James Prince, Owner of Rap-A-Lot Records, Accused in Lawsuit of 'Threats, Intimidation and Violence'

Owner of Rival Rap Label Claims Prince Orchestrated Attack Intended to Drive Him Out of Business

HOUSTON, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In a lawsuit filed today in Harris County state district court, Ronald "Ronnie" Bookman owner of 7303 Records and Studio 7303 claims he was savagely beaten in an assault ordered by competitor James Prince. Bookman alleges his beating was part of an ongoing effort by Mr. Prince and his Rap-A-Lot 2K Records, Inc. to snuff out Bookman's fledgling record label.

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Prince a/k/a J. Prince directed a half-dozen of his associates to attack Bookman at a Houston recreation center owned by Prince. The alleged beating took place on Jan. 25, 2007. Bookman says he was lured to the gym after he was advised that Prince wanted to "make things right" regarding a dispute between the two men. When Bookman arrived at the gym, he says he was led to a weight room where he met with Prince. The lawsuit says that Prince became angry with Bookman and directed the men to enter the room and assault Bookman. Bookman suffered severe head trauma, a broken nose and injuries to both eyes. He was treated the next day at the Park Plaza Hospital emergency room and is still receiving treatment for his injuries.

"This was a vicious act of intimidation, plain and simple," says John B. Thomas, lead counsel for Bookman and a name partner in Houston's Hicks Thomas & Lilienstern, LLP. "We believe Mr. Prince's plan was to eliminate competition in the Houston Rap and Hip Hop music business through the use of threats, intimidation and violence."

The dispute arose out of a common industry practice in which artists, otherwise bound by exclusivity arrangements with their record companies, make guest appearances or "features" on other artists' records. Consistent with this practice, several well-known artists including Bernard Freeman (a/k/a "Bun B"), Mike Jones and Stayve Thomas (a/k/a "Slim Thug") had in 2005 agreed to record on 7303 Records' first release, by the artist Javon "JV" Daniels, entitled, Rap or Die.

According to the lawsuit, Prince and Rap-A-Lot Records had agreed to allow Bun B to record the feature Wrong for Dat and assign all rights to 7303 Records in exchange for substantially discounted or free studio time at Bookman's recording studio. Bun B recorded his CD, Trill at Studio 7303 from June to September 2005. In late 2005, Rap-A-Lot, in conjunction with Warner Brothers' Asylum Records, released Trill. Trill has since earned gold record status.

The lawsuit alleges that Prince and Rap-A-Lot Records reneged on their promise to release the Bun B feature after Warner Brothers approached Bookman with a proposed "label deal" to develop, record and promote rap and hip hop artists.

"We believe that Mr. Prince feared that his influence and financial well- being would suffer if Mr. Bookman and 7303 Records were successful," says Thomas. Ultimately, Warner Brothers would not proceed with the distribution and marketing of JV's CD without the Bun B artist release.

Mr. Bookman is a longtime fixture of the Houston music scene, and has operated Studio 7303 for five years. Studio 7303's clients represent a Who's Who of the music industry, including top-selling artists such as 50 Cent, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliot.

The lawsuit alleges breach of contract, battery, unfair competition, duress, conspiracy and unjust enrichment. Bookman is also seeking a court order barring Prince and his business associates of coming within 500 feet of his home and business.

For more information, contact Mike Androvett or Alan Bentrup at 1-800-559- 4630 or mike@legalpr.com or alan@legalpr.com .

Source: Hicks Thomas & Lilienstern, LLP

CONTACT: Mike Androvett, mike@legalpr.com , or Alan Bentrup,
alan@legalpr.com , both for Hicks Thomas & Lilienstern, LLP, +1-800-559-4630

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Financial Empowerment Weekend in Detroit

WHAT:  The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) brings a weekend of
         financial empowerment to Detroit with three events that will
         provide comprehensive financial education information, culminating
         in the "Get Your Money Right" Financial Empowerment Summit.

         The Detroit Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment's "Get Your
         Money Right" Tour brings together the powerful combination of hip-
         hop stars and Chrysler Financial experts to speak to students and
         community members about the importance of financial literacy. The
         topics to be covered at the Detroit Summit include the basics of
         banking, home ownership, repairing bad credit and understanding
         credit scores, entrepreneurship and vehicle financing.

  WHO:   Russell Simmons, Ciara, Layzie Bone and Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-
         n- Harmony, Mike Jones, Remy Ma, MC Lyte, Derrick Coleman, Raz-B,
         Belly, Trick Trick, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI),
         television personality and Summit co-moderator Free, Hip-Hop Summit
         Action Network (HSAN) Co-Chairman and Summit co-moderator Dr.
         Benjamin Chavis, Chrysler Financial's Tonya Blander, Senior Manager
         -- Troy Customer Contact Center and Chrysler Financial panelists
         Gerrod Parchmon and James Whitlow, Anheuser-Busch's Geographic
         Marketing/Community Outreach Manager, James Hunter.

  WHERE: Max M. Fisher Music Center, located at 3711 Woodward Avenue in
         Detroit

  WHEN:  Saturday, April 14 from 1:30-4 p.m.  Press Check in at 11 a.m.
         Doors open at Noon.  Red carpet from Noon-1:30 p.m.

  HSAN's Financial Empowerment Weekend also includes:

The Mini Financial Empowerment Summit co-sponsored by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Chrysler Financial and the Detroit Urban League. Co- Chairman of HSAN, Dr. Benjamin Chavis; Managing Director of HSAN, Valeisha Butterfield, financial experts from Chrysler Financial and a special surprise celebrity guest will speak with students about basic financial literacy. The mini Summit will be followed by a 1/2 hour meeting with community leaders to introduce Chrysler Financial's Financial Lifeskills Training Modules.

The mini Summit will take place at City High School 3500 McGraw in Detroit on Friday, April 13 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The Board Room Executive Forum presented by Expancia Consulting, the Hip- Hop Summit Action Network and Chrysler Financial. At this event Co-Chairman of HSAN, Dr. Benjamin Chavis; Managing Director of HSAN, Valeisha Butterfield, financial experts from Chrysler Financial and various successful entrepreneurs will speak with young minority entrepreneur students and disperse helpful insights on business growth, financial management, building business values and networks and diversification across industries.

The Board Room Executive Forum will take place at Max M. Fisher Music Center's Technology Room, located at 3711 Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Friday, April 13 from 6-8 p.m.

  Contact: Jody L. Miller, JLM PR, Inc.
           Cell: 917-770-3970
           jody@jlmpr.com

           Amber Gowen, Chrysler Financial
           248-427-3126
           Cell: 248-930-6174
           arp11@daimlerchrysler.com

PRNewswire -- April 12
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Chrysler Financial

Web site: http://www.daimlerchryslerfinancialservices.com/na

RAPPER RICK ROSS PREPARES FOR HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE RELEASE "TRILLA"

MIAMI, FL (April 12, 2007) Some would decide to relax after a year of phenomenal success, enjoying the fruits of their labor, but multi-talented rapper Rick Ross is just getting started. With several projects in tow, 2007 will be  the year for The Boss, as he prepares for his highly anticipated, sophomore release, "Trilla," via Def Jam/Slip N' Slide while managed by E-Class Management.

What may have seemed to many, like an overnight success, his journey has been 12 years in the making; his hard work and dedication has surely paid off.  Mr. Ross equates his success to putting God first, never giving up and maintaining his grind. For years, he distributed his own mixtapes, in addition to serving as a ghostwriter for several well-known recording artists while staying true to the game.

"It's crazy, when I finally broke through, cats were like, "Is that?.... naaaww.. it can't be" But yeah it was me, the same dude they have been hearing and hearing about for years," says the superstar.

The truth of the matter is, Rick Ross has arrived and he is here to stay.

Made famous for his smash hit Hustlin', while just this past year his debut, "Port of Miami," which is now certified platinum, held down the Bill Board Charts for several weeks at # 1. Superseding all expectations, the mastertone for the hit "Hustlin" broke all music industry records by reaching platinum status a week prior to his album release in August 2006.

Rick Ross is engaged in preparing for his sophomore effort "Trilla," which will  add the the fire and further propel "The Movement."
"Miami is on fire and we are not going to stop until we reach the top, we have put in endless hours in the studio, promoting and honing our craft. 2007 is the year of the "Trilla," says Poe Boy Entertainment, Vice President, Alex "Gucci Pucci" Bethune.

"Trilla," expected to be a classic, is a conglomeration of music's finest and will undoubtedly set the stage for Hip-Hop and  will raise the bar several notches.

Please also stay tuned for M.I.Yayo a documentary about, the most notorious drug king-pins in Miami, in which Rick Ross makes his executive producing debut. This movie will also be released the same day as "Trilla."

For more information about Rick Ross please log on to www.rickrosstrilla.com and www.poeboymusic.com. For media inquires, please contact Melissa Sessoms/Sessoms PR at (305) 772-6825 and sessomspr@gmail.com

NYC Gets Its 4th Visit From Dunkxchange

WHO: Dunkxchange, Female Sneaker Fiend, Palis, LRG, Kicksclusive Magazine, along with sneaker boutiques, customizers, and collectors from the tri-state area.

WHAT: Dunkxchange NYC: Sneaker lovers are invited to shop at vending tables that include fashion companies such as Palis, Dylated, and Akademiks, as well as stores, boutiques, customizers, and magazines.     Collectors can bring up to 3 pairs of rare and exclusive sneakers to buy, sell, and trade.  Also a chance for ladies are invited to network and build with Female Sneaker Fiend members.

WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 2007 1-5pm   

WHERE: TNY 40 West 52nd Street (between 5th & 6th Ave.)   New York, NY

WHY: You can cut out on-line buying and selling and ensure that your kicks are legit by doing your sales in person.   You can buy Palis and other clothing directly from the owners; and women can network with Female Sneaker Fiend, the largest female sneaker collective.

CONTACT: All press inquires please contact Autumn Marie 646-319-2584 autumn@femalesneakerfiend.com.

For more information please visit www.dunkxchange.com

Female Audio Engineer to the Stars, Robin Mays, Prepares Her Debut Release and She's Not Holding Anything Back.

Atlanta engineer and producer, Robin Mays, is releasing her debut singles Push It and Real on Audioscope Recordings.  Her upcoming album ELEMENT114: A Social Experiment, promises to be thought provoking and controversial.

Atlanta, Georgia (Billboard Publicity Wire) April 20,  2007--The Souths most renowned female engineer and music producer Robin Mays prepares to drop her debut album ELEMENT114: A Social Experiment on Audioscope Recordings on October 23, 2007. With recordings credits on artists like Too Short, Lil Jon, Scarface, Trick Daddy, E-40, Daz, Dallas Austin and more, Robin Mays has focused her years on experience in the music industry on herself. In a recent interview, Ms. Mays says shes been planning this album for about 10 years and its the most exciting project shes worked on.  Ms. Mays is also quoted as saying, before Ive always had a limited amount of input that I could contribute to a project and for a while, I was happy with that.  Now I have all the input and its given me a whole new source of energy. Referred to as dope as f&@k by Murder Dog Magazine, she is accustomed to getting down and dirty on the production as well as the rhymes. Her first singles Push It and Real are both hard hitting songs with lots of southern attitude. Push It is a up tempo, psychological journey from the streets to doing what's right.  Real is a slow, grinding song about doing what you have to to live the life you were born to live. With vocals unlike any of  the female hip hop artist before, her street style is a must hear. Both Real and her second single Push Itl are available for download for only $.60 each on Myspace at myspace.com/robinmays.  The instrumentals are also available for download.  The release of both singles are the beginning of a major online marketing campaign announced by her label.

For more information, please contact Camille Mays at the provided contact information.

About Audioscope Recordings Audioscope Recordings is an Atlanta,Ga based record and production company specializing in Hip Hop, R&B, Alternative, Pop and Reggae music. Founded in 2006, Robin Mays is the first artist to be released on the label.

Contact: Camille Mays, Director of Public Relations Audioscope Recordings 404-748-4240 pr@audioscoperec.com www.audioscoperec.com

THE FOUNDATION MAGAZINE SET TO RELEASE THIRD ISSUE AND HOLD ISSUE RELEASE PARTY IN NEW YORK CITY

April 11, 2007
The Foundation Magazine will debut its 3nd issue at an Issue Release Party at New York City 's Dirty Disco in Manhattan . This event will feature Jay-Z's official DJ, Green Lantern, as well as Justo's Mixtape Awards "Rookie of the Year" Superstar Jay, spinning live. Doors open at 8pm , with no cover but please RSVP at rsvp@foundationmag.com.

The Foundation Magazine's third issue is packed with exclusive interviews with some of todays hottest and most talked about MCs and DJs in the industry and in the world. This  includes: DJ Green Lantern, Michael "5000" Watts , Statik Selektah, Wally Sparks, Mick Boogie, Maino, JR Writer and many more. The magazine also provides product reviews, insightful editorials and extensive mixtape reviews.

The Foundation Magazine, the first and only full-size mixtape magazine, released their first issue in the spring of 2006 at the Core DJs Retreat in Houston , TX . Issue One featured the life and work of Justo Faison and also had interviews with DJ Vlad, Tony Touch and others. Issue Two was released at Justo's Tenth Annual Mixtape Awards, held at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem . Not only were they an official sponsor of the Awards, but also held the official afterparty at Club Show in Manhattan , with a performance by the Clipse. The magazine was well received and highly praised for its unique format, which focuses solely on the mixtape culture, and the DJs and MCs who make up this vibrant part of the hip-hop community.

For more information about the Foundation Magazine, visit www.foundationmag.com or email bmack@foundationmag.com.

Chris Malo
The Foundation Magazine
Owner, Editor in Chief
P.O. Box 40773
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.foundationmag.com
www.myspace.com/foundationmag

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER MIRI BEN-ARI TO RELEASE "ADON OLAM AD MATAI" SINGLE AS PART OF HUMANITARIAN HOLOCAUST CAMPAIGN

"Adon Olam Ad Matai" single to be released in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

(New York, NY – April 12, 2007) Grammy Award-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari has teamed up with Israeli rapper Subliminal to release the first-ever commercial hip hop single and video about the Jewish Holocaust done by two major artists. The song, "Adon Olam Ad Matai" (in English: "God Almighty, When Will It End?"), will feature Miri Ben Ari's masterful violin accompanied by Subliminal’s vocals, which tell the story of the Holocaust.

Miri, who composed and arranged the strings for the single, plays the melody of the Jewish song: “Adon Olam” (in English: “God Almighty”), written by the renowned Israeli writer and composer Uzi Chitman, on her violin, which is known as the “Jewish instrument of the ghetto.” Together, Miri and Subliminal share the heartbreaking reality of the Holocaust through music. On April 16, 2007, Miri Ben-Ari and Subliminal will debut the song via a live television broadcast of their performance at the Yad Vashem memorial ceremony in Israel for the Holocaust Memorial Day. It will be the first live performance of “Adon Olam Ad Matai.” The Los Angeles Israeli Consulate will distribute the single to all 96 Israeli Embassies across the world.

This groundbreaking song will be part of "Gedenk," a powerful Holocaust Remembrance project. Gedenk is translated to, “remember” in Yiddish, a language that died along with the six million Jews that perished in the Holocaust. Gedenk's goal is to raise global youth awareness about the Jewish Holocaust via music and entertainment.

The single, as well as future songs from the Gedenk Campaign, will raise money for Gedenk’s humanitarian efforts. These efforts include, but are not limited to, ensuring the education of young adults regarding the painful history of The Jewish Holocaust, paying respect to those who survived the Holocaust and acknowledging Jewish History.

About Miri Ben-Ari: Growing up in Israel, Miri Ben-Ari was drawn to the violin at a very early age. Before she was a teenager, Ben-Ari was proclaimed a child prodigy by violin master Isaac Stern, who gave her a violin at age 12. After a mandatory two-year stint in the Israeli army, Ben-Ari moved to New York City in hopes of mastering jazz, like her hero Charlie Parker. Her first years in New York City were spent living in a Christian shelter for women, performing every night in the jazz music scene, Finally, Miri caught the ears of Wynton Marsalis and Wyclef Jean and soon became an Apollo Legend. Her stint at the Apollo led to performances on BET’S 106 & Park, which led to feature television performances with Jay-Z on Showtime. In the wake of the breakthrough success of Miri’s unique sound, she released her debut album, “Miri Ben-Ari, The Hip Hop Violinist” on Universal Records, and racked up numerous awards, including a Grammy for “Jesus Walks” with Kanye West in 2005 and the BMI Urban Music Award for the performance of “Jesus Walks” and “Overnight Celebrity” by Twista. The go to girl for strings, Miri has also composed and arranged violin tracks for Janet Jackson, Maroon 5, Patti LaBelle, Britney Spears and John Legend among others. Recently, Miri was a featured violinist and writer for Paramount Pictures’ “The Freedom Writers” starring Hilary Swank.

PRESS CONTACTS FOR MIRI BEN-ARI:
Susan Blond Inc
Brad Zeifman                                                
212.333.7728 ext. 108                                        
bzeifman@susanblondinc.com                        

Sarah Cunningham
212.333.7728 ext. 106
scunningham@susanblondinc.com

International Chessmaster Josh Waitzkin scheduled to appear at the Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition

April 12th 2007, San Francisco, CA- International chess icon Josh Waitzkin has joined the rank of stars scheduled to appear at the Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition on May 19, 2007 at the Omega Boys Club located at 1060 Tennessee St. in San Francisco, California.

The Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition, organized by the Hip Hop Chess Federation founders Adisa Banjoko and Leo Librian, teams up rappers, martial artists, athletes and other stars in a head-to-head intellectual battle in a fun and safe environment.  “Our purpose is to encourage young people across the country to infuse their artistic and physical gifts with chess tactics and strategies to enrich their lives for years to come” stated co-founder Adisa Banjoko, “after spending nearly 3 years defining our goals and vision we are so honored to announce Josh’s participation with our organization”.

Josh Waitzkin recently authored, The Art of Learning, a breakthrough book on how to cultivate mind and body. Waitzkin burst into the chess world as a child in the mid 1980’s. His journey to winning his first National Chess Championship was captured in the film Searching for Bobby Fischer. Since then he has gone on to become eight-time National Chess Champion, a World Champion of Tai Chi Chuan Push Hands and a student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mr. Waitzkin is the author of Attacking Chess and is developer and spokesperson for Chessmaster, the biggest computer chess program in the world.

“I look forward to coming to San Francisco and participating in the Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition,” stated Josh Waitzkin. “I believe that positive aspects of Hip Hop, chess and martial arts can effectively empower young American minds.”

Co-founder of the Hip-Hip Chess Federation Leo Libiran stated, “To have Josh Waitzkin at our tournament is like having Michal Jordan participate in your three on three. It is like having Al Capone get down at your gangster convention! We are grateful to Mr. Watizkin, The Omega Boys Club of San Francisco and all of the artists involved for supporting our goal of promoting chess to American youth. We expect a very strong turnout, but we are still in need of sponsorships. We invite any philanthropic donations available. ”

Other participants in Hip-Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition include award winning film director Kevin Epps, DJ QBert and countless others.  The Hip Hop Chess Federation is currently in negotiations to secure RZA of Wu-Tang and UFC Champion Referee Herb Dean for the May 19 event.

For more information, contact Veronica Cohen at vcohen@shinkenpublicrelations.com or visit: www.myspace.com/hiphopchess

Media Contact: Veronica Cohen, vcohen@shinkenpublicrelations.com, (408) 449-9810

BET Now Casting for College Hill: Interns, a Spin-Off to the Popular Franchise Series

LOS ANGELES, April 11 /PRNewswire/ --
  DESCRIPTION:   Black Entertainment Television is holding casting calls
                 nationwide to discover ambitious and passionate students
                 who are ready to handle the pressures of life after
                 college. If you're young, gifted and on your grind, BET
                 wants you! The hottest reality show is going corporate.
                 Show us what you've got and apply now for "College Hill:
                 Interns," a new reality show coming to BET.

  SHOW CONCEPT:  This exciting new spin-off will delve into the
                 interpersonal and business dynamics of eight college
                 students living in a new city, hanging out in their new
                 digs, and most importantly working at their new and
                 exciting summer jobs. The cast will participate in an 8-10
                 week internship program at one sponsored parent company in
                 one or more departments, and be assigned tasks, interactive
                 workshops, company promotions, and various competitive
                 challenges.

  GUIDELINES:    See BET.com for details

  HOW TO SUBMIT: If you think you have what it takes simply log onto BET.com
                 for more information, and you could be selected to take
                 part in the opportunity of a lifetime.

  DEADLINE FOR
  MAIL-IN SUBMISSIONS: Mail-in submissions must be received by April 15,
                       2007

  CASTING CALLS: Open casting calls will be held in Boston, New York,
                 Atlanta, Chicago and Houston. See BET.com for details on
                 location, as well as rules and regulations.

                 Boston
                 Saturday, April 14th - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
                 The Comedy Connection
                 Faneuil Hall, 2nd Floor
                 Quincy Market Bldg.
                 Boston, MA 02109

                 New York
                 Tuesday, April 17th - 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
                 The 40/40 Club
                 6 West 25th St.
                 New York, NY 10010

***Note: Location information for Chicago, Atlanta and Houston will be available on BET.com as sites are confirmed.

ABOUT BET

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for the target audience; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.

Source: Black Entertainment Television

CONTACT: Tosha Whitten Griggs of BET, +1-310-481-3812, or
tosha.whitten-griggs@bet.net, or Zabrina Horton of BET, +1-310-481-3737, or
zabrina.horton@bet.net

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

The Style Network to Debut the Network's First Reality Sitcom Series Focusing on Mogul-Model-Mom Kimora Lee Simmons

'KIMORA' (Working Title) to Debut This Summer on Style

LOS ANGELES, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ask Kimora Lee Simmons who she is and the answers will be varied -- a mogul and a mother ... demanding and compassionate ... a designer and a diva. She is all of this and more. Kimora Lee Simmons is a woman who takes charge of life and lives it to the fullest. She made "phat" a household word through her fashion house, Baby Phat, the multi-million dollar enterprise Simmons runs with the trademark style that inspires every aspect of her life. Now, The Style Network is bringing that same Simmons energy to the small screen each week in a series that takes viewers into the compelling life of Kimora Lee Simmons -- the CEO of a global brand, and mom to two precocious little girls. "KIMORA" (working title) premieres this SUMMER only on Style.

"Kimora Lee Simmons is simply a fascinating woman," said Salaam Coleman Smith, Executive Vice President, The Style Network, in announcing the new series. "She is refreshingly blunt, absolutely honest and outrageously entertaining ... the kind of woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Nothing she does is small, nothing she says is insignificant and nothing she wants is unavailable. This series is going to open a lot of women's eyes to the possibilities life has to offer, and all of us at Style are happy to be working with such an inspirational woman."

Professionally, Kimora Lee Simmons seems to have it all. We'll peek inside the hip-hop halls of Baby Phat, her sister company to Phat Farm that has taken on a very large life of its own. What started as simply a spin-off clothing line has, under the watchful eye of Ms. Simmons, exploded into a global brand that now includes cosmetics, fragrances, home goods, jewelry ... even diamond-encrusted electronics. Viewers are invited along for the ride as she leads her company to new heights of success, from product launches to press tours to high fashion events. It sounds exhausting, but this is only half of Kimora's day.

Simmons puts her two daughters, seven-year-old Ming Lee and four-year-old Aoki Lee, above all else. Like everything she does, Kimora lives her private life in a very big way. We will become regular visitors to the family's New Jersey estate, where life is often hectic for a woman who must balance her dedication to the girls with philanthropic and social commitments.

Like all great leading ladies, Simmons surrounds herself with a formidable professional staff, which includes publicists, managers, creative directors and fashion designers, as well as an extensive personal staff of nannies, chefs, drivers, stylists and hair/makeup artists. It's a large group to handle, but Kimora Lee Simmons has no problem assuming leadership.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri to a Japanese mother and African American father, Kimora took the modeling industry by storm at age 13 when fashion czar Karl Lagerfeld handpicked her to model for Chanel in Paris. To her credit, Kimora is the only multiethnic woman to have a successful fashion empire and lifestyle brand which includes fragrance, cosmetics, beauty, and home collections. She is also the author of the inspirational/lifestyle guide "Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It." Additionally, Kimora has established the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund at her St. Louis alma mater which provides college tuition support for academically successful girls with financial needs.

The series was developed for The Style Network by Elaine Brooks. Steve Cantor (Stick Figure Productions) and Carmen Mitcho (E! Networks) will executive produce the series that premieres this summer on Style.

About Comcast Entertainment Group

Based in Los Angeles, recently formed Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming; and G4 offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity, and "Internet culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to 89 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States. In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere -- from online to broadband at The Vine @E!Online to wireless to satellite radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 58 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in 61 million cable and satellite homes nationwide.

Source: The Style Network

CONTACT: Domenic Morea, +1-323-692-4454, dmorea@eentertainment.com, or
Amelia Zimmern, +1-323-692-4732, azimmern@eentertainment.com, or Sarah
Goldstein, +1-323-692-4552, sgoldstein@eentertainment.com, all of The Style
Network

Urbanology Magazine kicks off third year with bangin' double cover issue

Publication solidifies itself as Canada's number one source for urban lifestyle & culture

Toronto , ON – With two years of print excellence underneath their belt, the creators behind Urbanology Magazine are forging ahead with a dynamic ninth issue. Hip-hop veteran Ghostface Killah and reggae superstar Sizzla Kalongi grace this double cover edition.

            New York-based journalist Rajul Punjabi takes a close look at Ghostface in a story that reveals his newfound passion for Islam, his recent realizations of karma and his journey to refining his life. Then Keon Priestley sits down for a one-on-one interview with Sizzla in which he challenges those who have criticized his lyrics for being controversial.

            “With this issue beginning our third volume, we knew we had to deliver something extra special,” says Urbanology’s Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder, Priya Ramanujam . “Ghostface and Sizzla were the perfect stories to exemplify what Urbanology is all about. And word on the street is everyone is feeling this issue.”

The jam-packed SPRING 2007 issue also features a sizzling hot fashion spread shot at a fire station by established photographer Che Kothari , a fashion feature focused on famed Vancouver singer Cory Lee and a political series examining the effects of war on soldiers, children and civilians.

            Urbanology Magazine can be purchased across Canada and the United States at Chapters, Indigo, Gateway Newsstands, Coles, Wal-Mart, Petro Canada , Mac’s Milk, Borders, Barnes & Noble and other mom and pop convenient stores. This issue, along with back issues and subscriptions, is also available online at www.urbanologymag.com.

For all inquiries contact:

Craigg Slowly
Public Relations
Office: 416-619-9294
E-Mail: craigg@urbanologymag.com
Website: www.urbanologymag.com

MACH 1/TVT RECORDING ARTIST LUMIDEE NAMED YOUTH AMBASSADOR FOR ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION WALK

New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Walk, Sunday, April 29, 2007

New York, NY  April 9, 2007 -  Mach 1/TVT Recording Artist Lumidee has been name Youth Ambassador for the New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundations 2007 Arthritis Walk.

The annual nationwide event occurs in May during national Arthritis Month, raising funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability.  The Manhattan Arthritis Walk will take place on Sunday, April 29, at Battery Park.

I was fourteen years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, stated Lumidee. At nineteen years old, the doctors said I would never walk. I worked hard and all that hard word paid off when I was able to dance in my latest music video.  I want to give other young people the confidence they need to stop this disease from controlling their lives and ask everyone to come out and join the fight against arthritis by participating in the 2007 Arthritis Walk.

Lumidee represents what can be achieved by young people with arthritis, stated Jay B. Adlersberg, M.D. 2007 Battery Park Arthritis Walk Chairman, ABC-TVs Health and Medical Reporter, and rheumatologist.   We are proud to have her as our Youth Ambassador for this years walk. We hope that her participation will inspire the 300,000 young people suffering from arthritis in our country.

Lumidees new CD, Unexpected, is scheduled for release on April 17th. A native of Spanish Harlem, Lumidee first came to the attention of the public when her smash hit Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh) reached the no. 3 slot on Billboards Hot 100 in 2003.  Her current single,

Shes Like The Wind, featuring Terror Squad member Tony Sunshine, is a hot remake of the Patrick Swayze cut from Dirty Dancing fame and is currently at 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Unexpected also features tracks with Shaggy, Jim Jones, N.O.R.E., Snoop and TVT labelmate Pitbull.

Lumidees fans can go to http://BatteryParkArthritisWalk.kintera.org/newyork/teamlumidee to sign up for Team Lumidee to participate in the walk or make donations.

About the Arthritis Foundation and the New York Chapter

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, the nations number-one cause of disability. It is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948.

The New York Chapter, founded in 1948, serves the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island, and the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster.  The Chapter is a proud holder of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York Charity Seal.

In addition to funding strategic arthritis research projects, the Chapter provides an array of patient service programs that have a strong positive impact on the lives of people dealing with the daily effects of this challenging disease.  These include: an information and referral service, financial assistance to low-income people with arthritis, public forums, advocacy programs, warm water and land exercise classes, and self-help courses and groups.

For additional information, please call Tina DiRienzo at 212-984-8709 or log on to www.arthritis.org <http://www.arthritis.org/> .

#  #  #

www.lumidee.net <http://www.lumidee.net/>
www.arthritis.org <http://www.arthritis.org/> .

For media inquiries, please contact:

Maria Alamillo-Ramirez, 310-390-2712/solsistahs@aol.com
Karen Lee, 310-390-2712/KL364@aol.com
Joe Wiggins, 212-979-6410/joe@tvtrecords.com

MUSIC VIDEO CASTING CALL FOR RICO PAYSOS "I'M DA F**KN MAN"

Looking for a great opportunity to network with top professionals in the Entertainment Industry?

April 10, 2007
(Buffalo, NY)-- 4daLuvofMoney Inc.'s recording artist RiCo Paysos in association with Haman Entertainment and Sparklight Productions will be conducting a video casting call for the second release off the DopeBoyFresh CD titled "I'm Da F**kn' man", which is the follow-up to the Make It Out remix featuring Beanie Siegel.

Open casting call for LADIES ONLY will be held at Justin's Lounge, located at 31 W 21st Street New York, NY on Tuesday April 17, 2007 ONLY, at 5:30PM SHARP!!!

Attendance at this casting is recommended as the video shoot (tentatively scheduled for May 2007) will be a closed set with guest appearances by Reek Da Villian and Big Truck (Flip Mode Squad), Big Face Gary (State Property, Roc-A-Fella & Mojo Records), Public Enemy, Ghetto & Blues and Heat Makers.

*Ladies are asked to bring headshots to the casting complete with contact information (name, age, phone & email address) printed legibly on the reverse side of the picture. 

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If you would like to schedule RiCo Paysos for interviews, Please contact Sheila W. to set up a time that is convenient.

Source:

Sexy 716 Marketing & Promotions LLc.

Sheila W.
Publicist/Marketing/Promotions

Phone: (646) 339-2008 / Email: sexy716@gmail.com

NARM Announces Honorees

Legendary band Chicago to receive Chairman's Award

Soul Train creator Don Cornelius to accept Presidential Award

April 10, 2007
MARLTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is pleased to announce that it will honor two legends of the music industry at its upcoming annual convention, InSights & Sounds.07. Chicago, the legendary band known for extraordinary creativity, influential musicianship and staggering commercial success, will receive the Chairman's Award For Sustained Creative Achievement. Additionally, Soul Train creator and executive producer Don Cornelius will receive NARM’s 2007 Presidential Award For Sustained Executive Achievement.

As the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in five decades, Chicago is one of the most successful groups in Rock history. Of its albums, 18 are Gold, 13 are Platinum, 12 have reached the Top 10 and five have hit No. 1. Chicago will become a member of an exclusive club of artists who have received the NARM Chairman’s Award. Past recipients include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Leonard Bernstein, Garth Brooks, Lena Horne, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Liza Minnelli, Carlos Santana, and Quincy Jones, to name just a few.

NARM is also applauding the invaluable contributions Don Cornelius has made to the music industry for his nearly four decades as a broadcaster, producer and visionary entertainment impresario. As the longest running TV program of any genre in the history of first-run syndication in America, Soul Train has inspired music aficionados with its hip dancing and exciting performances by top R&B, Hip Hop, Gospel and Jazz superstars. Cornelius joins an esteemed list of former recipients that includes such music industry luminaries as Clive Davis, Berry Gordy Jr., Dick Clark, and Casey Kasem, to name a few.

About NARM:

Established in 1958, the Marlton, NJ-based National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is a not-for-profit trade association that serves the music retailing community in the areas of networking, advocacy, information, education and promotion. The Association's membership includes music and other entertainment retailers, wholesalers, service providers, distributors, record labels, multimedia suppliers, and suppliers of related products and services, as well as individual professionals and educators in the music business field.
Contacts

National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM)
Nicole Hennessey, 856-596-2221
or
Marla Cimini, PR, 856-616-1194

Marc Ecko Enterprises to Bring Threads to Virtual Ballers in Freestyle Street Basketball(TM)

Gamers Can Wear Hottest Styles in Sierra Online's Massively Multiplayer Basketball Game and on the Streets

LOS ANGELES, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, has partnered with Marc Ecko Enterprises to bring some of their hottest apparel brands to the highly anticipated PC game FreeStyle Street Basketball(TM). *ecko unltd., Ecko Red, G-Unit Clothing, Avirex and Zoo York gear will be available for FreeStyle Street Basketball players beginning April 19th in the public preview.

Gamers will have the ability to outfit their characters with branded collectible shirts, hoodies, jackets, button-ups, denim, warm up gear and a variety of other items. After the game launches this spring, new items will be released on a monthly basis to allow players to have the latest styles as they advance their street-ball skills on the virtual court. FreeStyle Street Basketball fans can also rock the hot styles from the game on the court as many items will also be available for sale at all Macy's and other select retail and specialty stores.

FreeStyle Street Basketball is a fast-paced massively multiplayer online PC basketball game where players meet on virtual courts to challenge each other in a dynamic pick-up game environment, featuring cutting-edge music, fashions and gravity defying basketball moves. The game's easy-to-learn controls allow players to master every move, from simple shots to crazy alleyoop dunks, using just four keys. Gamers can play 1-on-1, 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 street basketball online against people from around the country. The globally popular FreeStyle Street Basketball has more than 30 million players in Asia.

"The entire Ecko line-up is an ideal fit with the style and hip factor found in FreeStyle Street Basketball," said Ed Zobrist, president, Sierra Online. "By incorporating the Ecko brands in the game, we're giving players the ability to constantly update their online personas with the latest trends popping up on real courts around the country."

FreeStyle Street Basketball will be free for a limited time during a public preview beginning April 19, 2007. The game will be available on retail shelves and via digital distribution May 15, 2007. For more information on the game and to register for the public preview, visit www.FreeStyleStreetBasketball.com.

About Sierra Online

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes quality short- and mid-session, casual online games for all viable gaming platforms. Sierra Online's titles include Assault Heroes(TM), an award-winning game for Xbox(R) Live Arcade, and the upcoming FreeStyle Street Basketball(TM), an online PC game from leading Korean developer JC Entertainment, Inc. The division is also developing a variety of other Xbox Live Arcade and PC online games targeting the mass-market audience.

Source: Sierra Online

CONTACT: Laura Weir or Teresa Tyndorf, both of fortyseven
communications, +1-323-658-1200, for Sierra Online

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

adidas and Foot Locker Unveil Graffiti 'Sole' in New End to End Footwear Collection

Featuring Graffiti Artwork from Masters of the Craft, from the Sketchbook to the Streets

NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Graffiti art and street design collide in the new End to End footwear collection, unveiled today by adidas Originals and Foot Locker. These unique, original designs were crafted by seven of the world's most celebrated graffiti masters -- from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France -- who were brought together in a collaborative effort to create a unique style that takes their artwork from the sketchbook to the streets. The artists were on hand to paint a full-size replica subway car to demonstrate their craftsmanship, while showcasing their creativity and artwork, from end-to-end.

Available exclusively at Foot Locker stores globally, the End to End Collection features the All City Collection, the Burner Collection and the King's Collection.

"Together with Foot Locker, we were able to create a 'think tank' where these artisans could amplify their creativity and design one of our most vibrant collections to date," says Liad Krispin, Head of adidas Trend & Lifestyle Marketing/US. "Never before has a project like this taken place where the collection is designed alongside developers to ensure that the product correctly represents the artist, their style and their artwork."

The End to End Project: A Unique Collaboration

Over a period of three days, the artists worked around the clock in a custom-built creative environment to produce the artwork for this distinctive collection. In gathering the artists together under one roof, adidas and Foot Locker created a new process in developing graffiti-based designs.

For their world-class workshop, adidas and Foot Locker gutted a large warehouse in East London's hip Spitalfields area, then remodeled the space to produce the ideal creative environment. Enormous white canvases and a full range of "tools of the trade" -- spray paint cans, nozzles, markers, paint brushes and anything the artists could possibly need -- was provided so they could focus on their craft. The remarkable results offer designs that embody the creativity, the collaborative spirit, and the artistic beauty envisioned by the End to End project.

"The bold styles on these classic silhouettes will resonate with our customers, who are always looking for new and innovative product designs," said Jeanine Zocks, Vice President of Marketing, Foot Locker US. "We are excited to offer the adidas End to End collection to our customers worldwide."

Masters of the Trade

Each piece of signature footwear showcases the artists' unique, individual talents and tastes. The graffiti masters include:

  Skore -- For more than 20 years, Skore has been a staple part of the
  subculture in the U.K., participating in every aspect of the art form. His
  development of lettering styles combined with technical skill and original
  flair has kept him a primary influence for many graffiti writers
  worldwide.

  Can2 and Atom -- Can2 and Atom juxtapose traditional letterforms and
  characters with searing colorways and incredible attention to detail.
  Together, they have influenced a whole generation of modern-day graffiti
  artists.

  Siloette -- Based in the U.S., Siloette's illustrative style of character
  and letter painting has made her one to watch, with an incredible use of
  color and unique flowing style.

  Rime -- Known for pushing the limitations of lettering, Rime's pieces are
  a combination of vivid colors, cartoon-style outlines and bold tags. He is
  one of the most respected writers in the U.S., and has influenced many
  others both within and outside of the graffiti world.

  Scien -- Working alongside his wife Klor, Scien developed the infamous 123
  Klan collective in 1992. Well known for crisp outlines and clean
  detailing, his repertoire now extends beyond graffiti: the 123 Klan is
  established as one of the finest design and illustration agencies in
  Europe.

  Smart -- Combining traditional New York lettering with creative hand
  styles, Italian-based Smart has quickly become a name to be reckoned with.
  All of his work has a raw and funky twist to it, utilizing great colorways
  and inspired detailing.

  About the adidas Group

The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around the three core segments adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 25,000 employees and sales of around euro 9.5 billion. The adidas Originals collection is represented by the Trefoil -- the classic three-leafed logo introduced in 1972. Representing a fusion of sport authenticity and global street style, adidas Originals extends the brand's unique sport heritage creating an aspirational fashion label for today's lifestyle consumer.

About Foot Locker, Inc.

Foot Locker, Inc. is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 4,000 stores in 20 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, the Company is the leading provider of athletic merchandise.

Source: the adidas Group

CONTACT: Sharron McDevitt of Hill & Knowlton, +1-212-885-0393,
sharron.mcdevitt@hillandknowlton.com, for the adidas Group

Underground Hip Hop meets Corporate MBA, It's a Whole New Industry

Bronx, NY / Nashville, TN (PRWEB) April 10, 2007 -- On the heals of winning Get'Em Magazine's coveted Most Valuable Player Award, hip hop mixtape legend and New Industry Records CEO DJ Fade announces the addition of his own new MVP. DJ Fade and his partner New York City rapper St. Laz of Pottersfield named accomplished corporate strategist Lisa Fortunato to New Industry Records' street-smart executive team.

"Bringing on Lisa is a bold move" said Fade, "she's an unknown and being unknown in the hip hop game is certain death. On the other hand, Lisa is a brilliant strategist with an impressive corporate background. Lisa's unique business talent is a major asset to New Industry's mission."

Rapper St Laz says, "New Industry is about change. I put my heart and soul in my music and I not going to sell out. I turned down deals because I've seen too many talented artists making labels rich while they're on the road broke as hell. New Industry artists are going to spit great music and be well paid for their work. I was against bringing in some corporate MBA but after a minute with Lisa I told myself, oh yeah, we gonna change this game."

After building military intelligence systems, growing businesses for a Fortune 100 company and finally building her own small telecom company Fortunato says she is energized by the challenge of building New Industry Records.

"This is an opportunity of a life-time. The hip hop industry is in flux, a virtual sea of dynamic variables and amazing possibilities. Fade and Laz are drivers; they have competed against their peers in talent saturated markets and ended up on top. We're mixing it up even more by assembling a dream team board of directors - all outsiders who have forged their own paths in several different industries. Trust me, we're going to shake things up."

St Laz & DJ Fade's first official New Industry Records CD "SoundScan Here I Come" hits the streets April 15. Details about the New Industry muti-artist summer concert series coming late spring.

About New Industry Records

New Industry Records is the brain child of award winning underground mixtape DJ, DJ Fade and rising New York City rap star St. Laz of Pottersfield. Our mission is simple - reward talented artists and create new possibilities in the Hip Hop Game.

For more information & interview requests visit www.newindustryrecords.com
Lisa Fortunato
888-463-2466

BLACK HAND RELEASES THE LONG ANTICIPATED AUTOGRAFH ALBUM

April 10, 2007
Black Hand Entertainment will release its flagship artist, Grafh's long anticipated album on July 24th. Autografh the album is billed as Grafh's story and will feature some of the hottest new upcoming producers in the country. When asked about the project Grafh said, "I restructured this album, it's a little personal, and I wanted to introduce new producers to showcase new hot music, new hot lyrics, and some introspective content".

For an extra marketing punch, Black Hand will have a select number of songs available for free download for a limited time prior the July 24th release date. Black Hand CEO, Chaz Williams stated, "…we are in a new climate in the music business. It's a highly competitive environment, with a new web savvy consumer. They want to know what they're getting for their money. They are no longer being hoodwinked and rushing to the stores simply because they hear the one record playing at radio. We want to make the inevitable downloading of music work in our favor to build an affinity for the artist and his music. Traditionally, major labels have allotments of free goods at retail, we are providing that by making limited downloads available early."

The lead single, "Glo In The Dark" is already buzzing and the early album reviews are getting a thumbs up. Grafh will begin his radio and retail promotional run in the northeast, starting with the New England area and working his way south. Finally, we will see what Grafh really does on the mic.

"Autografh" limited download tracks are available with the link below:

http://www.zshare.net/download/grafh-autografh-zip-uhr.html

CONTACT:

Black Hand Ent.
Chaz Williams 646-879-6729
BlackHandChaz@yahoo.com

Universal Republic Signs Hot Atlanta Hip Hop Group SHOP BOYZ

OnDeck Records' Smash Atlanta Trio Brings Urban Radio

Hip Hop/Punk Smash 'Party Like A Rockstar' To Universal Republic

April 09, 2007
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Republic Records has entered into an agreement with OnDeck Records to market, distribute and release hot new genre-defying hip hop trio the SHOP BOYZ, whose debut single "Party Like A Rockstar," scored as most added new single at urban radio last week, continuing to build excitement ahead of its official Tuesday, April 10 release date.

Launched by OnDeck Records, the SHOP BOYZ’ initial breakthrough has been forged by Atlanta label’s CEO, Brian ‘Bingo’ Ward, who has skillfully guided the groundbreaking trio’s rapid trajectory into the mainstream. The group’s riotous blast of hip hop-meets-rock has transformed the southern hip hop landscape, emerging from Atlanta’s underground urban music scene and inspiring a new punk wave among the south’s hip hop tastemakers. With major labels in hot pursuit of the group since the beginning of 2007, the three members, Fat, Meanie, and Sheed are being hailed as new pioneers of the genre. “We are excited to be in business with Brian Ward and OnDeck Records,” stated Monte Lipman, President Of Universal Republic Records. “Brian is a great recruiter of talent and the SHOP BOYZ exemplifies the cutting edge of a bold new force in hip hop. Their willingness to go beyond the cookie-cutter approach in every way fits our label’s artist-driven mission like a glove.”

Brian B. Ward, CEO of OnDeck Records also commented: “OnDeck and The “Party Like A Rock Star,” movement is already spreading well beyond the confines of the south. Monte Lipman and Universal Republic’s great track record of thinking out-of-the-box and providing the ultimate exposure for their artists will ensure the SHOP BOYZ stay ‘street’ and connect with the millions of fans hungering for something new in hip hop.”

Current plans call for the debut SHOP BOYZ album, Rockstar Mentality, to be released by Universal Republic on June 26. The group will be shooting a much anticipated video for “Party Like A Rockstar,” later this week, to be directed by Marc Klasfeld (Nelly, Juvenile, Ludacris, Foo Fighters) and to be shot in their native Atlanta.

Contacts

Universal Republic Records
Serena Gallagher, 212-841-8201
Senior Vice President, Publicity
Serena.gallagher@umusic.com

New Book Considers Hold of Hip Hop on Young Black Women

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In hip hop music and videos, young black women are consistently portrayed as sexually insatiable vixens willing to debase themselves for the privilege of even the shortest ride on the music industry party train.

Still, young black women play an enthusiastic part in hip hop culture, as do youth of all races who continue to make hip hop a worldwide phenomenon.

Tracy Sharpley-Whiting -- a Vanderbilt University professor, young black woman, former model, feminist and a hip hop fan -- researched this paradox and responded with "Pimps Up, Ho's Down: Hip Hop's Hold on Young Black Women." The book, published by New York University Press, offers an insightful look into the strip clubs, groupie culture and other aspects of hip hop that have given a voice to the disenfranchised while raising troubling questions about what those voices are saying and doing.

"As disturbing as I find some of what's going on around gender in hip hop, there are also things that we need to celebrate," Sharpley-Whiting said. "It's the soundtrack of black life in the United States, and it's absolutely astonishing that it became such a cultural force globally.

"We have to revel in that kind of creativity coming from such a marginalized group."

"Pimps Up, Ho's Down" features chapters on the maneuvers of groupie-rap star relations, the sexual abuse of black women and strip club culture.

The book paints a complex portrait with one constant: Black women always at the bottom of any pecking order.

"That doesn't mean I find hip hop depressing," Sharpley-Whiting said. "I find the state of gender and race relationships depressing. Just because aspects of hip hop may be misogynistic and sexist doesn't mean that misogyny began with hip hop. Hip hop just happens to be the youth culture of the moment and therefore takes the wrath on a lot of issues."

Any solutions will involve changing society rather than stifling hip hop's blunt articulation of what's going on, Sharpley-Whiting said.

"I do urge young women to be more politically conscious about the choices they make and the opportunities they take," she said. "They've become reducible to dispensable and exchangeable commodities of sex and beauty in commercial hip hop, and I hope that space can be created for opportunities beyond that."

Source: Vanderbilt University

CONTACT: Jim Patterson of Vanderbilt University, +1-615-322-NEWS,
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu

Brooks Arts Festival @ The Hart Building in Williamsburg

Located on Hart St. and Bushwick Avenue
Saturday April 14th, 2007

Kicking off the springtime tradition of vibrant New York art, Glow-in-the-Dark Records signees The New Rap Order and Brooklyn hip hop collective The Dugout present the BROOKS ARTS FESTIVAL.

Brooks Arts Festival merges premier musical, directing, poetry talents from all over the city. The groups have performed at Southpaw, the Mercury Lounge, Bowery Poetry Club, S.O.B's among other renowned venues and now join their peers in a powerful showing of nouveau artistry.

Featured acts include filmmakers Kamal Robinson, director of Those Days, Randy Wilkins (40 Acres and a Mule), Theron 'Tee Smif' Smith of Kings County Cinema, screening unreleased B.I.G. footage, Mick Boogie and Pure West Films.

The evening's events will be capped with a fashion show for Wingstone and Eternal Life and a live poetry slam with Sciryl (HBO's Def Poetry), Kesed I Am and Urban Word NYC teen slam finalists.

Andrew Ricketts - andrewc.ricketts@gmail.com

Grammy Award Winning Producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Devo Springsteen, B.G. and Chopper City Records, Tyrese Gibson, And Bobby Valentino lend hand to newcomers!

Talent Competition Gives Industry Hopefuls A Major Record Deal And Production Opportunity

WASHINGTON, DC April 02, 2007 – Grammy Award Winning Platinum producers Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and Devo Springsteen are among the industry judges who are choosing the next Double Threat Icon via HipHopWorld.NET. The Double Threat Talent Contest is a 20-week online, music video talent competition. Artists from around the world are uploading their videos for celebrity panelists and the public to judge. The winning contestant receives $5000 cash and prizes, a professional recording deal with Third Eye Music, and production from Kerry "Krucial" Brothers.

Krucial is Founder and co-CEO of KrucialKeys Enterprise, and a Grammy Award winning, Multi-Platinum selling producer and writer. This highly acclaimed producer is also a great humanitarian, consistently giving back to the community. By taking part in the Double Threat Competition, Krucial shows that he cares about helping aspiring entertainers build long lasting careers. He is well known for working with Rakim, Mario, Angie Stone, Nas, Keyshia Cole and of course Alicia Keys. From March 1st through July 21st artists can enter their music videos into the contest.

The competition, which includes live music seminars, allows online judges and contestants to meet face to face. The first stop on the talent tour is April 26 in Washington DC, at Zanzibar on the Water Front. The contest continues to Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Orlando, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Another celebrity panelists and online judges is Grammy winning producer and DJ Devo Springsteen. Devo’s impact on popular music includes his production work for artists such as John Legend, Kayne West and Nas. Each seminar includes A&R feedback sessions, new artists showcases, producer beat battles, all-star industry panelists and exclusive networking.

The Double Threat Music Seminars focus on empowering industry hopefuls by providing an educational music forum. It also provides the opportunity to showcase their talents for industry tastemakers. Even for those who do not win the contest, each Double Threat Seminar is another opportunity to make many valuable industry connections.

The ultimate winner will be a multi-talented individual who truly encapsulates the essence of a Double Threat. They must posses at least two distinctively artistic skills. Whether they sing & rap, dance & model, produce & act, or have other multi-talents? The winner will walk away with a professional recording contract, a Grammy Winning producer and $5000 cash and prizes.

To enter the competitions contestants must logon to www.HipHopWorld.NET and register for a FREE account. Artists then have the option of entering the online portion of the contest by uploading a video for voting. If contestants choose to compete at the live Music Seminars, they can upgrade their HipHopWorld.NET membership for only $49.95. This is a six-month membership, which provides All-Access Passes to the Music Seminars.

For sponsorship opportunities, special label showcases, or product placement please contact Meagan Price at 267-295-6213 ext 30

Contact: Meagan Price
Phone: 267.295.6213 x30
Email: mprice@hiphopworld.net

RICO PAYSOS TO APPEAR AT CENTRAL CT STATE UNIVERSITY WITH BUSTA RHYMES

April 10, 2007
(Buffalo, NY)--Central Activities Network is proud to present Rap artist, songwriter, and lyricist Rico Paysos along with, After Math recording artist Busta Rhymes, in concert, April 26, 2007 at 8pm (doors open @ 7pm).  The concert will be held at Central Connecticut State University 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050. Tickets are $10 for students/ faculty/staff and $20 for guest. (Students may purchase up to 4 tickets at guest prices).

Rap artist, songwriter, and lyricist; RiCo Paysos, has for the last half a decade, has been perfecting his talents as an emcee. Born and raised in the same place as Hip Hop, The Boogie Down Bronx, New York, he would later relocate to Hempstead, Long Island, where there is little spoken about the gritty aspects of these "suburbs". Rico Paysos speaks about his experiences in the streets of Hempstead/Uniondale and about every view of life he has seen as he walked a top the devil's roof.   From women, love, & lust, to cash, drugs, crime, dreams, struggles & the come up, Paysos is not afraid to share his soul with his audience. Paysos music doesn't just bring life; it is Life, because everyone can relate to something.

"A Hip Hop apprentice perfecting his craft, Paysos is a fine wine he just gets better with time, this is a rising star waiting to be discovered, so keep your eyes on him" .

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If you would like more information, or would like to schedule RiCo Paysos for interviews, Please contact Sheila Waker to set up a time that is convenient.

Source:
Contact:
Sheila Waker
Publicist/Marketing/Promotions

Sexy 716 Marketing & Promotions
Phone: (646) 339-2008 / Email: sexy716@gmail.com

MTV's 'Pimp My Ride' & Governor Schwarzenegger Take Green to The Extreme With Special Earth Day Episode Airing April 22nd at 1 PM ET/PT

California Governor Helps Xzibit & G.A.S. Crew Turn A '65 Impala into 800 Horsepower Biodiesel Clean Machine!

Earth Day Episode Rounds Out thinkMTV's Year-Long 'Break the Addiction' Campaign Empowering Youth To Curb Climate Change

NEW YORK, April 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In celebration of Earth Day, MTV and the "Pimp My Ride" crew prove that going green can get extreme, especially with a little help from a friend - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. As part of a very special Earth Day episode airing April 22nd at 1 pm ET/PT, Governor Schwarzenegger visits Xzibit, Mad Mike and the entire "Pimp My Ride" crew at G.A.S. (Galpin Auto Sports), as they take aim on a '65 Chevy Impala, and give it a one of a kind ecological alteration. Ultimately proving that power and preservation can co-exist thanks to partners at Galpin, Imperium Renewables, General Motors and others, the Impala gets an 800 horsepower diesel engine that will run on biodiesel, turning it into one extraordinary clean machine!

"I would like to thank MTV and the entire 'Pimp my Ride' crew for shining the spotlight on the importance of alternative fuels and the fight against global warming. I am very encouraged by the great potential in converting vehicles to run on biodiesel as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I am pleased that the power of MTV's message will reach an audience throughout California and the nation to reinforce the benefits of alternative-fuel vehicles and protecting our environment."

The special episode will air as part of the thinkMTV (www.think.mtv.com) year long, 12-step campaign "Break The Addiction," engaging, empowering, and educating millions of young people to make smart, everyday choices that both improve their life and help curb the impact of climate change and preserve the environment. The episode will also air on MTV2 and MTV Tr3s, and appear on MTV as the kick-off of a "Pimp My Ride" Sneak Peek marathon featuring all new episodes of the MTV hit series beginning at 1 pm ET/PT on Sunday, April 22nd.

"What better way to celebrate the anniversary of our Break the Addiction campaign than pimping the environment with a pro like Governor Schwarzenegger - a powerful voice in the fight against climate change," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "During the past year, we've reached millions, giving our audience the tools they want to make changes in their own lives. The state of our environment is one of the most critical issues facing our audience today and we're honored that we can inspire and educate even more as we celebrate Earth Day with this special 'Pimp My Ride' event."

During this special edition of "Pimp My Ride" fans will meet Kristoffer from North Hollywood, CA who has had more than his fair share of car trouble with his 1965 Chevy Impala. Rescue comes his way however as Xzibit pays him a surprise, and takes his car to G.A.S. for the ultimate ecological transformation. Beau, Mad Mike, and the entire G.A.S. team put together the plan, which includes installing a monster 800 horsepower diesel engine that will run on biodiesel! Fans watch every step of the way, and even join Mad Mike as he visits the guys at Imperium Renewables to learn exactly how alternative fuels are created and used. The crew then decides to test out how the new biodiesel Impala fares against a Lamborghini Gallardo in the ultimate race! In a surprise visit, Governor Schwarzenegger himself visits G.A.S. to help with the final touches and provides his own eco-approval. With the race and transformation complete with the Governor's blessing, Kristoffer gets jolted when his new pimped-out masterpiece is unveiled before him.

Galpin Auto Sports, the garage of "Pimp My Ride," takes going green to an all-new level in this special episode. Their dedication to protecting our Earth dates back to 1979 when Galpin Motors began converting fleets of gasoline engine vehicles to run on methanol and even opened the nation's first methanol service station. Additionally, Galpin Motors was one of the first dealers to sell Ford flexible fuel vehicles, TH!NK Neighbors and other electric vehicles, for which they even built an on-site charging station.

General Motors lends a hand with the restoration of this very special '65 Chevy Impala with its efficient and powerful Duramax diesel engine which, when found in the latest Chevrolet and GMC trucks, is one of the cleanest diesel engines ever produced. GM is focused on reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles and promoting energy diversity with the development of advanced fuel-saving technologies for the conventional vehicle, the use of biofuels like E85 ethanol and biodiesel, and the development of electrically-driven vehicles like hybrids, fuel cells, and those that can be powered by lithium ion battery technology. To restore this classic Impala to mint condition, Mad Mike, Beau and the G.A.S. crew wanted to use the "real thing" - original parts manufactured with the original tool and die from GM Restoration Parts.

Imperium Renewables, was also a key partner in this special episode of "Pimp My Ride" - providing biodiesel fuel and engineering expertise as well as providing a year supply of biodiesel fuel made from Canola for the show's lucky recipient of the new pimped out ride. A leader in the renewable energy industry, Imperium Renewables is committed to helping society break its addiction to petroleum. Known for its creation of several proprietary new production innovations and technology, Imperium Renewables is currently set to build the largest biodiesel production facility in the U.S. at Imperium Grays Harbor, Washington this year.

On Earth Day, April 22, 2006, thinkMTV launched "Break the Addiction," a 12-step campaign to engage, educate and empower millions of young people to make smart, everyday choices that both improve their life and help to curb the impact of climate change and preserve our environment. The campaign, which exists across all of MTV's platforms, focuses primarily on individual, daily actions young people can take to reduce their consumption, while simultaneously inspiring and rewarding high school and college-aged youth to develop innovative solutions that capitalize on the opportunity to build a better environmental future for themselves and their world. To date, "Break the Addiction" has reached millions of young people through on air programming, MTV News stories, public service announcements, online resources, contests and on the ground mobilizing. For more information about thinkMTV's Break the Addiction campaign, visit think.mtv.com.

About thinkMTV

thinkMTV is a vibrant community where young people get informed, connect to each other, express themselves and take action on the issues important to them, their community and their world. With the credo "Reflect. Decide. Do." thinkMTV, in partnership with almost 40 national and international organizations, enables young people to get involved in important domestic and international issues - such as education, sexual health, discrimination, the environment & natural disasters, politics, and global affairs - through long- form documentaries, public service announcements, news segments, think moments, a comprehensive website and interactive forum at think.mtv.com, emerging media platforms, speaking engagements, and grassroots activities, materials and issue guides.

About MTV Networks

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: Jeff Castaneda, +1-212-846-6774, Jeff.Castaneda@mtvstaff.com,
or Emily Yeomans, +1-310-752-8074, Emily.Yeomans@mtvstaff.com, both of MTV

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

BET Digital Media Group Makes History With Launch of Mobile Fan Club for Top Rated Music Program, 106 & PARK

NEW YORK, April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Scott Mills, CFO of BET Networks and President of the newly created BET DIGITAL MEDIA GROUP announced the launch of the 106 & PARK MOBILE FAN CLUB. BET Mobile is extending 106 & PARK, the #1 music show on television to the mobile audience by offering subscribers unique digital content, BET digital assets, a subscription to the newly created mobile magazine, 106 & PARK Off-The-Couch and VIP access to BET events and select artist appearances -- all for free! 106 is the first music countdown show to have a mobile fan club, available through all domestic carriers. To become a member of the 106 & PARK MOBILE FAN CLUB, one must text IMIN to 23898.

"106 & PARK is THE leading music video show on television so it's only natural that we lead the way in the mobile space," said Stephen G. Hill, Executive Vice President of Music Programming and Talent. "Our audience can't live without their devices and it makes sense for us to be where they are with our compelling content and ubiquitous brand. We will continue to entertain and engage our audience beyond their TV sets."

Sure to be an instant hit, members of the 106 & PARK MOBILE FAN CLUB can receive:

  -- 106 & PARK theme song as a free ringtone
  -- A free subscription to the 106 & PARK Off-the-Couch -- a mobile
     magazine; authored by the hosts, Rosci and Terrence -- giving members a
     behind-the-scenes look of the show.  Weekly issues will include:
     * Captioned, candid photos of guests (music artists, actors, athletes)
       who appeared on the show
     * A preview of the upcoming week
     * Option to purchase ringtones for the week's top videos
     * Gossip and tid-bits the hosts may not have shared with the on-air
       viewing audience
  -- Free digital content from select artists (ringtones, voice tones,
     graphics, mobile diaries, etc.)
  -- Privileged information about BET events and specials
  -- Exclusive consideration for unique artist promotions
  -- Exclusive invitations to signature BET on-air specials and events (BET
     AWARDS, HIP HOP AWARDS, SPRING BLING, RIP THE RUNWAY, etc.)
  -- Exclusive invitations to meet the artists they love while they tour and
     make promotional appearances across the country

"BET Networks is extremely focused on developing exciting digital executions for every relevant platform. Mobile is particularly important because our audience over-indexes across nearly every meaningful metric. The 106 & Park Mobile Fan Club is a perfect example of the integration of BET's programming, marketing, and digital platforms to fulfill the needs of our tech-savvy 106 viewers," said Mills.

As BET's highest rated music series of all time, 106 & PARK is the premiere video countdown show on television. Live from New York City, the most energetic show on the planet welcomes a live studio audience and the biggest superstar guests five days a week. The biggest names in the music and entertainment industry such as Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Tom Cruise, Queen Latifah, and Diddy have all stopped by 106 -- the number one destination for today's hottest celebrities and entertainers.

BET is known for mobile innovation. BET Networks was the first major US cable network to integrate mobile commerce into daily television programming; and launched an IVR service for the purchase of artists ringtone through its BET (238) offering (available on Sprint and Cingular), which allows users to dial into the service, listen and purchase ringtones. During the fourth quarter of 2006, BET Mobile launched a mobile subscription service with experimental pricing at $3.99 per month, which has lead to double digit monthly subscriber growth and below industry churn levels. Also, in 2006, BET Mobile was awarded a "Campaigns of Distinction Award" by Television Week for outstanding on-air mobile campaigns.

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.

For additional information, log on to http://www.bet.com/PR.

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco of BET Networks, +1-212-975-3327,
Marcy.Polanco@BET.net

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