Oprah Winfrey & Tyler Perry Present A Lee Daniels Film PRECIOUS Based On The Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire

October 29, 2009 By

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Available November 3rd

Movie In Theaters November 6th

TRACKLISTING
1.I Can See In Color – Mary J. Blige
2.He Is The Joy – Donna Allen
3.Was That All It Was  – Jean Carn
4.Did You Ever See A Dream Walking – Sunny Gale
5.Come Into My House – Queen Latifah
6.Just A Closer Walk With Thee – Mahalia Jackson
7.Love Is The Message – MFSB (featuring The Three Degrees)
8.Now That I Know Who I Am – Nona Hendryx
9.System – Labelle
10.Somethin's Comin' My Way – Performed by Grace Hightower
11.It Took A Long Time – Labelle
12.Letters – Mario Grigorov

Executive Producer: Lee Daniels and Mary J. Blige
Soundtrack Producer: Lynn Fainchtein

HD Movie Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5FYahzVU44

Mary J Blige – I See In Color:
http://interscope.edgeboss.net/wmedia/interscope/precioussoundtrack/audio/icanseeincolor.wax

SYNOPSIS
Lee Daniels' PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome.

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo'Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn't know the meaning of "alternative," but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

PRECIOUS was in Official Selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival – Un Certain Regard, and winner of three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. The film was also the centerpiece of the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival Gala Presentation on September 12, 2009, where it received the festival's 2009 Cadillac People's Choice Award. PRECIOUS is the only film ever to receive the Audience awards at both Sundance and Toronto. PRECIOUS has been selected as the 2009 New York Film Festival Centerpiece, screening at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall on Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry present A Lee Daniels Entertainment / Smokewood Entertainment Group Production of PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE, directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the book Push, a novel by Sapphire. The film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe. PRECIOUS was produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortés and Tom Heller are Executive Producers; Simone Sheffield serves as Co-Executive Producer; Mark G. Mathis is Co-Producer; and Asger Hussain serves as Associate Producer.

Official website: http://www.weareallprecious.com/
Showtime's & Ticketing Info: http://www.precioustickets.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/precious
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lionsgaterise
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/claireecepreciousjones
Twitter Application: http://www.weareallprecious.com/twitter/

WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING SO FAR:

"You feel you've witnessed nothing less than the birth of a soul." – Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

"Exhilarating! You can't take your eyes off of it." – Scott Foundas, LA Weekly

"An inspirational marvel: a stand-out picture with some of the best screen performances I've seen in a long time." – London Daily Mail

"'Precious' simply cannot be missed, for under its tough skin the film is an unabashedly inspirational anthem; it offers the rare ecstasy of human regeneration, and the discovery, on Harlem's mean streets, of a precious gem." – Mary Corliss, Time

"The highest form of feel-good movie." – Time

"You should hear Mo'Nique's name on Oscar night." – Time

"An amazing movie! Not to be missed!" – Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood

"Powerful, heartbreaking and moving!" – Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood

"A bravura performance by Mo'Nique! She's an absolute revelation! An Oscar nomination is guaranteed!" – Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood

"Gabourey Sidibe is beyond incredible!" – Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood

"All hail newcomer Gabourey Sidibe." – Peter Howell, Toronto Star

"'Precious' is all but certain to win a place on the list of 'best picture' nominees." – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"A powerful performance by Mo'Nique." – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Unforgettable! Raw, electrically charged, heart-rending and completely shattering. It's a once-in-a-blue-moon experience that tests the boundaries of film, with an electrifying, positively Oscar-worthy performance by Mo'Nique." – Rex Reed, New York Observer

"Mo'Nique gives an award-worthy performance." – Stephen Holden, The New York Times

"Gabourey Sidibe is remarkable." – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

"Gabourey Sidibe is worthy of an Oscar nomination."- V.A. Musetto, New York Post

"Rich with surprises. An Oscar-caliber portrayal by Mo'Nique."- Karen Durbin, Elle

"One of the most important films of this generation."- AOL Black Voices

Contact:
Diego Vargas
Cornerstone Promotion
diego@cornerstonepromotion.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, RnB Press Releases, Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With:

RISING NEO-SOUL SINGER/SONGWRITER KAYLAH MARIN TAKES NEW YORK CITY BY STORM

October 29, 2009 By

The Multi-Talented Artist Takes Her Unique Voice To The Dance Circuit With Ground-breaking Performances At CMJ, FOX's Strategy Room And NYC's Splash Bar

Since Kaylah Marin's debut album Loving Life dropped this summer, the Los Angeles based alternative-meets-soul vocalist has been on a whirlwind of performances, interviews and events in the Big Apple.

Kaylah's blitz in New York City kicked off with an incredible performance at CMJ's Official Artist Lounge at PureVolume on October 21, followed by an explosive set at the popular nightclub Splash Bar on October 22, where she unveiled new dance remixes to "On the Floor" and "Everybody" by top DJs Josh Harris (The Killers, Madonna, Seal), Rod Carrillo (Rihanna) and Tracy Young (Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears).

On October 23, Marin gave an awe-inspiring acoustic performance on FOX's Strategy Room hosted Laura Ingle.

Kaylah didn't stop there. The following day, she was off to the Jacob Javits Convention Center for a performance at the New York stop for National College Resources Foundation's Black College Expo tour.

Prior to her journey to NYC, Marin attended NEXT Music Group's VIP mixer at Micky's in West Hollywood , California , on October 19, where she performed two new tracks for celebrities, music industry executives, and L.A. 's tastemakers.

Kaylah was recently nominated for Hollywood Music in Media Awards, a.k.a the HMMA's, in the R&B/Soul category for her hit "Green Caddie" from her debut album, Loving Life. The HMMA's will take place on Thursday, November 19 at The Highlands in the Kodak Theatre complex in Hollywood. The red carpet event will feature live performances of today's top indie artists from around the world, an award ceremony, plus a catered VIP reception by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.

# # #

For more information on KAYLAH MARIN, contact:
For Publicity: Steve Levesque or Tasya Swisko at Luck Media & Marketing, Inc. at (818) 760-8077
For Marketing, Booking and Promotions: Jen Lyneis at Ue3 Promotions at (818) 230-7781
info@luckmedia.com, www.luckmedia.com, jen@ue3promotions.com, www.kaylahmarin.com and www.myspace.com/kaylahmarin

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, RnB Press Releases Tagged With:

Bounty and Russell Simmon’s Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Unveil National Arts Mural

October 29, 2009 By

With Joseph 'Rev. Run' and Tory Burch in Support of Arts Education

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Students from New York City public school PS 165 assisted Procter & Gamble's Bounty brand along with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation co-founder and entertainment mogul Russell Simmons, hip-hop pioneer Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, American fashion designer and humanitarian Tory Burch, and artist Amanda Williams in unveiling the completed Building Bounty-ful Bridges 33-foot painted mural. The mural is a compilation of all the completed pieces of the traveling arts program that toured the nation sponsored by Bounty in partnership with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091029/NY02216 )

Through Bounty's partnership with Rush Philanthropic, children from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Cincinnati have collaborated in creating a large-scale painting depicting a bridge in their city and representing the "space between us." Youth groups in each city were able to showcase their creativity by being inspired by the city they live in and learn by doing the project with other children. This is in perfect sync with Bounty's mission to provide children with fun, hands-on activities that nurture their creativity and curiosity outside the classroom.

To bring this program to life, Rush Philanthropic Director of Education at Rush, Meridith McNeal, and featured artist, Amanda Williams, collaborated with a different youth arts organization in each city to promote artistic expression and help bring communities across the country together. "Bounty is proud to be a part of Building Bounty-ful Bridges in recognizing art education as a priority for America's youth. Seeing the final mural truly depicts the creativity and different interpretations of each city," said Eric Higgs, brand manager, Bounty. "Given the creative work and hands on approach Rush Philanthropic has already taken with kids around the country, they have made a great partner in bringing this program to life."

"As art has been such a pivotal aspect in my life, I want the youth of today to realize that art can transform lives and bring people together by unleashing the imagination," said Russell Simmons, chairman and co-founder of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and entertainment mogul. "This partnership with Rush Philanthropic and Bounty reinforces that idea."

After the program, each partnering organization will take turns exhibiting the completed mural allowing for this project to travel through the country. For more information on Bounty's partnership with Rush Philanthropic and fun, at-home art activities, visit www.bountymakeamessterpiece.com.

About Bounty

Bounty has been America's most popular paper towel for over 30 years. In the U.S., P&G offers the following premium two-ply paper towel products: Bounty Select-a-Size; Bounty White; Bounty Extra Soft; and Bounty Fun Prints. Additionally, P&G offers Bounty Basic, a quality one-ply paper towel as well Bounty Quilted Napkins. For more information on Bounty, visit www.quickerpickerupper.com.

About Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing underserved urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, and to offering exhibition opportunities for underrepresented artists and artists of color. Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that poor and minorities face in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities. Over the past 14 years, Rush has developed a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters dedicated to addressing these issues. In addition to the 2,000 students served each year in its education programs, Rush exhibits the work of 40 to 50 emerging and community-based artists in its galleries; welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors; distributes grants to nonprofit arts organizations in NYC and South Florida; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts. Rush currently operates galleries and arts education programs in Chelsea (Manhattan) on West 26th Street and Clinton Hill (Brooklyn) on Grand Avenue. Rush Education Programs are designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors, and support increased academic performance.

About Procter & Gamble [NYSE: PG]

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Actonel®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 135,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com/ for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091029/NY02216
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN18
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Bounty/P&G

CONTACT: Laura Lewis of Procter & Gamble, +1-513-634-2778,
Lewis.la.1@pg.com; or Suzanne Matulay of MS&L, +1-212-468-2953,
suzanne.matulay@mslworldwide.com

Web Site: http://www.quickerpickerupper.com/

Filed Under: Hip Hop Press Releases Tagged With:

Author Theresa J. Gonsalves Remembers Michael Jackson in her Latest Non-Fiction Book ‘Remember the Time’

October 29, 2009 By

Best selling author and the Real Billie Jean behind Michael Jackson's hit song, Theresa Gonsalves, shares her intimate memories in her new book as she 'Remembers the Time'!

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) October 29, 2009 — Best selling author and the Real Billie Jean behind Michael Jackson's hit song, Theresa Gonsalves, shares her intimate memories in her new book as she 'Remembers the Time!'

When author Theresa J. Gonsalves penned her book 'Obsessions' and her award winning novel 'The Man in the Woods,' she credited Michael Jackson for her writing career.

Upon his untimely passing, Ms. Gonsalves decided it was time to set the record straight and tell their story her way! "My story has been told various ways in other media outlets, but it has never been told our way. There were personal things we left between us. Telling it now, allows you to see a side of Michael that many didn't get to see. I feel it is time to share that with you. It is the best way I know how to celebrate his life – in words." Because Theresa and Michael first met due to her diligent letter writing to him, Ms. Gonsalves' book Remember the Time is written in letter format that takes you on a journey of the intimate times they shared together.

Excerpt:

"Dear Michael,

I moved to Virginia Beach two weeks after you left us. I say us because at that point you belonged to the World. Janet said, "To you, Michael was an icon. To us Michael was family." I felt her pain. Yet, you were my family too. It's always been a constant thought, where would I be if there were no you?
As I stand on the deck of the town home I now live in looking out at the lake, I feel you would have loved it here. It is so peaceful. I came here to write, but my mind is still on losing you. I start thinking back to that first time you and I ever made love. It surprised us both. The great thing about it was that it wasn't our intention, but sinful nonetheless…"

A book release party for Ms. Gonsalves' book, 'Remember the Time' is being held in Las Vegas, Friday, October 30, 2009 at Bally's Hotel & Casino at Windows, from 7-11p.m. with a performance by Danielle Fiers, a cash prize for a Thriller dance contest, prize giveaways and much more! Open to the public.

Remember the Time: ISBN: 978-0-9762347-4-6

For more information go to www.theresagonsalves.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Marlene Frye
702-349-7718
Email us Here
http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=3117844

Filed Under: RnB Press Releases, Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With: , ,

Thaahum Adds Inspirational Insight in his “On Fire” Interview

October 29, 2009 By

Can I Say He's On Fire…Smoking!  Such amazing energy, that's what I heard while listening to Christian "Thaahum" (tha-hoom) Abrokwah on the Midnight Koko Show on October 12th.  I loved it!  This man has a flow unlike any other currently in the music industry.  Everything he does is hot!  He is able to turn everything you see negative into a positive.  Talk about changing the way you think!  

His music is a talking collage!  It has the beats you love, words you can listen to with your entire family, mixed with lessons you learn each time you listen.  Simple things like staying positive and realizing that it's not where you come from but where you see yourself! This latest interview proved Thaahum has the creativity and grind that it takes to make a mark in the industry.  Industry vet DJ Do It All called in and said "Thaahum's one of those people using his brain and doing something different in the game." He also advised other artists out there to, "Put substance back into the music and be creative."

Comic book writer David Atchison, The Occult Crimes Taskforce co-written by Rosario Dawson,  called in and said, "I really love what he's doing with the Inspiration On Fire mixtape.  It seems to me like there's a lot of so-called positive rap, and he's really getting kind of deep with it.  And he's really, really getting into some deep stuff like The Law of Attraction and things that you just normally wouldn't hear in hip hop, but it still has a main stream appeal."  Thaahum was able to write some music for comic book "The Occult Crimes Taskforce".  "I'm truly grateful, and it's an honor to know that there are other brand builders and creators in the industry who recognize my talent," Thaahum said after the interview.  This man has what it takes and is going places.  Be sure to remember his name, "Thaahum", the Intellect" and sure to jump on the bandwagon!

I agree with Thaahum when he says, "Let's put the muse back in music!"

Take a listen to his music and really pay attention to his lyrics.  Check out his myspace page: www.myspace.com/inspirationonfire and listen to his interview on the Midnight Koko Show: www.blogtalkradio.com/Midnight-Koko.

Contact
Jen Marie
Keneteph Entertainment
Jenmarde21@Keneteph.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases Tagged With:

PUMA Mixes It Up with DJ Hero

October 29, 2009 By

Sportlifestyle Brand Partners with Activision Publishing Inc.

October 29, 2009, BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sportlifestyle Brand PUMA® teams up with Activision Publishing Inc.'s DJ Hero™ – the latest innovation in music gaming featuring 93 exclusive mixes from the biggest stars in hip hop, R&B, rock, pop and dance and created by some of the greatest DJs of all time. As part of the partnership, PUMA has outfitted seven playable DJ characters in PUMA Archive products.

"Given PUMA's history in DJ culture this game was the perfect fit," said Antonio Bertone, PUMA's Chief Marketing Officer. "Having PUMA's gear featured in such an innovative game, allows us to interact with our consumers in a whole new way."

In-store DJ Hero demo stations and displays will be making an appearance in select PUMA Stores across the country this month as well as in key retail partner locations. The PUMA footwear, apparel, and accessories featured in the game will be available for purchase at PUMA Stores and online at puma.com. Consumers are also encouraged to go online to puma.com/djhero to register and receive rewards and special codes to unlock an additional character in the game.

To celebrate the partnership and the launch of the game, PUMA will be hosting a nationwide series of events in November and December featuring DJ performances, DJ Hero game demos, and contests. The events will take place at PUMA stores and at key retail partners including Bodega, Boston; Michael K, NYC; Shoe Biz, San Francisco; Belmont Army Supply, Chicago; Sportie SD, San Diego; VILLA, Philadelphia; Millennium Shoes, LA; and select Nordstrom and Finish Line locations.

PUMA has long been involved in the music world, supporting both up-and-coming and established artists including some of the talent featured in DJ Hero. The brand has also released three editions of 5X12, limited edition box sets of vinyl manufactured and produced entirely by PUMA and distributed to the world's top DJs. The project was created with the intention of helping cutting-edge record labels promote and market exciting music while contributing something of lasting value to DJ culture. In addition, PUMA has released several limited edition collaboration projects with Yo! MTV Raps and artists including The Thrills, and MSTRKRFT.

This partnership follows other successful video game integrations for the brand with past Activision titles. DJ Hero is available now for most video game platforms and is rated "T" (Teen – Mild Suggestive Themes, Lyrics) by the ESRB. For more information about DJ Hero, please visit djhero.com, facebook.com/djhero, twitter.com/djhero and puma.com/djhero.

© 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark and DJ Hero is a trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

PUMA

PUMA is one of the world's leading sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the values of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. The Black label features collaborations with renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Tretorn and Hussein Chalayan. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.puma.com

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6086993&lang=en

Contacts

PUMA North America
Katie Sheptyck, 978-698-1295
Katie.sheptyck@puma.com
or
For more press information visit: puma.digitalnewsagency.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop Press Releases, Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With:

Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ Specialty Drink Menu Now Featured at Movie Tavern

October 29, 2009 By

October 29, 2009, DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Michael Jackson's This Is It is now showing at Movie Tavern.

In addition Movie Tavern will feature a special Michael Jackson drink menu. The four specialty drinks include the This Is It Cooler (Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Parrot Bay Rum, pineapple juice and a splash of Grenadine); Dangerous (Bacardi Rum, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and a splash of Grenadine); Black or White (Island Oasis Banana, rum, Dreyer's Ice Cream, Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, whipped cream and cherry); and the Billy Jean (tequila, Finest Call Triple Sec, Island Oasis Wild Berry and Sweet and Sour).

The Michael Jackson This Is It drink menu is available at all DFW Movie Tavern locations except Ridgmar and Denton.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.MovieTavern.com.

About Movie Tavern LLC

Movie Tavern is the largest cinema eatery chain in the United States.

Movie Tavern serves a full menu of flavorful, chef-prepared Classic American favorites and great drinks to please all guests while they enjoy first-run feature films in state-of-the-art, comfortable auditoriums.

Current Texas locations include Arlington, Bedford, Denton, Ft. Worth, Houston and Humble, and a new Movie Tavern will soon be open on West 7th Street in Fort Worth. Movie Tavern also operates locations in Atlanta, Ga.; Williamsburg, Va.; Aurora, Colo.; Lexington, Ky.; and Columbus, Ohio.

Uncompromising in their standards and commitment to provide the highest-quality experience, Movie Tavern's leadership is implementing a major growth plan that has expanded the company to 14 locations and 111 screens in six states.

Contacts

Movie Tavern
Traci Hoey, 214-751-8277
thoey@movietavern.com

Filed Under: RnB Press Releases Tagged With:

NEW WEEKLY BLOG BY HIP-HOPPRENEUR CEDRIC MUHAMMAD – THIS WEEK – “360 DEALS & THE DUMB ARTIST”

October 29, 2009 By

Washington, D.C. – Cedric Muhammad is uniquely qualified to address the economic needs and concerns of the Hip-Hop Generation and he is currently gearing up to do just that with the launch of a weekly commentary blog, in both written and audio formats, that for now, will run exclusively on www.cedricmuhammad.com. 

Cedric Muhammad served for many years as General Manger of the multi-platinum music act, Wu-Tang Clan. Whilst with the group, Cedric negotiated its tour with Rage Against the Machine in 1997 and an endorsement deal with Pepsi Co. In the Summer of 2004, Mr. Muhammad was hired by Source Enterprises CEO, Mr. David Mays, to serve as a strategic consultant to the CEO and The Source Magazine; then the most widely circulated Hip-Hop magazine in the world. The under 40 year old's unique background in the entertainment industry, congressional campaigns and media provide him with valuable skill sets and a network which he deploys in a variety of causes and ventures. An example is Cedric's brokering of a meeting between Congressman Bennie Thompson and Hip-Hop artist David Banner to discuss local and national economic empowerment, education and community development in July of 2005. From Wu-Tang to Washington and Wall Street to 'your street', Cedric Muhammad has been offering up his unique perspective on National, Societal and World politics, events and affairs for many years via his radio show, "The Cedric Muhammad and Black Coffee Program."

Now, in this new weekly commentary, Cedric will be sharing his views and expertise on how the trends in the Global financial realm actually effect your personal reality and day-to-day life; from the changes in the current business model of the music industry and what it means to those that are in it, or are trying to get in it, to the way in which the current recession is influencing small businesses and how business owners, and those wishing to start their own business can work around it.

Cedric's first commentary and blog, "360 Deals and 'Dumb' Artists," addresses the emergence of deals which give record labels access to a wider range and greater percentage of a recording artist's income streams. Whilst some artists may indeed benefit greatly from the way these new deals are structured, many will lose sources of revenue previously exclusive to them and their management. Cedric recalls the first appearance of this with the success of Steve Rifkind of LOUD Records' SRC urban marketing firm.  The insights contained in his commentary include a sobering view of the mentality of the typical Hip-hop artist and the ignorance of the general public on economic matters.

"I'm launching this weekly commentary because I know there is a void out there. People want to know what the trends are on the street level; changes in the business model of the music industry; and they want that connected with their personal reality and what's happening on a broader political, international and economic level. I can speak that language and those concepts from the block to the boardroom, in personal and practical terms. Right now I don't see anyone out there connecting very serious cultural, political and economic dots for the Hip-Hop generation. I think I have something to offer. I am not a frustrated activist, a celebrity groupie, a wanna be artist, or heartless industry executive who cares more about things than people. I am ready to see the Hip-Hop generation translate its cultural influence into neighborhood, community and global power and I want to provide a badly needed voice – speaking truths on topical issues from the perspective of conscious entrepreneurship. We're in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and its time for the analysis of the Hip-Hop culture and industry to be equal to the time. It needs to mature and evolve and I want to be a part of that growth. I hope to help provide enlightenment and perspective in an uncompromising but entertaining way – with a sense of humor, respect for the art and love for the people that produce it!"

To read more visit: http://www.cedricmuhammad.com/360-deals-and-%E2%80%98dumb%E2%80%99-artists-hip-hoppreneur-%E2%84%A2-commentary-october-28-2009/

Discuss This Topic and More On "The Cedric Muhammad and Black Coffee Program" Every Wednesday From 12 to 5 PM EST ( USA )

Live Show: http://www.blackelectorate.com/

Show Archives: http://www.cedricmuhammad.com/showarchives/

We are seeking a home within the Hip-Hop media for this commentary on a regular basis. Please reach out to us if this is of interest to you.

For further information, media opportunities and bookings, or permission to run this blog on your website, kindly contact Nancy Byron, OGPR (832) 220.6071 or nancyb@ogpr.net

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases, Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With:

I.M.G. To Celebrate Launch of FRSHPulp.com

October 29, 2009 By

New York, NY, Thursday, October, 29 2009 – (I.M.G)- Brooklyn based lifestyle agency, Imperial Marketing Group (I.M.G.) will celebrate the official launch of new online magazine FRSHPulp on Thursday, November 5 at White Rabbit in New York City.

Sponsored by Wealthy Hostage Boutique and The Goodie Bag, in partnership with ILLBANGER Thursdaze and Good Wood NYC, the event will feature free giveaways and an exclusive preview of Good Wood's new collection as well as the first unveiling of the new website, FRSHPulp.com.

FRSHPulp has also partnered with Photographer JoeyTooFresh of the popular Hip Hop Blog Rule0480.com to shoot 100% original photography for FRSH editorial. A. King, Program Director of PNC Radio, has also joined the FRSH family and will be working with Music & Talent Editor, Karsten Venna, on content for SNDZ, the music section of FRSHPulp.

FRSHPulp will launch with five sections: ftured, sndz, hstle, threadz and evntz. Each section representing one of the 5 elements of freshness: people, music, fashion, career x money management and events. The magazine will focus on the many people that make business and industry go round', and will launch with exclusive interviews from Anslem Samuel, Meka Udoh of 2DopeBoyz.com, Kareem Black, DJ Get Live, Nandi Forbes of Bengi Jeans Co., TreVZ of The New Pop, Annissa Moxam, Recruiter at Universal Music Group, and Anthony Hudson, Associate at Merrill Lynch just to name a few.

Who: Imperial Marketing Group

What: FRSHPULP.com Magazine Launch

Where: White Rabbit, 145 E. Houston Street (Bet. Forsyth & Eldridge), L.E.S, NYC

When: Thursday, November 5 Doors Open at 9:00 p.m.

This event is FREE and Requires 21+ for Admission

Writers, photographers and videographers interested in joining the team and for more information about FRSHPulp.com, send an email to hey@frshpulp.com.

Interested in partnering with us? For advertising or partnership inquires, contact awright@theimgway.com.

FRSHPULP.COM I TWITTER.COM/FRSHPULP I FACEBOOK.COM/FRSHPULP

Media Contact: Anastasia Wright
Imperial Marketing Group
Phone: 516.446.8899
Email: awright@theimgway.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases, Music Industry Press Releases, RnB Press Releases Tagged With:

RJD2 to Give Away Free Stuff Every Week until The Colossus Hits Stores in 2010

October 29, 2009 By

Limited Edition Box Set in Stores Now, Three Reissues to Hit Stores Next Month

This morning, RJD2 took to his website to announce that he will be giving away free records, MP3s, and more each Monday from now through the release of his forthcoming full length, The Colossus, on January 19th, 2010.

It all kicks off with a giveaway of a super rare vinyl test pressing of The Horror EP, originally released in 2003 on Definitive Jux records and in line to be reissued on November 17th via RJ's newly formed label RJ's Electrical Connections, now home to nearly all things RJD2 past and present.

So far this year has seen the re-release of 2001's Your Face or Your Knee Caps on August 18th and a limited edition box set entitled RJD2 2002-2010, which hit stores last week and included all three studio albums originally released on Definitive Jux, plus a disc of unreleased material titled "Tin Foil Hat EP," a signed and numbered silk screened poster, and a download card for all three LPs + the EP, as well as a space in the box for The Third Hand LP released on XL Recordings in 2007 and a space for The Colossus.

The Horror is just one of three reissues to hit stores next month – the other two being 2002's Deadringer, out November 3rd and 2004's Since We Last Spoke, also out on November 17th.

And of course topping it all off is RJD2's new album, The Colossus, to be released on January 19th. Only time will tell what additional prizes he has up his sleeve. Until then, read RJD2's note and enter for a chance to win here: http://rjselectricalconnections.com.

More RJD2

http://www.twitter.com/rjd2
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RJD2/32328322799
http://www.myspace.com/rjd2

Online Contact:
Kimberly Trick
kimberly@theorchard.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases Tagged With:
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