TWELVE24GIRL.COM LAUNCHED BY 4CONTROL MEDIA AS LIFESTYLE AND SOCIAL NETWORK SITE

Wendy Williams and singer Raheem DeVaugn featured on website targeting females 12-24 years old

JERSEY CITY, NJ – February 2008:  "Did you get your twelve today?"  That's what all the trendy females will be asking now that 4Control Media, parent company to SOHH.com (www.sohh.com), the longest running and leading hip-hop website with over 5.5 million visitors monthly, today announced the launch of Twelve24Girl.com (www.Twelve24girl.com), a new lifestyle and social networking website targeted towards females ages 12-24.

As a spin-off of the successful SOHH.com brand, Twelve24Girl.com aims to reach the 12 to 24 year old female demographic with a variety of relatable content. The new site supplies users with 12 must-have items each 24-hour period in the categories of entertainment, fashion, career and relationships. Alongside exclusive celebrity interviews, gossip, fashion tips, advice and new music, 1224girl.com provides a full social networking platform including user blogs, photo galleries, user-generated video, chat and bulletin boards.

The site debuts on February 14th with unique features including an exclusive celebrity video column, premiering with on-air personality Wendy Williams discussing her rise to celebrity gossip diva status, the hottest Grammy red carpet fashions on "1224 Style", a confession blog featuring the true life experiences of a single mom with baby-daddy drama, and R&B singers Musiq and Raheem DeVaugn giving Valentine's Day advice.

"We are thrilled to reach our female audience in a more intimate way with our newest property, Twelve24girl.com," says CEO and co-founder of 4Control Media, Felicia Palmer. "We hope to fill a void amongst female online users and provide them with unique content that relates to their own personal lifestyle."

Twelve24Girl's social networking tools are powered by the Flux (www.flux.com), a social networking platform that allows users to migrate between all Flux-powered websites.  Users logged into the site will be able to share content (i.e. photo galleries, user-generated video, blogs, music, etc.) across other communities on Flux-powered websites including MTV.com, helping to build the Twelve24Girl community virally.

"Twelve24girl.com will have the latest technology to provide an edge amongst the numerous social networking sites available on the web to date," says CTO of 4Control Media, Steven Samuel . "We look forward to giving female users the ability to enhance their web experience through the capabilities on the site."

About 1224girl.com

1224girl.com is an online destination that approaches the entire lifestyle of 12 to 24 year old females who are on the move and in the know. Based around four major areas of interest – relationships, entertainment, career and fashion – 1224Girl provides 12 hot items in 24 hours that every girl needs.

About SOHH.com

In 1995, SOHH.com was founded to satisfy the demand for a Hip-Hop community online.  Today, with over 5.500,000 visitors each month, SOHH is the web's largest and longest running urban/hip-hop community.  SOHH.com is rated "the Best Overall Hip-Hop Site" by Rolling Stone magazine and is the highest ranked Hip-Hop teen portal according to the premier internet ratings website, COM Score.

CONTACT:

Hanif Sumner, 5W Public Relations

Phone: 212-584-4310

Email: hsumner@5wpr.com

Grammy Winner Common, MTV, and Kaiser Family Foundation Launch Lyrics Contest to Promote HIV Testing

Young People Compete By Submitting Original Lyrics About the Importance of Getting Tested

Common to Perform Winning Entry on MTV2, mtvU, and itsyoursexlife.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, hip-hop artist and actor Common, in collaboration with It's Your (Sex) Life, a public information partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV, and the Common Ground Foundation, with support from Youth Speaks, is launching "A Minute" - a new lyrics contest to encourage young people to get tested for HIV. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HIV screening for all adults and adolescents (ages 13-64) in the United States. Through this new initiative, Common, MTV and Kaiser are encouraging young people to take a minute to inform themselves and others about HIV testing.

The competition kicks off today on MTV's TRL (Total Request Live) and is intended to engage and inspire young people across the country to learn more about HIV and the importance of knowing your HIV status. The CDC estimates that among the more than one million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, approximately 1 in 4 do not know they are infected with the virus. The "A Minute" contest offers young people the opportunity to submit an original poem, lyrics, or writing that addresses why getting tested for HIV is important. The winning entry will be performed by Common in a special public service announcement (PSA) that will premiere on National HIV Testing Day (June 27, 2008) and air throughout the summer on MTV2 and mtvU, MTV's college network, as well as be available on demand at www.itsyoursexlife.com. To learn more about the contest or apply, visit www.itsyoursexlife.com or www.aminutecontest.com.

"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."

"The stigma surrounding HIV remains a barrier to many people getting tested," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "By normalizing HIV testing, this contest seeks to make getting tested a mark of empowerment not shame."

"This contest offers our audience an amazing way to bring their words to life - through Common's voice - and will serve as a powerful way to drive home the importance of getting tested," said Ian Rowe, VP of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnership, MTV. "Aside from being a groundbreaking artist and notable actor, Common has proven to be a true leader in the fight to break the stigma associated with HIV testing, and we're proud to partner with him on this cause."

Competition details:

Write original lyrics (can be spoken word, poetry, reggae, indie ... any musical voice that best represents your message).

Entries must be one minute or less when performed.

Entries must be submitted by March 27, 2008 and can be submitted in text, audio or video form. (Please include text with any audio or video entries.)

To learn more about the competition, visit www.itsyoursexlife.com or www.aminutecontest.com.

"This is a great opportunity for young people to speak directly to their peers about such a critical issue," said James Kass, Founder and Executive Director of Youth Speaks. "By speaking creatively about getting tested, youth can educate each other without preaching. That's what people respond to."

MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation's over 10 year Emmy and Peabody Award-winning partnership 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, a new 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 - via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs - and connect with others to make a difference. 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 COMMON GROUND FOUNDATION

The Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States through education. Additionally, our support and focus on HIV/AIDS prevention programs targeted toward youth and young adults reach beyond our national borders and serve communities throughout Africa.

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 life skills needed to achieve their dreams.

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 IT'S YOUR (SEX) LIFE

Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and MTV have partnered on an extensive, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning public information campaign on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and related sexual health issues. The partnership includes targeted public service advertisements (PSAs), entertainment and other special programming, news segments, and free resources, including an informational guide developed especially for the campaign, an extensive website and toll-free hotline 1-877-777-IYSL. The campaign was branded in 2005 under MTV's new pro-social initiative called "Think".

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, festivals, 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 different city each year to spread the word. For more information, check out www.youthspeaks.org.

ABOUT MTV NETWORKS

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 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.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

CONTACT: Rob Graham of KFF, +1-650-854-9400, rgraham@kff.org; Jason
Rzepka of mtvU, +1-212-654-7198, jason.rzepka@mtvstaff.com; or Jodie Blum of
Common Ground Foundation, +1-415-571-8975, Jodie@commonground.org

Web Site: http://www.aminutecontest.com/
http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/
http://www.kff.org/
http://www.youthspeaks.org/

GUITAR CENTER AND WU-TANG CLAN SUPERSTAR RAPPER/PRODUCER RZA INTRODUCE VERY LIMITED EDITION ROLAND RZA/FORAT CUSTOM MV8800

Eight Machines Go On Sale February 28; Buyers Receive Workshop With RZA; Sessions In-Store Event Announced

    Westlake Village, CA: Guitar Center, the nation's leading musical instrument retailer, today announces the introduction of its exclusive Roland RZA/Forat Custom MV8800. This very limited edition machine was co-designed by legendary electronic pioneer Bruce Forat and RZA, producer/founder of multi-platinum hip-hop trailblazers Wu-Tang Clan. The Roland RZA/Forat Custom MV8800 also features original artwork by Forat and RZA, in a hand-painted pattern that is familiar to fans of the Wu-Tang with its nod to the "8 Diagrams" of the I Ching. The eight RZA/Forat machines go on sale February 28th, priced at $5999.00 each.

    "RZA was very involved in every aspect of the creation and design of Guitar Center's Roland RZA/Forat Custom MV8800," said Tony Baraz, Hi-Tech Custom Shop Project Manager for Guitar Center.  "That's why we wanted to offer the buyers of the eight units the opportunity to be personally tutored by RZA. His personal  involvement with the buyers, along with custom work by a legend like Bruce Forat, really make this machine a once-in-a-lifetime buy for music makers."

    Guitar Center will be launching its page about the Roland RZA/Forat Custom MV8800 today at http://www.guitarcenter.com/rza <http://www.guitarcenter.com/rza>  with full details about the machines, tutorial, and Sessions event, which will be held February 28th at Guitar Center's Hollywood location. Surprise celebrity guests at the launch event will be announced soon. 

    "The public will be able to buy these and keep these. And we become part of two different histories. One, Forat; I think what he's doing for hip-hop machines is legendary," said RZA. "I mean, it's original and he's going down in history as a legend for that. I'm glad that we're doing this campaign right here, 'cause this is bong."

    About Guitar Center
    Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 214 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com <http://www.musiciansfriend.com/> . More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com <http://www.guitarcenter.com/> .

    The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

    About RZA
    Founder and chief producer for one of hip-hop's most innovative acts, the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA is one of hip-hop's seminal artists. The Wu-Tang Clan emerged in the early 1990s as a revolutionary concept band from Staten Island, NYC with nine MCs. RZA's spare, menacing production on the band's breakthrough "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" was wildly original and spawned hundreds of copycats. RZA has also released solo albums as Bobby Digital, as well as doing soundtracks for Jim Jarmusch's film "Ghost Dog: The Way of The Samurai," and Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films. He also acted in Ridley Scott's recent "American Gangster."

    About Bruce Forat
    Bruce Forat has been at the forefront of music electronics for the last 25 years.  Forat has personally customized drum machines and keyboards for top musicians including Prince, Dr. Dre, Jermaine Dupree, The Neptunes, Madonna Will.i.am, Lil' Jon, Snoop Dogg and more.

DANIEL DA SILVA
Girlie Action
59 W.19th St.
Suite 4A
New York, NY 10011
212.989.2222 x106
fax: 212.989.1499
AIM – dds3000

ABSOLUT(R) Partners With Kanye West on Most Innovative Collaboration in Spirits Brand's History

Creative Campaign and Tour Sponsorship Ushers in New Wave of Nightlife Style and Showcases the Good Life ... Kanye Style

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, the most influential spirits brand in the world, announces a collaboration with musical genius and 10x GRAMMY(R) award-winning artist Kanye West that will join two icons of style together for a series of projects throughout 2008. Their creative ventures begin with sponsorship of the Glow in the Dark Tour 2008 Ignited By ABSOLUT 100, and will continue as West works with the brand to bring his signature style into nightlife arenas and marketing campaigns in a daring and provocative fashion. As part of the brand's 'In An ABSOLUT World' advertising campaign, West, along with other artistic luminaries, will share his vision of life in an ABSOLUT World through online testimonials and interpretations.

"I have a lot of respect and admiration for a brand that was so ahead of its time in terms of seeing the value of collaborating with the creative community to express a unique vision of ABSOLUT. This is a brand that has worked with the pre-eminent artists of the 20th Century -- Tom Ford, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Helmut Newton. These are individuals who have inspired me in my work, and I feel honored to be a part of this legacy," said Kanye West. "What I'm most excited about is the opportunity to help push ABSOLUT in even more scintillating ways through a collaboration that puts me both in front of and behind the camera."

The Glow in the Dark Tour Ignited By ABSOLUT 100 will kick off in Seattle, WA at Key Arena on April 16, and will visit more than 25 major U.S. cities throughout the spring (please see complete itinerary below.) To create the ultimate experience, Kanye has teamed with I Love All Access to provide his fans with VIP ticket package experiences. For more information, go to kanyeuniversity.com. N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiacso and fellow Def Jam Artist Rihanna will join Kanye on the road.

From San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York City and Washington, DC, ABSOLUT 100 cocktails and bottle service will be featured prominently in the coolest nightclubs, where official after parties will jam into the night. Incorporating elements of the tour and Kanye's renowned design aesthetic into both the club scene and retail locations across the country, ABSOLUT will create a 360-degree experience for Kanye's fan base.

Launched in fall 2007, ABSOLUT 100 is a bold, mixable vodka that stands out and stands up in a cocktail. Its unique black bottle, glossy finish and noticeably smooth taste were the inspiration to partner West together with this stylish spirit.

"ABSOLUT has a long history of working with engaging artists, beginning with Andy Warhol and continuing over the last 27 years. As we usher in a new creative era with our 'In An ABSOLUT World' advertising campaign, we want to work with artists who spark dialogue and inspire people in the 21st Century," said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT Vodka. "This collaboration with Kanye West, whose creative talents extend far beyond his musical career, will use our collective voice to bring style and excitement to our consumers."

  For more information about ABSOLUT, please visit www.absolut.com.

                          GLOW IN THE DARK TOUR
                          IGNITED BY ABSOLUT 100

  Date          City                   Venue

  April   16    Seattle, WA            Key Arena
          18    Sacramento, CA         ARCO Arena
          19    San Jose, CA           HP Pavilion
          20    San Diego, CA          Sports Arena
          21    Los Angeles, CA        Nokia Theatre
          24    * Tucson, AZ           Kale Aud., U. of Arizona
          25    * Las Vegas, NV        Red Rocks Casino Resort
          26    * Albuquerque, NM      Journal Pavilion
          27    Denver, CO             Pepsi Center
          29    Oklahoma City, OK      Ford Center
          30    Austin, TX             Frank Irwin Center

  May     1     Dallas, TX             Superpages.com Center
          2     Houston, TX            Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
          4     Atlanta, GA            Gwinette Arena
          5     Tampa, FL              Ford Amphitheatre
          6     Miami, FL              American Airlines Arena
          8     Charlotte, NC          Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
          9     Raleigh, NC            Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
          10    Washington, DC         Nissan Pavilion
          11    Virginia Beach, VA     Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
          13    New York, NY           Madison Square Garden
          15    Boston, MA             Tweeter Center
          16    Hartford, CT           North East Dodge Music Center
          17    Philadelphia, PA       Susquehana Bank Center
          18    Scranton, PA           Toyota Pavilion
          20    Montreal, Que.         Bell Centre
          21    Toronto, Ont.          Molson Centre
          22    Detroit, MI            Palace
          23    Chicago, IL            United Center
          24    Minneapolis, MN        Target Center
          27    Saskatoon, Sask.       Credit Union Centre
          29    Edmonton, Alb.         Rexall Palace
          30    Calgary, Alb.          Saddledome

                * indicates dates do not include Rihanna.

  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.

Source: ABSOLUT(R) VODKA

CONTACT: Sarah Bessette of The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.,
+1-212-641-8653, sarah.bessette@absolut.com; or Abby Hodes of Ketchum for
ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, +1-646-935-4128, abby.hodes@ketchum.com; or Gabriel
Tesoriero of Island Def Jam, +1-212-445-3632, gabriel.tesoriero@umusic.com

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

Gap Partners With Emerging Artists to Create Original Music and Videos Inspired by Colors

Songs by The Blakes, Dntel, Marie Digby, the Raveonettes and Swizz Beatz Can Be Downloaded for Free for 30 Days at www.soundofcolor.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ever imagine what your favorite color sounds like? This spring, Gap is offering you the chance to discover the sound of color through five original songs composed and recorded by five emerging musicians. Gap is also partnering with five filmmakers to interpret each original song into a music video. From now until March 15, you can visit http://www.soundofcolor.com/ to listen to and enjoy free downloads of original songs by The Blakes, Dntel, Marie Digby, the Raveonettes and Swizz Beatz, as well as watch the music videos and catch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.

THE MUSICIANS

The Blakes, a Seattle-based indie rock group featuring brothers Snow and Garnet Keim, interpreted blue in a bittersweet song ("Magic") with a light, upbeat sound.

Electronic music artist Dntel used the color red to write a song ("Turning Red") about feelings of insecurity -- even embarrassment -- that can accompany love and relationships.

Marie Digby (pronounced Mar-ee-AY), a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, who recently captured the attention of the global YouTube audience, wrote a beautiful, melodic song ("Paint Me In Your Sunshine") about the color yellow.

The Raveonettes, a Danish post-punk duo, interpreted black and white in a soulful, rhythmic song ("Black/White") that explores the idea of contrasts.

Swizz Beatz, a hip-hop artist and producer, used the color green to record a fresh, energetic song ("Candy Paint") about a drop top car driving through the streets of Miami.

"Music has always been a significant part of Gap's history, so we're always thinking of new ways to connect with people through music," said Dennis Leggett, creative director for Gap brand. "With much of today's music being consumed digitally and shared online, we wanted to create an online experience where people could discover new, original songs and share them with fellow music lovers."

To bring these songs to life visually, Gap partnered with five acclaimed directors to create music videos to accompany each song. Each video interprets color in a visual format and will be featured on http://www.soundofcolor.com/ as part of the Sound of Color experience.

THE DIRECTORS

Russ Lamoureux, a commercial director with Biscuit, tells the story of a boy named Cody who wants to break free from his life as a 14-year old in his video for The Blakes' "Magic." A former copywriter, Russ has directed TV spots for such brands as Toyota and Heineken.

Creative duo Mary Fagot and James Frost of Blip Boutique used emotions associated with red -- love, insecurity, confusion, lust, embarrassment -- as inspiration for Dntel's "Turning Red" video. James is an award winning music video director whose credits include Coldplay and Norah Jones, while Mary is the former creative director for Capitol, Virgin and Dreamworks Records. Together they've directed and produced video content for Interpol, the White Stripes and Ok Go!

An up-and-coming talent, director Ryan Ebner at HSI Productions collaborated with contemporary/street artist Ellis Gallagher (a.k.a. (C)Ellis G.) to create the video for Marie Digby's "Paint Me In Your Sunshine." The video follows Ellis around Los Angeles as he draws outlines of objects that create shadows in chalk as a creative expression of the play between sunshine and shadows.

Chris Do is the founder and chief creative force of Blind whose credits include commercials for brands such as Scion and Fox Sports, as well as music videos for Justin Timberlake, Gnarls Barkley and Jet. For the Raveonettes "Black/White" video, Chris explored light and shadow, as well as the opposing and contradictory forces black and white represent.

Tom Gatsoulis, a commercial and music video director with Boxer Films, directed Swizz Beatz' "Candy Paint." Set on rural highway, the video is a fast-paced story of good will and humanity. Tom has worked with hip-hop artist LL Cool J and directed campaigns for brands such as ESPN and PlayStation.

In addition to being able to download the original songs for free for 30 days and view the videos at http://www.soundofcolor.com/, you can also watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage -- including interviews with the artists.

Sound of Color was developed jointly by Gap and Rehab, a San Francisco- based production company.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2006 sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

  For more information on the Sound of Color program, please contact:

   Jill Borkan
   ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS for Gap
   212.230.1800
   jill@alisonbrodpr.com

   or

   Kim Terry
   Gap Public Relations
   415.427.4844
   kimberly_terry@gap.com

Source: Gap Inc.

CONTACT: Jill Borkan of ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS, +1-212-230-1800,
jill@alisonbrodpr.com, for Gap Inc.; or Kim Terry of Gap Public Relations,
+1-415-427-4844, kimberly_terry@gap.com

Web site: http://www.gapinc.com/
http://www.soundofcolor.com/

L.U.A.M. by Wildchild Nation Styles Actors in "Step Up 2: The Streets"

Touchstone Pictures new movie, 'Step Up 2: The Streets' features urban streetwear from Love Understands All Music (L.U.A.M.) by Wildchild Nation.

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 14, 2008) - Wildchild Nation contributes their streetwear line, Love Understands All Music, to the costume design team of "Step Up 2: The Streets" to provide street dance style, culture, and fashion. Touchstone Pictures' "Step Up 2," the sequel to 2006 smash hit "Step Up," opens in theaters today, February 14, 2008. With a cast boasting the best dancers in the country and all-star choreographers Jamal Sims, Hi-Hat, and Dave Scott, the movie showcases street dance culture at its most vibrant. The L.U.A.M. line with its fresh, colorful array of streetwear was introduced to costume director, Luca Mosca, who immediately requested the line, saying: "street cool, fashion colors and striking styles converge in 'Love Understands All Music,' a vibrant, fresh and hip collection."

L.U.A.M., or Love Understands All Music, by Wildchild Nation uses music as their vision for a colorful assortment of hoodies, tees, tanks, and sweatpants. Hip Hop culture provides the context for the collection, while dance culture is the environment. Co-founder and noted choreographer, Luam, states: "'Step Up 2' is a great way to showcase not only our designs, but also the vision it was born from." Business partner and co-founder Traci Copeland agrees, "Everyone loves music. It sets the tone for much of what we do, and our designs are a reflection of that. Music can be colorful, vibrant, and thought-provoking. This movie is a great platform to showcase that."

The L.U.A.M. line found in "Step Up 2: The Streets" an easy fit with a story line that highlights young dancers and their struggle with credibility in the street dance community. The movie follows a young, fiery street dancer as she competes in "The Streets," a no-holds-barred dance battleground. With director Jon Chu, and the production team behind "Step Up," "Step Up 2: The Streets" proves to be a high impact ride down hip hop street dance culture and fashion.

About Wildchild Nation

Wildchild Nation is a premier lifestyle apparel company founded by Luam, Traci Copeland, and Marc David, based in New York, NY. Wildchild Nation is the parent company to clothing brands Wildchild, Love Understands All Music (L.U.A.M.), and the Wildchild Nation Signature Series.

The Wildchild collection is a high-end line focused on the urban contemporary and streetwear markets with premium blazers, jackets, reversible hoodies, etc. Fashions for the L.U.A.M. line are more streetwear-centric with colorful designs using metallic and graphic elements on hoodies, tees, tanks, jackets, and vests. Wildchild Nation recently launched the Wildchild Nation Signature Series brand, reserved for partnerships with noted figures and celebrities to create custom, signature pieces.

Wildchild Nation continues to focus on producing men's and women's quality, trend-right designs influenced by the Soho, urban, and vintage markets. In line with their mission, they push to revitalize their consumers into self-awareness and action, referring to the "Wildchild Movement" in which individuals are expected to explore their hidden ambitions and creativity.

Contact Information:

Traci Copeland
Wildchild Nation, LLC
212.662.0945
Email Contact
www.wildchildnation.com

The Search for "America's African Idol" is On!!

(Atlanta, Georgia) (February 14, 2008)- Don "Moose" Lewis, Managing Member of America's African Idol, LLC, proudly announces the launch of the reality television show, "America's African Idol" to begin airing in June 2008.  Auditions for talent will begin in May 2008 beginning in New York City, New York and continuing in fifteen (15) additional cities across the United States.  Pre-registration begins immediately

States Mr. Lewis, "After reviewing reality shows being broadcast on television, I saw African-American talent and the ethnic music genre not only being neglected but also somewhat mistreated.  African-American music has three (3) distinct categories-Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Rhythm & Blues and what we feel is a 4th category-that of "Mix Tape" from DJ's and Producers.  I feel that not giving each of these groups their own competition puts potential recording artists at an unfair advantage in seeking to further their careers-thus, the launching of "America's African Idol" to fill this void!  I am looking forward to seeing the multitudes of unfound talent being showcased on a fair and equitable basis."

In additional to the four (4) categories, there will also be a "Youth Division" for talent ages eight (8) years to fifteen (15) years in order for them to compete against their peers.

All winners in each city, region, and finals receive cash prizes with the ultimate "America's African Idol" receiving not only a cash prize of $5000.00 and a record recording contract, but also an expense paid all inclusive 10 day trip for two (2) to Africa.

Persons wishing to work with the show as Community Talent Directors or as Celebrity Judges are urged to contact us immediately.

For more information on "America's African Idol", please contact the production office.

For More Information, contact:  "Moose" Lewis, Managing Member
America's African Idol, LLC
@ 404/ 808-9268
or fax 775/ 458-8685
email Contest@AmericasAfricanIdol.com

Website  http://www.AmericasAfricanIdol.com

Who's F**kin' Wit' Us

New York, New York, 02/013/2008 - "Who's F**kin' Wit' Us" is a hip hop based safe sex campaign.  The idea was developed by Sound Bar Recordings, their spokesperson Al-Shid,  and is sponsored by the New York Department of Health. Beginning March of 2008 and running until September of 2008, they will be handed to informative pamphlets, contraceptives, and music to those within the hip hop community. The "Who's F**kin' Wit' Us" initiative was created to raise HIV/AIDS awareness through Hip Hop music.

Sound Bar Recordings has teamed up with The New York Department of Health to increase awareness and decrease the transmission rates in the Hip Hop generation. The New York Department of Health will be donating 10,000 condoms per month in support of the "Who's F**kin With Us" campaign.  These condoms will be distributed over a period of five months.  The purpose of the movement is to reinforce safe sex practices and STD knowledge amongst sexually active adults.  Distribution outlets will consist of college campuses, music oriented events and nightclubs.

HIV and AIDS has had a strong impact on the Hip Hop generation. According to Avert.org, "More than half a million people diagnosed with AIDS have died in the USA. Some 69% of these people did not live to the age of 45. In the year 2005, 13,752 people between the ages of 20-34 contracted HIV in the United States; 11,378 people contracted AIDS and 1,716 people died of AIDS."  The casualties associated with HIV and AIDS are astonishing, but the worst part is that many HIV infected people walk around every day without knowing that they have the virus.

The campaign will begin at the home of Soundbar Recordings, New York City.  New York City reported 3,745 new HIV cases in 2006; 3.672 new AIDS diagnoses, 98,861 people living with HIV/AIDS; and 2076 AIDS related deaths.  In 2006 New York City had an HIV diagnosis concentration 46.8 infections per 100,000.  This campaign will spread throughout the Northeast and eventually around the United States. The "Who's F**kin' Wit' Us" music tour is currently in the works and scheduled for the fall of 2008.

Sound Bar Recordings is dedicated to developing and participating in community outreach projects. Last year they participated in the "Healthy Choices Through Basketball Clinic and Fair".  This project was organized by Land and Water Records and Dominican Power.  The "Healthy Choices Through Basketball Clinic and Fair" event was also sponsored by the Health Plus.

Al-Shid is a Hip Hop recording artist based out of Brooklyn, New York.  He is the co-founder of Sound Bar Recordings, which is a true independent label dedicated to  to their companies moto of providing, "Think Music,". This is essentially achived by creating music and community awareness projects that spark thought and change. Sound Bar Recordings has celebrated much success with the release of their mixtape, "Fly Rap Money" in 2006 and the compilations CD, "Fly Rap Money 2" in 2007.  Al-Shid's solo LP "Good Mourning America," will be available in the summer of 2008.  All releases from Sound Bar Recordings and Al-Shid are currently available on iTunes and the company's website www.soundbarrecordings.com

Contact:

Candace Coleman
Super Nova PR Group
404-447-2105

678-643-5766

Info@SuperNovaPRGroup.com
www.SuperNovaPRGroup.com

www.soundbarrecordings.com
www.bigappleimc.com
www.myspace.com/theofficalal-shid
www.myspace.com/bigappleimc
www.myspace.com/tkrose

HHEAL Fest: Hip-Hop Educates and Advances Lives!

A Celebration of Heritage, Education, and Social Justice

New York, NY—The Hip-Hop Association, in conjuntion with the Social Services of Hip Hop, We Got Issues! and the Afro-Latin@ Project presents HHEAL Fest, a three-day celebration with interactive workshops, panels, film screenings, and performances that will focus on Hip-Hop as a tool for education, immigrant history, media literacy, life skills and youth empowerment. Taking place from April 18-20 at the Raphael Hernandez School of the Performing Arts (IS 217) in the Bronx, HHEAL Fest combines the Hip-Hop Education (H2Ed) Summit, Freshest Youth Program, and a third day dedicated to a town hall meeting and special tribute to the Founder of Hip-Hop - Kool Herc and the First Lady of Hip-Hop - Cindy Campbell in homage of their Jamaican roots.

Some of the presenters and speakers include Jineea Butler (Social Services of Hip-Hop),  Chris "Kazi" Rolle (Hip-Hop Project), Jlove (We Got Issues! author of That White Girl), Franco Rosado (Deep Sea Entertainment), Martha Diaz (Hip-Hop Association), Peter the Rapmathician, Dr. David Kirkland (NYU-Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development), Cristina Jimenez (New York State Young Leadership Council), Dr. Daniel Banks (NYU- Hip-Hop Theater Lab), Dr. George Priestley (Afro-Latin@ Project), Sandy Shin (Breakthrough: Building Human Rights Culture), and Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell (HIP-HOP Preserve).

Freshest Youth Program | April 18, 1-5 PM: Students from NYC Public Schools will participate in a day of activities that include media literacy workshop, film screenings, and Hip-Hop aesthetic workshops (mcing, djing, break-dancing, graffiti, and beat-boxing) all for FREE. The Hip-Hop Association, in collaboration with its community partners, offers youth a fresh perspective on learning,  the arts, and social justice.

H2Ed Summit | April 19, 9:30 AM-5 PM: The H2Ed Summit brings together noted Hip-Hop educators, historians, and community organizations to facilitate professional development workshops. The H2Ed Summit serves as a space for exchange of educational models, practices, theories, and multimedia training in order to build inter-generational relationships and future education leaders. There is a small fee of $25.00 to participate in this professional development summit.

Town Hall | April 20, 3-5 PM: The community is invited to partake in a town hall meeting entitled, The Truth About Immigrants. This forum will explore issues on heritage, race relations, and immigrant contributions. A special tribute dedicated to Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell to pay homage to their Jamaican roots.

Make sure to register by April 1 online at www.hiphopassociation.org/hheal08

About the Hip-Hop Association:
The Hip-Hop Association [H2A] is a 501(c)(3) media, education, and arts community building organization. Our projects are designed to encourage critical thinking, education reform, cross-cultural unity and civic engagement. The H2A empowers the community through the use of media, technology, resources, social entrepreneurship, and leadership development. We are producers of the largest annual international Hip-Hop film festival, and Hip-Hop Education forums.
www.hiphopassociation.org

About the Social Services of Hip Hop:
The Social Services of Hip Hop is a psychology based service agency that identifies and remedies issues that affect the growth of the Hip Hop community by presenting revenue generating and community building activities.  The company serves as a technical assistance intermediary that organizes and enhances programs that interact with the Hip Hop Community. Our mission is to empower Hip Hop citizens to their maximum level of functioning by providing effective tools, resources and services.
www.ss-hiphop.com

About We Got Issues!:
We Got Issues! mission is to ignite the next generation of young women leaders and awaken a new brand of social/political activism in America. We accomplish this by training and development, outreach and education, and advocacy and recognition.
www.wegotissues.org

About the Afro-Latin@ Project:
The Afro-Latin@ Project aims to document, promote, and support the development of Afro-Latin@ studies and grass roots activities in the Americas, particularly in the United States.
www.afrolatinoproject.org

Media Contact:
Beth Sachnoff
beth@hiphopassociation.org
718.682.2744

GALACTIC featuring Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Boots Riley (The Coup)

Live at the Jazz Cafe
Thursday 6th March
Doors 7pm
£20 advance

New Orleans futuristic jazz funk outfit launch their new album "From The Corner To The Block "

Galactic was born in the early '90s, after two Washington DC punks – guitarist Jeff Raines and bassist Robert Mercurio – relocated to New Orleans and found themselves intoxicated by the sounds of the scene that nurtured The Meters, Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers and Dr. John.

The New Orleans-based frontrunners of futuristic funk have now signed to the Anti- imprint. "From The Corner To The Block", which was co-produced by the band's saxophonist Ben Ellman, is out this March and includes guest appearances from an array of today's most innovative MC's, including Jurassic 5's Chali 2na, Quannum's Lyrics Born, Gift Of The Gab & Lateef the Truth Speaker, Ubiquity's Ohmega Watts, Mr Lif, The Coup's Boots Riley, Digable Planets' Ladybug Mecca, Juvenile and more.

Jeff Raines – guitar
Rich Vogel - hammond B3 organ and keyboards
Ben Ellman - saxophone/harp
Robert Mercurio – bass
Stanton Moore - drums

Special guests:
Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5) - vocals
Boots Riley (of The Coup) - vocals

www.galacticfunk.com
www.myspace.com/galactic

Please contact ben@outpostmedia.co.uk or call 020 7684 5636 for more info.

ROB SMOOTH & JD: The Beginning

Dolo Records

Release Date: Feb 26, 2008

Made in Chicago was formed in 1991 by Rob Shmoov and JD, blood relatives who have been writing performing and producing hip-hop since their teens. The two originally came together to release a brilliant LP, Everything's Been Changed, which made a deep impression with true hip-hop heads everywhere.

The group displays an energy that recalls a throwback era in hip-hop, when the only thing that seemed to matter was the music and having fun. The time of park jams and block parties, of willful braggadocio and infamous street tales. Rob Shmoov & JD have always displayed characteristics of those back-in-the-day jams, like their powerful vocal performances and amplified soul beats, but what the group embodies more than stylistic flourishes is that era's spirit: making good music that connects with the people. Check out The Beginning and hear this groundbreaking group's newest effort here:

www.dolorecords.com/robjd

http://www.myspace.com/madeinchicagomusic

For more information, please contact Audrey Faine/BlinkerActive Marketing & Promotions: Audrey@blinkeractive.com or 415-495-6409

EMC (Masta Ace, Punchline & Wordsworth, Stricklin) Set To Release "The Show"

EMC, the group comprised of Juice Crew legend Masta Ace, Lyricist Lounge vets Punchline & Wordsworth, and Milwaukee phenom Stricklin, are set to release their highly anticipated album "The Show" on February 26th digitally, and March 26th on CD everywhere.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 15, 2008 -- EMC, the new super group comprised of legendary Juice Crew member Masta Ace, Punchline & Wordsworth, and Stricklin are set to release their debut album "The Show" digitally on February 26th. The retail CD will hit stores March 25th.

"The Show" will be released on M3 Records and distributed by Traffic Entertainment. The foursome became extremely close while touring together in 2001, and their fans recognized the chemistry onstage right away.

"The group idea was a natural progression of the relationships we all made from being on the road together," says Ace. "It's not just about the music with us, we are pretty much like brothers."

EMC started a feeding frenzy with the release of the 12" single "E.M.C" in 2007, and are now ready to bring the world "The Show." The album features appearances from Sean Price, Little Brother, Ladybug Mecca (of Digable Planets) and Money Harm (of Product G & B), with production from The Are, Ayatollah, Nicolay, Koolade, Quicy Tones, Frequency, and J.

"EMC is a movement and hip-hop should get ready for something really special," says Stricklin. "It's about to be a problem."

CONTACT INFORMATION
Charles Greenberg
Roundabout Marketing
http://myspace.com/emcthegroup
215 694 6127
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=697083

The ClickZ Network Connects Interactive Marketing Job Seekers with Attractive Career Opportunities

Features Digital Marketing Jobs Around the World

Search Engine Strategies London 2008

February 15, 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ClickZ Network (www.ClickZ.com) today announced the launch of the ClickZ Job Board, designed exclusively for professionals seeking stimulating opportunities in interactive marketing and search, and hiring managers looking to recruit the best talent.

This unique new job site comes along at an opportune time. Internet ad spending totaled $7.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2008, approximately 28 percent more than the same period in 2006, according to IDC. For the 2007 calendar year, Internet ad spending reached $25.5 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 27 percent, according to the firm. As use of this interactive medium skyrockets, employers are striving to hire savvy marketers who can capitalize on the latest online advertising techniques to drive business growth.

The ClickZ Job Board enables job seekers to:

    * Post an Anonymous Resume: Whether actively or passively seeking work, anonymous online resumes are a safe ticket to great job offers!
    * View Jobs: Workers can access hundreds the newest and freshest jobs available to professionals seeking employment in interactive marketing.
    * Personal Job Alert: Creating Job Alerts ensures a matching job opportunity never passes by! New jobs that match search criteria are emailed directly to subscribers.
    * Create Job Seeker Account: Personal job seeker accounts allow job hunters to find opportunities, manage resume, set up job alerts, and view job offers from employers.

Employers and recruiters have already begun to:

    * View the Resumes: Check out resumes and pay only for the ones that are of interest. Some of the best professionals in the field have already started posting their resumes.
    * Post a Job: Reach the most qualified candidates by posting job openings on the online Career Center.
    * Products/Pricing: Regardless of staffing needs or budget, the Job Board has a recruitment product to suit any business.
    * Create Employer Account: Manage online recruiting efforts with ease by setting up an account, allowing quick posting of job openings and browsing candidates interested in positions.

"At a time when employers are spending billions of dollars on interactive marketing, it's imperative for them to be able to hire the most qualified interactive marketers to help maximize the value of these investments," said Rebecca Lieb, editor-in-chief of the ClickZ Network. "We're excited to bring together talented individuals with lucrative and exciting job opportunities in this growing field."

Recruiters can meet potential future employees at Search Engine Strategies London 2008, taking place February 19-22 and at Search Engine Strategies New York 2008, taking place March 17-20. For more information on the Job Board, visit www.ClickZ.com.

About The ClickZ Network

The ClickZ Network is the largest resource of interactive marketing news, information, commentary, advice, opinion, research, and reference in the world, online or off-. From search to e-mail, technology to trends, our coverage is expert, exclusive, and in-depth.

About Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC -- A Division of Incisive Media PLC

Incisive Media PLC is a specialist business information provider, based in the UK with offices in North America, Hong Kong, India and Mainland China. The company's activities are currently built around ten core industry sectors - mortgages; marketing services; financial technology; retail investment; capital markets; risk management; insurance; legal services; private equity and photography. Information is provided via a wide range of channels--in print, in person and online.

Funds advised by Apax Partners, a leading global private equity group, recently completed the successful de-listing of Incisive Media from the London Stock Exchange alongside the existing management.

Incisive Interactive Marketing LLC is the marketing services division of the company and incorporates leading websites Search Engine Watch, the ClickZ Network and their associated events series including Search Engine Strategies. These properties were acquired in 2005.

Contacts

PAN Communications
Ann Shannon, +1-978-474-1900
ses@pancomm.com
or
Incisive Media
Matt McGowan
matt.mcgowan@incisivemedia.com

Video-On-Demand and Hip Hop Come Together with Audiotube's New Acquisition

Audiotube a video-on-demand portal today announces it has acquired premier hip hop community, BigMusicBoard.com.

In the Web 2.0 world, rich media and community go hand in hand, and audiotube is constantly striving for convergence of the two. The acquisition of Big Music Board will bring thousands of music enthusiasts to the audiotube music video-on-demand network where they can communicate their passion -- Music

London, UK (PRWEB) February 14, 2008 -- The video-on-demand portal audiotube Ltd., announces that it has acquired hip hop and rap online community Big Music Board. The acquisition extends audiotube's already powerful presence on the web to a new audience.

Big Music Board caters to music enthusiasts who are interested in urban hip hop and rap music. It is home to the monthly 'RapAttack' competition where members showcase their lyrical talents by submitting their own raps and lyrics for judging by the community of users. This gives members the opportunity to show off their rapping prowess to the online world and the chance to win the latest in music technology and gadgets.

The acquisition significantly expands audiotube's online reach by capitalizing on Big Music Board's search engine ranking and traffic. It will also fuel the growth of the audiotube network by linking the communities. Big Music Board will be integrated into audiotube's next generation social-networking platform, which is currently under development.

"In the Web 2.0 world, rich media and community go hand in hand, and audiotube is constantly striving for convergence of the two. The acquisition of Big Music Board will bring thousands of music enthusiasts to the audiotube music video-on-demand network where they can communicate their passion -- Music," said Scott DeMercado, CEO audiotube.

About Big Music Board.com - www.bigmusicboard.com
BigMusicBoard.com has been online since 2003 and is a thriving forum with a large community of savvy music lovers. Big Music Board is the place for diehard rap and hip hop fans, and provides an engaging international online network for followers of this urban music genre.

About audiotube - www.audiotube.com
Audiotube Ltd. was founded in January 2007 as an online video management, promotion and distribution service and is at the forefront of the music industry's current market adaptations to the digital marketplace. Audiotube works with record labels to deliver content to end users and specializes in driving the traffic back to the content owners to monetize, assisting them in brand building and market penetration. Audiotube's online platform combines the demand for music videos with the universal reach of the Internet to satisfy customer demands for high-quality music delivery and community interaction.

For more information about audiotube's music video-on-demand portal, please visit http://www.audiotube.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Maria Maganto
Audiotube
http://audiotube.com/
442076590440
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=698463

Peapod Foundation Let's the World Know the Music Industry Still Has a Heart

Black Eyed Peas and Grass Roots Productions Celebrate a Successful Decade with 4th Annual Peapod Star Studded Benefit Concert

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 14, 2008 -- Thursday, February 7, 2008 marked a successful night for the Peapod Foundation's annual benefit concert at the Avalon in Hollywood. This benefit held a special significance for the founders of the Peapod Foundation, Polo Molina of Grassroots Productions and The Black Eyed Peas. The evening was a truly a remarkable night for modern pop and rock music, featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas jamming with their friends creating a "one-time only experience" for attendees.

The Black Eyed Peas put their human values, personal ethics and vast talents into action as the foundation honored Paradigm Entertainment founder and CEO Sam Gores, with a high energy concert featuring the Fergie, Common, Ne-Yo, Slash, Natasha Bedingfield, John Legend, Boys II Men, Teddy Riley, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Randy Jackson and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls.

The Peapod concerts began as a grassroots benefit collecting toys for local children's charities over a decade ago even when the Black Eyed Peas themselves were starting out on the club circuit. As the Black Eyed Peas grew, Polo Molina (who co-manages the group), guided Peapod to spectacular events like this one, which mirrored the band's growth and sophistication.

One unique highlight: After playing with Fergie, Slash was called up on stage by Snoop and the two performed the rapper-actor's current hit, "Sensual Seduction" before Snoop returned to his old skool West Coast rap, as Slash laid down the melodies in his own Los Angeles guitar style.

Los Angeles entertainment attorney, Helen Yu of Yu Leseberg, who has worked with the Black Eyed Peas band the entire last decade since the release of their first record, "Joint & Jams" said, "Working with the Black Eyed Peas band has been a tremendous growth experience both professionally and personally. I am so proud of all of their achievements."

In his acceptance speech, honoree Sam Gores discussed the importance of ethics, stressing that taking short cuts isn't always the best way to do business, a sentiment echoed by Helen Yu and by Polo Molina .... "Polo is a visionary," explains Helen Yu, crediting Polo's open heart to being the key to his success.

http://peapodfoundation.org

CONTACT INFORMATION
Tim Wheeler
http://peapodfoundation.org
3102867667
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=698363

Hip Hop Mogul Suge Knight Speaks w/ThugLifeArmy.com

A Federal judge will hear arguments by legendary Hip Hop Mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight and his attorney Dermot Givens on March 6th, on the legitimacy of a $130 million judgment against hip hop mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight. Suge Knight calls the judgment fraudulent and plans to prove his case in court.

To get the 'real' story on what was going on with the Harris lawsuit, the bankruptcy and with Suge; ThugLifeArmy.com reached out to one of hip hop's most prolific legends Marion 'Suge' Knight for his side of all the false rumors and accusations being logged against him.

In an exclusive interview with ThugLifeArmy.com's RB, the hip hop mogul explains his position on the case and has provided some evidence to back up his claims. In a rare action, Suge Knight is defending himself.

In the phone interview with RB of ThugLifeArmy.com, Suge Knight also clears up some other misconceptions that have been put out as news. One being that he is finished with 'Tha Row' or that he is ready to 'bury Death Row'. This is not the case, according to Suge Knight.

The hip hop mogul gives a good history lesson on the Michael "Harry O" Harris and Lydia Harris situation. He also touches on Jimmy Iovine, the legal system, past artists that he has helped and a lot more including some thoughts on Britney Spears. He also states his views on Time Warner and the bid they are making for his infamous hip hop / rap label.

Suge Knight also touches on Tupac (2Pac) and Suge also talks about Tupac's work ethic and what hip hop and rap is missing today. Suge says he would never put anyone on a track with Tupac (2Pac) that Pac would have never allowed on a song with him.

This is an exclusive talk, 'real talk' with a true hip hop legend, Marion 'Suge' Knight; touching many things; but the main important focus is the fraudulent Harris lawsuit. Suge Knight has provided the documents below, so everyone can see what is happening. Like Suge says "if this can happen to me then it can happen to you".

Enjoy this rare glimpse of a true hip hop icon Marion Suge Knight and make sure you look at the evidence and hit us up at Administrator@ThugLifeArmy.com with feedback.

If this judgment is overturned, then this will relinquish the hip hop mogul Marion 'Suge' Knight and Death Row Records from the present bankruptcy preceding and Death Row Records will be back for all the fans of true hip hop.

Go to the site http://www.ThugLifeArmy.com to hear the audio interview with myself and Suge Knight and to hear the Michael Harris phone call from San Quentin and to see and read the first two settlements that Suge made with the Harris'.

Special 'THANKS' has to go out to Suge Knight for taking time to talk and to clear up a lot of things.

Press Contact: ThugLifeArmy Administrator@ThugLifeArmy.com

AMPLIVE'S RADIOHEAD REMIX ALBUM TO SEE RELEASE, DEL TRACK INSIDE

After a cease & desist put the breaks on Amplive's Radiohead In Rainbows remix project, the online music community reasonably wondered if the tracks would ever see the light of day. Today comes an answer: they most definitely will. While the Oakland producer/DJ acknowledges that he probably should have contacted Radiohead (who were not involved in the project) to seek approval prior to making his interpretations publicly available, an agreement has been reached between all involved parties and Amplive has been granted permission to release Rainydayz Remixes for free to the general public. And guess what -- it's available now. Effective immediately, the eight-track record will be available for download in zip format at the below address:

ALBUM:

http://www.onesevensevensix.com/amplive/index.html

Rainydayz Remixes is composed exclusively of source material pulled from In Rainbows, re-envisioned by Amplive and complimented by vocal work from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Codany Holiday, and Del The Funky Homosapien. The highly-anticipated Del track, which can be downloaded below, is a hiccupping take on the devastatingly gorgeous, album-closing "Videotape."

MP3: Amplive - "Videotape (Remix Ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)"

http://www.onesevensevensix.com/download/AmpLive_Video_Tapez.mp3

In addition, for the next eight days, Amplive will release one Rainydayz Remix track every 24 hours via his iLike iCast, which means you can plaster these mixes all over your Facebook profile and beyond. All you need to do is head over to Amp's iLike page (link below) and click the iLike logo to get these tracks delivered straight to you.

Rainydayz Remixes Tracklist

01 Rainydayz

02 Video Tapez (Ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)

03 Nudez (Ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi of Zion I)

04 Weird Fishez

05 All I Need

06 15 Stepz (Ft. Codany Holiday)

07 Reckonerz (Ft. Chali2NA)

08 Faustz

What the press is saying about Rainydayz Remixes

"The Bay Area producer (Akon, Talib Kweli)/half of Zion I has scrapped together a project dubbed Rainydayz Remixes, culling six IR cuts and chopping 'em up, spiking the punch with varying degrees of embellishments. "Weird Fishes" stays true to the original's arc -- one groove, one progression; slowly grooving, slowly progressing -- spiced up with a fake finish, some Thom tinkering and a Radiohead-meets-Neptunes-enhanced-JT beat. Ain't nobody love you like I love you, etc." - Stereogum

"Wow. California MC Amplive slices and dices a (let's face it, kind of bloodless) new Radiohead song and turns it into a sleek and simmering hip-hop track. If more of In Rainbows sounded like this, we might not feel so chapped about shelling out for the discbox." - Rollingstone.com

"Why can't hip-hop and indie rock values segue together as gracefully, as artfully, as Oakland DJ-producer Amplive's trip-hop–tinged remix of "Nude," a suturing together of his group Zion I's "Don't Lose Ya Head" and Radiohead's ethereal hum, with classic Yay touches of Too $hort?" - SF Bay Guardian

"Rainydaze (sic) Remixes is most effective when it is at its boldest, accelerating the dreary original of 'All I Need' into hard-nosed trip hop punctuated by stabbing brass, or transforming 'Weird Fishes' into a gentle drift downstream." - Guardian UK

"One standout track from the project is "Weird Fishes," which Amplive has transformed from a synthesizer-and-guitar odyssey into an ominous electro-trance expedition. Some other strong tracks feature guests: The pimp-rap specialist Too $hort enlivens a bass-boosted "Nude," and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien triples the verbiage on 'Videotape.'" - New York Times

For More Information on Amplive:

http://www.myspace.com/amplive

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Amp+Live

http://apps.facebook.com/ilike/artist/Amp+Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFuyJunFrdM

Online Contact:

Robbie Mackey / 1776

robbie@onesevensevensix.com

Controller 7 of Found Sound Hip Hop Compilation "Invisible Superstars - Vol.001" Talks About Samplers, Turntables, and Production

Check out this great interview with Controller 7 done by R-Rock of The Secret Life of Sound in Chicago on April 13, 2007 outside his DJ set with Scott Matelic and DJ Intel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQB31trevYU

"It's pretty great headphone-heading-into-evening music…. There's a lot of variety on this comp. We've got Thomas Dimuzio's processed squalls, Skoweyajeed's subterranean World-inflected beat collages, PNS' stringy hip hop flourishes, Corsic's sinewy Board of Canada jazz ballads, Mormon Freegan's destabilized funk dirges, Meatsock's um… ravey drum and bass moonscapes?That, and plenty of other tracks that can only be enjoyed through vague metaphors." –IMPOSE Magazine Online

Invisible Superstars is a compilation of exclusive beats and experimental sound compositions compiled by Controller 7 (a legendary producer in his own right who has also worked with Sole, Deep Puddle Dynamics, etc.) and The Secret Life of Sound label head R-Rock (who also records for TSLOS under his rhyme alias Kaptain Nemo, as Mormon Freegan and with Remote Control Frequencies).  The compilation features tracks by Controller 7, Scott Matelic, Miles Tillman, PNS of Molemen Inc., Buddy Peace, Corsic, Skoweyajeed, Meatsock, Thomas Dimuzio,  Tenshun, and Mormon Freegan.

"The goal of Invisible Superstars was to create a diverse collection of songs where all of the artists use non-traditional means of composition, whether it be sampling or found sound composition or analog tone generation."

Some of the artists are best known for their production work behind MCs; such as Scott Matelic (who has made beats for Sage Francis, Sage and Adeem) and PNS (who, as part of the Molemen Inc. production trio, has made beats for everyone from MF Doom to Slug of Atmosphere) but in this context all of the mostly instrumental tracks stand as pieces in their own right.

"Because of it's limited vinyl status (that includes a super-duper limited press of 300 on gold vinyl), it's unlikely to ever sweep the nation like smallpox, but in 25 years when Bitchfork drops their list of the best DJ comps of all time you'll see this on there and be all like, "F*ck, dude, I totally have that." And maybe you won't still talk like that in 25 years, but I probably will."-Rock Sellout

The Invisible Superstars Compilation is out now on The Secret Life of Sound!

Press:
andy@fanaticpromotion.com

The Perceptionist's Akrobatik Preps Absolute Value For Release 02.19.2008

Album features Talib Kweli, Little Brother, Chuck D, and Mr. Lif

(Brooklyn, NY February 13th, 2008) Akrobatik, Boston mainstay and one-third of critically acclaimed hip-hop collective The Perceptionists, is set to release his new album Absolute Value on Fat Beats Records on February 19th, 2008.

Absolute Value is the long awaited follow-up to 2003's Balance, which established Akrobatik as an essential part of the Boston hip-hop scene. In 2005, Akrobatik translated his regional acclaim into national success as part of The Perceptionists. Their DefJux release, Black Dialogue, was acclaimed for its resounding criticisms of bandwagon pop culture and the Bush regime and became the only indie-rap project to register on Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records of the Year list. Akrobatik's success then led to a recording contract with Fat Beats Records, who will be releasing Absolute Value.

Absolute Value takes the listener on a journey through a diverse range of topics, and he does not go at it alone. The impressive list of guest artists that accompany Akrobatik on Absolute Value includes hip-hop legends Talib Kweli, Chuck D. of Public Enemy, Mr. Lif, Bumpy Knuckles, and Little Brother. On the production side, J-Dilla, Illmind, Beatminerz, 9th Wonder, Hezekiah, and J-Zone lend their skills to the effort. Akrobatik deals with issues both personal and socio-political, but never strays too far from his fist-pumping, party-inducing formula for bangers. The effects of life on the road, enlightening misguided youth, perseverance through the toughest of times, and the continuing struggle of Black America are among the issues Akro tackles on Absolute Value.

The first single for Absolute Value will be "Put Ya Stamp On It" featuring Talib Kweli.

###

Streams:

"Put Ya Stamp On It" Featuring Talib Kweli

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Put_Ya_Stamp_On_It.asx

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

Akrobatik's MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik

Akrobatik's imeem page:
http://www.akrobatik.imeem.com/

Press:
Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Akrobatik.
Michelle McDevitt
michelle@audibletreats.com

Ruthless Records Celebrates Their 20th Anniversary With a Fresh Roster and Aggressive 2008 Release Schedule

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 13, 2008) - Ruthless Records, one of the most successful independent music labels of all time, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a full roster of fresh new talent and an exciting 2008 release schedule. The new face of Ruthless Records includes a Latin Pop female, an R&B angel, a hip-hop lyricist, a mid-western rapper and a get-the-party-started group from Atlanta.

Now in its twentieth year of operation, Ruthless has renegotiated its distribution deal with Sony and is poised to introduce a new generation of artists that cross many different genres of music. Nashay is an R&B princess with an angelic tone. Agina is the bilingual pop princess who utilizes her sultry voice to woo audiences in both English and Spanish. Hopsin is the self-contained triple threat (rapper / songwriter / producer) whose vivid storytelling is equally thought provoking. Stevie Stone raps with a confident swagger minus the aggressive street innuendo, and Street Runnaz Click rhyme using their party/dance-driven music to bring the crowd to their feet.

Officially founded in 1987 by the late Eric "Eazy-E" Wright with $7,000 of his own money, 5,000 twelve-inches of his single, "Boyz N The Hood," and a maverick spirit, the groundwork for the label was formed. The enterprising 23-year-old sold more than 500,000 copies throughout South Central Los Angeles by word of mouth alone.

In 1988 Eazy-E discovered the first female rap group to ever be nominated for a Grammy Award. J.J. Fad was totally contrary to the image everyone thought Eazy would project. "Supersonic" was an instant R&B/Pop smash and became Ruthless Records' first million selling album and first gold single.

That same year, what would become one of the greatest selling and most controversial rap groups in history, Niggaz With Attitude (NWA), was born. Fusing the talents of other California natives, Eazy established a dream team of hip-hop genius yet to be duplicated. The five man crew -- Eazy E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella -- single-handedly changed the hip-hop landscape, forever giving west coast rappers a voice. NWA's sophomore release, "Straight Outta Compton," was the first album to ever reach platinum status without radio airplay. As the members of NWA became a household name, Eazy-E simultaneously released his solo debut, "Eazy Duz It," and it too moved to multi-platinum success.

Over the next five years, Ruthless continued to produce gold and platinum selling titles in R&B, pop and rap including Michel'le ("No More Lies"), The D.O.C. ("No One Can Do It Better"), Above The Law ("Livin' Like Hustlers") and MC Ren ("Kizz My Black Azz" and "Shock of the Hour"). But it was the 1991 release of NWA's "EFIL4ZAGGIN," which debuted at #2 on Billboard's pop charts, the highest charting rap album debut, selling more than one million copies in less than two weeks, that solidified Ruthless' musical longevity and Eazy-E's genius. With the 1994 introduction of rap innovators Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ruthless became the example for introducing new styles in rap. Their debut "Creepin On Ah Come Up," fueled by the hit "Tha Crossroads," sold more than two million copies, earning the group their first Grammy nomination.

Eazy's untimely death in March 1995 not only left behind an unprecedented hip-hop legacy but a wife and children. Tomica Woods-Wright picked up the pieces and fulfilled the promise to her husband to continue his legacy, quickly transitioning to become the President & CEO of Ruthless Records. Eazy's nonconformist methods of success remain the cornerstone of the Ruthless legacy twenty years later.

After twenty years, Ruthless Records President & CEO Tomica Woods-Wright is confident about the future. "It's about one thing right now, the artists -- what their contributions will be and the next layers they will add to the legacy of the label." With a rich heritage already established, Ruthless Records has no choice but to continue to rise to the top.

For additional information on Ruthless Records, please visit www.myspace.com/ruthlessrecords

For additional information, press kits and interviews, please contact Green Honey Media via e mail at chanel@greenhoneymedia.com.

Radar Adds Black Eyed Peas Front Man will.i.am to Advisory Board

Grammy-winning Producer, Performer and Technology Impresario To Collaborate With Tiny Pictures to Develop Mobile Promotions

BARCELONA, Spain and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiny Pictures, Inc. today named will.i.am -- the founding member and front man of the Black Eyed Peas -- as special advisor to Radar (http://radar.net/), the leading service for real-time sharing of cameraphone pictures and videos between friends. will.i.am announced the collaboration at a press conference at the 2008 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

As an advisor to the company, will.i.am will collaborate closely with Tiny Pictures to promote his many creative projects through the Radar Gallery, which offers subscription-based content in-line with Radar users' personal content streams.

Through the promotions, will.i.am fans will be able to view and engage with exclusive mobile photos and videos posted by will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas and others. Content will be available in real-time on any web-enabled phone and on any network in the world.

Additionally, will.i.am will collaborate with the company on future developments for the Radar Gallery, as well as other mobile opportunities.

Radar continues to grow dramatically in all regions of the world, and its innovative small-group sharing model leads an important trend toward privacy in social networking services.

"will.i.am is a visionary, both in the music he creates and in the way he communicates with his audience," said John Poisson, Founder and CEO of Tiny Pictures. "His deep understanding of the mix between technology and experience make him an extraordinary partner for Radar, and we're thrilled to be working with him."

"Radar provides an important new channel for me to communicate one-on-one with my fans," said will.i.am. "Radar leverages everything that's powerful about mobile, and it's a perfect complement to my other mobile ventures."

About Tiny Pictures, Inc.

Tiny Pictures, Inc. is the company that brings you Radar, the leading service for real-time sharing of cameraphone pictures and videos between friends. Radar can be accessed from PC browsers, mobile phone browsers, and through a series of applications for mobile devices and social networks. Founded in 2005 by John Poisson, former head of mobile media research and design groups at Sony in Tokyo, Tiny Pictures is a privately held company based in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.tinypictures.us/ or http://radar.net/.

Source: Tiny Pictures, Inc.

CONTACT: Julie Crabill of SHIFT Communications, +1-415-591-8411,
tinypictures_PR@shiftcomm.com, for Tiny Pictures; or Neil Jacobson of
will.i.am Music Group|Interscope Records, Neil.jacobson@umusic.com

Web site: http://www.tinypictures.us/
http://radar.net/

Imperial Records Chooses Votigo For Fat Joe Video Contest

Votigo powers fan-based video contest to coincide with the release of Fat Joe's new album, "The Elephant in the Room".

Emeryville, CA (PRWEB) February 13, 2008 -- Votigo, Inc., the leading online social media platform for user-generated video and photo promotions, today announced that it has been selected by Imperial Records to create a fan-based video contest that will coincide with the release of Fat Joe's new album, "The Elephant in the Room," in stores March 11, 2008. The Fat Joe Video Contest, designed to generate excitement for the album, enables and encourages fans to create and submit music videos for the latest Fat Joe single, "300 Brolic." The winning video will be posted on Fat Joe's official MySpace page in lieu of a commercially produced video.

"For this album, we wanted to do something different that would allow fans to get involved on a whole new level," said Steven Whitaker, manager of Online Marketing at Imperial Records. "Through Votigo, we can leverage the outstanding video content created by fans of Fat Joe. There is no need to produce a commercial video for this song when fans can develop something more authentic and viral. It's an opportunity to give them a voice."

Fans can create videos for "300 Brolic" by lip-syncing, dancing, directing, or covering the song, provided that they use the song track in their videos. Videos are uploaded through Votigo (http://votigo.com/fatjoe/), where Votigo's social media platform offers user profile pages, fraud-free voting, commenting, and viral sharing tools including widgets and email. In the Fat Joe contest, the video that receives the most votes wins, placing the decision in the hands of Fat Joe fans. In addition to posting the video on Fat Joe's MySpace page, the winner will have his or her choice of a meet-and-greet with Fat Joe or backstage passes to an upcoming show. The winner will also receive signed copies of "The Elephant in the Room" and "Me, Myself, and I." Four runner-ups will win copies of "The Elephant in the Room."

"Fat Joe is embarking on new territory by letting fans have a say in the marketing of his new album," said Mike La Rotonda, co-founder and chief executive officer of Votigo. "We have long believed that user-generated content has the capacity to change the promotional landscape, and we commend Imperial Records and Fat Joe for taking this step forward. Votigo is incredibly excited to power this contest."

Fans can enter the contest, vote for entries, and share with friends by going to: http://votigo.com/fatjoe. Voting ends March 24, 2008.

About Votigo, Inc.:
Votigo, Inc. is the leading social media technology and service provider enabling businesses to better engage and communicate with their customers through the use of user-generated content, branded social networks, contests and promotions. Votigo helps Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, PR firms, publishers, media companies and brands, including ConocoPhillips, Gardenburger, Pandora, and The Motley Fool, navigate the social web to exceed their marketing goals through its suite of standard and custom social media advertising and promotions solutions. For more information, please visit www.votigo.com.

About Imperial:
Imperial Records is EMI's independent, urban label division that was originally established in 1948 on the West Coast. The small label grew to become one of the giants of rock n' roll and R&B music with groundbreaking artist such as, Slim Whitman, Fats Domino and Ricky Nelson. The label continued to make an impact on both genres of music with release by iconic artist, Cher and the legendary Temptations.

Imperial was re-launched in 2006 when entrepreneur and music industry veteran, Neil Levine joined Imperial to establish a unit focused on the independent, urban music market. Imperial is a full service, label group specializing in artist, brand development, releasing critically acclaimed albums from Fat Joe, Evidence (of Dilated Peoples), Jin, and Anthony Hamilton (previously unreleased tracks).

CONTACT INFORMATION
Leslie Dailey
Votigo, Inc.
http://www.votigo.com/
706-369-1174
Email: http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=689294

Pro Tools Recordings Win Big at 50th Annual Grammy Awards

Digidesign Pro Tools is the production software of choice for 2007's most acclaimed musical achievements

February 13, 2008
DALY CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Digidesign, a part of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), is pleased to report that recordings in which Digidesign Pro Tools systems had been used were honored with numerous nominations and awards at the 2008 Grammy Awards, which celebrated its golden anniversary last Sunday with a star-studded cast of nominees, winners, and performers. As in previous years, Pro Tools was used prominently in the recordings of both winners and nominees across a diverse set of categories and genres, from rock, hip hop, and country to soundtrack, comedy, and surround sound recordings.

It was an especially big night for Best New Artist winner Amy Winehouse. Pro Tools was used in the production of her breakout album Back to Black, for which producer Mark Ronson was awarded the Grammy for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. Winehouse ended the night with a host of Grammys, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Not only was Pro Tools used heavily in the production of Back to Black, it was also used in the recording and production process for numerous other Grammy-winning releases from a variety of artists, including Vince Gill, Foo Fighters, and Album of the Year winner Herbie Hancock. Other winning songs and albums recorded with Pro Tools spanned a broad range of categories, including Best Hard Rock Performance (the Foo Fighters' "The Pretender"), Best R&B Album (Chaka Khan's Funk This), Best Country Album (Vince Gill's These Days), Best Latin Pop Album (El Tren De Los Momentos by Alejandro Sanz), Best Folk Album (Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer), Best Reggae Album (Stephen Marley's Mind Control), and Best Surround Sound Album (The Beatles' Love).

Gil Norton, who produced the Foo Fighter's Grammy-winning album, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, which also spawned the Grammy-winning single, "The Pretender," was quick to point out the powerful contributions of Pro Tools to his process. "I think for any producer using Pro Tools, or any kid who picks it up, it's important to use it to its fullest extent," he reported. "But you have to honor the human element of what happens when someone plays music too. There's a whole world inside Pro Tools that you can use to enhance what you do."

"It was a great night for artists who use Pro Tools — their recordings took home major wins in almost every category across the board," said Dave Lebolt, Avid vice president and general manager of Digidesign. "Pro Tools|HD's versatility in helping to produce stellar recordings across every musical and artistic genre is reflected in the wide range of awards in nearly every conceivable category. Our heartfelt congratulations to our many loyal customers among the winners and nominees alike."

For the Grammy Awards telecast, Pro Tools along with Digidesign ICON integrated consoles also played critical roles in the HDTV and 5.1 surround sound broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. From their XM/Effanel mobile production trailer, the Grammy telecast audio engineers incorporated dual Digidesign 32-fader ICON D-Control™ systems to deliver simultaneous real-time 5.1 surround and 2-channel audio mixes for every live performance and presentation during the telecast. The unique dual system configuration allowed sound engineers to successfully create high-quality custom mixes for all on-air performances.

Hank Neuberger, co-broadcast audio supervisor, commented on the positive impact Digidesign ICON systems make to the telecast: "In the past three years we've come to rely heavily on the power and flexibility of the dual ICON systems. Thanks to the tremendous workflow advantages made possible by these systems, we're literally able to capture more pre-mix time for our music mixers to create the very best balances. This allows performers and their producers more [collaboration time] with our music mixers to create a better sounding show overall. In the end, the results speak for themselves."

About Digidesign

Digidesign is the world's leading manufacturer of digital audio production systems and the winner of the 2001 Technical Grammy® Award and 2003 Oscar® statuette representing the Academy Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of the Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Digidesign provides the professional music, film, video, multimedia, and radio broadcast industries with tools for digital recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, signal processing, and surround mixing. Digidesign products are marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide through a distribution network of value-added dealers, distributors, and OEM relationships. Digidesign, M-Audio, a leading provider of creative tools for computer-centric musicians and audio professionals, and Sibelius Software, the market leader in software for writing, teaching, and publishing music, are part of Avid Technology Inc. For more information, visit www.digidesign.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.

Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals – as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid, Digidesign, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage and Sundance Digital. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid's products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company's Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.

© 2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. All prices are USMRP for U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage, Sundance Digital, and Pro Tools are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Contacts

Digidesign
Kyle Ritland, 650-731-6688
or
Avid Corporate
Lisa Pistacchio, 650-930-3083

Little Brother Hits European Tour Circuit In Support Of Getback

Oakland, CA, February 8, 2008 - North Carolina's Little Brother makes a long-awaited, highly anticipated return to Europe next week in support of their third LP, Getback. The tour begins Friday February 15th at Copernico in Madrid Spain and culminates March 14th at Club Illusion in Tartu, Estonia. Tour highlights include a March 2nd date at the legendary Jazz Cafe in London as well as 3 dates (March 5th, 10th, and 13th) with Lil' Wayne, who's featured on the 9th Wonder-produced, "Breakin My Heart". Confirmed tour dates are as follows:

DATE
VENUE
CITY
COUNTRY

02/15/08
Copernico
Madrid
SPAIN

02/16/08
Clavicembalo
Lugo
SPAIN

02/17/08
Apolo 2
Barcelona
SPAIN

02/18/08
OFF
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC

02/19/08
OFF
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC

02/20/08
Lucerna Music Bar
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC

02/21/08
Kapu
Linz
AUSTRIA

02/22/08
Live Demo
Berlin
GERMANY

02/23/08
Gloria
Cologne
GERMANY

02/24/08
OFF

02/25/08
OFF

02/26/08
ConneIsland
Leipzig
GERMANY

02/27/08
Rotown
Rotterdam
NETHERLANDS

02/28/08
Burgerweeshuis
Deventer
NETHERLANDS

02/29/08
Stealth & Rescue Rooms
Nottingham
UK

03/01/08
Salle De La Site
Rennes
FRANCE

03/02/08
Jazz Cafe
London
UK

03/03/08
TBA

03/04/08
Loppen
Copenhagen
DENMARK

03/05/08
Heineken Hall
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS

03/06/08
Nancy
FRANCE

03/07/08
Moods
Zurich
SWITZERLAND

03/08/08
Circolo Della Drada
Bologna
ITALY

03/09/08
TBA

03/10/08
TBA
Brussels
BELGIUM

03/11/08
TBA

03/12/08
Bitter Sweet
Amsterdam
NETHERLANDS

03/13/08
Sentrum Scene
Oslo
NORWAY

03/14/08
Club Illusion
Tartu
ESTONIA

Getback has been well-received by the European press since its release last October, receiving 4/5 rating and #2  year-end ranking from the UK's venerable Hip-Hop Connection. Getback features production from Illmind, Hi-Tek, Nottz, Denaun Porter and 9th Wonder, as well as guest appearances from Lil' Wayne and fellow Hall of Justus family members Jozeemo and Darien Brockington.   

Formed in 2001 at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, Little Brother has become one of the premier names in soulful hip-hop.  With influences that range from the expressive boom bap of A Tribe Called Quest to the rugged back and forth chemistry of EPMD, the group's members, Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, have become essential names in hip-hop circles worldwide.

# # #

What the Press is saying about Little Brother:

"…Little Brother are repping their hood to the fullest and giving mainstream media a much-needed taste of conscious rap with a boom bap." – XXL

"LB is simply Phonte and Pooh forming like Voltron and accenting each other perfectly" – Hip-Hop Connection

"If LB's stage performance recalls the Golden Era/ Renaissance period of hip-hop, Getback reinforces the spirit of homage." – Trace Magazine

ABB Records, LLC./ABB Soul

2201 Broadway Ste 506

Oakland, CA  94612-3017 USA

(510) 419-0396(p)  (510) 419-0398(f)

www.abbrecords.com    www.abbsoul.com

Available Instores and Online: Evidence "Weatherman LP", Soul:ID "Sex, Love & Philosophy", Little Brother "Getback"

Contacts:

USA:    Zim Miller  510-419-0396 ext. 103
info@abbrecords.com

Europe:    Soulkitchen/Peter Jacobsen  +45 224 324 07
peter@soulkitchen.dk

MEDIA LISTENING PARTY AND KING KWASI MEET AND GREET

NO MERCY, NO REGRETS

On February 24th 2008 the southeast region of the nation of hip hop will change forever. The deliverance of a classic hip hop laden album is near. We cordially invite all media personnel to take part in the listening event of the year. Regional and National media outlets are encouraged to attend, as this event is for you.

Take part in the re-birth of hip hop in Charlotte, NC with the listening party for King Kwasi's new album No Regrets, No Mercy. This album has been in the making for well over 1 year, and has materialized into the capstone for change in our market. Without disrespecting the works of others, we would like to emphasize the return of REAL AUTHENTIC HIP-HOP to the Charlotte area and the southeast region.

The listening party will take place at the beautiful Allure Restaurant & Lounge, located at 403 W. Summit Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203. We invite you all to come out, and network with industry professionals. Get a taste of some of the city's finest cuisine, and enjoy the evening with the sounds of No Mercy, No Regrets.

Attendees will need to RSVP vial email by February 20th. This event will be exclusive to industry professionals and media personnel only. Please RSVP, by emailing Roc Davenport of Noble Son Management, LLC. at nobleson1@gmail.com. Please provide your affiliation and publication information, and we will reply with a guest pass for your attendance.

An additional Listening party will be announced in the coming weeks to cater to the needs, wants and desires of the loyal King Kwasi fans and friends. (Please visit www.Kingkwasi.com for details regarding the upcoming Fan Appreciation Listening Party.)

We look forward to introducing you to the new movement of the Carolina's and beyond. Underground exchange has more to come. This is only the beginning of decades of change. We too are agents of change. Come see why.

                              # # # #

For more information, interview request, or booking request please contact Noble Son Management at 704-649-0999, or by emailing your questions or concerns to nobleson1@gmail.com.

King Kwasi will be made available for short interviews and pictures on the night of the event, and participants are requested to provide feedback on-site through a review submission process.

Underground Exchange      

704-649-0999

Kingkwasi@gmail.com