Indie Producer Martin Shore Brings Together Snoop Dogg, Top Bay Area
Hip-hop Talent and Visual Effects Maestro John Gaeta for First Feature
Film Effort

SAN FRANCISCO, April 30 /PRNewswire/ — Social Capital Entertainment, an innovative independent production company which produces motion picture, music and interactive entertainment, announced today the theatrical release of its first-ever feature film, Snoop Dogg’s "Hood of Horror", which opens on Friday, May 4th in limited release throughout the U.S., including the San Francisco Bay Area. The film also features Bay Area hip-hip artists on its sound track, including Tone Capone, Flii Stylz and Oakland Raider Justin Fargas, who wrote and performed the movie’s opening song. John Gaeta, a fellow Bay Area resident and Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor (The Matrix trilogy), wrote the film’s animation sequences.

"Hood of Horror" is a hip hop horror anthology featuring three tales of terror told by the Hound of Hell (Snoop Dogg) that revolve around the residents of an inner-city neighborhood whose actions in this life determine where they will end up in the afterlife.

"Working with talent like Snoop and John Gaeta on our first feature film underscores the Social Capital approach to filmmaking," said Martin Shore, founder, Social Capital Entertainment. "Our goal from the beginning has been to team with top flight talent on cutting-edge, yet highly lucrative independent projects."

Social Capital’s second feature film, "The Countess" starring Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Ethan Hawke, begins filming in Eastern Europe this summer.

Martin Shore’s 25-year entertainment career began at an early age, serving as a production assistant on many of his brother’s films. Later, as a musician Shore toured with artists such as Bo Didley, Mick Taylor, Bluesman Willie, Clarence Clemons, Albert Collins and many others. As a Grammy-nominated producer, Shore and Social Capital Entertainment have been instrumental in the production of feature film and television soundtracks such as Hood of Horror, Saw (2004) and Saw II (2005), Rize (2005), Rock School (2005), Summerland (2004) and Cursed (2005).

To complement his entertainment endeavors, Mr. Shore is also a highly successful real estate entrepreneur who was recognized by Ernst & Young as runner up for its California Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1998.

About Social Capital

Founded in 2004 by producer and real estate investor Martin Shore, Social Capital Entertainment is an innovative independent entertainment studio with a diverse portfolio of projects spanning film, music and interactive entertainment. Social Capital’s project slate includes urban frightfest Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror. The studio is presently working on four additional feature length films, including The Countess starring Julie Delpy, Radha Mitchell and Ethan Hawke, which begins shooting in Fall 2007. Previous film projects include the MTV and VH1 video for the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed documentary Rize, directed by David LaChappelle; 2001 Maniacs: the Beverly Hellbillys, and others. Social Capital’s soundtrack projects include Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror, plus Lionsgate’s Saw and Saw II, Charmed, RIZE, Newmarket ‘s Rock School — the true story behind the School of Rock, Curse, Summerland and many others. In addition, the company is in development on a number of social media properties spanning professional sports and entertainment. Social Capital has strategic partnerships with studios, record labels and interactive media including Bloodworks, Diamond D Records, Social Capital Records, Web guru John Battelle, mobile content provider AntiMedia, and others. Social Capital Entertainment has offices in Sausalito and Santa Monica, California.

Source: Social Capital Entertainment

CONTACT: Margaret Huang, +1-415-867-1626, or margaret@civiliapr.com, or
Martha Shaughnessy, +1-415-987-0285, or Martha@civliapr.com

New York, NY – April 30, 2007
Camp Lo, the smooth-talking, trend-setting Bronx duo, are returning to bring their innovative brand of hip hop back to the airwaves. The duo of Sonny Cheeba and Geechi Suede have teamed back up with legendary producer Ski Beatz to release their new 7-track EP "Ski Beatz presents: Camp Lo … Another Heist" in August 2007.

Camp Lo is prepping for their first large release since 2002′s Let’s Do It Again. The first single from the EP, "Ticket 4 Two", demonstrates Sonny and Geechi continuing to lay down mischievous but appealing lyrics and flawlessly delivered verses while Ski brings back the melodic-soul element evident in the production on their debut album Uptown Saturday Night. "The cats who never heard Camp Lo’s music are gonna be surprised to hear something this new and refreshing, and the longtime fans will definitely not be disappointed," Ski explains. "I’m not in the business of making wack music or compromising my sound to fit into any categories, so check us out." The album will be released through a joint venture between Ski’s label Redefinition Records and High Water Music.

In 1997, Camp Lo teamed up with Ski Beatz, the producer behind "Dead Presidents" and "Feelin’ It" amongst other tracks on Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt , to release the highly acclaimed album Uptown Saturday Night. With songs like the chart topping single "Luchini AKA This is it," Camp Lo was able to introduce a unique style of blaxploitation, street slang over funk-soul production, which garnered the group crossover success.

Stay tuned to http://www.myspace.com/skibeatzmusic for more info and updates.

Contact: John Notarfrancesco
John@almgroup.net

Carson, Ca-April 27, 2007- The lessons begin when school let’s out as Carson bred rapper Madi B., releases his debut, Street G.E.D., on June 6, 2007.While his hit single "My Money’s Long" steadily climbs the top 200 singles chart, Madi B. embraces the opportunity to bring his story to the young ones. In the midst of a high-school tour to promote the Anytime Records release "Street G.E.D." the mindful rapper understands the brevity of the messages in today’s hip-hop climate so when the kids get turned on by the seemingly glamorous lyrics of his former lifestyle, he speaks to how the realities of that mind-state got him caught up.

"There are a lot of unfortunate realities in hip-hop music today because this music comes from the heart of the streets" explains Madi B., " These streets breed a lot of different elements some good, some bad; but when your chasing the dollar it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the fast living and the fast money. It can turn you into someone you never thought you’d be, good or bad unless you gain some perspective."

Madi B’s imprint of being an over-achiever was established by his mother; a self made woman who moved her kids here from Sierra Leon for a better life and was able to obtain a double master as a single parent of two.  Though he steered clear of gang-life, Madi B. couldn’t deny his penchant for chasing that almighty dollar, so while his mother was away at work, he put in work on the streets. As fate would have it, his antics found him missing his senior year of high-school due to a conviction that landed him in jail for 10 months. Knowing he owed his mother more than losing her son to the streets, he refocused his energy to his love of music.

"Street G.E.D." drops science on how it goes down in the life of a hustler. Madi B., like many chose to learn his lesson the hard way, but now when he boasts about his money being long it’s because he’s making sound decisions with his life and his business; and when his young fans ask him about living the life of a star he lets them know the real.

With party anthems like Glasses Up or the bravado of So Fresh, So Clean, Street G.E.D. cover’s the full spectrum of hood life from snitches, and haters to balling out of control.

Street G.E.D. gives a musical dissertation on street life by one of its own. Get ready to be schooled June 5, 2007. For more info on tour dates or to hear more music visit Madi B. at www.myspace.com/anytimerecords or www.myspace.com/mrmadib

Madi B. is available for interviews. Please contact Octavia Bostick at thawrite1@gmail.com.

Supernova Production entity Battery 5 pays homage to producer’s beat battle showcase

Atlanta, GA – Apr 30, 2007 Comcast and Vibe Magazine will join The World Famous Mic Club to celebrate over 6 years of hip hop advocacy on Tuesday, May 1st at Apache Café located at in Atlanta, GA. The freestyle emcee and producer battle has been a consistent showcase for artistry driven artists and producers for nearly six years. Supernova production group Battery 5, are scheduled to compete in the celebratory event.

"The World Famous Mic Club is different from everything else an emcee or producer could experience here in Atlanta," says Andre aka DRES Da Beatnik, coordinator. "Through my travels I come across a wide variety of people that don’t believe that there is real hip hop in Atlanta. I’m not talking about crunk or snap or R&B with a hip hop break beat, but real straight up, in your face rugged and raw hip hop. That’s what we’ve been doing for the past almost six years.

Battery 5 is one of the biggest success stories stemming from the event which is housed in one of the oldest open mic venues in Atlanta , Apache Café. "Battery5 owes everything to the World Famous Mic Club," says Beatbroker/mgr Gregory "Bigg Tyme" Smith, "almost a year ago to the date, five producers came to the World Famous Mic Club to compete in the producer’s battle. That night Battery 5 was born." Bigg Tyme, HeadRoc, Skape, Looke and Mello were each participating in the beat battle portion of the event. After that chance meeting the five agreed to combine their individual niche sounds to form the monster entity that is Battery5.

A year later and the group is one of the most sought after production entities in the business. With projects in the works with MTV, several independent films and a host of A-list talent placements, Battery 5 is well on their way to becoming the go to production team in Atlanta. ""This night is a celebration for us as well, as we celebrate ReddKlay/Columbia Records newest artist Yelawolf and our new single ‘Kickin’," confirms Smith. "Having the opportunity to be a part of developing an new artists sound and identity is especially rewarding."

Aspiring emcees and producers are encouraged to come and showcase their artistry for an audience full of true hip hop conisseurs. "This event is one of those stops you make when paying dues," says Smith.

The World Famous Mic Club is Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at the Apache café l ocated at 64 3rd St. NW Atlanta, GA, 30308. Door open at 10 pm. For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/mic_club or http://www.myspace.com/themightymightybeatdown.

About Enchanted PR

Enchanted PR is a full service public relations agency that fuses creativity with industry know-how and public relations practice to create memorable individualized campaigns for every client. Enchanted PR actively seeks exposure for clients that include television, print, radio and sponsorship opportunities for all clients. We strive to create opportunities for our clients that offer visibility and exposure, relevant to their career goals and aspirations.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/enchantedpr

Enchanted PR
Christal Jordan-Mims
President
email: enchanted@comcast.net
phone: 678/499-0297

@ Canvas / The Key
9pm – 5am
Bank Holiday Sunday 27th May 2007

Following the huge success of their 10th anniversary party back in September 2006, BBE Records, The Doctor’s Orders and Bacardi B-Live have teamed up for BBE 10.5, a monster event celebrating 10 and a half years of quality releases. The party will be spread over four rooms between Canvas and The Key. BBE have pulled off a stellar line up including DJ Spin Doctor, Carl Craig, Mr Thing, DJ Spinna, Sir Norman Jay, Keb Darge, DJ Deep and Joe Claussell, with DJ Jazzy Jeff headlining and celebrating the release of his album ‘Return Of The Magnificent’. The line up represents the musical diversity for which the label is known and loved.

Hosted by BBE’s head honcho Pete Adarkwah, each of the four rooms will represent a different genre. Some of the DJs will also be playing in different rooms where they’ll be dropping completely different sets throughout the night.

In the Kings of Hip-Hop room, Philadelphia phenomenon, DJ Jazzy Jeff returns after his incredible set at the 10th Anniversary party to raise the roof once again with a party mash up of hip-hop. Joining him for his first of 3 sets on the night, is the incomparable DJ Spinna, a true genre crossing DJ who’s as adept at spinning, and creating hip hop as he is house. Representing the UK are DJ Spin Doctor & Mr Thing – both gifted party rockers.

The Kings of Soul room will feature Sir Norman Jay (synonymous with the UK soul scene and his Notting Hill Carnival Good Times set) and Keb Darge (the champion of the northern soul & deep funk scenes) in addition to DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna. Expect to be taken on a trip of soul, disco and funk, as they’ll both be playing original tunage that’s inspired them and generations of beatsmiths alike

Joe Claussell brings the sound of his seminal club, Body and Soul, to the The Kings of House room. A manipulator of the crossovers, Joe never fails to ooze the best of soulful dance music. Showing up again is DJ Spinna whose set is sure to be the perfect blend of original disco & house, crafted with turntable trickery. Extra support is provided by London’s finest DJ/producer Neil Pierce and BBE’s own Pete Adarkwah.

Finally, DJ Carl Craig will man The Kings of Techno room. As a leader in the second wave of Detroit Techno, Carl regularly features in the top spots of many of the world’s best DJ lists. Joining him is the Parisian master of techno/house DJ Deep.

Jazzy Jeff’s album ‘Return Of The Magnificent’ is released on BBE on the 4th June 2007. A video podcast has been created with regular updates at: http://podcast.thereturnofthemagnificent.com. His single ‘Hold It Down’ featuring Method Man  / ‘She Was So Fly’ featuring Kardinal Offishall is out 16th July 2007.  Prior to all this, look out for Jazzy Jeff at Southport Weekender on Friday 11th May 2007.

“Thank god for BBE! For the past 10 years BBE records have put out some of the best albums from some of the best producers and DJs in the world…thank you BBE and especially Pete for keeping real music alive and allowing me to be a part of it”.   DJ Jazzy Jeff

Editors Notes:
Address: Canvas, Kings Cross Goods Yard, York Way, London N1 0UZ
Door: 9pm – 5am
Tickets: £15 adv / £20 door
Information: 020 7607 0597

Tickets Available in advance from:
www.bbemusic.com / www.thedoctorsorders.com / www.ticketweb.co.uk  08700-600-100         

www.bbemusic.com
www.djjazzyjeff.com
www.thereturnofthemagnificent.com
www.rapsterrecords.com

For more information contact David / Letitia @ Outpost 020 7684 5634 / 07907 907 633 david@outpostmedia.co.uk; letitia@outpostmedia.co.uk

ESPN Renews Street Ball: The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour for Two More Years; Sixth Season of Popular TV Series Premieres in July Featuring the Search for the Next AND 1 Streetball Star

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — The AND 1 Mix Tape(R) Tour 2007, the original street basketball entertainment tour featuring the world’s best playground players, is returning to its blacktop roots this summer for a nationwide 10-city tour from June 16 through August 25. Tipping off in New York City, the tour will travel across the United States with its best team yet playing against summer league all stars from city to city.

Streetball: The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour, the popular television show documenting the on-court action and behind the scenes drama, is produced by ESPN Original Entertainment (EOE). Broadcasts kick off in July as part of a new two-year agreement. The season will feature 10 half-hour episodes centered around the search for the next AND 1 Mix Tape Tour Player. Throughout the season fans will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorite player from each city, with the contest winner announced in the season finale.

To kick off the tour, a new advertising campaign entitled The United Streets of America (via 72 & Sunny, El Segundo, California) will launch online and via print ads in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM and Complex. The premium design of the campaign highlights the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour as the premier streetball showcase and its players as statesmen of the game. Players on the tour and in the creative campaign include Professor, Hot Sauce, Escalade, Bad Santa, Helicopter, The Assasin, Go Get It, Baby Shaq, Silk, Springs and, 8th Wonder.

"We are excited to bring the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour back outdoors this summer," said Mark Woolsey, AND 1 General Manager and CMO. "AND 1 is the premier streetball brand, and what better way to celebrate the eighth year of the tour and sixth year of the ESPN series than by taking it back to our roots where it all began for our fans and players."

AND 1′s best team yet will take on the finest summer league all-stars in 10 cities, with one local baller from each market chosen for a 10-man team that will travel to Los Angeles on August 25 for the finale game, vying for the ultimate prize — an endorsement contract with AND 1 and a spot on the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour roster. Bringing the democratic process to life in conjunction with the United Streets of America campaign, one finalist from each market will be chosen by fans via online voting at www.AND1.com, where weekly highlight videos will be posted after each event.

"Before joining AND 1, I was just another regular ball player," said Grayson "The Professor" Boucher, who shot to prominence after winning the Mix Tape Tour contest in 2003. "But because of the popularity of the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour and the phenomenon it has become, things have really changed for me. I get to do something I love for a living and I hope it inspires others to achieve their hoop dreams."

  The 2007 AND 1 MIX TAPE TOUR SCHEDULE*

  City                                                 Date
  New York                                             6/16/07
  Boston                                               6/23/07
  Atlanta                                              6/30/07
  Washington D.C.                                      7/14/07
  Philadelphia                                         7/21/07
  Detroit                                              7/28/07
  Chicago                                              8/04/07
  Dallas                                               8/11/07
  San Francisco                                        8/18/07
  Los Angeles                                          8/25/07

  *Schedule subject to change

  Roster                                               Hometown
  8th Wonder                                           North Carolina
  Assassin                                             LA
  Baby Shack                                           DC
  Bad Santa                                            LA
  Escalade                                             New York
  Go Get It                                            Chicago
  Helicopter                                           North Carolina
  Hot Sauce                                            Atlanta
  Professor                                            Oregon
  Silk                                                 Baltimore
  Springs                                              Detroit

  Coach — Mike Ellis
  MC — Duke Tango

Tickets will go on sale nationally on May 15, 2007. For more information, check out www.AND1.com.

Now in its eighth year, the AND 1 Mix Tape Tour has celebritized streetball players and made them international icons, including original AND 1 streetball legend Skip to My Lou (also known as Rafer Alston of the Houston Rockets), who will be making guest appearances throughout the summer. AND 1′s series of basketball videos and DVDs known as the ‘AND 1 Mix Tapes’ have attained cult status among hard-core ball players. AND 1 Mix Tape Volume 10 will launch this summer.

About AND 1

Founded in 1993, AND 1 makes basketball footwear and apparel for players with serious game. The company that first made its mark in the apparel industry with a line of "in your face" trash talk tee shirts now offers a complete product line for basketball players, including on-and off-court performance shoes, shorts, tees, sleeveless tees, pants, team uniforms, licensed collegiate gear and accessories. AND 1 endorsers include Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors and star of AND 1 Mix Tape(TM) Volume 1, Rafer Alston of the Houston Rockets.

About ESPN Original Entertainment (EOE)

ESPN Original Entertainment (EOE) features a wide-range of branded programming outside of ESPN’s traditional event and news genres. Using a collection of vehicles — original movies, discussion programs, reality-based shows, documentaries, game shows and more — ESPN’s goal is to broaden its audience by more strongly appealing to younger (when appropriate) and casual sports fans.

Source: AND 1

CONTACT: Paul Yoffe, +1-323-988-4680, pauly@carryonpr.com, for AND 1

Web site: http://www.and1.com/

Ten Years Following His Debut on PlayStation(R), Beloved Rap Star Back on the Scene with a Host of New Social Gaming Features

FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of PaRappa The Rapper(TM), an iconic character-based music and hip-hop game, available in July 2007 for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable). Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, in association with legendary multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney Greenblat, the PaRappa The Rapper franchise debuted 10 years ago on the original PlayStation(R) and is widely credited with establishing the music and rhythm game genre that continues to thrive today. PaRappa The Rapper for the PSP system mobilizes PaRappa’s hip- hop adventures and builds on the success of this iconic franchise.

Featuring all the characters, levels and songs from the original, PaRappa The Rapper increases the franchise’s social appeal by offering a host of new PSP exclusive features, including the ability for up to four PSP systems to go head-to-head in ad-hoc battles; wirelessly share a demo level through Game Share; and use the PSP Infrastructure Mode to download eight additional playable remixes for players to rap along to.

"Bringing PaRappa The Rapper to PSP allows true PlayStation fans to re- connect with this timeless classic," said John Koller, Senior Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "This also introduces the beloved PaRappa and his cast of colorful friends to a new generation of fans and potential hip-hop stars on the move."

PaRappa The Rapper for the PSP system stays true to its stylish flattened animation technique and gameplay, combining fun and vibrant characters with hip music and a humorous storyline. Masaya Matsuura’s infectious music and lyrics accompany PaRappa as he attempts to rap his way into the heart of his dreamy love interest, Sunny Funny, through various musical adventures. Using a rhythm, timing and coordination-based gameplay mechanic, players will bob their heads along with PaRappa and a cast of vibrant characters as they master its addictive gameplay. Players will first have to harmoniously press a designated controller button to help PaRappa mimic the actions and lyrics of the Masters. As the player’s skill level progresses, they will be able to break free into a one-of-a-kind freestyle session, giving them the freedom to create a new experience with each play.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated PaRappa The Rapper "E" for "Everybody." For more information about the ESRB, please visit http://www.esrb.org/ .

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .

"PlayStation", "PS one", "PSP" and "PLAYSTATION" are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Scott Goryl, +1-858-824-5792, scott_goryl@playstation.sony.com ,
or, Ron Eagle, +1-858-824-5585, ron_eagle@playstation.sony.com , both of Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Web site: http://www.us.playstation.com/

Pepsi smash! Mobile video clips delivered direct to consumers in five cities across four outdoor Media Networks, using Qwikker and Bluetooth.

Redwood City, CA (PRWEB) April 30, 2007 — Qwikker announced today that Pepsi has launched the largest Bluetooth marketing campaign in the U.S. The campaign to deliver viral video clips, which went live on April 2nd, runs for two months in outdoor advertising locations consisting of bus shelters in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Denver and Orange County, and pay phone kiosks in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. This campaign marks a milestone for the interactive marketing industry as the first multi-city, multi-network Bluetooth marketing campaign in the US.

The participating out of home media networks are CBS Outdoor, CBS/Decaux, Clear Channel Outdoor, and Prime Point Media. Each of these networks has integrated Qwikker’s Bluetooth content distribution technology into their street furniture. Any consumer with a Bluetooth enabled phone is able to download free video clips from a Pepsi Smash advertisement. The viral video clips being distributed are five "Pass The Mic" clips of freestyle hip hop*, provided by Yahoo! Music.

Bluetooth marketing is quickly establishing itself as a cost effective and efficient channel to communicate with consumers. In the first week of the Pepsi campaign, opt-in rates to download content were 27% across the network.

Jodi Senese, EVP of Marketing at CBS Outdoor, said, "Outdoor displays are the perfect vehicle for brands to connect with today’s mobile consumer The addition of Qwikker technology provides a conduit for the delivery of a detailed message or offer from those outdoor locations. It’s the perfect combination of branding and engagement."

Karen Robinson, CEO of Prime Point Media said, "Bluetooth delivers a truly interactive user experience. It supercharges a campaign by allowing delivery of brand-driven content to a consumer’s cell phone, a part of their daily lives. By enabling specific 700,000 phone kiosk locations with Qwikker Bluetooth technology, we can physically target the campaign to maximize contextual relevance, such as point-of-sale support at convenience stores for Pepsi."

Saul Kato, CTO and founder of Qwikker, added, "We’re enabling consumers to respond directly to a brand marketing message on the street and leave with a piece of entertaining digital content, all for free. This is the simplest way for brands to leverage the power of the mobile phone as a rich media channel living right in the pockets of their audiences. Outdoor media locations are transformed into points of instant digital gratification."

About Qwikker
Qwikker is a local and social content distribution platform for mobile devices that allows the easy and free discovery, downloading, and sharing of content. Qwikker’s solution enables companies to more effectively connect with their consumer by creating an interactive experience that delivers tailored, on-demand content which can be downloaded onto mobile devices via all available connections, including Bluetooth, WAP and SMS. The Qwikker platform can also be embedded into home media devices to streamline the transfer of both user generated and published content to and from mobile devices.

Qwikker runs the largest direct-to-mobile location content network in the world, with over 1000 Bluetooth content distribution points across the US and Europe. Brands which have leveraged the Qwikker network include Yahoo!, Channel 4, Electronic Arts, Universal Music, 20th Century Fox, Red Bull, Virgin Mobile, Robbie Williams/ie: music, Nokia and Universal Pictures. Backed by Sequoia Capital and Enterprise Partners Venture Capital, Qwikker has offices in San Francisco and London.

Portia Hart
Qwikker
http://www.qwikker.com
4158456606

Artist responsibility. Freedom of Speech. Clarity through words. When politics, the environment and music meet, Jon Hartmann gets his message across through his artistry.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 30, 2007 — President George W. Bush (PGWB) a Rap artist? With the Internet swarming with PGWB parodies, it was time to exercise the First U.S. Amendment, "Freedom of Speech" utilizing clearer communication about war, profits and the environmental impact.

Writer-Producer-Musician-Environmentalist, Jon Hartmann has released "George Bush Sings" in a rap-funk-groove download on http://cdbaby.com/cd/jonhartmann4 , featuring tracks, "Don’t Believe Me," "Let Us Bomb," "Stay The Course," "My Heart Breaks," and "Start A Business" which talks about America’s addiction to oil. Other new tracks will be added to the site for download as they are produced.

"George Bush Sings is an audio outing for those of us who happen to notice that the emperor’s suit hides nothing. It was my thinking that if the Office of the President had truly become a theatre of the absurd, where words had no meaning, then it was time to arrange the order of the President’s words so that they may better reflect the truth" states Hartmann. "This country has always had difficulty escaping the influence of big oil. The way we built our cities and the reasons we went to war were most often at the request and benefit of the folks at the petroleum concerns. Many of the decisions made by government were in the best interest of the oil stockholders but may have been disastrous for the well-being of the planet. At a time when government must take the initiative to fundamentally change our energy and environmental policy, we have a president whose background in the oil business suggests that he may not have been suited to the task of leading the nation away from it’s addiction to oil. This president stated that he was a uniter, not a divider, and yet he has done more than any American president to polarize and disrupt the social fabric of the United States. Start A Business is Bush’s version of "let them eat cake," Hartmann explains.

Hartmann’s last album, "Pacific Electric," pays tribute to Los Angeles’ long-lost Pacific Electric Railway and Hartmann’s thoughts of energy, policy and interest of expanding rail service between and inside cities to promote healthier air and trying to understand the removal of the Pacific Electric Railway. His previous albums, "3 if By Air" and "The 10th House" both featured CD cover graphics which reflect Hartmann’s passionate visual statement about the fragile nature of the orb we populate. He feels fossil fuels have no place in our future. "If we continue to burn them at the current rate, two things will happen as sure as night follows day…..our economy will be disrupted beyond repair, and our planet, likewise, may be damaged sufficiently to induce global catastrophe," states Hartmann.

Hartmann is a songwriter, musician, producer, music publisher and record label executive whose career has encompassed touring the world. From his first overseas gig in Southeast Asia to entertain soldiers for the USO, to performing with Ike & Tina Turner in Germany with the Rolling Stones as audience spectators. Jon was signed as a writer in 1975 for Peacock Music, where he and Jimmy Whitney co-wrote "Goodness Knows," recorded that year by Michael Jackson. He’s currently producing his own works and others elaborating on his environmental beliefs as an activist and musical artist on his own independent label, Jon Hartmann Records.

For interviews, review copies and additional information, call Publicist, Stacey Kumagai at 818/506-8675 or email. To order Jon Hartmann’s music CDs, go to www.cdbaby.com or go to www.jonhartmannmusic.com

STACEY KUMAGAI
Media Monster Communications, Inc./BrainGASM Productions
http://www.braingasm.com/
818-506-8675

Hip-Hop DJs Trigger Influx of Urban Marketing in Canada

TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ – The hip-hop business generates over $2 billion a year in sales across North America, but the gems who arguably have the biggest influence in setting trends that drive sales in Canada are urban hip-hop DJs.

"Canadian DJs are key trendsetters here, the way hip-hop artists are in the US," says Mike Zafiris, founder of the Stylus Group, an organization formed to recognize, develop and represent urban DJs in Canada. Zafiris is seen as a pioneer in this industry, having worked on the business side of hip-hop for over 15 years. He developed and runs Flavor Pool, Canada’s largest urban/hip-hop music pool that services DJs with new releases.

"Canadian corporations are now catching onto ‘urban marketing’ something that many US companies have already recognized," says Zafiris. In the US, companies like Pepsi and several others have their own dedicated DJ divisions. "The numbers prove it; DJs are incredibly valuable in marketing a company’s products. They are very good for business," adds Zafiris.

Consider the impact of the urban scene – it touches every aspect of a young adult’s life from music to fashion, from technology to art:

The average Canadian teenager wakes up in the morning and throws on his Mark Ecko shirt and Sean John jeans. Then he sports his new Jay-Z Reebok sneakers and Roc-a-Wear jacket. He grabs something to eat at McDonalds, throws his I-pod on and listens to the latest Gwen Stefani CD. He plays the new 50-Cent video game on his portable Playstation, answers a call on his Nokia cell phone that has a new Nas ring tone on it, and the list of influences goes on.

Mainstream businesses are now paying attention to Canadian DJs. 4Korners for example, are the official DJs for all of the Toronto Raptors games at the Air Canada Centre. They are also sponsored by Roots. DJ Dopey is MTV’s daily DJ on MTV Live. Rogers Music Store and the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic mobile phone, appreciating the value of cross-promotion, will co-present the Stylus DJ Awards this year, giving them direct access to the tastemakers of today’s youth and lifestyle markets.

"We are pleased to be partnering with the Rogers MusicStore on this initiative," said Carla Carmichael, Director of Marketing, Nokia Canada. "With music playing such an important role in the lives of Canadians, we are excited to be supporting the awards and recognizing the achievements of Canadian DJs."

Many other Canadian DJs are sponsored by clothing companies and DJ equipment companies. Clothing has actually played a big role here in Canada. "Stores like Athlete’s World and Foot Locker can look more like hip-hop videos than retail stores," says Zafiris.

In the US, DJs have signed deals not only with record labels, but also with car companies, fast food chains and liquor brands. Some DJs even host their own TV shows. Interest from these types of industries is now growing in Canada as well, as the urban DJ community profile grows.

Last year for example, the Stylus Group hosted Canada’s first-ever national DJ awards show, the Stylus DJ Awards, which also included inducting two hip-hop veterans, Butcher T., and the Sunshine Sound Crew into the Canadian Hall of Fame for their lifetime contributions to the urban music industry. It was the brainchild of Zafiris, and the attention and level of success this awards show received, prompted its return this year. This year’s show will be held in Toronto on June 4, 2007 and is co-presented by Rogers Music Store and the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic mobile phone. In addition to Rogers Music Store and the Nokia 5300, the awards show has already received a host of supporters including MuchVIBE, Flow 93.5FM, Sean John, Ortofon, American Audio, Pioneer, Universal Music, Sony BMG, Warner Music, Koch Entertainment and myTego Inc., and interest in additional sponsorship opportunities is growing.

"This awards show was created to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of the country’s most influential urban lifestyle players – DJs, emcees and the industry’s top tastemakers," says DJ Starting from Scratch, official DJ of the 2007 Stylus DJ Awards and three-time winner from the 2006 awards.

"Canadian DJs have a direct impact on which artist becomes hot and which one does not in Canada – before artists break into the mainstream, it’s the hip-hop DJs that introduce their music to the hottest clubs in town," adds Zafiris. "Usher, 50 Cent, Eminem and the Black Eyed Peas are great examples of this. DJs are the hip-hop industry’s lifeblood in Canada, and to urban music lovers, DJs hold a celebrity status."

Canadian urban DJs are recognized internationally as being the best in their field, winning numerous turntable competitions, and playing with the hottest artists around the world. DJ A-Trak from Montreal became the youngest DJ ever at 19, to win several international DJ competitions including the DMC, ITF, and Vextax world championships. These are the three biggest DJ competitions. He then went on to join six-time Grammy award winning rapper and record producer, Kanye West as his touring DJ.

According to Zafiris, the impact of urban DJs can be felt with a simple visit to the country’s entertainment districts and nightclubs, from coast to coast. Whereas a local urban hip-hop artist may attract a few hundred people to a given show, many DJs routinely bring in thousands of patrons to clubs every week, and sometimes two to three times a week.

That popularity prompts in-the-know business executives to get involved in Canada’s new urban marketing scene. Zafiris believes that there is a lot more potential for this genre of marketing to grow in Canada.

"The popularity of hip-hop is at an all time high, and what was once an underground movement has now become a mainstay in Canadian culture both from a lifestyle perspective and a business perspective," says Zafiris.

About the 2007 Stylus DJ Awards

The 2007 Stylus DJ Awards is co-presented by Rogers Music Store and the Nokia 5300 XpressMusic mobile phone and will take place on June 4th in Toronto at the Palais Royale Ballroom, 1601 Lakeshore Blvd. W. Tickets will be available for $25 through Ticket Break, at www.stylusgroup.ca, and Play de Record in Toronto. For more information, please visit www.stylusgroup.ca.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.ca.

media interviews or photos, please contact: Nadia Angeloni, (416) 523-3638, nadia@stylusgroup.ca; Simone Holness, (416) 994-8259, simone@stylusgroup.ca