HIP HOP LEGEND BUN B READIES FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE SOLO ALBUM "II TRILL" DUE ON APRIL 29TH

CURRENTLY ON NATIONAL PROMOTIONAL TOUR, AWARD WINNING RAPPER TEAMS UP WITH MICROSOFT ZUNE

(February 28, 2008) Hip Hop Legend Bun B and one half of the award winning duo UGK readies for the debut of his highly anticipated sophomore solo album, II Trill, which will be released on April 29th courtesy of Rap-A-Lot/Asylum.

Upon the heals of success with UGK's 2007 seventh album release of the 26-song, two-CD set, UGK (Underground Kingz) which claimed the #1 spot in the country and presented the duo with two Grammy nominations for the soulful smash hit "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)" featuring Outkast, Bun will finally introduce the follow-up to his critically acclaimed and Gold Certified debut solo effort, Trill which was released in 2005 and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart.

II Trill will include guest features by artists that include the late great Pimp C, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, 8 Ball and MJ G, David Banner , Rick Ross, Z-Ro, Mya, Mike Jones, Junior Reid, Webbie, Chamillionaire , Expensive Taste ( Paul Wall , Skinhead Rob, & Travis Barker) and Slim Thug. The Houston rapper also collaborated with hitmakers Mr. Lee, Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, Bigg Tyme, Black Out Movement, Khalil, Clinton Sparks, Enigma and Chops to name a few.

Currently on a national promotional tour to promote II Trill and its first single, a JR Rotem produced track titled "That's Gangsta" featuring Sean Kingston, Bun has partnered with Microsoft Zune on a series of promotional events and programs focused on making a more direct connection with his fans through a strong presence on the road, at retail, and on Zune digital platforms. While on the road, he will be making appearances at several Boys & Girls Clubs.  Bun is also a part of Zune Social, an online music community where he is able to share his experience on the road and interact with music lovers.

Fans can connect with Bun directly by visiting www.zune.net/bunb and http://social.zune.net/member/BunBIITrill.

Bun B tour dates are as follows (subject to change):

DATE                                     CITY                                      VENUE

Feb. 29th                 Fayetteville , NC                     The Palace

Mar. 1st                                   Richmond , VA                       High Lights

Mar. 2nd                                  Washington DC                    Platinum Night Club

Mar.3rd   - 4th                          New York , NY                        Press/Promo

Mar. 5th                                   Cleveland , OH                       Boys & Girls Club and Metropolis

Mar. 6th                                   Indianapolis , IN                     Lilly Unit Boys & Girls Club and Cloud 9

Mar. 7th                                   Detroit , MI                             Zoo Bar

Mar. 8th                                   Cincinnati , OH                       Club Annie's

Mar. 9th                                   Round Lake , IL                      Sharkey's

Mar. 10th                 Chicago , IL                             Press/Promo

                                                Miami , FL                               Mansion

Mar. 12th – 13th                       Austin , TX                             South by Southwest

Mar. 14th                 San Antonio , TX                   East Side Boys & Girls Club

Mar. 15th                 Houston , TX                          Club Levels

Mar. 20th                 Oklahoma City , OK               Venue TBA

Mar. 21st                 Kansas City , MO                  Venue TBA

Mar. 22nd                                St. Louis, MO                        Venue TBA

Mar. 26th-27th                        Los Angeles , CA                  Press/Promo

March 28th                             Los Angeles , CA                 House of Blues

Mar. 29th                 San Francisco , CA                Mezzanine

Apr. 4th                                   Seattle , WA                           Nuemose

ABOUT BUN B

As one half of the duo, UGK, Bun B along with his long time friend, Pimp C put the south on the map in 1988 with their first album release The Southern Way. Two decades later, the Port Arthur , TX natives and award winning pair have maintained a presence in the music world with seven major label released albums, mixtapes, indie releases and cameos on numerous prominent artists' tracks. In 2000, they made a high-profile appearance on Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin." In 2005, Bun released his first solo album Trill. The gold-certified CD debuted at #6 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart. Bun is currently gearing up for his sophomore solo album, II Trill which will be released April 29, 2008. For more information on Bun B, visit www.zune.net/bunb or www.myspace.com/bunbofugk.

# # #

Press:
Tracy H. Nguyen
(212) 999-5585 main | (212) 584-4337 assist.
tnguyen@5wpr.com e-mail | www.5wpr.com web

Spectacula - Next up out of Queens, Presents free mixtape hosted by DJ Noodles

There has never been a shortage of MC's to step out of the New York borough that is home to the NY Mets, both the cities major airports and the thoroughfare to where the rich and famous like to rest their heads; the Hamptons.

February 28th 2008
Straight out of Queens Village steps another MC ready to ensure that his name is mentioned in the same breath as LL Cool J, Kool G Rap and Mobb Deep. Spectacula is no newbie on the scene, his history goes way back to when he was a mere 12 years old when he secured a deal with independent label Fly Spy Entertainment. Having learned from past experiences and maintaining patience, a trait which very few actually understand today, Spectacula, born Steven Rinchere is ready to put into action the past ten years of study.

Paid in Full sees the Queens native link up with the globally recognized mixtape phenomenon, DJ Noodles, who boasts a resume bursting at the seams with major Hip-Hop artists. "Fix Your Face and Pay Attention to this project, I'm always on the lookout for that next level of future industry players, and this tape right here is a great look at a young hungry artist on his grind. It was great working with him on this project, lookout for part 2!!!" enthused Noodles

This mixtape also serves as a taster for his forthcoming album. For What it's Worth, which will be released on ITunes in late April, is a testament to this lyrical technicians undying pledge of allegiance to Hip-Hop. "The basic goal I have for this mixtape is getting people to pay attention to my lyrics. with the release date of For what it's worth coming up I think it's important for people to know that I'm not coming halfway. Just like with the album I put my all into this mixtape and I just want people to appreciate what I'm doing," explained Spectacula

Please click on the link for a free download of the tape.

http://www.sendspace.com/file /e5iorw

Tracklisting
1)  Paid in Full Intro
2)  MOB Stick to the Script
3)  Big Spender
4)  What it's about - SKIT
5)  Wait til I get this $
6)  Coulda Sworn Snippet
7)  Bring the Soldiers Home
8)  Dead Men Don't get Rich
9)  For the Worst
10) Live and Maintain - SKIT
11) Money 2 Make
12) Not Gangsta, Just Real
13) Bring it Back
14) Some People Hate
15) You Already Know
16) Too Many Chiefs Not Enough Indians
17) Click Clack
18) More Money 2 Get
19) Early This Morning
20) Outro

To read more about  Spectacula and his journey in Hip-Hop, check out his blog on www.nobodysmiling.com or stop by his myspace page www.myspace.com/spectacula1

For interviews or other media related questions please contact Melanie at CriticalMMG@gmail.com

THE BOSS IS BACK! RAPPER RICK ROSS CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF HIS SOPHOMORE ALBUM, "TRILLA," WITH A STAR STUDDED RELEASE PARTY IN MIAMI BEACH

February 28, 2008 (Miami, FL) –On the eve of the release of  "Trilla,"  the most highly-anticipated album of 2008, Rapper Rick Ross (Slip N' Slide/Def Jam)  will  host a star-studded celebration in high style, marking the of the birth of his sophomore set. "Trilla," in stores, March 11th 2008, is poised to be the album of the year with appearances and production from Hip Hop's elite.

With the music, entertainment industries and fans buzzing about "Trilla," people are expected from far and wide to celebrate with the 'Boss' on Monday, March 10th 2008. The "Trilla," release party will be at Mansion night club located at 1235 Washington Avenue on Miami's South Beach. It is a day, which will respectfully become, the "Crowning of the New King of The South."

Rick Ross and Scarface are scheduled to headline the festivities, also taking the stage will be: Flo Rida, Brisco, T-Pain, Lil' Wayne, Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled, Birdman and Rick Ross' super group, Triple C  along with Poe Boy Entertainment, Def Jam Recordings and Slip N' Slide families, with a few other surprises.

"The album is incredible," states the Boss. "I know everyone is waiting for it, and it will supersede anyone's expectations, believe that, it a classic record!"

"Trilla," pegged to be the album of the year has  appearances by Jay-Z, R. Kelly, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Akon, Young Jeezy, Flo Rida, Brisco, Triple C, Trick Daddy, Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius, Nelly and more, with production also from, Cool and Dre, The Runners, DJ Toomp, J-Rock, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Drumma Boy and J.R. Rotem, among others.

"Trilla," is the follow-up to Rick Ross,' 2006 Platinum-selling debut album, "Port of Miami,"  best known for hit singles and anthem of the year, "Hustlin," "Push It," "Blow" and "White House."

The rapper also makes his Executive Producing debut on March 25th with the release of M.I.Yayo, a documentary, distributed by Traffic Entertainment. M.I.Yayo, directed by Chris Larceny, is the most accurate and vivid account of Miami's street life counting down the 10 most notorious street runners from the 80's and 90's, where billions of dollars were made in the streets. The film's trailer can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RC2VyOJ3Y4 .

For media inquires, please contact Melissa Sessoms/Sessoms PR at sessomspr@gmail.com or (305) 772-6825.

Concrete Magazine Expansion Sparks up Memphis

Nashville, TN (February 28, 2008) -- Cory Sparks of STP Music Group and SIT Marketing has taken the Nashville-based southern hip-hop publication, Concrete Magazine, to Memphis as its first stop on the road to expansion. Sparks will serve as the Editor-in-Chief of Concrete Memphis.

With Ricardo Hunter as head of media and Tierney Hendricks as sales and creative consultant, Sparks plans to build on the success that Concrete Magazine has seen for the past four years in the Nashville area. "We decided to franchise the Concrete Magazine brand," says Sparks. "I always respected the magazine since it's been circulating in Nashville. I figured I had to bring it to Memphis and put a spin on it." The Memphis version of the magazine will include local talent, promoters, businesses, radio stations and other features that embody the city's edge and culture.

Bryan Deese, innovator of Concrete Magazine and Nashville Editor-in-Chief, is very optimistic about the expansion. "We are really excited. We are working with some great people," says Deese. "They are a very knowledgeable team who are in the know about trends and young America. They are very capable to make it a go. Memphis is a great market to support such a magazine." With approximately 10,000 copies distributed bi-monthly in the Nashville area, Sparks plans to carry over this concept to Memphis. The pocket-sized magazine is about 40-60 pages and free of charge. "We have to appeal to our people," says Sparks. "Memphis has a lifestyle of its own. We want people to talk about our magazine and only our magazine." With the slogan, "You Can't Lose When The City's Behind You," Sparks hopes the magazine will become a mascot for the city. Plans to expand the franchise publication to other cities are underway.

The inaugural issue of Concrete Memphis hits the city on April 15th with a special edition, "Kings and Queens of Memphis." Concrete Memphis will be available at over 150 locations such as nightclubs, restaurants, barber shops and beauty salons. For more information, contact: concretememphis@gmail.com

About Concrete Magazine

Founded by Bryan Deese, Concrete Magazine is a free urban publication started 2004 in Nashville, TN. Catering to males and females ages 14-33, Concrete showcases the hottest hip-hop artists, models and businesses in the South with interviews, album reviews, advertisements and lifestyle articles. Covering the hottest trends in music and urban culture, the magazine became one of the top street marketing vehicles in the southeast region and received the SEA Urban Magazine of the Year Award in 2006. Concrete Magazine is available at urban music retailers, clothing stores and college campuses in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. www.concretemag.com or  www.myspace.com/concretemag

#   #   #

CONTACT: Aerial Ellis | Urbane Imagery | 615.496.6826 | urbaneimagery@gmail.com

SIC OSYRUS IN THE PRESS

Sic Osyrus gets noticed by and featured in AllHipHop.com's coveted 'Breeding Ground'

Definitely one of the biggest looks Sic has received thus far in his career.
http://allhiphop.com/stories/breedingground/archive/2008/02/28/19356969.aspx
Make Sure You Check Out The 4 Songs Posted in The Audio Section too
Big Shout to Steve Raze, La'Juanda Knight, Grouchy, Jigsaw and J!!!

Sic Osyrus just interviewed with HipHopDX.com for their DX next section
(Big shouts to Mike, Legend, Joel and Jake for the support!!)

Check out the exclusive Sic Osyrus OfficialLastwordonline.com Interview
(Make sure your read what Superstar Jay say about Sic Osyrus)
http://www.officiallastwordonline.com/entspotlight.html

Click here to read the exclusive Sic Osyrus interview with Kai from YoRaps.com
http://www.yoraps.com/next2blow1.php?subaction=showfull&id=1202291148&archive=&start_from=&ucat=4&

Sic Osyrus ALSO just Interviewed with All Access DVD this past week
Big Shouts to Tee and Dwayne for the continued support.
Lookout for the NEW DVD with Jay Z on cover!

Keep an ear open for another MAJOR Sic Osyrus press announcement next weekl!!

SIC OSYRUS ON MIXTAPES

Check out Sic Osyrus on DJ 350's 'Global Warming' Mixtape in the streets NOW! (for more info on DJ 350 (Gino Greens DJ) go to www.myspace.com/dj350)

Also Check out Sic Osyrus on Pop Off Productions 'Heir to The Throne' Vol 3 Mixtape Hosted by Skyzoo (for more info on Pop Off Productions go to myspace.com/popoffproductions)

Check out Sic Osyrus on 'The Money Report' Vol 2 Hosted by Puerto Rican Erv
(for more info go to http://www.datpiff.com/Puerto-Rican-Erv-The-Money-Report-Vol-2-mid11697.html)

MORE SIC OSYRUS NEWS

Sic Osyrus is getting ready to lace the world with the follow up Mixtape Album 'Sic O Nomics' Volume 2 (Hosted by Bedtyme357, Remy Ma's Official DJ and 2007 JUST Underground DJ of The Year award Nominee) with Original Production from Drawzilla (Remy Ma, Chrisette Michele, Capone from CNN), and Raf Moses as well as Collabs with underground heavyweights Skyzoo, The League and Sha Stimuli.

Sic Osyrus's first single off the mixtape is 'S On My Chest' produced by Drawzilla for Inasirkl Music Group. We are about to shoot the first phase of a very high quality video with director INFMAN (who has worked with Diddy, Jay Z, Ghostface and Just Blaze to name a few). The 'S On my Chest' Video will also have a part two phase which you will all know about, and be screened in late March and will be released on a limited edition of 'Sic O Nomics' 2.5 with several guest appearances, remixes and interviews from the last few months, and a possible additional guest host thats gonna make the hip hop world ask some major questions, like 'Who The F*ck is Sic Osyrus?'. Also be on the lookout for DJ Mixalot's 'Cancel My Appointment's' Mixtape and DJ 1 Mic's 'Get Down Or Lay Down' Mixtape Both Hosted by Sic Osyrus, as well as features on DJ Rhude's XXL 'State 2 State' We Got Now Mixtape Series.

Sic has also been busy in the studio working towards his first full length album with legendary producer Buckwild (Jay Z, Pun, BIG, 50 and more) , Platinum Producer Amadeus (50, Jim Jones, Talib and more) as well as other beat bangers Drawzilla, OZ, Ryan, and Buda The Future.

So, if you havent interviewed Sic Osyrus, now is the time, contact me asap at inasirkl@gmail.com

Thanks for everyones continued support. So much more to discuss, but we'll keep it lite this go round.

Check for Sic Osyrus show dates, updated pics, mixtape and press placements at
www.myspace.com/sicosyrus1 and www.sonicbids.com/sicosyrus1

--
J Hatch
iStandard Publicity
iStandardpublicity@gmail.com
646.358.0548
www.iStandardPublicity.com (Coming Soon)

KELIS - THE HITS, 14-SONG COMPILATION SPANS HER ENTIRE CAREER, FROM 1999 TO 2006

MULTI-LABEL PROGRAM DRAWS UPON ALL FOUR KELIS ALBUMS: KALEIDOSCOPE (1999), WANDERLAND (2001, UNRELEASED IN U.S.), TASTY (2004), AND MOST RECENT KELIS WAS HERE (2006)

Collaborations with Nas, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Gnarls Barkley's Cee-Lo Green,
André 3000 of OutKast, N.E.R.D. (the Neptunes), Too $hort, and Richard X

Liner notes essay written by Leah Rose of XXL magazine

Well-deserved collection arrives in stores March 11, 2008, on Star Trak/Jive/Legacy

Kelis - "Milkshake"
[WATCH]: http://musicbox.sonybmg.com/videos/kelis/milkshake

"Tasty's biggest triumph, however, was the album's first single 'Milkshake.' Tracked by the Neptunes, the chart-topping sing-along was an instant smash and propelled Kelis' third LP up the Billboard Top 200; it also earned her a Grammy nomination in 2004 for best Urban/Alternative performance. Soon Tasty was certified gold, marking Kelis' first plaque in the United States."
- Leah Rose, XXL magazine, from the liner notes to KELIS - THE HITS

Known worldwide for the Grammy-nominated "Milkshake," her 2003-2004 signature crossover hit that still earns its fair share of video and airplay in the U.S. and abroad, New York's own Kelis - who celebrates her 10th year as a recording artist in 2008 - is a prolific singer and songwriter whose four albums are a musical treasure trove, way too deep for someone who has not yet reached age 30!
With nearly a dozen Hot 100 & R&B chart singles to her name at home, and an equal number in the U.K., the time is right to collect KELIS - THE HITS. The 14-song overview of her career is a long-overdue collection that backs up "Milkshake" with the songs that have kept her on the radio and on the road since 1999. The new album, with liner notes written by Leah Rose of XXL magazine (who penned notes for Legacy's recent Common compilation, thisisme then) will arrive in stores March 4th on Star Trak/Jive/Legacy, a division of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAIN¬MENT.

"Only a true artist has the ability to innovate an entire genre," writes Leah Rose. "Ever since debuting with her album Kaleidoscope nearly ten years ago, Kelis has remained on the cutting edge of both fashion and music. As one of the first major pop stars to collaborate with the Grammy award-winning production duo the Neptunes, Kelis set trends for an entire generation of hip-hop and R&B artists."
Kelis recorded four albums on three different labels: her debut Kaleidoscope (Virgin, 1999); Wanderland (Virgin, 2001, which remains unreleased in the U.S. to date); Tasty (Star Trak/Arista, 2004); and her most recent Kelis Was Here (LaFace/ Jive, 2006). KELIS - THE HITS draws from all four albums - including two star collabo¬ra¬tions apiece from Tasty ("In Public" with her husband Def Jam artist Nas; and "Millionaire" with OutKast's André 3000) and Kelis Was Here ("Lil' Star" with Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley; and the most recent crossover hit "Bossy" with Too $hort).

KELIS - THE HITS also tracks three equally important collabo¬ra¬tions, all on different labels as well: 1999's "Got Your Money" with Ol' Dirty Bastard (which pre-dates by just a few months Kelis' own coming-out as a solo artist that same year); 2002's "Truth Or Dare" with N.E.R.D. (the alter-ego group/band concept of her long-time producers the Neptunes, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo); and "Finest Dreams" with British producer Richard X.

Four years ago, the starmaking machinery was working overtime to capture all the "Milkshake" excitement: "It's 'frothy'," raved Entertainment Weekly, "saucy" said USA Today, and "the superfreakiest song on the charts this winter" summed up Rolling Stone. Tasty hit RIAA gold, and Kelis earned the opening spot on the first leg of Britney Spears' North American tour that spring.
"My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard/ And they're like, it's better than yours/ Damn right it's better than yours, I can teach you/ But I have to charge..."

In fact, Kelis was already a seasoned veteran by 2004 - seven years after graduating at age 17 from New York City's prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts (PA). She soon hooked up with a pair of up-and-coming producers based in Virginia Beach, Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, which led to the first Kelis album on Virgin Records in 1999, Kaleidoscope. Though "Caught Out There" reached Top 10 R&B in the U.S., it was clear that British and European audiences were way out front in their attention to the young star. "Good Stuff" and "Get Along With You" further established Kelis across the Continent.

Controversy greeted the 2001 album Wanderland, her second with the Neptunes and Virgin Records. "Young, Fresh N' New" did well on the charts in the U.K. and Germany, but when it missed the pop and R&B charts in the U.S., Virgin decided not to release the album here. The move led Kelis to part company with the label.

Although she stayed aligned with the Neptunes (appearing on one track on their long-awaited 2002 alter-ego project In Search Of...), the next Kelis album, Tasty, found her moving (along with the Neptunes' Star Trak label) to Arista and BMG worldwide. The label encouraged Kelis to enlist a wider list of guest producers, among them Raphael Saadiq, Dallas Austin, and André 3000. But it was the Neptunes-produced "Milkshake" that jumped out and stopped traffic on both sides of the Atlantic.

"Milkshake" was rush-released before the September 30, 2003, Grammy deadline - which ensured it of a nomination. People called it "a banging club jam with a percolating groove, spacey programming and a chant-along chorus... It ranks next to OutKast's 'Hey Ya!' as the grooviest song on the radio." Tasty arrived in December, and the New York Times Sunday Arts & Leisure section declared: "Throughout her appealing new album... whether she's sighing or whispering or rapping or chanting, her voice makes a great rhythm instrument."

The timing, however, left Kelis caught up once again in a U.S. industry snafu, as Arista was dissolved in March 2004. It was a different story in the U.K., where Tasty spun off three more top-charted singles: "Trick Me," "Millionaire" (with André 3000), and "In Public" (with Nas).
When the smoke cleared in 2005, Kelis remained inside the BMG family, on the LaFace label, now an imprint of Jive Records. She began working with nearly a dozen producers on her next album and the first results hit the street in January 2006, "Bossy," featuring rapper Too $hort. With its Marc Klasfeld video, the single clocked a 6-month pop/R&B crossover chart run in the U.S. and U.K., ultimately achieving rare double-platinum certification here.

"Bossy" set the scene for the new album in August, Kelis Was Here, which brought her second Grammy Award nomination (and first for an album). The week after the Grammy ceremonies in February 2007 - more than 13 months after the album's release - "Lil' Star" (featuring Cee-Lo) was issued as the album's final single. It entered the U.K. chart at #3, confirming the never-ending popularity of Kelis.

"With an ability to seek out untapped musical territories and create sounds that reach way beyond the current aesthetic," Leah Rose concludes, "Kelis has managed to bring an unbridled experimentation to the forefront of R&B. Her supreme sass is infectious and permeates throughout her work. With more style and substance than her so-called peers, Kelis is pop's last great escape."

KELIS - THE HITS
(Star Trak/Jive/Legacy 88697 25278 2 6 - explicit)
(Star Trak/Jive/Legacy 88697 25467 2 8 - clean)

Title U.S. UK From album Label Year
1. Caught Out There R&B #9, H #54 #4 Kaleidoscope Virgin 1999
2. Milkshake R&B #4, H #3 #2 Tasty StarTrak/Arista 2003
3. Got Your Money R&B #19, H #33 #11 [N***a Please] [Elektra] 1999
(w/Ol' Dirty Bastard)
4. Trick Me -- #2 Tasty StarTrak/Arista 2004
5. Lil' Star (with Cee-Lo) -- #3 Kelis Was Here LaFace/Jive 2006
6. Get Along With You R&B #57 #51 Kaleidoscope Virgin 2000
7. Young, Fresh N' New Dance #15 #32 Wanderland Virgin 2001
8. Truth Or Dare -- -- [In Search Of...] [Virgin] 2002
(w/N.E.R.D)
9. Bossy (with Too $hort) R&B#11, H #16 #22 Kelis Was Here LaFace/Jive 2006
10. In Public (with Nas) -- #17 Tasty StarTrak/Arista 2005
11. Millionaire -- #3 Tasty StarTrak/Arista 2004
(w/André 3000)
12. Finest Dreams -- #8 [X-Factor Vol. 1] [Astralwerks] 2003
(w/Richard X)
13. Suspended -- -- Kaleidoscope Virgin 2000
14. Good Stuff -- #19 Kaleidoscope Virgin 2000

Notes:
H indicates Billboard Hot 100 singles chart (U.S.)
-- indicates single did not chart or was not issued in designated country.
Year indicates single release date, not album.

Roberto Santos
roberto@cornerstonepromotion.com

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Goes #1 with 'A Raisin in the Sun'

'Diddy goes to Hollywood to pursue acting career'

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Sean "Diddy" Combs, made his debut in his first starring role on Monday, February 25th in the reprised role of Walter Lee in a "A Raisin in the Sun." Ratings far exceeded expectations across every demographic. "A Raisin in the Sun," which featured Sean Combs and all-star cast Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan and John Stamos, ranked #1 Monday night, allowing ABC to turn in its strongest night amongst viewers in 3 months. Raisin was TV's highest-rated original movie since November 2005 among key demographic audiences. 12.7 Million viewers tuned in to see this revived classic.

Combs' role received rave reviews...

"Mr. Combs is commanding and fierce." -- New York Times

"The actor's [Combs] blend of volatility, sweetness, pride, impotence and frustration registers beautifully." -- Chicago Sun Times

"[Combs] turns in a heart breaking performance!" -- Us Weekly (3.5 stars)

"You'll Never Look at Sean Same Way Again!...," "Combs does a great, great job...finds his place in the sun!" -- The New York Post

Combs is planning to be bi-coastal to focus on his acting career. Combs says, "This has been a life changing experience for me. I love acting. In order to make movies, I have to be where the movies are being made."

Source: Sunshine, Sachs & Associates

CONTACT: Ken Sunshine or Briele Douglass of Sunshine, Sachs &
Associates, +1-212-691-2800, douglass@sunshinesachs.com

Vakero Partners With Sunflower Entertainment

Sunflower Entertainment signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with New York and Dominican Republic based record label Jeremy Records' recording artist, Vakero, the #1 Dominican Hip Hop artist and leader of the Rap Dominicano movement.

New York City and San Pedro de Macorís, D.R. (Billboard Publicity Wire) February 28, 2008 -- Sunflower Entertainment signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with New York and Dominican Republic based record label Jeremy Records' recording artist, Vakero, the #1 Dominican Hip Hop artist and leader of the Rap Dominicano movement. The deal encompasses all of Vakero's Recordings, Publishing, Digital/Mobile Marketing and Merchandising.

Jeremy Records President, Francis Belliard, upon signing the deal said, "The influence and popularity of Vakero is undeniable and what better place to grow and prosper Vakero than with Sunflower Entertainment."

Vakero is the real deal. A global star in the making
"Vakero is the real deal. A global star in the making," said Jamar Chess, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment, who was responsible for the completion of the deal.

The Dominican Hip Hop movement is sweeping Latino communities all over the East Coast, where over a million Dominicans live. Vakero's infectious tracks are heard at night on street corners and from open car windows in New York City, Boston and Providence. Major League Baseball stars, such as the New York Mets' José Reyes, the Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz and New York Yankees Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera, have all been using Vakero tracks as their "at-bat" songs.

Work on the follow-up album to the highly acclaimed "Pa Ke Te Mate" has begun featuring production from longtime collaborator Villano Sam, Salsero legend Joe Arroyo and Sunflower Entertainment artist/producer Propheta.

Sunflower Entertainment's plans for the new album entail an aggressive digital and mobile promotion campaign along with pursuing strategic fashion partnerships to expose Vakero merchandise and branding to include clothing, footwear and accessories.

"We feel there is a vast potential for Vakero merchandise to cross over to audiences all over the world," said Juan Carlos Barguil, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment.

Riding off a successful Zurich, Switzerland club tour, Miguel "Bombon" Taveras, Vakero's E.U. representative, has booked upcoming shows in Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona among other large European cities to further Vakero's worldwide presence.

The album "Pa Ke Te Mate" is currently available on iTunes and all major Digital retailers. The singles "Se Partio El Lapiz" and "Hasta Mañana Negra Linda" are currently being programmed on mun2 and mtv3. There have been over 1.6 million views on Youtube of Vakero music and promotional videos.   

About Sunflower Entertainment:
Sunflower Entertainment is the place to license both masters and publishing of some of the greatest Latin and Reggae music. The roots and experience of Sunflower come out of a relationship with the legendary Arc Music Group, the publishing division of Chess and Vee Jay Records, which was founded in 1953. The Sunflower catalog features such popular artists from the legendary Discos Fuentes catalog as Joe Arroyo, Sonora Carruseles, La Sonora Dinamita, and Fruko y Sus Tesos, as well as Bachata stars Zacarias Ferreira and Kiko Rodriguez to Merengue artists Amarifs and Orlando Conga. Also, Sunflower represents Reggae legends The Itals, The Gladiators, and Justin Hinds.   

For further information, contact Jamar Chess or Juan Carlos Barguil
212.246.3333 tel / 212.262.6299 fax
http://www.sunflower-ent.com
http://www.vakeromusic.com

Europe contact : Miguel "Bombon" Taveras
+33 664 851495 tel.
azucalazucal @ hotmail.com

Oprah's First-Ever Live Interactive Webcast Class Enrollment for the #1 Bestselling 'A New Earth' Surpasses Half a Million in Four Weeks

'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle holds the record for the most copies ever shipped by Penguin Group (USA) in a four-week period, 3.45 million

Upcoming Webinar Attracting Readers from 125 Countries To register, log onto www.oprah.com/anewearth

CHICAGO, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Since "A New Earth" was named the 61st Oprah's Book Club selection on January 30, 2008 and Winfrey announced that she will join author and renowned spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle for the first time ever to teach a free, live interactive webinar exclusively on Oprah.com, more than 500,000 people-representing 125 countries from around the world- already have registered. This book holds the record for the most copies ever shipped by Penguin Group (USA) in a four-week period, 3.45 million.

Each weekly class will correspond to a chapter from "A New Earth," with the 90-minute discussion focusing on each chapter's theme. During the week prior to the live Web event, students can access their personal interactive workbook-a guided online journal that complements each webinar session-that provides introspective questions as well as related exercises for awakening. The 10 weekly sessions will be webcast every Monday night from March 3 through May 5, at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT. To register for the class, log onto www.oprah.com/anewearth.

Brian Tart, President & Publisher of Dutton and editor of the book said, "Sales thus far have been incredible. It really has been a phenomenon and the webinar is sure to create even more sales momentum in the market."

"For the first four weeks on sale, 'A New Earth' is our bestselling Oprah's Book Club title," said buyer Jules Herbert of Barnes & Noble, the largest book retailer in the country.

Penguin Group's "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle is the #1 bestselling nonfiction trade paperback book in the nation, retaining the #1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list for four straight weeks. It currently also tops the USA Today, Publishers Weekly and Book Sense bestseller lists, among others. Plume, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), initially shipped 776,000 copies and -- after only four weeks on sale -- has more than 4.7 million copies in print and has shipped 3.45 million copies to date.

Readers around the world have been sharing how the book has enriched their lives, including such celebrities as:

Jim Carrey: "I think one of the most important questions that people ask in life is who am I and why am I here? This book gets as close to an answer as any book could ever get."

Russell Simmons: "When you get it, it's like a key turning inside you. Eckhart Tolle offers that bridge from this unconscious state that we live in to the state that we are evolving towards, like it or not."

Jenny McCarthy: "What happened to me as I was reading 'A New Earth,' I can best describe it as someone came and woke me up out of a dream and the dream just happened to be my entire life. It definitely made me realize that I was playing a role."

Guy Ritchie: "One of the first categories of people I think should read this book is anyone who suffers any form of anxiety or any form of fear ... I think, in that respect, this could be the most liberating thing they could ever read."

The upcoming webinar for "A New Earth" on Oprah.com is sponsored in part by Skype, Post-It and Chevy.

Source: Penguin Group (USA)

CONTACT: Marilyn Ducksworth of Penguin Group (USA), +1-212-366-2564; or
Angela De Paul of Harpo, +1-312-633-1182

Web site: http://www.penguinputnam.com/
http://www.oprah.com/
http://www.oprah.com/anewearth

RIP THE RUNWAY Rocks the World of Fashion With Hosts Nelly and Lauren London

Along With Executive Producer and Master of Ceremonies Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs on Tuesday, March 4 @ 10 PM*

Collections from Sean John, Zac Posen, Apple Bottom, Co Co Ri, and Amaya Swimwear Were Showcased on the Runway to the Musical Performances of Snoop Dogg Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Day 26, Trey Songz and Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks struts their stuff on the catwalk with the fourth annual fashion and music special RIP THE RUNWAY. Executive produced by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and hosted by rapper and featured clothing designer, Nelly and Hollywood's newest "IT" girl, actress Lauren London, RIP THE RUNWAY premieres Tuesday, March 4, at 10:00 PM*. Expertly blending today's hottest performances with the latest in high-end urban fashion, this year's fashion show over delivers on its theme "Black Fashion. So Fly".

Donned as one of the best dressed hours on television, this year's RIP THE RUNWAY features the latest collections of Zac Posen, Sean John, Respect M.E. (Missy Elliott Collection for Adidas), Apple Bottom, Qristyl Designs, Monif C, Sixx Foota, and Amaya Swimwear. It was a family affair for Snoop Dogg and his wife Shante Broadus who launched their clothing lines Rich & Infamous and Co Co Ri. "My wife got her line Co Co Ri and I got my line Rich & Infamous and we're just trying to come out here as husband and wife and push something out there for the people, something for the males, something for the females, something for the little boys. It's a group thing right here," Snoop Dogg told BET.com exclusively.

Celebrity models included Tocarra Jones (BET Talent, America's Next Top Model-Cycle 3), Charlie Baltimore (female rapper), Teyana Taylor (singer/rapper Star Track Entertainment), Bianca Golden (America's Next Top Model-Cycle 9), Camille McDonald (America's Next Top Model-Cycle 2), Corey Webster (NY Giants), Sam Madison (NY Giants), Brandon London (NY Giants), BET's own, Rocsi and Terrence, Brandon T. Jackson (Roll Bounce), Lil Snoop (The Wire), Cassie (Bad Boy R&B singer/model), Ezra Masters (international model), Terrell Carter (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), Camille Howard (America's Next Top Model-Cycle 8), America's Next Top model winner Jazlene Gonzalez, and show host Lauren London. RIP THE RUNWAY featured live performances by Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Snoop Dogg, Day 26 (Diddy's latest MAKING THE BAND group), Cheri Dennis, Webbie, Trey Songz and Flo Rida featuring T-Pain.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET's press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.

  **all times ET/PT

  CONTACTS:
  Marcy Polanco                  Tricia Newell
  212-975-3327                   212-975-8230
  marcy.polanco@bet.net          tricia.newell@bet.net

  About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (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 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; 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; BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080228/NETH042
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco, +1-212-975-3327, marcy.polanco@bet.net, or
Tricia Newell, +1-212-975-8230, tricia.newell@bet.net, both of BET Networks

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

Operation MySpace: an Exclusive Concert Live from the Middle East for American Troops

Leading Social Network Presents Concert in Kuwait with Host Carlos Mencia and Performances by the Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Simpson, Disturbed, Filter, and DJ Z-Trip

Landmark Concert To Be Web Cast Live for the MySpace Community Enabling Users to Post Videos and Messages of Support for Troops Overseas

February 28, 2008
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MySpace, the world's most popular social network, in cooperation with the Department of Defense's Armed Forces Entertainment and America Supports You program, today announced the launch of Operation MySpace, a landmark concert event designed to bring troops serving in Kuwait a taste of home and enable the MySpace community to show their support for troops serving overseas.

On March 10, MySpace Co-Founders Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe, along with some of today's most popular musical acts, will participate in a 3-hour plus MySpaceLive! concert in Kuwait that will be streamed in high definition flash video using Kulabyte's XStream Live Solutions exclusively on the official Operation MySpace profile: http://myspace.com/operationmyspace. The MySpace community can watch the entire concert webcast starting at 11a.m. PT/ 2 p.m. ET.

"For years troops stationed all over the world have utilized MySpace as a lifeline to communicate with their loved ones back home. Many of them have been generous enough to share their unique experiences with me through messages on MySpace," Anderson said. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to thank them in person and bring along the entire MySpace community."

Operation MySpace will be the largest MySpaceLive! concert to date with performances by the Pussycat Dolls (http://www.myspace.com/pussycatdolls), Jessica Simpson (http://myspace.com/jessicasimpson), Disturbed (http://myspace.com/disturbed), Filter (http://myspace.com/filter1), DJ Z-Trip (http://myspace.com/djztrip) and the comedic genius of Carlos Mencia (http://myspace.com/carlosmencia).

"We're incredibly proud to host this one of a kind concert," added DeWolfe. "Unlike past variety shows or concerts of this nature, Operation MySpace will connect people, content, and culture a world apart through the live webcast of the show and interaction on the Operation MySpace profile."

Starting today, the Operation MySpace profile (http://myspace.com/operationmyspace) will serve as a communication hub where troops' families and friends, along with the entire MySpace community, can post videos and messages of support via a video blog section. The profile will also feature a scrolling ticker of goodwill messages uploaded to the community during the live stream. A condensed 1-hour version of the show, featuring the best and most stirring moments, will be nationally broadcast on FX on April 12.

The Pussycat Dolls commented, "We're so excited to be performing for the troops and supporting our Armed Forces overseas. They'd better get ready...the desert's about to get a lot hotter!"

"It's truly an honor to perform for the troops," said Jessica Simpson. "Through Operation MySpace, I get to serve my country by doing what I love to do in front of thousands of brave men in uniform. It's every girl's dream!"

In addition to hosting this one-time event, MySpace announced its support of the America Supports You program as part of its ongoing commitment to recognize the dedication of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. MySpace joins businesses, hundreds of homefront groups and thousands of citizens across America who have worked with America Supports You to support the military and their families. MySpace previously worked with America Supports You this past November in an initiative called "Giving Thanks" which created an opportunity for Americans to send troops a message of support via text.

"This MySpaceLive! concert is an exciting event because it communicates to our troops that people from all walks of life and from all types of companies support their service to our country," said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. "MySpace is a great medium to connect our military members and their families, who serve in 177 countries, to the folks back home. We are so glad to have MySpace as part of the team working with both America Supports You and Armed Forces Entertainment."

As one of the most popular and most trafficked music platforms in the world, MySpace Music has evolved into an offline experience by connecting bands and fans around the world through various concert series and live events including Secret Shows, MySpaceLIVE, and The List. MySpaceLive! brings live concerts to the MySpace community via streaming online video and gives MySpace users watching at home the opportunity to submit real-time messages through an on-site message ticker. Past MySpaceLive! concerts have featured the Projekt Revolution Tour with Linkin Park, Grammy award winning rapper T.I. and DJ Paul Oakenfold. Millions of MySpace fans have logged on to MySpaceLive! webcasts to watch their favorite artists. To date, MySpace has more than six million bands using the site.

B-roll and photos from Operation MySpace will be available upon request.

About America Supports You

America Supports You is an ongoing, nationwide program organized by the Department of Defense to showcase Americans' support for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Since its launch in November of 2004, America Supports You has welcomed more than 350 homefront organizations and more than 35 corporations to the program. Many America Supports You homefront groups demonstrate their support for the troops through letter writing, care packages, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families, sending an email or kind gesture. Learn more about supporting military personnel at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.

About Armed Forces Entertainment

Armed Forces Entertainment, founded in 1951, is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

About MySpace

MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the first ranked web domain in terms of page views (a), MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member experience. MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off. MySpace's international network includes localized community sites in the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Latin America, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS) (NYSE:NWS.A) (ASX:NWS) (ASX:NWSLV).

(a) Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, January 2007. For more information on comScore Networks, please go to http://www.comscore.com.

OPERATION MYSPACE: TALENT QUOTE SHEET

"It's truly an honor to perform for the troops. Through Operation MySpace, I get to serve my country by doing what I love to do in front of thousands of brave men in uniform. It's every girl's dream!" --Jessica Simpson

"We are proud to bring strength and support to those who support us with their strength." --David Draiman of DISTURBED

"We look forward to play for the troops to show them our support for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe." --Mike Wengren of DISTURBED

"We've been talking about wanting to perform for the troops for a long time, and feel there's no better way to pay our respects than to bring the show to them!" --Dan Donegan of DISTURBED

"We have waited a long time for the honor to play for the people who safeguard our freedom." --John Moyer of Disturbed

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to go over there and perform for the troops," states Z-Trip about his show for Operation MySpace. "I'm hoping to bring them a little piece of home through the music. They'll be plenty of hip-hop, rock, some turntable tricks and some thought-provoking stuff. Playing for a crowd this diverse is actually a good thing--it allows me to go all over the place musically." --DJ Z-Trip

"I am so glad to be returning to Kuwait, and bring some laughter to our service men and women. ... And growing up with 17 brothers and sisters, the mess hall reminds me of my Sunday family dinner." --Carlos Mencia

"It is an honor and a privilege for me and the whole band to be given the chance to perform for the troops. Based on personal experiences and relationships, I feel going to Kuwait and playing for the men and women who put their lives in harm's way every day is the least I can do. Hopefully these performances bring enjoyment and alleviate some stress while these soldiers are serving overseas." --Richard Patrick of FILTER

Contacts

MySpace
Dani Dudeck, 310-969-7148
ddudeck@myspace.com
or
Jessica Bass, 310-969-7179
jbass@myspace.com
or
Shadow PR For MySpace
Liza Bychkov, 212-972-0277
liza@shadowpr.com
or
Amy Crouse, 212-972-0277
amy@shadowpr.com
or
America Supports You
Debra Preitkis, 202-615-7124 (mobile)
debra@susandavis.com
or
Armed Forces Entertainment
Melissa Welch, 210-829-1953
mwelch@rc-co.com

ABSOLUT(R) Sees 20/20 in 2008

ABSOLUT(R) Vodka Stirs Creative Visions with Luminaries Kanye West, Eddie Izzard, Perez Hilton, Pablo Francisco, Live Earth Filmmakers and More, As They Express Their View of Life 'In An ABSOLUT World'

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, the world's most iconic spirits brand, launches ABSOLUT Visionaries, an initiative that engages consumers and some of the world's leading creative luminaries within the media, arts and entertainment fields to express their clever and daring ideals for life In An ABSOLUT World. As part of its overall 'In An ABSOLUT World' advertising campaign, ABSOLUT will showcase the bold and optimistic projects from style-makers such as Kanye West, Eddie Izzard, Perez Hilton, Pablo Francisco, Jim Denevan, various Live Earth Filmmakers, The Sartorialist and editors from Thrillist.com, Flavorpill.com and Treehugger.com at www.absolut.com. ABSOLUT is also encouraging consumers to submit their visions and participate in the dialogue within the interactive online Visionaries community.

"When we created the 'In An ABSOLUT World' campaign, we asked ourselves 'What if everything in the world was approached with the same ideal as we approach ABSOLUT vodka?' With the Visionaries program, we are opening that question to the rest of the world to spark conversations and challenge the status quo," said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT Vodka. "ABSOLUT has a history of collaborating with the artistic community, and we will continue in that tradition, while also inspiring consumers to engage with us and each other."

Two of the first ABSOLUT Visions will be available to consumers in real time, as well as online. As official sponsor of the Live Earth Film Series, ABSOLUT will be touring the film series, a collection of humorous, pithy and serious dialogues about the effects of global warming, to more than 70 film festivals around the country this year. As well, The ABSOLUT Machines, designed by Dan Paluska and Jeff Lieberman, both with a background from M.I.T., have created the "ABSOLUT Quartet," an automated multi-instrumental orchestral machine. 'In An ABSOLUT World Would Machines Be Creative?' is the question that inspired The ABSOLUT Quartet, which consists of three instruments and thousands of parts working together to create one piece of music, inspired by inputs from online users around the globe. The ABSOLUT Quartet will be available for viewing from February thru April at 186 Orchard Street in New York City.

  Below is a list of some of the ABSOLUT Visionaries and their visions:

  -- Absolut Machines -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Would Machines Be Creative?'
     (www.absolutmachines.com)
  -- Owen Benjamin -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Everything Would Be ABSOLUT'
  -- Andre Des Rochers -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Lonely Loves Lonely'
  -- Flavorpill -- Flavorpill will be producing a series of 100 visions over
     the course of the year tied to their mission of covering cutting-edge
     art, music, fashion and cultural events
  -- Zach Galifianakis + Tim & Eric -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Friends Would
     Get Together More Often'
  -- Lauren Gropper -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Buildings Would Produce Energy
     Instead of Consuming It'
  -- Perez Hilton -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Perez Hilton Is Dead;' 'IN AN
     ABSOLUT WORLD Perez Hilton Is A God'
  -- Live Earth Filmmakers -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD None Of These Films Would
     Be Necessary' (www.liveearth.org/films.php)
  -- The Sartorialist -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD The Street Is The Runway'
  -- Team Facelift -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Everyone Is Too Busy Dancing'
  -- Thrillist  -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD All Your Spam Would Be True'
  -- TreeHugger -- 'IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD Everything Would Be Downloadable'

Through the ABSOLUT Visionaries program, ABSOLUT aims to create the world's biggest community of visionaries -- a dynamic place where everyone, notables and consumers alike, has the chance to rate, comment on, even interact with and improve the visions of everyone else. Once a consumer submits their vision, the vision will be open for viewing and voting. If a vision acquires enough points and is rated among the most interesting, witty, provocative and inspiring, ABSOLUT will then bring that vision to life. Realized Visions will also be posted on www.absolut.com.

About The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.

The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc., headquartered in New York, is a subsidiary of V&S Group and operates under the auspices of V&S Absolut Spirits in Stockholm, which produces and markets ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, ABSOLUT CUT(TM), Level (TM) Vodka, FRIS(R) Vodka, Plymouth(TM) Gin and Cruzan(R) Rum. The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc. imports ABSOLUT VODKA, Level Vodka, Plymouth Gin and Cruzan Rum in the US and distributes the brands through FutureBrands LLC, a joint venture with Beam Global Spirits and Wine.

  Press Contacts:
  Sarah Bessette                           Zlata Faerman
  The Absolut Spirits Company              Ketchum
  212.641.8653                             646.935.4185
  sarah.bessette@absolut.com               zlata.faerman@ketchum.com

Source: The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.

CONTACT: Sarah Bessette of The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.,
+1-212-641-8653, sarah.bessette@absolut.com; Zlata Faerman of Ketchum,
+1-646-935-4185, zlata.faerman@ketchum.com for The Absolut Spirits Company,
Inc.

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

Blackground Music Mourns the Loss of Stephen "STATIC" Garrett

( Los Angeles , CA ) February 27, 2008 - Blackground Music is faced with the death of one of its family members as the label mourns the loss of writer/producer/singer Stephen "Static" Garrett.  The 33-year-old died in his hometown of Louisville , Kentucky Monday, February 25, 2008.  Static, a creative genius who claimed to draw his inspiration from the hood, joined the Blackground Music family in the late 90's.  He is described as their secret weapon and is best known for penning/producing several songs for chart-topping artists Jay-Z, Pretty Ricky, Ginuwine and the late Aaliyah, who died in a tragic plane crash in 2001. Blackground Records founder, Barry Hankerson, not only considered Static an invaluable asset to the company but also a friend.  "Blackground Records and its staff and affiliate entities are deeply mourning the loss of a great talent and a great human being.  It has been a pleasure to work and develop his career as a songwriter and producer.  His talent was only surpassed by his loyalty and dedication," he says. "It made me so happy to share with him the wealth of the music industry as well as one of the most personal relationships I have ever had in my 40 year career. I truly loved him, and I still do.  We will now transfer our love and attention to his family during this difficult time," adds Hankerson.

Label mate and R&B singer Tank is wounded by the loss as well. "We've lost one of the great song writers of our time but more than that we've lost a son, a brother, a husband, and a father.  The Blackground family has been dealt yet another blow to the heart. God is still getting us through the last one and this too shall pass. Static I love you," expresses Tank. The cause of Static's death is not confirmed at this time.  He is survived by his beautiful wife, his four children and his music, which will resonate until the end of time. 

About Stephen "Static" Garrett

November 11, 1974 – February 25, 2008

Static first came on the music scene in 1997 as a member of the R&B trio Playa.  He wrote many of the group's songs but after releasing one album, Cheers 2 U, they disbanded and Static went to work using his talents to assist other artists.  He penned R&B singer Ginuwine's debut hit single, "Pony," and caused the world to continue to fall in love with his immeasurable style as he yielded platinum recording artist Aaliyah's hits "Are You That Somebody," "Try Again," "More Than A Woman" and "Rock The Boat."  With three songs charting at #1 under his belt, Static also made his presence known in hip-hop, crafting Nas' "You Owe Me" and Jay-Z's "Change The Game."  He recently wrote Lil Wayne's debut single, "Lollipop," from his forthcoming album and starred in the video, which was shot three weeks ago in Las Vegas .  Static has also received praise for his collaborations with Pretty Ricky, David Banner, Diddy, Brandy, Jamie Foxx, Destiny's Child, Timbaland and Magoo and Truth Hurts.  The world only received a snippet of what Static was capable of accomplishing.  This phenomenal talent was also poised to step from behind the scenes and introduce his alter ego Static/Major on his debut album, Suppertime, in 2008.  The first single "I Got My," featuring Lil Wayne, is already being heralded as a hit.   

###

For More Information Contact: Echoing Soundz 818.787.7633
Echo Hattix | echohattix@echoingsoundz.com and Arica Adams Hazeleyez@echoingsoundz.com

Duck Down Records Officially Signs KRS-ONE and DJ Revolution

Duck Down Records is continuing its expansion and doing so by adding two of the most highly respected talents in Hip-Hop to its roster of artists: THE TEACHA himself, KRS-ONE and DJ Revolution.

KRS ONE AND BUCKSHOT Team Up For New Album:

KRS ONE is a significant figure in the Hip-Hop community and is often credited by critics and other Hip-Hop artists as epitomizing the "essence" of an emcee. It is no surprise then, that KRS-ONE decided it would make the most sense to combine forces with Buckshot, of Black Moon and record a new album on Duck Down Records. Buckshot shares similar philosophies as KRS-ONE, one of which is the notion of the "Stop the Violence Movement," which KRS-ONE is actively involved with.

KRS-ONE turned to Dru Ha and Buckshot (co-owners of Duck Down Records) to bring a certain sound and production to this upcoming project, a request that Duck Down Records Co-President Dru Ha was honored to fulfill "To say we are honored and humbled would be an understatement.  Buck and I have known KRS since our early days in the game, back when we were recording at D&D Studios and he directly influenced the name of the label with his song "Duck Down" (sucka Mc's Duck).  He was also instrumental in one of Buck's first and biggest records as Da Beatminerz flipped the "How Many MC's" vocal sample from KRS.   But with the nostalgic feelings of KRS being one of my favorite MC's growing up to the side, it's KRS's continued relevance of today that's most exciting.   KRS has a message in his lyrics, a gladiator performer who reps the culture and posses all the qualities that an MC should embody: Meaningful lyrics, mastery of the flow, intense creativity and a ferocious live show.   I know how much respect Buck has for KRS, so I can only imagine how this will elevate his game.  It's Old School to those that don't keep up with the current works and movements but to me, I would call it Now School ." 

Three tracks have already been recorded and the chemistry between the two artists is very natural. Buckshot described the work as "CONFLOSATION, even when KRS ONE is flowing he's having a conversation with his audience. This collaboration with KRS-ONE is going to be an album full of Hip-Hop conversation, ranging from New World Order, to socially conscious topics such as unemployment, poverty, and politics. At the same time, we will speak to the streets, as that is what I'm known to do. It's a dream to be able to work with KRS-ONE. Before I even began rapping that is who I checked for. I kept the "Blue Print" album on me at all times. That is all I listened to for an entire summer."

Check for the KRS-ONE & Buckshot's album later this year on Duck Down Records.

In related news, 9th Wonder & Buckshot's "The Formula" album will be in stores April 15th on Duck Down Records.

DJ Revolution Preps "KING OF THE DECKS" Album

DJ Revolution has spent 15 years perfecting his craft on the 1200s.  Revolution has done just about  everything you can think of with records. Spun 'em, scratched 'em, juggled 'em, sampled 'em, collected 'em, produced 'em, sold 'em, distributed 'em, promoted 'em, and so on.  Aside, from being the DJ, producer and editor for the world famous "Wake Up Show," based out of LA on Power 106 and Syndicated across the nation, DJ Revolution is a renowned producer with credits on albums by: KRS-ONE, Defari, Dilated Peoples, Planet Asia, Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, Crooked I, Slum Village, El Da Sensei and Akrobatik to name just a few.  DJ Revolution is also a veteran stage show DJ who has toured with artists such as Rakim and Kanye West.

Now DJ Revolution is readying his new project "KING OF THE DECKS" to be released on Duck Down Records in 2008. The album currently features appearances from:

*KRS ONE

*Sean Price

*Tash

*Crooked I

*Bishop Lamont

*Dilated Peoples

*Alchemist

*Royce 5'9"

*Guilty Simpson

*Q-Bert

*Blaq Poet

*Spinbad

*Defari

*Kidz In The Hall

*Buckshot

*Bumpy Knuckles

*Planet Asia

DJ Revolution's attention to detail and his genuine respect for the craft of Hip-Hop music is what separates him from other DJ's, as quoted by saying: "despite today's DJ's being 'psuedo-lebrities'  and as big and  trendy as ever, they are almost completely disconnected from Hip-Hop in the eyes of the general public. Through this record I'll attempt to reconnect the DJ with Hip-Hop, re-introduce the DJ to those who forgot what we really do and re-define what is possible in recorded music for the DJ as an artist."

Expect to see DJ Revolution's "King of The Decks" album in stores fall 2008.

Press Contact:

Matt Conaway@                   MAC MEDIA

Business #:                          410-903-7568

E-Mail:                                   Matthewbrn@aol.com

AOL IM:                                Matthewbrn

For More Information please visit:

http://www.duckdown.com

http://www.myspace.com/bootcampclik

PLATINUM RAPPER YOUNG JEEZY GRANTS THE WISH OF LUCKY WINNER FROM HIS "MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE" CONTEST LAST NIGHT IN ATLANTA

MOTHER FROM NORTH CAROLINA PRESENTED WITH WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN AND WARDROBE FROM 8732 FOR SON WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Platinum Rapper Young Jeezy granted the wish of the lucky winner from his "Make Your Dreams Come True" contest last night at Justin's Restaurant in Atlanta .  The contest offered an open invitation to fans to share their dreams and aspirations with Jeezy.

The winning submission came from Tamara Jenkins-Wilson from North Carolina who wrote a heart-felt letter regarding her disabled son:

"My ultimate dream would be for me to provide a wheelchair accessible van for my son, Davon Jenkins.  Davon is 13-years old and has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.   It is hard for me to provide this for him as we are a military family and I am unable to work as I have to take care of him.  My husband is currently serving in Iraq so I physically lift him in and out of our vehicle when we need to go to appointments and such.  Thanks so much for the opportunity."

The Jenkins-Wilson family was presented with the wheel chair accessible van personally purchased by Jeezy, along with a personalized wardrobe for the young Davon which was monogrammed with his nick name "Speedy," courtesy of Jeezy's clothing line 8732. 

Click on the link to download photos for press use - http://picasaweb.google.com/thaddaeus.mcadams/Dreamin?authkey=AD9T92tUmWQ. Photos credit should read Thaddaeus McAdams/www.exclusiveaccess.net.

For more information on Young Jeezy, visit www.youngjeezy.com or contact Tracy Nguyen or Milena Brown at 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585.

SEATTLE BRANDING FIRM SHOWS WALL STREET CROWD A BIGGER, BADDER AND BOLDER 10-K "RAP" NOW ON YOUTUBE

Methodologie Hopes to Alleviate Stress of Annual Report Season

Methodologie, a Seattle-based branding firm, today released a video on YouTube.com called "The 10-K Rap," to wish Fortune 500 CFO's and Investor Relations experts, a happy and stress-free annual report season, as they prepare to unveil their results. The video portrays young rapper Little MG, rhyming lines such as "It's A-R Time and we're feeling the heat, CFO's breakin' sweats up and down Wall Street...Computin' my figures and checkin' my facts. If it don't look right I could get the axe."

The 10-K "Rap" pokes a little fun at the seriousness of the 10-K "wrap," a comprehensive summary report of public companies' performance, which must be submitted annually to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the era of Sarbanes-Oxley, many public companies are noticing a shift in their annual report content and design, as they become more in depth than in the past.

"Methodologie has been in the business of designing annual reports for the last 20 years, so we have seen a change in requirements and best practices, and we understand the stress and complexities that go along with producing them," said Janet DeDonato, Strategic Director and Partner, Methodologie. DeDonato has designed and managed over 100 annual reports for clients that include BNSF Railway, Amylin, and Washington Mutual. "A good laugh goes a long way this time of year, and that's what our 10-K "Rap" aims to do."

Check out The 10-K "Rap" video at http://www.youtube.com/10krap.

About Methodologie:

Methodologie is a brand firm specializing in comprehensive, business-critical communications systems. Our work shifts perceptions, changes behavior, and strengthens relationships. We develop brand strategies and leverage existing brands into print and digital communications for clients, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Boeing Company, BNSF Railway, Casey Family Programs, The Coca-Cola Company, The MacArthur Foundation, Microsoft, Semiconductor Industry Association, Sun Microsystems, and Washington Mutual.

Contacts

Spotlight Communications
Tomeeka Farrington, 617-423-0040
Tomeeka@spotlightcommunications.net

BRAILLE TO RELEASE FOURTH ALBUM 'THE IV EDITION' ON SYNTAX RECORDS/KOCH ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 15

RAPPER CONFIRMED FOR THE VANS WARPED TOUR THIS SUMMER WITH SELECT DATES THROUGH THE SPRING

Always on a musical mission, BRAILLE has become one of rap's best-kept secrets.  He has released three solo albums; performed throughout the U.S. , Europe and Japan with artists like the late James Brown, De La Soul and others; been named one of the "Next 100" by URB magazine; and collaborated with rap heavyweights such as 9th Wonder and Pigeon John.  All of these accomplishments set the stage for Braille's fourth album The IV Edition, set for release April 15 on Syntax Records/KOCH Entertainment.

The album's first single and title song serves as an ode to Braille's rap roots.  Produced by Marco Polo and featuring scratches from Rob Swift, the energetic drum-driven tune is a lyrical showcase that caters to rap's tremendous subterranean following.  "The underground hip-hop base is a lot bigger than people think it is," Braille reveals.  "Sometimes when people think of the word 'underground,' they think of basement albums that just get dubbed on tape.  So I'm sticking to my roots.  I believe that the audience for lyricism and good hip-hop is much larger than most people assume.  I wanted to start with the hip-hop base and take it from there."

Elsewhere, Braille acknowledges his personal and artistic history on "Remember Your Path" and channels the energy of music icon James Brown on "Main Squeeze," with whom Braille toured as an opening act during 2005 and 2006.  Then on "Calculated Risk" Braille gets personal by examining his decision to pursue and create lyric and beat-drive rap music with spiritual overtones.

In addition to being his fourth album, the title represents three other things.   Braille wants the album to serve as an IV to distribute musical medicine for social illnesses directly into the veins of the society.  IV also stands for "International Vision" (becoming more aware of what's going on in the world around us) and "International Version" (the album is made for an international audience and features German, French, Finish and Australian producers like M-Phazes, Aetoms, Staffro, etc).

Hailing from Portland , OR , Braille began his life in hip-hop at an early age.  In 1999, when he was 17, independent startup ESWP music released his first album, Lifefirst: Half The Battle. Next came 2004's Shades of Grey, which featured collaborations with 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Destiny's Child) and Rob Swift, and Box of Rhymes followed in 2006.

Leading up to the release The IV Edition, BRAILLE will be on tour with Ohmega Watts and Galactic performing material from the album. Later this summer he'll be appearing with Othello on the Vans Warped Tour. Complete tour dates follow below.

The complete track listing for Braille's The IV Edition is:

1.      Beautiful Humanity – beat by Ohmega Watts

2.      Submission Hold – beat by Shuko

3.      Calculated Risk featuring Mr. J Medeiros (Procussions) and Manchild (Mars ILL) – beat by The Are

4.      The IV featuring Rob Swift – beat by Marco Polo 

5.      Main Squeeze – beat by 88 Keys

6.      Remember Your Path featuring Rob Swift – beat by  Staffro

7.      Constantly Growing featuring Speech (Arrested  Development), Surreal and Sojourn – beat by DJ Spinna 

8.      Blessed Man – beat by S1  (Strange Fruit Project)

9.      Many Stories featuring Barry Hampton – beat by  Barry Hampton

10. Raise the Dead featuring Poems (LA Symphony) –  beat by J-Thrill

11. Double Dose – beat by Mr. Mar of the Stieber Twins 

12. Counter Attack featuring Theory Hazit and DJ Idull – beat by OhNo

13. Mental Guards (Snitch Blade) – beat by Aetoms 

14. Get it Right featuring Ragen Fykes – beat by Kno  (CunninLynguists)

15. Restless – beat by M-Phazes

16. The Cure – beat by K-Murdock (Panacea)

17. Bonus  track

18. ADDvice featuring DJ  Bombay – beat by J-Zone

Catch BRAILLE live on tour now:

With Ohmega Watts and Galactic   

Thu      2/21                 Majestic Theatre                                  Madison , WI

Fri        2/22                 Parkwest                                              Chicago , IL

Sat       2/23                 Music Mill                                             Indianapolis , IN

Wed     2/27                 Hiphop for Hunger                               Puyallup , WA

Mon     3/10                 Green River College                            Auburn , WA

Thu      3/13                 UGHH.com at SXSW                            Austin , TX

Fri        3/21                 WOW Hall                                            Eugene , OR

Sat       4/12                 Willamete University                              Salem , OR

Tue      4/15                 Berbati                                                 Portland , OR

Thu      4/17                 Nectar Lounge                                     Seattle , WA

Fri        4/18                 WOW Hall                                            Eugene , OR

Sun      4/20                 Peanut Butter and Jelly Party              Nashville , TN

Mon     4/21                 GMA Week                                          Nashville , TN

Tue      4/22                 GMA Week                                          Nashville , TN

Fri        5/2                   TBD                                                     Albuquerque , NM

Sun      5/11                 Revolution Church                                Gary , IN

Tue      5/20                 UndergroundHipHop Instore                Boston , MA

Appearing on the Vans Warped Tour with Othello:

Fri        6/20                 Vans Warped Tour                             Pomona , CA

Sat       6/21                Vans Warped Tour                             San Francisco , CA

Sun      6/22                 Vans Warped Tour                             Ventura , CA

Wed     6/25                 Vans Warped Tour                             Phoenix , AZ

Thu      6/26                 Vans Warped Tour                             Las Cruces , NM

Sat       6/28                 Vans Warped Tour                             Salt Lake City , UT

Sun      6/29                 Vans Warped Tour                             Denver, CO

Tue      7/1                   Vans Warped Tour                             St. Louis , MO

Wed     7/2                   Vans Warped Tour                             Kansas City , KS

Thu      7/3                   Vans Warped Tour                             Dallas , TX

Sat       7/5                   Vans Warped Tour                             San Antonio , TX

Sun      7/6                   Vans Warped Tour                             Houston , TX

Wed     7/9                   Vans Warped Tour                             Atlanta , GA

Thu      7/10                 Vans Warped Tour                             Orlando , FL

Fri        7/11                 Vans Warped Tour                             Tampa , FL

Sat       7/12                 Vans Warped Tour                             Miami , FL

Sun      7/13                 Vans Warped Tour                             Jacksonville , FL

Mon     7/14                 Vans Warped Tour                             Charlotte , NC

Tue      7/15                 Vans Warped Tour                             Virginia Beach , VA

Wed     7/16                 Vans Warped Tour                             Washington , DC

Thu      7/17                 Vans Warped Tour                             Cleveland , OH

Fri        7/18                 Vans Warped Tour                            Detroit , MI

# # #

For more information on BRAILLE, contact:

MSO   818-380-0400

National          Alexandra Greenberg x223, agreenberg@msopr.com

Tour                Bari Lieberman x222, blieberman@msopr.com

Other               Alex Mohler x230, amohler@msopr.com

THE ORIGINAL HIP HOP DJ, Grandmaster Flash, Launched His New Website In Celebration of Black History Month

Grandmaster Flash's Memoirs The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash - My Life My Beats Will Be Available June 10

/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, February 27, 2008 - Grandmaster Flash is one of Hip Hop's pioneers: he made it his life's work to create and perfect the art of DJing. In his adolescent years in the Bronx, Grandmaster Flash was the first DJ to use the turntables as an instrument. He also created the very first beat box machine, which remains a staple of Hip Hop, despite newer technology.

In celebration of Black History Month, Grandmaster Flash has launched his new website (http://www.grandmasterflash.com). The site will offer innovative ways to listen, read, and hear about this legend. As someone always looking to take Hip Hop up a notch, Grandmaster Flash is proud to take his pioneering spirit to the Internet.

Grandmaster Flash's memoirs, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash' My Life My Beats are slated to hit bookstores on June 10. The book was penned by David Ritz, author of both Marvin Gaye' s and Ray Charles' biographies. In this extraordinary book, Grandmaster Flash sets down Hip Hop history, for sharing for the first time his personal and difficult life story along with no small amount of wisdom and experience.

Today, Grandmaster Flash has a weekly show on Sirius Radio, The Flash Mash. The show is a kaleidoscopic mash-up of his tastes, spanning just about any genre from just about any corner of the world. It airs on Saturdays from 5-8pm. Previously, Chris Rock sought out Grandmaster Flash to serve as Musical Director for the groundbreaking HBO Series, The Chris Rock Show. He remained in that role for five years.

In addition to his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame' "as the very first Hip Hop artist so honored' "Grandmaster Flash has been the recipient of many awards, including VH1 Hip Hop Honors; BET' s Icon Award; The Lifetime Achievement Award from the RIAA; and Bill Gates' Vanguard Award.

Grandmaster Flash takes his DJ innovations into the future by sponsoring what he calls the best DJ fun and friendly digital application in the market today - "Traktor Scratch" by Native Instruments. The program accents the techniques, flips, tricks, and switches that Flash introduced to the world 30+ years ago.

The Smithsonian Museum of American History in honor of Black History Moth has opened its exhibit RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture in which Grandmaster Flash along with other hip hop artist such as LL Cool J, Erykah Badu and Common will be featured. The exhibition opened on February 8 and will be throughout October 8, 2008.

http://www.grandmasterflash.com
http://www.myspace.com/flashcutitup
http://www.pranamarketing.com/artist/grandmasterflash

For press information contact: Angela Thomas (201) 503-1333

New Album by Legendary Lyricist Rakim, "Live, Lost & Found," to Be Released on March 4th, 2008

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 27, 2008) - Legendary lyricist Rakim is set to release a brand new album titled "Live, Lost & Found" on March 4th, 2008. "Live, Lost & Found" features four previously unreleased tracks, including the new single "It's Nothing," as well as an additional 17 tracks of classic Rakim material performed live.

Rakim is near-universally acknowledged as one of the greatest MCs -- perhaps the greatest -- of all time within the hip-hop community. His flow is smooth and liquid, inflected with jazz rhythms and carried off with an effortless cool that makes it sound as though he's not even breaking a sweat.

After teaming up with Queens DJ Eric B. in 1986, Rakim recorded a string of classic material like "Eric B. Is President," "I Ain't No Joke" and "Paid in Full." The duo's first two full-length albums, 1987's "Paid in Full" and 1988's "Follow the Leader," are still regarded as all-time hip-hop classics; Rakim's work set out a blueprint for other, similarly progressive-minded MCs to follow, and helped ensure that even after the rise of other fertile scenes around the country, East Coast rap would maintain a reputation as the center of innovative lyrical technique.

About KOCH Entertainment

KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987 and now in its twentieth year, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH's operations encompass record and video labels as well as distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada and its record label KOCH Records had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for seven years in a row (2001 - 2007). KOCH Entertainment is a subsidiary of Entertainment One Ltd. which is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market (ticker symbol "ETO").

For more information Contact:
Giovanna Melchiorre
212-353-8800x257
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=3818DBD78F8CA9A7

MELODIS Corporation Launches midomi mobile

Largest online user-generated song database goes mobile.

An increasing number of music-enabled handsets are sold each year, and we aim to make midomi mobile available on all of these handsets. With the exciting functionality we're continuing to develop for midomi mobile, it will become the ultimate music search tool for the mobile market

Sunnyvale, California (PRWEB) February 27, 2008 -- Pioneering search and sound recognition company MELODIS Corporation today announced the launch of midomi mobile, its music search application for mobile devices.

midomi mobile allows users to search for music by singing, humming or even whistling into their mobile devices. The application accesses midomi's online user-generated database of songs and uses MELODIS' patented Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) to identify what users are searching for.

The midomi song database has become the largest user-generated repository of its kind since its launch in January 2007. The free, membership-based midomi community is also a vibrant social-networking destination on the Web--providing a forum for amateur and professional musicians, talent seekers, and music lovers around the world to discover and be discovered.

Available for download free of cost at mobile.midomi.com, midomi mobile offers users a wide range of functionality. Having found a song using midomi mobile, users can play back the snippet from the rendition that matched their query or listen to other members' renditions that helped identify the song. midomi mobile also enables users to search for music videos playable on mobile devices through services such as YouTube. And, users can connect to midomi's social network through midomi mobile to access member profiles, recordings, playlists, and more.

The company will soon offer additional functionality for midomi mobile users. Future releases will allow users to identify original music content, such as music broadcast through the radio. Users will also be able to search for music by speaking out the song title or artist's name, or by typing it without having to know the exact spelling.

The initial release of midomi mobile is designed for mobile phones using the Symbian OS and the popular S60 platform. MELODIS plans to release support for additional platforms such as the S40 Java platform in the near future.

"An increasing number of music-enabled handsets are sold each year, and we aim to make midomi mobile available on all of these handsets. With the exciting functionality we're continuing to develop for midomi mobile, it will become the ultimate music search tool for the mobile market," says Keyvan Mohajer, CEO, MELODIS Corporation.

The commercial potential of midomi is growing rapidly, according to Mohajer: "Both at the website and on midomi mobile, we're providing advertising opportunities that are easily and quickly accessible for viewers and advertisers alike. This is allowing us to continue growing the services we can offer to our users and partners."

Recognizing its potential, Nokia has recently selected midomi mobile as the Application of the Week and it is showcased at Nokia's featured applications corner. (http://www.nokia.com/link?cid=EDITORIAL_894336)

To download midomi mobile, users can visit mobile.midomi.com on their PC or m.midomi.com on their S60 phones.

About midomi
midomi (www.midomi.com) is the first-of-its-kind online music search engine and social community where you can find songs in the most intuitive way imaginable: sing a line, hum a few bars--even whistle your favorite tune! If it's not in the database, you can add it to the user-generated database by simply singing it in the midomi Studio. With new songs in 33 languages added to it each day by members all over the world, midomi has become the largest online repository of its kind.

Currently available in ten languages and recognized by Popular Science magazine as one of the top global innovations of 2007, the free, membership-based midomi community is a vibrant social-networking destination that strikes a chord with music lovers the world over. For amateur and professional musicians, and talent seekers, midomi has become a unique forum to discover and be discovered.

About MELODIS Corporation
Incorporated in September 2005, MELODIS Corporation is building the next generation of search and sound recognition technologies that are "Breaking the Silence™" in human-computer interaction. These technologies have a variety of applications on the Internet, mobile devices, robotics, security applications and much more. MELODIS' technologies have been applied to music search, text search and speech recognition, and additional applications are currently under development. The MELODIS management team is comprised almost entirely of graduates from Stanford University, and the company has strong backing from leading Silicon Valley investors.

With the launch of its online community, www.midomi.com , MELODIS has combined the world's most powerful search technologies with proven online models including social networking, user-generated content and digital content distribution, and is moving forward with its mission to build the world's most comprehensive database of searchable music.

Read more about MELODIS Corporation at www.melodis.com .

Copyright © MELODIS Corporation 2005-2008; Patents Pending

Media Contact:
Keyvan Mohajer
Tel: 408 439 4453

Janet Jackson Poses for Cover of VIBE Magazine's 'First-Ever' Photo Issue

- April 2008 Cover Story to Feature Stunning Photographs of the Iconic Megastar; Issue to Feature Special Limited-Edition Cover -

- On Newsstands March 4th -

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Coming off the heels of releasing her 10th studio album, Discipline, on Tuesday, International Megastar Janet Jackson will appear on the cover of VIBE Magazine's April 2008 issue. The cover story -- on newsstands March 4th -- will feature spectacular images of the pop icon for the magazine's 'first-ever' Photo Issue.

Nearly 100 photographers contributed their work to this special issue celebrating different eras in photography. From polaroids to digital cameras, this month's VIBE takes a journey through hip hop as seen through the camera's lens.

In this month's cover story, Janet speaks one-on-one with Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith about her music, her influences growing up, and her relationship with super-producer Jermaine Dupri. "We worked together and became friends," she says of her longtime love. "Aside from being amazing, it was the things he'd shared with me. The kinds of things I'd never share with anyone ... Not bad -- just so far left."

Shot in January by renowned fashion photographer Michelangelo di Battista at New York City's Milk Studios, the magazine's exclusive photos show a glamorous Janet in Balenciaga, Vera Wang, and Dolce & Gabanna.

This month's issue will feature a special double cover with two unique cover photos. One cover will be on newsstands while a limited-edition version will be sold only at bookstores and specialty magazine shops.

Janet talks about her musical influences: "My influence came from my family. And I used to listen to ... all the classics. But was there a major influence, someone whom I studied? No."

Janet talks about working with a new group of producers on her latest project: "I listened to the songs and I immediately fell in love with them. This sounds like something Jimmy and I would do ... this sounds like something from a past album, so it's still me."

Janet on growing up in her household: "I remember being a kid and they'd come over ... you take so much for granted.... you're not thinking about the fact that it's Marvin Gaye over all the time, or Diane or Smokey."

Janet expresses her feelings about Jermaine Dupri: "Married or not, it's not important ... I feel like it's it .... It's been about eight years. He's just a sweetheart. Truly a good-hearted person."

Janet on being a responsible child in the entertainment business: "One of the major things was my work ethic, since I was a kid ... I never had my mother wake me up ... I'd get myself up everyday. It never struck me ... that's a lot of difficulty for a 10-year-old ... I don't know if it's something in the genes, or from watching my brothers, seeing them working hard."

Janet's answer when asked 'if everything was more fun when she was younger': "No ... It's still fun."

In celebration of VIBE's "first-ever" Photo Issue, producer Jermaine Dupri and actor/comedian Mike Epps offer an up-close and personal look at their own personal photo collections. From candid behind-the-scenes shots to private family flicks, readers will get to see these celebrities like they've never seen them before.

This month's VIBE also takes a closer look at the recent trials and triumphs of hip hop superstar Busta Rhymes. His explosive performance skills have kept him close to the center of hip hop for almost two decades, but close friends of the artist are now voicing concerns as Busta faces mounting police pressures and criminal charges.

ABOUT VIBE:

VIBE Media Group, an affiliate of The Wicks Group of Companies, L.L.C., is a leading music/lifestyle media company that publishes the award-winning VIBE magazine, the preeminent brand in urban and music culture, which was founded by Quincy Jones in 1993, now celebrating its 15 Anniversary-year. Additional VIBE Media Group properties include Vibe.com; Comcast's VIBE video-on-demand channel; The VIBE Awards; the wireless content service mVibe; and VIBE Books, which published The New York Times bestseller, Tupac Shakur.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYW066-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYW066-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12-13
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: VIBE Media Group

CONTACT: Gena Gatewood, Communications Manager, Project 2050,
+1-646-290-8700 x208, or cell, +1-917-689-3884, ggatewood@p2050.com, for VIBE
Media Group

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

THE BEST HIP HOP PRODUCER IN THE GAME LINKS UP WITH THE ROOKIES OF THE YEAR!!!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

9th Wonder has just Produced "WATER" for Hip Hop Up and Comers KOOLEY HIGH. "WATER" features Lazurus and E.A. FLOE.

WATER is Kooley High's newest single from the widely acclaimed "The Summer Sessions" EP which is now available on iTunes and all other major online retailers.

DOWNLOAD MP3 LINK: http://www.sendspace.com/file/hkkgz6

Tracks from "THE SUMMER SESSIONS EP"
--1. Too Late
--2. Kool With It
--3. There You Go
--4. I Wanna
--5. Summertime Interlude
--6. We Be That feat. Halo
--7. Water feat. Lazurus & E.A. Floe
--8. Back Home
--9. Rainy Days

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

03.14.08
Blaggard's Pub
New York City
New York

03.27.08 [ALBUM RELEASE]
The Pour House
Raleigh
North Carolina

04.05.08
The Lincoln Theatre
Raleigh
North Carolina

04.11.08
SignalFest
Chapel Hill
North Carolina

04.19.08
Downtown Event Center
Raleigh
North Carolina

04.26.08
Hell's Kitchen
Wilmington
North Carolina

05.23.08
The Soapbox Laundro Lounge
Wilmington
North Carolina

ABOUT KOOLEY HIGH
Kooley High consists of five real, ill ass individuals with their own unique styles: (rhyme spitters) Tab-One, Charlie Smarts, Rapsody, and (PROducers) Foolery and The Sinopsis. To make a long story short, we met on the bricks of North Carolina State University and we have been joined at the hip by way of hip hop ever since. Tab-One and Charlie Smarts make up 1/2 of the hip hop marvel known as Inflowential and we all are affiliated with H2O (NC States official Hip Hop organization, which was founded by 3/5 of the group). We are a goulash of goonies graspin mics, choppin records, highlightin' words with superb flow on top of beats that rock ya soul and bend ya necks, all for the love of hip hop! Ya dig?! So....come vibe wit us!

ABOUT 9TH WONDER
Originally making Hip Hop beats from his North Carolina Central University dorm room he has since become one of the more acclaimed producers in the Hip Hop music industry. As an up-and-coming producer, he released a remix album of Nas' 2002 album God's Son entitled God's Stepson. This album began what is now a regular trend of remixing whole albums.

With the help of filmmaker Tee Smith and sound engineer Young Guru, 9th Wonder landed a coveted production credit on Jay Z's then highly-anticipated The Black Album. The producer continued to produce for Little Brother and many other Hip Hop artists/groups, including Jean Grae, Skyzoo, and Murs. 9th Wonder has also produced for more widely known artists such as Destiny's Child, Mary J. Blige, De La Soul, Mos Def, Memphis Bleek, and Buckshot from Black Moon and more recently, artists such as The Game, Lloyd Banks, and Sean Price. Recently, 9th Wonder, along with Christopher "Play" Martin from the Hip Hop group Kid-n-Play, were appointed Artist-In-Residence by the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, and instruct a Hip Hop history class in NCCU's Music Department.

9th Wonder has announced his dedication to the community in Durham, NC by joining P'Tones Records (www.ptonesrecords.com), giving students the opportunity to learn about the music industry and then further their education by earning scholarships to NCCU. Professor Kawachi Clemons and Founder (of P'Tones) Oren Rosenbaum will be opening their project January 2008, 9th will be the site's Spokesperson. He has finished work on his second solo album entitled 'The Dream Merchant Vol. 2'. The album was released on October 9th, 2007.

ABOUT EA FLOE
    A versatile artist, Edgar Allen is also known as Slicemysta, producing for his immediate crew, The Undefined, with partner in rhyme, Mal Demolish. He is also a part of the 15 man musical family, The Justus League, which include members 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Cesar Comanche, L.E.G.A.C.Y., among others.
With his recent project, True Links," his newest release, "Floe Almighty", as well as the upcoming "Streetwise LP" in the works for this year, you will be hearing much more from Edgar Allen Floe. Stay tuned.

LINKS:
Myspace.com/KooleyHigh
Sonicbids.com/KooleyHigh
Myspace.com/9thWonderMusic
Myspace.com/lazrsolaz
Myspace.com/eaFloe

LABEL CONTACT
M.E.C.C.A Records
Alex: 336.254.0195
djilldigitz@gmail.com

Brand Newz.Com Launches 'The What's Good With You?' Video Contest

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Brand Newz, an upbeat broadcast and Internet news infotainment venue that focuses on a wide range of topics from education and law to finance and entertainment, is launching nationwide "The What's Good With You?" video contest to give students on high school and college campuses across the nation an opportunity to share positive happenings in their communities. The show is hosted by hip-hop icon Christopher "Play" Martin of the rap duo Kid 'n Play, and the contest is open to all currently enrolled high school, college or university students. Video entries will be accepted thru April 15, and all eligible videos will begin airing for viewers to vote on May 1. Video contest winners will receive $1,000 for first place; $500 for second place; and $250 for third place. There is no cost to enter, and contest details are available online at www.BrandNewz.com.

Brand Newz is a 24-hour "new newz network" produced by Hp4 Digital Works & Solutions production company which provides service for digital motion picture projects. The goal of "The What's Good With You?" contest is to increase awareness about positive news stories and achievements in different communities and to provide additional opportunities for students to showcase their talents in storytelling and broadcasting. Student entrants are asked to send in video shorts about positive activities occurring in their neighborhoods and communities worldwide. "The What's Good With You?" video contest is sponsored by M&F Bank, one of the nation's oldest African American-owned financial institutions--celebrating 100 years in business (www.mfbonline.com).

Brand Newz host Martin said, "There's as much good news as there is bad news to air about our communities, but the present mass media infrastructure has skewed reporting to disproportionately highlight negative activity in certain sectors of society. I don't knock negative news, because it's part of the information needed to survive; however, for the sake of balance, the human spirit needs good news as well." The two-minute news briefs presented by Martin on Brand Newz.com also appear on the "My RDC" (formerly UPN) network -- the first of several planned nationwide syndicates.

Hp4 Digital Works & Solutions implemented and developed the "Brand Newz" blueprint to showcase talented individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. The Brand Newz slogan is "What's Good With You?," reinforcing the program's positive and informative scope. For more information about Brand Newz and "The What's Good With You?" video contest, visit online at www.BrandNewz.com.

Source: Brand Newz.com

CONTACT: Michael Stanley, Publicity Manager, V.K. Fields & Co. Public
Relations Firm, +1-919-829-5951, michael@vkfields.com, for Brand Newz.com

Web Site: http://www.brandnewz.com/
http://www.mfbonline.com/

NOT ONLY STREET RECORDS, Black Pearl Entertainment, Inc. AND CREATIVE AMUSEMENT PRESENTS: THE NOT ONLY STREET RECORD REVIEW

FEATURING: T.O.S. TRUE THE DON & LYRICO

WHERE:  CLUB CLEATZ (39TH & PEORIA)

                   12100 E. 39TH AVE.

WHEN:      FEBRUARY 28TH

TIME:        DOORS OPEN AT 8:00

COST:        $7.00

THERE WILL BE A ROUND TRIP GIVE AWAY AND HOTEL STAY.

IF YOU THINK YOU GOT TALENT BE THE FIRST TWO PEOPLE IN THE DOOR AND YOU WILL GET THREE MINUTES TO SHINE.

CONTACT:  Black Pearl Entertainment, Inc. (720) 422-0135

Nielsen Business Media Establishes Entertainment Group Combining Its Leading Brands in the Film, TV, Music, Theatre and Literary Industries

Media Industry Veteran Gerry Byrne Appointed to Lead New Entertainment Division

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Nielsen Business Media today announced the creation of a new Entertainment Group that brings together the company's leading entertainment brands into one powerhouse unit. Award-winning media industry veteran Gerry Byrne, who has been named Senior Vice President, Entertainment Group for Nielsen Business Media, will lead the new division beginning March 1st. Byrne will be based in New York and will report to Greg Farrar, President of Nielsen Business Media, who made today's announcement.

Previously, the company's entertainment properties existed under two separate market groups -- Film & Performing Arts and Music & Literary. The creation of the Entertainment Group is another step in Nielsen Business Media's integration strategy. It allows the company to take a more comprehensive approach to serving the entertainment industry and more effectively harness the resources of its entertainment brands. The new division sets in place a more unified editorial approach across entertainment properties to provide audiences with the most inclusive, in-depth access to news, data, analysis and insights on every aspect of the industry. In addition, the comprehensive strategy offers advertisers in the film, television, music, theatre and literary industries enhanced, integrated opportunities to connect with their target customers across all of Nielsen's entertainment media platforms.

John Kilcullen, who has served as Senior Vice President of the company's Film & Performing Arts and Music & Literary groups since October 2006, will leave the company at the beginning of March to pursue his passion as an entrepreneur. In his five years with the company, Kilcullen has been instrumental in the strategic growth and development of Billboard. During his tenure as President and Publisher of Billboard since 2003, the brand has enjoyed record growth. John also successfully built strong senior leadership teams at The Hollywood Reporter, Back Stage, The Bookseller and Kirkus Reviews.

"Over the past several years, the entertainment industry has changed," said Farrar. "It no longer operates in a segmented way, but approaches the business as a whole regardless of the platform or medium. To be successful, our ability to evolve with the industry and meet the needs of our audiences is critical. That means having a unified go-to-market strategy for our entertainment assets domestically and internationally. The Entertainment Group allows us to better serve our clients, be more nimble and responsive in the marketplace and heighten our competitive advantage."

Farrar continued, "Gerry has led such a distinguished career and has already been a key member of our team. His outstanding accomplishments have made a tremendous impact on the media and publishing industries and we are fortunate to have Gerry lead this new division. I'm also extremely thankful to John, an entrepreneur whose mission was to put in place a strong foundation to grow these brands. As John moves on to his next challenge, I'm confident that Gerry will help further our position at Nielsen Business Media as a leader in entertainment, while defining the very future of our business."

"Forming a single entertainment unit and strategic vision allows us to maximize our efforts across all platforms. It provides us with broader and more cohesive insight into what our clients need and helps us to better coordinate our approach toward the growing market and revenue opportunities," said Byrne. "Going forward, our entertainment brands will work much more closely together to pursue new opportunities across the division and throughout The Nielsen Company. I'm looking forward to working with Greg and the team to strategically meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that await us with creativity and innovation."

Byrne has served as an advisor to Nielsen Business Media since January 2007. In his new role, he has responsibility for the global entertainment, music and literary publishing enterprises across digital, print and face-to-face platforms. Brands in the portfolio include Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Back Stage, Kirkus Reviews, The Bookseller, Film Journal International, and the film industry expositions ShoWest, ShowEast, Cinema Expo International and CineAsia Exposition. Byrne will drive the strategic direction of the group and guide the brand leaders to create integrated opportunities and use data assets exclusive to Nielsen to engage audiences and clients.

A long-time industry veteran, Byrne founded Gerry Byrne Media Partners LLC, a full service media and marketing consultancy to the entertainment, communications and media industries, in 2003. Clients have included Tribeca Enterprises, Parade Magazine, Reed Business Information, Washington Life Magazine, Recognition Media, and Velocity Services Inc. Prior to that, Byrne was President and Chief Executive Officer and partner of Stagebill Media. Before Stagebill, Byrne served as Group Vice President and Publisher of Variety and Daily Variety and led the launch of Daily Variety's "Gotham Edition" in March 1998. The Variety/Schroder "Big Picture" Conference, The Variety Leadership Forum, Variety.com, and Variety Book Publishing were also a part of his executive responsibilities. Byrne joined Variety from Norman Lear's ACT III Publishing, where he was Senior Vice President of Planning and International Development. Prior to Act III, while at Crain Communications, Mr. Byrne was the start-up publisher of both Electronic Media (now Television Week) and Crain's New York Business. At Advertising Age, also a Crain property, Byrne held positions first as the International Sales Director then as New York Sales Director. His career in publishing began at The New York Daily News.

Byrne is on the boards of several organizations including The Museum of the Moving Image and Fisher Houses. He was awarded the "Salah M. Hassanein Humanitarian Award" at ShowEast '96 for his community involvements. New York's Elaine Kaufman Cultural Center's 2002 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Byrne for his business leadership and for his support of causes that benefit humanity. Additionally, the NYPD Marine Corps Association awarded him with its 2002 "Semper Fi" Award for his work in the community. Byrne is also a member of The Media Council of The Paley Center, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The British Academy of Film & Television Arts, and is Vice Chairman of The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences.

In addition, as Chairman and Founder of the Quills Literacy Foundation and Executive Chairman of de Plumen LLC, Byrne led the 2005 launch of "The Quills", a consumer-driven book awards program broadcast on the NBC/Universal Stations.

A native New Yorker and graduate of Fordham College, Byrne served as a United States Marine Corps Officer in Vietnam and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V.

About Nielsen Business Media

Nielsen Business Media, a part of The Nielsen Company, is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions, helping businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently. Serving more than 30 industries spanning entertainment, media and marketing, retail, travel and performance, and design, Nielsen Business Media provides business-to-business products and services in print, online and face-to-face. With 42 publications, over 135 trade shows and conferences, and 195 digital products and services, Nielsen Business Media offers insight, analysis and face-to-face contacts to help professionals better understand their markets, serve their customers and grow their businesses.

About The Nielsen Company

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek). The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.

Source: The Nielsen Company

CONTACT: Marisa Grimes of The Nielsen Company, +1-646-654-5759,
marisa.grimes@nielsen.com

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