Phat Kat Brings Detroit's Finest Hip-Hop Across The US On "Carte Blanche" Tour

(Brooklyn, NY May 3rd, 2007)  Detroit-based hip-hop artist Phat Kat has just released the dates for his Carte Blanche Tour, to take place this May in all major US markets. The tour will support his upcoming Look Records album Carte Blanche, which will be released on May 8, 2007. Joining him are Slum Village, Illa J, (younger brother to the late great J Dilla), and DJ's Dez and Design.

Phat Kat, also known as Ronnie Cash, has been a longtime veteran of the Detroit scene. As far back as his days with Dilla in First Down, Kat has been a fixture in one of the nation's most vibrant and unique cities for hip-hop. Though the success of the group would be stalled due to the collapse of their label Payday Records, their influence on hip-hop music brought Detroit into the spotlight. This association with his hometown comes through in his music  all of the guest artists on his album as well as the tour call the Motor City home. Now, three years after the release of his solo debut Undeniable, Phat Kat is ready to take his music to the streets of America. His new tour is lined up and his new album is primed for a breakout - watch for the sound of Detroit coming to your city this summer.

Fri., May 11  Poleng Lounge, San Francisco - CA
Sun, May 13  Key Club, Los Angeles  CA
Mon. May 14  The Glass House, Pomona  CA
Tue. May 15  Launchpad, Albuquerque  NM
Wed. May 16  Cervantes, Denver - CO
Thu. May 17  Suede, Park City - UT
Fri. May 18th  Berbati's Pan, Portland - OR
Sat. May 19th  (Venue TBA) Vancouver - BC
Sun. May 20th  Chop Suey, Seattle - WA
Wed. May 23  Alvins, Detroit - MI
Sat. May 26  Little Brothers, Columbus - OH
Mon. May 28 Sonar, Baltimore  MA
Tue. May 29  Southpaw, Brooklyn - NY
Thu. May 31  The Middle East, Cambridge - MA
Sat. June 2  The Saints Show Bar, Montreal - Quebec
Sun. June 3  Grog Shop, Cleveland  OH

###

Phat Kat is available for phoners or in person interviews during the tour. Please contact Michelle if interested

Cold Steel Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz0XZl2Lkx4

Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
www.audibletreats.com/download/PhatKat/

Phat Kat's MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/phatkatakaronniecash

Phat Kat's iMeem page:
phatkat313.imeem.com

Phat Kat's Label:
www.lookrecords.com

Web Inquiries: Michelle McDevitt michelle (at) audibletreats.com
www.audibletreats.com

DMC UK FINALS AND UK BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY

Friday 29th June
7pm-12am

Shepherds Bush Empire

Hosted by MC TRIP and CUTMASTER SWIFT

Performance by DMC WORLD CHAMPION 2006 DJ NETIK

Beat junkies and turntablists beware! The 2007 UK DMC DJ Championships are upon us, with this year's event looking set to be the biggest yet!

The final will be taking place at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London on the 29th June with heats running from the 17th May to 16th June nationwide. This year DMC World Champion 2006 DJ Netik will be joining hosts MC Trip and Turntable legend Cutmaster Swift as DMC embarks on a 6 date nationwide tour to find the UK's most gifted turntablist.

The winner of the prestigious event will have the chance to represent the UK in the World DMC Championships which are set to take place in September, making this a once in a lifetime opportunity for the elite of the UK’s deejays.

This year the rules have been brought back to basics with only one set of Technics SL1210 MK2 turntables, one mixer with no effects or modifications and only stylus in the Ortofon range allowed per competitor. A factor that will give each participant an equal platform and really crank up the pressure for each round!

The competition is broken down into two key events:  first is The Battle For World Supremacy, a solo head-to head knock out where competitors are given a mere 90 seconds to out skill their opponent. Then its on to the big one - the Individual Event, where the contestants get 6 minutes each to showcase their mixing and turntablist skills, with the winner going on to claim the title of UK DMC Champion.

Past UK DMC Champions include The Scratch Pevert’s, Plus One who went on to be crowned DMC World Champion in 2001 and 1XTRA’s DJ Blakey.

There event will be hosted by Killa Kella’s right hand man MC Trip and godfather of djing Cutmaster Swift, who himself won the World DMC Championship in 1989. Live performances on the night will include DMC World Champion 2006 DJ Netik and many more.

******THE DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER, VENUE AND DATE TO BE CONFIRMED******

UK DMC TOUR / HEATS

BRISTOL                   Bagman @ The Croft                        Thursday 17th May

SHEFFIELD               The Tuesday Club                              Tuesday 22nd May

LONDON                    Doctors Orders @ Plan B                 Thursday 24th May

LIVERPOOL               No Fakin / Common Ground @ The Magnet  Friday 25th May

BIRMINGHAM         Afro Dizzy @ The Rainbow                  Saturday 2nd June

BOURNEMOUTH    The Consortium                                    Saturday 16th June   

For more information contact David (Press) / Lucius (Online) / Robin (Radio)  @ Outpost on 020 7684 5634 or e-mail david, lucius or robin@outpostmedia.co.uk

Sance: Profanity Free Hip-Hop Invasion!!!

Rapper Drops The "N", "H", and "B" Words On His Debut CD, 2829

May 2, 2007                           

NEW YORK CITY - Sance, the Beast from the East has arrived. His debut album, entitled 2829 is scheduled to drop this summer and lo and behold its arrival is without the "N", "H" or "B" words!! Long before the public furor concerning the inappropriate use of certain words among rappers and public figures, Sance had always focused his music on the positive aspects about life. Sance has stated many times that "The women who raised and nurtured me always taught me to respect women and to have self respect about ones self. Therefore the "N" word or other deprecating words were never allowed in my household."

Sance is the new class of responsible rapper who has taken it upon himself to provide his audience meaningful lyrical interpretations of the many travails of ones life and the world around him. This is part of Sance's overall mission, which is to revive Hip Hop and return it to its old soulful milieu. If you listen to his debut album, 2829, you will appreciate his primary purpose, which is to be a poet for his audience. Poets like Sance are constantly interpreting the conditions and events of life and then translating them into a lyrical style that his audience can appreciate and understand. This dynamic, young lyricist has released his first single entitled "Fresh" and the streets are reacting favorably to his effort.

2829 was entirely self-produced and features label-mate, Sean Hunter and fellow rapper Lynx. This album will have you reminiscing about the days when brilliant well crafted lyrics overshadowed great beats. Sance is hard at work, producing exceptional music and presenting it to his constituents for their enjoyment.   

"Sance" is one of the many up and coming artist under the tutelage of the Taylor Family Dynasty, (TFD) which is founded by the brilliant young entrepreneur, Hakim Taylor.  TFD aims to change the entertainment industry’s standard by introducing innovative and gifted new acts like Sance. The TFD is also dedicated to the proposition that they will make available, distribution vehicles for other independent record labels and artists.  As a full-service record label, The TFD assists smaller labels and production companies in getting their product into stores. Their goal is to become the beacon that attracts the smaller label and indie artist into their fold. "Sance is one of our hottest up and coming artists and there is more to follow." says HK. "At The TFD we are building a network of small, independent labels and artists that will forever change the way the music business works. It's time for the groundbreaking, smaller companies to finally get their due."   

The Hip World has been craving for "real" Hip Hop to return. Well now, Sance is making that happen by bringing passion, talent and creativity together again. These winning combinations have created Hip Hop you can be proud of!

       ###

For press information, please contact:
S&S Associates – (908) 221-1660
info@ssassocs.com

TM Media Group Signs Hip Hop Artist Manaj for Recording and Film Contract

May 03, 2007
HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TM Media Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:TMMG), a diversified entertainment Company, announced today the Company has signed hip hop artist Manaj to a five-year, five album recording contract. The first album is guaranteed and the Company has an option on the rights of four additional albums.

Manaj is the 22 year-old daughter of rap industry pioneer, Dr. Dre. A performer since a young age, Manaj has worked with Mis Torre and Hood Surgeon. Influenced heavily by both East and West Coast rap artists and early R & B music, Manaj describes her music as rap illustrating the situations many women living in urban areas encounter in their day to day lives.

TM Media Group intends to continue to produce up to five albums over five years by Manaj. Additional terms of the contract provision for production and distribution support for any film projects undertaken by Manaj. The Company also intends to capitalize on cross-marketing opportunities featuring the artist including music videos, films, television series, series of webisodes and video games.

“Manaj is an incredibly strong woman, who is successfully working in the male dominated rap industry,” stated TM Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Matt Harmon. “TM Media Group is proud to have Manaj join our corporate family. She is a revolutionary artist and we look forward to her contributions not only to TM Media Group but also to the hip hop community.”

About TM Media Group

Based in Hollywood, California, TM Media Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:TMMG) develops and markets unique licensed entertainment, film, video game, and music merchandise for specialty, mass retail and online distribution. The Company, currently with three subsidiaries in the film, music and video game industries, develops and produces products for filmed entertainment, online and collectible card games, and web-based services. Additionally, the Company owns the rights to a diverse pool of media assets, including several films in various stages of production, online gaming platforms, and collectible card games.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may be forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors such as the level of business and consumer spending, the amount of sales of the Company's products, the competitive environment within the industry, the ability of the Company to continue to expand its operations, the level of costs incurred in connection with the Company's expansion efforts, economic conditions in the industry and the financial strength of the Company's customers and suppliers. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are also directed to consider all other risks and uncertainties.
Contacts

Company Contact:
TM Media Group
pr@tmmediagroup.com
http://www.tmmediagroup.com
or
Investor Relations Contact:
Equity Performance Group
Bethany Tomich, 617-723-1465
bethany@equityperfgp.com
http://www.equityperformancegroup.com

Controversial clothing brand Gangster Affiliated carves out a niche market.

New Summer Hip Hop Fashion for 2007

Long Beach, CA, May 03, 2007 --(PR.com)-- If you are in the know then you know that Gangster Affiliated Clothing is the hottest brand in the urban community and is spreading. The name says it all but it's not what you think. The brand does not encourage or endorse in any way, shape or form the obvious.

In the book, The Fundamentals of a Gangster which was written and self published by CEO and founder of the brand, Byron Davenport, he explains what being Gangster Affiliated is about and it is certainly not what one would expect. The book is a testament and motivational roadmap to achieving whatever you want in life including 103 philisophical thoughts to live by.

Although the company has only been selling moderately priced t-shirts and now high end polos they have managed to corner a particular market no one has paid any attention to. This market is gangsters, street hustlers, players and real die hard go-getters. It is this niche market that propelled hip hop to where it is today and there is no signs of slowing anywhere in sight.

The word gangster and being gangster is not only a common word in the urban community it is also popular and it has different meanings for different people. To some it's an expression of something nice such as "that car is gangster" or it can be used to describe an aggressive attitude "this guy got in my face so I had to get gangster with him." To others mainly the younger youths they see being a gangster as being a thug and acting in a like manner.

Another interpetation of being gangster is "getting money" by any means necessary legal or illegal. And lastly, some see being a gangster as being extremely ambitious, hungry, thirsty, focused, tough, vicious, badass, intelligent, savvy, street smart, unstoppable, relentless, unweilding, charismatic, wise, slick, cool and hip. Just as Hollywood has glamourized and popularized the gangster mystic and made it appealing to the masses so to has Gangster Affiliated.

For more information on Gangster Affiliated Clothing contact Byron Davenport at getaffiliated@affiliatedworldwide.com 800 472-4911 website:affiliatedworldwide.com

Diddy Makes Television History

NEW YORK, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- It's Diddy TV: Sean "Diddy" Combs has already dominated the worlds of fashion and music. Now, he is making history as one of the most prolific and popular African American television producers to date. With an astounding four shows running simultaneously and several more in development, he is well on his way to achieving this goal.

"When I do something, it's got to be the biggest and the best. I'm really proud to be one of TV's leading producers right now and am working hard toward achieving a television legacy like Aaron Spelling," says Combs.

As the executive producer of the hit MTV show Taquita & Kaui, airing Mondays at 10:30PM ET/PT on MTV, Diddy documents the lives of two girls who met on his series Making the Band 3. Although they didn't make the final cut, the deep friendship they formed and shared passion to make it big in the entertainment business has brought them to Las Vegas to take another shot at showbiz, resulting in unexpected and hilarious situations.

Leading into Taquita & Kaui is Run's House, another Diddy-produced hit MTV show. Now in its third season, the show offers a glimpse into the lives of hip-hop royalty Reverend Run and his family. Traditional family values are spun around by a most untraditional man, providing a constant dose of both laughter and heartache. The series airs at 10PM ET/PT on MTV.

Coming up on MTV in June, Diddy is back with Making the Band 4. Last year, Making the Band 3 proved to be a monster hit as it formed the group Danity Kane, whose self-titled album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and generated a string of hit singles. This season, Diddy has set out to find and form the next male superstar group. After screening thousands of performers, Diddy has selected finalists he feels could be the next dancing and singing sensation.

Adding comedy producer to his list of credits, Diddy has teamed up with HBO for P. Diddy Presents: The Bad Boys of Comedy, now in its second season. The show features what Diddy describes as the "edgiest, youngest, freshest comics in America." Besides creating and executive producing the show, Diddy appears in each episode introducing and reacting to each performer. The show can be seen Fridays at midnight on HBO.

Declared as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time Magazine, Sean "Diddy" Combs oversees one of the world's most dominant urban entertainment companies, encompassing businesses such as recording, music publishing, producer management, television and film production, apparel and cosmetics. He has been seen in such films as Made, Monster's Ball, and Carlito's Way: Rise to Power. In addition, Diddy starred on Broadway in the Tony Award winning show A Raisin In The Sun, which will debut as a made-for-television film on ABC this fall. Diddy not only stars in the film, but also serves as executive producer. Currently his critically acclaimed album Press Play is available in stores, featuring the single "Last Night (feat. Keyshia Cole)" which is a recent top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Source: Diddy

CONTACT: Cindi Berger, +1-212-373-6118, Cindi.Berger@pmkhbh.com, or Jill
Fritzo, +1-212-373-6120, Jill.Fritzo@pmkhbh.com, or Bianca Bianconi,
+1-212-373-6125, Bianca.Bianconi@pmkbh.com, all of PMK-HBH Public Relations
for Diddy

Diddy Hosts Mayweather & De La Hoya's After Party

'Jacob York Presents - Diddy's Mayweather & De La Hoya fight after party @ Empire Ballroom, Las Vegas'

ATLANTA, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The One and Only, Sean "Diddy" Combs has partnered with one of the largest marketing & promotions companies, Jacob York Presents, to produce an exclusive, over-the-top, star-studded bash in Vegas for the fight weekend. There is no doubt that Vegas is one of the hottest cities in America for the grown and sexy, to party. Not only does Vegas command an elite and hip audience, Vegas is a Mecca for the rich and famous. In a city where the beautiful women and men dominate the scene, it is only natural that this city will be the host for the biggest fight of the season. Come party with Diddy, Mayweather, De La Hoya and friends. We have a host of special confirmed invited guests coming to party with us.

Saturday, May 5th, the official "Diddy/Mayweather/De La Hoya after party" fight weekend jump-off @ Las Vegas's premiere club, Empire Ballroom (3765 Las Vegas Blvd South Suite G), adjacent to the MGM. As Vegas's nightlife comes to a halt, Diddy's party will continue 'til the sun rises -- from 10:00 PM until you can't dance any more. Party with music and fashion icon, Diddy, who sets global trends. "There is no party like a Diddy party, cuz a Diddy party don't stop!!!"

If you want to party with Diddy, Mayweather, De La Hoya & friends, Mezzanine call us @ 404.888.9447.

For more information visit: http://www.myspace.com/bigyork

Source: Jacob York Presents

CONTACT: Ais York Almahdi of Jacob York Presents, +1-732-309-5848

Jay-Z's Little Secret Exposed in Hip Hop Weekly's Worldwide Exclusive!

"Jay-Z is definitely the father of Isa-Jael ... and Beyonce found out the hard way," source says

Jim Jones Responds to Max B

Oprah, Al Sharpton and Imus Attack Hip Hop: The Hip Hop Community Responds

NEW YORK, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest issue of Hip Hop Weekly hits stands this week with an exclusive interview that will blow the lid off all the Jay-Z rumors. Hip Hop Weekly broke the story about Jay-Z's secret 5 year-old son two issues ago and now has the exclusive interview with a source very close to the Trinidadian model rumored to be the mother of Jay-Z's child. In our interview our source tells ALL, stating that "Jay-Z is definitely the father of Isa-Jael" and that Beyonce has known about the child for quite some time.

Jim Jones responds to comments made by Dipset member Max B in his exclusive interview with Hip Hop Weekly last month. Rumors were swirling that Max B was left high and dry in a New Jersey jail by Jones. Jones sets the record straight and says he has no hard feelings.

Following Don Imus' racist comments, talk show host Oprah Winfrey devoted 2 hours of her show to a town hall meeting on hip hop music. Hip Hop Weekly and the Hip Hop community respond to Oprah in a special report, while rap pioneer Melle Mel gives his explanation of the evolution of the "N" Word in his column "Really Real."

Check out an exclusive interview with Eve in this issue, as well as interviews with Ice Cube, Paul Wall and Trey Songz. R&B singer Joe talks food in "Belly of the Beats" and supermodel Tyson Beckford talks motorcycles in "310 Whips." Also this week, Pretty Ricky discusses their latest release "Late Night Special" and mom Monica talks about music and motherhood.

Chris Rock's paternity suit lands him on thin ice with wife Malaak; Jay and B are all smiles despite endless rumors and Nick Cannon and girlfriend Selita Ebanks married? Get the scoop on celebrity couples in "Couples 411." In "Catfights!," HHW asks: Does Nelly Furtado have beef with Fergie? Are the claws coming out between Ciara and Rihanna? Does Britney blame Paris for all of her problems? Hip Hop Weekly has the inside scoop.

Hip Hop Weekly is the world's first entertainment and news weekly for the Hip Hop Generation. The magazine covers celebrity news, music, film, TV, fashion and sports from the perspective of the tens of millions of young Americans who identify with hip hop culture. Hip Hop Weekly is published every two weeks and is available nationally at stores such as Barnes & Noble, 7Eleven, Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Kmart, Pathmark and Walmart, as well as airport magazine retailers and magazine outlets in the UK and Canada.

For editorial submissions, contact Hip Hop Weekly at Hiphopweekly@gmail.com

  For interviews with editorial staff or more information, contact
  Donna Torrence
  mediasavvy pr, inc
  o:  201.854.7082
  f:   201.453.1162
  donna@mediasavvypr.com

Source: Hip Hop Weekly

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

The Next Wave Of Musician To Fan Technology Has Arrived

Broadtexter.com Empowers Musicians With A Free Mobile Fan Club Service To Cut Above Web Noise

Broadtexter.com offers free service for musicians to connect with fans via mobile text messaging.

(PRWEB) May 3, 2007 -- The next wave of musician to fan technology has arrived: Broadtexter.com empowers musicians with a free mobile fan club service to cut above web noise.

Broadtexter (http://www.broadtexter.com) enables North America-based musicians to create free Mobile Fan Clubs which easily allow them to use regionalized text messaging to stay connected with fans. Each tech savvy band or solo musician has an email list and MySpace 'friends', but reaching fans with text messages about new releases or specific shows cuts above the web noise, providing users with the next generation of direct fan communication. Artists including The Cinematics (TVT), TRAPT (Warner Brothers), The Weepies (Nettwerk), Constantine Maroulis (American Idol), Melissa Ferrick (Right On Records), The Nadas (indie) and Reel Big Fish (indie) have already adopted Broadtexter as their mobile solution.

How it Works:
Fans easily join a Mobile Fan Club right from a Flash widget that the musician can embed across their entire web presence (social networking sites, blogs and home pages). Once in a Mobile Fan Club, the musician (not Broadtexter) controls the messages that go out to the fans. Broadtexter is free of spam so fans will never get annoyed with third-party text ads on their phones.

Cool Factor:
One stand-out feature is that a musician can send regionalized alerts to their fans right from their own cell phone (because sometimes you just can't get to a computer between gigs). Regionalized and scheduled alerts can also be easily sent from the secure Broadtexter account where fan subscriber data can be reviewed, the Broadtexter widget can be customized and past and pending text alerts can be displayed and/or edited.

The Trend:
Broadtexter is offering a meaningful way for fans to stay informed when they're not at their computers. The growth of social networking sites like MySpace has created great opportunities to increase exposure for musicians, but it has also created an overload of information for the typical music fan. It's tied fans to computer screens and created a
challenge to keep their attention. Broadtexter Mobile Fan Clubs make it easy for musicians to stay connected with their fans and update them with relevant information.

Scenarios:
The usefulness and power of Broadtexter for musicians becomes obvious when you consider it can be used for so many things like show time changes, special radio appearance announcements, and exclusive fan club discounts. However, the greatest power is being able to reach a fan a few hours before a show with a reminder on their cell phone. It's such an incredible way to get more 'butts in the seats'.

Founders:
Based in New York City, Broadtexter was created by a group of real performing musicians and music fans who wanted to create a way to help musicians connect with their fans through the use of cell phones and text messaging. In tune with the changing climate and democratization of empowering services available to musicians, the founders recognized that mobile solutions have only been available to the major artists with the big bucks. Broadtexter is built for ALL musicians of every size fan base.

It's a brave new world…the better musicians communicate with their fans, the more their fans will grow with them and buy their albums and come to their shows. Broadtexter currently serves the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico and has many great plans for new features to further empower artists with a deeper mobile platform. Setting up a Mobile Fan Club can be done in five minutes right from the Broadtexter website.

http://www.broadtexter.com

Media contact:
Wendy Weisberg
Hello Wendy
wendy @ hellowendy.com
(818)762-7063

Talib Kweli to Release New Album -- "Ear Drum" -- on Warner Bros. Records/Blacksmith Music on July 24th

Sixth Album From Critically Acclaimed Hip-Hop Artist Features Production by Kanye West, will.i.am, Madlib and Hi-Tek, and Guest Appearances by Norah Jones, Jean Grae and UGK

BURBANK, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 02, 2007 -- Hip-hop's premier MC Talib Kweli will release his eagerly awaited new album -- "Ear Drum" -- on July 24th. A career-defining work that showcases the Brooklyn rapper's advanced lyricism and faultless musical taste, "Ear Drum" is Kweli's first album released on his own label, Blacksmith Music and Warner Bros. Records.

Kweli says the album's title comes from "the image of the ear and of the drum, which are powerful enough by themselves, but put them together and it's an instrument in your body that helps you hear. They're also two very simple, yet powerful words. I wanted to focus on finding a sound that makes you move, and that's where the word 'eardrum' popped in my head."

With lyrics that touch on life's journeys and struggles, "Ear Drum" also showcases Talib's sonic versatility with tracks ranging from the silky-soulful "Soon The New Day," which features vocals by best-selling chanteuse Norah Jones, to the sexy first single "Hot Thing" and the hard-edged "Say Something," which features rapping by Blacksmith artist Jean Grae.

"Ear Drum" boasts innovative production work by such vanguard artists as Kanye West, who worked on Kweli's 2002's gold-certified "Quality" and 2004's "The Beautiful Struggle"; Black-Eyed Peas founder will.i.am; rapper-producer Madlib; and Black Star producer Hi-Tek, who also collaborated with Kweli on the gold-certified 2000 album "Reflection Eternal." Of his desire to collaborate with a variety of producers and artists, Kweli says: "We need to challenge our audience, but we also need to challenge ourselves to know that whatever our new experiences are, we can write about them, be creative, and bring that to an audience without them feeling alienated."

Since making his debut with Mos Def as Black Star in 1988, Kweli has become known as an exceptional and socially aware artist who has rejected mainstream rap's embrace of violence and bling in favor of addressing issues of black consciousness and self-love. "Ear Drum" solidifies his status as one of rap's most talented and important voices.

www.talibkweli.com

For additional information, contact:

National:
Penny Palmer
Warner Bros. Records
(818) 953-3408
penny.palmer@wbr.com

Regional:
Myisha Brooks
Warner Bros. Records
(818) 953-3668
myisha.brooks@wbr.com

SOURCE:  Warner Bros. Records

How Can Hip-Hop Be Dead if Wu-Tang is Forever?

London, England (PRWEB) May 2, 2007 -- Bodog Music is proud to announce the European signing of legendary hip-hop crew Wu-Tang Clan. Bodog Music will release The 8 Diagrams, Wu-Tang's first studio album in 6 years, in Germany on September 7, with a separate release in the UK and the rest of Europe on September 10.

The album contains new tracks by the eight remaining original members, as well as unreleased vocals by the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, which were recorded during sessions for the group's first album. There will also be a tribute song to ODB called "Life Changes."

This is really what Bodog Music is all about: Hip-hop at its highest
"This is really what Bodog Music is all about: Hip-hop at its highest," says Bodog founder Calvin Ayre, who along with Wu-Tang's international representative Eva Ries, has closed a deal that will advertise the Wu-Tang brand and turn Bodog Music into an ambitious hip-hop label. "With the Wu-Tang Clan being the widely respected and revered group that they are, and Bodog's international music distribution expertise, the potential of this relationship in unlimited. Wu-Tang Clan still ain't nothing to f#@k with."

Ayre's sentiments are echoed by Wu-Tang producer RZA who says, "The RZA himself has called upon his Wu-Tang brothers to reunite and show the real unity and raw force of hip-hop. How can hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is Forever?"

Bodog Music's marketing competence will be a big lift to Wu-Tang in Europe, as the record label signed the group exclusively for European releases, with distribution via Pinnacle in the UK and EDEL for the rest of the continent.

After a two year hiatus, the hip-hop collective will be touring Europe this summer, including two UK shows at the Hammersmith Apollo on July 5 and the Manchester Apollo on July 6. Appearing live will be original Wu-Tang members, Ghostface Killah, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God and Cappadona. This summer the crew hits the road in the U.S. with Rage Against The Machine and Public Enemy.

Debuting in 1993, the Staten Island, NY-based Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most revolutionary hip-hop acts of all time. Throwing out the pre-established formulas for breaking a rap group, Wu-Tang methodically released each album while cultivating the solo careers of all nine MCs.

After its breakthrough album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Clan reconvened in 1997 for the much-anticipated double-album Wu-Tang Forever, which simultaneously shot straight to #1 in the US and UK charts. In 2000, the group released The W, which included the hit single Gravel Pit and most recently, Iron Flag in 2001.

About Bodog Music:
BodogMusic.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant, Bodog Entertainment. With six offices worldwide, the label features a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Bodog Music is searching for the top unsigned band in America with "Bodog Battle," which is taking place in 17 major markets and features more than 300 live shows. Bodog Music Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was spotlighted on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog Entertainment also includes: an international television production division, which produces television series, such as Bodog Fight (BodogFight.com) and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker (Bodog.TV); a publishing division (with an online magazine, BodogNation.com, and blog, BodogBeat.com); and an events department renowned for producing parties that are stunning, chic and celebrity-filled. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group.

Bodog Media Relations
Bodog Entertainment Group
http://www.bodogmusic.com/
1-866-892-3371

SUPA NOVA SLOM Releases Debut "Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood"

And Its First Single "G's Up Salute" Featuring THE GAME and JADAKISS
"Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood"—Event and Performance
Sunday, May 20th, @ 7pm at THE CENTER, Brooklyn

NEW YORK, April 26, 2007 -- RA RA NTRtainment is pleased to introduce Supa Nova Slom.

Supa Nova is a hip hop artist with a movement: Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood —the title of his forthcoming debut release. The first single off the album is "G's Up Salute" featuring The Game and Jadakiss.

Coming fresh out of Brooklyn , Supa Nova's album has already started to gain traction, as has his call for social healing: after spending his teenage years running with gangs, Supa Nova had a wake-up call.

Before long, he found a better way of life and started taking it to the streets. His DVD/CD combo release, Holistic Wellness for A Hip Hop Generation has sold over 100,000 copies and continues to fly off the shelves. BET.com has noted it as "a documentary that is going to teach self-improvement to the hip hop generation."

Supa Nova has already proven that he has the mind of a CEO and the heart of a healer. With his debut album, he's bringing his skills as an MC front and center. Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood showcases a cast of hip hop's elite—on top of Jadakiss and The Game, Supa Nova is joining forces with Ice-T, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu,  and others.

His movement is rapidly gaining momentum. Beyond the DVD and the upcoming album release, Supa Nova founded Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood, The Event---catering to the community---uplifting the streets.  At 7pm, on Sunday, May 20th , Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood   will be hosted in Brooklyn .

This event serves to entertain and educate---including a screening of the ground breaking film, Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius Mitchell, featuring special guest speakers: Rob Stone, President/CEO of Cornerstone Marketing; Michael Skolnik, film director; Ben Chavis, President of Hip Hop Summit Action Network; and OG T. Rodgers, Founder of Black P-Stone Nation B.L.O.O.D.S (LA Chapter)/Director of Sidewalk University and a live performance by SUPA NOVA SLOM.

With a debate raging over hip hop slang, Supa Nova 's efforts have a great urgency: "We are in a time when rappers and hip hop artists are being targeted for their lyrical content, but the core issue lies within our communities. There is always a cause and effect; so, if we want to encourage rappers to change their lyrical content, we must, first, as a collective, be accountable for our influence and encourage social change on the home front—within our hoods and our communities. We must elevate the consciousness of the people, overall, further inspiring constructive change in the future direction of hip hop." -- SUPANOVASLOM

"You know what time it is, " Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood" is how it's going down…Real talk...I Love It." – JADAKISS

"I'm ridin' or dyin' with my homie, Supa Nova..."Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood "— that's what you should be doing!" – ICE-T

Unify the Hood, Heal the Hood

***THE EVENT***

Sunday, May 20th at 7PM

The Center, 106 Kingston Ave

(Between Dean and Bergen Streets)

FEATURING: Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius Mitchell ; guest speakers and attendees including  Rob Stone, Michael Skolnik, Ben Chavis, & OG T. Rodgers; PERFORMANCE BY SUPA NOVA SLOM.

##

Prana Marketing & Consulting
Angela Thomas
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ  07632
ph. (201) 503-1333
fx.  (201) 503-0424
www.pranamarketing.com

Jump Off TV First Hip Hop Channel on Joost

Jump Off TV, a leading global Hip Hop Entertainment company, has become the first dedicated Hip Hop channel to join Joost, the world's leading broadcast-quality Internet television service.

Thursday 2nd May 2007
Jump Off TV initially will offer a total of 135 shows on Joost from its most popular formats:
World Rap Championships - a professional 2on2 rap battle league set across 8 international cities;
Stripes - up-close interviews with Hip Hops pioneers, icons and legends; and
Street Battles - where London and New York's hardest underground rappers do battle in front of historic landmarks for cash.

"We're very excited about extending our digital presence onto the Joost platform, and see it as a perfect fit for our demographic, providing our audience with a quality interactive experience,” said Harold Anthony, Jump Off TVs CEO & Founder.

Currently available in an expanded beta, Joost combines the best of TV and the best of the Internet by offering viewers a unique, TV-like experience enhanced with the choice, control and flexibility of Web 2.0. Joost is the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment. Joost can be accessed with a broadband Internet connection and offers broadcast-quality content to viewers for free. ”Adding Jump Off TV helps us increase our audience by bringing another genre to our robust slate of music programming,” said Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, executive vice president, content strategy and acquisition, Joost.

About Jump Off TV
Jump Off TV is a leading global Hip Hop Entertainment Content Producer and online destination engaging the 18-34 urban demographic across various platforms. From humble beginnings as a weekly event in London in 2003, Jump Off TV has grown into a recognizable global Hip Hop lifestyle brand.
www.jumpoff.tv

About Joost™
Joost™ provides a new way of watching TV that combines the best of full-screen television entertainment with online interactive and community benefits to bring an unprecedented selection of video content to viewers anytime, anywhere. Joost is based on a state-of-the-art, secure, peer-to-peer streaming technology.
www.joost.com

CONTACT:
Ara
+44 20 7253 7766
+1 212 203 1200
ara@jumpoff.tv

Balkan Beat Box Team Up With URB Magazine and Abelton For Remix Contest

Album in Digital Stores Now

Balkan Beat Box's latest album, Nu Med, is available digitally now, two weeks in advance of physical stores. The album finds everyone's favorite world music hipsters imagining a Middle East without borders, incorporating Arabic, Gypsy, and Jewish musics into dance-floor rhythms spanning genres (including electronic, reggae, hip hop, and klezmer) and languages. The approach has earned them fans of all stripes.

An exclusive bonus version of Nu Med is available on iTunes, featuring an extra track titled "Ramallah Tel Aviv." The album is also currently featured on iTunes World Music page.

Balkan Beat Box is on the second leg of their sold-out tour, previewing Nu Med for audiences nationwide. The band has launched a remix contest with iMeem, Ableton and URB Magazine allowing fans to download acapella and instrumental versions of two separate tracks and create their personal takes on the songs. All remixes will be featured on the band’s iMeem page, and lucky winners will receive one of three prizes from Ableton and JDub Records. For information on how to enter, visit http://balkanbeatbox.imeem.com/.

Balkan Beat Box is available for interviews. As always, reply with all press requests!

Listen to Balkan Beat Box “Digital Monkey” from Nu Med (JDub Records)
MP3: http://dev.theorchard.com/jaclyn/mp3/balkanbeatbox_DigitalMonkey.mp3
Stream: mms://67.72.22.241/TheOrchard/Balkan_Beat_Box_DigitalMonkey.mp3

Buy Balkan Beat Box:

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=250619468&s=143441

eMusic:
http://www.emusic.com/album/11025/11025320.html

Rhapsody:
http://www.rhapsody.com/balkanbeatbox

PRESS QUOTES

“A combustible mix of big bright horns and high energy beats.” - The New
York Times

“This is not your grandmother's klezmer; in fact, Jewish music never sounded so groundbreaking.  This is the dance party of the new millennium." – Paste

"Guaranteed to propel any party into a hedonistic, sweaty mess, this cross-cultural crew of New York musicians cranks out Eastern Bloc-inspired techno grooves seemingly fueled by Manischewitz and a big dose of punk 'tude." – Entertainment Weekly

“A magnificent mash-up melding music from every conceivable corner of the globe and its history." – Chicago Sun Times

“Balkan Beat Box mix the sounds of their homelands with all manner of rebellious music – reggae, hip-hop, electronic.” – SPIN, January 2007 “Gypsy Rock: Scene of the Year”

About Balkan Beat Box:

With the revolutionary spirit and beats of M.I.A., and the ideals of John Lennon, Balkan Beat Box steps forward with a cohesive new album that imagines a Middle East without borders and a healthy dose of New York energy.  Balkan Beat Box blends electronic music with hard-edged folk music from North Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans and Eastern Europe . Their 2005 eponymous debut on JDub Records was hailed by The Denver Post as “a sonic masterpiece” and has sold over 10,000 copies in the US .  Having performed at Bonnaroo, Central Park Summerstage, Montreal JazzFest and having toured extensively with Matisyahu as well as on headlining international tours, Balkan Beat returns with Nu Med, a musical vision of what the Mediterranean would sound like if borders were removed.

BBB makes connections that politics often keep separate. Jewish, Gypsy, Arabic, and American are united by hip hop beats and dancehall toasts.  BBB’s musical hitch-hiking continues as they mix things up with dub and electronics, juxtaposed with ancient Moroccan and Mediterranean melodies. The band’s uncategorizable sound gives equal weight to soulful acoustic timbres and digital rhythms creating a uniquely organic sound with electronic elements.  Echoing his growing involvement in their live shows, MC Tomer Yosef is a dynamic presence on Nu Med, blazing his way through featured tracks “Digital Monkey,” “ Mexico City ,” & “Hermetico.”

www.myspace.com/balkanbeatbox

Tracklisting:

1. Keep Em Straight
2. Hermetico
3. Habibi Min Zaman
4. BBBeat
5. Digital Monkey
6. Balcasio
7. Pachima
8. Quand Est-Ce Qu’On Arriv                
9. Mexico City
10. Delancey                               
11. Joro Boro
12. Gypsy Queens
13. $20 For Boban
14. Baharim (outro)

Balkan Beat Box Tour Dates:

May 1 Miami , FL @ The Culture Room
June 10 Detroit , MI @ Detroit Festival of the Arts
June 11 Chicago , IL @ The Empty Bottle

kim trick / manager, new media
kimberly@theorchard.com

Beats and Rhymes Expands Services Beyond Music Licensing, To Include A&R, Record Releases, & Fashion Collaborations

(Brooklyn, NY May 2, 2007) Beats & Rhymes, a hip-hop music licensing company associated with DeWolfe Music, has recently broken into the record business. The release of their split 12" single, "Jones in Ya Bones/Blackman" marks an expansion into a new sector of the music industry by the talented New York-based company. They also recently teamed up with BeanDip clothing company to carry out music and fashion collaborations.

The tracks from the split single are part of an upcoming EP release, Stereobytes Vol. 1. Artists featured include Black Attack, Butta Verses, and C Rayz Walz, as well as production by V.I.C. and Marco Polo. Marco, recently signed to Sony/Rawkus Records, joins the ranks of artists whose careers exploded after working with Beats & Rhymes, including Joell Ortiz (signed to Aftermath Recordings), and Frequency (featured on a collaboration with Snoop Dogg for Blue Carpet Treatment).

Beats & Rhymes also has a small line of streetwear, made by BeanDip clothing, which is set to expand. The pairing came about after both had been collaborating with Butta Verses. After a brief meeting the clothing company decided to manufacture and sell Beats & Rhymes shirts. Eventually KarmaLoop, a large-scale clothing distributor, picked up BeanDip and business boomed. Now, Beats & Rhymes is looking to use the partnership to build their brand. Says creative director Brian Hamilton, With the way the industry and its environment is going right now we need to cover a lot more ground and think of unconventional outlets to build our brand and create artist awareness.

This is not to take away from the success the business has experienced in licensing; they have placed their unique brand of hip-hop tracks from artists Lord Finesse, CL Smooth, Termanology, and Sean Price in such TV shows as Saturday Night Live, Dancing With The Stars, and various programs on MTV including Short Circuitz. Films such as Stomp the Yard have also taken advantage of their music. Based in New York City and managed by the offices of prestigious licensing company DeWolfe Music, Beats & Rhymes is looking forward to continuing its expansion, while maintaining consistent hip-hop music.

###

Beats & Rhymes is a music licensing company specializing in hip-hop and related urban music styles that meets the needs of music supervisors for film, television, and video games. Beats & Rhymes also creates custom scores, soundtracks, and jingles for any hip-hop music production need. Artists featured on Beats & Rhymes include Lord Finesse, Sean Price, Butta Verses, Joell Ortiz, V.I.C., CL Smooth, C Rayz Walz, The Bad Seed, Marco Polo, A-Butta from Natural Elements, Kurious, Black Attack, Tzarizm, Midas, Jah Freedom,and more.

Bio, pictures, and full album streams available here:
www.audibletreats.com/download/BlackButta

MySpace:
www.myspace.com/buttaverses
www.myspace.com/seanblackattack

Press:
Michelle McDevitt
michelle@audibletreats.com
www.audibletreats.com

Making the Band's Chopper to Release New CD "The Fast Life" June 26th.

New Orleans, Louisiana, April 30, 2007- On June
26,2007, Nomad Music LLC will release "The Fast Life",
the long anticipated debut album from Chopper, an
actor and musician who is known as the youngest cast
members of MTV's "Making the Band 2". Chopper along
with a host of up and coming artist have created 17
tracks that are hot and innovative -- and true to the
southern rap sound. Chopper felt it was important that
his debut album represented the sound of his hometown
New Orleans, La.

Produced by former Cash Money Records music man
Deezle, Chopper chose edgy southern sounding songs
such as "Every Day" the record's first single, and
tunes like "R.I.P." which is the kind of music the
industry has been missing. The CD's final track "Dear
Diary," will be one of the most controversial songs to
be released this year. Chopper himself describes these
songs as unique, real life Hip Hop delivered in his
own style.

Chopper is no stranger to the music industry. His
songs have been in soundtracks for movies like Hustle
and Flow, and Bad Boys 2. He most recently appeared on
the 2006/2007 BET “ Rap it Up ” tour in Atlanta, Ga. ?

Chopper, known for his high-energy rap flows and bad
boy attitude has captured the loyalty of fans
everywhere. He has performed all over the world, was
the first artist signed to Sean ”Puffy” Combs label
Bad Boy South, and was the youngest member of the
platinum group ”Da Band”. Chopper will be hitting the
road in support of “The Fast Life“ early summer.

To Request a promo copy of this CD or a Full CD Copy,
please contact thefastlife@yahoo.com or Telephone
504.655.9274.

About Nomad Music LLC-A privately owned company, lead
by Philip C. Begnaud, Nomad Music is a fast growing
Independent Record Label .The company has 4 major
divisions, Drum Major Music, Untamed Entertainment,
Fear No Man Entertainment and I2 Marketing.
Nomad Music products are available online @ cdbaby.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Nomad Music LLC                                       
Philip C. Begnaud
2717 Massachusetts Ave.                                                                                           
Metairie, La  70003                                  
Phone: 504-655-9274
E-mail: nountamedmusic@yahoo.com 

Myhhtv.com, The World's First Internet Hip Hop Television Network Officially Launches

New York, NY -- May 2, 2007 -- HHTV (www.myhhtv.com) officially launched this week as the world's first internet hip hop television network, broadcasting original hip hop programming 24/7. Launched as a beta version in February 2007, the site has now been officially removed from beta and is readily accessible to the millions of hip hop fans worldwide.

The brainchild of ex-rapper/recent college graduate – Ganiu "Scrills" Ladejobi, HHTV was created out of the frustration of watching the biased representation of hip hop by popular media. “I started this company as a way to provide a more balanced portrayal of hip hop culture and to showcase the other elements of hip hop that receive no coverage, even though they are as just as important as the music,” Ganiu says. “Television networks like MTV and BET are presently destroying our culture due to their commercialization of it. Yes, they’ve done a lot for hip hop but now it seems their focus is just on squeezing the dollars out of our culture. Hip hop is a grassroots movement, something built by the people and for the people, and that is what HHTV embodies. Nas said “Hip Hop is dead”, and while I disagree with that statement, it is clearly obvious that a change is needed, and that change is HHTV.”

The HHTV platform – www.myhhtv.com is truly a unique one. With a model based on traditional television, viewers can watch original content 24/7 for free via the website. Content will be based on twenty different shows all hosted by VJs and new episodes will initially be broadcasted every week, then every couple of days depending on the particular show’s schedule. The website will allow viewers to request music videos, participate in forums and contests, and also embed the myhhtv screen in their personal profiles on social networking sites like Myspace. Viewers will also be able to read up on all the latest hip hop news and rumors while watching a show simultaneously. “The response and support from hip hop communities worldwide has been overwhelming. Our current traffic has more than quadrupled what we initially expected, and that just goes to show that a medium such as ours has been long overdue, and that hip hop fans as a whole still respect a grassroots company like HHTV,” says Ganiu. “We’ve built a heavy buzz through word of mouth and that’s one of the factors that got us featured in the present issue of XXL magazine. We are as authentic as it gets. We have shows like Props 2 da DJ, Breaker Breaker and Faceoff that pay homage to the other elements of hip hop that don’t get any exposure presently”

HHTV will work with advertisers to help implement ideas and messages that carry across a brand’s message effectively. “We want to really help our advertisers in delivering their messages in a way that creates brand loyalty and not in a way that comes off as Corporate America trying to take advantage of hip hop. We will be working with both small and large companies, and the possibilities are endless.” says Ganiu. “The goal is to deliver hip hop in a balanced manner and bring advertisers into our culture in a way that is organic. At the end of the day, I am just a young individual that wanted to create to a television network for hip hop fans worldwide with content that really caters to them and from the perspective of somebody such as me who saw that there was a need for a medium like HHTV. Our revolution will definitely be televised, on the internet of course.”

About HHTV Network

HHTV Network LLC is a start-up online television network providing 24 hours 7 days a week programming dedicated to the music, lifestyle and culture of hip hop via the internet. As the world’s first internet hip hop television network operated by young individuals with the same mindset as the audience, HHTV is ushering in a new era of hip hop.

http://www.myhhtv.com
Ganiu “Scrills” Ladejobi
646-723-4346
inquiries@myhhtv.com

LIFESAVAS ANNOUNCE NATIONAL TOUR IN SUPPORT OF NEW ALBUM

"If rope chains, Jordan Vs, and 8-ball jackets can make a come-back, why can't conscious rap? To that end, Portland, Ore.'s Lifesavas impressively go radical on their 70s blaxploitation-themed sophomore album Gutterfly. By the De La Soul-esque finale, "Celebrate," their experiment in throwback-ism is a success; they've managed to make "positive" rap without the negative connotations." VIBE, May 2007

"After inhaling a steady dose of '70s blaxploitation flicks and live-action/animation hybrids, the group came up with Gutterfly, an homage that delivers what the hip-hop world hasn't seen in a minute: a strong concept record filled with blasting horns, piano stabs, and orchestral strings reminiscent of classic soundtracks like "Shaft" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song."" -WAX POETICS, Apr/May 2007

(BROOKLYN, NY  MAY 2, 2007) Portland-based hip-hop group Lifesavas are hitting the road for a seven-week headlining run, "The Gutterfly: Urban Legend Tour," in support of their newly released album GUTTERFLY: The Original Soundtrack (April 24/ Quannum Projects). Along for the ride are Strange Fruit Project and DJ Marc Sense.

The dynamic duo that is Lifesavas consists of MC/producer JUMBO the Garbageman and MC VURSATYL, along with partner DJ Rev Shines, who holds down the decks on the road. GUTTERFLY is their substantive, groove-rich sophomore album, with tons of soul, intelligent rhymes, raw delivery, and impeccable production. The guest list includes Camp Lo, Fishbone, George Clinton, Digable Planets and dead prez, among others.

The album follows up Lifesavas' debut Spirit in Stone, long considered an underground classic. As said in Rolling Stone's 10 Artists to Watch in 2007 feature, "it's their follow-up GUTTERFLY, that should put them over the top. JUMBO produces most of the tracks, using a dense stew of samples from Seventies soul, while VURSATYL inhabits a wide range of characters with a limber flow."

Inspired heavily by 70s Blaxploitation films, Gutterfly is a movie concept Lifesavas created and brought to life via poetic songwriting and powerhouse beats. During the upcoming tour, fans will be introduced to the world that is Razorblade City. Bumpy Johnson (VURS), Sleepy Floyd (JUMBO) and Jimmy Slimwater (SHINES) will entertain with explosive stage presence, and fans can expect to hear the new bangers mixed in with old favorites. Said Vurs, "It'll be a melting pot of our two albums a roller coaster of emotions. We party and we also raise our collective voice about what we're about." That's Gutterfly!

GUTTERFLY: URBAN LEGEND TOUR
WED 5/9 --- SEATTLE, WA @ Chop Suey **
THU 5/10 --- NELSON, BC @ Spirit Bar @ Hune Hotel
FRI 5/11 --- MISSOULA, MT @ Other Side *
SAT 5/12 --- BOZEMAN, MT @ Zebra Cocktail Lounge **
MON 5/14 --- MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ Triple Rock Club
TUE 5/15 --- CHICAGO, IL @ Subterranean
WED, 5/16 --- LEXINGTON, KY @ The Dame
THU 5/17 --- CLEVELAND, OH @ Grog Shop
SAT 5/19 --- BOSTON, MA @ Harper's Ferry
MON 5/21 --- PROVIDENCE, RI @ Living Room
THU 5/24 --- PHILADELPHIA, PA @ Khyber
FRI 5/25 --- BROOKLYN, NY @ Southpaw
SAT 5/26 --- WASHINGTON, DC @ Black Cat
MON 5/28 --- ATLANTA, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
TUE 5/29 --- ORLANDO, FL @ The Social
WED 5/30 --- GAINESVILLE, FL @ Common Grounds
FRI 6/1 --- NEW ORLEANS, LA @ House of Blues
SAT 6/2 --- Oregon State University
SUN 6/3 --- HOUSTON, TX @ Mink
MON 6/4 --- AUSTIN, TX @ Emo's Lounge
TUE 6/5 --- DALLAS, TX @ Palladium Loft
THU 6/7 --- BOULDER, CO @ Fox Theatre %
FRI 6/8 --- DENVER, CO @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
SAT 6/9 --- DURANGO, CO @ The DAC
SUN 6/10 --- TUCSON, AZ @ Plush
MON 6/11 --- SCOTTSDALE, AX @ Chasers
TUE 6/12 --- LOS ANGELES, CA @ Roxy
WED 6/13 --- SAN DIEGO, CA @ Casbah
THU 6/14 --- SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ Mezzanine %
FRI 6/15 --- SACRAMENTO, CA @ Boardwalk
SAT 6/16 --- EUGENE, OR@ Indigo District
SAT 6/30 --- PORTLAND, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

Bio, pictures, and full album streams available here:
www.audibletreats.com/download/Lifesavas/

Banners, IM Icons, Avatars, and eCard available here:
www.promotionscrew.com/lifesavas/tools/

Full album stream available here:
www.quannum.com/site/press2007/Lifesavas/

Lifesavas's IMEEM page:
lifesavas.imeem.com

Lifesavas's MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/lifesavas

Web Inquiries: Michelle McDevitt michelle (a)audibletreats.com
Label Contact/ Quannum: Sarah Landy: sarah (a) quannum.com

HOST Q-TIP STRUCK A HIGH NOTE IN HIP HOP WITH WORLD PREMIER OF "THE HIP HOP PROJECT"

MONDAY NIGHT IN MANHATTAN ALONG WITH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BRUCE WILLIS

(NEW YORK, New York – May 2, 2007) – On Monday night, April 30th, in Manhattan, in the midst of the controversial hip-hop maelstrom, where the music of the streets finds itself maligned for its gruff lyrical contest, machismo and misogynist posturing, hip-hop trailblazer Q-Tip, reminded the world that this particular art form has also been a force for hope, and a facilitator of dreams for global youth. As associate producer, Q-tip hosted the world premier of "THE HIP HOP PROJECT," along with one of the film's executive producers—Bruce Willis—in front of a packed City Cinema house in New York. (Queen Latifah, the movie's other executive producer, was unable to attend).

Q-Tip is currently in the midst of wrapping up work on his new album The Renaissance (scheduled for release on Motown/Universal Records in late Summer/Early Fall 2007). Featuring fellow musicians as D'Angelo, Common and Outkast's Andre 3000, this album has been described as a "return to his A Tribe Called Quest hip hop roots" which, like the message in the film, will be rooted in positive messages and personal empowerment.

“THE HIP HOP PROJECT” is told through the eyes of the teenage Kazi, previously homeless, yet he inspires a group of New York City youths to transform their life stores into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-discovery and redemption. Created by Matt Ruskin, Scott K. Rosenberg, and Chris “Kazi” Rolle, the film attracted Q-tip and Willis because of its model for young people to express themselves using hip hop..

“These negative connotations that are placed on this culture, on this music, are not the total truth,” Q-tip explained at the “THE HIP HOP PROJECT” premiere. “Hip hop is a lot of introspection, a lot of self discovery. I hope after you see this film you are able to see another side to what we do and how we do things, that when we come from a place of oppression or depression how we are able to metamorphous like a butterfly and change and see the beauty in ourselves and spread that beauty. I think this film embodies that.”

Bruce Willis chimed in, furthering Q-tip’s comments: “I really thought it was a great idea to help Kazi create a space for the people that he knows and have been in his life to come together, create and express themselves artistically in a safe place and with first class equipment. I think we accomplished that beyond anybody's dreams. All the proceeds from the film are going to go to non profit organizations. That was Kazi’s idea, he's a really cool kid. I’m really proud of him”

According to the filmmakers at the Q&A that followed the premiere, the content of “THE HIP HOP PROJECT” impacted the MPAA appeals board so strongly that it has just overturned the movie’s original R rating in order to broaden the audience access, allowing teenagers to see this important story.

Also in attendance at “THE HIP HOP PROJECT,” premiere were rap luminary (and star of “Law & Order”) Ice-T, rap powerhouse Busta Rhymes, and the outspoken critic of some of hip hop, Rev. Al Sharpton.

“Q-tip has been a positive leader in hip hop and one of the most creative and versatile artists’ voices for over a decade. He has always been at the forefront of everything that is positive in the hip hop community,” Rev Sharpton said. “As associate producer on ‘THE HIP HOP PROJECT,’ again, Q-tip reached out and helped kids like Kazi change their lives with the meaningful and positive messages that hip hop can touch, teach and serve our communities. We need more Q-Tips in the world of hip hop today elevating and reaching out to our communities in a positive way.”

“THE HIP HOP PROJECT” will open May 11th in theaters nationwide.

To download hi-res images, please go to: http://www.reybee.com/qtip/HHP_images/

FOR FURTHER PRESS INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

The Catalyst Group

Leyla Turkkan
917-374-8020
LeylaTurkkan@aol.com

Dave Goodson
646-792-2180
Dgoo106981@aol.com

Marilyn Lopez
917-969-1660
mlopez@marilynpr.com

BUZ Interactive Introduces 'Say it With a Star' - a Service for Celebrities to Connect With Fans Through Personalized Voice Messages

New Service to Kick Off with Billy Danzenie and Lil' Fame of M.O.P., Jadakiss, Lil' Flip, Lord Tariq and Planet Asia

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- OnHollywood Conference -- BUZ Interactive(TM), the leader in voicemail personalization services, today unveiled a new voicemail messaging service designed to bring star-power to mobile voicemail. The new service, Say it With a Star(TM), provides a vehicle for celebrities to create and market personalized audio greetings that can be sent by consumers to any cell phone or used in voicemail greetings.

Initial stars participating in the program include platinum recording artists Jadakiss and Lil' Flip, rappers Billy Danzenie and Lil' Fame of M.O.P., and hip-hop recording artists Lord Tariq and Planet Asia.

"Say it With a Star is a great new service," said Lil' Flip. "It will not only allow me to strengthen my connection with my fans, but also introduces a creative new channel for those fans to send messages to their friends that incorporate my personality and style."

Say it with a Star provides celebrities with a compelling new channel for revenue, promotion and communication with their fans. As part of the service, celebrities will be able to sell personalized audio greetings and messages from their own Web sites, and also send audio messages directly to the cell phones of their fans. The celebrity recordings, which users may choose to send to a friend's cell phone or load into their own voicemail as a greeting, will also be offered through BUZ Interactive's rapidly growing GETaBUZ service at www.GETaBUZ.com.

"My friends will love getting a message from me with a famous artist's voice," said Brittney Pierini, 21. "The idea of being able to send a friend a birthday message with their name in the voice of their favorite celebrity is really unique and fun."

"Say it With a Star is a unique new way for stars to communicate with their fans," said Eric Sirkin, president and co-founder of BUZ Interactive. "It's also an exciting opportunity for consumers to incorporate the talent and personality of their favorite stars into their mobile voice messages and greetings."

Pricing

Those interested in the Say it With a Star program should contact info@buzinteractive.com for more details and pricing. Additional information is also available at www.buzinteractive.com/serviceSayitwithastar.php.

About BUZ Interactive

BUZ Interactive makes it fun and easy to create personalized voicemail greetings and messages by mixing voice with popular music. The company's unique direct-to-voicemail personalization services work with any mobile phone on all major carriers. With headquarters in Palo Alto, CA, BUZ Interactive operates the popular GETaBUZ service at www.getabuz.com. Learn how to get your own BUZ service at www.buzinteractive.com. To hear a BUZ, go to www.buzinteractive.com/newsResources.php.

Source: BUZ Interactive

CONTACT: Steve Kleine of Rainmaker Communications, +1-323-334-5241,
steve@rainmakercommunications.com, for BUZ Interactive

Web site: http://www.getabuz.com/
http://www.buzinteractive.com/

BET Networks Celebrates Mother's Day With Star-Studded Testimonies and Heartfelt Military Tributes

Usher, Ciara, Bow Wow, Omarion, Fantasia, Ashanti, Juelz Santana, Justine Simmons, Along with hot performances from Musiq Soulchild, Mario, and Tre Songz Highlights BET's Mother's Day Programming

NEW YORK, May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks is set to salute the women who make profound impressions on life with a series of specials dedicated to mothers all over the world. Beginning Thursday, May 10th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, BET will kick things off with a mother's day special titled Dear Mama: A Mother's Day CELEBRATION, hosted by 106 & PARK's Rocsi and Terrence. This special will feature a candid interview with Usher and his mother / manager, Jonetta Patton. Patton reveals sincere feelings on Usher's love life and overall success like only a mom could. This special tribute to motherhood will also feature personal interviews with today's hottest celebrities like Ciara, Bow Wow, Omarion, Macy Gray, Ashanti, Fantasia, Monica, Lil Mama, Justine Simmons, Juelz Santana, and their mothers. RAP CITY, BET's longtime hip-hop show will also join in on the festivities with two very special shows filled with military Mother's Day wishes from our troops in Iraq on Friday, May 11th @ 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 12th @ 4:00 p.m. ET/PT

To conclude the celebration, Terrence and Rocsi are back up with a special edition of 106 & PARK where audience members will reflect on their favorite Mother's Day past times on Friday, May 11th @ 6:00 p.m. ET/PT. After you tune in to all three specials, log on to BET.com and BET Broadband for an extended look at our Mother's Day exclusive footage and interviews. If you are a mother, know a mother or have a mother, these three specials will speak to your heart as we intimately meet the amazing women who are responsible for some of hip-hop and R&B's brightest.

  BET's MOTHER'S DAY PROGRAMMING

  PREMIERE: Dear Mama:            Thursday, May 10 @ 8 p.m. ET/PT
  A Mother's Day Celebration      (Re-air Saturday, May 12 @ 11 a.m. ET/PT)
  HOSTS: Terrence & Rocsi         (Sunday, May 13 @ 12 p.m. ET/PT and 5 p.m.
                                   ET/PT)

  PREMIERE: RAP CITY              Friday, May 11 @ 4 p.m. ET/PT
  HOST: DJ Q45                    Saturday, May 12 @ 4 p.m. ET/PT

  PREMIERE: 106 &PARK             Friday, May 11 @ 6 p.m. ET/PT
  HOST: Terrence & Rocsi

  BET EXECUTIVES IN CHARGE:       Reginald Hudlin, President of
                                   Entertainment
                                  Byron Phillips, Executive Vice President
                                   of Entertainment
                                  Stephen Hill, Executive Vice President -
                                   Music and Entertainment

  PRODUCERS:                      Penny McDonald, Sr. Creative Director
                                  Rick Grimes, 106 & PARK Producer
                                  Felicia Stevens, RAP CITY Producer
                                  Matt Smith, RAP CITY Producer

  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.

Visit us @ www.bet.com/pr

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tricia N. Newell, +1-212-975-8230, Tricia.Newell@BET.net , or
Tara Smith, +1-212-975-3390, Tara.smith@BET.net , both of BET Networks

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

CCM Magazine Redefines "Christian Music"

Coverage Embraces Mainstream and Independent Artists of Faith

Special Digital Version of May Issue Available Free to All Fans

May 02, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CCM Magazine, Christian music's preeminent publication, is changing its definition of Christian music with its May 2007 issue to raise the profile of independent and general market artists of faith.

"This month marks a historic step for our magazine, and, as a result, the fans and the industry we serve," said CCM Editor Jay Swartzendruber. "We're going to start mixing indie and general market Christians such as The Fray, Mary J. Blige and Sufjan Stevens in with artists with traditional Christian label affiliation. Rather than define ‘Christian music’ just by its label or distribution, we’re now defining it as Christian worldview music. CCM Magazine has always taken its role as a leader seriously, and we believe this is the way of the future.”

During the 70s, CCM played a leading role in branding the spiritual pop and rock & roll that was known then simply as “Jesus Music.” As the grassroots contemporary Christian music scene mushroomed into a billion dollar industry, “Christian music” became widely regarded as an actual genre, even though it included rock, pop, hip-hop, punk, hardcore metal and other styles of music. As a result, many artists of faith who are reluctant to have their music defined by the Christian market have chosen to bypass it altogether. With this expanded view of “Christian music,” CCM Magazine now celebrates the full spectrum of faith-fueled music and musicians.

The “CCM” acronym – which has stood for “contemporary Christian music” for most of the magazine’s 29 year history – takes on new meaning this month as revealed by the front cover tagline: Christ • Community • Music. “CCM has always been a catalyst for community between Christian artists and readers,” explained Swartzendruber. “However, we’re taking that idea to a new level by making reader-generated content central to our new approach. In fact, our readers are literally helping us create this magazine, including their own album reviews, first-hand accounts, questions for favorite artists, and highlights from our online social networking community, www.myCCM.org.

During the month of May, fans are invited to access a complimentary digital version of the new CCM by going to www.CCMmagazine.com/promo. Monthly subscriptions to CCM are available at www.CCMmagazine.com ($21.95) and include two free compilation CDs for new and renewing subscribers featuring music from artists such as Anberlin, Aaron Shust, The Almost and Building 429, among others.

Contacts

CCM Magazine
Jay Swartzendruber, 615-312-4230
jay@ccmmagazine.com
or
Salem
Dana Tibbitts, 805-987-0400, x1092
dana.tibbitts@salem.cc

SoonR Launches Free Service for Non-Profit Organizations

Hip Hop Association is First Non-Profit to Benefit From SoonR4NP

May 02, 2007
CAMPBELL, Calif. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SoonR, the only company that delivers the power of the PC and Mac to mobile phones, today announced the launch of Soonr4NP, a free service for non-profit organizations, with the Hip-Hop Association as the first participant.

SoonR enables mobile communication and the sharing of information instantly--from any computer to any handset, and on any carrier network anywhere in the world--so that non-profit organizations can deliver better services and have a positive impact on more peoples’ lives.

“We work with organizations across the country as well as internationally, and we communicate important information about our programs on a daily basis,” said Martha Diaz, founder and president of the Hip-Hop Association. “SoonR’s flexibility gives tremendous power to a decentralized organization like ours. Hip-Hop culture has always been able to collect and share information and resources rapidly. We share that tradition with our staff and community partners.”

“The bridge that SoonR has built between any Internet connected mobile device on any carrier network, and files and applications on PCs, has already proven its value to mobile people across the globe,” said Abbe Patterson, vice president of worldwide media at SoonR. “With the launch of SoonR4NP and the Hip- Hop Association, the power of mobile communications to strengthen community ties is being dramatically demonstrated.”

“Non-profit communities need accessible technology that allows us to collaborate, share and keep organized,” said Rolando Brown, executive director of the Hip-Hop Association. “With SoonR4NP, our organization can build networks by collaborating with different organizations around the world that support the use of Hip-Hop culture as a powerful catalyst for social awareness and youth empowerment.”

“Our service is highly valuable to non-profits because of the power and flexibility of our technology,” said Martin Frid-Nielsen, CEO of SoonR. SoonR is carrier and handset agnostic, ready to go ‘off-the-shelf,’ and does not have to be customized for any non-profit organization’s preferred mobile carrier or preferred handsets.”

Availability

Non-profit organizations registered as a 503c receive service updates free and have the opportunity to participate in advanced trials of new technologies not being offered on SoonR.com. Participants may also be eligible to receive special promotional support through SoonR4NPor their organization. For more information, please visit http://4np.soonr.com

About the Hip-Hop Association

Founded in March 2002, the Hip-Hop Association [H2A] was formed to facilitate, foster, and preserve Hip-Hop culture. Producers of the largest Hip-Hop film festival and education summit in the world, its mission is to utilize Hip-Hop culture as a tool to encourage critical thinking, social change and unity, while empowering communities through media, education, and preservation and leadership initiatives. For more information please visit www.hiphopassociation.org. For more information about the H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] International Film Festival, please visit www.h2oiff.org.

About SoonR

SoonR lets people tap into the power of their computers from any Internet-capable mobile handset or remote computer, anywhere in the world, across any network and without the requirement of servers or expensive software. SoonR users can remotely access SoonR Desktop to search and access documents and images, SoonR Organizer for email, scheduling and contacts and SoonR Talk for mobile VoIP. SoonR integrates with Google Desktop Search, Yahoo! Desktop Search, X1, Spotlight, MSN Desktop Search, Outlook Office 2007 and Skype. PC-based data is automatically formatted for any mobile device and without any SoonR software on the handset. SoonR is built on a secure and extensible, open standards based application platform and works across carriers and handset operating systems including Symbian, Microsoft Mobile 5, Blackberry, Palm and others. The basic SoonR service is free.

Since internet access is necessary to use SoonR, the user must have data service from their carrier and some carrier SMS charges may apply.

SoonR was founded in 2005 and is based in both Silicon Valley and Denmark. For more information, visit www.soonr.com.

SoonR is a registered trademark of SoonR, Inc. Skype, Google, Spotlight, Yahoo!, X1, Windows Vista, Microsoft, MSN, Office 2007, Outlook, Mac OS, Microsoft Mobile Windows, Symbian, Blackberry, Palm are trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts

SoonR
Abbe Patterson, +1-650-455-3447
abbe@soonr.com
or
Hip Hop Association
Rolando Brown, +1-347-229-1362
rolando@hiphopassociation.org

EXIT Festival 2007

NOVI SAD, Serbia, May 2/PRNewswire/ --

- PETROVARADIN FORTRESS
- NOVI SAD, SERBIA
- 12th - 15th JULY 2007
www.exitfest.org
www.myspace.com/exitfestival

EXIT invite you to join the biggest music and cultural event in South East Europe and unite with like minded party people from around the world in homage to music, life, freedom and friendship. Set within the walls of the 17th Century Petrovaradin Fortress, Exit provides the magical location for a 4-day extravaganza. Tickets are on sale at GBP54.00 / EUR78.00.

From its humble beginnings as a student initiated project against the Milosevic regime, EXIT is now gaining international recognition and defining the new generation of young people in Serbia. EXIT is more than just a festival, it's an opportunity for young people to stand up for what they believe in and do so in a creative and positive way - and above all else to party long and hard with thousands of like minded people.

EXIT takes place in the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, which is built high on the banks of the River Danube and offers stunning views over the city of Novi Sad. The Fortress site houses 18 performance arenas within the 6km sq castle complex, connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels and the dance arena is regarded by many as the best in Europe.

EXIT is renowned for its diverse and adventurous line ups and has a broad genre booking policy. Approximately 600 performances will take place over the 4 day event, headlined by some of the finest international artists. Artists who have already performed at Exit include; Billy Idol, Franz Ferdinand, Fatboy Slim, Morrissey, Massive Attack, Scissor Sisters, Underworld, White Stripes and expect more of the same this year. Confirmed acts include; Beastie Boys, Basement Jaxx, Robert Plant, Lauren Hill, CSS, WU Tang Clan, Danny Tenaglia, Roger Sanchez, John Digweed, Richie Hawtin, Eric Prydz and Trentemoller live.

Download pictures from this link http://media.getpermission.co.uk/exit06/

EXIT TICKET SALES:

EXIT have teamed up with eTickets.to to deliver the best value festival ticket this side of the moon. Eticket purchasers will also gain fast entry to the event through their own entrance.

4 day festival passes are priced at EUR78.50 / GBP54 and are available from etickets.to & lastminute.com. To secure yours log onto one of the following sites;

www.etickets.to/exit
www.lastminute.com
www.exitfest.org follow the English link to ticket sales and select World Sales.

Source: EXIT Festival 2007

For more information and press accreditations requests contact: Nikki Wright, nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk, Mobile: +44-7957-434517

SaveNetRadio Responds to CRB Decision

WASHINGTON, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by SaveNetRadio:

Today the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) published its "Final Determination of Rates and Terms" of its March 2nd ruling in the Federal Register, which notes that the first payments are due 45 days after publication of the "final" determination. According to the CRB's statutory interpretation, the first payments for Internet radio webcasters are due July 15, 2007 instead of May 15, 2007. This is welcome news for webcasters, the artists they support, and the millions of listeners who enjoy Internet radio. SaveNetRadio will spend the next 45 days educating Members of Congress and their staffs about the incredible diversity of programming Internet radio offers us all. We will set the ticking clock back 45 days and continue the fight to free Internet radio from these devastating fee increases.

We feel strongly that Congress could not possibly have intended a structure whereby Internet radio services pay 60% to 300% of their revenue in royalties, satellite radio pays 5-7% and broadcasters pay zero, and we urge them to support H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act. This legislation achieves that necessary balance by setting Internet radio rates equal to that of satellite radio, while also providing the same important and preferential rules for public and noncommercial Internet radio.

Source: SaveNetRadio

CONTACT: Jake Ward, +1-202-448-3156, for SaveNetRadio