Cambridge , MA , 3/10/09 – Harvard Law School 's Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and The Hip Hop Entertainment Law Project (HHELP) will host mini-music seminar featuring music's Renaissance man, Ryan Leslie. The seminar titled "The Bizness behind The Business!" will be held on March 14, 2009 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Harvard Law School in Austin Hall.
The seminar is for high-risk teens, and anyone else interested in having a career in the music business. Panelists will discuss the importance of staying in school, staying out of trouble, and how to pursue a career in the music business. The multi-talented music industry Renaissance man, Ryan Leslie, brings an important component to this year's panel. Leslie, Harvard alum, scored a 1600 on his SATs at age 15 and was accepted to Harvard University . In 1998, at age 19 he delivered the famous Harvard Oration at his commencement ceremony. His message to students, "follow your dreams!"
Ryan Leslie, singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, Internet visionary, intellectually gifted, and chief executive of NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Leslie is the singer and song writer of the Top 40 R&B hit "Diamond Girl," the lead single from his highly anticipated self-titled U.S. debut. He has written songs for several major artists such as Britney Spears, Beyoncé, New Edition, Loon, Cheri Dennis, B5, and Danity Kane to name a few. World renowned music executive, Tommy Mottola, has called Leslie "one of the next rising stars…with unlimited potential." His unique approach to conquering the music industry is one that has turned the heads of the music business and music lovers alike. Leslie is one of the few artists who take full advantage of the world's alter ego, better known as, the Internet. Through his website (RyanLeslie.com), MYSPACE, and YouTube Ryan blogs, documents, and diarizes his way to international stardom and the regular playlists of millions of fans. In addition to Ryan Leslie, panel members include:
Conrad Dimanche, Senior Director for A&R, Bad Boy Entertainment and President of www.pmpworldwide.com. The producer behind some of Hip Hop's most celebrated names including, the Notorious B.I.G.'s smash hit Born Again, Carl Thomas, P. Diddy, 8 Ball, MJG, Loon, B5, Bad Boys 2 Soundtrack, Young Joc, Danity Kane, and Black Rob, to name a few;
Tone Capone, Executive Vice President of Universal Motown/CMG. He has worked with artists such as, Ciara, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ying Yang Twins, Lil John and the Eastside Boys, Tony Sunshine, and Zion to name a few;
Adrian '607' Tillman, Independent Artist and Community Activist. He has recorded over 31 full albums, and was featured on the critically acclaimed CNN documentary, 'Black in America ';
Najja Campbell, Director, The Learning Club of Toledo. He has developed and lead several different programs geared towards juvenile offender re-entry and serviced over 1000 youth in the Midwest.
The event is part of BLSA's 26th Annual Spring Conference titled, "The Fierce Urgency of Now: Effecting Change at Home and Across the Globe" taking place March 13, 2009-March 15, 2009. The HLS BLSA chapter is the largest BLSA Chapter in the nation. It exists for the support, guidance and direction of Black students in academic, professional and social endeavors. The HHELP was created to combat the devastating effects the School to Prison Pipeline has on inner-city youth. It uses the music industry and hip hop music to motivate students in school. The HHELP was also created to give minority law students the opportunity to pursue careers in the music industry. For more information on the music seminar or the HHELP please visit: www.thehhelp.com ,or for more information on the 26th Annual Spring Conference or BLSA please visit: www.harvardblsaconference.com
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CONTACTS:
Licia Harper
HHELP
licia@thehhelp.com
or
Amia Trigg
HLS/BLSA
atrigg@jd10.law.harvard.edu
