Friday, March 27, 2009

DEBORAH COX's New CD "THE PROMISE" Nominated for 2009 JUNO Award

(New York, NY - March 27, 2009) - International and multi-platinum selling recording artist DEBORAH COX's single, "Beautiful U R" is now double platinum in Canada. The song is included on the new independent CD release, THE PROMISE, her first contemporary R&B album in six years. The album has also been nominated for a 2009 JUNO Award (Canada's Music Awards) for Best R&B/Soul Recording. Called "music's biggest night in Canada," Cox, a Canadian native, will appear as a presenter on the annual award show scheduled to air Sunday, March 29 from Vancouver on CTV.

"Beautiful U R" is the first Top 40 single from the album. It is currently #31 on Billboard's Canadian Top 100 chart and #6 on the Canadian Hot AC Radio Chart with over 5,000 plays/26.5 million total audience. In addition, the accompanying video has received over one million views on YouTube and is currently #1 on Canada's MuchMoreMusic Countdown.

The new single, "Saying Goodbye," is shaping up to be Cox's biggest single in years: #1 most added at Urban AC in its first week; 36* at R&R and 35* at Mediabase. The song is Top 20 in several markets including WBLS (NY), WSRB (Chicago), KBLX (San Francisco), WKXI (Jackson, MS), WMGL (Charleston SC), WQMG (Greensboro, NC), KNEK (Lafayette, AL), KMEZ (New Orleans).

THE PROMISE features production by an all-star team of collaborators including John Legend (Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill), Big Jim Wright (Elton John, String, Janet Jackson), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross) and Devo Springsteen (Kanye West, Estelle).
###

For more information on Deborah Cox, please visit:

www.myspace.com/deborahcox
www.deborahcox.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Ms Drama interviews Sandman AKA: SandCannon Part 1

John Brown @ Asher Roth Listening Party / "I Love College" (Burbz Remix)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

TRUE TO THE GAME MUSIC RELEASE

In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke the “color line” in professional baseball, becoming the first African-American since the end of the 19th century to play alongside white players in an official game. For many, Jackie Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball presented a view into a future where much of American society would be fully integrated. As important as Robinson’s achievement was, it would overshadow perhaps an even greater example of the legacy of African-American success. Before they could suit up alongside their white peers, black baseball players were relegated to the Negro Leagues. But rather than see the Negro Leagues as an inferior version of white baseball, visionaries like Andrew “Rube” Foster and players like Josh Gibson, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Leroy “Satchel” Paige and Buck O’Neil helped create a vibrant testament to African-American ingenuity and survival. Though the Negro Leagues are too often forgotten in an era when African-American athletes compete at the highest levels of virtually every professional sport, Stadium Entertainment aims to celebrate the Negro Leagues with the compilation CD True to the Game, Volume 1. A portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of True to the Game, Volume 1 will be used to support fund-raising efforts for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO. True to the Game, Volume 1 launched its release on March 24, 2009 on Stadium Entertainment.

The current single and video, The Big Screen, features protégé GLC and hip-hop icon Kanye West. GLC is clearly an emerging voice in urban music. His success started when childhood friend, Kanye, offered GLC a guest appearance on his debut album, The College Dropout. GLC delivered a verse which engendered critical acclaim from music critics and fans alike, followed by another stellar performance on “Drive Slow,” from Kanye’s sophomore LP, Late Registration. GLC and Kanye West were the first artists who agreed to lend their talents on the True To The Game project.

The CD is comprised of 14 tracks featuring platinum and multi-platinum selling artists paired with emerging new artists. The line-up includes: Yung Joc, Raiyn and Talib Kweli, Tay Dizm, T-Pain and Rick Ross, Macy Gray and Marsha Ambrosius, GLC and Kanye West, Sam Chris and Big Boi, Mikkey Halsted and Klass, Ziggy Nina and Chingy, Porta Prince and Ray J, Jarvis and Ludacris, Mario, DJ Pharris with Shawna, Paul Wall and Lil Scrappy, Brandon Hines, and Hustle Boyz and Snoop Dogg.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Dance Lesson by Electrik Red

Rick Ross Addresses 50 Cent and Bloggers


Rick Ross from Rahiem Shabazz on Vimeo.

AMERICAN IDOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN THIS WEEK

On a special Wednesday, March 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) performance show, the Top 10 finalists (Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver) will return to the IDOL stage to celebrate and pay tribute to “50 Years of Motown” as well as perform classic Motown songs. The IDOLS were treated to a tour of Hitsville, the birthplace of superstars such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 and had the rare opportunity to sit down with the legendary Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson for their advice.



Tune in the following night Thursday, March 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to see Smokey Robinson perform and find out if the judges use their save or if America sends another finalist home.



Smokey Robinson has been synonymous with the Motown sound since the late 1950s when he first met Motown founder Berry Gordy in Detroit. Gordy took Robinson and The Miracles under his wing, and in 1960, signed them to Motown. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles had hit after hit, including “Shop Around,” “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby” and “I Second That Emotion.” Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. A familiar face on the IDOL stage, he performed a medley of his hits with the Top 6 male finalists on the AMERICAN IDOL Season Six finale.



Songwriter, producer, director and entrepreneur Berry Gordy is the man behind the Motown sound. Under his leadership, Motown achieved one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century by creating music that broke down barriers in a segregated country, touching all people, regardless of color. Starting out in a house that came to be known as Hitsville, USA, he built Motown into a record company with one of the most impressive rosters of artists in the history of pop music. What Berry Gordy and Motown accomplished in music, television and film had never been achieved before; their contributions to music past, present and future are truly immeasurable.



The distinctive, upbeat and uplifting music of Motown brought together pop and soul, white and black, old and young, like never before and continues to this day. Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American owned business in America. Today, the label is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises, and the timeless songs of Motown from 1959 to 1985 are represented by EMI Music Publishing. Through the end of 2009, Universal Music Group and EMI Music Publishing will mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Detroit label’s musical achievements with a series of initiatives, including monthly music releases.



AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.



Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For all photo requests, please go to foxflash.com.



Visit www.motown.com for Motown information.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Jive Records Signs Singer/Songwriter Kevin Cossom

Jive Records, through an arrangement with super-producer Nate “Danja” Hills newly formed label N.A.R.S. (New Age Rocks Stars) Records, has signed the hotly sought-after artist, Kevin Cossom, to the roster. Hills is a Grammy award-winning producer who has worked with many multi-platinum artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Mariah Carey.

Peter Thea, Executive Vice President, JIVE Label Group states, “We’re thrilled to take our working relationship with Danja to the next level by working with Kevin. Danja is one of the most trendsetting producers in music, and Kevin is a remarkable talent.”

Mark Pitts, President, Urban Music, JIVE Label Group adds, “Kevin is an extremely talented singer and songwriter; he’s the total package. He’s a welcomed addition to the roster, and we know with Danja and the Jive Records team behind him he will definitely make his mark.”

Nate “Danja’ Hills states, "It goes without saying that Jive is a key factor in my success, so it only felt right to bring N.A.R.S. and Kevin Cossom to the label. I'm very excited that "KC" has the opportunity to be among some of the industry's elite artists and that Jive recognized his potential to shine as bright as the rest. I'm excited for what the future holds in this growing relationship between KC, Jive and myself. "

Kevin Cossom, a native of Orlando , worked with R. Kelly and Young Jeezy (“Go Getta) and steadily gained attention with his collaborations with other artists including Lloyd Banks, Beanie Sigel, Rick Ross, Chamillionaire, Trey Songz and Rocko. Danja met Kevin through publisher Sam Taylor in 2007. Danja instantly recognized Kevin's amazing talents both as a singer and songwriter and signed him within months of their first meeting.

Kevin Cossom is currently preparing the release of his debut album.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Entertainment Titan Christina Mendez Celebrates Celebrity Birthday Party In Style and Announces Team Mendez Participation in Walk Now For Autism

Flashing Lights, Cheers, and Warm Wishes from New York's fashionable elite, industry tastemakers, celebrities, and avid supporters filled the room as they came out to celebrate the birthday of Model / Host / Philanthropist Christina Mendez at one of New York's hottest new venues Glass Lounge (NYC) on March 10th . All eyes where on the guest of honor as she celebrated the night away with not one but 2 of the hottest emerging DJ's to hit the New York scene as well as announcing various surprises with family, friends, and industry colleagues throughout the night's festivities.

"I wanted to make the official announcement of the launch of the Team Mendez Incentive, for the upcoming Walk Now for Autism event happening on June 14th, 2009 at the South Street Seaport, at my party because it seemed like a great fit. This room tonight is filled with people who know how important this cause is for me, I already received donations from guest attendees as well as from the media outlet "I Am My Hustle", says Christina Mendez.

Verizon will match up to 5000 dollars of all donations made on my Team Mendez website: http://www.walknowforautism.org/nyc/teammendez

In addition to the announcement of the Team Mendez Incentive, guests were one of the first to see the new PZI Jeans campaign featuring Christina's luscious curves. "PZI Jeans celebrates the curves of every female and I am so honored that this campaign was debuted at my birthday party, it's been one of the hot topics of the night", says Christina.

Sponsors who celebrated in Christina's amazing event included: Glass Lounge, PZI Jeans, Walk Now for Autism, JLV Nightlife, Wine Cellar Sorbet, Pin-Up Cosmetics, Miss Jessie's, Latina Magazine, Koch Records, MNS Media Group, Qristyl Frazier Designs and Better Body Cosmetics.

Notables in attendance celebrating Christina's birthday included Actress Bobbi Jo Kitchen, Face of Sean John Miguel Perdomo, Boxer and The Contender 4 finalist Hino Ehikhamenor, Jena Greco of Autism Speaks, Singer Damien Richards, Designer Qristyl Fraizer, Actor Juan Bago, Author Catherine Schuller, Cedric "Big Ced" Thorton of The Industry Co-Sign, Latin Pop & B Music Sensations Tha Heights, Host / Actor Emmi Grullon, Nina B, Designer Gwen Beloti, Celebrity Stylist Keino Benjamin and Keisha Spivey of Better Body Cosmetics just to name a few.

About Christina Mendez

Christina Mendez has graced the pages of Glamour, All You, Latina Magazine and Urban Latino Magazine, rocked the runway for BET's Rip the Runway, Art of Curves, and Lane Bryant's In-Store Fashion Show in NYC. She has also become one of the first plus-size, Hispanic Urban models to work as the featured model for Baby Phat, Apple Bottoms, Rocawear, Dereon and more. Besides appearing in various magazines and runway shows, Christina has been featured in national television segments including The Rachel Ray Show, Fox News, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, BET News, Lifetime's "Matched in Manhattan" with Matt Titus, New York local favorites Good Day New York , CW 11 and others. Besides blessing the world with her grace and beauty, Christina has dedicated her time to various charities including: Autism Speaks, Hispanic Support Organizations and Women Barack! The Vote, being the only Hispanic woman in the ads, Ms. Mendez delivered the important message of voting in both English and Spanish.

For more information about Christina Mendez, please visit www.ChristinaMendez.com.

About Walk For Autism

Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder

To see a current list of walk sites please visit: http://www.walknowforautism.org

John Brown w/ Dallas Penn and Big Ced

The Industry Cosign speaks to C.G.O. (Crew Grrl Order) at B.B. King's in NYC

At the Public Enemy show at BB King's in New York City, Sunday, March 15th, The Industry Cosign got a chance to speak to C.G.O. (Crew Grrl Order), a new group being supported by Public Enemy's Chuck D. They speak about what they bring to the table, their unique style and their past and future projects.

BRAND NUBIAN VETERAN GRAND PUBA SIGNS WITH BABYGRANDE RECORDS FOR "RETROACTIVE"

Hip-Hop legend and founding member of the seminal group Brand Nubian,
Grand Puba announces his signing with indie powerhouse Babygrande
Records for the release of his fourth solo album, "Retroactive"
on June 23, 2008.

Grand Puba has been a crucial participant in the hip-hop movement since
its early days. Originally a member of the group Masters of Ceremony, he
became the lead emcee of the New Rochelle-based Brand Nubian in 1989.
Although their upbeat music and positive lyrics tied them stro ngly to the
Native Tongues movement (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest etc.) Brand
Nubian's politics and religion were always at the forefront of their music,
paving the way for groups like Dead Prez, RZA & GZA (of Wu-Tang), Black
Star, Brother Ali & countless others.

As a solo artist, Grand Puba has been extremely successful as well. Many
consider both his release of "Reel 2 Reel," ('92) and "2000" ('95) to be
classics. In 1998, he reunited with Brand Nubian for "Foundation" and in
2004 for "Fire In The Hole" on Babygrande. With the forthcoming
"Retroactive" release, Grand Puba once again returns to his trademark
style--brilliant lyrics, socio-political themes and a smooth laid-back delivery.
Grand Puba's flow is as refined as ever, his beat selection top-notch, and
the finished project promises to fill a much needed void in hip-hop, at a time
when positive, progressive and upbeat messages are sorely needed in the
world. "Grand Puba is the father to so many styles in hip-hop. Its good to
have him back--the game needs him. We have a great relationship with
Brand Nubian and we had so much success with Lord Jamar's solo release
in 2006 that it only makes sense to keep it in the family," says Chuck Wilson
Babygrande's CEO.



Grand Puba
"Retroactive"
In Stores June 23rd, 2009
Babygrande Records

Thursday, March 12, 2009

AllHipHop.com's Grouchy Greg and Steve 'Raze' Julien Just Talking....

Outside of The Hotel Goonsevoort after the VIBE/Young Jeezy Event last year. AllHipHop's Grouchy Greg and Raze haing a good conversation after having an obvious good time at The Vibe party....

Heat Makerz hits Amadu's Corner Celeb status!! #1

Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-nominated artist Canton Jones is on a search to get the perfect title for his next record. Currently working on his fourth original album for Arrow Records, gospel hip hop artist Canton Jones is a young but seasoned artist whose positive and outstanding range of talents have made him a fan favorite with his exhilarating stage shows, catchy mix of music that crosses genres from hip hop to gospel, R&B and more, and encouraging messages about faith and life’s struggles and choices. Reaching out to his fans for their inspiration, Canton Jones is working hard on his record, set for a 2009 release, and inviting fans to get creatively involved in the record-making process with the new “Whatchamacallit” contest to submit names for the album title.

 


Launching March 11th, Arrow Records is giving fans a chance to name Canton Jones' next album, with a “Whatchamacallit” contest through their website, www.arrow-records.com.  From March 11th through March 20th, fans can offer what they think will be the winning title for Canton Jones’ latest project, and get a chance to win some prizes, by emailing their submissions to contest@arrow-records.com. Winners will be announced on March 23rd, and with a grand prize package that includes a Canton Jones Anthology (complete collection of Arrow Records catalog of Canton Jones autographed CD’s), autographed CD, a t-shirt and inclusion on next album.  The second place winner will receive an autographed CD and t-shirt and the third place winner will receive an autographed CD.


 


For more information about Canton Jones, please visit www.cajointernational.com, www.myspace.com/therealcantonjones and www.myspace.com/officialarrowrecords, www.arrow-records.com


 


About Canton Jones


Based in Atlanta, Jones’ positive messages and talent have made him a rising star, who is well-regarded by both gospel artists and his secular peers in the Hip Hop and R&B worlds. His uncompromising approach to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through music has brought him many accolades and inspired many fans. Jones is a member and a Praise and Worship leader at World Changers Church International, where Dr. Creflo Dollar is the Senior Pastor. Jones is also one of the breakout artists on Arrow Records, which is owned and operated by Dr. Creflo and Pastor Taffi Dollar.


 


About Arrow Records


Arrow Records, an affiliate of Creflo Dollar Ministries, is a Word-based record company located in College Park, Georgia. Established in 1998, our mission is to restore gospel music back to its original purpose-to usher in the power and presence of God in order to encourage the brokenhearted, heal the sick, deliver the captive and save the lost through the rhythm and beat of hip-hop, jazz, praise and worship, pop, urban, instrumental, inspirational, contemporary and traditional black gospel, and alternative sounds.

Hip-Hop Singer/MTV/VH1 PERSONALITY AMANDA DIVA HOSTS BENEFIT GALA & CONCERT IN NORTH CAROLINA

NuFacesNC.com and the DRC Clothing Company announced Wednesday March
11, 2009 that recording artist, author, poet and media personality
Amada Diva will host Nappy Luv 7.5 in Charlotte , NC on Saturday April
11, 2009 and in Raleigh , NC on Sunday April 12, 2009.

Nappy Luv
7.5 is an annual event series that molds music, art, dance, fashion and
poetry in to one festive occasion.  This year's efforts are aimed at
bringing attention to the technological resource based war in the
Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amanda Diva is a multi-talented
Columbia University graduate that made her debut on Nickelodeon at the
age of 12 on the sitcom My Brother and Me.  After graduation she hosted
shows on MTV2, VH1 and SIRIUS.  In 2007 Amanda Diva replaced Natalie
Stewart as a member of the group Floetry on their tour.  Most recently
Amanda Diva released the free EP Spandex, Rhymes & Soul in March
2009.

The Charlotte stop for Nappy Luv 7.5 is being billed as
"The Photo.Conscious Edition and will be held April 11, 2009 at the
Hart-Witzen Art Gallery and Theater at 116 W. 36TH Street in the city's
arts district, NoDa.  A who's who of Charlotte 's politically engaged
socialites, tastemakers and creative class will enjoy an open bar
catered event featuring live performances and art before partying the
rest of the night away while models wearing fashions of the DRC
Clothing Company conduct a photo shoot in the background.

On
April 12th the show moves to the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh, North
Carolina for Nappy Luv 7.5: The Bloody Tech-Knowledge-Y Concert
featuring host and performer Amanda Diva, Hip-Hop artist Median, Grammy
Award winning producer 9th Wonder, soulstress Jocelyn Ellis featuring
band Alpha Theory, urban folk starlet Lizh, and many more.

NuFacesNC.com
is a social-networking community web site akin to Myspace or Facebook
but with a regional focus. As with these sites, NuFacesNC.com allows
members to register profiles, upload and share photographs and videos,
chat with other members, and update blogs. In addition, the site also
features original content. NuFacesNC.com offers graphic design,
videography and video editing services as well.

The DRC Clothing
Co. is the brand of choice for urban-minded, socially conscious young
adults who seek apparel that appeals to more than just a sense of
style.  Founded by Congolese-Americans Eric B. Ndelo, Taj Polite and
Roderick B. Vakala, along with international street culture enthusiast
Antonio T. Mercer; the brand fuses the urban aesthetics of global
street movements with Pan-African cultural principles and designs.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

VERBAL KENT AND KAZ ONE TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY WITH BRAVE NEW RAP

Brave New Rap the long awaited collaboration album between Chicago Heavyweights Verbal Kent and Kaz One (who has previously worked with Sean Price, Sadat X, ED O. G and RA Da Rugged Man) is set to be released April 1st, 2009 on Gravel Records.

Verbal Kent has released three albums previously, What Box, Move With The Walls & Fist Shaking and been featured in XXL and Urb Magazines. Verbal has also collaborated with such artists as Ill Bill, Marco Polo, Wordsworth, One Be Lo, Oddisee, Pacewon and he’s also toured nationally with Sadat X, ED O.G, and Count Bass D.

Brave New Rap features production entirely from Kaz One, with guest appearances by La Coka Nostra Leader Ill Bill, EMC’s Wordsworth, Braille, and Coldhard of the legendary Crucial Conflict. Track after track, Verbal and Kaz team up on what many hip-hop connoisseurs are terming to be "the return of real tag-team rap". The chemistry boils as the album blasts off with “Dedicated” and never cools off. The old-fashioned boom-bap of “Wars R Us” and “Remove The Gag” follow, reminding fans of what happens when people who know each other well make music together (e.g. Wu-Tang, EPMD). Tracks such as “Questions” and “Suck A Grenade” ponder what Hip-Hop would be like if skills were the only thing that were relevant and later, Verbal examines the American way and challenges its course with “Identity Theft” and the epic “Power II.”

As Verbal Kent laments Brave New Rap is the culmination of a musical relationship that was fostered over nearly a decade “Me and Kaz met at a emcee battle at a club in Chicago in 2001. This album is the culmination of 8 years of getting to know each other musically. He has produced over half my music, but never a whole record; that's why this release means the most to me. We started off recording songs in a one bedroom apartment in Dekalb, IL. I would take the trip down from the city to build with him a few days a week and after recording a few songs together, we knew we had something good going. A year or so later, Kaz moved to Chicago above a coffee house a friend of mine owned and we just continued to bang out tracks. Kaz produced more then half of my first LP (What Box) and has also produced multiple racks on every record I have ever released and people have always told me I come across best over his beats…I think now I finally agree. Building with just one producer on a record is almost like having this pre-arranged musical outline that you get to weave in and out of when writing a song. It alleviates the pressure and replaces it with urgency. This album has easily been my favorite to work on and I think it shows thru the songs. You want to like a record for a few weeks then buy some other album. Cop this one and your going to memorize every track. That’s what I used to love about a great Hip-Hop album. I’m trying to bring that feeling back.”

Brave New Rap is exactly what the rap game needs---proving to the world that Hip-Hop is alive; and more then well.

Tracklisting and credits for Verbal Kent & Kaz One’s “Brave New Rap”:

1.) How We Figured It Out (Introduction)
2.) Dedicated
3.) Wars R Us
4.) Remove The Gag f/ Ill Bill & Wordsworth
5.) Questions
6.) Snake F*ckers & Androids f/ Soweto Kinch, Sunny Jim, Altruisms, Roadblok and Doomsday
7.) Friends (Interlude 1)
8.) Suck A Grenade
9.) Fast Rapping Time
10.) Identity Theft
11.) Verbal Assault f/ Cold Hard Of Crucial Conflict
12.) Silly Rapper, Vomiting Is For Kids (Interlude 2)
13.) Big Bang
14.) Fast Forward
15.) Faith f/ Braille
16.) Power Pt. II

(All tracks produced by Kaz One)