2 years ago Motown released its Motown Remixed CD. The project took classic Motown hits and remixed them using some of the best beat makers in the hip-hop and rap music business today.

That project introduced many in the hip-hop and rap music arena to the classic sounds of Motown and a much appreciated time in music history – The Motown era.

Now comes the release of Motown Remixed Volume 2. The classic Motown Sound and modern Latin grooves are heard side-by-side at nightclubs and house parties every day in just about every corner of America . Now, for the first time, they truly come together with Motown Remixed Volume 2(Motown/UMe), in stores now.

Featuring 11 of Motown’s biggest and most popular hits remixed by 10 of the most creative studio forces in contemporary Latin music, Motown Remixed Volume 2 is the latest innovative exploration of the timeless, genre-smashing nature of Motown’s greatest artists and songs.

The compilations ‘Latin Flavor’ is accomplished thru a great mix of contemporary Latin styles mixed with Latin House, Reggaeton and hip hop beats.

Motown Remixed Volume 2 executive producer Rich Isaacson says: “The Motown Remixed Volume 2 project was an amazing opportunity for some of the most talented producers in Latin Music to pay homage to the legendary Motown artists they each chose to remix. All I had to do was merely mention that each producer had the opportunity to work with these classic recordings and the response was the same for everyone; ‘Are you kidding?!’ The respect for the Motown sound is profound in the Latin Music community.”

Motown Remixed Volume 2 spans styles from the Reggaeton funk of the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” (Remixed by Reggaeton super-producer SPK, the mastermind behind the N.O.R.E. (formerly known as Noreaga the American hip hop rapper and member of the hip hop group C-N-N (formerly known as Capone-N-Noreaga), smash “Oye Mi Canto”) to the all-night Latin House of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” (remixed by Andres Levin, the GRAMMY®-nominated founder and producer of Yerba Buena, and Costantino "Mixmaster" Padovano, a.k.a. Funky Junction). Dennis Edwards and Seidah Garrett’s “Don’t Look Any Further” gets a Brazilian makeover from Cliff Cristofaro (DJ U.F.Low), member of the critically acclaimed New York-based collective Si*Se. “Shotgun” by Jr. Walker & The All Stars get remixed by DJ Afro who produces the Venezuelan synth pop masters Los Amigos Invisibles. And Smokey Robinson’s “Being With You” now features his rarely heard Spanish vocals¸ remixed by Eric Biodi Rivera.

Representing Latin cultures from Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the U.S., the collection boasts tracks remixed by esteemed GRAMMY®-nominated producers of Latin rock, tropical, bossa nova, Reggaeton, hip hop, bachata, cumbia, and Latin house. Motown Remixed Volume 2— Esta Caliente!!

For a full track listing and a list of the remixers; and links to where you can hear and purchase the project please visit www.ThugLifeArmy.com

Press:
ThugLifeArmy
Administrator@ThugLifeArmy.com

On Tuesday October 23rd 2007 Golddigga Entertainment will release hip hop sensation Keldamuzik’s debut album Diva. Diva is an 18 tune set from this dynamic spitzstress with her own "lyrical word play" that is sure to rekindle the flickering flame for female hip hop artist!

Growing up and listening to artist like E40, 3 Times Crazy, Mac Dre and the Luniz mixed in with some of her parent’s favorites like Heavy D. Prince and Rodney O and Joe Cooley has definitely given Keldamuzik a strong platform to launch from. Drawing from "life’s experiences and the work of other writers" has helped Keldamuzik shape tracks like Mr. Right, Give You a Key, or the title track, and "girl power" anthem, Diva.

The Diva album is set to explode with other hot joints like Bay Swag featuring Dem Hoodstarz and Excuse Me featuring Numskull of the Luniz While know doubt Keldamuzik is a superb micsmith it’s her writing that she’s been honing since her childhood days of writing fairytale stories, that’s the real genesis here. As the Oakland Ca. based Keldamuzik says about Diva “its music for all ages”.

In 2005 Keldamuzik founded Golddigga Entertainment to release not just her own album but operates as a vehicle to release other artist already signed to the company. It also acts as the production company for her hugely popular Diva T.V. hip hop reality show which gives the entrepreneurial spirited actress, model and hip hop artist yet another opportunity to get closer to her ever growing fan base, her fans get closer to her and gives more exposure to her debut album Diva.

By Craig Neely, August 10, 2007 – Contact: promarketing00@yahoo.com

Aug 30, 2007 – The September 2007 issue of THE SOURCE MAGAZINE (in newsagents nationally on Friday, 31st August) features Universal artist, Chamillionaire, whose album "Ultimate Victory" hits stores September 18 th.  Chamillionaire showcases one of the few military shirts available now on the revamped CaviDesigns.com website.

*ABOUT CAVI*

As its name suggests it is the "Caviar" of the fashion industry. CAVI is the largest private consumer of military medals and goods in the fashion industry. In a little over one year CAVI has been featured in XXL, VIBE, SOURCE, URB and 411 (Japan) magazines, on BET, MTV, and HBO’s hit TV show ENTOURAGE and worn by music superstars Jay-Z, T.I., Chris Brown, Omarion, Juelz Santana and Fabolous just to name a few. CAVI currently has over 30 accounts in NY, LA, Chicago, Atlanta & Japan and is constantly expanding. Their product can be found in retail stores throughout the US and Japan. In the past, CAVI joined forces with Japanese line Swagger/Phenomenon and released co-designed versions of the military shirt, as well as, an exclusive limited run tee. Additionally, they are in the process of expanding into a full clothing line. To describe CAVI as "just a clothing line", however, isn’t enough. It’s more of a movement. Are you CAVI?

# # #

If you’d like more information about Cavi Designs or to schedule an interview, please call

S Dot at 718/501.2545 or email sdotpr@gmail.com

Website: http://www.CaviDesigns.com

New Web site LaunchALabel.com will bring together 50,000 music fans to start their own record label.

Music is for fans, not corporations. The future of the music industry will be based on transparency. That is, fans should be a major part of the music selection and marketing processes from the very beginning.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) August 30, 2007 — In the age of file-sharing can 50,000 music fans compete with major labels in an uncertain music industry? 26 year old Florida resident Karol Gajda thinks so.

Mr. Gajda has started a new Web site, LaunchALabel.com, that will bring together 50,000 music fans to launch and run their own record label. These 50,000 fans will choose the label’s name and the first 5 bands to sign to record contracts worth $200,000 each. From there they will have input into every aspect of how to market and promote the label and its artists.

Joining LaunchALabel.com is free until 50,000 members have joined and expressed interest in being a part of music history. Once that threshold is reached, each of those members will be required to pay $25 for access to the nomination and voting area. In sum, this will raise $1.25 million to sign bands and to pay for expenses including office space and staff.

When asked about LaunchALabel.com Karol Gajda said,

"Music is for fans, not corporations. The future of the music industry will be based on transparency. That is, fans should be a major part of the music selection and marketing processes from the very beginning."

For more information visit http://www.LaunchALabel.com or contact Karol Gajda directly at (407) 745-1809.

New "Hot Thing" video causing a stir on BET, MTV, and VH1 with its innovative video concept

New Album Features Guest Appearances by Kanye West, Norah Jones, Justin Timberlake, will.i.am, KRS-ONE, and UGK. Production by Just Blaze, Kwame, Madlib, Hi-Tek and Pete Rock

New York, NY (August 30, 2007) -Blacksmith Music/Warner Bros. Records artist Talib Kweli has just scored his highest debut ever– #2 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart with his sixth album, EARDRUM, which arrived in stores nationwide on August 21st. The album also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #1 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.

Kweli’s new video for single "Hot Thing" is causing a stir among television outlets for its creative and innovative video concept. "Hot Thing" made its video world premiere on BET’s Rap City on August 16th and appeared as a New Joint on BET’s 106th & Park on August 22nd. "Hot Thing" is also in rotation on MTV2′s Sucker Free Countdown, MTV Jams, VH1 Soul, and FUSE among others.

With his career defining album, EARDRUM, The Brooklyn MC mixes hard hitting beats with inventive rhymes that serve to not only entertain, but also to educate. From start to finish EARDRUM delivers career-defining work from Kweli that showcases his advanced lyricism and knack for picking beats that resonate long after the song ends. EARDRUM shows Kweli’s versatility ranging from "Hot Thing" produced by and featuring will.i.am to the alluring strings of "Soon the New Day" featuring the sultry vocals of Grammy Award winning jazz artist, Norah Jones to the brassy horns of  "Country Cousins" which feature the underground kings of the south, UGK. Other guests on the album include: Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, KRS-ONE, Musiq Soulchild, and Blacksmith artists Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady.

Critics are already beating to the sound of Talib Kweli’s EARDRUM:

" Kweli is one of hip-hops finest lyricists and most socially conscious rappers."

USA Today

"Talib Kweli is one of only a few rappers pushing an ambitious formula [with contemplative rhymes set to radio-friendly music]." Wall Street Journal

"Kweli delivers his most accessible CD yet- his raspy cadence playing off vintage -soul samples and explosive horns, and trembling bass lines."  Entertainment Weekly

"EAR DRUM is Talib’s most socially cohesive endeavor to date featuring notable tracks including the bluesy "Country Cousins" featuring UGK and the Just Blaze track "Hostile Gospel."  XXL

Eardrum On iTunes:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=261634389&s=143441

Preview The Album On TalibKweli.com 

For more information, please contact:

Ayal Kleinman
Warner Bros. Records 
Ayal.Kleinman@wbr.com

www.talibkweli.com
www.myspace.com/myspace.com

Watch Talib Kweli’s video for "Hot Thing" at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPCBmcpNzk

Long-Awaited Sequel to Wyclef’s 1997 Triple-Platinum Debut Solo Album, ‘The Carnival,’ Slated for Fall Release

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Wyclef Jean — the Grammy Award-winning musician, producer, hip-hop pioneer, and humanitarian who founded the legendary ensemble the Fugees — returns to Columbia Records with "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant," the artist’s first full-length album for the label since his third solo album, "Masquerade," entered the Billboard Top 200 at #6 in June 2002. "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant" is slated for release this autumn.

With "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant," his sixth full-length studio album, Wyclef Jean continues the autobiographical musical odyssey he began a decade ago with his 1997 triple-platinum debut solo album, "Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival Featuring Refugee All-Stars" (aka "The Carnival"). Wyclef gave his fans their first taste of "The Carnival II" with the release of the album’s lead-in single, "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne and introducing Niia. Released in August, the single rapidly made its first Billboard chart appearance entering the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at #3. "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)" is now available digitally.

According to Wyclef, "The Carnival II" is "a continuation of ‘Gone Till November" (his 1997 Top 10 signature hit from "The Carnival"). I focus a lot on the songwriting." For his much anticipated new album, Wyclef has once again called upon his friends, showcasing his musical dexterity as he draws from an extraordinary and diverse roster of collaborating guest artists including Paul Simon (on "Fast Car"), Mary J. Blige, T.I., Norah Jones, Akon, Serj Tankian (of System Of A Down) (on "Trouble Again"), Lil’ Wayne, and Shakira, to name a few. Wyclef produced the entire album with his long-time production partner, Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, with whom he has worked since the beginning of the Fugees.

"The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant" is the first full-length album from Wyclef Jean since 2006, when the artist struck a chord in mass pop consciousness with "Hips Don’t Lie," the chart-topping Grammy-nominated international smash hit duet with Shakira.

Source: Columbia Records

CONTACT: Yvette Noel-Schure of Columbia Records, New York,
+1-212-833-4483, Yvette.Noel-Schure@sonybmg.com

Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.wyclef.com/

August 30, 2007
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Craze Productions, (www.crazedigital.com) a worldwide leading Digital Record label with exclusive rights to top Urban artists, is set to launch a revolutionary Mobile Music service, starting this September in the UK.

MMS & Buy is about impulse purchase through picture taking: You are looking at a CD in the store or passing by a promo poster. Aim your mobile, send the picture as MMS, immediately get ringtones, video clips, concert tickets and further information about the music. No need for any bar codes or any applications for the mobile, any mobile/camera tel can do it within seconds!

www.mmsandbuy.com

Service is based on image recognition engine initially developed by DSPV, supports recognition of printed and electronic media – TV/ LCD screens, CD/DVD covers, Posters and T-Shirts.

MMS & Buy launches in the UK focusing on Music CD’s, starting with the Top 20 UK singles. Consumers who visit any record shop (UK) can snap a picture of the single cover, MMS it to 60300 (Subject: Album) and immediately receive a waplink to download ringtones.

Next will be a series of special Craze CD releases, all MMS & Buy supported, beginning with world’s hottest producer Timbaland (who recently scored multiple #1’s on US/UK charts). Other applications to be launched will be buying concert tickets, goods in videos, all from flyers or posters, TV/Computer screens.

About Craze Productions

Craze Productions (www.crazedigital.com) is the largest Indie Urban Digital Record Company in the world, managing a 12,000+ music titles catalogue, and soon over 1000 videos.

Based in London, Craze holds exclusive digital rights to some of the world’s biggest Hip Hop artists, including: Timbaland – today’s hottest producer with Multiple #1 albums and singles, AAliyah, Warren G, Kool & The Gang, Liberty X and many more.

Craze’s mission is to drive digital music innovation by adopting the latest technologies and proactively developing new methods for digital distribution of music and videos.

About DSPV

Founded in 2004, DSPV (http://www.dspv.net) is a startup company with a unique Mobile Content distribution platform. With the DSPV platform any printed magazine or TV screen can serve as a "banner" which users can interact with using the camera phone.

Contacts

For Craze Productions
Sam Kleinman, +447711 253726, +1-718-701-2942
doctorofdance@gmail.com

Hispanic Market Composed of Several Niche Markets

COLUMBUS, OH–(Marketwire – August 30, 2007) – Madison Avenue often homogenizes ethnic markets under tidy categories such as African American, Hispanic and Asian Americans. However, BIGresearch’s (http://www.bigresearch.com) latest Simultaneous Media Survey (SIMM 10) of 15,439 consumers indicates that the categorization into generic groups leaves marketers with an inaccurate picture of ethnic groups. This is particularly true with Hispanics as many of whom report being from multiple racial ethnic descents. In SIMM 10, Hispanics identified themselves racially as: as Caucasian (44.2%), Other Race / Heritage (34.6%) and Multi-Racial (16%).

"The breakout of Hispanic/Caucasian, Hispanic/Other Race and Hispanic/Multi-Racial consumers reveals differing cultural identities within the categories which give a real insight into the complexity of marketing to Hispanics who have their own internal diversity," said Joe Pilotta, VP, Strategy of BIGresearch.

Advertisers should also pay close attention to age and income as social and cultural markers of mobility within Hispanic groups. For example, those Hispanics who identify themselves as being Caucasian are generally older and report a higher income than other Hispanic races:

                                Average Age             Average Income
Hispanic / All 18+              36.5                    $51,918
Hispanic / Caucasian            40.8                    $57,748
Hispanic / Other                34.0                    $47,873
Hispanic / Multi-Racial         33.1                    $50,139

"Still too often marketers and advertisers lump Hispanics into over-simplified categories. Through increased research we aim to help advertisers and marketers better understand how they can optimize their ad dollars by effecting targeting niche markets within the Hispanic market that often times have more affinity for a product or service," said David Taggart, general manager Televisa Publishing.

The differences in the niche markets of Hispanics are apparent in their auto purchase plans and media usage such as magazines read most often and radio formats listened to most often.

Top 3 Vehicles Being Considered

All Adults      All             Hispanic        Hispanic        Hispanic
18+             Hispanics 18+   Multi-Racial    Caucasian       Other
Toyota          Toyota          Ford            Toyota          Toyota
Ford            Honda           Chevrolet       Honda           Honda
Honda           Ford            Toyota          Ford            BMW

Magazines read most often (Top 3):

All Adults            All                  Hispanic
18+                   Hispanics 18+        Multi-Racial
People 3.8%           Cosmopolitan 11.8%   Cosmopolitan 16.0%
Cosmopolitan 3.2%     Vanidades 7.3%       TV y Novelas 6.1%
Readers Digest 2.6%   TV y Novelas 6.6%    Vanidades 5.4%

Hispanic              Hispanic
Caucasian             Other
Cosmopolitan 8.2%     Cosmopolitan 11.4%
Vanidades 8.2%        TV y Novelas 8.5%
People 5.3%           Vanidades 6.1%

Radio formats listened to most often (Top 3):

All Adults              All                    Hispanic
18+                     Hispanics 18+          Multi-Racial
Rock 35.3%              Latin/Hispanic 50.6%   Latin/Hispanic 43.1%
Oldies 31.6%            Rock 32.6%             Rock 40.3%
Country 24.7%           Top 40/Pop 29.7%       Top 40/Pop 34.1%

Hispanic                Hispanic
Caucasian               Other
Latin/Hispanic 41.6%    Latin/Hispanic 61.2%
Rock 33.4%              Hip-Hop 35.8%
Top 40/Pop 29.6%        R&B 34.2%

Across race and ethnic categories, Hispanics tend to have a greater propensity to purchase big ticket items over the next six months.

Purchase Intentions Next 6 Months

                  All Adults  All           Hispanic     Hispanic  Hispanic
                  18+         Hispanics 18+ Multi-Racial Caucasian Other
Vacation          28.0%       32.3%         29.9%        33.3%     32.7%
Computer          15.6%       22.4%         27.1%        20.8%     22.2%
Furniture         15.3%       21.6%         21.3%        18.3%     23.7%
TV                13.9%       21.4%         25.2%        19.2%     22.8%
Home Improvement  13.6%       14.1%         15.9%        14.1%     12.6%
Car/Truck         11.9%       15.8%         17.8%        14.3%     16.0%

"If marketers are interested in strategic media planning and ROI, then cultural differences must truly be a part of a consumer-centric model, not just another variable," said Pilotta.

A complete report comparing Hispanic niche markets is available from BIGresearch. http://www.formsite.com/prosper/info/

About BIGresearch

BIGresearch is a consumer intelligence firm providing analysis of consumer behavior in areas of retail, financial services, automotive, and media. BIGresearch’s syndicated Simultaneous Media Survey (SIMM) is focused on consumers to gauge their consumption across media, products and services. Marketers can use SIMM to develop the types of consumer-centric marketing plans required to increase advertisers’ ROI. The SIMM monitors more than 15,000 consumers twice each year. They also conduct the Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey (CIA) which monitors the pulse of more than 7,000 consumers each month.

BIGresearch’s methodology provides the most accurate consumer information in the industry with a margin of error of +/- 1 percent. http://www.bigresearch.com
Contact:
Phil Rist
BIGresearch
450 West Wilson Bridge Road
Suite 370
Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 846-0146

First Viewer-Inspired Remix Through MTV.com; First Simulcast Through MTV Mobile on Sprint TV; First Awards Show Ever Recreated Virtually; First VOD Instant Updates

NEW YORK, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ — MTV: Music Television is throwing out all the rules with the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, ushering in unprecedented access and interactivity beyond what any awards show has ever done. From VMA.MTV.com to MTV Mobile on Sprint TV to the Virtual VMAs to MTV On Demand, MTV is setting a number of important firsts: the first viewer-inspired remix; the first mobile simulcast of the VMAs; the first awards show ever recreated virtually, and the first nearly instantaneous VOD updates.

Because the show airs one time ONLY on September 9th, what happens in Vegas really will stay in Vegas. MTV will air three remixes in the days following the live broadcast: On September 11th at 10 pm (ET/PT), MTV will present the Celebrity Commentary edition, featuring artists dishing about all the backstage gossip and their favorite moments from that night. The "Viewer’s Choice" remix – inspired by viewers who vote for their favorite show elements at VMA.MTV.com – will air on September 13th at 6 pm (ET/PT). And the third remix, airing September 15th at 11 pm (ET/PT), will spotlight all the hot performances that aired during the live broadcast as well as extended and unaired performances from the Fantasy Suites and from VMA Weekend and the VMA pre-show.

In addition to the remixed versions of the shows, there are tons of other cool things happening across MTV’s online, mobile, virtual and on-demand touchpoints for the VMA audience and fans:

VMA.MTV.com

VMA.MTV.com is viewers’ one-stop shop for all things VMA. Viewers can vote for Best New Artist of the year now and until just moments before the award is presented; enjoy behind-the-scenes coverage of photo shoots with artists like Rihanna, Chris Brown and Kanye West; check out the full list of nominees, and follow all the celebrities blogging live from Las Vegas during VMA Weekend.

Immediately following the show, viewers can go to VMA.MTV.com to vote for their favorite performances, awards and moments – and ultimately inspire the "Viewer’s Choice" remix, which will air on MTV on September 13th at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

VMA.MTV.com also will be home to never-before-seen performances from the Fantasy Suites throughout VMA Weekend and the show. Artists performing in the suites will be jamming for up to 90 minutes with friends and special guests, and the audience can vote online whether those performances make it into the "Viewer’s Choice" remix. A number of those performances also will make it into the all-music remix.

MTV Mobile

For the first time ever, MTV Mobile will air a live simulcast of the main show on video-enabled Sprint Vision and Power Vision phones.(1) Artists equipped with Sprint phones – such as Timbaland, Chris Brown, T-Pain, Lil’ Mama, Boys Like Girls and even MTV’s famed Moonman – will be Twitter-ing (sending text messages) so viewers can follow them throughout the weekend and during the show – and Twitter back.(2) Viewers simply text "Follow VMA" to 40404 to stay connected to the VMA performers and nominees.

Viewers can also help determine the "Best New Artist" award minutes before it’s presented by texting "VMA" to 23882. And MTV Mobile will feature music videos from nominated artists, clips of VMA Weekend performances, MTV News reports, red-carpet highlights, show performances and post-show clips.

Virtual VMAs

The party is already underway in MTV Networks’ virtual world (available for free download from VMA.MTV.com). The Virtual VMAs – the first awards show ever recreated virtually – painstakingly reconstruct the ultra-exclusive, high-priced and extravagant Hardwood, Pink and Sky Villa fantasy suites in the Palms Casino & Resort where most of the performances will take place.

Major artists – from the likes of Common, MIMS, Shop Boys and Soulja Boy – have already mixed it up in-world with fans, and other artists scheduled to appear in the virtual suites include Gym Class Heroes on Saturday, Sept. 1, and the groups Boys Like Girls and Peter, Bjorn and John on Saturday, Sept. 8. MTV News correspondents are also making guest appearances in-world to talk about the latest news and all the behind-the-scenes action.

MTV On Demand

Throughout the VMA Weekend, MTV On Demand will produce a "best of the day" package on Comcast and Time Warner cable systems, the first time VOD content has been made available nearly instantaneously. The "best of day" package will highlight the best news, online and user-generated content from Las Vegas and serving it up to nearly 18 million households in an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Additionally, MTV is providing all On Demand providers with a robust VOD package that pays honor to the home of the 2007 VMAs with two original specials: MTVegas, a look into MTV’s greatest moments in Sin City, and "100% Sweet," a tour of the amazing Palms Hotel High Roller Suites. MTV On Demand will also feature a full slate of VMA retrospective programming including "VMA Crazy Moments," "VMA Hosts," "Best Dressed/Worst Dressed" and "The Bling Report."

As part of MTV’s local music initiatives, the Chicago-based band Flowers For Dorian will be featured live during the VMAs in a local Comcast affiliate commercial break. MTV and Comcast Spotlight are taking over an entire minute break to shine the light on the band. After the VMAs, Flowers For Dorian will also be featured on MTV2 On Demand locally in Chicago. More than 113 bands registered for the contest and fans cast a stunning 632,021 votes over one week. For more information on the contest, go to http://comcastchicago.mtv2.com/

Performers

Timbaland, 50 Cent, Akon, Soulja Boy, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, Common, Nelly Furtado, Gym Class Heroes, T-Pain, Cee-Lo, Daniel Merriweather, Lil’ Wayne and Rihanna are set to perform at this year’s star-studded awards show. In addition, Justin Timberlake with Timbaland are set to host a Fantasy Suite party, while critically acclaimed producer, artist and DJ Mark Ronson will rock the party in The Pearl with help from his turntables, horn section and surprise guests. This year, Timbaland will also find himself working overtime as the official Maestro of the VMAs, responsible for creating several show-stopping and unexpected artist collaborations for this one night only. The "2007 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT.)

The Ballots for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards were sent out for the first time to artists and musical tastemakers as well as to an exclusive industry group and viewers who determined the nominees for the telecast. Approximately 50 viewers and individuals representing record labels, music journalists, video directors and music producers, selected the nominees for awards categories encompassing such wide-ranging contemporary music forms as rap, dance, R&B and rock. Ballots are cast online and duplication is avoided through a special control number assigned to each ballot, which can only be tallied once.

Shugoll Research is the Official Business Advisor of the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.

Jesse Ignjatovic is the Executive Producer, Den of Thieves for the "2007 MTV Video Music Awards." Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Chris Choun is Co-Executive Producer. Jen Jones and Jane Mun are Co-Producers. Amy Doyle and Joanna Bomberg are Music Talent Executives. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive. Garrett English is Executive in Charge of Production. Hamish Hamilton is Director.

The 2007 MTV Video Music Awards marks the fourth time Laurie Ziegler, Branded Entertainment is doing the official VMA gift bag.

The official sponsors of the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards are Chevy, Herbal Essences, Neutrogena, Pepsi Smash, Rhapsody, Sprint and Taco Bell.

  (1) Standard data rates apply.
  (2) Text messaging rates apply.

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 more than 130 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, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are 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. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

CONTACT: Matthew Hutchison, +1-212-846-5755,
Matthew.Hutchison@mtvstaff.com, or Jennifer DeGuzman, +1-212-846-7175,
Jennifer.DeGuzman@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.vma.mtv.com/
http://comcastchicago.mtv2.com/

Local Rapper donates 200 backpacks to Alameda County youth

Thursday, August 30, 2007
5PM
Youth UpRising
8711 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94605

Oakland- Youth UpRising (YU) is hosting a "Back to School Night" to make sure as many families as possible are well equipped for the new school year. The "Back to School Night" will be packed with informative and exciting activities for both students and parents. Students will not only receive fully stocked backpacks, but also comprehensive information from the school district. There will be entertainment by YU members who will perform a lively illustration that academic pursuits and artistic expression go hand-in-hand. The backpack give away is made possible by a generous contribution from an Oakland native and rapper, Mistah F.A.B. Recently signed with Atlantic Records, he has been a consistent supporter of Youth UpRising. F.A.B.’s gift provides 200 backpacks jam-packed with school supplies including pens, pencils, 3-ring binders, folders and paper.

An Oakland Technical High School graduate, F.A.B actively promotes education. “I feel it’s really important that kids go to school to see the value in their education. The power of the pen is mightier than the sword; and the more we know, the more we can make a change”, said F.A.B. Having made donations to YU in the past, he felt compelled to donate again. “As entertainers its our duty to share the success that we have received from our fans.”

YU’s Career & Education Department offers a wide array of programming. The programming includes academic assistance for high school and college students, educational stipends, as well as job training and placement opportunities. These free services are offered throughout the year and are available to youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who reside in Alameda County. YU seeks to build educational and employment skills as a primary means to improve health, employment, and economic outcomes for youth living in the county’s most economically distressed communities. “The Back to School Night” at YU is filled with information and celebration, providing a foundation where students and their families can be readied for the school year while accessing resources to help ensure success.

Youth UpRising is a concrete answer to reducing violence, increasing educational attainment, and expanding career and life options for Alameda County youth and young adults. Operating in a county-owned 25,000 square foot facility, Youth UpRising offers comprehensive programming and activities that inspire youth leadership development and community transformation. To make a donation or for more information go to www.youthuprising.org or call (510) 777-9909. For more information on Mistah F.A.B. go to www.myspace.com/mistahfab.

For More info on this event or Youth UpRising:

Jacky Johnson 510.717.2260 or jackyjohnson@gmail.com

Youth Leadership. Community Transformation.