BROADWAY STAR/RECORDING ARTIST CHESTER GREGORY TAKES OVER....

Recording Artist & Multi-award winning Broadway Star Chester Gregory receives rave reviews in his portrayal of James "Thunder" Early in the revival of Dreamgirls, at the world famous Apollo Theatre.  The Hollywood Reporter says, "The true standout, however, is Chester Gregory, who delivers a dynamic performance as the James Brown-like James "Thunder" Early."  Backstage.com adds "Chester Gregory nearly steals the show as Jimmy "Thunder" Early, Gregory takes command of the spotlight, and that's correct for those moments." "Effie and her male counterpart in the show, the James Brown-like singer James “Thunder” Early (played with sly, irresistible charm by Chester Gregory, says Bloomberg.com.

On Monday, December 7, 2009, Chester Gregory takes over Harlem's newest hot spot, Gospel Uptown with a special performance that will give attendees a sneak-peak at his upcoming sophomore album and nationwide tour. The unforgettable evening will include surprise appearances and performances by some of Chester's friends including the amazing Melba Moore, Chester's "Dreamgirls" co-stars, Syesha Mercado and Chaz Lamar Shepard and the soulful sounds of Jason Liberatore. 

 The event will take place on Monday, December 7, 2009, at 8:00pm at Harlem's Gospel Uptown 2110 Seventh Avenue at 125th Street, New York, NY, - Advance tickets are available for $10.00  on www.Ticketleap.com, keysearch Chester Gregory.  Ticket pricing at the door is $15.00 General Admission and $10.00 (Students of any kind, Seniors, Vets and Equity Members). Limited VIP Meet & Greet Tickets are available for $75.00 in advance.

This evening will also celebrate Chester Gregory's partnership with The Doe Fund Charity Foundation as an on-going celebrity supporter in hopes of continuing to raise awareness for their "Ready, Willing and Able" campaign where proceeds from the evening will support the formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated "Men in blue” of New York’s beloved Ready, Willing & Able program.. " I am truly honored to be able to represent and be part of such an amazing cause that empowers self-sufficiency for those in need in our community," shares Chester.

Chester Gregory is anything but what you would expect a Broadway performer to be. When he’s not starring in some of the biggest musicals on the Broadway stage, “Chess” is a songwriter and critically acclaimed recording artist.  Regularly playing to sold out audiences, at the world's most prestigious venues around the world, his energetic live shows display his five-octave vocal range and an R&B style that is truly all his own. 

Chester is currently wowing audiences abroad at the world famous Apollo Theatre, in Harlem as “James ‘Thunder’ Early” in the 2009 Revival of “Dreamgirls”.  After taking time to write and record his latest album, he’s excited to be back on the stage, but Chester no stranger to the New York Theatre community. He made his Broadway debut as 'Seaweed' in the eight time Tony Award winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray" followed by starring roles in the Broadway productions  of ‘Disney’s “Tarzan”  as 'Terk' and “Cry Baby” as 'Dupree'.

Prior to this character, Chester played the title role in the three year sold out run of "The Jackie Wilson Story."  Chester's portrayal of the musical legend garnered him numerous accolades, including a standing ovation from the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. "To call a performer unique is generally to be clichéd and hyperbolic, not to mention wrong, but Mr. Gregory puts on a show of such physical and vocal dexterity that it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone else could do it" wrote Bruce Webber in the New York Times.  Chester's stage performances, as well as his song writing, stage presence, and recordings have received rave reviews from industry heavyweights ranging from Phil Collins to the late Isaac Hayes.

In addition to his stage work, Chess is carving his own niche in the R&B/Soul male vocalist category.  Influenced by Prince, Donny Hathaway and Jackie Wilson, Chess has worked with Grammy Award winning producers Dave Tozer (John Legend & Kanye West) and PJ Morton (India.Arie). He writes and performs meaningful, heartfelt songs with a positive message and an uncompromising, unsurpassed performance level.

Chester's debut album, entitled, “In Search of High Love,” earned critical praise by  Billboard Magazine as an album of integrity and soul, with innovative contributors Afta-1, Nevi-Nev and J Most.  His latest musical endeavor,  "Breakbeat Karaoke - The Mixtape" is a prelude to his highly anticipated sophomore album to be relased in the fall of 2009.   "Breakbeat Karaoke" is a collection of throwback "breakbeats" from classic hip hop tunes with remixes from songs  from "In Search of High Love", in addition to new compositions specifically created for this mixtape. It features guest appearances and cameos from Farrah Burns, Phase One and ‘Dot Da Genius’ who produced “Day N Night” by Kid Cudi among others. "I wanted to pay tribute to some of best in hip hop like J. Dilla, De La Soul, Common, Jay-Z and DJ Premier to name a few…” says Chester.  Created for his fans, the project is available as a free download at www.ChesterGregory.com  

ABOUT The Doe Fund:

The Doe Fund's mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism. All of The Doe Fund's programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit www.doe.org or call 212.690.6480.

Game Rebellion Busts Out of BK; Sounds Like a Riot! New Single "Blind" on iTunes

Once in a long while, a band comes along that is so brilliantly rebellious that it defies description. Brooklyn rockers Game Rebellion know that the mainstream may frown upon their decision to create outside the box, but in the end, the fans motivate the band to fight the power.

With their new single "Blind" hitting iTunes on December 1, 2009, and their original EP Sounds Like a Riot debuting on January 18, 2010, Game Rebellion is ready to blow minds and expand universes.

Band members Yohimbe (guitar, vocals), Ahmed (bass), Emi (keys, vocals), Aaron (percussion) and Netic (lead vocals) are masters of mashing up influences of rock, punk, hip hop, metal and other genres. Their ability to flow between powerful poetry, fiery rap, crazy instrumental solos and frenetic singing over the music engages the crowd, guaranteeing synergy with the audience at every live show.

"Every few decades there comes a group or sound that redefines genres or shifts the musical paradigm," Ahmed explains. "I humbly offer Game Rebellion as the next artist that will re-invigorate what seems to be a stasis in musical innovation in the industry. Honestly, if it wasn't for all of our supporters being so consistent, I couldn't make such a statement. Personally, it is the fans and their overwhelming response that have kept me motivated throughout the years."

The band's growing number of fans, known affectionately as "rebels," have become notorious for their dedication to Game Rebellion.

"It's almost as if their energy is the play/stop button," Yohimbe says. "When the crowd is going nuts, we play even harder. The audience has their own relationship with our songs. Their moshing, stage diving and surfing is as much part of the show as my guitar solo. The wildest thing is that after the show, the rebels congratulate each other as if they performed! Honestly, they are just as sweaty and worn out as us... but let us start the next song and we all wake the f*ck up!"

In 2007, Game Rebellion released their first official mixtape, Searching for Rick Rubin with Brooklyn's DJ J.Period. The project was received with open arms by otherwise cynical music critics, who lavished praise on the Game Rebellion movement. The December 1, 2009 release of their politically-driven single "Blind" shows the band's further growth in connecting with fans.

Game Rebellion drives home their fervently powerful messages with educated passion and cohesive artistry. Sounds Like a Riot is their first original project together, and will offer the world some new perspective when the EP hits shelves on January 18, 2010.

“Game Rebellion came together out of a need to create an environment where we can all be the best at our selected positions,” says Emi. “We all have similar values and musical tastes. The reason why this band works is because we all believe in each other. We hold each other down, and we are all accountable for making this movement work. In Game Rebellion, it is a band of brothers against all odds. We will do it together, or not at all.”

For more information on Game Rebellion, go to www.tygereye.net/gamerebellion, www.gamerebellion.com and www.myspace.com/gamerebellion

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

ABOUT GAME REBELLION

What can you say about an all-Black all-outta-Brooklyn band whose metal, punk and rudeboy skanking licks sound as credible and crunchy as their Hip Hop lyrics and headnodding bounce? Game Rebellion makes the difficult sound effortless and the miraculous seem second nature: A hard rockin band with a B-boy MC who can actually spit? No problem! An upcoming EP created by a band that actually rocks and flows? No problem!

With a strong fanbase behind the movement, Game Rebellion is firing up the next phase of their career with the new single “Blind” and accompanying video in December 2009, a series of shows across the country, and their EP Sounds Like a Riot on January 18, 2010.

Game Rebellion is a band of amazing musicians dedicated to defying the rules and creating their own way. The guitar solos of Yohimbe will leave you stunned at his free-flowing artistry and technical skill. The lyrical prowess and production of Netic provide an unobstructed view of the angst of young rebels everywhere.

The musicianship and vocals of Emi display the conviction and the passion of a misunderstood generation. The thick and layered sound of Ahmed on the bass will remind everyone that Game Rebellion is not here to play nice. The amazing versatility and hard hitting percussion of Aaron provide the perfect tempo for the Game Rebellion mantra:

We Play By Our Own Rules: Welcome to the Rebellion!

Game Rebellion has been making big waves on the New York scene since 2006. The men found common ground after a gig they played together at Irving Plaza, and the musicians-for-hire soon became a band on fire! Since then, they’ve ventured across the country and overseas to further to slam heads, rock houses and muddy the lilywhite waters of Hip Hop and Rock from NYC and Cali to Puerto Rico and the UK.

The range of their individual influences in music is so vast – like Prince,The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, The Isley Brothers, Bad Brains, Johnny Cash, Megadeth and Guns & Roses to name a few – that it’s near impossible to put a label on the Game Rebellion vibe. Sumptuous… urgent… cacophonous… anthemic – the sheer monstrosity of sound pumping through the speakers is enough to keep your mind open. “Its shock therapy,” Ahmed asserts. “It will change your standards of pop music.”

Game Rebellion’s stage show is driven by frenetic synergy between the multi-talented quintet and their fans. “The feeling we get from performing live is the energy transfer from us to the audience and back,” explains Emi. “Each show raises the level of the transfer, because we have people who know the music and who rally behind what we bring to the stage. The resulting effect is better than any high.”

Netic delves a little further into their amazing connection with fans: ”Game Rebellion is the Alpha Team you send in when you want to get hostages or kidnapped children back. We move in quietly with the mosh pit squad, then boom! We throw C4, Semtex, Flash and Frag Grenades! Big explosions while we walk in slow motion… and when the smoke clears we always save the villagers. We leave as quietly as we came. We don’t have fans, we have recruits!”

As they gear up for the release of their EP in January, the bandmates are all buzzing with excitement. “I’ve been very anxious about the release of this new record,” Ahmed professes. “This will be our first project with all original songs.”

“I pulled in my friend Circuit to assist on some of the synth and programming work,” Netic explains. “I love the production process of making records more than anything else, so I take it very serious. The people I work with on the Game Rebellion projects become very close friends due to the intensity and personal passion that goes into our music. ‘2012’ is by far my personal favorite on Sounds Like a Riot – it’s the song that speaks the most to the absurdity of our reality: There’s a whole in the sky / The city’s on fire / You ain’t fly ni**a / We’re all gonna die.”

The Game Rebellion movement is far more intense than what meets the eye, as passion, ingenuity, electricity and spirituality collide, merging genres and subculture-induced soundscapes for the next generation. Their commitment to the music is only superseded by their commitment to each other.

“Game Rebellion came together out of a need to create an environment where we can all be the best at our selected positions,” says Emi. “We all have similar values and musical tastes. The reason why this band works is because we all believe in each other. We hold each other down, and we are all accountable for making this movement work. In Game Rebellion, it is a band of brothers against all odds. We will do it together, or not at all.”

Take The Blue Pill And Learn To Work In The Matrix!‏

Meet Big Omeezy, the latest rap sensation to emerge from the house that E-40 built, Sick Wid It Records.

Fresh on the heels of his popular "street" single, "I'm Connected," featuring Paul Wall & Roscoe Umali, the self-proclaimed "Morpheus" unleashes his 40 Water assisted follow-up "Parked." On the Decadez helmed offering, Omeezy spits, "Let me in, let me up; See me coming in a big Benz truck. I'm on time, guess what? I'm a boss so I'm parking in the front," over a slickly layered sound-bed.

Both stellar tracks can be found on Big Omeezy's forthcoming OLH/Sick Wid Records' solo debut T.G.C. 2010 [The Great Communicator], due out in early '10.  

 

                              http://www.myspace.com/bigomeezy 

 

 

DownLoad

*Big Omeezy*

New Single "Parked"
Produced By Decadez
Clean
Big Omeezy Parked Ft. E-40 Radio Version
http://www.zshare.net/audio/67160346d56ec8c7/


Dirty
Big Omeezy Parked ft. E-40 Dirty Version
http://www.zshare.net/audio/68275205a58c59f0/


Instrumental
Big Omeezy Parked ft. E-40 Instrumental
http://www.zshare.net/audio/67914168de49ccae/


New Album T.G.C.2010 coming Soon!




E-40 New Album Revenue Retrievin' Coming Soon!

Delicious Vinyl Releases DJ iPhone App

First iPhone Game With A Live DJ Experience Features Touch Screen Scratching

(November 24, 2009 – Brooklyn, NY) Ever wanted to step into the DJ booth and get the party started right? Then "Bust a Move," do the "Wild Thing" and pour the "Funky Cold Medina," as Delicious Vinyl DJ puts you in control of the dance floor. Delicious Vinyl and Ten23 Software are proud to announce Delicious Vinyl DJ, a new music rhythm game exclusively available for the iPhone and iTouch this Fall (downloadable from the iTunes App Store). Delicious Vinyl DJ puts anyone with an iPhone inside the DJ booth and behind the decks cutting and scratching across the greatest golden era hip-hop tracks ever! Don’t just play along with the song, bust a move out of the living room and work that cut! Get the party started anywhere! Match multi-colored notes as they flow down the screen; trigger scratches on two turntables with a thumb twist or tap a button on the mixer in time with the music to score points. Just like a real DJ, increased accuracy determines how fresh and tight the mix will sound and gets you more points! Delicious Vinyl DJ delivers the party to wherever you are – no peripherals or add-ons necessary! Custom Scratches By DJ M. Walk: Walk is a renowned turntablist and legendary DJ from Los Angeles. At 16 he became a Mixmaster on KDAY, L.A.'s first strictly hip-hop radio station. He laid down scratches on Tone Loc's single "Wild Thing" and became a go-to musician at the original Delicious Vinyl recording studio. M. Walk then traveled the world as tour DJ for Tone Loc, MC Hammer, and The Pharcyde. Combining the golden era hip-hop experience with cutting edge turntable techniques, M. Walk has now created a new palette of scratches especially for Delicious Vinyl DJ. Features: • Scratch and trigger samples using two touch turntables and a mixer • First iPhone DJ game with actual scratching movements • Be a DJ - don't just drop the track, add to it and make it yours! For more than just tapping! • Listen for the groove, if you don't spin or sample correctly, the scratches and samples won’t sound fresh! • DVDJ features hit songs from Delicious Vinyl – three Platinum selling #1 singles, block rocking remixes, and classic hip-hop hits! • Each track features 3 levels of difficulty per song • Custom scratches made for each track by DJ M-WALK • New songs and downloadable content coming soon! Track List: Young MC - "Bust A Move" Tone Loc - "Funky Cold Medina" Tone Loc - "Wild Thing (Peaches RMX)" The Pharcyde - "Passin' Me By" Masta Ace - "Born To Roll" Mr. Vegas (feat. Pitbull & Lil'Jon - "Pull Up (Club Mix)" Masta Ace - "Slaughtahouse (Eminem RMX)" We have a limited number of free promo codes available for journalists interested in reviewing the game. Please contact Michelle for more information. About Delicious Vinyl: Founded in the summer of 1987 by DJs Matt Dike and Michael Ross, Delicious Vinyl is an independent music label based in Los Angeles. By championing street music that defined a generation, the Delicious Vinyl catalog is widely recognized for its groundbreaking crossover hits that ushered in the golden era of hip-hop. Multi-platinum singles "Wild Thing", "Funky Cold Medina" and "Bust A Move" crashed into the Billboard charts and launched Tone-Loc and Young MC to instant acclaim and household name recognition. Following down the road less traveled, Delicious Vinyl expanded throughout the 90s working with artists like The Brand New Heavies, The Pharcyde, Born Jamericans, Masta Ace, The Whoridas, Fatlip, and Mr. Vegas. In 2008, Delicious Vinyl celebrated it 20th Anniversary with the RMXXOLOGY project by re-imagining the catalog for a new millennium dance floor. With the launch of Delicious Vinyl DJ, the label is harnessing the power of its brand by expanding the catalog into gaming, technology and new media. Already an established wardrobe requirement for over two decades, the classic red and white Delicious Vinyl tee has been a must-have for high fashion celebrities, club kids and street skaters alike. Delicious Vinyl is proud to bring the same streetwise savvy and independent stance that has shaped a generation to iPhone users and is continuing to seek creative partnerships to rock the party worldwide. About Ten23 Software: Ten23 Software Inc. is a software development and publishing company specializing in web and mobile development. With a focus on design, Ten23 has created award-winning software in enterprise, social networking and games. Ten23 was the recipient of a Most Innovative Product award for Clutch Mobile, their GPS tracking system. Their location-based social network, SpotJots, won the NAVTEQ LBS Challenge and is available on the AT&T network. PhotoKast, Ten23's media sharing app, is one of the best reviewed social networking apps available on the iPhone, serving over 1.5 million photo views a week. More information at www.ten23software.com. Streams: Delicious Vinyl DJ Official Site http://www.deliciousvinyldj.com Bio, pictures, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/download/deliciousvinyl/ Delicious Vinyl MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/deliciousvinylrecords Label site: http://www.deliciousvinyl.com/

Humor Mill TV- One On One With Comedian Chris Spencer

We chat with comedian Chris Spencer as he discusses his upcoming projects, plus about being a writer in Hollywood. Not too many folks know that he is the driving force for a lot of comedies that are aired and even Award Shows. Anyway we chat with him about everything that is on his plate and he drops some news on us about something that he has in the works! Check out the interview!

THE 1ST ANNUAL CHAD 'PIMP C' BUTLER HIP HOP & HEALTH FAIR -FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH IN PORT ARTHUR

There are many ways to keep a legacy alive, or to keep one’s name relevant in the entertainment industry after an unfortunate and untimely passing. As for Chad Butler aka ‘Pimp C’, his wife Chinara Butler is putting forth her efforts to do just that, Friday, December 4th, 2009.

UGQ, Inc., founded by Chinara Butler and her late husband, has united with CCM Foundation and S.E.A.C (Syphillis Elimation Advisory Committee), to bring you the Inaugural Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler Hip Hop & Health/Wellness Fair in their hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, which will be held on Friday, December 4th, at 6pm-10pm at the Port Arthur Pavilion. This event will be held every year on December 4th, the unfortunate day we lost a musical Legend, who had many dreams in store for his community...so we start here.

The Chad Butler Hip Hop & Health/Wellness Fair was founded in remembrance of Pimp C to start raising awareness for our youth today, whom sometimes lack the resources or even the knowledge to realize the importance of regular physical exams, frequent HIV/STD testing, drug prevention and abuse. The Port Arthur Health Department will be in attendance to provide these services, along with free vaccinations, as they are dedicated in promoting a healthy community. There will be a small donation fee of $5 and can good drop at entry.

Port Arthur residents will also get to enjoy live entertainment from special celebrity guests (TBA) to keep this event celebratory and educational at the same time. We will also be holding a Hip Hop 'MC' Battle for contestants who take an HIV/STD test and winner will take home $1000!!

(The Texas Department of State Health Services' data from 2005 revealed that Region 6, the region that includes Jefferson County, ranked number two out of the 11 Texas regions in confirmed cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis and #1 in AIDS cases. These numbers can be reduced dramatically by raising awareness and constantly educating the public about diseases that are easily preventable.)

We genuinely appreciate your support in advance and look forward to your participation in the Inaugural Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler Hip Hop, Health & Wellness Fair.

For more detailed information or press enquiries, kindly contact Stacy P via email at stacy.pr@gmail.com or 281.788.0167.

For Sponsorship, please contact Chinara Butler via email chinarajkb@yahoo.com or 409.549.3393 or Cory Garrett info@hivawareness.org or 281.377.hiv1

You've Lost That Beefing Feeling

Boot Camp Clik Triple Threat Box Set (In Stores November 24th)

Boot Camp Clik Triple Threat Box Set (In Stores November 24th) 

Limited-Edition 3 CD Collector's Item For The Price of One; Perfect For The Holiday Season

The product for Boot Camp Clik’s Triple Threat Box Set is in. A beautiful case, which features all three albums from Boot Camp Clik’s 2005, Triple Threat Summer, is bound to sell-out quickly.

The Triple Threat campaign was groundbreaking. It marked the beginning of Sean Price’s solo career with his debut release, “Monkey Barz.” Fans were introduced to the witty word play of Sean Price as he displayed ignorance at its finest.

The campaign was the first time that grammy-award winning producer 9^th Wonder teamed up with Buckshot, for their project, “Chemistry.” The pairing of an MC & Producer from outside camps, which at the time was a novel idea, has since become a more popular trend.

The Triple Threat series also brought the return of Smif N Wessun, who reverted back to their original group name for their album, “Reloaded.”

Marc Ecko and the Ecko Unltd Mindlabs created album artwork for the projects, which were illustrated, comic-book-like covers. When combining all three album covers they created one unique image.

On November 24th, fans will have the opportunity to purhase a 3 CD box set containing The Triple Threat albums. This limited-edition item, although 3 CDs, will be available for the price of ONE CD. The Box Set Case has been strategically designed to provide a wrap-around feel of all three-album covers placed together to form one complete and consistent image (see product image attachment) 

Pre-Order your copy today at: http://bit.ly/5uGuz

DreamSharee Edu-tainment

Click to Play

DreamSharee's TSharee Butler and Co-Founder Marcus King speak about their company and the purpose and direction they are going.

Dreamgirls at the Apollo Extended for One Week ONLY! Through December 12th

Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. announced today that New York audiences will get an additional week to see the premiere engagement of Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater. This brand-new production of the landmark musical will now play 7 additional performances through Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater (253 West 125 Street – just ten minutes from midtown) prior to the national tour’s engagement at Baltimore’s Hippodrome at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center beginning Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Dreamgirls began previews at the Theater Saturday, November 7, 2009, and will officially open at the Theater Sunday, November 22, 2009.

Dreamgirls is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with co-choreography by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. With music direction by Sam Davis, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, and Vocal Arrangements by David Chase & Cleavant Derricks, Dreamgirls is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions in association with Chunsoo Shin, Jake Productions & Broadway Across America/TBS.

Dreamgirls introduces Moya Angela as Effie White and features, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado as Deena Jones, Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson, and Margaret Hoffman as Michelle Morris with Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Chester Gregory as James “Thunder” Early, Trevon Davis as C.C. White, Milton Craig Nealy as Marty Madison in a cast of 26 that also features Felicia Boswell, Tallia Brinson, Patrice Covington, Ronald Duncan, Talitha Farrow, Brittney Griffin, James Harkness, Robert Hartwell, Eric Jackson, Chauncey Jenkins, Jared Joseph, Nikki Kimbrough, Brittany Lewis, Douglas Lyons, Kimberly Marable, Jarran Muse, Amaker Smith and Marc Spaulding.

Following the Apollo Theater engagement, the national tour of Dreamgirls will play Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, Boston, Columbus, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Costa Mesa, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Dallas, Kansas City and more. For more information, please visit www.dreamgirlsonstage.com.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary season in 2009-2010, the legendary Apollo Theater has been a driving force in shaping America’s music and cultural landscape and has played a major role in the emergence of innovative musical genres including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul and hip-hop. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo’s stage. A distinctly American landmark, it is the one of the only institutions in the nation equally devoted to showcasing both emerging talent and legendary performers on the same stage, thereby creating an exceptional community of musicians and artists. Based on its cultural significance and architecture, the Apollo Theater received state and city landmark designation in 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Apollo Theater Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1991, is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Apollo Theater. The Apollo’s mission is to honor the influence and advance the contributions of African-American artists and advance emerging creative voice s across cultures and artistic media through the Apollo Experience of world-class live performances and educational programs. The Apollo is located in the heart of Harlem at 253 West 125 Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Ave.) and Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave.), and is easily accessible by public transportation via the A, B, C, D, 2, and 3 trains. For further information, visit www.apollotheater.org.

Tickets to the Apollo Theater engagement of Dreamgirls range from $36-$106, and are available at www.Ticketmaster.com (212-307-4100), or at the Apollo box office at 253 W. 125th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The playing schedule is as follows: Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm.

ARETHA FRANKLIN To Release New CD "A WOMAN FALLING OUT OF LOVE" January 2010‏

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE QUEEN OF SOUL RELEASES "ARETHA, A WOMAN FALLING OUT  OF LOVE" ON ARETHA'S RECORDS IN STORES JANUARY 2010 INITIAL CD RELEASE SOLD EXCLUSIVELY ON QVC   "This Christmas ARETHA" currently in stores everywhere   (New York, NY - November 5, 2009) - The Queen of Soul releases "Aretha, A Woman Falling Out Of Love" on Aretha's Records in January 2010.  The initial CD launch and release will be sold exclusively on QVC followed by an exclusive release at Walmart stores nationally.  "Aretha, A Woman Falling Out of Love" is the second release on Aretha's Records followed by the digital single release of the preferred version of "My Country Tis of Thee" the song she performed in front of a national and international audience of billions at the historic Swearing In Ceremony of President Barack Obama.     "Aretha, A Woman Falling Out of Love" is produced by Aretha Franklin, BeBe Winans and Gordon Chambers and features 11 tracks including a duet with gospel artist Karen Clark-Sheard.  "I just love, love, love the music," comments Franklin.  "It's real music-to romance, dance and party to."   Franklin recently performed at the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Special along with Lenny Kravitz and Annie Lennox at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  The HBO Special will air on Sunday, November 29, 2009.   This season, Franklin will make the national television rounds to perform songs from her first-ever holiday CD, "This Christmas ARETHA."   Next summer, she will begin her series of private vocal sessions in Detroit and then on to New York City.  Franklin is currently accepting applications from students, check your local newspapers for further details. The Detroit sessions will be held at the Westin Hotel in Southfield, MI and the New York City site under consideration for the Master Classes is Carnegie Hall.                                                                   ###    ABOUT ARETHA FRANKLIN Known around the world by her first name, and as the undisputed, reigning "Queen of Soul."  Aretha Franklin is peerless.  She has achieved global recognition on an unprecedented scale.  She is one of the most influential and important voices in the history of pop music.  In 2009, Franklin was named the #1 Vocalist of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.  Her ever-distinctive, soulful, to-the-bone vocal style has graced music charts for over four decades and her 'live' performances have touched the hearts of tens of millions since she began her musical journey in Detroit as a singing child prodigy. It is her rich legacy of recordings that are a testament to the power, majesty and genius of this one-of-a-kind artist of the first order.  Aretha Franklin has earned countless international and national awards as well as accolades and global recognition on an unprecedented scale.  She is a 2005 recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom honor (the U.S.A.'s highest honor), a Kennedy Center Honor, the American National Medal of the Arts Award, 18 GRAMMY® Awards including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for eight consecutive years, a GRAMMY Legend Award, a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, and five American Music Awards.  In 1987, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1979, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  She was named 2008 MusiCares® Person of the Year by the Recording Academy and she was presented with the prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award.

40 GLOCC, 50 CENT, CLIFTON POWELL, FREEWAY RICK ROSS | ALBUM RELEASE DEC. 8, 2009‏

One of the most misunderstood rappers in Hip-Hop is 40 Glocc.  Forced to raise himself as a teenager, the passionate rapper made a way out of no way.  He formed a unity amongst like kind individuals and formed an unconditional love with music. On a continuous road to shed light on his west coast story; “Concrete Jungle” will allow listeners the opportunity to trace the blueprint of the Zoo Life crew including Gail Gotti, Village Boo, Lil Boo, Tip Toe, Ken Bib, Locie Loc and Yacc all lead by 40 Glocc

 

“Concrete Jungle” will give verbal details of the unapologetic struggles faced within the Zoo Life.  The album will spotlight the highs and lows of general population lifestyle, the smoke and mirrors witnessed daily from blogs to broadcast and the complicated order of the music industry.  Strongly supported by the G-Unit Family and music mogul himself 50 Cent, the saga continues to bridge the East Coast to West Coast gap as a unified movement amongst a chosen few. It’s been a year of top shelf controversy however, on Dec. 8, 2009, 40 Glocc will give with his own testimonial “Concrete Jungle.” 

Concrete Jungle Track Listing

1. Intro

2. Criminal Ft 40 Glocc, Lil Boo, Tek

3. Spin The Globe Ft 40 Glocc

4. Welcome To The Ghetto Ft 40 Glocc, Tri Star, Village Boo

5. Another Angel Dies Ft 40 Glocc, Raskass

6. Walk In My Shoes Ft 40 Glocc, Yacc, Tip Toe

7. Haters & Bitches Ft Zoo Babiez, Lil Boo, Locie Loc

8. Hell On Earth Ft 40 Glocc, Lil Toot

9. Grindin Ft 40 Glocc, Tip Toe, Notes

10.100 FT 40 Glocc, Tip Toe, E-Note, Michlobe

11. Bouncing In The Bed Ft 40 Glocc, Village Boo, Ken Bib, Locie Loc

12. Skit Ft 40 Glocc, Raskass, Csik

13. Narcotics Ft 40 Glocc, Gail Gotti

14. Local Boy Ft 40 Glocc, Sun

15. Skit Ft Unforgivable

16. 3 Amigos Ft 40 Glocc

17. Couple Geez Ft 40 Glocc, Lil Boo, Brook

18. Smoke Drank Ft 40 Glocc, Zoobabiez

19. Hundred Grand Ft 40 Glocc, Yacc

20. Safari Ft 40 Glocc, Village Boo

21. Concrete Jungle Ft 40 Glocc, Tip Toe, Village Boo

22. Shot The Fuck Up, Up Ft 40 Glocc, Prodigy, Locie Loc, Yacc, Ken Bib, Natural Born, Village Boo

PRETTY RICKY RELEASE NEW SELF-TITLED ALBUM NOVMEBER 17

Bluestar Entertainment International is pleased to announce that chart-topping R&B/Hip Hop group PRETTY RICKY will release their third release, the self-titled CD, "PRETTY RICKY," on November 17th, 2009. The album is the follow-up to their #1 gold-selling CD "Late Night Special" that was released in 2007. A Myspace album listening party for "PRETTY RICKY" will begin on November 14th through November 17th.

In celebration of the release, PRETTY RICKY is set to hit the road with Mario on the BET 106 and Park Tour. The group will go on tour starting on Thursday, November 26th in Anaheim at The House of Blues and ends on Sunday, December 13th in Orlando at The House of Blues. They will also be doing in-store events in Atlanta and their hometown of Miami prior to going out with BET. The in store and tour information is as follows:

Atlanta In-Store - Tuesday, November 17

5PM - 7PM with WVEE's Lil Bankhead Live on Greg Street

Wal-Mart @ 6149 Old National Hwy in College Park, GA 30349



Miami In-Store - November 20

6PM - 8PM with WEDR's DJ Khaled

Brandsmart @ 4320 NW 167th Street in Miami, Fl 33054




BET 106 & Park Tour Dates:


Thu, November 26 Anaheim House of Blues

Fri, November 27 San Diego House of Blues

Fri, December 4 Philadelphia TLA

Mon, December 7 NY Fillmore

Tue, December 8 Boston House of Blues

Sun, December 13 Orlando House of Blues

The Miami born and bred group consists of four members: Diamond Blue who writes and produces all of the songs for PRETTY RICKY as well as holds the position of President of Bluestar Entertainment International, Spectacular, Slick 'Em and new member Lingerie. The new single, "TIPSY IN DIS CLUB" has received more than 5 million plays on iMeem to date and the group is currently on promotional tour going out to more than 50 cities across the country. The video for the new single, "SAY A COMMAND" will debut on YAHOO on November 17th.

PRETTY RICKY made a splash in the music industry in 2005 with the hit single "Grind With Me' off of their gold-selling debut "Bluestars." The group is releasing "PRETTY RICKY" independently on their own label, Bluestar Entertainment International.

Be sure to check out Pretty Ricky on BET 106 & Park on November 24th and on The MoNiqe Show as they perform "Tipsy In Dis Club" and interview about their career.

6TreG "Fresh"

"No Love" J-Scrilla Ft. K-Beta, XO, Oddisee, RAtheMC, Wordsmith, Judah, and TEFLON

E1 to Release "The Avon Barksdale Story" on DVD!

E1 Music is excited to announce the release of The Avon Barksdale Story- Legends Of The Unwired – in March 2010. This gripping film won Best Docudrama at this year’s NY International Independent Film & Video Festival and reveals the raw truth about death, drugs, and violence in the streets of Baltimore, MD. In The Avon Barksdale Story, the real Nathan Avon "Bodie" Barksdale tells all to actor Wood Harris, who played his on screen character in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Wire.

The Wire was based on the lives of real gangsters. The Avon Barksdale Story is the first to chronicle the actual lives of these real people. Barksdale’s real name, Nathan Avon Barksdale, and his nickname, “Bodie,” were both used in the series as composite characters. Avon Barksdale was The Wire’s first season’s central character. The storyline focused on the Barksdale clan and their ruthless hold on Baltimore’s underworld and the intense efforts of law enforcement to stop them. Barksdale was a real crime figure in Baltimore.

Barksdale says he consulted David Simon, the creator of The Wire, during the early filming of the highly successful mini-series. He says, “The Wire was one long commercial for this!”

During the drug wars of the ‘80s, long before The Wire’s drug kingpin Avon Barksdale entered the mind of David Simon, a young man (named Nathan Avon "Bodie" Barksdale) was in the belly of one of the most violent neighborhoods on Baltimore’s Westside. The Lexington Terrace Projects was one of the most notorious areas in the city making it the perfect backdrop for HBO’s The Wire. But unlike David Simon, an admitted outsider, this story possesses the intimate detailing which can only come from an insider’s view. The real Barksdale brings the riveting fact-filled account of his world now known as The Avon Barksdale Story – Legends of the Unwired. A must see story for all true fans of The Wire!

This film was financed, directed, and produced by the KAJ Enterprise film group.

Jern Eye

SHA MONEY XL ANNOUNCES NEW VENTURE

FORMER G-UNIT PRESIDENT, LAUNCHES DREAM BIG VENTURES WITH NEW DISTRIBUTION DEAL THROUGH THE ORCHARD
Two years after stepping down from his post as President of G-Unit Records, Sha Money XL is back with an audacious new brand. Dream Big Ventures sees the music mogul sign a multi-million music and film distribution deal with The Orchard, the worlds leading digital distributor of music to bring his roster of artists and producers to the forefront of the music industry. Dream Big is making its debut with a notable roster of artists, DJ Whoo Kid founder of RadioPlanet.TV, former Shady/Aftermath recording artist Stat Quo, and New Orleans own Kidd Kidd.

The premier project to be released through Dream Big will be the long awaited and highly anticipated debut album from Atlanta rapper Stat Quo. Stantlanta will feature production from Che Vicious, Hi-Tek, Key Kat Productions and Sha Money XL. “From the first time I heard Stat Quo, I wanted to work with him,” shares the Dream Big Ventures owner. “The anticipation for his debut album is still high and I am pleased to be releasing it through my new venture.” This project and those that follow will give music fans and the industry an introduction to the standard Dream Big are setting.

“The first three projects coming out of Dream Big are very realistic reflections of the three stages an artist can find them self in,” explains Sha Money XL. “Established and successful, in-between labels or ready to take your career to the next level.” Dream Big Ventures has been formatted to work with artists regardless of their position within the music industry to encourage and maximize potential. “We are looking to nurture talent that has the passion to ‘dream big’ and let the company take them to where they want to be.”


With a dense history in the music business, Sha Money was crowned ‘the chain on the bike’ by 50 Cent in 2002, while developing the brand G-Unit, which instantaneously became a global phenomenon. “Sha Money’s reputation and track record of success speaks for itself,” said The Orchard’s General Manager, Michael Bull. “All of us at the Orchard are thrilled to be in a position to work with Sha on building and developing his new label. We see Dream Big as America’s next great urban independent.”

Looking to create his own kingdom with the assistance of The Orchard and a competent team, Sha Money XL is confident that this new chapter in his life will be just as successful as previous endeavors. “Dream Big is about me fulfilling my dreams and my visions,” explains XL, “Imagine if Dr. Dre had never moved on from NWA or Death Row? You have to have wisdom to accept that a change has to take place but not be careless with your future,” he concludes. Since leaving G Unit, Sha Money XL has gone on to develop the premier networking event of the year for producers, One Stop Shop which in its third year has featured appearances by a bevy of industry executives, professionals and the elite of the production world. He is currently working as Associate Producer on 50 Cent’s fourth studio album Before I Self-Destruct and as co-manager to classic rap group Reflection Eternal aka Hi-Tek and Talib Kewli. whose album is due early 2010.

Sha Money XL hopes that his website DREAMBIGVENTURES.NET will also serve as a Craigslist for all up and coming talent. The site will be a place where they can go to advertise their work, covering areas from web design, graphics, promotion, video and production which will in turn allow industry executives the opportunity to seek out talent in all related industries across the world.


NEW DOWLOADS FROM DREAM BIG VENTURES

NEW STAT QUO SINGLE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW KIDD KIDD MIXTAPE NEW KIDD ON THE BLOCK HOSTED BY DJ WHOO KID AND DJ SCREAM

50 Cent Presents "2 Turntables and a Microphone" Documentary

Maya Angelou & Common join forces and Recite Pieces at an Awareness Event in Harlem!

The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire State of Mind

LaWanda Michelle Gets The Industry Cosign

Click to Play

Brooklyn, NY product, LaWanda Michelle, speaks on her budding singing/songwriting career

Celebrity Benefit for World’s First Hip-Hop Museum in NYC

the National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) will host an exclusive celebrity fundraiser to benefit the development of the “first ever” true Hip-Hop Museum. This Red Carpet affair will take place on Feb 9, 2010 at the M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 West 28th Street, NYC. This exclusive star-studded gala will raise funds and awareness for the construction and community initiatives of the museum. Guests will have a preview of some of the museum’s building plans and programs.

This “invitation only” affair will welcome entertainment executives, celebrity rappers, dj’s, b-boys, legendary graffiti artists, Hollywood entertainers, celebrity media personalities, and community leaders. Guests include: Ice T, Akon, Redman, Dana Dane, MC Lyte, Kurtis Blow, Nice -n- Smooth, DJ Red Alert, Kid Capri, Ralph Mcdaniels, Ja Rule, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Black Sheep, Cold Crush Brothers, Rock Steady Crew, Furious Five, Brand Nubian, Chubb Rock, Bones Thugs -N-Harmony, The Roots, Pete Rock, D Nice, Marley Marl, N.O.R.E., Kid –n- Play, Roxanne Shante, Melly Mel, and an extensive list of others.

The Event Co-Chairs include Bill Adler, Dr. Ben Chavis, Andre Harrell, KRS One, Chuck D, Afrika Bambaataa, Terry Stewart, and Jim Fricke.

“The timing is perfect for the development of a museum that will preserve the great culture of hip-hop; a museum that will serve as not only a beacon for hip-hop’s achievements but also as a hub for community upliftment,” stated Craig Wilson, MBA, President of the Museum.

Once fully developed, the museum will conduct job training programs for the local homeless, substance-abusers, and unemployed borough residents. NMoH will also provide free classes that teach the political process and sponsor students with political career interests, by providing a space/platform for practice debates, campaigns and the development of programs and policy.

The Museum’s Hall of Fame, catering & restaurant operations and profits from visitors will generate millions in economic activity and create great job opportunities throughout NYC.

About NMoH
The National Museum of Hip-Hop is a NYC based non-profit 501 (c) (3) founded in 2005 and created to commemorate the historical and cultural achievements of hip-hop and artists, throughout the World, while educating area residents and global visitors about every aspect of the culture’s elements.

The plans for this project are to house the museum within a 100,000+ sq., foot facility in NYC. The program will feature initiatives and policies which require a strict adherence to community issues and interactivity. NMoH will exist as a hub for community advancement, economic development and political education. The Advisory Board consists of Executives who have long histories of large museum development, as well as inner-city community involvement. Board Members include: Russell Simmons, Dr. Ben Chavis, Andre Harrell, Leyla Turkkan, Bill Adler, Bob Santelli and Terry Stewart.

BILLION'S NEW ALBUM SPF DIRTY IN STORES 11/24

Kwality Records is thrilled to announce the release of SPF Dirty, the all-new album by rising hip-hop artist Billion. This album will be released on November 24th, 2009.

On the heels of last year's The I-95 EP, comes SPF Dirty the all-new album by Billion. Full of hot, pumping party tracks and raw lyrical content, the album was meticulously crafted by Billion and producer Dan Haedicke to showcase the best in Billion's witty, punch line driven rhyme style.

Billion's lead single "Fluid" is available now on iTunes and other digital retailers.

We are excited to share one of the songs from the project was recently picked up by BET to be featured on the new show "Buppies" which begins airing in November.

Tracklisting:

1. Crusher (ft. Mena)

2. Fluid

3. Denominations (ft. Mena)

4. I Kinda Like That

5. Just Right

6. Money In The Air (ft. Mo' Fresh)

7. Gettin Down (ft. Mena)

8. Ghetto Tech (ft. Mo' Fresh)

Additionally, the label is offering FREE music downloads made exclusively as complementary music to the album leading up to the release of SPF Dirty. To preview and download these bonus tracks click here or go to the below links.

For more info on Billion and FREE music downloads go to:
www.myspace.com/billionmusic
www.myspace.com/kwalityrecords

GUESS WHO'S BIZZACK?!?

Rap-stress, Mia X, finally returns to the limelight after an over ten year absence!

Mia X, nee' Mia Young, was the very first female emcee inked to Master P's mid-nineties powerhouse imprint, No Limit Records. From 1995 to '98, Mia released three acclaimed solo albums; Good Girl Gone Bad, the gold certified Unlady Like, and her third and final effort, Mama Drama, before graciously bowing out of the rap game altogether.

Unfortunately, during her musical hiatus, Mia suffered several personal setbacks; primarily the unexpected and tragic passing of both her mother and father, as well as the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Suddenly, she was left to care for not only her own children, but also her youngest sister, Ashley, who thanks to Mia's undying love and support, recently graduated from L.S.U. Medical with honors.

Although the self-proclaimed 'Unlady Like Diva' briefly returned in 2006 with "Verbal Assault," a track produced by Donald XL Robertson that appeared on the popular Southern Smoke mix-tape series, and a pair of songs on C-Murder's Screamin' 4 Vengeance in '08, no project ever materialized. Now, that is all about to change!

Mia X' highly anticipated, fourth studio LP, Betty Rocka Locksmith, which she is currently finishing up work on, is being introduced by its first two offerings; the radio ready, "1 Life 1 Love," which she'll be shooting a video for soon, and "Get Da Paper," an ode to eighties Hip-Hop.

Betty Rocka Locksmith is currently scheduled to be released in February 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/xlmiax

50 Cent's New Album Before I Self Destruct Available Exclusively on the iTunes Store at Midnight on November 9

50 Cent's fourth studio album, BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT, will be released exclusively on the iTunes Store on November 9th at 12:00AM EST (midnight, Sunday night). The album will be available exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com ) until its November 16 street date. Selling more than 30 million albums worldwide, 50 Cent continues his phenomenal rise from street culture hero to pop culture icon.

Glamour Names First Lady Michelle Obama, Stella McCartney and Rihanna Among 2009 Women of the Year

Glamour magazine announces its annual Women of the Year tribute with 11 extraordinary and inspirational winners and one special-recognition honoree. Glamour's honorees have made unprecedented contributions to the worlds of entertainment, business, sports, fashion, science and politics. L'Oreal Paris is the title sponsor of the celebration at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The 2009 Women of the Year are profiled in the December issue of Glamour, on newsstands November 10, with a stunning photo portfolio by renowned photographers, including Brigitte Lacombe and Matthias Vriens-McGrath. This evening's awards ceremony will be held at Carnegie Hall, with a star-studded list of presenters and a special musical performance by Estelle. This year, the Glamour Women of the Year Fund initiative has worked with the Jenzabar Foundation and its cofounder Ling Chai, a 1990 Women of the Year honoree, to create a scholarship that will allow Iranian women to study at universities in the United States. Glamour's Women of the Year advisory board, made up of past honorees ranging from Jennifer Lopez to Nora Ephron to Katie Couric, helped nominate:

-- Dr. Maya Angelou - A memoirist, poet, educator and civil rights
activist, Dr. Angelou holds more than 30 honorary degrees for her many
published works, including her latest, Letter to My Daughter, a
collection of wisdom she has gathered throughout her life.
-- Dr. Jane Aronson - This pediatrician is credited with bringing the
plight of orphans to the world's attention. Her Worldwide Orphans
Foundation has provided life-altering support to more than 20,000
orphans around the globe; in her private practice, Dr. Aronson works
with adoptive parents--including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt--to care
for their children and reassure them that their new families can work.
-- Laura Ling & Euna Lee - These journalists made headlines earlier this
year when they were arrested and imprisoned while reporting on the
plight of North Korean women who cross into China to escape
starvation.
-- Marissa Mayer - She helped make Google the number-one search engine,
overseeing popular innovations like Gmail, Google Maps and Google
Earth. Among her current goals as vice president for search and user
experience is bringing more women into the high-tech field and moving
them up the ladder.
-- Stella McCartney - She has become one of the world's most influential
designers, thanks to her innate sense of what makes a woman look cool.
A lifelong vegetarian and animal rights activist, she refuses to work
in leather or fur, instead using man-made materials to create sexy
stilettos and jackets that are coveted by the world's most fashionable
women.
-- One Million Signatures Campaign - Started in 2006 by a group of
Iranian women, the campaign calls for an end to gender inequality in
Iran. The organizers risk their lives asking women and men to sign a
petition demanding changes in the laws that make women second-class
citizens. Their courage has emboldened women across Iran to speak out
with a newfound voice, one that was heard loud and clear during last
summer's post-election demonstrations.
-- Amy Poehler - A fearless comedian, she is currently the star and
producer of NBC's Parks and Recreation. She inspires young girls with
projects like The Mighty B!, her Nickelodeon cartoon series about a
feisty Honeybee Scout, and Smart Girls at the Party, her Web-based
preteen talk show.
-- Susan Rice - The first female African American U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations, she is putting women's needs at the forefront of the
American agenda at the U.N.
-- Rihanna - At just 21, this pop star boasts sales that have wowed even
music industry veterans--and an incredible self-invented style. She
started the Believe Foundation, a fund that provides educational and
medical supplies to needy children; for the first time, she speaks out
in Glamour about what she calls the "big secret" of domestic violence.
-- Maria Shriver - California's First Lady has redefined the role into a
platform for change and leadership with her annual Women's Conference,
multiple books, Emmy-award winning documentary on Alzheimer's and her
groundbreaking study on "A Woman's Nation," which ignited a national
conversation on the female role at work and at home.
-- Serena Williams - The tennis powerhouse has won more career prize
money than any female athlete in history. Her Serena Williams
Foundation gives grants to U.S. college students, and she recently
opened a secondary school in rural Kenya.
-- Special Recognition: Michelle Obama - America's First Lady has brought
the importance of mentoring to the national forefront. She has
demonstrated a commitment to helping the next generation of girls
expand their horizons by providing them with the information and
inspiration to envision themselves as the leaders of tomorrow.

Glamour's Women of the Year event has had an impact on politics and society that literally saves lives. Glamour continues its Women of the Year Fund initiative, which translates the message of the event into action. The magazine's 12 million readers can contribute to charities supported by the Women of the Year Fund at glamour.com/woty and watch their contributions make a difference in the pages of Glamour, which will follow the progress of the recipients. The 2009 winners, Iran's One Million Signatures Campaign, cannot accept donations, so this year's fund is dedicated to a scholarship program helping Iranian women attend universities in the United States.

The Wait is Over: Dramatik Reveals What's in "La Boite Noire"

The day has come to officially launch Dramatik's first solo album titled "La Boite Noire". Part of Muzion collective (composed of Dramatik, J-Kill and Imposs who revolutionized Quebec's urban music scene), Dramatik's album is very anticipated by fans and critics alike. The prolific rappers 3 year long concoction will be launched at Cabaret Juste pour Rire.

Dramatik picked up where he left off after many years of absence on the musical front. "La Boite Noire", which will be available as of tomorrow, will significantly mark the Quebec hip hop scene with its originality, its musicality and its content.

With hard hitting and engaged texts, Dramatik delivers his view of today's society. He bestows a personal musical legacy in which he shares chunks of his difficult life (family abandonment, foster homes and more) .It also a political and engaged album that he uses as an outlet to evacuate without containment or censorship. As we listen to the 15 songs of the album, he transports the listeners in the dark folds of his soul. Throughout the lines and notes of the album, we discover the man behind the rapper, the activist through his heart.

"La Boite Noire" first single L'oubli, written by Dramatik on a DJ Manifest beat, helps us get the artist as well as the purpose of his much awaited album. This track explains the day to day reality of Montreal-North resident where he grew up.

Politically engaged and hope bearer, Dramatik created an album to his image. His use of the French language to express his views is a must listen to.

Stay on top of what's new with Dramatik by visiting:

www.dramatik.ca

www.myspace.com/dramatikmuzion

www.7iemeciel.ca