On Saturday, October 17, 2009 stars will gather at the illustrious TimesCenter in the heart of New York City for the 4th Annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards co-hosted by esteemed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross. The show will honor the achievements of exceptional women of color in fashion, media, business, the arts and entertainment, and public service.
Now in its fourth year, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards show serves as the premiere fundraising event for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc., a nonprofit youth empowerment mentoring organization founded by celebrity DJ, Beverly Bond. GRAMMY Award winner and founder of FFAWN, Mary J. Blige will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Icon" Award. Trailblazer, entrepreneur, & actress Raven-Symoné will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Young, Gifted, and Black" Award. Supermodel and fashion Icon, Naomi Campbell will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Fashionista" Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Who's Got Next" Award will go to urban-alternative singer, songwriter, Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic recording artist Janelle Monáe. Award-winning poet playwright and activist Dr. Sonia Sanchez will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Living Legend" Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Community Service" Award will be given to TruthAIDS founder, activist and White House Fellow, Dr. Mehret Mandefro. Inspirational speaker, author, and television personality Iyanla Vanzant will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Shot Caller" Award.
Additional honorees include world-renowned DJ and media personality DJ Spinderella, who will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Jazzy Joyce DJ" Award and GRAMMY Award winner Anthony Hamilton, who will be receiving the only award given to a man, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! "Soul Brother #1" Award. Other participants include: actress Kerry Washington, 2008 BGR! Award recipient Bethann Hardison, philanthropists Danny Simmons and Jessica Seinfeld, renowned visual artist Vic Muniz, multi-platinum producer Bryan-Michael Cox, acclaimed fashion designer Catherine Malandrino, and more.
“I am proud that BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is at the forefront of a movement inspiring women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity, and our impact on the world. The annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Award show is our way of saying 'Thank You' to these stellar women whose exemplary achievements help to navigate future generations towards excellence."
- Beverly Bond
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is undergoing a strategic shift towards national expansion,
answering the call to service of President Barack Obama by mentoring, educating,
and empowering young girls.
Ticket information for the annual gala can be found at http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, youth empowerment mentoring organization established for young women of color. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. and will help the organization fulfill its mission of empowering young woman of color via the arts. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Signs With Interscope Records
Multiplatinum-selling and three-time Grammy-winning Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of the best-known and most successful recording artists and producers in the world, has signed with Interscope Geffen A&M, it was announced today by Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M. The new label deal will include all Diddy's future music ventures and his upcoming album, Last Train To Paris, will be the first release on the new joint venture between Bad Boy Records and Interscope. The single "Love Come Down" will be serviced physically and digitally this week with a video, directed by Rage, to follow shortly.
Said Iovine: "Puff is a rare person in the music industry today, that can move the culture in many areas - fashion, TV, music - as well as making records. Whenever a free agent like him comes along, which is rare, you grab him."
Diddy leaves Warner Music Group (WMG) imprint Atlantic Records after five years. The current Bad Boy roster and catalog will remain with Bad Boy's WMG joint venture.
Said Diddy: "I am excited to be partnering with Jimmy Iovine and the Interscope Records family on all my future music ventures which include my career as a recording artist and upcoming record label. With this new deal, I look forward to signing music's next great superstars to the label and continuing the legacy of making great music at my new home. This is the beginning of a new musical era for Bad Boy."
His sixth studio album, Last Train To Paris follows 2006's Press Play, which debuted at #1. Three of his five albums have reached #1 and the other two peaked at #2. His 1997 debut No Way Out was seven times platinum and the following three certified platinum. Ten singles as a solo artist have reached the Pop Top 10, including a pair of #1s. As a featured performer, he has been heard on six more Pop Top 10s, including three more #1s. He won his third Grammy for the #1 "Shake Ya Tailfeather" from the Bad Boys II soundtrack, which he executive produced. Diddy has also produced chart-toppers for superstars including Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson and the Notorious B.I.G. To date, Diddy has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
As CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Combs oversees one of the world's preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, recording facility, apparel and restaurants. He was recently named "One of the Most Influential Businessmen in the World" by Time Magazine and CNN.
Said Iovine: "Puff is a rare person in the music industry today, that can move the culture in many areas - fashion, TV, music - as well as making records. Whenever a free agent like him comes along, which is rare, you grab him."
Diddy leaves Warner Music Group (WMG) imprint Atlantic Records after five years. The current Bad Boy roster and catalog will remain with Bad Boy's WMG joint venture.
Said Diddy: "I am excited to be partnering with Jimmy Iovine and the Interscope Records family on all my future music ventures which include my career as a recording artist and upcoming record label. With this new deal, I look forward to signing music's next great superstars to the label and continuing the legacy of making great music at my new home. This is the beginning of a new musical era for Bad Boy."
His sixth studio album, Last Train To Paris follows 2006's Press Play, which debuted at #1. Three of his five albums have reached #1 and the other two peaked at #2. His 1997 debut No Way Out was seven times platinum and the following three certified platinum. Ten singles as a solo artist have reached the Pop Top 10, including a pair of #1s. As a featured performer, he has been heard on six more Pop Top 10s, including three more #1s. He won his third Grammy for the #1 "Shake Ya Tailfeather" from the Bad Boys II soundtrack, which he executive produced. Diddy has also produced chart-toppers for superstars including Aretha Franklin, Sting, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson and the Notorious B.I.G. To date, Diddy has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
As CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Combs oversees one of the world's preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, recording facility, apparel and restaurants. He was recently named "One of the Most Influential Businessmen in the World" by Time Magazine and CNN.
Monday, September 28, 2009
New Controversial Novel, 'My Pastor's Whore'
NEW CONTROVERSIAL NOVEL, MY PASTOR'S WHORE, TAKES READERS ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER FROM CONDEMNATION TO CHEERING
 Book Cover |  Author - Ms. EM |
Fort Worth, TX (BlackNews.com) - Fort Worth, Texas year 2008 My Pastor's Whore is no place a woman wants to find herself. It's a story about a young woman unable to trust, unable to overcome guilt, and fear. This is about a young girl finding herself in the grip of a charismatic, very prominent and adulterous pastor, a virtual "master of deception."
Meet Amber Barlow, who has been violated by her father and raised by a single mother. After her first love is killed in an auto accident, Amber finds herself at her lowest state. Having heard that she could find comfort in the arms of Jesus, she went to church. Instead of the comfort and solace she sought, Amber soon becomes the victim of the affluent pastor. The knowledgeable and wordily pastor grooms the young naïve Amber to be his lover. His treacherous hold on Amber tightens with each attempt to escape his power. And with the way of the captor and prey, Amber keeps finding herself back within his lethal grasp.
Amber travels the world with her pastor from Africa to the Holy Land. She is shocked to discover that behind the religious facade is a world laced with drugs, pornography, and hypocritical, low down preachers. Physically, she must endure several abortions while her emotional state is in turmoil over the death of a brother and even being a suspect in a murder case. Self-reproach and low-self-worth run rampant in Amber's life. She desperately tries to loosen the pastor's grip in an unhealthy way. Playing it forward; Amber now is drawn toward a Mr. Winston Munson, a "well-heeled" charismatic business man. Amber falls in love for the second time only to find Mr. Munson with another man. Life once again finds Amber searching for love in all the wrong faces.
My Pastor's Whore takes every reader on an emotional roller coaster from condemnation to cheering for Amber's emancipation. Suspense, anger and tears will embrace you as you read her story.
About the Author
Emily Mathis first born daughter to Reverend Lemuel and Ardean Butler. She is now widowed after thirty-eight years of marriage to Frank W. Mathis Jr. MSgt. of the USAF.
My Pastor's Whore by Ms. EM [Publish America, ISBN 1-254-2254-859, June 2009, 345 Pages, $26.95] is printed in hardcover and paperback now available in both retail bookstores and online.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Publish America
Public Relations Department
P.O. Box 151,
Frederick, MD 21705
Phone: 240-529-1031
Phone: 817-294-7089
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
support@publishamerica.com
www.webstarts.com/mypastorswhore
Sunday, September 27, 2009
TJ'S DJ'S CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE WITH STARS AND TASTEMAKERS
On October 21-23, 2009 TJ's DJ's Inc. will be celebrating its 15 year anniversary in Tallahassee, Florida during Florida A&M University's homecoming with various events and celebrity attendees.
The celebration will begin with the Tastemakers Got Talent Show 3 & Tweet Up on Wednesday, October 21. The following day on Thursday, October 22, TJ's DJ's presents the Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference at The Moon nightclub (1105 E. Lafayette St.). Within this event will be the TJ's DJ's Beat Battle 6 for new and eager producers to test their skills along with a section for models to be discovered rounded out with panels filled with industry experts to teach the music industry to those willing to learn. In addition, there will be an opportunity for new artists to have their music heard and critiqued live on stage during the Frequency Feedback section. Plus of course, new and established stars will grace the Showcase stage and after party set to keep the Tastemakers entertained all evening.
Friday, October 23 marks the day for TJ's DJ's to accept its role within the community by configuring the Peace In The Streets Celebrity Kickball Game to combat violence in the streets.
TJ's DJ's was established in 1994 as an outlet for DJs in the North Florida region to receive music directly from record labels in exchange for feedback. Since its inception, TJ's DJ's has grown to break and have its fingerprints on numerous of today's music stars and influenced thousands of behind-the-scenes leaders called Tastemakers through its website www.tjsdjs.com which has generated an average of 20 million hits per month, its quarterly Tastemakers DJ/Music Conferences, its annual TJ's DJ's/OZONE Awards Weekend, and ability to find diamonds in the rough and tell the music world about them. A few of TJ's DJ's successes included T-Pain, B.o.B, David Banner, Rick Ross, Plies, Pretty Ricky, DJ Smurf (Mr. Collipark), Lil Jon, Khia, and many many more!
What is the secret to TJ's DJ's longevity and success? "It's all about relationships," according to TJ's DJ's CEO TJ Chapman.
For more information about, sponsoring, or registering for the TJ's DJ's or the 15th Anniversary:
850.878.3634 or TJsDJs.Info@Gmail.com
The celebration will begin with the Tastemakers Got Talent Show 3 & Tweet Up on Wednesday, October 21. The following day on Thursday, October 22, TJ's DJ's presents the Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference at The Moon nightclub (1105 E. Lafayette St.). Within this event will be the TJ's DJ's Beat Battle 6 for new and eager producers to test their skills along with a section for models to be discovered rounded out with panels filled with industry experts to teach the music industry to those willing to learn. In addition, there will be an opportunity for new artists to have their music heard and critiqued live on stage during the Frequency Feedback section. Plus of course, new and established stars will grace the Showcase stage and after party set to keep the Tastemakers entertained all evening.
Friday, October 23 marks the day for TJ's DJ's to accept its role within the community by configuring the Peace In The Streets Celebrity Kickball Game to combat violence in the streets.
TJ's DJ's was established in 1994 as an outlet for DJs in the North Florida region to receive music directly from record labels in exchange for feedback. Since its inception, TJ's DJ's has grown to break and have its fingerprints on numerous of today's music stars and influenced thousands of behind-the-scenes leaders called Tastemakers through its website www.tjsdjs.com which has generated an average of 20 million hits per month, its quarterly Tastemakers DJ/Music Conferences, its annual TJ's DJ's/OZONE Awards Weekend, and ability to find diamonds in the rough and tell the music world about them. A few of TJ's DJ's successes included T-Pain, B.o.B, David Banner, Rick Ross, Plies, Pretty Ricky, DJ Smurf (Mr. Collipark), Lil Jon, Khia, and many many more!
What is the secret to TJ's DJ's longevity and success? "It's all about relationships," according to TJ's DJ's CEO TJ Chapman.
For more information about, sponsoring, or registering for the TJ's DJ's or the 15th Anniversary:
850.878.3634 or TJsDJs.Info@Gmail.com
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
35th Annual National Conf. of Black Mayors, Oct. 21-25
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BLACK MAYORS CELEBRATES 35TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OCTOBER 21-25 IN LAS VEGAS
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - The National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) will host its 35th Annual Convention October 21-25 in Las Vegas, Nevada, under the moniker, "Working Together Works." Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Convention Host Committee Chair Commissioner Lawrence Weekly will welcome more than 2,000 attendees, which will include mayors, local and statewide elected officials, Congressional leaders, federal department representatives, foreign dignitaries, civic leaders, corporate representatives, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers, youth and academics.
"The National Conference of Black Mayors 35th Annual Convention will mark a joyous milestone in the history of more than an organization. It presents us with a pivotal moment in the political movement of our people, wherein a collective commitment may be established throughout the private and public sectors to unite in a programmatic manner like never before," says NCBM Executive Director Vanessa R. Williams. "We must accept the imperative to engage ourselves with an unprecedented determination to serve our communities and strengthen local administrations to overcome the multiplicity of challenges and struggles that impede progress and sustainability. Our mayors are the keys to our cities."
Prominent leaders scheduled to appear include: US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Malawi Vice President Joyce Banda, African Union Ambassador to the US Amina Ali, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, NAACP President Ben Jealous, FraserNet Founder George Fraser, US Congressman John Conyers, prolific author Maya Angelou, educator Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, radio talk show host Bev Smith, journalist and political commentator Jeff Johnson, educational psychologist Dr. Julia Hare, NAN Founder Rev. Al Sharpton, NCNW Chairwoman Dr. Dorothy Height, civil rights leader Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, Rainbow/PUSH Founder Rev. Jesse Jackson and US Congressman John Lewis. A special recognition will be made to the Honorable Richard Hatcher, one of the first two African American mayors of a major U.S. city.
Convention Partners include John Deere, Waste Management, United Water, Coca Cola, Comcast, AT&T, and Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group.
Sessions will address the following NCBM priorities:
* Connectivity throughout the African Diaspora
* The Impact of Reverse Redlining and Foreclosures
* Local Activism to Achieve Gender Equality
* Health Care Equity and Building Healthy Communities
* Community Redevelopment To Overcome Urban Blight and Disasters
* A New Era of Civil Rights: Universal Broadband Access Is An Imperative
* A Successful 2010 Census and Its Value To Our Communities
* Harmony Among Economic, Environmental and Social Enterprises
* Synergies Between Minority Banks and Cities
* The Future of Energy and Conservation Policy
* Youth Empowerment Through Higher Education and Financial Literacy
For a complete agenda, registration and sponsorship information, visit www.ncbm.org. For press registration, contact NCBM Director of Communications Dora Muhammad at dmuhammad@ncbm.org.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
JAY-Z's "THE BLUEPRINT 3" CONTINUES REIGN OF BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART
JAY-Z’s “The Blueprint 3” debuted at the top of the Billboard album charts last week selling over 456,000 copies. With that grand entry on to the charts, JAY-Z surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most # 1 albums in the history of Billboard. Now “The Blueprint 3” reigns supreme for a second consecutive week with sales of 297,913 copies.
The album’s success has been propelled by unprecedented fan support, hit singles, “D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune) and “Run This Town” with Rihanna and Kanye West, and “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys which is the #1 selling digital single in the country this week selling 205k copies. JAY-Z has also made high profile appearances on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” and “Late Show With David Letterman,” a BET three part special, “Food For Thought,” and performances on the MTV Video Music Awards and “The Jay Leno Show.”
Continuing momentum that hasn’t been seen in years, at long last, JAY-Z will make his highly anticipated debut appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” The show, airing Thursday, September 24th builds upon their initial conversation in Brooklyn, New York’s Marcy Projects.
“The Blueprint 3” excitement began in June when the album was originally scheduled for release on Friday, September 11th. Overwhelming demand dictated the album be made available 6 days earlier. “The Blueprint 3” went on sale Saturday, September 5th exclusively on line at Rhapsody and Tuesday, September 8th in retail stores.
“The Blueprint 3” is the last chapter of the “Blueprint” series. Its release date paid homage to the date of the original “Blueprint,” Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Recognizing the events of that date, JAY-Z staged the historic “ANSWER THE CALL” charity concert at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise benefited the “New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Airing in HD and commercial-free on the music television network FUSE, the wildly successful sold-out concert featured artists Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Kanye West, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Kid Cudi and Memphis Bleek, and ranked among the highest-rated television programs in Fuse history.
JAY-Z is currently performing with Coldplay in the UK before returning to the U.S. for his stateside tour beginning October 9th.
The album’s success has been propelled by unprecedented fan support, hit singles, “D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune) and “Run This Town” with Rihanna and Kanye West, and “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys which is the #1 selling digital single in the country this week selling 205k copies. JAY-Z has also made high profile appearances on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” and “Late Show With David Letterman,” a BET three part special, “Food For Thought,” and performances on the MTV Video Music Awards and “The Jay Leno Show.”
Continuing momentum that hasn’t been seen in years, at long last, JAY-Z will make his highly anticipated debut appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” The show, airing Thursday, September 24th builds upon their initial conversation in Brooklyn, New York’s Marcy Projects.
“The Blueprint 3” excitement began in June when the album was originally scheduled for release on Friday, September 11th. Overwhelming demand dictated the album be made available 6 days earlier. “The Blueprint 3” went on sale Saturday, September 5th exclusively on line at Rhapsody and Tuesday, September 8th in retail stores.
“The Blueprint 3” is the last chapter of the “Blueprint” series. Its release date paid homage to the date of the original “Blueprint,” Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Recognizing the events of that date, JAY-Z staged the historic “ANSWER THE CALL” charity concert at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise benefited the “New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Airing in HD and commercial-free on the music television network FUSE, the wildly successful sold-out concert featured artists Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Kanye West, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Kid Cudi and Memphis Bleek, and ranked among the highest-rated television programs in Fuse history.
JAY-Z is currently performing with Coldplay in the UK before returning to the U.S. for his stateside tour beginning October 9th.
Yoga Guru Offers Collection of Products With a Purpose
YOGA GURU MAKES HER MARK ON THE HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY OFFERING A COLLECTION OF PRODUCTS WITH A PURPOSE
Initiating Lifestyle Changes For the Better, Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness Studio Deliver Powerful Teachings and Yoga Practices Through DVD Series
 Dana Smith-Rogers, Creative Director, Spiritual Essence Yoga |  |
Upper Marlboro, MD (BlackNews.com) - Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness Studio is proud to announce the release of their new engaging DVD series and Meditation CD. The Essence of Flow Volume One: The Basics and The Essence of Flow Volume Two: Agni (fire) Flow. The series offer a unique combination of enlightenment and exercise. The DVD launches Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 and is available for purchase at www.theessenceofflow.com
Executive produced by Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness Studio's founder/CEO Dana Smith-Rogers, this progressive Visual/Audio series provides a clear-cut strategy for wellness. Volume One of the series explores foundational yoga poses and breathing techniques. Volume Two builds on the foundation learned in Volume One (increased stamina and strength) and provides more of a challenge, allowing you to grow your yoga practice. A firm believer that a balanced approach to physical, spiritual and emotional well-being will help reduce stress, boost the immune system and improve health, Smith-Rogers, a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and Reiki Master, believes her efforts make a difference. "I've witnessed many people transform their lives for the better, but the best changes occur when a person takes control of his or her own life."
Very passionate about her latest project, Smith-Rogers reveals "This DVD is very special to me because it was, produced and recorded at my Yoga Studio." She further explains, "This DVD is a culmination of hard work and dedication to the center and was three years in the making. It is truly a labor of love for all who were involved."
Introduced to meditation 10 years ago, Dana is also launching a meditation CD, Meditative Moments: Guided Meditations for Everyday Life. Created to help those who feel like their lives are too busy this CD gives brief, practical and easy meditations that can be done at any time and anywhere. According to Smith-Rogers "When I started getting serious about my yoga practice...I began to incorporate several short meditations every day to give myself little pick-me-ups."
To take advantage of this progressive Audio/ Visual series and to gain an edge on life through a journey to wellness, peace of mind and personal growth, visit www.theessenceofflow.com to get your copy of The Essence of Flow.
ABOUT SPIRITUAL ESSENCE YOGA & WELLNESS STUDIO
Spiritual Essence Yoga was established in 2003 and offers an array of classes and holistic wellness services. It is a center of caring health wellness professionals who utilize holistic and spiritual healing methods to enlighten their clients, developing a more acute awareness of our inner being. To reserve classes online or for more information visit the Web site at www.spiritualessenceyoga.com, or call (301) 574-FLOW (3569).
THE EVIL GENIUS" DJ GREEN LANTERN AND STYLES P "THE GHOST" CREATE "THE GREEN GHOST PROJECT"
"The Evil Genius" DJ Green Lantern, and Styles P "The Ghost" have joined forces to create a monster – "The Green Ghost Project" – and on Nov 17th the world will say "It’s Alive!!!"
“The Green Ghost Project”, a joint album filled with original production from DJ Green Lantern, Alchemist, Scram Jones, Statik Selektah, etc., can be seen as the next natural step for the two mixtape veterans who constantly look to push the boundaries of how Hip Hop is given to the fans. "Styles and I got together and made a monster", says Green of the project, which is being distributed through Invasion/The Orchard.
"Don’t call me ‘The Ghost’ right now, call me ‘The Green Ghost’”, remarks Styles P about the album's sinister undertone. "It’s a different display of talent. We got together and brainstormed about it and it came out crazy!"
DJ Green Lantern and Styles also added some potent ingredients to the mix in the form of guest appearances from Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, M.O.P, N.O.R.E, Uncle Murda, Junior Reid, and more, taking “The Green Ghost Project” to truly "monstrous" proportions.
For more information, please visit http://www.myspace.com/stylesp.
SLAUGHTERHOUSE out with TECHN9NE
As hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5’9”, Crooked I) wrap up their successful and much talked about dates on the Rock The Bells tour, the group announces national tour dates for Fall 2009. The group is set to hit the road with powerhouse MC Tech N9ne on the K.O.D. Tour 2009 which will run from October through November hitting over 30 cities nationwide.
The group’s much buzzed self-titled debut album is in stores now. With press heaping praise on the release, the album debuted at an impressive #26 on the Billboard Top 200 with demand quickly outstripping supply record stores across the country. The first single “The One” can be heard now via radio with the video still on rotation on MTV2 and MTV Jamz.
A new single/video from the album will launch shortly, with details to be revealed soon.
When asked about the upcoming tours, Royce Da 5’9”expressed, “We’ve had such a great time touring with Tech N9ne this summer during the Rock The Bells tour that going back out was an obvious choice for us. I think these dates will be the ones to watch.”
Joell Ortiz adds, “I’m really looking forward to going out with Tech this fall. This will be one of the longest periods of time I’ve been on the road. We’re doing back to back shows! Let’s see… Fly gear, check. Rhymes, check. Guitar, check. Yeah, this is gonna be a Rockstar experience!
Crooked I continues, “I’m looking forward to finishing out our summer with Tech this fall. People who are just becoming familiar with us will have ample opportunity to see what Slaughterhouse is all about.”
Complex.com called Slaughterhouse “1 of the 21 best rap super groups of all time!” while The New York Press recently quoted, “Slaughterhouse…seeks to do nothing less than hotwire and run away with the rapidly flagging and disintegrating hip hop music industry.”
Check out Royce, Joe, Joell and Crooked in a city near you!
The K.O.D. Tour 2009 dates commence on October 2nd in Des Moines, Iowa and conclude on November 21st in Independence, MO.
Confirmed tour dates for Tech N9ne in K.O.D. Tour are as follows:
October 2 Des Moines, IA Seven Flags
October 8 Salt Lake City, UT Salt Air
October 10 Boise, ID Big Easy
October 11 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater
October 12 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater
October 13 Spokane, WA Big Easy
October 15 Seattle, WA The Showbox
October 16 Portland, OR Roseland
October 17 Yakima Valley, WA Sun Dome
October 18 Eugene, OR McDonald
October 20 Chico, CA Senator Theatre
October 21 Reno, NV New Oasis
October 22 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst
October 23 Los Angeles, CA HOB
October 24 San Diego, CA HOB
October 25 Tucson, AZ Rialto
October 26 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
October 28 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
October 29 Fort Collins, CO Aggie
October 30 Denver, CO Fillmore
October 31 Wichita, KS Cotillion Ballroom
November 1 Tulsa, OK Cains
November 4 Austin, TX Austin Music Hall
November 5 Little Rock, AR Revolution
November 6 St. Louis, MO Pops
November 7 Chicago, IL Pearl Room
November 8 Cleveland, OH Peabody’s
November 10 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
November 11 Worcester, MA Palladium
November 12 Norfolk, VA Nor Va
November 13 New York City, NY Gramercy Theater
November 14 New York City, NY Gramercy Theater
November 15 Charleston, SC Music Farm
November 16 St. Petersburg, FL State Theater
November 17 Orlando, FL Club Firestone
November 18 Jackson, MS Touch Night Club
November 20 Allen, TX Allen Event Center
November 21 Independence, MO Independence Event Center
For frequent video updates, go to www.youtube.com/joebuddentv or www.youtube.com/KochRecords
Fans can also follow the group on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/joellortiz
www.twitter.com/mousebudden
http://twitter.com/therealcrookedi
http://twitter.com/RoyceDafive9
The group’s much buzzed self-titled debut album is in stores now. With press heaping praise on the release, the album debuted at an impressive #26 on the Billboard Top 200 with demand quickly outstripping supply record stores across the country. The first single “The One” can be heard now via radio with the video still on rotation on MTV2 and MTV Jamz.
A new single/video from the album will launch shortly, with details to be revealed soon.
When asked about the upcoming tours, Royce Da 5’9”expressed, “We’ve had such a great time touring with Tech N9ne this summer during the Rock The Bells tour that going back out was an obvious choice for us. I think these dates will be the ones to watch.”
Joell Ortiz adds, “I’m really looking forward to going out with Tech this fall. This will be one of the longest periods of time I’ve been on the road. We’re doing back to back shows! Let’s see… Fly gear, check. Rhymes, check. Guitar, check. Yeah, this is gonna be a Rockstar experience!
Crooked I continues, “I’m looking forward to finishing out our summer with Tech this fall. People who are just becoming familiar with us will have ample opportunity to see what Slaughterhouse is all about.”
Complex.com called Slaughterhouse “1 of the 21 best rap super groups of all time!” while The New York Press recently quoted, “Slaughterhouse…seeks to do nothing less than hotwire and run away with the rapidly flagging and disintegrating hip hop music industry.”
Check out Royce, Joe, Joell and Crooked in a city near you!
The K.O.D. Tour 2009 dates commence on October 2nd in Des Moines, Iowa and conclude on November 21st in Independence, MO.
Confirmed tour dates for Tech N9ne in K.O.D. Tour are as follows:
October 2 Des Moines, IA Seven Flags
October 8 Salt Lake City, UT Salt Air
October 10 Boise, ID Big Easy
October 11 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater
October 12 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater
October 13 Spokane, WA Big Easy
October 15 Seattle, WA The Showbox
October 16 Portland, OR Roseland
October 17 Yakima Valley, WA Sun Dome
October 18 Eugene, OR McDonald
October 20 Chico, CA Senator Theatre
October 21 Reno, NV New Oasis
October 22 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst
October 23 Los Angeles, CA HOB
October 24 San Diego, CA HOB
October 25 Tucson, AZ Rialto
October 26 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
October 28 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
October 29 Fort Collins, CO Aggie
October 30 Denver, CO Fillmore
October 31 Wichita, KS Cotillion Ballroom
November 1 Tulsa, OK Cains
November 4 Austin, TX Austin Music Hall
November 5 Little Rock, AR Revolution
November 6 St. Louis, MO Pops
November 7 Chicago, IL Pearl Room
November 8 Cleveland, OH Peabody’s
November 10 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
November 11 Worcester, MA Palladium
November 12 Norfolk, VA Nor Va
November 13 New York City, NY Gramercy Theater
November 14 New York City, NY Gramercy Theater
November 15 Charleston, SC Music Farm
November 16 St. Petersburg, FL State Theater
November 17 Orlando, FL Club Firestone
November 18 Jackson, MS Touch Night Club
November 20 Allen, TX Allen Event Center
November 21 Independence, MO Independence Event Center
For frequent video updates, go to www.youtube.com/joebuddentv or www.youtube.com/KochRecords
Fans can also follow the group on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/joellortiz
www.twitter.com/mousebudden
http://twitter.com/therealcrookedi
http://twitter.com/RoyceDafive9
GRAMMY-NOMINATED R&B SINGER TREY SONGZ "READY" TO DEBUT NEW HITS IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CONCERT
Trey Songz Set to Showcase an Electrifying Series of Songs in Bell County for the First Time
Get ready for the most highly anticipated R&B concert that the Central Texas area has been awaiting for years. Best selling artist Trey Songz will boldly make his presence known as he routes his chart-topping songs through the Bell County area for the first time. With the release of his new studio album "Ready," the time has arrived for fans to witness a series of extraordinary performances from one of the most successful R&B artists of the decade. Trey Songz is prepared to establish a prevailing music scene with a breathtaking concert on October 25. He will perform live at the Bell County Exposition Center located at 301 West Loop 121 in Belton, TX.
Hosted by Jazzy J Events, an entertainment company based in Killeen, TX, this concert is geared to make a lasting connection between Trey Songz and his fans. However, Jazzy J Events also has a vision of utilizing this concert for the good of the community. By changing the world through the art of entertainment, Jazzy J Events believes in improving "Our World's Community." The company feels rewarded to utilize live music events in order to give back to the underprivileged and the less fortunate. The Trey Songz concert will ultimately take advantage of both aspects by entertaining his fans and give back to the community.
With an album that is topping the Billboard charts, Trey Songz is more than "Ready" to leave a blazing trail throughout his nationwide tour. His appearance at the Bell County Exposition Center will mark the first breakthrough R&B concert in the region since 2003. He will debut some of his heartfelt ballads and upbeat rhythms in front of an arena of thousands of delighted fans.
Tickets are currently available at all Texas box office locations including select HEB stores, Bell County Expo Center Box Office, Lone Star Music in Waco, TX, Renaissance Records in Killeen, TX, ITR in Fort Hood, TX, or by phone at (512) 477-6060. They can also be purchased online at http://www.bellcountyexpo.com
About Jazzy J Events
Jazzy J Events is an entertainment, promotions, and event planning company geared towards connecting artist and their fans through the ultimate concert experience! JJE specializes in promoting and producing live events for all genres of entertainment. In representing the industry's best in live entertainment, JJE strives on delivering extraordinary events by reaching above and beyond average and only towards excellence! JJE thrives on delivering prized events with lasting memories for all fans of entertainment!
WHO: Jazzy J Events Presents Trey Songz Live in Concert
WHEN: October 25, 2009
WHERE: Bell County Exposition Center- 301 West Loop 121 Belton, TX 76513
Get ready for the most highly anticipated R&B concert that the Central Texas area has been awaiting for years. Best selling artist Trey Songz will boldly make his presence known as he routes his chart-topping songs through the Bell County area for the first time. With the release of his new studio album "Ready," the time has arrived for fans to witness a series of extraordinary performances from one of the most successful R&B artists of the decade. Trey Songz is prepared to establish a prevailing music scene with a breathtaking concert on October 25. He will perform live at the Bell County Exposition Center located at 301 West Loop 121 in Belton, TX.
Hosted by Jazzy J Events, an entertainment company based in Killeen, TX, this concert is geared to make a lasting connection between Trey Songz and his fans. However, Jazzy J Events also has a vision of utilizing this concert for the good of the community. By changing the world through the art of entertainment, Jazzy J Events believes in improving "Our World's Community." The company feels rewarded to utilize live music events in order to give back to the underprivileged and the less fortunate. The Trey Songz concert will ultimately take advantage of both aspects by entertaining his fans and give back to the community.
With an album that is topping the Billboard charts, Trey Songz is more than "Ready" to leave a blazing trail throughout his nationwide tour. His appearance at the Bell County Exposition Center will mark the first breakthrough R&B concert in the region since 2003. He will debut some of his heartfelt ballads and upbeat rhythms in front of an arena of thousands of delighted fans.
Tickets are currently available at all Texas box office locations including select HEB stores, Bell County Expo Center Box Office, Lone Star Music in Waco, TX, Renaissance Records in Killeen, TX, ITR in Fort Hood, TX, or by phone at (512) 477-6060. They can also be purchased online at http://www.bellcountyexpo.com
About Jazzy J Events
Jazzy J Events is an entertainment, promotions, and event planning company geared towards connecting artist and their fans through the ultimate concert experience! JJE specializes in promoting and producing live events for all genres of entertainment. In representing the industry's best in live entertainment, JJE strives on delivering extraordinary events by reaching above and beyond average and only towards excellence! JJE thrives on delivering prized events with lasting memories for all fans of entertainment!
WHO: Jazzy J Events Presents Trey Songz Live in Concert
WHEN: October 25, 2009
WHERE: Bell County Exposition Center- 301 West Loop 121 Belton, TX 76513
"ON THE LINE" BY SERENA WILLIAMS
Bookcover
Tennis great Serena Williams shares details of her life and career, from growing up in the tough neighborhood of Compton, California, to being trained by her father on public tennis courts littered with broken glass and drug paraphernalia, to becoming the top women's player in the world.
Along with her triumphs, Serena opens up about her struggles, like being derailed by injury, and tragedies, like the devastating shooting death of her older sister that made headlines. Both on the court and off, she's applied the strength and determination that helped her to become a world champion, and a presence in philanthropy, fashion, television and film.
This compelling and poignant memoir, takes an empowering look at Serena's extraordinary life.
Book Details:
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
Released: September 1, 2009
ISBN: 9780446553667
To get this book and others for just $2, visit:
www.BlackNovels.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
DIGGIN’ IN THE CRATES (D.I.T.C.) MC’S, O.C. & A.G., TEAM UP TO RELEASE LONG AWAITED ALBUM
Legendary New York MCs, O.C. & A.G. return from a brief hiatus to quench the thirst of hip-hop fans worldwide. The album, refreshingly titled, OASIS, is executive produced by Show (of Showbiz & AG fame) and features stellar production by Show, Lord Finesse, E. Blaze, and Statik Selektah. O & A, longtime friends and crewmates, first collaborated together on the classic track “Weed & Drinks” and ever since then talked about doing a whole album together. “It was organic cause the chemistry was also so crazy, explains OC. “The whole process was really pure and from the heart and hip-hop fans are gonna love it!”, says AG about their new album.
Born in the Brooklyn and raised in Queens, O.C grew up across the street from another lyrical legend, Pharoahe Monch of Organized Konfusion. That neighbor spawned O.C’s recording debut was in 1991 on Organized Konfusion’s classic “Fudge Pudge. O.C. was tour when he first ran into D.I.T.C. members Lord Finesse & Buckwild. After the tour, Buckwild and O.C worked on a demo that would eventually become the Wild Pitch Records classic, Word…Life which contained the classic lyrical assault Time’s Up, later featured on Eminem’s biopic, 8 Mile.
Andre the Giant, better known as A.G., began his rise to acclaim the day Lord Finesse showed up at his school to challenge any lyricist that dared to battle. AG stood up to Finesse, line for line and Finesse couldn’t help but take notice of the hungry rapper. While in the studio contributing to Lord Finesse’s upcoming LP Funky Technician, AG met Showbiz for the first time. The bond was instant and the newly formed duo began their career by selling self-financed Soul Clap EP out of the trunk of Show’s Acura Legend coupe. Their first LP, “Runaway Slave", put the spotlight back on the Bronx and heavily influenced the whole modern East Coast style of rap. Their sound was a combination of mobster influence, thoughtful lyricism, and amazing production that became synonymous with the D.I.T.C crew.
With a combined 10+ albums under their belt, it’s amazing how the guys stay relevant after all these years. A.G. explains, “For me, it’s the passion, when you’re passionate about something, you stay inspired, through the good and the bad”. When speaking about the significance of the album title OASIS, O.C adds “ˆIt’s 2009 and both AG and myself have something new and fresh to offer. Fans have been searching for something like this for a long time and finally here it is”
O.C. & A.G. – Think About It (FREE DOWNLOAD)
http://www.dailyrindblog.com/audio/OC&AG_thinkaboutit.mp3
Born in the Brooklyn and raised in Queens, O.C grew up across the street from another lyrical legend, Pharoahe Monch of Organized Konfusion. That neighbor spawned O.C’s recording debut was in 1991 on Organized Konfusion’s classic “Fudge Pudge. O.C. was tour when he first ran into D.I.T.C. members Lord Finesse & Buckwild. After the tour, Buckwild and O.C worked on a demo that would eventually become the Wild Pitch Records classic, Word…Life which contained the classic lyrical assault Time’s Up, later featured on Eminem’s biopic, 8 Mile.
Andre the Giant, better known as A.G., began his rise to acclaim the day Lord Finesse showed up at his school to challenge any lyricist that dared to battle. AG stood up to Finesse, line for line and Finesse couldn’t help but take notice of the hungry rapper. While in the studio contributing to Lord Finesse’s upcoming LP Funky Technician, AG met Showbiz for the first time. The bond was instant and the newly formed duo began their career by selling self-financed Soul Clap EP out of the trunk of Show’s Acura Legend coupe. Their first LP, “Runaway Slave", put the spotlight back on the Bronx and heavily influenced the whole modern East Coast style of rap. Their sound was a combination of mobster influence, thoughtful lyricism, and amazing production that became synonymous with the D.I.T.C crew.
With a combined 10+ albums under their belt, it’s amazing how the guys stay relevant after all these years. A.G. explains, “For me, it’s the passion, when you’re passionate about something, you stay inspired, through the good and the bad”. When speaking about the significance of the album title OASIS, O.C adds “ˆIt’s 2009 and both AG and myself have something new and fresh to offer. Fans have been searching for something like this for a long time and finally here it is”
O.C. & A.G. – Think About It (FREE DOWNLOAD)
http://www.dailyrindblog.com/audio/OC&AG_thinkaboutit.mp3
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Really Doe Speaks to The Industry Cosign
Chicago native, Really Doe, talks about his latest project and how he got started in this thing we call the industry!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Best of Morgan Heritage October 27
VP RECORDS HIGHLIGHTS THE VERY BEST OF MORGAN HERITAGE
This must-have compilation chronicles the favorites, highlights, and rarities celebrating the talented family’s Journey Thus Far.
Since their 1997 VP Records debut Protect Us Jah, Morgan Heritage has shined as one of reggae’s best bands. The accomplishments of the group and individual members are formidable; as songwriters, producers and a touring band. This family of talented performers has released eight studio and two live albums which has extended the audience and definition of Reggae. This finely honed modern roots identity, which has made Morgan Heritage one of Reggae’s most enduringly successful acts, is showcased throughout this greatest hits CD/DVD compilation, The Journey Thus Far in stores October 27th. This comprehensive disc features the group’s finest recordings to date, plus two previously unreleased tracks. It also features concert footage of The Morgans performing in Senegal and Gambia plus nine of the group’s most popular videos.
The CD commences with the title track from “Protect Us Jah” a simple yet heartfelt prayer for spiritual strength sung over Bobby Digital’s brilliant reworking of the “Heathen” rhythm, i.e., the instrumentation from the Bob Marley song by that name. From the same album, “Let’s Make Up” demonstrates the group’s flair for love songs and features Una’s lead alongside her brother Gramps. “Liberation” is the name of the song and rhythm track taken from Morgan Heritage Family and Friends Volume One, released in 1998 on the family’s HMG label. Produced by the group alongside their father Denroy, several artists voiced on the rhythm including Capleton and Jah Cure but none was more significant than the Morgan’s tune, a stirring tribute to the durability of conscious reggae music. Heritage reached out to celebrated producer Bobby “Digital” Dixon for his production acumen on their international breakthrough release “Don’t Haffi Dread”, released by VP in 1999. “Don’t Haffi Dread” remains one of the most requested in the group’s hit filled repertoire with its easily sung, catchy refrain “you don’t haffi dread to be Rasta” (that is, you don’t have to wear dreadlocks to observe the tenants of the Rastafarian faith). “It’s not everyone with dreads who embraces the faith of Rastafari and its not every Rastaman that have dreadlocks,” lead singer Peetah explained.
The exquisite “Down By The River”, taken from Heritage’s fourth album “More Teachings”, released by VP in 2001, is an anthem of renewed spiritually sung over producer Dean Fraser’s flawless remake of the 1965 “What Kind of World” rhythm, popularized in a hit by The Cables. The group’s self produced “Meskal Square”, so named for the main square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the birthplace of Christianity and the spiritual home of Rastafari, conveys the central importance of Ethiopian Emperor and Rastafarian Savior His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie as well as Christianity in their lives. “Jah Seed”, also produced by Morgan Heritage, is a sensitively sung allegiance to “the light and leader of all things, the glorious king” Jah Rastafari.
The Morgan’s returned to Bobby Digital, with whom they have created some of their most outstanding tracks, for their 2003 VP Records release “Three In One”. The romantic “She’s Still Loving Me” has an irresistible country and western flavor that seamlessly dovetails with the band’s roots reggae sensibilities while the contrast between Peetah’s emotional tenor and Gramps’ soulful baritone make this one of the group’s most requested tunes. “A Man is Still A Man” is characterized by gentle harmonies, a rocking bass heavy rhythm and a timeless message that is expressed with renewed vigor.
Also from “Three In One” is the group’s remix of their dance-reggae hit “Jump Around”, a tribute to reggae that evokes Bob Marley’s 1979 disco hit “Could you Be Loved” as laminated with a 21st century punk edge. Layers of crunching guitars played by Benji Madden of the punk group Good Charlotte are punctuated by Mr. Mojo’s vivaciously rapped verse, which typifies the multi-genre inspirations that color the Morgans brand of contemporary roots music. Among those influences is punk rock, which they were heavily exposed to as one of the featured acts on the punk leaning Vans Warped Tour in 2002 and 2003.
Two of the biggest reggae hits of 2004/2005 were produced on enormously popular one-drop rhythms by Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett and included on Heritage’s 2005 VP Records release “Full Circle”. Peetah earned cheers from women everywhere as he rebuffed the advances of “Your Best Friend” on the “Drop Leaf” rhythm while “Tell Me How Come?” on the “Seasons” rhythm forcefully decries the injustices that abound in Jamaica from the continual fight against Rastafari, to the discrepancy in education offered to rich and poor children, to the preponderance of guns in ghetto areas although none are made there, all of which is embodied in the song’s affecting chant: “Life is so unfair, this is what we swear.” Gramps’ robust lead drives “I’m Coming Home” produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Productions, one of several songs the group has written about the loneliness that accompanies life on the road, something they are quite familiar with as one of reggae’s busiest touring acts.
From the group’s 10th Album “Mission in Progress” released by VP in 2008, “Brooklyn and Jamaica” produced by Shane Brown, draws gritty parallels between reggae’s birthplace and the borough of kings, home to the largest population of Jamaicans off of the island. “Nothing to Smile About” produced by Kemar “DJ Flava” McGregor, presents a heart wrenching look at the incongruity between the opulent resorts of tourist Jamaica versus the impoverished conditions endured by the majority of its citizens, underscored by Peetah’s poignant delivery. The sensual “Love You Right” produced by Everton Hardware (better known as Singing Melody) and Michael Steer demonstrates the group’s romantic side, an aspect of their identity much appreciated by their numerous female fans.
Two previously unreleased Morgan Heritage tracks appear exclusively on The Journey Thus Far: “Here To Stay”, produced by Kurt Riley, is a one-drop reggae love song, that pledges a lifetime of devotion, despite the problems inherent to any relationship. “Guards Up” produced by Frenchie (of the UK’s Maximum Sound) offers a forceful commentary on increasing violence in Jamaica and updates the traditional Flower Drum Song rhythm, in a further realization of the group’s “Rockaz” sound.
The Journey Thus Far demonstrates Morgan Heritage’s collective building process and their extraordinary evolution from a precociously talented teen aggregation into one of contemporary Reggae’s most powerful sonic and lyrical forces. Throughout their profound journey, Morgan Heritage has pioneered Jamaican music’s popularity in such far flung locales as the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the rural Northern U.S., where many residents had never even heard the word reggae prior to their appearances there and they’ve made roots reggae relevant to a generation of fans who weren’t yet born when Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown were touring the world.
TRACKLISTING
1. Protect Us Jah
2. Let’s Make Up
3. Don’t Haffi Dread
4. Reggae Bring Back Love Bonus DVD Footage
5. New Time, New Sign Africa Is Calling
6. Liberation Nine (9) Music Videos
7. Down By The River
8. Jah Seed
9. Meskal Square
10. She’s Still Loving Me
11. A Man Is Still A Man
12. Jump Around (Remix)
13. Tell Me How Come
14. I’m Coming Home
15. Your Best Friend featuring LMS
16. Brooklyn & Jamaica
17. Love You Right
18. Nothing To Smile About
19. Here To Stay*
20. Guards Up* *Newly released bonus tracks
This must-have compilation chronicles the favorites, highlights, and rarities celebrating the talented family’s Journey Thus Far.
Since their 1997 VP Records debut Protect Us Jah, Morgan Heritage has shined as one of reggae’s best bands. The accomplishments of the group and individual members are formidable; as songwriters, producers and a touring band. This family of talented performers has released eight studio and two live albums which has extended the audience and definition of Reggae. This finely honed modern roots identity, which has made Morgan Heritage one of Reggae’s most enduringly successful acts, is showcased throughout this greatest hits CD/DVD compilation, The Journey Thus Far in stores October 27th. This comprehensive disc features the group’s finest recordings to date, plus two previously unreleased tracks. It also features concert footage of The Morgans performing in Senegal and Gambia plus nine of the group’s most popular videos.
The CD commences with the title track from “Protect Us Jah” a simple yet heartfelt prayer for spiritual strength sung over Bobby Digital’s brilliant reworking of the “Heathen” rhythm, i.e., the instrumentation from the Bob Marley song by that name. From the same album, “Let’s Make Up” demonstrates the group’s flair for love songs and features Una’s lead alongside her brother Gramps. “Liberation” is the name of the song and rhythm track taken from Morgan Heritage Family and Friends Volume One, released in 1998 on the family’s HMG label. Produced by the group alongside their father Denroy, several artists voiced on the rhythm including Capleton and Jah Cure but none was more significant than the Morgan’s tune, a stirring tribute to the durability of conscious reggae music. Heritage reached out to celebrated producer Bobby “Digital” Dixon for his production acumen on their international breakthrough release “Don’t Haffi Dread”, released by VP in 1999. “Don’t Haffi Dread” remains one of the most requested in the group’s hit filled repertoire with its easily sung, catchy refrain “you don’t haffi dread to be Rasta” (that is, you don’t have to wear dreadlocks to observe the tenants of the Rastafarian faith). “It’s not everyone with dreads who embraces the faith of Rastafari and its not every Rastaman that have dreadlocks,” lead singer Peetah explained.
The exquisite “Down By The River”, taken from Heritage’s fourth album “More Teachings”, released by VP in 2001, is an anthem of renewed spiritually sung over producer Dean Fraser’s flawless remake of the 1965 “What Kind of World” rhythm, popularized in a hit by The Cables. The group’s self produced “Meskal Square”, so named for the main square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the birthplace of Christianity and the spiritual home of Rastafari, conveys the central importance of Ethiopian Emperor and Rastafarian Savior His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie as well as Christianity in their lives. “Jah Seed”, also produced by Morgan Heritage, is a sensitively sung allegiance to “the light and leader of all things, the glorious king” Jah Rastafari.
The Morgan’s returned to Bobby Digital, with whom they have created some of their most outstanding tracks, for their 2003 VP Records release “Three In One”. The romantic “She’s Still Loving Me” has an irresistible country and western flavor that seamlessly dovetails with the band’s roots reggae sensibilities while the contrast between Peetah’s emotional tenor and Gramps’ soulful baritone make this one of the group’s most requested tunes. “A Man is Still A Man” is characterized by gentle harmonies, a rocking bass heavy rhythm and a timeless message that is expressed with renewed vigor.
Also from “Three In One” is the group’s remix of their dance-reggae hit “Jump Around”, a tribute to reggae that evokes Bob Marley’s 1979 disco hit “Could you Be Loved” as laminated with a 21st century punk edge. Layers of crunching guitars played by Benji Madden of the punk group Good Charlotte are punctuated by Mr. Mojo’s vivaciously rapped verse, which typifies the multi-genre inspirations that color the Morgans brand of contemporary roots music. Among those influences is punk rock, which they were heavily exposed to as one of the featured acts on the punk leaning Vans Warped Tour in 2002 and 2003.
Two of the biggest reggae hits of 2004/2005 were produced on enormously popular one-drop rhythms by Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett and included on Heritage’s 2005 VP Records release “Full Circle”. Peetah earned cheers from women everywhere as he rebuffed the advances of “Your Best Friend” on the “Drop Leaf” rhythm while “Tell Me How Come?” on the “Seasons” rhythm forcefully decries the injustices that abound in Jamaica from the continual fight against Rastafari, to the discrepancy in education offered to rich and poor children, to the preponderance of guns in ghetto areas although none are made there, all of which is embodied in the song’s affecting chant: “Life is so unfair, this is what we swear.” Gramps’ robust lead drives “I’m Coming Home” produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Productions, one of several songs the group has written about the loneliness that accompanies life on the road, something they are quite familiar with as one of reggae’s busiest touring acts.
From the group’s 10th Album “Mission in Progress” released by VP in 2008, “Brooklyn and Jamaica” produced by Shane Brown, draws gritty parallels between reggae’s birthplace and the borough of kings, home to the largest population of Jamaicans off of the island. “Nothing to Smile About” produced by Kemar “DJ Flava” McGregor, presents a heart wrenching look at the incongruity between the opulent resorts of tourist Jamaica versus the impoverished conditions endured by the majority of its citizens, underscored by Peetah’s poignant delivery. The sensual “Love You Right” produced by Everton Hardware (better known as Singing Melody) and Michael Steer demonstrates the group’s romantic side, an aspect of their identity much appreciated by their numerous female fans.
Two previously unreleased Morgan Heritage tracks appear exclusively on The Journey Thus Far: “Here To Stay”, produced by Kurt Riley, is a one-drop reggae love song, that pledges a lifetime of devotion, despite the problems inherent to any relationship. “Guards Up” produced by Frenchie (of the UK’s Maximum Sound) offers a forceful commentary on increasing violence in Jamaica and updates the traditional Flower Drum Song rhythm, in a further realization of the group’s “Rockaz” sound.
The Journey Thus Far demonstrates Morgan Heritage’s collective building process and their extraordinary evolution from a precociously talented teen aggregation into one of contemporary Reggae’s most powerful sonic and lyrical forces. Throughout their profound journey, Morgan Heritage has pioneered Jamaican music’s popularity in such far flung locales as the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the rural Northern U.S., where many residents had never even heard the word reggae prior to their appearances there and they’ve made roots reggae relevant to a generation of fans who weren’t yet born when Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown were touring the world.
TRACKLISTING
1. Protect Us Jah
2. Let’s Make Up
3. Don’t Haffi Dread
4. Reggae Bring Back Love Bonus DVD Footage
5. New Time, New Sign Africa Is Calling
6. Liberation Nine (9) Music Videos
7. Down By The River
8. Jah Seed
9. Meskal Square
10. She’s Still Loving Me
11. A Man Is Still A Man
12. Jump Around (Remix)
13. Tell Me How Come
14. I’m Coming Home
15. Your Best Friend featuring LMS
16. Brooklyn & Jamaica
17. Love You Right
18. Nothing To Smile About
19. Here To Stay*
20. Guards Up* *Newly released bonus tracks
Greg Nice Performing at Dana Dane's Birthday Party at The Video Mix Party In NYC
Greg Nice performing at Dana Dane's Birthday Party at the M1-5 Lounge in NYC at The Video Mix Party
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
COMEDIAN MIKE EPPS TO RELEASE BRAND NEW MUSIC/COMEDY ALBUM, FUNNY BIDNESS...DA ALBUM ON OCTOBER 27TH, 2009
Mike Epps, one of the funniest emerging comedic actors today, is set to release his brand new debut Hip Hop music/comedy album, Funny Bidness…Da Album, on October 27, 2009. This hilariously entertaining CD features all new material, including original songs, parodies, skits and live comedy. The album will also feature "prank calls" made by Epps to various unsuspecting celebrities.
Some of hip hop’s biggest stars lend their talents to Funny Bidness, including Flo-Rida ("Baby Makin Brother") Snoop Dog ("Domestic Dispute") and Slim Thug and Too $hort (" I Da Pimp").
Epps states, “I feel that I can skin this Hollywood cat 9 different ways. I'm just having a good time."
In addition, Epps has been selected to host the 2009 BET HIP HOP AWARDS. Taping on Saturday, October 10 in Atlanta, this exciting annual special will once again celebrate the biggest names in the game, on the mic and in the community. The BET HIP HOP AWARDS will premiere on the network on Tuesday, October 27.
And Epps doesn’t stop just there. This fall, his Comedy Special on Showtime - "Under-rated and Never Faded - Live from Detroit" will air on the network on Saturday, October 3rd. The DVD release of this special will hit stores on November 10th.
Epps starred in two feature films this year – the Summit Films comedy “Next Day Air” alongside Mos Def and Donald Faison, and Janky Promoters,” the comedic reteaming of Epps and Ice Cube for Dimension Films.
Epps first gained notoriety when he appeared in 1995 on the Def Comedy Jam tour and appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam Broadcasts. Since then, Epps has cultivated a stellar film career and has appeared in such films as Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, All About the Benjamins, Next Friday, Bait, How High, Friday After Next, Talk To Me, The Fighting Temptations, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Roll Bounce, Something New, Guess Who, and The Honeymooners. Epps was also the voice of Sonny in Dr. Doolittle 2 and had a hilarious cameo in the 08 blockbuster Hancock.
Epps is currently performing stand-up comedy across the nation.
For more on Mike Epps, please visit www.myspace.com/eppisodes.
Some of hip hop’s biggest stars lend their talents to Funny Bidness, including Flo-Rida ("Baby Makin Brother") Snoop Dog ("Domestic Dispute") and Slim Thug and Too $hort (" I Da Pimp").
Epps states, “I feel that I can skin this Hollywood cat 9 different ways. I'm just having a good time."
In addition, Epps has been selected to host the 2009 BET HIP HOP AWARDS. Taping on Saturday, October 10 in Atlanta, this exciting annual special will once again celebrate the biggest names in the game, on the mic and in the community. The BET HIP HOP AWARDS will premiere on the network on Tuesday, October 27.
And Epps doesn’t stop just there. This fall, his Comedy Special on Showtime - "Under-rated and Never Faded - Live from Detroit" will air on the network on Saturday, October 3rd. The DVD release of this special will hit stores on November 10th.
Epps starred in two feature films this year – the Summit Films comedy “Next Day Air” alongside Mos Def and Donald Faison, and Janky Promoters,” the comedic reteaming of Epps and Ice Cube for Dimension Films.
Epps first gained notoriety when he appeared in 1995 on the Def Comedy Jam tour and appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam Broadcasts. Since then, Epps has cultivated a stellar film career and has appeared in such films as Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, All About the Benjamins, Next Friday, Bait, How High, Friday After Next, Talk To Me, The Fighting Temptations, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Roll Bounce, Something New, Guess Who, and The Honeymooners. Epps was also the voice of Sonny in Dr. Doolittle 2 and had a hilarious cameo in the 08 blockbuster Hancock.
Epps is currently performing stand-up comedy across the nation.
For more on Mike Epps, please visit www.myspace.com/eppisodes.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
THE AMERICAN MUSIC PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER JAZZ, HIP-HOP, POETRY, R&B, GOSPEL AND FUNK ON ITS DEBUT RELEASE "ON THE BRIGHT SIDE"
Available Internationally on October 20, 2009
"With words by urban poet/rapper Dejuan "D Priest" Everett and music by Dane Bays, the American Music Project's "On The Bright Side" bars no holds in the honesty of its lyrics or the power of its jazz improvisations." - Russ Musto, AllAboutJazz-New York
The barrier-breaking brainchild of Motor City urban rapper/poet Dejuan "D Priest" Everett and alto saxophonist/composer Dane Bays, the American Music Project (A.M.P.) brings together the worlds of jazz, hip hop, poetry, R&B, gospel, funk and Motown in an open minded marriage of words and music, wherein each form is represented at its highest level. Since making its first recorded appearance on pianist Keith Javors' critically acclaimed ArtistsShare album "The Free Project," the Detroit-based group has evolved into a truly cooperative unit in which each member - D Priest, Bays and Javors, and their colleagues, bassist Dave Ziegner, drummer Alex Brooks and vocalist Curtis Isom - contributes equally to the band's "dialect spinning jazz concepts."
"This is our music - American music - Miles, Coltrane, Billy Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Tupac Shakur," proclaims D Priest, during the date's opening track, "Welcome," on which he introduces listeners, emcee style, to the band's individual members and their group's musical outlook. Bays, who was mentored by Detroit's legendary saxophonist Larry Smith and whom D Priest calls "The Jazz Man," explains A.M.P.'s creative philosophy - "We try to meet the non-standard jazz listener half way, by playing music that appeals to a broader audience while maintaining the level of integrity for which traditional jazz is known." D Priest speaks to the group's message of optimism, a conscious alternative to the mindless rage of much modern rap music. "I believe in positive feelings, positive thoughts," he says. "It's the truth and the truth don't stop."
With musical antecedents in the revolutionary black jazz of the sixties and seventies, the American Music Project picks up the mantle erected by instrumentalists Max Roach, Pharoah Sanders, Horace Silver and Gary Bartz and wordsmiths Oscar Brown, Jr., Leon Thomas, Andy Bey and Gil Scott Heron, among others. Completely contemporary in its distinctly modern sound, the group's potency is nevertheless strengthened by its awareness of the tradition out of which it has emerged and its undeniable desire to affect constructive change, now. Centered around the rhythmic, rapid-fire rapping of D Priest, A.M.P.'s music aggressively demands attention, while delivering a message that is more positive and conciliatory than that generally heard in rap. This is empowering mind-expanding music for the era of Obama.
The title track of "On The Bright Side" is attractive in both its words and music. Bays' melodic line is broadly appealing and D Priest's call and response lyrics - "On The Bright Side/ You have your dreams/On The Bright Side/You can succeed/On The Bright Side/Just love your life Š" - are infectious in their optimism.
The message of "Path of Most Resistance" (words by D Priest, music by Bays) regards the struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a society that is often diametrically opposed to an individual's creative impulses. The A.M.P.'s musical formula is in full flower here, with D Priest's insistent rap instilling tight-wire tension over Bays' relaxed melody, with vocalist Curtis Isom soulful singing offering a soothing respite in his consoling choruses.
Bays proves himself to also be a capable lyricist on his "By The Way," a romantic ballad on which Isom convincingly croons the saxophonist's loving words in a vocal style that recalls classic R&B balladeers from Smokey Robinson to Brian McKnight. D Priest's words are back in play on "Forever More," rapping "Through jazz, hip-hop and a funk fusion/It's a revolution, revolution, revolution" and on "Call It What You Want," where he raps "With verbal darts I aim/Hopin' to inflict pain in brains/Inject hope in veins."
Bays' beautiful words and music are once again in the spotlight on his "My Past Is Here To Stay." Soul-singing Cutis Isom turns in another moving performance on this romantic plea for just one more chance to keep love alive.
The incredible breadth of the A.M.P.'s artistry is in full bloom on "Lonnie's Lament," with D Priest's powerful intonation of his own words to the John Coltrane classic rapped over the band's impassioned playing, with Bays' undiluted saxophone screaming mightily over the relentlessly pushing Javors-Ziegner-Brooks rhythm section. This commanding merger of jazz and rap is what the band is all about and its message should be felt loud and clear to all after hearing D Priest's call out "To open your mind/I'm about to hit you with a jazzed-out rhyme/Rushin' deep inside your brain/Relievin' your pain."
Contemporary in its flavor, tradition-intensifying in its scope, the sound of the American Music Project's "On The Bright Side" is one whose time has come. Its goal - to bring the harmonious message of jazz to wider spectrum of largely unaware younger listeners while playing the music with the honesty and passion to which rap claims to aspire but seldom achieves - is much more than laudable, it's essential if jazz is to continue to grow and rap is to reach its full potential. The first full-length effort by the group should find A.M.P. a receptive audience among fans of all kinds of music.
"With words by urban poet/rapper Dejuan "D Priest" Everett and music by Dane Bays, the American Music Project's "On The Bright Side" bars no holds in the honesty of its lyrics or the power of its jazz improvisations." - Russ Musto, AllAboutJazz-New York
The barrier-breaking brainchild of Motor City urban rapper/poet Dejuan "D Priest" Everett and alto saxophonist/composer Dane Bays, the American Music Project (A.M.P.) brings together the worlds of jazz, hip hop, poetry, R&B, gospel, funk and Motown in an open minded marriage of words and music, wherein each form is represented at its highest level. Since making its first recorded appearance on pianist Keith Javors' critically acclaimed ArtistsShare album "The Free Project," the Detroit-based group has evolved into a truly cooperative unit in which each member - D Priest, Bays and Javors, and their colleagues, bassist Dave Ziegner, drummer Alex Brooks and vocalist Curtis Isom - contributes equally to the band's "dialect spinning jazz concepts."
"This is our music - American music - Miles, Coltrane, Billy Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Tupac Shakur," proclaims D Priest, during the date's opening track, "Welcome," on which he introduces listeners, emcee style, to the band's individual members and their group's musical outlook. Bays, who was mentored by Detroit's legendary saxophonist Larry Smith and whom D Priest calls "The Jazz Man," explains A.M.P.'s creative philosophy - "We try to meet the non-standard jazz listener half way, by playing music that appeals to a broader audience while maintaining the level of integrity for which traditional jazz is known." D Priest speaks to the group's message of optimism, a conscious alternative to the mindless rage of much modern rap music. "I believe in positive feelings, positive thoughts," he says. "It's the truth and the truth don't stop."
With musical antecedents in the revolutionary black jazz of the sixties and seventies, the American Music Project picks up the mantle erected by instrumentalists Max Roach, Pharoah Sanders, Horace Silver and Gary Bartz and wordsmiths Oscar Brown, Jr., Leon Thomas, Andy Bey and Gil Scott Heron, among others. Completely contemporary in its distinctly modern sound, the group's potency is nevertheless strengthened by its awareness of the tradition out of which it has emerged and its undeniable desire to affect constructive change, now. Centered around the rhythmic, rapid-fire rapping of D Priest, A.M.P.'s music aggressively demands attention, while delivering a message that is more positive and conciliatory than that generally heard in rap. This is empowering mind-expanding music for the era of Obama.
The title track of "On The Bright Side" is attractive in both its words and music. Bays' melodic line is broadly appealing and D Priest's call and response lyrics - "On The Bright Side/ You have your dreams/On The Bright Side/You can succeed/On The Bright Side/Just love your life Š" - are infectious in their optimism.
The message of "Path of Most Resistance" (words by D Priest, music by Bays) regards the struggle to maintain artistic integrity in a society that is often diametrically opposed to an individual's creative impulses. The A.M.P.'s musical formula is in full flower here, with D Priest's insistent rap instilling tight-wire tension over Bays' relaxed melody, with vocalist Curtis Isom soulful singing offering a soothing respite in his consoling choruses.
Bays proves himself to also be a capable lyricist on his "By The Way," a romantic ballad on which Isom convincingly croons the saxophonist's loving words in a vocal style that recalls classic R&B balladeers from Smokey Robinson to Brian McKnight. D Priest's words are back in play on "Forever More," rapping "Through jazz, hip-hop and a funk fusion/It's a revolution, revolution, revolution" and on "Call It What You Want," where he raps "With verbal darts I aim/Hopin' to inflict pain in brains/Inject hope in veins."
Bays' beautiful words and music are once again in the spotlight on his "My Past Is Here To Stay." Soul-singing Cutis Isom turns in another moving performance on this romantic plea for just one more chance to keep love alive.
The incredible breadth of the A.M.P.'s artistry is in full bloom on "Lonnie's Lament," with D Priest's powerful intonation of his own words to the John Coltrane classic rapped over the band's impassioned playing, with Bays' undiluted saxophone screaming mightily over the relentlessly pushing Javors-Ziegner-Brooks rhythm section. This commanding merger of jazz and rap is what the band is all about and its message should be felt loud and clear to all after hearing D Priest's call out "To open your mind/I'm about to hit you with a jazzed-out rhyme/Rushin' deep inside your brain/Relievin' your pain."
Contemporary in its flavor, tradition-intensifying in its scope, the sound of the American Music Project's "On The Bright Side" is one whose time has come. Its goal - to bring the harmonious message of jazz to wider spectrum of largely unaware younger listeners while playing the music with the honesty and passion to which rap claims to aspire but seldom achieves - is much more than laudable, it's essential if jazz is to continue to grow and rap is to reach its full potential. The first full-length effort by the group should find A.M.P. a receptive audience among fans of all kinds of music.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
B.o.B AKA BOBBY RAY SLATES NEW US TOUR
Rebel Rock Entertainment/Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist B.o.B aka Bobby Ray has announced details of his upcoming US tour. The dates – which see the acclaimed rapper joining Shwayze on their “Get U Home Tour” – begin on September 23rd at Chicago’s House of Blues and then continue through mid-October (see attached itinerary).
Hailed as one of hip-hop’s most inventive and exciting young artists, Bobby Ray spent much of this past summer touring alongside Asher Roth and Kid Cudi on the smash “Great Hangover Tour.” The ATL-based rapper’s hugely anticipated debut album, “B.o.B PRESENTS THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY,” is coming soon.
Named among XXL’s “10 Freshmen of 2009,” Bobby Ray has been drawing ecstatic press in recent months. Smooth celebrated the multi-talented MC’s “virtuosic talent” and “lyrical directness,” while Ozone called him “one of the most anticipated newcomers in the game.” Nylon hailed Bobby Ray as a leading figure of “a new generation of hip-hop upstarts” and the Wall Street Journal concurred, praising B.o.B for “testing the genre’s conventions.” Additional profiles have appeared in such publications as Complex and Paste, which included Bobby Ray in its “The Best of What’s Next ‘09” round-up.
* * * * *
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its outcasts, B.o.B aka Bobby Ray is truly out of the ordinary. The rapper – born Bobby Ray Simmons – is already a significant force in Southern hip-hop, having captured underground interest with a variety of mixtapes and his smokers anthem, “Cloud 9.”
In 2006, while he was still attending high school, B.o.B came to the attention of renowned producer/songwriter Jim Jonsin (Lil’ Wayne, Pretty Ricky, Twista, Danity Kane, Trick Daddy), who promptly signed the young MC to his Rebel Rock Entertainment label.
An accomplished musician and producer, Bobby Ray scored a breakthrough hit in 2008 with the smash single/video, “Haterz Everywhere,” which was an MTV “Jam of the Week” as well as a top 10 hit on the network’s Sucker Free Countdown. A wide range of media attention greeted the talented young rapper’s arrival on the hip-hop scene, with features and reviews appearing in such national publications and online outlets as The Source, Complex, Spin, URB, XXL, Fader, Rolling Stone, and Murderdog. Vibe recently hailed Bobby Ray’s leading role in the emerging ATL sound, noting that “a musical renaissance has begun to take shape, and locals like B.o.B are putting a new movement in motion.”
Bobby Ray also established a major presence online, having now logged over 15 million total plays at his official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/bobatl. In addition, B.o.B's official website, www.bobatl.com, has been recently launched with tons of exclusive tracks, videos and user-generated features.
As if all that weren’t enough, B.o.B recently teamed up with Reebok on a unique reinterpretation of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Bonita Applebum” in celebration of the Reebok Classic Remix collection. The track – titled “Put Me On” – is available for download exclusively to customers who purchase styles from the Reebok Classic Remix collection at Foot Locker stores nationwide (for further details, please visit www.footlockerunlocked.com/classicremix).
Now Bobby Ray is focusing all his substantial energies on creating the upcoming “B.o.B PRESENTS THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY,” producing the majority of the album by himself, while also learning to play multiple musical instruments, including piano, trumpet and French horn. The result is a funky and fascinating journey into a gifted new artist's far-reaching imagination.
“I just want to show people that there are endless possibilities of what you can do,” Bobby Ray says. “You don’t just have to be a rapper, you don’t just have to be a trapper; you can be anything you want to be and whatever you do, just love it and it will show.”
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.bobatl.com, www.myspace.com/bobatl, or www.imeem.com/bobatl.
B.o.B AKA BOBBY RAY
ON TOUR 2009
All Dates w/Shwayze
SEPTEMBER
23 Chicago, IL House of Blues
25 Cleveland, OH Peabody's
26 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
28 Norfolk, VA The Norva
29 Baltimore, MD Sonar
30 New Haven, CT Toads Place
OCTOBER
2 S. Hackensack, NJ School of Rock
4 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
6 Providence, RI Lupos
7 Allston, MA Harpers Ferry
9 Buffalo, NY Frightworld
Hailed as one of hip-hop’s most inventive and exciting young artists, Bobby Ray spent much of this past summer touring alongside Asher Roth and Kid Cudi on the smash “Great Hangover Tour.” The ATL-based rapper’s hugely anticipated debut album, “B.o.B PRESENTS THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY,” is coming soon.
Named among XXL’s “10 Freshmen of 2009,” Bobby Ray has been drawing ecstatic press in recent months. Smooth celebrated the multi-talented MC’s “virtuosic talent” and “lyrical directness,” while Ozone called him “one of the most anticipated newcomers in the game.” Nylon hailed Bobby Ray as a leading figure of “a new generation of hip-hop upstarts” and the Wall Street Journal concurred, praising B.o.B for “testing the genre’s conventions.” Additional profiles have appeared in such publications as Complex and Paste, which included Bobby Ray in its “The Best of What’s Next ‘09” round-up.
* * * * *
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its outcasts, B.o.B aka Bobby Ray is truly out of the ordinary. The rapper – born Bobby Ray Simmons – is already a significant force in Southern hip-hop, having captured underground interest with a variety of mixtapes and his smokers anthem, “Cloud 9.”
In 2006, while he was still attending high school, B.o.B came to the attention of renowned producer/songwriter Jim Jonsin (Lil’ Wayne, Pretty Ricky, Twista, Danity Kane, Trick Daddy), who promptly signed the young MC to his Rebel Rock Entertainment label.
An accomplished musician and producer, Bobby Ray scored a breakthrough hit in 2008 with the smash single/video, “Haterz Everywhere,” which was an MTV “Jam of the Week” as well as a top 10 hit on the network’s Sucker Free Countdown. A wide range of media attention greeted the talented young rapper’s arrival on the hip-hop scene, with features and reviews appearing in such national publications and online outlets as The Source, Complex, Spin, URB, XXL, Fader, Rolling Stone, and Murderdog. Vibe recently hailed Bobby Ray’s leading role in the emerging ATL sound, noting that “a musical renaissance has begun to take shape, and locals like B.o.B are putting a new movement in motion.”
Bobby Ray also established a major presence online, having now logged over 15 million total plays at his official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/bobatl. In addition, B.o.B's official website, www.bobatl.com, has been recently launched with tons of exclusive tracks, videos and user-generated features.
As if all that weren’t enough, B.o.B recently teamed up with Reebok on a unique reinterpretation of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Bonita Applebum” in celebration of the Reebok Classic Remix collection. The track – titled “Put Me On” – is available for download exclusively to customers who purchase styles from the Reebok Classic Remix collection at Foot Locker stores nationwide (for further details, please visit www.footlockerunlocked.com/classicremix).
Now Bobby Ray is focusing all his substantial energies on creating the upcoming “B.o.B PRESENTS THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY RAY,” producing the majority of the album by himself, while also learning to play multiple musical instruments, including piano, trumpet and French horn. The result is a funky and fascinating journey into a gifted new artist's far-reaching imagination.
“I just want to show people that there are endless possibilities of what you can do,” Bobby Ray says. “You don’t just have to be a rapper, you don’t just have to be a trapper; you can be anything you want to be and whatever you do, just love it and it will show.”
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.bobatl.com, www.myspace.com/bobatl, or www.imeem.com/bobatl.
B.o.B AKA BOBBY RAY
ON TOUR 2009
All Dates w/Shwayze
SEPTEMBER
23 Chicago, IL House of Blues
25 Cleveland, OH Peabody's
26 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
28 Norfolk, VA The Norva
29 Baltimore, MD Sonar
30 New Haven, CT Toads Place
OCTOBER
2 S. Hackensack, NJ School of Rock
4 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
6 Providence, RI Lupos
7 Allston, MA Harpers Ferry
9 Buffalo, NY Frightworld
New Book to Help Black Male Students Achieve
NEW BOOK OFFERS STRATEGIES FOR EDUCATORS TO RAISE THE ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS OF THEIR BLACK MALE STUDENTS
 Book Cover |  Author - Baruti K. Kafele |
Newark, NJ (BlackNews.com) - As the achievement gap continues to pose one of the greatest challenges to educators at all levels, the plight of the Black male learner poses an even greater challenge as evidenced by national achievement, dropout and suspension data. Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life will provide educators with proven strategies toward motivating their Black male learners at all grade levels to take a greater interest in school, learning and preparing for academic excellence.
Newark, NJ based principal, Baruti K. Kafele draws from his 20 years of experience in teaching Black males and turning around troubled urban schools to explain:
* Why the challenges of educating Black male students are frequently different from educating other student populations.
* What all Black male students need in their classroom experiences.
* How to assess your own attitudes and abilities to educate Black males.
* Which major problems outside of school could change the way you teach Black males.
* How to address the root causes of Black male self-identity.
* Why and how to develop a young men's empowerment program.
Noted author / educator, Dr. Douglass Reeves says in his review of the book: "In this clarion call for personal responsibility for students, teachers, and families, Kafele offers practical advice and a demanding set of standards. He balances an emphasis on self-esteem with self-discipline, knowing that the former will not be meaningful without the latter. The appendices provide practical lists for students, aspiring leaders, and teachers. His work is consistent with the outstanding work of Carol Dweck of Stanford (a review of her excellent book is forthcoming) and Jeff Howard of the Efficacy Institute. Kafele's personal story and his extensive experience demonstrate that urban students in general and African-American males in particular benefit not from well-intentioned sympathy, but from rigor, high expectations, intensive literacy support, and pride in who they are and who they will become."
About The Author
Award-winning educator, Baruti K. Kafele - affectionately known as "Principal Kafele," is currently the principal of Newark Tech H.S. in Newark, NJ, which has been recognized by U.S. News and World Reports Magazine as one of America's best high schools for the past two years. He is also the author of the best-selling books, A Black Parent's Handbook to Educating Your Children (Outside of the Classroom) and A Handbook for Teachers of African American Children.
About The Book
Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life Price: $16.95 / ISBN: 978-1-4166-0857-8 / 111 pgs. / paperback / ASCD (2009)
Jeff Johnson Launches 'Personal Best' Book Tour
JEFF JOHNSON, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST AND BET PERSONALITY, LAUNCHES "PERSONAL BEST" BOOK TOUR
New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - In his newly released book, EVERYTHING I'M NOT MADE ME EVERYTHING I AM: Discovering Your Personal Best (SmileyBooks, Trade Paperback Original; $14.95), Jeff Johnson shares his "best practices" for achieving your "personal best" in every facet of life. Johnson reached his own personal best through a combination of life experiences learned in the trenches, professional and personal challenges, and invaluable lessons taught by mentors over the years. Now, with his new book, his goal is to inspire others to discover and fulfill their true life's mission. A success by any standard--award-winning journalist, Tom Joyner Morning Show commentator, BET broadcast personality, and motivational speaker--Johnson is a man on the move. Recently returned from filming an independent documentary in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on September 22 Johnson will host a BET Town Hall Meeting on Health Care Reform to be held in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus annual legislative weekend. Whether he is coaching young professionals, mentoring urban youth, or spending quality time with his children, Johnson always seeks to find new ways to reach his personal best. Known for a straightforward, shoot-from-the-hip rapport with his audience, Johnson brings that same dynamic style to his debut book. He delivers a powerful framework for those who need relevant examples and realistic help as they pursue their own personal best--regardless of their age or life stage. Johnson dares us to make sure we aren't living somebody else's dream. "An A to Z on how to be fulfilled...Jeff's words and thoughts are real in a world filled with fakers. Everything I'm Not is guaranteed to inspire, empower, and help..." "Jeff not only lays out the road map, he also helps you visualize where you're going...An amazing tool...Jeff's insights are invaluable."
Book Cover
--from the Foreword by Kanye West
--Kevin Liles, Executive Vice President, Warner Music Group
New Bible for African-American Children Debuts This Fall
CULTURALLY RELEVANT BIBLE FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN DEBUTS THIS FALL
Nationally Renowned Editors and Illustrators Collaborate to Inspire Hope and Faith in Youth
 Book Cover |  Cheryl and Wade Hudson |
Grand Rapids, MI (BlackNews.com) - In uncertain times, keeping hope and faith alive in our young people is a top priority. This fall, Zonderkidz(TM), the leading publisher of children's Bibles and Bible storybooks, will underscore efforts by families, clergy, schools and others seeking to encourage Black youth with the release of My Holy Bible for African-American Children (www.zondervan.com/africanamerican), a large print, New International Version (NIV) Bible featuring culturally significant artwork and inspiring book introductions.
Edited by Cheryl and Wade Hudson, the nationally acclaimed authors and publishers of Just Us Books, My Holy Bible for African-American Children connects the spiritual challenges and triumphs of today's youth with the journeys of well-known Biblical heroes. Leading African-American illustrators such as Pat Cummings, Nancy Devard, Shane Evans, Cathy Ann Johnson, Anna Rich, Javaka Steptoe and Michele Wood also engage readers with more than 30 pages of spellbinding art.
According to Marketing to the Mosaic, an October 2008 study conducted by the marketing strategy researchers Taylor and Welch, 96 percent of African-Americans polled indicated that they believed in God, with 95 percent reporting that they pray in a given week and 60 percent saying they read the Bible. These are rich traditions that Zonderkidz believes My Holy Bible for African-American Children can help families pass on to the next generation. "Our goal is to publish resources to help more African-American children explore God's Word," said Annette Bourland, Zonderkidz Senior Vice President and Publisher. "And we believe that this one-of-its-kind full text Bible, both Old and New Testament, with its glorious illustrations, created just for the African-American community, emphasizes just how much God knows and loves them."
My Holy Bible for African-American Children (ISBN: 978-0-310-71964-9, $24.99, Hardcover, Print Caseside) will be available in October 2009 wherever books are sold in the NIV translation, the most-read, most-trusted Bible translation. It will be the first of a series of Bibles Zonderkidz will release that are focused on African-American youth. A King James Version (KJV) of My Holy Bible for African-American Children will be introduced in February 2010. This offering will be coupled with new NIV and KJV Bibles for African-American teens. The NIV and KJV Bibles for African-American Teens will be available with gender specific customized Italian Duotone(TM) covers in February 2010.
About the Contributing Editors
Married since 1972, Cheryl and Wade Hudson are cofounders of Just Us Books, an independent publishing company specializing in books and learning materials for children and young people. The company was founded in 1988, after a search for books that reflected the diversity of Black history, heritage and experiences proved disappointing. In response, the Hudsons published the AFRO BETS® A B C Book and followed up a year later with the release of a second title and their own publishing firm. Over the years, Just Us Books has published dozens of titles and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Publishers Marketing Association's Ben Franklin Award for illustration given to Bright Eyes, Brown Skin in 1991 and From a Child's Heart in 1994. In 2008, Just Us Books' The Secret Olivia Told Me, was named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Illustration. The Hudsons have been honored for their contributions to literature with the Ida B. Wells Institutional Builders Award presented by the National Black Writers Conference. They have also become recognized leaders in the field of multicultural publishing. Both Hudsons are active in their church, where Wade Hudson serves as a deacon.
Zonderkidz(TM), a division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning Bibles, books, board books, graphic novels, audio, video, and digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz(TM) on the Internet at www.zonderkidz.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Black Business Secrets For Recession
STRONG>"BLACK BUSINESS SECRETS" E-BOOK HELPS ENTREPRENEURS RECOVER FROM RECESSION
-- Now affordably priced at just $12 --
 |
 Author - Dante Lee |
Columbus, OH - Earlier this year, entreprenuer and blogger Dante Lee released an e-book entitled Black Business Secrets: 500 Tips, Strategies, and Resources For African American Entrepreneurs. The book offers an overwhelming amount of information that is very useful to local and national business owners. Already a bestseller, it has now been repriced to just $12.
In the book, Lee reveals hundreds of secrets and tips for authors, public speakers, bloggers, local businesses, national businesses, and more. He teaches them how to think, how to work smart, how to use various Internet tools, and how effectively advertise.
Lee is the CEO and President of Diversity City Media, and the co-founder of Lee Moss Media - two firms that own the largest network of premium African American web properties. He started his company in college 10 years ago and has since generated millions in revenue. For the benefit of others, he uses the e-book to document every step that he's taken over the past decade.
For more information or to download the e-book for $12, visit:
www.500BlackBusinessSecrets.com
New Internet Food & Wine Magazine Targets Professionals/Consumers of Color
NEW INTERNET-BASED FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE TARGETS CULINARY AND WINE PROFESSIONALS, ENTHUSIASTS, AND CONSUMERS OF COLOR - BASIL MAGAZINE
-- Produced by notable celebrity chef Jerome Brown (Chef Rome), veteran event producer V. De'Vonne Williams, and renowned comedian and actor Rodney Perry, the new and highly-anticipated online publication BASIL Magazine targets often overlooked constituents such as chefs, industry professionals, and food and wine enthusiasts of color. Chefs, foodies, caterers, restaurateurs, and people around the world who love to host dinner and/or cocktail parties will find BASIL Magazine a particularly exciting and valuable source for culinary and beverage facts and serving ideas. --
 (L-R) Celebrity chef Jerome Brown (Chef Rome), V. De'Vonne Williams, and comedian/actor Rodney Perry - managing partners of Basil Magazine |  |
Alameda, CA (BlackNews.com) - Internationally celebrated Chef Jerome Brown (Chef Rome), veteran event producer V. De'Vonne Williams, and renowned comedian and actor Rodney Perry have identified an untapped niche to address culinary and wine topics from a professional perspective. Today the partners announced the launch of BASIL, a monthly online magazine that focuses on food and wine topics, while adding appeal by including sections on lifestyle and philanthropy. BASIL's tagline "Eat. Drink. Live. Give." clearly reflects its concentrated subject matter. Internet access to BASIL Magazine is FREE to its subscribers around the world.
BASIL targets often overlooked constituents such as chefs, industry professionals, and food and wine enthusiasts of color. Chefs, foodies, caterers, restaurateurs, and people who love to host dinner and/or cocktail parties will find BASIL Magazine a particularly exciting and valuable source for culinary and beverage facts and serving ideas.
BASIL Magazine's Chef's Council, the heartbeat of the magazine, consists of several influential individuals, including celebrity chefs and food & wine industry professionals, among others who contribute varied skills and areas of expertise each month. Current council members include:
V. De'Vonne Williams, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Chef Jerome Brown (Chef Rome), Managing Partner, Celebrity Chef
Rodney Perry, Managing Partner, Comedian/Actor
Chef Ora Fink, Personal Chef and host of "The Secret to Life is Butter"
Chef Mimi, Chef, Nutrition Educator and Producer
Chef Tony Moore, Executive Chef, One Flew South Restaurant
Chef Yorman N. Ramirez, Executive Chef of Kitchen the International
Chef Ben Diaz, Chef Host, Home Cook Knows Best and Founder, HotCuisineINC.
Chef Todd Shanks, Chef, Owner of MyFoodArts.com
R. Veronique "Vee" Fitzgerald, President, "Women for WineSense"
Rebecca Brenner, Ph.D., Nutritionist and Writer, Park City Holistic Health and Playful Noshings
"BASIL Magazine is a stepping stone for minority chefs. It's important to have that outlet so the rest of the world can know how diverse the culinary world really is. There are a lot of chefs with something to offer who are currently "Top Chefs" and people don't know who they are and what they are up to. BASIL is cutting edge and will set the bar to a new high. BASIL is bigger than just a magazine," said Chef Rome, BASIL's managing partner and head of the Chef's Council.
Brown, Williams and Perry believe developing a publication like BASIL is important and beneficial to readers and advertisers because the magazine targets and addresses the needs of a rapidly growing and influential market.
As advertisers learn about BASIL, they will be as equally impressed as the online publication's readers. BASIL is a magazine that truly believes in the art of giving and this will be very beneficial to its advertisers as 5% of the magazine's advertising dollars will go to its partner, The World Food Programme. The World Food Programme is the United Nations' frontline agency in the fight against global hunger and is the world's largest humanitarian organization. "We're excited to partner with BASIL and looking forward to a long working relationship with BASIL." said Caitlin Masters of Friends of the World Food Programme's Special Gifts Unit. Not only will you learn more about the adventure of the WFP, but BASIL will also introduce to you other worthy organizations and individuals that are doing great work in philanthropy.
BASIL's management describes its readers as individuals who possess a discerning palette and an incredibly strong sense of style. The magazine's mix of global readers are sophisticated and affluent consumers and industry professionals who have keen interests in food and wine, healthy living and lifestyles, and philanthropy, and who collectively represent a dynamic mix of culture and entrepreneurism.
Williams commented, "I'm excited to introduce BASIL to the world! The world we live in is such a diverse place. Food and culture around the globe, and even in our own backyards, is absolutely phenomenal and we want to celebrate that. We have an amazing team of professionals who are dedicated and passionate about the work we are doing. We know that our readers will be cheering us on as we highlight the lives and careers of people in this industry around the world. BASIL is the vehicle that will bring it all together for everyone!"
BASIL's online availability will make it easily assessable to subscribers around the world. Recipes, culinary book reviews, restaurant reviews, wine and spirits, cuisine parings, cooking ideas for children, dinner club suggestions, and special food and beverage related stories from around the world will be featured in BASIL. Some of the magazine's sections include:
* "BASILTV" where readers may view videos of chefs preparing meals in the kitchen -- sometimes with celebrities; cooking demos when readers will be able to "enter to win" varied prizes based on their knowledge of what they've learned; wine & spirits; philanthropy at work; lifestyle events, etc.
* "Ask Chef Rome" a page on which readers can and ask questions of chefs about recipes, techniques, etc.
* "BASIL's Health Watch" tips for eating and living a healthy lifestyle, articles and meal suggestions for people with various medical disparities and more.
* "Gadget Girl" will introduce new and unique kitchen tools and gadgets that readers can "enter to win."
* "BASIL Directories" lists recipes, chefs, restaurants and upscale lounges from around the globe.
* "Philanthropy" where BASIL encourages its readers to 'give back' and outlines its own philanthropic endeavors. Readers will also be able to log on, and donate to The World Food Programme, as well as other causes.
* "Lifestyle" covers food & travel around the world, celebrity events, fashion and more.
* "The BASIL Test Kitchen" where chefs from BASIL's Chef's Council and other celebrity chefs will test varied products such as cookware, bake ware, select food and beverage products, recipes, and more. And as always, readers may "enter to win" products demonstrated in the BASIL Test Kitchen.
"BASIL is hot!" exclaimed Perry. "My partners and I have developed a magazine that showcases the talents of people of color who are doing great things in the food, wine, spirits, travel & tourism, lifestyles and philanthropy industries, whom readers will see, read about and celebrate in each monthly issue. I am particularly proud of the section of the magazine that encourages giving back and showcases our philanthropic efforts. BASIL is the next BIG thing! Stay tuned...!"
BASIL Magazine
V. De'Vonne Williams, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
909 Marina Village Parkway #219
Alameda, CA 94501
www.BASILmagazine.com
info@BASILmagazine.com
New Boyz on Tour w/ Sean Kingston
 NEW BOYZ TO JOIN SEAN KINGSTON August 28, 2009: Burbank, CA:
Ben J and Legacy of The New Boyz will join multi-platinum recording artist Sean Kingston on a 25-city North American Tour that will last through November.
Their summer smash "You're A Jerk" hit the airwaves this summer after an extensive self-propelled run on websites like MySpace and YouTube where youth across the nation recorded hundreds of videos imitating the fancy footwork. The song eventually made its way into the Top 5 on the Billboard music charts and garnered over a million views for the video's Music Choice debut in its first week (the 2nd highest in the VOD network's history)-not bad for two teens who initially recorded the song in their closet.
The 17-year-olds have become the ambassadors of this counter-culture marked by loud colors, hipster-garb, and their notorious skinny jeans with their Generation Z peers co-signing their chosen form of self-expression. "This is us. We're showing a different side of hip-hop and a different style from the West Coast. We've never been worried about the haters or critics," says Ben J.
Their impressive 13-track debut Skinny Jeanz & A Mic will be released September 15th on Asylum/Warner Bros. Records. Full of minimalist beats largely produced by group member Legacy and peers to keep it organic, the album chronicles the life and experience of a normal teenager with a carefree swagger that coincides with their movement.
The duo insists that fans looking for something young, fresh, and new are in for a treat. "People think we only do jerk music, butwe do a whole lot of everything," says Legacy. "The album is about having fun and the typical teenage life. The show will capture this."
Tickets for the tour are available now on www.ticketmaster.com.
MON 10/12 San Francisco, CA **The Warfield
For More On The New Boyz |
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