(Billboard Publicity Wire) June 29, 2008 — Inglewood California hero Squeak Ru has signed with the Fontana/Universal distributed DMAFT Records, a part of the Oglio Entertainment Group, to release his solo debut "FatWorld" and the companion iTunes exclusive "Digital FatWorld 2". Continuing a theme from fellow DMAFT Records artist and ladies man, Kool Keith, Squeak Ru’s first club singles "Bellybutton" and "(What U) Sipp’On" have become strip club favorites. A video has been filmed for the new single "Lil Homie" exploring Squeak’s range as a gifted lyricist with it’s tale of socio-economic decline in these trying times.

Squeak Ru has amassed an impressive track record appearing on major albums from Ice Cube, Westside Connection, Snoop Dogg (on his latest West Fest series), MC Eiht and more. For his solo debut "FatWorld", Squeak taps Ice Cube for "Cali Boy", the legendary MC Eiht for "Sipp’On" and fellow Inglewood partners G-Luv from The Road Dawgs and Damani from Westurn Union. Production by B-Nasty, Mansur, Bank & Doe and Mr. Payback gives "FatWorld" a fresh perspective to West Coast rap and affirms Squeak Ru’s role as one of the consistently solid talents in the game.

"You know I see artists like Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella, Baby and Cash Money, Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace, you know they got their grind on independently at first. I just like being my own boss so it’s all on me. I know it can’t go wrong because I’m going to give it my all and the best move to make these days is building your own buzz" – Squeak Ru

Visit www.dmaft.com for full streaming music and more. Official artist pages are www.myspace.com/squeakru and www.youtube.com/squeakru.

"FatWorld" Track Listing
1. Welcome To The FatWorld Intro
2. Big Body
3. Bellybutton featuring G-Luv
4. What I Like
5. Sipp’On featuring MC Eiht and Damani
6. Gangsta
7. Money
8. Ordinary featuring Mike Kamilleon
9. Voice Mail Skit
10. Feel
11. Noth’n
12. California
13. Lil Homie
14. Cali Boy featuring Ice Cube and G-Luv
15. Rainy Days
16. West Coast Activity featuring The Reputables
17. Love ‘N My Life

"Digital Fatworld 2" Track Listing
1. Fatworld 2
2. U Ain’t Gangsta
3. Yo B**** featuring Twisted
4. Respect featuring G-Luv
5. Oh! featuring Treach
6. Homegirl featuring Ms. Toi and Lady Tee
7. Killa
8. B**** N****
9. Kill’n Me
10. I Wonder
11. No More Mr. Nice Guy
12. Can’t F*** Wit The Ru

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mark Copeland
DMAFT Records/Oglio Entertainment Group
310 791 8600
Email us Here
http://billboard.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=1061074

Roger Willis
Bonicals Inc Ent Management
323 868 7226
Email us Here
http://billboard.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=1061074&e=1

On The Fontana/Universal Distributed Label DMAFT Records

Los Angeles CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) June 29, 2008 — The sensational Caliber is set to release his solo debut entitled "Enter My City" on DMAFT Records, a Fontana/Universal distributed label. Caliber is joined by his fellow The Suspects group members Lefty Knuckles and Kayottic, the entire roster of their Most High Records movement and the incredible LaLa. Production for "Enter My City" was handled by Tony G, DJ Reflex, Chico Rosales, Killa Cal, M1 and Most High’s main in house producer Boney Bones at The G Spot studio in Los Angeles. The legendary Estevan Oriol shot all the photography for Caliber and "Enter My City".

"’Citizen of Los Angeles, South Central Los Angeles to be exact. That’s what I’m talking about when I say "enter my city". This is my home and that’s what I rep on my songs." – Caliber

Videos for "Enter My City" include the pre-release single "Raised In The Hood" (Video of the Month at Las Calles.net) and for the official first single "Something Out Of Nothing". The anti-immigration track "United State" has been an anthem at the last two May Day rallies. "Caliber (Tony G’s G Spot Remix)" has been a street favorite from Caliber’s infamous South Central Mixtape, mixed by Tony G and hosted by West Coast superstar DJ Julio G. Caliber’s music has been heard in Quentin Tarantino Presents: The Protector, FX’s Dirt and Urban Justice.

Caliber and The Suspects have one of the hottest live shows going in Southern California. Visit www.dmaft.com for tour dates, 300 DPI cover art, press photos, bio, music, exclusive merchandise including the official "Enter My City" bandana and to listen to "Enter My City" streaming in full. Caliber’s official sites are myspace.com/entermycity and youtube.com/entermycity.

"Enter my City" Track Listing
1. Something Out Of Nothing Featuring Lefty Knuckles
2. Dippin In A Porsche Featuring Lefty knuckles & A.L.T.
3. Enter My City
4. Bouncing In My Lolo Featuring Lefty Knuckles & Redwood
5. I Wanna Know Your Name Featuring LaLa & Lefty Knuckles
6. Heater On Me Featuring O Brown, Diamonique, & Lefty Knuckles
7. Good Life Featuring LaLa, Wolf Wangg, & TalkSick
8. M.H. Click Featuring Phase, Lefty Knuckles, Tapisero, & Kayottic
9. Paradox Featuring Caliber, Kayottic, & Lefty Knuckles aka The Suspects
10. Sorrows
11. Still Here
12. I Was Raised In The Hood Featuring Caliber, Kayottic, & Lefty Knuckles aka The Suspects
13. Big Lil Twin
14. United State Featuring LaLa, Lefty Knuckles, Fedee, Lil Sick, Kayottic, Tapisero,
TalkSick, & O Brown
15. Caliber (Tony G G Spot Remix)
16. I Still Believe

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mark Copeland
DMAFT Records/Oglio Entertainment Group
http://www.dmaft.com/webs/pages/home.shtml
310 791 8600
Email us Here
http://billboard.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=1061664

Original Lyrics Selected from More than 2500 Entries in Nationwide Contest

Video of Common’s Performance to Debut MTV’s Total Request Live in Lead Up to National HIV Testing Day (June 27th) and Re-air throughout the Summer on MTV channels

June 26, 2008 – New York, NY – Today, Hip-hop artist and actor Common and his Common Ground Foundation, in collaboration with the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV, with support from Youth Speaks, announced today that 18-year old recent high school graduate, Jose Rivera from Ewing, Nebraska, was the winner of the A Minute lyrics contest to encourage young people to get tested for HIV. Rivera’s lyrics touting the importance of knowing one’s HIV status bested more that 2,400 other entries submitted by young people throughout the U.S. The contest was developed as part of Kaiser and MTV’s long-standing public information partnership on HIV and related issues, called It’s Your (Sex) L if e.

Jose’s lyrics will be performed by Common in a one-minute video performance that will premiere Thursday, June 26th on MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live) in the lead up to National HIV Testing Day (June 27th) and will air throughout the summer on MTV2 and mtvU, MTV’s college network, as well as be available on demand at www.itsyoursexlife.com. Also featured on www.itsyoursexlife.com and www.aminutecontest.com will be a blog by Rivera, photos and video from the PSA shoot with Common, and the lyrics from the 10 finalists. To learn more about Jose visit his profile.

"It’s important to know your status by getting tested because HIV/AIDS is taking a lot of lives in our community and around the world.  I had an uncle succumb to HIV, so I’ve personally felt the impact of the disease," said Grammy Award winning artist Common. "Your lyrics can really have an affect on people’s lives and I’ve seen it happen."

By combining the talent and popular appeal of an artist of the standing of Common with the voice of a young person, like Jose, we hope to convey the importance of HIV testing in a way that resonates with other youth," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director, Entertainment Media Partnerships, Kaiser Family Foundation.

"This contest offered a great opportunity for our audience to use Think MTV as a loudspeaker for the issues that affect them most," said Ian Rowe, VP of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnership, MTV. "Protection against HIV/AIDS as well as protecting their sexual health overall, continues to be of concern to our audience, and we are proud to have worked with Kaiser and Common to give voice to such meaningful lyrics to help break the stigma associated with HIV testing."

Jose recently graduated from high school and is looking forward to attending Northeast Community College in Nebraska this fall where he will be studying automobile technology.  He hopes to open his own auto body shop with his brother someday. Jose entered the contest to convey the importance of knowing one’s status. And as an aspiring writer the contest presented a unique opportunity to potentially work with Common an accomplished lyricist. To learn more about Jose visit his profile.

"It’s amazing to hear my words spoken by Common. Hopefully, together we’re able to get people thinking and persuade them to take a minute and get tested," said Jose Rivera, A Minute contest winner.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in four of the people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. do not know they are infected. Research shows that once people learn they are HIV-positive, many take steps to protect their partners and reduce the risk of HIV transmission. And early knowledge of HIV infection is critical for connecting people to needed medical care and services. As of 2007, the CDC also recommends routine HIV screening for all adults and adolescents (ages 13-64) in the U.S. Information about local HIV testing centers can be found online or by texting your zip Code to KNOWIT (566948) from most mobile phones.

"Spoken Word and Hip-Hop are this generation’s primary communication tool. Using their own voices, today’s youth are able to communicate to each other directly on issues critical to us all. Jose’s poem is a great example of this in action," said James Kass, Founder and Executive Director of Youth Speaks.

The A Minute contest was designed to engage young people by involving them directly in the creation of a PSA. The intent was to facilitate conversations by contest participants with their peers to help spread awareness about HIV and HIV testing, while attracting compelling lyrics that would resonate particularly well with young people.

MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s over 10 year Emmy and Peabody Award-winning partnership – It’s Your (Sex) L if e — has reached more than 100 million viewers on-air, yielded more than 1.2 million calls to the campaign’s toll-free hotline (1-877-777-IYSL), and put informational guides in the hands of more than 450,000 young people. The backbone of the campaign is www.itsyoursexlife.com, a comprehensive online destination housed within Think.MTV.com, an online community where young people, their friends and some of the biggest names in pop culture come together to effect positive social change.

The Think Community is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions by uploading videos, podcasts and blogs, and connect with others to make a d if ference. The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more. Think.MTV.com was built with the help of financial support and expertise from founding partners the Case Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goldhirsh Foundation and MCJ Amelior Foundation. For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com.

ABOUT THE KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health issues to policymakers, the media, and the general public. It is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. Information on HIV/AIDS is available at www.kff.org, and a daily news summary report on developments in HIV/AIDS is available on www.kaisernetwork.org, the Foundation’s free health information service.

ABOUT MTV NETWORKS
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services – MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services. The network also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

ABOUT THE COMMON GROUND FOUNDATION
The Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States .

The Common Ground Foundation was created by Hip Hop artist, actor and children’s author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as "Common". Common’s social-conscience message serves as inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing l if e skills needed to achieve their dreams.

ABOUT YOUTH SPEAKS
Founded in 1996 in San Francisco , Youth Speaks is the leading nonprofit presenter of spoken word performance, education and youth development programs in the country. Presenters of local and national youth poetry slams, festival, reading series and more, Youth Speaks also publishes dozens of young writers through the imprint First Word Press, and offers a comprehensive slate of literary arts education programs to thousands of young writers and students each year. In addition to the many programs in the Bay Area, Youth Speaks had helped launch a spoken word movement in over 50 communities across the Unites States, presenting the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival in a d if ferent city each year to spread the word. For more information, check out www.youthspeaks.org.

CONTACT
Allie Wester at AllieW@Fanscape.com

RUSSELL SIMMONS, PORSCHLA COLEMAN, PETRA NEMCOVA, DONNA KARAN’S SUPER SATURDAY, THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW AND MORE JOIN FORCES TO HELP BENEFIT THE CREATIVE EXPRESSION OF NYC YOUTH

New York, NY -  June 26th, 2008- Rush Philanthropic’s famed ART FOR LIFE East Hampton annual benefit gala is expanding its charitable outreach with its first ever online auction. Rush Philanthropic, in conjunction with Charity Buzz, the online auction experts, who work with non-profits founded by various big names including Elton John, Bette Midler, Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy and Andre Agassi have already gathered together some of today’s top celebrities and brands to donate specialty items for this online benefit event. For the sixth year, Luxury Auction Chair, Tybie Etoy-Dotson is also at the helm of all the ART FOR LIFE auction excitement.

Over 75 items and packages will be up for auction. Rush Philanthropic Co-Founder, Russell Simmons, is offering one lucky wanna-be apprentice a one-week internship with him in his executive office at his NYC headquarters. Also up for grabs is a private one hour yoga session with the Hip-Hop mogul at his NYC home with certified Jivamutki instructor and girlfriend, Porschla Coleman. Victoria ‘s Secret is also back with their very popular package that would be any man’s fantasy, tickets to the impossible to get into Victoria ‘s Secret Fashion Show. Other hot packages include a "Summer in the Hamptons" with VIP tickets to Donna Karan’s Super Saturday shopping event complete with VIP gift bags; tickets to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, "Get Your Swerve On" with Gerri Kyhill and a party of ten for a one hour S Factor intensive; and attendance to a NYC sporting event with model Petra Nemcova.

The ART FOR LIFE online auction goes live June 23rd and will last through July 24th, 2008. Bidders can click http://artforlife.charitybuzz.com/viewLots.do for a chance to take home these hot items and special celebrity experiences which, previously, only ART FOR LIFE gala attendees could bid on.

Whether it’s an exclusive Christian Dior leather bag, jewelry by David Yurman or a personal Happy Birthday phone call from a certain Grammy® award winning crooner, this on-line auction will be almost as exciting as being at the ART FOR LIFE gala itself!

ABOUT RUSH PHILANTHROPIC ARTS FOUNDATION

Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color.  A 501(C)3 organization, Rush Philanthropic fulfills its mission through three core programs: grants, exhibitions and mentoring.  The Rush Community Grants Program annually provides direct funding to over 70 nonprofit organizations that offer education programming in all disciplines of the arts to New York City and South Florida youth. Rush also runs two arts exhibition and education facilities: Rush Arts Gallery and Resource Center in Manhattan ‘s Chelsea arts district and the Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn ‘s Clinton Hill neighborhood.  The organization is currently in a fundraising campaign for Rush East New York, an 11,000 square-foot arts education and resource center it will open this fall in East New York, Brooklyn . The building was a gift from United Homes.  The Rush Gallery in the School and Rush Kids Visual Arts Mentorship Programs (a.k.a. Rush Kids/Teens) use arts education to create a spark that lights the imagination and creativity of the urban youth we serve. Rush Blueprint, formerly known as Rush Impact Mentorship Initiative, will launch this fall and will allow youth the opportunity to learn about and explore careers within the arts.

ABOUT CHARITYBUZZ

Charitybuzz provides auction and marketing services to non-profits worldwide and works with charities founded by the most famous names on the planet, including Bette Midler, Andre Agassi, Jorge Posada, Sting, Tony, Bennett,  Ted Turner, Joe Torre, Bruce Springsteen, Rosie O’Donnell, Eddie Vedder, Petra Nemcova, Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy, President Clinton and Denis Leary, as well as with smaller charities that address particular needs in their local communities. charitybuzz is the leading upscale cause marketing global community for people who doGOOD and liveWELL. All charities, large and small, benefit from the increased traffic that is generated by star power. This star-centric strategy creates media buzz and generates sales and raises awareness for all its charity partners. To learn more, visit www.charitybuzz.com, phone 203.226.8306 or email info@charitybuzz.com.

Contact: Maya Wertheim, charitybuzz

203.226.8306 / mwertheim@charitybuzz.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008: Noise For The Needy, a Seattle-based non profit organization whose goal is to raise money for charitable causes through the production of live music shows, is proud to announce that it has raised over $33,000 for Urban Rest Stop during this year’s fest—which included shows from Talib Kweli, Matt and Kim, Two Gallants, Black Angels and scores of other amazing musicians and bands.

Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where homeless individuals and families can come and use restrooms, shower and laundry facilities at no cost. The organization’s program manager, Ronni Gilboa, explains where the money is going: "The Urban Rest Stop will use this most generous gift to assist in covering the increased daily operating costs caused by our facility expansion. With the addition of a Women’s restroom , doubling our laundry capacity and waiting room space and the coming provision of on-site nursing services (in cooperation with Harborview Hospital), the Urban Rest Stop has experienced an 75% increase in service delivery. Funds will be used to pay for the increased utility, cleaning and hygiene supplies, repairs and other related costs. During the summer, the Urban Rest Stop experiences a daily foot traffic of 800 individuals , provides 225 showers, 150 laundry loads and 500 restroom uses daily."

Noise for the Needy and Urban Rest Stop would love to thank everyone who attended, performed at or volunteered for this year’s festival, and wish to encourage those who haven’t to visit the organizations’ websites, www.noisefortheneedy.org and www.urbanreststop.org –both sites feature information on how to donate, volunteer and more.

For more information, contact Joan Hiller at Riot Act Media at joan@riotactmedia.com.

(June 26, 2008 – New York, NY) The second studio album from 50 Cent-led rap group G Unit entitled T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight, is in stores July 1st (2008).

Fans can now listen to T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight, at www.gunit.tv, and register for free to leave feedback and discuss the album.

50 Cent and Lloyd Banks used the NBA playoffs split screen commercial to promote the album, the commercial (available on ThisIs50.com) said; "Some times I scare people. I’m unpredictable. Take situations into my own hands and make them work for me. I’m a fighter, a warrior. I’ll run you out the neighbourhood and the business. I’m a protector of myself, and those around me. And I’m vengeful, I’ll hold a grudge. I’ll shoot you, I’ll stab you, I’ll kill you. Or maybe you’ll just disappear."

Originally scheduled for a release earlier this month, the album was pushed back by Interscope to July 1st. Two singles are currently in rotation, the Rick Rock produced Rider pt. 2 and I Like The Way She Do It produced by Street Radio. The album also boasts production from heavyweights Polow Da Don, Jake One, and Swizz Beatz.

50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo are back! GGGGG-unit!!!!

G-UNIT
T.O.S.: TERMINATE ON SIGHT IN STORES JULY 1

G Unit Marketing Manager
G Unit Records
254 W 31st St
New York, NY 10001, United States
+1 212-564-1350
AIM: gunittvcom

One of New York’s most dynamic street cliques, D-Block preps their latest opus, August 19th’s "Prepare For Glory."

June 25th, 2008

Anchored by core LOX members and platinum artists Jadakiss, Styles P. & Sheek Louch and also consisting of Poobs, Trav, Straws, A.P., T.Y., Bucky, Bully, Don D. & Large Amount, D-Block artists are collectively responsible for the sale of millions of units worldwide.

Having previously collaborated with such A-listers as Jay-Z, Diddy, Swizz Beatz, Eve, DMX & many more, D-Block and its crew of affiliated emcees once again assemble to bring that voracious, gritty, hardcore hip-hop to street corners around the world.

VIDEO: JADAKISS, STYLES & SHEEK LOUCH SPEAK ON "PREPARE FOR GLORY" WATCH IT NOW: http://www.ihiphop.com/crackTv.hhc?videoId=7226

EMBED IT: <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?minivideoId=7226" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed flashvars="xmlfeed=http://www.ihiphop.com/TVPlayer/video_xml.hhc?minivideoId=7226" src="http://www.ihiphop.com/hhc_vidplayer.swf" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="320" allowfullscreen="true" /></object>

OFFICIAL LEAK TRACK: D-Block "That?s My Ni&*a" feat. Styles P., Jadakiss & Sheek Louch

DOWNLOAD IT NOW: http://burnupload.hiphopcrack.com/download.php?id=AF7BA77B1

EMBED IT 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=163983&gig_lt=1214454735937&gig_pt=1214454737062&gig_g=2"></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=163983&gig_lt=1214454735937&gig_pt=1214454737062&gig_g=2" width="410" height="310"></embed></object><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bT*xJmx*PTEyMTQ*NTQ3MzU5MzcmcHQ9MTIxNDQ1NDczNzA2MiZwPTI*NDczMSZkPSZuPSZnPTI=.jpg" />

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

D-Block presents "Prepare For Glory" In stores August 19th, 2008

– PR Department
Babygrande Records
212.633.8835

Hip Hop Heavyweight Officially Drops New Single "Out Here Grindin’" Featuring Akon, Lil Boosie, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Plies, Trick Daddy and Ace Hood!

Single Explodes Out of the Box at Urban Radio #1 Most Added First Week

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire – June 26, 2008) – Miami radio personality, label head, Terror Squad/KOCH Records recording artist and soon, Global dominator DJ Khaled is finally unleashing his long-awaited new single, "Out Here Grindin’." The track is sure to be the summer jam of 2008 and features Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Plies, Ace Hood, and Trick Daddy with production from The Runners.

"Out Here Grindin’" was the #1 most added single at Urban Radio this week with 47 stations coming on board. The record was already at 700 spins going into add date.

About the single, DJ Khaled says, "OUT HERE GRINDIN’ is the biggest record in the streets!! This will be the anthem for ’08!! I do this for the streets!!! WE GLOBAL!!!! This record is for the people!!!"

The single is now available for sale from iTunes.

A video for "Out Here Grindin’" was recently shot and directed by Miami native Gil Green. It will hit video networks and portals soon.

Khaled’s third and most anticipated album to date, "We Global," will be released on September 16th, 2008. "We Global" will feature Kanye West, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Nas, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Flo-Rida, Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy and many more to be announced.

Producers The Runners, Danja, Nasty, The Incredibles, Cool and Dre, and of course Beat Novacaine are handling production on what are sure to be the hottest tracks of 2008 on "We Global."

DJ Khaled was also nominated for a 2008 BET Award for Best Collabo for his song "I’m So Hood (Remix)" feat. Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Big Boi, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and Birdman.

XXL recently called Khaled "the gatekeeper of the Sunshine State sound." And with good reason. On his first two albums, Khaled helped the burgeoning Miami hip hop scene explode nationally by featuring local as well as national talent on his numerous singles/collaborations. Khaled’s last album, 2007′s "We The Best," debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and has sold over 400,000 copies on the strength of the album’s two huge hits, "We Takin’ Over" and "I’m So Hood" and its massive Remix.

Khaled is also closing in on 3 million combined Digital/Mobile units on the strength of "I’m So Hood" and "We Takin’ Over."

DJ Khaled, who currently has the most popular radio show in Miami (WEDR/99 Jamz), released his debut, "Listennn…The Album," last year debuting at #1 on the Billboard Independent Chart. The album spawned 3 singles/videos including "Holla At Me," "Grammy Family," and "Born N’ Raised."

Look for Khaled EVERYWHERE this summer. He’s bringing Miami global!

For more info on DJ Khaled, please visit www.MySpace.com/DjKhaled.

About KOCH Entertainment

KOCH Entertainment, founded in 1987 and now in its twenty-second year, is the leading and fastest-growing independent music company in the U.S. KOCH’s operations encompass record and video labels, music publishing 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. Its record label KOCH Records is the # 1 independent label in the U.S. and 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.L").

For more information, contact:
Giovanna Melchiorre
212-353-8800×257
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=B546EF018C555D68

WEEN, Girl Scout & Interpublic Partnership Focuses on Urban Female Community

June 26, 2008

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) will be a corporate sponsor for the career development segment of the upcoming Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) "Don’t Judge Me…EmPower Me" event in New York City this weekend. The event is free to the public and is expected to attract over 3000 girls and women of all ages. It will be broadcast live on Power 105.1 FM. Interpublic is hosting the career development and civic involvement panel, which includes speakers from the advertising, music, magazine, media and modeling industries. IPG’s partnership with WEEN and the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York will help the marketing services company raise visibility for career opportunities and support leadership development in an important talent and consumer segment.

The purpose of the event is to encourage women to feel empowered with life-enriching information and positive self images. In turn, the event aims to help change the way women, particularly women of color, are portrayed in the media and cultivate career and personal development. Leaders from the worlds of music, television, radio, film, sports and corporate America will be on hand for the event which has been promoted through radio, community partners and online media, with a specific emphasis on Latina and hip-hop outlets. By participating in this event, organizations such as the Girl Scouts and companies like IPG will raise their visibility and create new connections in the urban female community.

Interpublic is involved with the event in several ways. Apart from sponsoring and participating in the career panel, IPG is also providing funding to support a program which allows girls under the age of 18 attending the WEEN event to join the Girl Scouts, the nation’s premier leadership program for girls. And through the career panel and a recruiting booth, IPG corporate and agency representatives will promote careers in advertising and recruit candidates.

"We’re excited to have representatives from our multicultural employee network and our fellowship program on hand to support this launch event for the EmPower Me national tour," said Heide Gardner, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Interpublic. "There’s a well-known multicultural gap in our industry, and by getting out there at events like this one we can begin to fill that gap. We need to build the industry’s reputation and our agency’s profiles in this talent market. Reaching more people through the WEEN event and support for New York City Girl Scouting is a perfect fit for us," Gardner continued.

"WEEN is pleased to be joined by Interpublic, a global provider of advertising and marketing services, at a time when the worldwide spotlight is on providing empowerment opportunities and career development for women. We look forward to providing vital information during our career panel this Saturday with IPG," stated Valeisha Butterfield, Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and WEEN Founder.

"This is a wonderful venue for our Girl Scouts to learn empowering life and work strategies from successful women who create the images so familiar to young women. It also presents an opportunity to reach girls who have not previously been exposed to the Girl Scout Leadership Development Program," said Dolores Swirin, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York.

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include Draftfcb, FutureBrand, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe Worldwide, MAGNA Global, McCann Erickson, Momentum, MRM Worldwide, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, Mullen, The Martin Agency and R/GA. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

About WEEN

The Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) is a coalition of women committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and in society. WEEN is led by women executives in music, television, film, radio and other forms of entertainment. WEEN is a program of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. www.weenonline.org

About the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York

For 96 years Girl Scouts has helped girls grow strong through programs that build courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. The Girl Scout Council of Greater New York is the oldest and largest leadership development program for girls, reaching over 21,000 girls between the ages of five and seventeen through the efforts of 7,000 trained and dedicated adult volunteers. Our girls come from each of the five boroughs of New York City. Sixty seven percent of the girls we serve come from low-income households. Our innovative programs in career exploration, financial literacy, science, and health coupled with traditional cookie, camp and community service programs address the realities girls face today while staying true to our Girl Scout tradition. Visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org to learn more.

Contacts

Interpublic
Tom Cunningham, 212-704-1326

Miami, FL, June 25, 2008 -  Miami Light Project and the Ford Foundation Future Aesthetics Cohort are proud to announce the awarding of over $50,000 to 20 independent artists across the United States and Puerto Rico . The Future Aesthetics Artist Regrant Program (FAAR), is a first of its kind initiative designed to give direct monetary support to emerging Future Aesthetics Artists – a new generation of artists working along the fringes, pushing the boundaries artistically, socially, and politically in literature, dance, music, theater and media arts. FAAR is funded by the Ford Foundation.

Six years ago, the Ford Foundation brought together the Future Aesthetics Cohort, six arts organizations across the United States, Hip-Hop Theater Festival (Brooklyn, NY), Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia, PA), Global Action Project (NY, NY), Miami Light Project (Miami, FL), La Pena Cultural Center (Berkley, CA) and Youth Speaks (San Francisco, CA) who were committed to blurring the border between art and culture, creating innovative programs and performances that were broadly inclusive of new generations and diverse artists and audience members.

Roberta Uno, Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, coined the term "Future Aesthetics" several years ago at New WORLD Theater to serve as an expression for a new and potent art form. "Future Aesthetics describes the kind of art produced in this age of urbanization, technology and communications innovations, globalization, and new networks of community organizing and resistance. One vivid example of this art form is Hip-Hop."

A common goal of the Future Aesthetics Cohort is to continually open the doors for other geographically, economically and ethnically diverse emerging artists. The FAAR program is a seminal initiative focused specifically on this goal.

Artists from around the United States and Puerto Rico applied for this highly competitive grant, and a diverse panel of artists, producers and arts managers selected 20 artists to receive non-project specific grants.

Hip-Hop Theater Festival Executive Director Clyde Valentin iterated the importance of these grants being unrestricted, as artists have an infinite range of needs at different points in their artistic career. The Future Aesthetics cohort determined that the best way to support these artists is to allow them to use the funds in a way that can really make a difference for them as they balance their jobs, life and artistic goals.  "Artists can use the grant for what they really need, and that can be different for all them," said Valentin. "The award can be used for anything from research sabbaticals to health insurance, a new website to production costs, rehearsal space to diapers." 

The 2008 FAAR Grantees are:

kahlil almustafa ( NEW YORK , NY ) is a performer, educator, and writer, known as the People’s Poet. He is the 2002 Nuyorican Grand Slam Champion and the author of two collections of poetry: Grandma’s Soup and I’m Crying Everyone’s Tears which has sold or distributed more than 5,000 copies. almustafa recently released his highly-anticipated debut CD CounterIntelligence and a collection of 15 years of poetry entitled Growing Up Hip-Hop. He is currently on the "Hip-Hop 4 President Tour." Re-energized from performing at the first solar-powered Hip-Hop concert, almustafa is ready to infuse the world with hope and insight through his poetry.

Writer and performer Holly Bass ( WASHINGTON , D.C) has presented her work at respected regional theaters and performance spaces such as the Kennedy Center (DC), the Whitney Museum (NY) and the Experience Music Project (Seattle).  She is a Cave Canem fellow and her poems have appeared in Callalou, nocturnes (re)view, Role Call and The Ringing Ear. She curated the NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival from 2001-2003 and was the first journalist to put the term "Hip-Hop theater" into print. She studied modern dance (under Viola Farber) and creative writing at Sarah Lawrence College before earning a Master’s in Journalism from Columbia University .

Naomi Bragin’s ( OAKLAND , CA ) choreography integrates Hip-Hop, House, African and Latin rhythm and form. She has researched dance in New York , Cuba , Brazil and the Philippines . In 2002 she founded Oakland , California based DREAM Dance Company to research, promote and illuminate Afro-diasporic connection. Her 2007 Izzie-nominated Full Circle returned Hip-Hop via Cuban Rumba to its African roots, creating new meaning from traditional form. Naomi received her BA in Dance from Wesleyan University and support from Creative Work Fund, Zellerbach, East Bay Community Foundation, and California Arts Council. She pursues her Masters in Folklore at UC Berkeley, working to redefine folklore, dance anthropology and performance.

Regie Cabico’s ( WASHINGTON , D.C) most recent solo play, Unbuckled, premiered at the Asian Arts Initiative and will be presented at Youth Speaks Living Word Festival in the fall of 2008. He is the artistic director of Sol y Soul and has directed The Other Side and Elegies in the Key Of Funk for the 07-08 DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival. He is the recipient of the 2008 1st Prize Larry Neal Award for Poetry, New York Foundation for the Arts Poetry and Performance Art Fellowships, and New York Innovative Theater Awards. He received the Barnes & Noble’s Writers for Writers Award for his work with at-risk youth at Bellevue Hospital- sponsored by Poets & Writers.

Kristoffer Diaz ( NEW YORK , NY ) is a playwright and educator.  His full-length plays (Welcome to Arroyo’s, Guernica, and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity) have been developed and performed at the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, The Lark, The Summer Play Festival, The Donmar Warehouse, South Coast Repertory, New York Stage and Film, The Tank, New York University, The Knitting Factory, and New Dramatists.  Kristoffer is a recipient of the Van Lier Fellowship and a member of The Dramatists Guild. He holds an MFA from New York University ‘s Department of Dramatic Writing and is currently an MFA candidate at Brooklyn College ‘s Performing Arts Management program.

Rudi Goblen ( MIAMI , FL ) has performed along the side of artists such as The Roots, Mos Def, and De La Soul. Besides his musical pursuits, he is an acclaimed B-Boy. His crew "Flipside Kings" has traveled to places such as France , South America, Holland , and Asia . Rudi is a member of "D-Projects," a cross-section of conservatory and street trained artist creating contemporary performance. Commissioned by Miami Light Project and the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, he premiered his one-man show Insanity Isn’t at the Here & Now Festival in 2006. Rudi has spent the last 4 years fueling his passion for theater/performance and new creative expressions, while working to bring it to a broader audience.

Idris Goodwin ( ALBUQUERQUE , NM ) is an award winning Hip-Hop playwright, break beat poet, recording artist and teacher committed to making work that incites, inspires, and engages. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded Idris a Playwright-in-Residence grant to explore Hip-Hop aesthetics in theater. Idris’ break beat poetry has featured on season six of Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poetry as well as in the Spoken Word Revolution Redux Anthology. Idris frequently teaches and lectures at institutions across the country on themes of arts, culture and activism. He currently resides in Santa Fe , NM with his fiancé.

Baba Israel ( NEW YORK , NY ) has toured across Europe, South America, South Pacific, and Asia .  He is an emcee, producer, theater artist, and beatboxer. He is co-founder of the Playback NYC Theater Company. His new solo piece Boom Bap Meditations will be presented by Hip-Hop Theater Festival and is touring the U.K. in 08. His latest record with Yako 440 is called "Beatbox Dub Poetics" and they were named in URB magazines prestigious NEXT 1000.  He was selected as part of Lincoln Center ‘s Rhythm Road , touring South East Asia with Dana Leong. Baba holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts. For info: openthoughtmusic.com

Jóvenes del 98′s (SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO) theater group was formed in April 1998 with 16 young people between 13 to 21 years of age, to create a play about the historic date of 1898 in Puerto Rico. Since then, the group has continued working, and performing in Puerto Rico and at International Street-Theater Festivals in communities, schools, streets, plazas, and theaters. They have created 22 plays about violence, drugs, war, disinformation, homophobia, xenophobia, government corruption, colonialism, pollution, etc. Thier plays are created collectively — directed by Maritza Pérez Otero –  based mainly on Augusto Boal’s theater techniques, the critical analysis of historic and literature essays, books and life experiences.

Native of Lafayette Louisiana , Millicent Johnnie ( ATLANTA , GA) received both her BFA and MFA in Dance at the Florida State University . Ms. Johnnie served on the Tulane University and Dillard University Dance Faculty located in New Orleans , Louisiana after touring as resident choreographer and rehearsal director of the Urban Bush Women in New York City .  Johnnie moved to New York City after teaching Hip-Hop and Jazz movement as a staff member of the Universal Dance Association based in Memphis , Tennessee . Millicent co-founded the Phlava Hip Hop and Jazz Dance Company based in Tallahassee , Florida receiving a Prague International Dance Festival "Best Choreography" award and "First Place International Dance Title" for Hip- Hop Choreography entitled Wrath.      

Of Jacob "Kujo" Lyons ( BURBANK , CA ), former LA Times critic Lewis Segal says, "there is no more-talented choreographer in Los Angeles ." After 16 years in the B-Boy world, Kujo was recently featured as one of the Times’ 2008 Faces to Watch, and he now directs and choreographs a small, award-winning dance company called Lux Aeterna that is making major waves in the LA-area dance scene. Kujo’s eclectic, hybrid choreography has been called "drop-dead awesome" by the LA Times, and draws from his vast experience in breaking, as well as his more recent training in ballet, modern dance, and body-to-body work.

Michelle "Mush" Lee (HERCULES, CA) is no stranger to the mic, having rocked a myriad of platforms including the latest season of Russell Simmon’s HBO Def Poetry Jam and the National Collegiate Slam Championships. Mush’s current work involves developing her first one-woman play, Regarding Women, with the Living Word Project based in San Francisco , CA . In 2006, Regarding Women was chosen to be presented as part of the first National Asian American Theater Festival in New York City , and in 2007 at the Grounded: New Words Theater Festival at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco , CA .  In 2008, she will be conducting panels at the NAAT Conference and at Intersections at New World Theater.

Adam Mansbach’s ( BERKELEY , CA ) latest novel, The End of the Jews (Spiegel & Grau/Doubleday), was published in March. His previous novel, Angry Black White Boy (Crown) was a San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of 2005 and is taught at more than forty universities. His other books include the novel Shackling Water (Doubleday, 2002), the poetry collection genius b-boy cynics getting weeded in the garden of delights (Subway & Elevated, 2002). The founding editor of the hip hop journal Elementary, Mansbach teaches at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Robert Martin ( BROOKLYN , NY ) identifies as a cultural organizer, producer, teaching artist, and non-traditional storyteller who uses diverse forms of media to share stories, bridge divides, and bring people together. Now forging a hybrid lifestyle between Brooklyn (NY) and Berea (KY), "Bobbyb" is passionate about building and reconnecting the threads between urban and rural communities through producing and facilitating transformative events, experiences and gatherings that celebrate our humanity and connect us through community.

Jamie Merwin ( PHILADELPHIA , PA ) is the Founding Artistic Director of Philadelphia-based Olive Dance Theatre and the artist-driven management cooperative Seed Management. She is equally committed to the tradition of Breakin’ and the creation of contemporary American theatre. Ms. Merwin has worked with multiple Philadelphia organizations in many capacities from actor and director to stage manager and administrator, including: Rennie Harris Puremovement, Painted Bride Art Center , Philadelphia Young Playwright’s Festival, CEC, Actin’ Up!, Eastern State Penitentiary and the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Her current projects include two new evening length works – "Brotherly Love" and "Conversations." Jamie serves on the Executive Committee for Alternate ROOTS as well as The Network of Ensemble Theaters’ (NET) Board of Directors.

Christine M. Peng ( BROOKLYN , NY ) is a multimedia artist/ educator who works towards personal and social transformation through the arts.  For the past seven years she has been working on documentaries and with youth on issues of gender, education, police brutality and community space issues in New York City .  Recently she co-produced Songs & Ciphers: Brothers & Sisters in the Struggle, a short documentary on grassroots community organizing in Venezuela , and NYC Encuentro for Dignity and Against Gentrification, a community collaboration with Movement for Justice in El Barrio.  She is currently working on a film project about the history of racial violence in New York City .

The artistic vision of Omar G. Ramirez (LOS ANGELES, CA) stems from his deep appreciation of shared spaces and a fascination with public art. Born to Mexican immigrants and raised in East Los Angeles , his work evolved as a vehicle for relevant social analysis it celebrates culture as a means of empowerment and functions as a catalyst for self-awareness.  His spirituality charged art is functional, sustaining an evolving dialogue and social commentary about the human experience, struggle and beauty. Omar’s art is part of the permanent collection of the Museo Cuevas in Mexico City ; his murals can be found throughout the United States . www.omartista.com

David Szlasa ( OAKLAND , CA ) is a new media + performance artist.  Original works include Dissection (1997), Light (2000), and GADGET (2006).  Szlasa’s next piece, My HOT Lobotomy, will premier at CounterPULSE Theater in San Francisco 10/08.  He has collaborated with Bill "Crutchmaster" Shannon, Rennie Harris, Synaesthetic Theatre, Sara Shelton Mann, Guillermo Gomez Peña, and Marc Bamuthi Joseph in such venues as the Walker Arts Center , The Kitchen (NYC), Humana Festival, Yerba Buena, the Sydney Opera House and the Harare International Festival of the Arts in Zimbabwe .  Szlasa’s video installations have been exhibited at the Oakland Art Gallery , Thatcher Gallery at USF, and the Center for Advanced Technology at NYU.

Nicolas R. Valdez ( SAN ANTONIO , TX ) is an actor, writer, musician, performance artist, and proud father. His work as a Cultural Activist has given him the opportunity to perform and organize in diverse communities across the country, specifically as a facilitator of Popular Education workshops with immigrant youth. His unique prose style and original music is reminiscent of the Border Experience; at once Latino in form and language but evolving and limitless. He is honored to receive the support of the HHTF and hopes to build new working relationships with the other FAAR grant recipients. Que viva este movimiento de arte, cultura, y conciencia!

Adia Tamar Whitaker ( BROOKLYN , NY ), artistic director of Ase Dance Theatre Collective, graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Dance.  Adia completed the Professional Division U.S. Independent Studies Program at the Ailey School (2001), was Choreoquest Resident Artist at Restoration Dance Theater (2004), a Ford Foundation Special Initiative for Africa Grant Recipient (2004), an Urban Bush Women Apprentice (2005), and a Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography at FSU Creative Entry Point Choreographic Fellow (2006), a touring cast member of Scourge (2005-2007), and a BAC Re-Grant Recipient (2007). Most recently, Adia is a grantee of The Puffin Foundation.

ABOUT THE FORD FOUNDATION

The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than half a century it has been a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide, guided by its goals of strengthening democratic values, reducing poverty and injustice, promoting international cooperation and advancing human achievement. With headquarters in New York , the foundation has offices in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Russia .

For more information about the Future Aesthetic Artist Regrant Program, or the six organizations that make up the Ford Foundation’s Future Aesthetic Cohort, please visit the following websites:

The Ford Foundation                    http://www.fordfoundation.org
Hip-Hop Theater Festival              http://www.hhtf.org
Rennie Harris Puremovement      http://www.rhpm.org
Miami Light Project                       http://www.miamilightproject.com
Global Action Project                   http://www.global-action.org
La Pena Cultural Center               http://www.lapena.org
Youth Speaks                                http://www.youthspeaks.org

Contacts:

Elz Cuya                                                  Rebekah Lengel                                             
Hip-Hop Theater Festival                         Miami Light Project
(718) 497-4282                                       (305) 576-4350 ext. 22
elz@hhtf.org                                     rlengel@miamilightproject.com