Hip Hop Press: Hip Hop Press Releases

Babygrande Records releases Sa-Ra Creative Partners & Polyrhythm Addicts

Along with the March 13th release of Gillie Da Kid's "The Best of the GDK Mixtapes" (check out the latest RIGHT NOW for Gillie talking more smack about Lil' Wayne, Cash Money and more http://www.hiphopcrack.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=66), Babygrande Records keeps the heat rolling in 2007 with two HUGE anticipated releases from Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music artists Sa-Ra Creative Partners "The Hollywood Recordings", as well as "Breakglass" from DJ Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Mr. Complex, Tiye Phoenix also known as The Polyrhythm Addicts, both hitting streets on April 24th!!

On April 24th…

Sa-Ra Creative Partners "The Hollywood Recordings"

The recipients of a 2+ year set up as part of Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music/Sony imprint, the Sa-Ra Creative Partners finally see the light with the April 24th release of “The Hollywood Recordings,” the prequel to their forthcoming major label album debut.  Contrary to popular speculation, the trio are very much united, having emerged unscathed from the perilous depths of an ever shifting major label landscape.

Many artists talk about going to the proverbial “next level.”  The Sa-Ra Creative Partners -- Taz Arnold, Om’Mas Keith and Shafiq Husayn --simply exist there.  They just are beyond what everyone else is doing creatively.  That’s because the Los Angeles/New York-based collective creates for more than the act of making music.  Sa-Ra -- whose disparate resume includes work with Dr. Dre, Kanye West, John Legend, Jurassic 5, Ice-T, Lord Finesse -- creates for the universe.  It’s Afro Magnetic Electronic Spiritualism.

“Sa-Ra is a magical trio,” says Taz, a proud citizen of the globe who was raised in South Central Los Angeles.  “We’re three lords from different aspects of the universe, different walks of life, here to put something magical together for the people.”

Ready for release on Babygrande Records, the album collection defies categorization and represents Sa-Ra’s complete vision, which encompasses more than just music.  “We take the best of all doctrines, all the practices, all sciences and have developed our own style,” Om’Mas explains.  “That’s where we’re at.  We’ve very eclectic because, unlike many people, we’ve been able to identify that with which is best of all systems -- belief, monetary -- and take piece by piece to develop this master blueprint.  It’s proven to be successful.”

CHECK OUT: WWW.SA-RA.NET & WWW.CRACKSPACE.COM/SA-RA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND STAY TUNED FOR THE PREMIERE OF BRAND NEW MUSIC FROM THIS ALREADY LEGENDARY TRIO!

Also on April 24th…

Polyrhythm Addicts “Break Glass…”

In 1999, just as hip-hop was turning the corner into an era defined more by liars & loot than lyrics & truth, this hip-hop supergroup dropped a bomb on the industry. Actually, maybe supernova's a better word, as the 10 tracks quickly burned an indelible image into the consciousness of its listeners before becoming a victim, like so many others, of the business side of the game.

Now, Polyrhythm Addicts (DJ Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Mr. Complex and scorching new member Tiye Phoenix who’s already drawing parallels to female icons Lauryn Hill and Jean Grae) return with the May 2007 release of “Break Glass…” at a time when honest hip-hop groups are so desperately needed.

“Right now, hip-hop’s in a state of emergency,” says Sahdeeq. “Nas said, ‘Hip-hop is dead.' We think it can still be saved. You can see it. All you gotta do is just break the emergency glass and it's right there."

“Whatever’s hot now, the audience gets brainwashed into thinking that’s what’s real and there’s no balance,” says Spinna. “It’s gotten boring and I think there's an audience that's neglected. They want to hear something with more depth."

The highly anticipated sophomore set and follow-up to the critically and commercially lauded debut “Rhyme Related” features guest appearances from the likes of Pharaohe Monch, Little Brother, Slum Village & more.

CHECK OUT: www.crackspace.com/polyrhythmaddicts for further information, tracks and more!

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT HIP-HOP!!!!!!!!

--
PR Department
Babygrande Records
212.633.8835

Bay Area Hip Hop from the Hillside Stranglaz

One of the legends of west coast hip hop and rap, Celly Cel, presents his hot new group "Hillside Stranglaz".

The long awaited album is called Hillside Stranglaz "Bad Influence" and is in stores now.

Since first appearing on Celly Cel’s ‘Live from the Ghetto’ compilation in 2001, the "Hillside Stranglaz" have left the hip hop community wanting more.

The members of the "Hillside Stranglaz" are San Francisco Bay area native, hip-hop and rap legend Celly Cel, Celly’s brother Mac Reese, D Enemy, and Protajay. All are from the notorious Hillside of Vallejo.

Mixing Bay Area hip hop hyphy and ‘block’ music has made the Hillside Stranglaz one of the most talked about groups among the hip hop underground.

The new single from the Hillside Stranglaz is called "Parkin Lot Pimpin". It contains a sample of the Old School classic "No Parkin on the Dance Floor".

Check out "Parkin Lot Pimpin" from the Hillside Stranglaz on the Hillside Stranglaz Myspace page.

"Parkin Lot Pimpin" is also in rotation on www.TLARadio.com and many radio stations across the nation. If it is not on your local station REQUEST IT.

Visit the Hillside Stranglaz and Celly Cel on the sites below, and leave them some luv and feedback.

www.myspace.com/hillsidestranglaz

www.myspace.com/cellycel

You can also download the single "Parkin Lot Pimpin" at www.ThugLifeArmy.com

Press Contact:
ThugLifeArmy   Administrator@ThugLifeArmy.com

TO MISS OUT ON CALLE 13'S NEW VIDEO, 'TANGO DEL PECADO,' WOULD BE A SIN

A dark sense of humor, an unbridled taste for satire and a loving infusion of kitsch all come together in the most deliciously subversive way in Calle 13's video for their new single 'Tango del pecado,' from the album "Residente o Visitante," which will hit stores on April 24.

An original collaboration between Puerto Rican singer songwriter René "Residente" Pérez and Argentine producer (and two-time Oscar winner) Gustavo Santaolalla, ‘Tango del pecado’ has been turned into a video thanks to the creativity of directors Gabriel Coss and Israel Lugo, who have shot other videos for Calle 13 and have worked with artists such as Nelly Furtado and Maná, to mention a few. The video for ‘Tango del pecado’ is scheduled to air in early March.

Used to the insolence and sharp wit of René Pérez as a composer, directors Coss and Lugo have created what they call “the story of a catastrophe,” or the wedding between an opulent and elegant beauty, known as the Queen of the Universe, with a coarse and wicked artist, Residente, in what turns out to be a Latin American spoof of a “Romeo and Juliet” love story.

Shot recently at a hacienda, Siesta Alegre, in the town of Río Grande, Puerto Rico, the video features guest stars such as comedian  Sunshine Logroño and famous reggaetón singers Julio Voltio, as godfather, and Tego Calderón as man of honor.

But that’s not all: some of the most notorious characters from previous Calle 13 videos are present once more in ‘Tango del pecado.’ Actress Flor Joglar, René’s mother, for example, plays… René’s mother in the wedding.

And in a special role, Residente’s real life girlfriend, ex-Miss Universe 2001 Denise Quiñones, plays the bride.

“The video will explain many of the things that people don’t understand in the song,” said Residente recently to various media outlets in his native Puerto Rico . “What you’ll see is what happens in these ceremonies. There will be two families, and everything will be made fun of. It will be shown in a pretty exaggerated manner. The idea is to provoke reactions. The whole thing began because of a letter that was written to me saying that I was going to hell with Denise.”

In ‘Tango del pecado,’ one man’s paradise is another one’s hell.

Press Contact:
Rocio.Gutierrez@sonybmg.com

Ear (2) tha Streez scheduled for release in Spring 2007

Former gang-banger Nino Cappuccino flips gang-life for the Director's chair

LOS ANGELES- FEBRUARY 2007-- , Ear (2) tha Streez, the long-awaited docudrama directed by underground hip hop legend Nino Cappuccino, hits the streets in Spring 2007. Co-produced by Tomorrow Pictures and Cappuccino Films, Ear (2) tha Streez, chronicles 20 years of Bloods/Crips clashes and the rise of Gangsta Rap.

Filmed on the streets of Watts, California, and the boroughs of New York, Ear (2) tha Streez is a ground-level view of the lives of America's Gangbangers, and an investigation into the "Thug Life" as portrayed by the stars of the Hip Hop world. Featuring appearances by Juvenile, Chino XL, Mack 10, Sticky Fingaz and a host of others, Ear (2) tha Streez places the dangerous lives of gang members in stark contrast to the glamorous lives of their Hip Hop counterparts.

Director Nino Cappuccino reveals an exclusive insider’s perspective with never before seen footage from his personal Cappuccino Films collection as well as new reenactments and footage captured by Tomorrow Pictures Inc. A former producer for Death Row Records and former OG Blood from Watts, CA, Cappuccino has spent the better part of the last 20 years documenting the interaction of West Coast gangs in the streets. Describing the film, Cappuccino says, "This is a story of three Gangstas caught up in the Rules of Engagement in America's most dangerous streets, the Nickerson Gardens housing project."

Producer Frederick J. Taylor worked with Cappuccino to bring his story to life shooting on location in the deadliest housing project in America, Nickerson Gardens. Taylor says, “This film brings to life the third-world dark side of the American urban landscape.” As the cinematographer for the dramatic storyline, Taylor captured images true to the gritty experience that is gang life.

The soundtrack to Ear (2) tha Streez, entitled Streez (R) Minez, features the raw sounds of West Coast hip hop from such diverse artists as Smoke Dawg, Squeak Ru, Money Moe, Watts Theory Assassins, Gudda Boyz and Nino Cappuccino himself.

Tomorrow Pictures is a full service media production company with a history of innovative projects for the television, film and music industries with a focus on digital content production and new media solutions. The vidcast series for Ear (2) tha Streez will premiere exclusively on
Cappuccino acted as Executive Producer for Ear (2) tha Streez, the third film in a series documenting urban life under his Cappuccino Films Inc. banner.

###

Wendy Muhammad
Black Rose Music Group
312-948-5189 (office) 312-896-5994 (fax)
Wendy@BlackRoseMusicGroup.com

Metro Muzik: The Union continues support of Dallas Music Icon

Benefit show planned March 9th

Dallas, Texas (February 28, 2007) After pledging over $200 for a pledge drive to support a Dallas Music Icon’s radio show, Metro Muzik: The Union is going one step forward by organizing a concert benefiting the show on March 9th at Club Tom Cats. Entitled "The Dirty Deed," the benefit is the latest effort to help fund "The Dirty South Block Party with Bobo & Nem." Heard on the air Saturday Nights from 10 pm to 12 midnight in Dallas, the show is hosted by local music icon Bobo Luchiano.

Bobo Luchiano as well as his brother DJ Snake and the rap group Nemesis are credited for birthing the Dallas Hip-Hop & Rap movement in the 1ate 80’s. Nemesis’ radio show “All Hearty Def Party” was the first radio show in Dallas that played local Hip-Hop music. Under the production of DJ Snake, Bobo Luchiano released the Dallas Anthem “South Dallas Drop” in 1989 and played hype man for Texas Rap Icons UGK from 1993 to 1996 before starting “The Dirty South Block Party in 1999.

“The Dirty South Block Party with Bobo & Nem” continues where “All Hearty Def Party” left off by playing predominately southern Hip-Hop especially local music. Co-hosted by DJ Fish and also starring Pikahsso Allen Poe, DJ Drop, David & Kitty Khat, the show is quoted as “playing Local Hip-Hop before the competitors thought it was cool.”

Broadcasted on community radio station 89.3 KNON-FM, The show (as well as KNON) derives its main source of income from on-air pledges as well as underwriting or sponsorships by local small businesses. By organizing “The Dirty Deed” Benefit, Mr. Kuwn-Dalini & Metro Muzik: The Union is continuing its effort to keep a vital radio show with the historic Bobo Luchiano at the helm on the air.

“The Dirty Deed” Benefit will feature performances from some of the areas best Hip-Hop artists including Kottonmouth, Olmann & Money Waters. Special Guest invites former Universal Records recording artists Mr. Pookie & Lucci as well as members of Dirty South Rydaz (DSR) including Big Tuck & Tum-Tum. Both artists as well as their label T-Town Records are distributed by Universal Republic Records. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to “The Dirty South Block Party” eight days later on Saturday, March 17th.

Club Tom Cats is located at 2914 Commerce Street in the Deep Ellum Entertainment District in Dallas, Texas. Doors open at 9pm. For information about Tickets/VIP/Sponsorships/Admission/Food, please contact the Metro Muzik Hotline at 972-977.2082.

“The Dirty Deed” is sponsored in-part by: 7PM, Inc., T-Town Marketing, DFWHomegrown.com, Hunnid Stacks Energy Drinks & DFWHipHop.com

Metro Muzik: The Union hopes by making an effort to preserve history that we inspire others to step up and support the show as well.

Feel free to view the following websites for more information.

www.metromuziktheunion.com
www.knon.org
http://myspace.com/mrboboluchiano
http://www.myspace.com/dirtysouthblockparty
http://www.dallaspeeps.com/dirtysouthblockparty
www.myspace.com/kuwndapromoter
www.myspace.com/youngheartbreak

Contact:
Jake Smallz & Vincent Tucker
CWC Entertainment Group
972.922.5371
info@citywideonline.net
www.citywideonline.net

**********************
Metro Muzik: The Union, commonly referred to as “This Generation’s Rat Pack”, is a collective of local record label executives and promoters heading the effort for the independent artists in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Members consist of Jaimeian “Kuwn-Dalini” Pride (7PM Inc.), Cedric Jemmerson (Grind Hard Entertainment) plus Vincent Tucker & Chris Panayiotou (CWC Entertainment Group.) From our local Artist Showcases to our Party nights to our Special Concert Series, Metro Muzik: The Union has you covered. For more information, you can call the Metro Muzik Hotline at 972.879.2086 or visit us on line at www.metromuziktheunion.com or www.myspace.com/metromuziktheunion.

KNON FM 89.3 is a non-profit, listener-supported radio station, deriving its main source of income from on-air pledge drives and from underwriting or sponsorships by local small businesses. KNON went on air on August 6, 1983 with 10,000 watts of power. In March 1990, KNON raised it's power to 55,000 watts. The signal covers a radius of approximately 60 miles from Cedar Hill. it extends from McKinney, Hillsboro, Corsicana and from Ft. Worth to Greenville. KNON is on the air 24 hours, seven days a week, with the most diverse programming in Texas. The volunteer disc jockeys play their own music or conduct talk shows during specifically targeted programs. The program variety can be seen on our schedule. Each music format has its own unique demography, but the one thing that the entire KNON audience shares is that they listen to KNON, rather that use it for background noise. www.knon.org.

Onefam Music Hip Hop recording artist:JAHI, hits the road in support of his new album WORDPOWERSOUND with THE SOULHOP TOUR beginning in March

Feb. 26, 2007- Jahi, originally from Cleveland, now residing in the Baltimore/DC area will begin The Soulhop Tour on March 2nd, 2007 in support of his new album WORDPOWERSOUND on Onefam Music.  Jahi has spent the last year in Europe and released his first major label release “Soulhop The Breakthru” on EMI Music Denmark. JAHI also secured an international publishing deal with EMI, and most recently, out of 15,000 submissions became a finalist for the International Song Writing Contest.  JAHI’s style of music is a fresh blend of true emceeing, soulful production, and socially conscious themes with clever flavor.  The Soulhop Tour dates are as follows:

March 12th- Higher Ground                  Burlington, Vermont w/Public Enemy
March 13th- Rams Head Live           Baltimore, Maryland w/Public Enemy
March 16th- Berklee School of Music   Boston, MA  w/Raheem Devaughn and Choklate
March 20th- Joe’s Pub                          NY, NY
March 22nd- Hard Rock Live                Orlando, Florida w/Public Enemy
March 23rd- Jannus Landing                St. Petersburg, Florida w/Public Enemy
April 7th-      ZION TRAIN                     Philly, PA
April 28th-    Atmosphere Café             Mt. Rainier, Maryland
MORE DATES TBA

Contact:
Mansfield Frazier- Frazier Management
office:(216) 469 0124
fax:   (216) 432-9571
e mail: mansfieldf@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/soulhop

Borders(R) on Wall Street Welcomes Pop Culture, Fashion and Gossip Queen, Wendy Williams

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ --
  Who:          Wendy Williams, host of the WBLS 107.5 FM syndicated radio
                show, "The Wendy Williams Experience."  Williams' show can
                be seen on VH1, which also features excerpts of her personal
                life.  She has been named "Radio Personality of the Year" by
                Billboard magazine.

  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO )

  What:         Williams signs copies of her latest book, "Is the Bitch Dead
                or What? The Ritz Harper Chronicles Book 2."

  When:         Friday, March 2 at 12 p.m.

  Where:        Borders -- Wall Street
                100 Broadway
                New York, NY 10005
                (212) 964-1988

  Why:          Committed to enriching lives through entertainment and
                knowledge, Borders offers customers the opportunity to meet
                their favorite authors and musicians in a friendly and
                welcoming atmosphere.

                Williams is the author of "Drama Is Her Middle Name: The
                Ritz Harper Chronicles Vol. 1," "The Wendy Williams
                Experience", and the autobiography, "Wendy's Got the Heat."
                "Is the Bitch Dead or What? The Ritz Harper Chronicles Book
                2," is the second book in the series, following the life of
                William's fictional alter ego, Ritz Harper.

  Additional
  Information:  Williams will also appear at the Borders store in
                Glendale, N.Y. on Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.  For
                additional information about the Glendale event, please call
                (718) 416-1003

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060208/BORDERSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Borders, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Daryl Mattson of Borders, Inc., +1-212-823-9774, or
dmattso1@bordersgroupinc.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/106169.html

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media interested in attending should contact Daryl Mattson.

Offering Alternative to Illegal Music Downloading, Ruckus(R) Raises Profile across College Campuses Nationwide

Ruckus Community Experiences Unprecedented Growth Fueled By Ad-Supported Model, Partnerships With 100+ Schools and Recent "Free For All" Announcement

February 28, 2007
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today at Digital Music Forum East, Ruckus Network, Inc., the provider of the premier college-only multimedia service, released data that demonstrates the rapid and significant proliferation of its free and legal music downloading service, Ruckus(R), on colleges and university campuses across the United States, where both administrators and students are realizing the many benefits the service provides.

The Ruckus community now comprises several hundred thousand members and has grown by more than 33 percent in the past six weeks alone. The Ruckus service also continues to expand, giving Ruckus members easy and immediate access to the library of more than 2.5 million high fidelity, virus-free music tracks from every major label, as well as an impressive and expansive list of independent labels. An analysis of current member activity reveals that in the last thirty days, 22.7 million tracks have been legally downloaded through Ruckus.

Additionally, Ruckus members are increasingly using the service’s social networking features, setting up profiles, commenting on the message boards, writing record and artist reviews and sharing play lists as they explore the expansive Ruckus catalog of today's hits along with the hits from years past. Member feedback demonstrates that Ruckus users are sending personal media recommendations to friends and neighbors, browsing classmates’ profiles and media libraries, meeting new friends and using the “Invite A Friend” feature to share the Ruckus experience with friends at other colleges and universities.

Since moving to an advertising-supported business model a year ago, eliminating music downloading subscription fees charged to students or to academic institutions, the Ruckus service has also expanded 14-fold, making it one of the fastest growing member-based communities on the Internet.

“Ruckus continues to build a rapidly-expanding community of college students who share tastes and interests as they engage with one of the largest legitimate catalogs of online music today,” said Mike Bebel, CEO of Ruckus Network, Inc. “Our community shapes the experience at Ruckus and we appreciate and encourage their involvement.”

Ruckus’ Proliferation at Partner Schools

Ruckus has seen explosive growth at many colleges and universities that have established contractual agreements with Ruckus to deliver and market the service to their student body, both on-campus and off-campus. These include:

    * Michigan State University – 12,000 students have joined Ruckus and have legally downloaded nearly 3 million songs.
    * University of Dayton –over 8,000 students have become Ruckus members and legally downloaded more than 2.8 million songs.
    * Georgia Tech – where more than 9,300 students have joined Ruckus (from the total undergraduate student population of 14,000 students) and have legally downloaded more than 3.2 million songs.
    * Appalachian State University – 7,100 students have become Ruckus members and have legally downloaded more than 2.3 million songs.
    * Ball State University – 8,225 students have joined Ruckus and have legally downloaded more than 2.9 million songs.
    * University of Delaware – over 9,800 students have become Ruckus members and legally downloaded more than 2 million songs.
    * University of Minnesota – 13,500 students have joined Ruckus and legally downloaded 1.9 million songs.
    * The University of Oklahoma – 8,400 students have become Ruckus members and have legally downloaded 1.8 million songs.

Ruckus Delivers For Administrators, Students

“Two weeks after launching the Ruckus service, Sacred Heart University had over 1,800 sign-ups, representing more than 50 percent of our resident student population,” said Saburo Usami, Director of Networking, Telecomm, I.T. Security, Sacred Heart University. “Online music and social networking are an integral part of modern student life. Ruckus not only makes it significantly safer to participate in those services, but also makes it convenient, quick, and cost-free."

“I think Ruckus is really useful for college students like myself because I take my laptop everywhere on-campus and anytime I want to hear more music from an artist that's been recommended to me by a friend, I can download as many albums as I want off of the site,” said Julie Dwyer, an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California (USC). “With Ruckus, everything downloads and licenses immediately so I can listen to 10-15 new tracks for free within minutes. It's fast, easy, and there is SO much good music - both mainstream and indie. Since I am morally opposed to stealing music and literally do not have $10 a month to pay for a subscription service, I think it’s great.”

“Free For All” Spreads Like WildFire

On January 22, 2007 Ruckus became available for free to any college student with a valid .edu email account. Since that time, students at more than 700 schools nationwide have joined the Ruckus community. In addition, record numbers of new members continue to join Ruckus with this effort fueled by a powerfully viral word-of-mouth campaign conducted by existing Ruckus members.

About Ruckus Network, Inc.

Ruckus Network, Inc. provides the premier digital entertainment network designed specifically for college students. The Ruckus experience blends college students’ top interests – friends and entertainment – to create a strong sense of community at universities across the country. Whether looking for a roommate with similar interests or someone who enjoys hip hop music as much as they do, Ruckus members are able to find friends through media and media through friends. Today, the Ruckus service is available to hundreds of thousands of U.S. college students and is quickly becoming the brand of choice for higher education institutions nationwide. For more information, please visit our corporate site at www.RuckusNetwork.com or our service at www.Ruckus.com.
Contacts

BluePoint Venture Marketing
Tim Hurley or Andrew Soucy, 781-861-7800
tim@bluepointmktg.com
andrew@bluepointmktg.com
or
Ruckus Network
Chris Lawson, 703-464-6551
clawson@ruckus.com

Viacom's MTV Networks to Introduce Next-Generation, Year-Long Marketing Solutions Event Series

Model of Multiple, Nationwide Events Designed to Increase Marketers' Insights, Interaction with MTVN's Multiplatform Brands, Consumer Research and Creative Solutions

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced its new presentation model for the Upfront and the 2007 selling season, a series of interactive ad sales events held throughout the year that reflect the marketplace's continued evolution to a year-round selling model. Rolling out in four phases across the calendar year, the events will offer marketers news on programming initiatives, targeted forums for consumer research, creative solutions and strategic ideas on changes in consumer trends and behavior. The event series will feature: MTVN roadshows and individual client meetings in the spring, previewing new programming content and initiatives across all platforms from the company's leading brands; MTVN "Digi-Tour" events also in the spring, offering clients total immersion in the multiplatform experiences the company creates across its brands; three demo-specific summits in the early fall, each focusing on consumer research and trends; and a strategy summit in the fall held exclusively for chief marketing officers.

"Launching this next-generation model is a strategic shift in how we work with our marketing partners to show vital research and insight into our shared consumers," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN. "This new model will allow us to better share how our fans interact with our content across platforms, enabling our marketing partners to get closer to our brands, to our content, to our audiences in ways that are customized to meet their needs."

"We believe this new model will enable deeper learning and a higher level of attention to customized marketing solutions," said Hank Close, President, U.S. Advertising Sales, MTVN. "It's a 52-week-a-year idea marketplace, and we get that. We've listened to our clients and are creating a new environment for solution sharing. We look forward to engaging with our agencies and clients in a new, more productive way."

  The four phases of the event series rolling out this year include:

  Brand Roadshows and Client Meetings:

The event series will kick off this spring with roadshow presentations for the company's brands, including MTV, VH1, CMT, and TV Land, and individual client meetings held by COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, and CMT. Each event will preview upcoming marketing and programming initiatives for all platforms, while inviting marketers to explore new ways to reach the company's targeted audiences on every available screen.

Nickelodeon, the number-one kids' brand for 12 years running, has already launched its series of roadshows presentation that share the brand's extensive consumer research on kids and families. Nickelodeon will also hold its own Upfront Kids and Family event on March 8th in New York City. MTV hits the road in March with a presentation taking partners into its long-standing connection with its highly targeted audience of young adults.

The TV Land presentation on March 23rd in New York, NY, will highlight that brand's ever-expanding reach with the sizeable Baby Boomer audience through its original and acquired programming. VH1's roadshow will be modeled after its popular "Best Week Ever" program, and is designed to help clients develop customized marketing solutions.

MTVN Digi-Tours:

Also in the spring, MTVN will hold Digi-Tours, a week-long series of events offering clients total immersion in the multiplatform experiences the company creates across its brands. The Digi-Tours events will include content and technology demonstrations with small groups of clients and agencies.

Demo Summits:

In early fall, MTVN will produce three demo-specific research summits providing deep dives into current consumer behaviors and attitudes across the targeted demos MTVN serves across its multiplatform portfolio.

These interactive events will give clients access to the proprietary research MTVN continually conducts, focusing specifically on:

   * Young Adults, whom the company connects to through the MTV brands (MTV,
     MTV2, MTV Tres, mtvU), The N and Quizilla;
   * Kids and Family, which the company reaches through brands including
     Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Noggin, AddictingGames.com, Shockwave, Neopets
     and ParentsConnect;
   * Men/Adults, where MTVN is building increased scale through properties
     including CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Xfire,
     AddictingClips.com, Atom Films and GameTrailers.com.

  Chief Marketing Officer Summit:

The company's year-long ad sales event series will culminate in the fall with a summit held exclusively for chief marketing officers. The event will bring MTVN's top clients together to discuss strategic models for collaboration, major consumer trends, and the future of marketing and advertising.

MTV Networks continues to build the premier portfolio of targeted global entertainment communities, with brands engage, empower and connect diverse audiences through culturally relevant creative content and unique experiences across every platform. With 135 channels and more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, the company continues to connect with highly targeted audiences across multiple platforms. MTV is the World's Most Valuable Pure Media Brand for the 7th year in a row, according to the Interbrand/Business Week 2006 survey, "The World's Most Valuable Brands." Nickelodeon has remained the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than 12 years. COMEDY CENTRAL is the number-one-rated basic cable network in primetime among men ages 18-24 for the third straight year.

MTVN currently has 32 broadband sites and 142 websites in live deployment globally. The company is the world's leading producer of mobile video content, publishing more than 600 clips and 30 hours of video per month in the United States alone, across all major carriers and leading MVNOs. MTVN also has made its content readily available for download to own through deals with AOL, Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft's Xbox 360. From the combination of MTVN's own web sites and its acquired businesses, the company registered more than 40 million unique users in December 2006, and ranked as the number-one online entertainment destination and the 10th most popular overall destination on the Web (comScore Media Metrix December 2006, U.S. only).

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Lauren Hurvitz, +1-212-846-8036, lauren.hurvitz@mtvstaff.com,
or David Bittler, +1-212-846-5263, david.bittler@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV
Networks

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

Viacom's MTV Networks Announces New Structure for Its U.S. Advertising Sales Division

New Organizational Strategy to Realign Multiplatform Brands into Demo-Specific 'Clusters' Designed to Enhance Client Focus, Foster Further Development of Innovative Marketing Solutions

Structure Also to Include MTVN Digital Advertising Sales, New Specialized Units MTVN Brand Solutions and MTVN Generator

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced a new organizational strategy for its Advertising Sales division, designed to enhance the company's client focus and foster further development of innovative marketing solutions. Under the new structure, MTVN will realign its channels into three demo-specific, strategic selling "clusters," to leverage the individual strength of its portfolio of multiplatform brands, while taking full advantage of the efficiencies achieved when working within specific demographics and audience behaviors. The clusters are joined by specialized units within the Ad Sales division, including Digital Advertising Sales, and the new MTVN Brand Solutions and MTVN Generator units, which focus on client partnerships spanning MTVN's brands, and new business opportunities, respectively.

"This new strategy reflects a holistic approach to the market, with sales, research and marketing aligned to develop solutions that put our clients in touch with our audiences in a deep and meaningful way," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks. "We know our highly targeted audiences better than anyone, and this new structure will enable us to bring our marketing partners closer to the fans of our portfolio of multiplatform brands."

"With this new structure, our clients can expect next-generation marketing solutions and a more streamlined sales experience overall," said Hank Close, President, U.S. Advertising Sales, MTVN. "Our greatest priorities right now are client service and innovation, and this new structure advances both."

The three clusters group MTVN's channels according to the demos and audience behaviors they serve. Under this strategic selling structure, the Ad Sales division will be better positioned to create organizational efficiencies, allowing clients to develop partnerships across MTVN's brands through minimized, focused touchpoints. The clusters include: Kids and Family, which groups the ad sales organizations of the Nickelodeon brands and Nick at Nite under the leadership of Jim Perry, Executive Vice President; the MTV, The N, Logo and VH1 cluster, which groups those brands under the leadership of Sean Moran, Executive Vice President; and Entertainment, which groups Comedy Central, Spike TV, CMT and TV Land under the leadership of Jeff Lucas, Executive Vice President. Leadership of the clusters will report to Close, as well as to the presidents of the respective MTVN groups -- MTVN Kids & Family, MTVN Music and Logo Group, and MTVN Entertainment Group -- they serve.

Additionally, several senior vice presidents throughout the Ad Sales organization will be adopting new responsibilities under the new structure. Dan Lovinger will serve as Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, MTV 360; Jim Tricarico will serve as Senior Vice President, Ad Sales in the Kids and Family cluster; Neil Holt will serve as Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, CMT; David Lawenda will serve as Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, VH1, The N and Logo; and Tom Watson will serve as head of sales for Logo.

In addition to the clusters, the Ad Sales division will operate three specialized strategic units, developed to help the company capitalize on the opportunities presented in the rapidly changing multiplatform ad sales landscape. Digital Ad Sales, helmed by Nada Stirratt, Executive Vice President, is focused on creating marketing solutions across MTVN's 44 websites, 10 broadband services, and additional domestic digital properties. The newly created MTVN Brand Solutions unit, led by Lisa McCarthy, Executive Vice President, will focus on creating cross-brand, cross-platform marketing solutions for large clients who are heavily invested in multiple MTVN brands. Finally, the newly created MTVN Generator unit, led by Peter Griffin, Executive Vice President, will be squarely focused on new business opportunities, developing new marketing partners across the company's multiplatform portfolio.

Additionally, MTVN and BET Networks, both units of Viacom, today announced a new structure and business strategy for their Affiliate Sales and Marketing group, under the leadership of that department's newly appointed Executive Vice President, Denise Dahldorf. The group will be re-branded Content Distribution and Marketing, MTVN and BETN, and will implement an account-focused structure to model and best serve the evolving needs and direction of the company's distribution partners.

About MTV Networks and Viacom

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Lauren Hurvitz, +1-212-846-8036, lauren.hurvitz@mtvstaff.com,
or David Bittler, +1-212-846-5263, david.bittler@mtvstaff.com

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

Viacom's MTV Networks and BET Networks Implement New Structure for Linear and Multiplatform Content Distribution

Affiliate Sales/Marketing to Be Re-Branded as Content Distribution and Marketing; Department Moves to Account-Focused Structure Under New Leadership of Executive Vice President Denise Dahldorf

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MTV Networks (MTVN) and BET Networks (BETN), units of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced a new structure and business strategy for their Affiliate Sales and Marketing group, under the leadership of that department's newly appointed Executive Vice President, Denise Dahldorf. The group will be re-branded Content Distribution and Marketing, MTVN and BETN, and will implement an account-focused structure to model and best serve the evolving needs and direction of the company's distribution partners.

"We're content creators, and we want our world class content available to as many people, on as many platforms as possible," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN. "The name 'Content Distribution and Marketing' conveys the full multiplatform scope of our distribution efforts, and opportunities we mine not only on linear television, but across online portals, wireless, VOD, download-to-own and other emerging platforms."

McGrath continued, "Under Denise's leadership, our new account-focused structure for Content Distribution and Marketing positions us to meet the needs of our distribution partners across all platforms, and to ensure that our content is available in every home, on every screen."

"We are extremely excited about working with Denise and the team she has put in place," said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. "She is an exceptional dealmaker, and she understands the power and relevance of the brands in BET Networks' portfolio."

MTV Networks currently has agreements in place with all the major cable and satellite distributors, giving the company an industry-leading 25% share of the domestic cable market, according to Nielsen. The company is fully distributed in free video-on-demand enabled households, offering 100 content hours across VOD channels from brands including MTV, VH1, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT, Nickelodeon, and Logo. MTVN continues to partner with cable operators on interactive television applications, and rollout new products across all platforms, including the high definition network MHD, exclusive broadband products such as Nick Arcade and MyNoggin.com, and URGE Radio.

New Leadership

In her role as Executive Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing, Dahldorf oversees all distribution activities for MTVN and BET Networks, working to strategically secure and maintain distribution for channels including MTV: Music Television, MTV 2, MTV Tr3s, VH1, VH1 Soul, VH1 Classic, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Spike TV, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo, TV Land, Noggin, The N, CMT; and BETN's BET, BET Gospel, BET J, and BET Hip Hop. She reports to MTVN's acting COO, Rich Eigendorff.

Prior to this position, Dahldorf served as Senior Vice President, Cable Sales, Distribution and National Accounts, for MTVN. In that role, she was responsible for sales, marketing and contract negotiations for all cable affiliates. She also oversaw the domestic distribution and marketing of 29 video networks and broadband services URGE.com and MyNoggin.com. Dahldorf joined MTV Networks in 1994 as Director, Affiliate Services.

"The goal for our new structure is to more closely align ourselves with the varied distribution partners we serve," said Dahldorf. "We're moving from a regional model to an account-focused model, and we're elevating key personnel to offer the best service and solutions for our partners in television, portals, wireless, and every other available screen."

In line with this new account-focused structure for Content Distribution and Marketing, MTVN announced several promotions assigning responsibility for its cable and satellite content distribution accounts. Samantha Cooper, Meg Lowe and Courtney Menzel have all been promoted to the Senior Vice President level, responsible for leading MTVN's distribution efforts across all platforms, with all partners. All report to Dahldorf.

Also, Juliette Morris will assume leadership of the department's marketing arm, as Senior Vice President, Content Distribution Marketing, MTVN and BETN, reporting to Dahldorf. In this role, Morris will oversee all content distribution marketing and local ad sales for MTVN's and BET Networks' brands. She joined the company two years ago from HBO, where she was Vice President of Affiliate Marketing for HBO and Cinemax.

Additionally, Greg Clayman, Senior Vice President, MTVN Mobile Media; and Jason Witt, Senior Vice President, Online Distribution and Partnerships, MTVN Global Digital Media will continue to manage mobile partnerships and guide the company's portal deals, respectively. Clayman and Witt report to Mika Salmi, President, MTVN Global Digital Media, with a connection to Dahldorf.

MTVN also today announced a new organizational strategy for its Advertising Sales division, designed to enhance the company's client focus and foster further development of innovative marketing solutions. Under the new structure, MTVN will realign its channels into three demo-specific, strategic selling "clusters," to leverage the individual strength of its portfolio of multiplatform brands, while taking full advantage of the efficiencies achieved when working within specific demographics and audience behaviors. The clusters are joined by specialized units within the Ad Sales division, including Digital Advertising Sales, and the new MTVN Brand Solutions and MTVN Generator units, which focus on client partnerships spanning MTVN's brands, and new business opportunities, respectively.

About BET Networks, MTV Networks and Viacom

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop -- are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one Internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a broad and impactful pro-social agenda. Touch BET; pro-social initiatives that help stop AIDS and obesity and shed light on the legendary contributions African Americans have made to this world includes Rap-It-Up, Speak Now, BET Foundation and A Healthy BET.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Engaging its audiences through television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom reaches its audiences wherever they consume content. Viacom's leading brands include the multiplatform properties of MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 135 networks around the world, as well as digital assets such as Neopets, Xfire and Atom Entertainment; BET Networks; Paramount Pictures; Paramount Home Entertainment; DreamWorks; and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: MTV Networks

CONTACT: Lauren Hurvitz, +1-212-846-8036, lauren.hurvitz@mtvstaff.com,
or David Bittler, +1-212-846-5263, david.bittler@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV
Networks

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

How To Turn an Illegal Artform into a Career by Learning the Strategies used by Graffiti Masters

Graffiti is the new cool and is currently used by corporations and businesses worldwide as a way to get 'streetwise'. Today's pieces will be tomorrow's classics and you can learn the methods and techniques used by professional graffiti artists much more easily nowadays simply by logging on to the internet and accessing http://www.graffitimasterclass.com

London, UK (PRWEB) February 28, 2007 -- Artists are coming off the street and into offices bringing graffiti as a lost art form back into society.

For thousands of years humans drew on walls with gorgeous works of art from the Egyptians to Michelangelo.

Today, it's often viewed as a disgusting thing with criminal charges laid around the world on a daily basis.

New website launched (www.graffitimasterclass.com) reveals the strategies used by underground graffiti artists which now bring these methods to the mainstream through murals, album covers, magazines, posters and websites.

This has created a whole new media industry and is slowly gaining recognition as a new form of sought after art in the same way that paintings have been for centuries.

Recently, well known artists such as Robert Banks, AKA Banksy, have created works of graffiti that have sold for as much as $90,000 or more and are constantly purchased by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie.

You too can learn this art with:

* online videos filmed in high definition showing a professional graffiti artist as he starts at home with a blank piece of paper and ends up with a full size masterpiece, created in an afternoon with narration revealing all the tips and tricks that professional graffiti artists use and a cool hip/trip hop soundtrack.
* a bonus feature showing a heat of 'Secret Wars' in London with 4 renowned graffiti artists battling for supremacy and judged on their style, technique, originality and attitude.
* extra tips and tricks for artists & articles by e-mail detailing the lifestyle that is graffiti and how it's becoming more accepted as a legitimate art form in the 21st century.

Gain the recognition, money, fame and street cred that is now becoming associated with graffiti. Stop hiding in the closet - log on to www.graffitimasterclass.com to find out what it's all about.

Neil Campbell
Graffiti Masterclass
http://www.graffitimasterclass.com/
01622 721449

American Southwest Music Distribution Announces Deal With Rap Group X.O.

HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. (OTC BB: ASWD) announces that Screw-U Records, with whom American Southwest Music has a multi-artist distribution agreement, has entered into a multi-album recording deal with Huntsville, Alabama rap group X.O. The group consists of James Hunter (p.k.a "Mata"), Legunter Robinson (p.k.a. "Gunt"), and Craig Mathews (p.k.a. "Jhi Ali").

"We are definitely excited about joining the Screw U family. Screw U is doing big things and this gives us a great platform to showcase our music," commented Jhi Ali.

Remarked Screw-U-Records CEO Walter Goodin, "X.O. is the real deal. Through our distribution agreement with American Southwest Music Distribution and Universal Republic, X.O. will be one of the most popular new rap groups of 2007."

About Screw-U-Records

Screw-U-Records is a dynamic, young record label headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama with offices in Hollywood and Atlanta. The company has an outstanding track record of discovering and successfully marketing independent artists throughout the country. For more information, go to www.screwurecords.net.

About American Southwest Music Distribution

American Southwest Music Distribution: ASWD (www.aswmd.com) is a publicly traded company formed by music veterans David Michery and Robert Guillerman. The company has partnered with Universal Records; divisions of UMG Recordings Inc. to form a niche in the production marketing and distribution of fresh musical talent via traditional and nontraditional vehicles. The company is pleased to announce that their CEO David Michery has been featured on Market News First (www.mnl.com), please visit the website for more information.

Cautionary Statement: This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21 E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc., or any other person that the objectives and plans of American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc. will be achieved.

CONTACT: Meredith, (416) 871-0655

Source: American Southwest Music Distribution, Inc.

SRC RECORDS AND BEATPHONE LAUNCH HIP-HOP HOTLINE

New York, NY, February 27, 2007 - The latest releases from Akon,

Wu-Tang Clan, David Banner, and Pharoahe Monch are now just a phone call

away.  SRC Records has partnered with BeatPhone (www.BeatPhone.com) to

create a music hotline that lets fans hear new singles right over the

telephone by calling 212-937-7722(SRC2). 

    "We reached out to Steve Rifkind because he has always embraced

creative marketing strategies to promote his artists, going back to the

street teams of the early '90s with Loud Records," says Dorsey West,

founder of BeatPhone.  "Promoting music over the telephone allows SRC to

build a buzz for new songs without worrying about Internet leaks by letting

fans hear tracks on the hotline without being able to download them."

    Calls to the SRC Hotline are billed just like a regular phone call

and no additional charges apply.  Artists and record labels interested in

promoting their music over the telephone can visit the BeatPhone website

at http://www.BeatPhone.com or call 312-377-6657.

For:  BeatPhone, 831 W. Maple Ave., PMB 212, Homewood, IL, 60430.

Contact:  Dorsey West, (708)829-4493, dwest@beatphone.com.

HERStory Vol. 1 - NOW AVAILABLE

It’s the assumed assumption that there are very little female mc's in the UK and if you were to ask around, some may only be able to mention a handful, from such artists as Lady Sovereign, Miss Dynamite Shysite and Estelle but don’t be fooled by these stats. The UK has an abundance of mc's many of whom are making a name for themselves on the underground circuit.

Two such mc’s are Jai (JAI (Pronounced J a.k.a Just an Identity) and Diva Spark (a.k.a Hip-hop’s Boricua) two individual mcs who meet on the open mic circuit and joined forces to produce their first collaboration mixtape project titled HERStory Vol.1 which is released on Lcm records (Life Changing Movements) and is available from Monday 12th February 2007.

HERStory vol.1 features some underground heads such as Manage & Conflix, Matrix, Genesis Elijah & Malik (md7) Grymey D, Logic (pdc) Nutty P, Flirta D, Staxz and Leeo. Tracks off HERStory vol.1 promises to take the listener on a journey that explores the minds and perspectives of two female lyricists with an immense passion for Hip-Hop and street poetry. It is extremely versatile in sound ranging from personal experiences, political views, ways of life, rebelling conspiracies to just kicking back and catching jokes. HERStory vol.1 provides tracks to provoke thought, entertain, shock and soothe who would have thought that could be possible on one CD

‘ HERstory Vol1 has been a real growth process for me personally from a spitter to an artist, 2006 was the start of it and now its time to let them know from every angle, you cant doubt it cos everything you hear on this CD is truth, this is our way of painting that’ .....JAI

‘I believe music is a chance at a voice in a silenced society so I’ve always found hip-hop as a chance to release. This mix tape has tracks on it for everyone from your Nan to the streets there’s even something for the dance floors. This mix tape is just the start for us making history HERstory´....DIVA SPARK

tRack listing

1.       Her Story Intro
2.       we’re doing it
3.       writing durrty
4.       Tru shattered glass feat. Manage & conflix
5.       London burning , remix feat matrix
6.       don’t cha
7.       hiphop feat genesis elijah & Malik (md7)
8.       connect & flow
9.       runnin’ str8spitten feat grymey d logic (pdc)
10.   its nutd feat nutty p
11.   sickening times
12.   flow for the streets feat flirta d
13.   fall down
14.   bars all day
15.   party in the booth feat staxz
16.   mind wars feat leeo
17.   herstory
18.   troubled
19.   try
20.   so pure
21.   unity (how high)
22.   herstory outro

This is just the first instalment from both Diva Spark and Jai who are currently, back in the studio working on the 2nd volume. You can catch both these artist over the next couple of months performing tracks from the album. We can guarantee that this won’t be the last time we will be hearing from both these artists as they lay down their statues as two mc’s not to be over looked.

For more details or to purchase HERStory vol.1:
El: herstory@hotmail.co.uk
W: www.myspace.com/divaspark
W: www.myspace.com/justjai

Notes to EDITOR’S & DJ’s

To review, interview or get a copy of HERStory Vol. 1 then get in touch.

LittleOne: +44 (0) 7958 710 433

E: info@femaleallstarsacademy.org

Female All Stars Academy - Creative Forum
Web Portal for Women in the Creative Industry

PRESS/BOOKINGS/MANAGEMENT/SPONSORSHIP/PARTNERSHIP/GENERAL
Email: LittleOne - info@femaleallstarsacademy.org
Web: www.femaleallstarsacademy.org (launching 2007)
Web: www.myspace.com/femaleallstarsacademy

TELPHONE & ADDRESS
Please inquire.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER:
femaleallstars@hotmail.com (or add us to yours ONLY for all related like minded Organisations)

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Black Hand Entertainment Prison Tour

On Saturday February 24th, 2007 Black Hand Entertainment CEO Chaz "Slim" Williams continued his prison tour by making a stop at the Federal Penitentiary in Coleman, Florida. This stop on the tour was a part of a Black History Program titled "Black Block History". Tupac's father, Mutulu Shakur created the title and concept of the program in an attempt to unite street blocks with prison blocks. In doing so the goal was to reduce black on black prison and gang violence around the country. Other goals included aiding in the elimination of the black prison revolving door syndrome, promoting education, garnering legal support against excessive sentencing, and bringing a code back to the street.

The program incorporated workshops and performances by Ja Rule, Grafh, Prinz, and Mike Beck. Charles Dutton, (of television sitcom ROC) also participated at a nearby medium security federal prison in the Coleman Prison Complex. Disturbing The Peace President Shaka Zulu's father also headed a workshop at the maximum security facility.

The tour is heading to New York's Rikers Island, Sing Sing, and Arizona State Penitentiary during the month of March.

--
Sneek
www.myspace.com/J23ball
=============================
HipHopGame TV Host
http://www.hiphopgame.com/hhgtv.php3
=============================
Writer
www.SmokingSection.net
=============================
Marketing/Internet Promotions Coordinator
Black Hand Ent.
www.Grafh.com
www.BlackHandEnt.com
=============================
Sneekpeek@gmail.com
Mobile: 614-477-7262
www.RockandRollisDead.net

"Who Is Rameen"

The "Who Is Rameen" campaign signifies an overdue artist prolonged for over ten years, the anticipated release of the campaign marks the foundation of a multifaceted rapper. Rameen delivers a mature and introspective style of Hip-Hop, his Rap consists of contemporary social issues and intricate topics on a universal level. Rameen brings out a common ground with listeners through painting a palette of realism and close caption lyrics of everyday life. Perspective and Understanding is a recurring theme in Rameen’s music and this is to be what will catch listener's attention.

In focus of the ”Who Is Rameen” campaign is the highly user-friendly website which has been designed to monitor visits. The intention of the website is to create a following of Rameen, raise awareness and create brand recognition. Also a highly sophisticated blogging system in video format will be accessible through “In The Lab” which is forecasted to be the most visited section of the website alongside “3WTV”, which is the media section with stream able audio and video clips. Also an integrated booking system for promoters and media will be accessible on the website.

As the online campaign will reach a worldwide audience Guerrilla Marketing tactics will reach various local markets. Posters and flyers are means of promotion and targets have been set to London, Paris, Germany, Switzerland and the U.S.

Having to spend his childhood on the move between America and Europe he is currently based in London, U.K and has come to turns that independently releasing his material is the best way to do justice to himself and his music.

It’s the regeneration of the new generation visit www.whoisrameen.com and sign up to the newsletter.

Release date: 26th February 2007
URL: www.whoisrameen.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/rameenmusic

Credentials:

www.whoisrameen.com is administered by Faizal Khan based in London, UK. With background in Marketing & Promotion, Brand Management and Music Video Production he is in charge of Business and Legal Affairs.

Contact:
Faizal Khan
+44 (0) 79 17 17 69 84
Khan@fkbeyond.net

Hip Hop Renaissance Man Ski Beatz – Don't Call It A Comeback

New York, New York – Hip Hop music producer Ski Beatz—best known for producing some of the most critically acclaimed records of Jay-Z's career, as well as for his innovative production with the hip-hop group Camp Lo—is back at work in NYC after spending a few years in his hometown of Greensboro, NC.   Ski is ready for an eventful year of ground-breaking sounds and new business ventures. He'll be focusing on more than just one venue of music this year; not only will his attention be on producing albums, but Ski will also have a hand in television, video games, internet, and creating his own material.

Ski has recently appeared in Scratch magazine and on BET's "106 & Park" program, and was featured alongside some of the greatest hip hop producers of all time—DJ Premier, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and RZA, to name a few—in "Beat Kings," a documentary DVD about hip-hop production. And although Ski has been getting the respect he deserves from the press, his peers and fans alike, he is very eager to introduce his music to new audiences as well. 

Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of music and a unique business perspective (he has been active in the music business since the age of 16), Ski has big plans for 2007, including re-branding his own record label, Roc A Blok.   He has been in the studio with DTP (Ludacris' record label) artists Shareefa and Serious Jones, as well New York based rappers Cover and REBEL. He's also close to finishing up two brand new Camp Lo albums, and he recently produced seven tracks for Blacksmith recording artist Jean Grae's upcoming album.

Never one to allow the limits of the traditional "record producer" role to get in the way of his progress, Ski recently produced original music for an MTV show called "Adventures in Hollyhood", an upcoming comedy-reality series featuring the Academy Award winning rap group Three 6 Mafia. 

In addition to his other ventures, Ski also has a business deal with the company ToneMaker – he provides them with original music for use in a program that enables subscribers of Sprint, Verizon, Boost, and Amp'd Mobile to create unique ringtones by mixing and altering audio tracks ( i.e. drum loop, guitar loop, bass loop, etc.) "Embracing new technology and being aware of all of the potential opportunities during this transition period is so important for anyone involved in the entertainment business right now," Ski says. "The record industry has been on the decline, but the music business is alive and well."   Ski even runs his own website, skibeatz.com, where music producers can buy libraries of drum sounds that they can download and incorporate into their own compositions.

Finally, Ski is working on two of the most personal records of his career – an instrumental album titled "On Deaf Ears" that is sure to leave a lasting impression on music aficionados from all walks of life, as well as a full-length compilation album featuring an impressive roster of hip-hop all stars.

During his time in North Carolina, Ski honed his skill by taking his musical talent up to a new level.   He polished up his piano-playing abilities while also taking up guitar and other instruments. "I'm a musician now," says Ski. "I started out with strictly sampling, but now I incorporate original music into samples for a new sound … the music that's out right now is too 'cookie-cutter'", he continues. "Everything sounds the same. We need more creativity, more risks fueling the hip hop scene." Ski goes on to offer, "If you need a fresh innovative beat, come see me and I'll make one for you."

To learn more about Ski Beatz and his upcoming projects, visit www.almgroup.net/skibeatz or www.myspace.com/skibeatzmusic

- - -

Contact: ALMG

John Notarfrancesco
Phone: 973.991.1351
john@almgroup.net
www.almgroup.net/skibeatz

www.myspace.com/skibeatzmusic

MYCHAEL KNIGHT Added to a Scorching Lineup of Designers While Performances by Musiq Soulchild, Mims, Rich Boy and Lloyd Light Up the Catwalk at BET's Annual Fashion and Music Extravaganza RIP THE RUNWAY

Apparel from Brand Jordan, Apple Bottom, G-Unit Clothing, The Steve Harvey Collection, Monif C., LRG, Baby Phat and Amaya Swimwear also Featured

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Television's best dressed hour returns to show what's "in" during BET's annual fashion and music fete, RIP THE RUNWAY at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, March 6, 2007. Hosted by R&B singers Chris Brown and Ciara, RIP THE RUNWAY will a mix and match urban, high-end, and swimwear against a backdrop of electrifying musical performances.

Fresh off Project Runway and primed for the BET catwalk, MYCHAEL KNIGHT is one of the most popular designers to recently emerge on the scene and has quickly become a household name. Other fashion lines burning up the runway this year are: the ultimate in urban sportswear, BRAND JORDAN; the fashion- forward women's wear line, APPLE BOTTOM; high end swim couture AMAYA SWIMWEAR; merging hip-hop and high class fashion, BABY PHAT; representing the "style of the streets," G-UNIT CLOTHING; clothing for elite individuals who like to stand out from the crowd, THE STEVE HARVEY COLLECTION; bringing a "Casual Sense Of Couture" to the plus-size market, MONIF C.; and "it's all fun and games until someone gets fly," LRG.

In addition to the latest in fashion, explosive musical performances will add fire to the catwalk. Soul singer Musiq Soulchild who's latest single, "Buddy" is burning up the charts; newcomer Mims whose blazing debut, "This is Why I'm Hot," has become the latest rap anthem; Alabama rapper Rich Boy, known for the hot club banger, "Throw Some D's"; and R&B singer Lloyd, who is dominating the charts with the hit single, "You," are guaranteed heat up the runway.

Viewers can also look forward to appearances by Nelly, Steve Harvey and 50 Cent as their clothing lines blaze the runway. See what happens when street meets chic in this year's sizzling premiere of RIP THE RUNWAY airing Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop -- are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a series of impactful pro-social initiatives under the Touch BET umbrella.

http://www.bet.com/

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco, +1-212-975-3327, Marcy.Polanco@BET.net, or Anne
Williams, +1-202-608-2063, Anne.Williams@BET.net, both of BET Networks

2007 International Soul Music Summit

Summit Returns with Mission to Connect Musical Worlds While Making a Global Impact

Atlanta, GA – (February 2007) – The International Soul Music Summit (ISMS) returns to Atlanta, Georgia, July 25th – 29th , 2007 with a new theme, more artists, networking and nightlife activities.   

With the theme: Underground Meets Mainstream: It's Time to Connect , the International Soul Music Summit is ready to make a global impact. The largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul genre; the International Soul Music Summit provides mainstream, emerging and independent soul artists, retailers, consumers and executives with information, networking opportunities, and technology on how to build noteworthy careers while continuing to make passionate, timeless music.

Terry Bello, Executive Producer/Creator of The International Soul Music Summit and Billboard's 2006 Music Director of the Year, says this year's summit will be the event of the soul music world. The first conference, planned in only six weeks, attracted attendees from across the US and as far away as London . By broadening our theme, we have invited people from other music scenes to honest, open and frank conversations about music. We have opened the door for artists to speak directly to the decision makers who are placing music and generating spins. Bello, a longtime radio personality and the voice of soul radio says, "My goal is to educate people about this music and do everything possible to get this scene and the music to the next level. Like Jazz and hip-hop before us, this music is underground now but is poised to be the next big thing."    

Components of the 2007 International Soul Music Summit, July 25 – 29th, include:

Ø      Panels (artists, retail, radio, management, performance, consumers etc.) 

Ø      Live Performances & Concerts/Acoustic Jam Sessions

Ø      Themed Networking Sessions/ISMS Network

Ø      Unsigned Artists Showcase

Ø      The Angel Awards

Hotel and registration specials are now available for a limited time online @ www.soulsummitonline.com. Sponsors on board at press time include Heineken, BETJ, Rolling Out and The Music Choice.

About ISMS:

Birthed in 2006 by "the voice of soul" and Billboard's 2006 Music Director of the Year, Terry Bello, The International Soul Music Summit is the largest music conference in the world dedicated to the soul music genre. The inaugural conference created in 6 weeks brought over 500 attendees from as far as London, England. Among the artists who have supported this event are Trina Broussard, Rashaan Patterson, Peven Everett, Jaguar Wright, Heston, Eric Roberson, Martin Luther and Grammy Award Winner Gordon Chambers. The International Soul Music Summit prides itself on being the internationally known summit that provides informative and relevant panels along with networking & technology sessions on the future of soul music. The 2007 International Soul Music Summit will take place in Atlanta, GA, July 25 – 29th, 2007.

For more information on The 2007 International Soul Music Summit, hotel accommodations, performance and panel schedules, visit www.soulsummitonline.com or call the ISMS Hotline @ 917. 804.4926. For media inquires or interview requests contact jGlass communications @ 678.789.5824 or jglasspr@gmail.com.

78 Xzibit Ringtones Available for You to Download for Free Online!

Xzibit fans no longer have to pay a premium to download their favorite rappers Ringtones, a large collection are now online for free download at XzibitCentral.com.

XzibitCentral.com has just added 78 Ringtones to the website available to be downloaded, all free of charge!

Fans have previously had to pay companies large amounts of money to get their favorite rappers Ringtones. Today the game has changed and fans will no longer be railroaded into having to pay for something which they should be able to download for free!

10 Ringtones are from the X man himself. They are voice recordings of Xzibit which you can set as your message or Ringtone.

A few examples are:
"Hey Baby Sexy Lady, You make them pants look crazy! Haha You should let me Pimp that! Yo its X to the Z, Pick it up!"
"Yo its X to the Z Xzibit, Pick up your phone man, You got a call coming in!"
"Yo, I'm pimpin out this phone right now, You got a Pimpin phone call Pimpin! This is X to the Z, Pick it up!"

There are also 68 music clips as Ringtones from tracks such as: Concentrate, Black and Brown, Thank You, X, Papparazi and many more!

Xzibit fans no longer have to pay huge amounts of money to have their favorite rapper as their Ringtone, as long as you have Bluetooth, Infrared or data cable transfer from your PC to your Phone, you can get all 78 Ringtones right now free of charge.

To download the Ringtones go to XzibitCentral.com and click Ringtones on the left menu.

Press Contact: Justin Russo - webmaster@xzibitcentral.com

Ludacris, His Foundation, to Be Awarded 2007 Spirit of Youth Award

CHICAGO, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Grammy-Award Winning Rap Artist and Award-Winning Actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and his foundation, The Ludacris Foundation, are being honored with the 2007 National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) "Spirit of Youth" award for their work and dedication in helping America's youth. The announcement was made Monday evening at NRS' Spirit of Youth Launch Party in Chicago.

Ludacris' recent Grammy for Best Rap Album, "Release Therapy," includes a song titled "Runaway Love," which addresses situations many youth in this country face that often times lead them to running away. When the song was released this past fall, it was a natural fit to form a partnership among Ludacris, The Ludacris Foundation and NRS.

"The timing could not have been better with November's National Runaway Prevention Month," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "Since the release of 'Runaway Love' Ludacris' and The Foundation's commitment to helping runaway youth and letting people know about the help they can receive by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY has only increased."

And it shows. NRS experienced a 17 percent increase in calls to its hotline in 2006, and the number of visitors to its website has nearly doubled from a year ago this month, with significant increases occurring since the partnership formed.

Ludacris and Roberta Shields, president of The Ludacris Foundation, will be presented with the Spirit of Youth awards on Thursday, November 1, 2007, in Chicago.

The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually -- more than 3 million calls since the organization's inception. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS' Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit http://www.1800runaway.org/.

Source: National Runaway Switchboard

CONTACT: Joel Kessel of National Runaway Switchboard, +1-773-929-6805,
jkessel@1800RUNAWAY.org

Web site: http://www.1800runaway.org/

Harlem Hip-Hop Tours Unveils Exclusive Suite of Limousine-guided Tours of Harlem and New York City's Hip-hop Industry

Harlem Hip-Hop Tours (H3 Tours) continues to be the only tour company in New York City that offers unprecedented access to New York's elite hip-hop scene and an up close, soulful experience of Harlem's unique culture. H3 Tours has launched two new lines of premium tours, "Entourage" and "Posse", both boasting exclusive limousine service to and from each destination on the tour. Entourage tour packages include stretch car limousine service and can accommodate up to eight guests. Posse tour packages accommodate up to 16 people and allow guests to ride in their choice of stretch Hummer or Escalade limousines.

New York, New York (PRWEB) February 27, 2007 -- Harlem Hip-Hop Tours (H3 Tours) pushes the envelope of excitement and fun with its guided tours of Harlem and New York City's hip-hop industry. H3 Tours' CEO, Adrienne Smith, describes the amazing experience awaiting guests, "Harlem Hip-Hop Tours isn't about sitting on a bus and looking through a dull window, or drudging through a museum staring at pictures on a wall. Our motto is, 'Don't watch hip-hop, BE hip-hop!' Our tours are designed to make guests feel like they are part of the hip-hop industry. We don't just show you the past; we allow you to experience and create hip-hop's future. Because of this, it was only natural that we designed a line of tours that let the average person experience the luxury and extravagance that the hip-hop world can offer."

Guests of H3 Tours' premium tour packages can take part in live hip-hop recording sessions, learn the latest hip-hop dance moves and show them off at the hottest hip-hop night clubs. Bold, fresh, and lavish, each premium tour immerses guests into a world of hip-hop that they would otherwise only fantasize about. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours turns hip-hop fantasies into reality.

Harlem Hip-Hop Tours' first line of premium tours is the "Entourage" packages, so named due to the intimate number of guests that the tour can accommodate (a maximum of eight people). Guests on the Entourage tours are chauffeured in luxurious stretch car limousines to each attraction on the tour. The Entourage tour activities run the gamut from taking hip-hop dance lessons, visiting a hip-hop music studio, or shopping and sightseeing in Harlem, to an exclusive night on the town at one of New York City's hottest hip-hop clubs where Entourage tour guests experience VIP treatment and premium liquor service.

Harlem Hip-Hop Tours created their second line of premium tours, the "Posse" packages, for those people who are just too popular and are living too large to limit their crew to eight people. Posse packages have been given their unique moniker because these tours can accommodate up to 16 guests. The Posse tour packages are for true ballers that accept nothing less than the best for themselves and their crews. Guests choosing Posse packages travel in their choice of either stretch Hummer or Escalade limousines to every destination on the tour. VIP treatment and premium liquor service is also available.

The Entourage and Posse tour packages vary in length from 4 to 10 hours depending on selected excursions. Prices for H3 Tours' Entourage and Posse packages range from USD$180 - USD$400 per person depending on the specific tour package chosen.

Harlem Hip-Hop Tours operates Monday through Saturday, year-round, and all Entourage and Posse tour packages are conducted in English or the native language of tour guests.

ADRIENNE SMITH
Harlem Hip-Hop Tours
http://www.harlemhiphoptours.com/
347-262-6997

Revision3 and XLR8R Announce First Internet TV Show Spotlighting Electronic, Hip Hop and Indie Rock Music and Culture

February 27, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Internet television network Revision3 today announced the debut of XLR8R TV, the first Internet TV program to feature cutting edge hip hop, electronic and independent rock music. New episodes of XLR8R TV will debut twice monthly and will feature emerging artists, clubs and studio visionaries from New York to San Francisco. Viewers craving the latest in music, fashion and art will get the up close and personal insight that only the aficionados at XLR8R can provide.

“When we launched the first Internet TV network, we made a commitment to go outside the boundaries of traditional TV,” said Jay Adelson, CEO of Revision3. “Today’s on-demand generation wants music culture programming that goes beyond the mass audience sensibilities of the networks. They want to see the artists and trends that will be popular when XLR8R viewers have moved onto the next big thing. XLR8R TV represents the perfect Revision3 program – it presents an edgy, honest, bird’s eye view into independent music, style, and culture long before traditional media and audiences jump on the bandwagon.”

Vivian Host, the respected XLR8R magazine editor and lifetime music devotee, will serve as the program’s guide. Each monthly episode of XLR8R TV will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes long and will feature a variety of segments including:

    * Audiofile — A regular feature showcasing a profile, interview and performance of an artist who represents what’s next. The first episode features France’s DAT Politics in their recent performance at Oakland’s 21 Grand Club.
    * On The Spot — XLR8R TV takes to the streets and asks for on-the-spot reactions as well as incendiary opinions from those deep in the scene. In the first episode, the subject is the live show experience — What was your first? What’s your dream show? What was the best show you ever attended and why? What’s your “show face”?
    * In The Studio — This segment focuses on the studio experience — the environment and mood artists create to enhance their creativity. The piece digs deep to find out what works — and what doesn’t — in the studio, for example, how do band mates, engineers, and artists best collaborate? XLR8R TV’s first episode features Oakland hip hop acts Zion I and The Grouch, who have recently collaborated on a new album entitled “Heroes In the City of Dope.”

Mid-month episodes will feature the latest artist videos with commentary by XLR8R TV’s Vivian Host.

Future episodes highlight indie hip-hop darling Busdriver and techno king Carl Craig, as well as a recurring piece called “A Day In The Life” in which Los Angeles videographer Chris Glancy follows around groundbreaking visual and musical artists during a typical day.

"XLR8R has spent the last thirteen years covering ahead-of-the-curve music, art, style and technology,” said Andrew Smith, publisher, XLR8R. “XLR8R TV gives our audience a richer view of the faces and voices behind the trends currently shaping our culture. We provide the same forward-thinking content and quality of our magazine and website, with a good dose of personality and lightheartedness. Nothing like this kind of programming exists on television or on the Internet today. Partnering with Revision 3 has made this a reality."

The first episode of XLR8R TV is available now at www.revision3.com/xlr8rtv in addition to the Revision3 storefront on Apple iTunes, Divx, TVTonic and BitTorrent.

About Revision3

Revision3 is an Internet television network for the on-demand generation, producing some of the most engaging and original audio and video entertainment programs available on the Web. From the highly technical to the ridiculously silly, count on Revision3 for content that is accessible, edgy, and informative.

Revision3 was founded by Kevin Rose, Jay Adelson and David Prager in April 2005 with the vision that truly revolutionary Internet television wasn’t about putting television programming on a computer. The new world of Internet television left up to the media moguls of the world is about as cool as your dad's MySpace page. With more than 15 million downloads, Revision3 develops unique content that can play on any device and speaks to a new generation about music, science, technology, and comedy. Check out Revision3’s shows at www.revision3.com.

About XLR8R

For over 13 years and 100 issues, XLR8R (pronounced "accelerator") magazine has focused on emerging trends in music, style, and technology, unearthing the culture of tomorrow for today's reader. XLR8R is published 10 times per year and distributed internationally. XLR8R aims to provide people with a unique experience, not only through the print magazine but also with the INCITE CD sampler and www.xlr8r.com, which features free weekly mp3 downloads, thousands of record reviews, hundreds of music videos, up to the minute music and culture news, event coverage, contests, and much more.

XLR8R is owned by Amalgam Media – an umbrella company started by XLR8R’s founder, Andrew Smith. Amalgam also publishes Phuze, a quarterly publication and blog dedicated to video games, and is involved in special projects in the areas of print, music licensing, video games, and web.

Contacts

K/F Communications for Revision3
Julie Karbo, 415-255-6505
julie@kfcomm.com
Ryan Sommer, 415-255-6507
ryan@kfcomm.com

Loud is Back! Pure Games Launches Loud.com and Battlerap.com - as Hip-Hop Community Site, with Winner Getting $100K and a Record Deal with SRC

SRC's Steve Rifkind and Joseph Safina's Pure Games to Launch Groundbreaking Site Offering Original Beats for 99 Cents from Leading Hip-Hop Producers

February 27, 2007
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hip-hop finally has its own version of successful online communities like YouTube, MySpace and various game sites with the debut of Battle Rap, a contest which will be launched on the legendary www.loud.com site as well as www.battlerap.com. The project is a Joint venture with SRC Records and Pure Games. Entrepreneur Joseph Safina, along with hip-hop legend Steve Rifkind and Rich Isaacson will spearhead the site.

LOUD.COM is a free competition open to all registered users that offers the ability to download professional beats from some of today's leading hip-hop producers at 99 cents apiece and overlay rap tracks while going head-to-head with other DJs and MCs from around the world. The series of battles will be judged by celebrity hip-hop producers such as Cool and Dre, Zukhan Bey, DJ Khaled and Teflon, with the ultimate winner of the Showdown given $100,000 in cash and a recording deal with SRC Records, Steve Rifkind's Universal Music Group-distributed label that is home to such platinum-plus, Grammy-nominated superstars as Akon and David Banner. Additional judges will be announced soon.

"Loud.com and Battle Rap will revolutionize the way records are made, marketed and sold," said Safina, founder and CEO of Pure Games. "Loud.com is an online community, competition, A&R site and marketing company all rolled into one. We have assembled a great team to execute our plan and are eager to get started."

Said Rifkind, who revolutionized grass roots marketing with his patented Street Team: "The resurrection of Loud.com and Battle Rap is the latest step in providing a vibrant, growing on-line hip-hop community with not only compelling user-generated content, but also the means to create and sell their own product to like-minded fans."

Added Isaacson, a Harvard-trained attorney who formed Loud Records with Rifkind: "Our vision is to create a place where all with a shared passion can come together to meet, share, create, express and battle, where creativity, aspiration and competition melds into something fresh. It combines the interaction of social networking communities, the competition of online gaming and the thrill of creation."

Battle Rap puts the user at center stage, providing them with professional "beats" from leading hip-hop artists along with powerful online editing tools which will allow them to create their own raps and compete with other aspiring MCs and DJs around the world. There is no charge except the 99 cents for the downloaded beats. Each battle is officiated by a panel of celebrity hip-hop producers, with a 10-round head-to-head elimination resulting in a Battle Rap Showdown final. The final winner will receive $100,000 in cash and a recording deal with Rifkind's SRC label, home of Akon and David Banner, among others.

The Battle Rap portal at www.loud.com and www.