut December 1, 2006. The winner will also co-host the official VMG Magazine launch and celebrity after party. The winner will receive a trip for two to Las Vegas including full travel, flight & hotel accommodations, $1,000 USA in cash, their own reality television series on www.videovixens.tv on the MixCast Network, and $1,000 in products, gift certificates and services from Hair Confusion.

We are pleased to team with MixCast and Hair Confusion to present this opportunity to aspiring models around the globe," said Matthew Cherry, CEO/Co-owner of Vixens Media Group/www.videovixens.net and Claude Julian, VP of Operations/Co-Owner of Vixens Media Group/www.videovixens.net" Our aim is to present opportunities to the urban market that are often overlooked by traditional media outlets, and MixCast enables us to deliver on this goal."

Complete competition rules are available at www.videovixens.net

About Vixens Media Group, Inc
Vixen Media Group (VMG) is a multi-media corporation with an exclusive focus of bringing world-class entertainment to its global audience and the global market. VMG reaches the global market through its media divisions including its group of websites, original and syndicated web, mobile and IP television content, print media, and many other strategic distribution channels. VMG introduced the industries first website dedicated specifically to the urban market www.videovixens.net (targeting males ages 18-45) featuring models, actresses and entertainers (and aspiring models,actresses and entertainers) that have appeared in all forms of media such as TV, magazines, music videos, movies, etc. Utilizing its extensive strategic partners in the urban entertainment industry from directors, producers, casting agents, magazine editors, modeling agencies, and world-class photographers. VMG has positioned itself as one of the industries fastest growing urban multi-media corporations.

About MixCast Network
The MixCast Network is a global urban lifestyle channel for your phone, web, and TV. It is the only television network offering a first hand peek into global urban culture through the eyes of the tastemakers setting the trends. In addition to powering the digital offering for some of the most credible names in hip-hop, MixCast is establishing a worldwide network of independent affiliates who report on the local trends and culture of every major city. Additionally, the Company assists major sponsors with delivering highly effective promotional campaigns to the urban market.

About VMG Magazine
VMG Magazine (Visual Media Guide) is a cutting edge online magazine that chronicles the lives and events of celebrities, entertainers and models, from a visual perspective. We cover the hottest parties, photo shoots, car shows, and red carpet events in the entertainment industry with some of the top celebrity models and actress hostesses from a men interest point of view. This online magazine combines the content of an Entertainment Tonight or an Access Hollywood with the foundation of men interest magazine such as Maxim or FHM but from an urban perspective. VMG Magazine is full of interactive content, including audio, video, celebrity and model photo galleries complete with exclusive images, online shopping capabilities, message boards, web polls and regular entertainment news. VMG Magazine strives to be one of the leading websites on urban culture, attracting thousands of daily users by offering the ultimate urban lifestyle experience. VMG Magazine will be the first production from VMG Publications and the Vixens Media Group.

About Hair Confusion
Hair Confusion is not a typical manufacturer of custom made wigs. Hair Confusion does not offer low quality wigs. They are professional stylist and cosmetologist. They have been styling stars for over 35 years in Los Angeles. Our products have exclusively reserved for elite in the entertainment field. Film stars, popular music groups, and legends. Hair Confusion plans on opening their doors to a larger audience because the interest is there and we are experts in hair extensions, weaves, toupees, and wig hair pieces and application. They are well versed in every aspect of lace hair units and non hair units. And Hair Confusion knows that people that do not live in L.A. want to look fabulous too.

About Www.VideoVixens.net
VideoVixens.net is the premier website that focuses on women that have appeared in music videos and urban magazines. The self proclaimed "Music Video Model Directory" has received over 35 Million hits since its February 8, 2006 debut. Our models are also featured on urban modeling websites such as Eye Candy Modeling, www.eyecandymodeling.com, Summer Bunnies, www.summerbunnies.com, Ethnicity Models, www.ethnicitymodels.com, and Diamondz N Pearlz, www.diamondznpearlz.com.

VideoVixens.net has four different categories of models that they feature. They range in experience from Hot Video Vixens, Hot Video Honeys and Hot Video Dimes. Their categories break down like this... Actresses are women that have appeared in a major magazine, major music video and have appeared in a major television series or major movie; The actresses that are featured at www.videovixens.net are Angell Conwell, KD Aubert, Jada Pickett-Smith, Keashia Knight Pulliam, Leila Arcieri, LisaRaye, Meagan Good, Nia Long, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Stacy Dash and Taraji P. Henson. Video Vixens are women that have been featured in a major magazine publication and have been featured in a major music video: Some of the Video Vixens that are Melyssa Ford, Esther Baxter, Summer Walker, Gloria Velez, Vida Guerra, Buffie The Body, Ki Toy Johnson, Lyric, Nikka Alexander aka Hoopz, Erica Mena, Zarena Whitfield, Cristal Athena Steverson, Lauren London, Love Barnett, Whyte Chocolate, Sara Pickett, Tomika Skanes, Sincerely Ward, Nicole Narain, Denyce Lawton, Miyah Granatella, Addicted 2 Amber, Janelle Stein, and the Glenn Twins.

Some of the hot Video Honeys are Jazmin Velazquez, Naomi Knox, Ajay Milan, Mandy Marie, Sophia Stevens, Mikko Monro, Donna Baker, Sarita Japanadorean and Dazelle Yvette are models that have appeared in either a major music video or magazine but not both.

Some of the hot Video Dimes are Peujon Nazifi, Michelle Rivers, Rachel Whitted, Grishma Srirama, Gia Jai, Ms. Sharmaine, Leilani and Shawna are models that have not appeared in a major music video or magazine yet but they have the look where they should real soon.

Media Contact:
Mr. Claude Julian
VP of Operations
VMG Magazine
312-494-2623

Multi-platinum rap legend Ice Cube releases the follow-up to his gold-selling seventh solo release 'Laugh Now, Cry Later: O.G. Limited Edition'

The Limited Edition CD features new DVD with exclusive never-before seen video footage, music videos and commentary from Ice Cube
 
(New York - October 10, 2006) - Ice Cube announces the release of "Laugh Now, Cry Later: O.G. limited edition." This limited edition CD and DVD will be available on October 31st and features never seen before live footage from Ice Cube’s sold out national tour and visual videos for each track on the new album.
 
Heralded as the father of gangster rap, Cube created an instant classic this past summer with the release of his first solo effort in 6 years, “Laugh Now, Cry Later,” through his own Lench Mob Records, which debuted at No. 4 on the Top 200 sales chart and No. 2 on the Hip Hop/R & B charts, selling 145,000 units in its first week – one of the highest first-week sales totals of any independent hip-hop artist release. Featuring 18 solid tracks, which boasts production from top-level producers like Scott Storch, Swizz Beatz and Lil Jon, and featuring guests Snoop Dogg and Dub C, “Laugh Now, Cry Later” has been warmly received by critics and regarded as one his best bodies of work to date.  With no signs of slowing down, Cube looks to continue his reign with a special limited edition release, just in time for the holiday season.
 
This dual disc set features over 60 minutes of never-before seen footage from Cube’s 21 city tour with Dub C, The Clipse and Dogg Pound, including all-access backstage footage, clips from each of Cube’s sold out shows and in-studio listening sessions where fans can “Bump It & Watch It” alongside Cube; music videos from lead singles “Why We Thugs,” produced by Scott Storch, “Go to Church” produced by Lil Jon, featuring Snoop Dogg,  “Chrome and Paint,” and exclusive commentary from the Don Mega himself.
 
Known to be one of the most important figures in rap history, Ice Cube began his career with the Notorious West Coast Gangsta Rap Group N.W.A a little over 18 years ago. At the height of the group’s success, Ice Cube broke away to begin his solo career. His initial release, “Amerikkka's Most Wanted” (Priority, 1990) sold over a 1 million copies.  His sophomore solo effort, "Death Certificate" (Priority, 1991), debuted at #1 on the R&B Album chart, #2 on the Top 200 album chart and went on to sell over 2 million copies. His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of both his double album “War and Peace,”  and hit albums “Lethal Injection,” “Bootlegs & B-Sides,” and “The Predator.” Ice Cube has sold over 10 million albums to date. “Laugh Now, Cry Later” is Cube’s sixth album to bow in the top 10 tier of the album chart.
 
About Lench Mob Records
Launched in 2005 by Ice Cube and his management company The Firm, Lench Mob Records is independently owned and operated by Ice Cube and is run out of The Firm offices in Beverly Hills , CA . 

Press Contact: Kisha Maldonado or Hanif Sumner
5W Public Relations
212-584-4299 or 212-584-4310
kmaldonado@5wpr.com or hsumner@5wpr.com

Local Filmmaker & Hip Hop Messenger on the way to New York Film Festival

While Milwaukee movie makers and independent film connoisseurs gear up for the 4th annual Milwaukee Film Fest (Oct. 19-24th), two local cultural artist are on their way to the biggest film festival in the world. Their movie, “Fidel”, will be premiered at the 16th Annual New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. (Nov. 9th-16th)

NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. NYIIFVF attracts many global entries, including: Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Kenya, Japan, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, Germany, Spain, India and the U.K.

About the Movie
“Fidel” is a gritty, Hip Hop/Documentary. Directed by Ife Olatunji, Fidel, an independent Organizer/Songwriter, speaks on Hip Hop Culture through frank interviews and raw performances.

Ife Olatunji, an Anthropologist has traveled across the world documenting the global influence that Hip Hop has on youth from all walks of life. “I think that “Fidel” represents what Hip Hop is really about, uplifting the youth. I saw the different things he was doing with the community and I wanted to document them. ”

The “finished” product, a 13 minute guerilla-style offering, is from an Activist/Performer point-of-view. The independent release was originally just a basic addition to both their already very impressive multi media portfolios it has now gained serious critical acclaim.

Past NYIIFVF festivals have included the work of Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Selma Blair, Ewan McGregor, Dominique Swain, Busy Phillips, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza, Willem Dafoe and Executive Producer Vin Diesel.

Fidel, the co-producer explains as if it’s all a part of the plan. "It's time for our work to be raised to international heights, because we break stereo types, and spread healthy vibes. People can relate and appreciate because all over the world people are tired of seeing this culture misrepresented. Period."

For Specific East Coast Premier Dates/Times of screening and after party contact:
Blacksky GPR & Co. 414-218-8380 or email: tblacksky72@yahoo.com

Find out more about the New York Film Festival go to: http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/aboutus.htm

To learn about the world according to Fidel go to:
http://www.Gorillapromo.com/vivafidel

Akon Grants Exclusive Interview to DJBooth.net

Chicago, IL -- [October 10, 2006] --  First he got into trouble. Now he has been officially konvicted.

Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Akon is ready to embark on a second major voyage this November the 21st. The highly anticipated release of Konvicted has intensified after the gigantic success of the album’s lead single, Smack That.

Featuring the rapping and production talents of fellow multi-platinum star, Eminem, the popular collaboration made history this past week. Surpassing all previous chart rising numbers, Smack That jumped from #95 to #7 on Billboard. In addition to the 88 songs it passed by on the charts, the single sold over 67,000 digital copies online.

Riding off of the success of his previous album, his numerous A-list collaborations and his productions talents for stars such as Young Jeezy, T-Pain and Obie Trice, Akon leaked a second single to the listening public. Already making an impact in the radio and mixtape scene, I Just Wanna Love You (featuring Snoop Dogg), looks to continue the success that Smack That is enjoying. If current numbers are an accurate indication, there shouldn’t be any surprise if it does.

However, where most artists stop --- Akon is just getting started. With his album completed and ready for release in less than two months, Akon is preparing the unveiling of a brand new clothing line. Never one to turn down the title of “Jack of All Trades,” Akon has also established a diamond supply and mining company, Aliaune, which supplies diamonds to dealers across the world. Oh yeah, and he has a movie project lined up for 2007 based on his life.

Although he has been through the ringer and back the past month with all of his entrepreneurial endeavors, Akon knows the meaning of good promotion. To help reach out to his fans, both current and prospective, Akon granted an exclusive interview with DJBooth.net’s DJ “Z.”

During their interview, Akon discusses the present implications of the industry passing on his initial arrival, what he will do if his new album doesn’t reach platinum status (within a month), and why he remains the lone artist who can successfully produce a hit in hip-hop, R&B, pop and international music.

--

To listen to an audio stream of the full length interview, log on to www.djbooth.net and check out the ‘Interviews’ section, or go to: http://www.djbooth.net/index/interviews/entry/akon-interview/

In addition to the exclusive interview with Akon, you can also stream recent interviews from Project Pat, Consequence & Dirtbag

Contact:
Brian “Z” Zisook (Head of Interactive Content)
djz@djbooth.net

Wal-Mart's Stylized Exsto Tour Bus Heads to a Campus Near You This Fall

The resident Exsto bus DJ entertains Shaw University students during the premiere of the bus on October 5th. Truly an interactive store on-the-move, students were invited inside the customized bus to try on Exsto, shop on Walmart.com and play the latest Xbox games.

WHAT: Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, is a proud sponsor of the Essence, Ebony and Jet magazines’ HBCUs tours as part of the 2006 College Preppin’ Tour. The tour features Wal-Mart’s fully-loaded Exsto bus offering lots to see and do all in the name of music, fashion and fun! Students will enjoy interactive activities including a DJ spinning hip-hop beats, shop online for must-have pieces from Exsto, and even play Xbox. But that’s not all – students will receive a free gift before moving on to Wal-Mart’s College Preppin’ Style Shows on each campus!

Exsto, the new men’s urban sportswear line available exclusively at 400 Wal-Mart stores nationwide, was launched with Wal-Mart by urban style arbiter Jeffrey Tweedy who is known for helping establish Sean John, the highly successful lifestyle brand created by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

WHO: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students

WHEN/WHERE: Wal-Mart’s state-of-the-art Exsto bus will be at the following College Preppin’ 2006 Tour campuses:

Ebony Spa and Pampering Experience (ESCAPE) College Tour
Savannah State University October 10
Albany State University October 12
Alabama A&M University October 17

2006 Essence College Tour
Texas Southern University October 20
Florida A&M University October 23

Jet Fueling the Future Black College Tour
North Carolina A&T State University October 18
Prairie View A&E University October 26
Norfolk State University October 30
North Carolina Central University November 2
South Carolina State University November 3

For more information please contact Marian Anderson at 773.218.2334/mariananderson11@aol.com or visit www.collegepreppin.com/Exsto.

2XL Goes Live on Habbo

"Habbos" given once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with Superstar Rap Duo, 2XL Superstar rap duo, Bennett "Laze" and Justin "Royal" Talmage Armstrong of 2XL will appear for a live visit with fans on HABBO, one of the world's largest and hottest on-line destinations for teenagers.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 10, 2006 -- 2XL will check into Habbo on Thursday, October 12th at 4PM PST/ 7PM EST. During the visit, the artists will hang out with fans on the Teen People Terrace and answer questions about their highly anticipated debut album, “Neighborhood Rapstar”. The interview will be broadcasted over Habbo’s exclusive Internet Radio Stream, Bobba Music hosted by Jackie the DJ (www.bobbamusic.com). Inspired by tragedy and heartbreak that has defined their childhood, superstar rap duo, Bennett “Laze” and Justin “Royal” Talmage Armstrong of 2XL, are releasing their debut album, “Neighborhood Rapstar,” in stores January 2007.

Featuring an all-star line up of collaborations with other young emerging artists (Cherish, Ak’sent, and Na’Shay) “Neighborhood Rapstar” is the story of two brothers who overcame adversity and used their common love for music to bring their fans a sonically powered album that showcases their songwriting and production capabilities. Receiving tremendous amount of airplay for the first single, “Kissing Game,” in major markets such as Houston, Detroit, Minneapolis and California, the duo has recently introduced the first official and self-produced single, “Kitty Kat” featuring E-40 to radio. E-40 is also featured on the unique sounding track produced by Mr. DJ, “Hustle’s Gone.” On the somber “The Chapters”, 2XL chronicles their tumultuous lives over a chilling piano and drum-driven beat, while “Mama Of Mine” is a tribute to their mother who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1996.

Business smart and street savvy and driven to succeed, Laze and Royal, have one goal in mind: to be the next young, hip hop superstar team to follow in the tradition of Mobb Deep, Ying Yang Twins, and legendary rap duo, Outkast. Six years in the making, 2XL, is ready to share their story with the world.

Habbo is a richly colorful, multi-dimensional virtual community and game environment for teens. Users join by creating a fully-customized online character called a Habbo. From there, they can explore many public hang-outs, play a variety of games, connect with friends, decorate their own rooms, and have fun through creativity and self expression. Since its launch in 2000 by Sulake Corporation(www.sulake.com), an interactive entertainment company that specializes in developing, publishing and distributing multiplayer social networking communities and games, Habbo sites have been introduced in 21 countries on five continents, with more than 60 million Habbo characters created and more than 7.1 million unique users each month. The highly-trafficked U.S site, www.habbo.com, is visited by over 1.7 million unique users per month who spend, on average, more than three hours a week on the site (Nielsen Net Ratings).

Sulake has headquarters in Finland and offices in 17 countries. Currently the company has over 270 employees worldwide. Sulake is extending the Habbo brand to include e.g. mobile games and content, and merchandising and licensing products.

Kenn Henman
ALINE MEDIA PUBLIC RELATIONS
310.576.1808

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Announces Fourth Annual Action Awards Recipients

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Kanye West, Debra L. Lee and BET Networks and Steve Stoute to Receive Action Awards

National Celebrity Gala to Focus on Outstanding Achievements in Community Service and Empowerment

October 10, 2006 11:18 AM Pacific Time
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Co-Chairmen of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), announce the Fourth Annual Action Awards, an exclusive benefit, fundraising celebration and dinner that will help support HSAN’s nonprofit work to utilize the power of Hip-Hop for positive social change.

Set to take place on Monday, October 16, 2006, at The Lighthouse, Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd Street at the Hudson River), in New York City, the 2006 Action Awards will honor Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kanye West, Debra Lee and BET Networks, and Steve Stoute. Event Co-Chairs are entertainment industry entrepreneur Andre Harrell and Universal Music Group's Motown Records’ President Sylvia Rhone. Red Carpet and Cocktail Hour begins at 6:30 p.m., with the Action Awards Dinner and Program to follow at 7:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the legendary DJ D-Nice.

Corporate Sponsors making the 2006 Action Awards possible include Gold Partners: Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and Windows Live Search, with Silver Partners: Amtrak, DeBeers, General Motors, BET, MTV, Pepsi, and Warner Music Group.

Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis jointly stated, “Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kanye West, Debra L. Lee and BET Networks, and Steve Stoute have all made an outstanding contribution to the empowerment of people and communities. HSAN is proud to honor them with Action Awards for making a positive difference in our society and world.”

In prior years, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network’s Action Awards have honored the good charitable works of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation, Nelly, Destiny’s Child, Jermaine Dupri, Chrysler Financial, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Pepsi-Cola North America President Dawn Hudson, Tommy Hilfiger and MTV’s “Choose or Lose” Campaign.

HSAN is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The work of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network started at HSAN’s inception in 2001, after the first National Hip-Hop Summit themed “Taking Back Responsibility.” A series of initiatives were established and, in the past five and a half years, HSAN followed through --engaging the Hip-Hop generation in community development issues related to equal access to high quality public education and reading literacy, reformation of unjust laws, freedom of speech and artistic expression, voter registration and mobilization, financial literacy and empowerment and youth leadership development.

This past year alone, the HSAN has:

    * Produced in conjunction with Chrysler Financial and Anheuser-Busch, Inc. a second year of highly successful series of Hip-Hop Summits on Financial Empowerment, which included Summits in Detroit, Miami, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas and HSAN’s first international Summit in Toronto.
    * Produced Philadelphia’s Hip-Hop Summit National Town Hall Meeting On Community Empowerment which aired on CN8, The Comcast Network in August
    * Been recognized by NASDAQ and invited to ring the opening market bell in honor of HSAN’s 5th anniversary on June 14.

About Hip-Hop Summit Action Network:

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is a non-profit, non-partisan national coalition of artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents and youth leaders united in the belief that the "hip-hop" phenomena is an enormously influential agent for positive social change which must be responsibly and pro-actively utilized to fight the war on poverty and injustice. For more information on the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, go to www.hsan.org.

Board of Directors

Co-Chairman: Russell Simmons

Co-Chairman: Dr. Benjamin Chavis

Lyor Cohen, Warner Music Group; Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bad Boy Entertainment; Damon Dash, Dash Music Group; Jermaine Dupri, Virgin Records; Kevin Liles, Warner Music Group; Mike Concepcion, Grand Jury Records; Dr. Manning Marable, Columbia University; Kedar Massenberg, Kedar Entertainment; Kwesi Mfume, Mfume Group; Hilary Rosen, former President of the Recording Industry Association of America; Rich Slomovitz, Rush Communications; and Steve Stoute, Translation Marketing.

For more event information, or to purchase tickets or tables, please call Valeisha Butterfield at 212.997.3014.

For more information on the local summits and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network efforts, go to www.hsan.org.
Contacts

JLM PR, Inc.
Jody L. Miller
O: 212-431-5227
C: 917-770-3970
jody@jlmpr.com
or
Pamela Lipshitz
O: 212-431-5227
C: 917-859-6852
lip@jlmpr.com

Goldmark Signs Established Music Producer Peterson (Project) Denis

October 10, 2006 12:56 PM Pacific Time
NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES & VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Goldmark Industries, Inc. (Pink Sheets:GDKI), is excited to announce that the Company has recently signed accomplished musician, Peterson (Project) Denis, as Music Production Manager for the Company. Project has worked as a music producer for a vast array of top-level performers, including a live performance with Wyclef Jean, a hit single on the soundtrack for 50 Cent’s, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and numerous others.

Project grew up in Brooklyn, NY with an innate passion for music. The son of a minister, Project started playing piano in church at the young age of seven. Project specializes in sound design, music composition as well as digital audio production and editing. Project met Mobb Deep among other major players in the industry, upon hearing his skills Mobb Deep immediately brought him on as their in-house musician.

Shortly after beginning his work with the famous hip-hop duo, Project met The Lightys, the infamous team who have managed celebrities such as Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot, and still manage 50 Cent. The Lightys introduced Pete to up and coming artist Chedda Boy, and the two instantly connected. Project went on to create unbeatable tracks for Chedda Boy to put lyrics to. Among others to be announced, Project and Chedda Boy are an integrate part of building Goldmark East.

About Goldmark Industries, Inc.

Goldmark Industries is committed to providing the best in all forms of urban entertainment to the 45 Million Hip-Hop consumers in North America. The average North American spends more on entertainment than they do on health care and clothing, making entertainment the most attractive industry for investors and advertisers alike. Goldmark Industries is preparing to stand at the forefront of the Hip Hop consumer market, specializing in all aspects of entertainment, including Music, Feature Films, Television, Home Video/DVD and Major Events. The strength of Goldmark Industries is the result of its highly reputable and continuously growing management team. The knowledge and experience that each team member brings consistently supports the growing success of each division at Goldmark Industries. In addition, they are associated with some of the world's leading entertainment companies and top distribution channels worldwide, providing Goldmark Industries with the relationships to continually move forward.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as "will," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "goal," "expects," "future," "intends" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks we face as described in this press release.
Contacts

Goldmark Industries, Inc.
Corporate Communications
Tom Nelson, 866-943-5084
info@goldmarkentertainment.com

Submissions are Open for the 2007 JUNO Awards

CARAS Announces Changes to Nomination and Voting Process

TORONTO, Oct. 10 /CNW/ - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announces that submissions are now being accepted for the 2007 JUNO Awards, Canada's Music Awards. The early-bird submission deadline is Wednesday, October 25, and final submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on November 15, 2006. The early-bird deadline applies to craft categories only, not sales-based categories. Deadline for *sales-based categories (International Album of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, New Artist and New Group of the Year) is January 8, 2007. CARAS also announces changes to calculations of *sales-based categories and voting changes to Pop Album, Rock Album and Instrumental Album of the Year categories.

For specific details on JUNO Awards nominations, submission procedures, fees and deadlines, please visit www.junoawards.ca

On CARAS and the 2007 Juno Awards, please contact: Chris McDowall, Holmes Creative Communications, (416) 628-5648, cmcdowall@hccink.com

Omillio Sparks of State Property Announces Release Date for Debut Solo Album

As the first artist under his recently formed independent label, Colossal  Entertainment, Omillio Sparks is releasing his debut solo album titled, "The Payback", scheduled for January 30, 2007.

ATLANTA, October 10, 2006-- He's rocked the mic with label mates State Property and Oschino & Sparks and charmed the screens on the independently released movie by the same title, State Property. Now as Omillio Sparks prepares for for his solo project, he's ready to bring back that Philly sound that everyone fell in love with, but don't call it a comeback; he's been here for years.
 
The album features tracks such as "It Ain't My Fault," which showcases Omillio Sparks's energetic and aggressive flow, a party anthem titled, "We Party," and a few other suprises that will definitely score huge with old fans that have remained true to him since day one as well as impress new fans.
 
In preparation for the release, Omillio Sparks is currently appearing on college, commercial, and satellite radio stations across the country. He's also reconnecting with fans via appearances and contests, including a customized Omillio Sparks Air Force 1 giveaway bearing his name and designed by hip hop sneaker designer, Arts by Pikaso.
 
Omillio Sparks is currently available for interviews, appearances, and performances by contacting his label at (267) 784-2166.

###

About N.Y.L.A. Entertainment Group
 
N.Y.L.A. Entertainment Group is a boutique-style marketing and public relations firm servicing fashion, music, and entertainment entities. The firm assists artists and record labels in servicing their music to the market place, promoting and publicizing upcoming projects, and developing their fanbase. Other entities benefit by the detailed marketing campaigns implemented to stimulate sales. For additional info on N.Y.L.A. Entertainment Group, please visit www.NYLAEntertainmentGroup.com
 
Contact:

Fabiola Fleuranvil
Director of Marketing & Publicity
N.Y.L.A. Entertainment Group
Direct: (404) 437-0078
Fabiola@NYLAEntertainmentGroup.com

LOW END PROFESSIONALS SIGNED TO SONY BMG, AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS

Low End Professionals also known as L.E.P. is the newest act signed to Infared Music/Sony BMG. Hailing from Chicago, L.E.P. has shown that gangbang music doesn't always mean you promote violence. They do, however, maintain consistency in communicating through their lyrics that they are from the streets and have lived through the tough crime life which occurs in Chicago's housing projects. L.E.P. exemplifies the fact that all regions of America have had their chance to shine; now it's Chicago's turn to make their mark in Hip Hop.

The Low End Professionals consist of two talented emcees; Count and Larro. Larro is the street hustler with an intense and menacing swagger, while Count is the muscle and acts as the stick up man behind the duo. The streets consider them as the quintessence of what the hood represents in Chicago.

L.E.P. has been included in various publications, you can see them on Straight Hood, State to the Lake and Hood to Hood DVD magazines. L.E.P . has also had the opportunity to perform with acts like E-40, Young Drop and Rick Ross- which lead them to their contract with Infared Music Label at the end of 2005 with Sony BMG.

" L.E.P. got this deal because of the originality they possess as individual artists as well as a group. The sound they have is very unique to their region and musically tasteful", says Infared Music's Eric Jones. Anton Marchond, L.E.P.'s A&R at Sony BMG states that "they voiced the life and struggle of Chicago's darker side, and when I saw their grind and dedication to their music I had to sign them".

L.E.P.'s debut album is currently in the works and the release date is slated to drop the first quarter in 2007. You can expect features from industry heavy hitters like Rick Ross, Bun B, Twista and Fabolous. The also have an all-star production roster handling the hit making process like Kanye West, Nottz, tha Heatmakerz, and other trailblazers. L.E.P. is set up for success and has shown that they deserve to be here. They are sure to take the Windy City and the entire world by storm!

L.E.P. just leaked it's first street single 'Get It Like We Do' featuring Grand Hustles own Young Dro ('Shoulder Lean')

For online, phone or live interviews please contact jhatch@nextel.blackberry.net

Rhyme & Reason Launch Australia's Largest Urban Music Publication

Rhyme & Reason Magazine today announced the launch of
Australia's only monthly Hip-Hop/R&B publication, Rhyme & Reason [Street Edition]. 20,000 free copies of the magazine will be distributed via music retailers, clubs and concerts across Australia every month, with the title also made available online [in its entirety] to download from www.rhymeandreason.com.au as a high-quality PDF.

Balancing savvy content with weighted opinion, Rhyme & Reason [Street Edition] offers an informative and entertaining portal into the local and international urban music scene via interviews, news and reviews, together with a national urban club guide and competition giveaways.

Boasting interviews with OutKast, Lil Jon, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Tha Dogg Pound, Phrase and Dem Franchize Boyz, the October issue of Rhyme & Reason [Street Edition] is now available for download at www.rhymeandreason.com.au. Australian residents can find the magazine at music retailers and selected urban events nationally from this week.

October will also see Rhyme & Reason launch their one-hour mixshow, Rhyme & Reason Radio, with syndication covering commercial, community and internet radio. Station and scheduling information to be announced in late October.

For further information: please contact Dominic Di Francesco on +61 415 331 257 or dominic@barcoderecs.com.

Family Communication: Doing More Than Blah, Blah Pt. II

Brooklyn, NY: On Saturday, October 21, 2006 at the historic Berean Baptist Church (1635 Bergen Street, between Rochester and Utica Avenues).  The community is invited to a conference of a different kind.  Doors open at 9:30 AM.

This FREE community conference, with keynote address done by writer and political activist, Kevin Powell, aims out of the box for real talk and action around issues of concern to youth and the community.  There will be a panel discussion on the "N" word.  Some folks are of the mindset that when given lemons, make lemonade but that word?  Should we glorify it or give it a decent burial.
Participate in interactive workshops about manhood and fathering; young women's self-esteem, entrepreneurship as a necessary career option, gangsterism, Hip Hop as a tool to connect generations, and avoiding the criminal justice system.  We hear time and time again how the construction of prisons is outpacing the construction of schools and recreation centers.  Like John Q’s wife said, “Do something!”  There will be refreshments and giveaways

Three minute open Mic to the first five folks who sign up.

Confirmed workshop facilitators: Ife Charles, rites of passage coordinator; Alicia Crowe, Esq., family law attorney; Nicole Duncan-Smith, educator and author; Brian Favors, teacher; Jabu Diallo business owner, Peter Holoman of Medgar Evers College, Shalawn Langhorne of Community Counseling & Mediation, Karla Moore of the Bambara Drum & Dance Ensemble, Mark Pollard, Esq., criminal defense lawyer; Vincent Riggins business owner, and Edward Toney, poet and chemist.

Co-sponsored by Brooklyn Community Board 8. Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Medgar Evers College Male Empowerment & Development Center, Ralph-Lincoln Service Center, Community Counseling & Mediation, Brooklyn Free Press, Caribbean Life and Our Time Press newspapers.

http://www.brooklyncb8.org

Date: September 26, 2006                            

Media Contact:            
Akosua Albritton or Doris Alexander                                                                                       
718 467 5574/5620                                                                           
info@brooklyncb8.org