Online Hip Hop Still Under Attack

"Urban culture and lifestyle has come under attack by a group of cyber terrorists. AllHipHop and SOHH, two pioneering websites that have been in the industry for over 10 years, are appalled by the unprovoked racist attacks of these cyber terrorists. With all the social strides that we have seen for several years, it is sad to see that this sort of blatant, hateful racism still exists in 2008 – a time of tremendous possibility. Together, AllHipHop and SOHH, are committed to relentlessly pursuing these attackers, using every resource available, to ensure the capture of these criminals and prevention of repeat offenses."

Chuck Creekmur and Greg Watkings, AllHipHop.com Co-founders

AllHipHop and SOHH are working with the authorities to track these cyber criminals down and you can help. If your site is under attack please compile, the dates, times and screen shots of the attacks along with the ISP data and forward this to theda@misstheda.com ASAP. Our cyber crimes detective is working diligently to track these attackers down.

Theda Dotcom LLC
917-627-9342
http://www.misstheda.com

Bum Squad DJ’z Takeover Houston for the 3rd Annual Bum Squad DJ’z Family Reunion September 18-21

(June 28, 2008, Santa Monica, Ca) This year marks the 3rd Annual Bum Squad DJ’z Family Reunion taking place in Houston, TX, September 18th – 21st. The Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston will be all abuzz, as the largest chapter of the Bum Squad DJ’z will be the host family for this year’s reunion. The illustrious industry affair brings out some of the hottest names in entertainment; introducing exclusive new music to one of the most exclusive DJ collective’s in the game. Last year the invitation only event brought out the likes of Common, Nicole Sherzinger (PCD) Three 6 Mafia, Glasses Malone, Ky-Mani Marley and more.

Bum Squad DJ’s have broken dozen’s of new artists and are receiving the support of such labels including: Universal-Motown, Universal-Republic, Billionaire Catt Ent, Jive, Sony, J Records, Bad Boy, SRC, and Atlantic. The label’s will host special events including private music suites, artist showcases, a celebrity softball game, block party and a last man standing DJ battle. The reunion has already received early support from artist including: The Game, Common, Missy, Rick Ross Paul Wall, Michael "500" Watts, Scarface, Bun B, and Rob G just to name a few.

"Over the past few years, the collective has been focused on expanding the brand to include more corporate appeal," explains Bum Squad founder Latin Prince, "Our corporate participation shows that companies understand the importance of the DJ in getting to the consumer utilizing our resources in innovative ways. We have DJ’s with shoe deal’s, head phones, turntable’s all types of exciting co-branding situations, so although we specialize in breaking artists, we also help companies take their message to the masses in style with our mass audiences." explains Latin Prince. This year sponsor’s like: Rane, Vestax, Skull Candy, Bombai Liquor, and Red Bull have already come on board to show their support.

The Bum Squad DJ’s are made up of DJ’s, as well as industry professionals and artists including: DJ Skee, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Eque, Paul Wall, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, and many more. For more info check out the complete roster at www.bumsquaddjz.com

The Bum Squad is a University of Premiere DJs, who takes pride in mentoring up and coming DJs.

The Bum Squad DJ’s, founded 5 years ago by Latin Prince (UNIVERSAL/MOTOWN National Director of Urban Mix Show) is a family of DJ’s that work as one unit to break new artist’s and create a visual aesthetic utilizing it’s formidable brand influence. Bum Squad DJ’s, as a collective, are about breaking new music, and sharing that music with DJ’s and consumers worldwide. As the #1 DJ Network Site on the web, www.bumsquaddjz.com garnered over 6 million visits in 2006.The New Music Studio Reloaded portion of the site was created as a vehicle to share their vision with the rest of the world.

Media: To interview Latin Prince or for more info on the BumSquad DJ’s contact Octavia Bostick at thawrite1@bumsquadjz.com

Streets Mos Quarterly Conference

(New York, New York, 6/17/08 ) – Streets Mos Magazine holds it’s 5th annual Street Conference on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the National Black Theatre of Harlem, from 12pm – until.

The Conference – a quarterly event organized by creators of the internationally distributed magazine – will be co-organized by numerous affiliates: Adante Ace [Ace of Spades Entertainment, "AOS"], which will incorporate Streets Have a Voice – a showcase networking haven – bringing the biggest names from the music industry. Adante Ace says "Artists have an opportunity to come out and promote themselves, while building a fan base that can see them perform live on world renowned stages." AOS draws the most sought after DJs, artists and radio personalities to its showcases.

Marketing and Promotions company, Checkmate New York – in conjunction with the Source Magazine will bring the Spit 16 online hip hop showcase to the conference, providing yet another opportunity for registrants to compete and be judged by the forum’s viewers in a "Who Has The Hottest 16 Bars" competition, following the July 12th event. Registrants will also be featured on the Spit 16 mixtape and DVD being released through the Source Magazine later this summer. Checkmate CEO, Big Apple says, "We look forward to hearing the talent in the building, and welcome these artists to discover their future."

Tammy Feliciano will bring the Latin segment, Streets Mos’ Representado to the conference and provide various promotion opportunities through Tammy Feliciano Promotions sites and affiliated sites, product placement and DVD exposure. 

With such a strong influx of contributors and industry insiders, the hottest, unsigned talent is guaranteed to be attendance.

As always, the theme of this event is "24 Hours of Hip Hop," and celebrates the culture by uniting unsigned, worthy artists with industry bosses to provide career-enhancing opportunities. Specifically, a $10,000 promotional package hangs in the balance of these competitors, along with the "STREET ARTIST of THE YEAR" title.

The winners of categories, Best Solo Artist, Best Group, Best Female artist and Best Latino artist will also be crowned.

Talent should register as soon as possible as spots are limited.
For more information on this event, registration or to attend as press, email smm.editor@gmail.com

Steel City’s Best Kept Secret A-Jaxx Prepares to Heat up the summer with Debut Album This is My Jihad

Pittsburgh, PA (June 17, 2008) Hip-Hop artist A-Jaxx will drop his official debut album This is My Jihad: Harb & Salaam on July 24, 2008 through Godsendant Music and features production from Ayatollah, PMC, BTB, Krohme, and super-producer 9th Wonder. This is My Jihad is an album that depicts A-Jaxx, who is a rapper and also a devout Muslim and also gives A-Jaxx’s insight on Hip-Hop. "This is My Jihad is a representation of me, a Muslim who raps, not a Muslim rapper, who is trying to represent Islam correctly in a mainstream lane," says A-Jaxx. "At the same time, I’m letting people know, lyricism is just as alive as it was in the golden age.  I want people to hear my voice, and to hear what’s really going on below the poverty line." The album sheds light on war and peace, which is why A-Jaxx named it "Harb & Salaam", both Arabic terms meaning war and peace respectively. "It’s the constant struggle within our lives, overseas, in the hood, in music.  The Jihad (struggle in Arabic) represents the struggle I have to be a better Muslim, a better man, a better MC, just all around improvement," says A-Jaxx. "And might I add, all that is just the tip of the iceberg, the production is absolutely brilliant." Even the album’s release date has significance, 724, representing the area code of Pittsburgh.

While Pittsburgh hasn’t been a major player in the hip hop industry, A-Jaxx’s lyrical prowess is not to be taken lightly. "Hip Hop is suppose to be the ‘Pulse’ of the people and A-Jaxx is the voice of Pittsburgh," says MC Pugslee Atomz. Along with This is My Jihad: Harb & Salaam, A-Jaxx has several other projects coming out this year. "Live From The 72Four"; a compilation of un-released material, a mixtape tribute to A Tribe Called Quest, "A Man Named Peace-The Intelligent Hoodlum", and the Canadian release "The Damn Good EP" with producer Fundamental. "Jaxx is definitely one of my favorite new east coast voices I’ve heard. It’s great to know that such an intelligent, forward-thinking emcee still exists today," says Random of OKayplayer.com. "One of the best new MC’s of 2008."

About A-Jaxx

In Pittsburgh, A-Jaxx is renowned for his amazing live shows, battle prowess, song writing ability and remains one of the most well regarded and respected MC’s in Pittsburgh. A-Jaxx joined Godsendant in 2006 and has been diligently working on numerous projects. He’s been dominating the local hip hop scene in Pittsburgh, and performing globally, from San Diego, Toronto, New York, and London. A-Jaxx was recently nominated for artist of the year at the 2nd annual Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards 2008. On stage, A-Jaxx has head lined the Hard Rock Café, a Sirius Radio Satellite Sponsored College Tour, appeared on numerous local television hip hop shows, and performed next to and with Petey Pablo, G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks, Wiz Khalifa, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Xzibit, Boot Camp Click, Kidz In The Hall, British stars Terra Firma, Sway Dasafo and Kardinal Offishall. During his time on Godsendant, A-Jaxx competed in Jump Off TV, and MTV’s Fight Klub to stellar results. A-Jaxx also developed and hosted his own battle series in Pittsburgh called Tap Out Street Battles.

###
For more information:
www.myspace.com/ TheMightyAJaxx
http://www.godsendant.com/ajaxx.html

CONTACT:
Farooq Ameen Al-Said
615.496.6826
ajaxx@godsendant.com

The Legendary Hieroglyphics Announce Added Dates For “Freshly Dipped Tour”

Tour expands to forty-five dates in North America

Hiero Imperium Achievements:

Rolling Stone Magazine named Hieroglyphic’s Third-Eye Vision logo as the #3 most recognizeable band logo in history

The Source Magazine named Souls of Mischief’s ’93 Til Infinity single & album to their Top 100 Rap Songs Of All Time and Top 100 Rap Albums Of All Time lists

Hieroglyphics members Del The Funky Homosapien, Souls of Mischief, Casual, Domino, & Pep Love have sold over 1,000,000 units independently

(June 27, 2008 – Brooklyn, NY) To ring in their 10th anniversary as an independent label and hip-hop collective, Hieroglyphics announced details for the second leg of their massive North American fashion and music expo that will span from mid-summer into fall. Twelve dates have been added to the 3-month long tour. The Freshly Dipped Tour celebrates Hiero Imperium’s prolific past ten years as indie hip-hop trailblazers and looks ahead to their expansion into the fashion industry and their continuing role of bringing both classic and new West Coast hip-hop artists to the masses.

Combining elements of fashion and music, The Freshly Dipped Tour will feature Hiero Imperium’s stable of artists as well as their brand-new lifestyle line (www.hierojeans.com). Available at the shows will be a selection of Hiero Jeans denim and shirts as well a copies of Souls of Mischief emcee Opio’s new album, Vulture’s Wisdom, Volume One, and a limited edition Freshly Dipped Tour 7".

The Lineup:

Hieroglyphics: Souls of Mischief (Tajai, A Plus, Phesto, Opio), Casual, Pep Love, and Domino. Opio’s new album Vulture’s Wisdom, Volume One in stores in July

Blue Scholars: MassLine/ Rawkus. New album to be released June 2007, new EP Butter & Gun$ out now. Video and single for "Loyalty" in rotation on MTVu

Prince Ali: Eye 5/Hiero Imperium. New album Curb Side Service in stores now. Video for The Majors feat. Casual, Planet Asia and Keith Murray" in rotation on MTV and BET

Musab: Rhymesayers Entertainment Founder, Hiero Imperium. New album Slicks Box in stores now

Knobody: Bumpin Muzic, Hiero Imperium. Album Tha Clean-Up in stores now

Dates

Fri-Jul-11 Pomona, CA Glasshous

Sat-Jul-12 Los Angeles, CA El Rey

Sun-Jul-13 San Diego, CA Belly Up

Tue-Jul-15 Tempe, AZ Clubhouse

Wed-Jul-16 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum

Thu-Jul-17 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine

Fri-Jul-18 Dallas, TX Granada

Sat-Jul-19 Austin, TX Emo’s

Sun-Jul-20 New Orleans, LA Parrish

Tue-Jul-22 Orlando, FL Social-Late Show

Wed-Jul-23 Atlanta, GA Masq

Thu-Jul-24 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle

Fri-Jul-25 Charleston, SC The Music Farm

Sat-Jul-26 Wilmington, NC Soapbox

Sun-Jul-27 Virginia Beach, VA Steppin Out

Tue-Jul-29 Baltimore, MD Bedrock

Wed-Jul-30 West Chester, PA The Note

Thu-Jul-31 New York City, NY Highline

Sun-Aug-03 Burlington, VT Higher Ground

Tue-Aug-05 Ottawa, ON Babylon

Wed-Aug-06 Toronto, ON Mod Club

Thu-Aug-07 London, ON The Salt Lounge

Fri-Aug-08 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig

Sat-Aug-09 Columbus, OH Skullys

Sun-Aug-10 Chicago, IL Abbey Pub

Tue-Aug-12 Madison, WI High Noon

Wed-Aug-13 Minneapolis, MN First Ave-Early Show

Thu-Aug-14 Omaha, NE Waiting Room

Fri-Aug-15 Boulder, CO Fox Theater

Sat-Aug-16 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge

Thu-Sep-18 San Francisco, CA Fillmore Theater

Fri-Sep-19 Chico, CA Senator Theatre

Sat-Sep-20 Sacramento, CA Colonial Theatre

Mon-Sep-22 Bend, OR Midtown

Tue-Sep-23 Eugene, OR Mcdonald Theatre

Wed-Sep-24 Portland, OR Roseland

Fri-Sep-26 Seattle, WA Showbox Market

Sat-Sep-27 Seattle, WA Showbox Market

Sun-Sep-28 Vancouver, BC CanadaRichard’s on Richards

Mon-Sep-29 Victoria, MB Element

Wed-Oct-01Reno, NV New Oasis

Thu-Oct-02 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst

###

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

Hiero Jeans:
http://www.hierojeans.com/

Hiero MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/hieroglyphics

Blue Scholars:
http://www.bluescholars.com/

Label site:
http://www.hieroglyphics.com

Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Hiero.
Michelle McDevitt
michelle@audibletreats.com

WU-TANG AFFILIATED SUPERGROUP ALMIGHTY UNVEIL 1ST SINGLE, FREE MIXTAPE & MORE

June 27th, 2008

The Wu-Tang affiliated supergroup consisting of Bronze Nazareth, M-80, Killah Priest, C-Rayz Walz, Son One & 5-Star officially announce the first single off their forthcoming album "Original S.I.N. (Strength in Numbers)."  With blog-buzz burgeoning around this underground collective, and anticipation of their debut album reaching a fever-pitch, the group offers "Obey (The Statesmen)" the first single off of the forthcoming release, featuring Planet Aisa, Killah Priest, Son One & C-Rayz Walz.

DOWNLOAD THE SINGLE NOW! http://burnupload.ihiphop.com/download.php?id=F24484171

EMBED THE SINGLE NOW! <object width="410" height="310"><param name="movie" value="http://www.ihiphop.com/players/audioplayer.swf"></param><param name="flashvars" value="xmlFile=http://www.ihiphop.com/xml/audio/feed.hhc?userid=158446"></param><embed src="http://www.ihiphop.com/players/audioplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="xmlFile=http://www.ihiphop.com/xml/audio/feed.hhc?userid=158446" width="410" height="310"></embed></object>

With anticipation of this benchmark release for the extended Wu-Tang family, Almighty presents an exclusive early-look/preview of the album to satisfy rampant fan-demand: the Almighty Mixtape (artwork attached).  With additional guest spots from such legendary indie-MC’s as MF Doom, Capadonna, Tragedy Khadafi & many more, this is more than your typical mixtape.  Look out for Almighty as they gear up for their July 22nd release date, and keep the hip-hop world wanting more.

DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE NOW! http://burnupload.ihiphop.com/download.php?id=31664A401

Check out the exclusive commercial/trailer for Almighty’s forthcoming album, Original S.I.N (Strength in Numbers).

WATCH THE TRAILER NOW!
http://www.ihiphop.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=1291

EMBED THE TRAILER NOW! <object width="400" height="320"><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1291" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed flashvars="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?officialMiniVideoId=1291" src="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="320" allowfullscreen="true"/></object>

For more information, please visit:
www.ihiphop.com/thealmighty
www.babygrande.com

Almighty "Original S.I.N. (Strength In Numbers)" In Stores July 22nd, 2008

– PR Department
Babygrande Records
212.633.8835

LAS VEGAS RAPPER CINO SET TO SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO FOR HIS NEW HOT SINGLE “THANG-THANG”

Triple P Entertainment’s leading act comes to New York City to film his debut music video

NEW YORK- On June 28th, Triple P Entertainment artist, Cino is scheduled to shoot the music video for his new single "Thang-Thang." With an up-tempo production and catchy hook that is sure to keep dance floors packed, Cino finesses listeners through a typical night in the club filled with women, drinks and good times. Directed by BET’s Imo Haile, who has been responsible for some of BET’s most effective television campaigns including, "Know Your Status," "Rap It Up," and "Stop The Violence" commercials, Imo makes his debut as a music video director with Cino’s new summer smash. The music video will be filmed at Dolce, one of the East Coast’s premiere lounges, and feature some of New York City’s most prestigious video vixens.

Originally from Compton’s Carver Park, Cino makes his entrance onto the rap scene with the support of Las Vegas based, Triple P Entertainment. Balancing a universal musical style and a mixture of both records for the streets and the clubs, Cino has generated such a strong buzz that he has even graced the cover of Ozone Magazine’s Spring 2008 West Coast Edition. "Thang-Thang" is presently receiving a positive response from radio, as well as club DJ’s nationwide. Currently on a national radio promo tour to promote the new single, Cino will also be making a special television appearance in BET’s "Spit Yo Game" campaign, which airs exclusively during Rap City.

Cino’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/triplepcino

For more information about Cino, contact Julie Rosen @ 212.203.8985 or julierosenpr@gmail.com.

Cino is represented by Triple P Entertainment, for any additional inquiries, please contact Dwayne Cromwell @ info@triplepentertainment.com.

U-N-I’s “SOUL HOP” IS THE MTV2 SUCKER FREE DROP THIS SUNDAY – JUNE 29TH

MTV2 Concludes Sucker Free Week with a Drop from Thurz & Y-O

Friday, June 27, 2008

Los Angeles, CA — U-N-I drop their last single off Fried Chicken & Watermelon, "Soul Hop" on MTV2′s Sucker Free Sunday, this weekend, June 29, 2008. With Sucker Free Week coming to an end, MTV2 is featuring a clip of the single from Thurz & Y-O. With their unique style and fresh sound, it’s no doubt these two emcees are leading the new school of Hip Hop. 

With fan favorite "Beautiful Day" already receiving heavy rotation on MTV2 and MTVu, U-N-I is steadily making their mark across audiences. After headlining the national DunkXchange tour, Thurz & Y-O transition to their sophomore project, A Love Supreme, with high expectations. Collaborating with producer Ro Blvd, the dynamic duo continues to bring true Hip Hop back to the West Coast.

Check out U-N-I performing with Mulatto July 5th at the Key Club!

Doors open at 8pm! $15 Admission! say U-N-I at the Door!

——————————————————————————

U-N-I is set out to bring a new sound to the game, while maintaining the true fundamentals of Hip-Hop. Unfazed and determined, U-N-I is breaking down barriers by attracting people from all different areas. It’s not just an urban sound, but also suburban. U-N-I, short for "U-N-I Verse," (like You and I) is determined to unite people wherever they perform. Through their unique sound and raw talent, their message of unity gets across. From Asian, to Black and Latino, everyone is certain to vibe with them (Please contact ContraShadow for extended bio)

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

CONTRASHADOW

csentertainment@contrashadow.com

NEW YORK’S FINEST ROCKED OUT At Photo Shoot for YRB Magazine’s Fall Fashion Issue

NEW YORK (June 27, 2008)  -  Last night, YRB Magazine hosted an event as hot as the weather outside. New York ‘s most prominent influencers came together to celebrate Fall Fashion by holding an event entitled "How You Rock It" along with an impromptu photo shoot. It was a night of fashion, music, entertainment, and anything goes, including a notable moment when The Retro Kids got the crowd going by waving mini cheesecake cups held up on forks in the air while guest rocked out on the dance floor. Socially Superalitive said it was "one of the BEST PARTIES OF THE YEAR" 

http://sociallysuperlative.com/?p=341   

WHO

This exclusive, invite only event hosted guests from all aspects of the entertainment industry including Fabolous, Aubrey O’Day, Jaslene Gonzalez, Nina Sky, Simon Rex, Josh Madden, The Retro Kids, Izzy Gold, Dee & Ricky Jackson (The Twins, Marc Jacobs), Karina Smirnoff,  Styles P, Kid Capri, Junior Sanchez, Your Vegas, Patrick McDonald, Andrew Strasser of Bad Brilliance, Sophia Lamar, Dragons of Zynth, Erin Lucas, Beverly Bond, O’Neil McNight, The Virgins, DJ Ruckus, Team Facelift, DJ Reach, DJ Berry, Metermaids, The Dirty Pearls, the Nillaz  among others.

MUSIC BY:  Kid Capri, OMI & Affect

FEATURING: GTA Consoles, Tattoo Booth, & Graffiti Artist

WHAT

An impromptu photo shoot where designers supplied clothing for featured guests included a round-up of labels including Miss Sixty, Izzy Gold, VAN’s, Boys Billionaires Club, Junk Food Tee’s, Stubbs Wootton, Steelo, etc to choose from.  Once dressed, they posed for photographer Kareem Black. The fashions ranged from glitz and glamour, to urban and funky and everything in between. An "adult playground" was also available for guests, ranging from tattoo and graffiti artists to video game consoles supplied by Rockstar Games.  Guests enjoyed food provided by Antibes Bistro and Junior’s Cheesecake and beverages by Trump Vodka, Barefoot Wine and SmartWater.

WHERE:

Red Bull Space located at 40 Thompson Street .

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 7pm-11pm.

Thanks to Salis-Howell Media & Entertainment Group, Antibes Bistro,  Junior’ (www.juniorscheesecake.com), Trump Vodka, Barefoot Wines (www.barefootwine.com), and Smart Water (www.vitaminwater.com) for their support

Photos can be found at:
Wire Image:  http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=322875&nbc1=1

Website: http://Filmandyou.FotoTime.com

About YRB Magazine

YRB Magazine is a lifestyle publication that focuses on fashion, music, art, and related cultural subjects. Constantly ahead of the curve when it comes to trend-setting style, YRB connects readers with the freshest developments that impact the dynamic culture we report on. We strive to maintain a global viewpoint, looking beyond borders to find topics to inspire our readers, resulting in a magazine that is both unique and informative.

Press Inquires:

Erika Shantz at erika@grubmanpr.com or at 212.966.5000 with any questions or photo inquires

Plies Announces Non-Profit Organization and $10,000 “Somebody Loves You” Scholarship Fund

New Album, "DEFINITION OF REAL," in Stores Now

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – June 27, 2008) – Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced details of his very own non-profit organization, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions Foundation, Inc., as well as a scholarship program, the "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund. This all comes as the Ft. Myers, Florida-bred rapper continues to ride the wave of success proven by his sophomore release, "DEFINITION OF REAL," which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 215,000 copies in its first week. In fact, the album’s first week sales gave Plies the highest selling first-week numbers in the history of Miami-based Slip-N-Slide Records.

Keeping in the tradition of Plies’ philanthropy, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will provide funding for legal representation and aid to needy individuals, specifically those who are incarcerated, with the goal of promoting a more functional, productive, and just community. The organization will also provide educational forums, classes, workshops, trainings, opportunities, and other charitable activities aimed at individuals in the community, in particular focusing on rehabilitation.

In addition, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will focus on promoting activities for youth and minorities, including education, mentorship, cultural experiences, and preventative measures aimed at combating incarceration in the Tampa and Ft. Myers, Florida areas.

The organization’s first effort will be the "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund 2008 (named after the song "Somebody (Loves You)" from his current album), which is designed specifically for students attending an accredited college or university, who have a parent(s) that is presently incarcerated and who is financially disadvantaged. The scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled or who will be entering school this fall. Two scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female in the amount of $5000 each.

According to a published Senate report in September of 2000, as many as 70 percent of children of incarcerated parents will become involved with the criminal justice system unless effective intervention strategies are set in place. Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions, Inc. hopes to inspire and encourage these at-risk youth to break the cycle of incarceration. Co-founder Plies comments, "We want to provide those who have been and continue to be affected by the negative impacts of the prison system with a sense of hope, and to let them know that they are not forgotten. No matter what adversities one may face in life, one thing remains true — and that is that somebody loves you."

For more information on the organization and scholarship, as well as scholarship application details, visit www.pliesworld.com/somebodylovesyou.

In other Plies news, "Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)," the first single from "DEFINITION OF REAL," continues to be another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is ranked at #2 at Urban outlets nationwide this week. What’s more, "Bust It Baby Part 2" is turning out to be a pop mainstream summer sensation, coming in this week at #3 on Billboard’s "Hot 100 Airplay" ranking, as well as #8 on the overall "Hot 100."

"Bust It Baby Part 2" is also continuing Plies’ incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is currently #3 on Nielsen Ringscan’s "Top 200 Mastertones" ranking.

Plies recently shot the music video for his next single, "Please Excuse My Hands (Feat. Jamie Foxx and The-Dream)," which is slated to hit video outlets nationwide early next month.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.pliesworld.com, www.myspace.com/plies, and www.imeem.com/plies.
CONTACT:
Catharine McNelly
212-707-3069
catharine.mcnelly@atlanticrecords.com

Cara Donatto
818-238-6819
cara.donatto@atlanticrecords.com