Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs and Penelope Cruz Take Manhattan by Storm

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Penelope Cruz were spotted in several Manhattan locations recently being photographed by famed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh for the advertising campaign to launch the Sean by Sean Combs women’s collection. The 2-day shoot features Ms. Cruz as the face of the Sean by Sean Combs women’s collection and will depict the Spanish Beauty and Harlem born media mogul as they escape the paparazzi in various locations throughout the city. In a case of life imitating art, the couple attracted the attention of many “real” paparazzi, along with hordes of fans and autograph-seekers.

Via PRNewswire

Fugees Back Together Again

The Fugees — Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Prakazrel Michel (“Pras”) — took audience members, and television viewers, by surprise when the legendary hip-hop supergroup appeared on-stage at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre as the unannounced opening act for the 2005 BET Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 28.

To the delight of the audience at the Kodak Theatre and fans watching the ceremony on BET at home, the rejuvenated Fugees performed a jaw-dropping set that included the signature hits “Ready or Not,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”

Lauryn, Wyclef and Pras have been busy working together in New York City creating a new studio album, the long awaited successor to the Fugees’ groundbreaking last opus, The Score, the biggest-selling hip-hop album of all time.

Released in 1996, The Score became that year’s best selling album, taking home two Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album and Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal (for “Killing Me Softly With His Song”). Certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, The Score has sold more than 13,600,000 copies worldwide.

Following the massive international success of The Score, the Fugees went on hiatus with the group’s individual members — Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras — each pursuing solo careers.

Lauryn’s 1998 debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, earned the artist five Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, and has been certified 8x platinum by the RIAA.

Wyclef Jean, the first of the Fugees to embark on a solo career, racked up seven RIAA gold and platinum certifications for his solo albums — 1997′s The Carnival (gold, 2x platinum) and The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II A Book (gold, platinum) — and 1998′s smash single “Gone Till November” (gold, platinum). Clef has been in-demand as a producer/mixer (Santana, Whitney Houston, Black-Eyed Peas, Destiny’s Child) and is an outspoken social activist and force behind numerous benefit concerts including aid for his native Haiti.

Prakazrel Michel (“Pras”) — who co-founded the rap group Tranzlator Crew (later rechristened the Fugees when Pras’ cousin Wyclef joined) with his high-school classmate Lauryn Hill in 1987 — had a #1 R&B hit with his 1998 single, “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are),” from the soundtrack of Warren Beatty’s “Bulworth.” Turning his attention to film, Pras played a villain in the 1999 Ben Stiller superhero send-up, “Mystery Men,” and starred as a struggling drug-running rap musician in “Turn It Up,” a film based on Pras’ own “Ghetto Supastar” sagas.

The Fugees gave the first intimation of a full-fledged reunion when the group made a surprise appearance at a Brooklyn block party thrown by comedian Dave Chappelle in September 2004.

Via PRNewswire

2005 BET Awards Recap

BET’s annual mega-salute to superlative performances in music, sports and entertainment again lit up the Hollywood skyline and the majestic Kodak Theatre, with rapper/producer impresario Kanye West grabbing awards for Best Male Hip Hop artist and for Video of the Year for his spiritual composition “Jesus Walks.” First-time BET Awards nominees Ciara and John Legend each walked away with trophies, as Ciara won for Best Collaboration for her tandem with rapper Missy Elliott on “1, 2 Step,” and Legend scored as Best Male New Artist. BET also used the star-studded night to honor music legend Gladys Knight with the network’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta with the BET Humanitarian Award.

BET’s big night exploded with amazing performances and special salutes as Hollywood power couple Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith served as hosts for the first time. Performers included living legend Stevie Wonder, smoking hot “Dirty South” rapper T.I. along with superstars Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton, Ludacris, Missy Elliott, former B2K phenom Omarion, Mike Jones, Fantasia, Tye Tribbett and The Game joining in an “off the meter” throw-down that rocked the house and the thousands fortunate enough to have a seat for BET’s biggest show of the year. A sparkling list of Hollywood’s celebrity A-List also joined the show as presenters, including Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey and Mario.

The night also had some solemn moments as BET paid memorial tributes to actor Ossie Davis, attorney Johnnie Cochran, singer Rick James and rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard, all of whom died since last’s BET AWARDS show.

Winners Include: Kanye West (Best Male Hip Hop & Video of the Year), Shaquille O’Neal (Male Athlete), Serena Williams (Female Athlete), Jamie Foxx (Best Actor), Regina King (Best Actress), John Legend (Best New Artist), Remy Martin (Best Female Hip Hop), Ciara featuring Missy Elliott (Best Collaboration), Destiny’s Child (Best Group), Usher (Best Male R&B), Alicia Keys (Best Female R&B)

Via PRNewswire

Aflac Presents $1 Million Towards Creation Of African American Museum

Aflac Chairman and CEO, Dan Amos presented a check for $1 million dollars today to the Smithsonian Institute for the building of the new National Museum of African-American History and Culture, making the Columbus, Ga.-based insurer the first Fortune 500 company to donate funds toward the landmark’s construction. Amos made the check presentation during a donation ceremony in the Smithsonian’s Castle Building.

“Aflac is proud to lead the way in contributing to this most worthy cause,” Amos said. “The museum will serve as a great way to spotlight America’s diverse history while honoring the African-American experience that has been instrumental in the development of our great nation. I look forward to the completion of this significant cultural landmark.”

The museum will be the only national institution devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture. The museum’s exhibits will cover topics as varied as slavery, post-Civil War Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement.

The museum’s director, Lonnie G. Bunch, and Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small accepted the $1 million donation during the ceremony. “We are extremely grateful that Aflac, a company with a proud history of community involvement and philanthropic giving, has stepped forward to galvanize the launch of our newest museum with such a magnanimous gift,” said Small.

The National Museum of African-American History and Culture was established on Dec. 19, 2003, when President Bush signed into law legislation establishing the museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Board of Regents announced the founding 19-member council of the museum — which includes leaders from business, academia and the arts — in December 2004.

Dr. Robert L. Wright, chairman emeritus of Dimensions International and former chairman of the Presidential Commission for the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, expressed his sincere appreciation of Aflac’s commitment. “I am proud to be involved with a company that recognizes the important contributions that African Americans have made to our great country. Aflac has a long-standing history of philanthropy and a profound understanding of the importance of diversity,” said Wright, who is also a member of Aflac’s board of directors and chairman of the Audit Committee.

Planning, design and construction of the museum are currently under way.

Also in attendance at the donation ceremony were Aflac board member Ben Johnson and U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. of Georgia.

Aflac made the pledge to support the museum nearly three years ago in November 2002. More recently, Aflac donated $1 million toward the construction of a national memorial commemorating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. during an MLK Unity Breakfast held in Columbus, Ga., on January 17, 2005.

Via PRNewswire

NBA Star Alonzo Mourning Spreads the Word About Kidney Disease

Basketball star Alonzo Mourning has overcome tremendous obstacles to become an all-star on and off the court. He was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2000, and had a kidney transplant in 2003. Since then, Mourning has made a triumphant return to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and now he will visit clinics throughout the United States with Rebound from Anemia, a program designed to provide information about chronic kidney disease and its signs and symptoms to the millions of people with the condition and those at risk.

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. Many people, including Mourning before his diagnosis, do not realize that they have chronic kidney disease, or are at risk for developing it, until they have reached advanced stages of the condition. This is significant, because more than 20 million Americans — or one in nine adults — are estimated to have chronic kidney disease and another 20 million are at increased risk. Through Rebound from Anemia, Mourning hopes to motivate people to take action by evaluating if they are at risk for chronic kidney disease, and by identifying common signs and symptoms often associated with the condition. One such sign, anemia, or low concentrations of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, is an early, yet often overlooked signal of chronic kidney disease.

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TV One And Time Warner Cable Announce Affiliation Agreement

TV One, the new network targeting African American adults, and Time Warner Cable have signed a long-term distribution agreement.

As a result of the agreement, TV One is slated to launch by the end of July in Time Warner Cable’s Houston, Charlotte and Southwest Ohio divisions, which includes Cincinnati and Dayton, and is expected to launch by year end in several other Time Warner Cable systems.

“TV One’s lifestyle and entertainment programming, which targets an underserved adult African American audience, is a welcome addition as we continue to increase the diversity of the networks on our channel lineups,” said Time Warner Cable Senior VP of Programming, Lynne Costantini.

“We thank Time Warner for its support of TV One and look forward to working with Time Warner systems so they can take advantage of TV One’s unique marketing opportunities that can help them connect with their adult African American customer base,” said TV One Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing Brad Samuels.

Launched in January 2004, TV On(http://www.tvoneonline.com) serves more than 21 million households, offering a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One’s investors include Radio One (Nasdaq: ROIA; ROIAK) (http://www.radio-one.com), the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA; CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com), the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; Pacesetter Capital Group; and Opportunity Capital Partners.

Via PRNewswire

Hip Hop Video Director Hype Williams And Remy Martin Celebrates Black Music Month

This year, Remy Martin 1738 and famed hip hop video director Hype Williams will step up the traditional Black Music Month celebration beyond the month of June and recognize black music all summer long with a “Toast to 1738.” Inspired by Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac, the nationwide celebration will commemorate the 1,738 most influential songs in black music and include a ten-city, tour featuring Hype.

“1738 is a special cognac in a class all its own. It was created in honor of the year that the royal recognition of excellence was given to Remy Martin by the King of France. The expert craftsmanship that goes into 1738 mirrors the finest traditions of all of the music honored on the 1738 list,” said Steve Hissam, Category Director for Remy Martin. “Only by working with music experts like Hype Williams, the members of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the Jazz Alliance International could the 1738 song list truly reflect the full contribution of black music to our culture and history.”

The Toast to 1738 list is a collection of artists and their songs across all black music genres — rhythm & blues, rap/hip hop, jazz, blues, gospel, reggae and rock –beginning in 1920 and continuing to the present. It was compiled through an extraordinary partnership between Remy Martin, Hype Williams and two of the leading and most influential organizations in black music — the Rhythm & Blues Foundation (RBF) and Jazz Alliance International(JAI).

The group researched billboard charts, archives and personal music collections to compile the initial list. The final song list was decided by non-scientific vote based on the song and artist’s overall contributions to music, culture and history. It includes a wide array of artists from jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to today’s urban music fusions of Usher and Jay-Z.

In what is being dubbed the summer of 1738, Remy Martin and Hype will be on the road raising a glass to the 1738 list at the hottest clubs in major cities, including: Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Oakland. At the clubs, Hype will sample a selection of the 1738 songs and toast with Remy Martin 1738 each time one is played.

“I’m looking forward to touring the country with Remy Martin to build appreciation for black music and enjoy many of the songs that have influenced my career,” said Hype. “You must first understand music of the past to fully appreciate the music of today. Every modern artist that I work with has been influenced by the work that preceded them.”

“Jazz Alliance International welcomes the opportunity to widen audience appreciation for jazz and music influenced by jazz,” said JAI President Suzan Jenkins. “We look forward to hearing the next generations’ interpretation of the jazz cannon and beyond.”

Visit http://www.Remy1738.com for dates and locations of Hype’s appearances or for additional information about Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac.

Via PRNewswire

Queen Latifah Promotes Intimate Line For Curvy Women

VF Intimate’s CURVATION(R) line of intimate apparel for curvaceous women has signed entertainer Queen Latifah to an unprecedented contract as spokesperson and creative consultant. This ground-breaking, multi-phase partnership, which has the potential to last 21 years, builds on the brand’s existing relationship with the entertainer, who has represented the CURVATION(R) line since its launch some two years ago.

Queen Latifah will continue to appear in consumer advertising, but for the first time her image will appear on CURVATION(R) packaging and point-of-sale signage. In addition, she’ll offer counsel on design, lend her name to the brand’s holiday offering and will be consulted on the brand’s product, packaging, advertising and marketing strategies. The contract also includes the exclusive opportunity to work with Queen Latifah on any apparel and accessories that may be developed in the future.

“Queen Latifah positively embodies the spirit of our target: the confident, curvaceous woman,” said Curt Holtz, president of VF’s Intimates coalition. “Queen Latifah isn’t just the CURVATION(R) brand spokesperson, but our inspiration, as well as a real contributor to the brand’s double-digit growth over the past two years. This expanded partnership, which has the potential to span two decades, is evidence of our commitment to Queen Latifah, and she’ll be rewarded in direct relation to the brand’s success, making her a true partner in our future,” said Holtz.

“I’m excited to expand my relationship with CURVATION(R), a brand that recognizes that real women, like me, have curves, and that celebrates all 60 million of us,” said Queen Latifah. “And I’m particularly pleased about giving input on the product line and how the products are marketed.”

As part of the expanded partnership, the brand will increase its support of a cause that’s important to both Queen Latifah and the CURVATION(R) line’s consumer: celebrating and promoting women’s confidence. In July, Queen Latifah and the brand will launch CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE, a multi-year, multi-part program that encourages women to project confidence, and invites them to share the power of confidence with others.

The initiative begins with two parts: The CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE AWARDS, a nationwide search to recognize women who personify and project the power of confidence; and CURVATION NATION, an online location where women who have embraced the power of confidence can inspire and share their ideas with an ever-widening community.

CURVATION(R) will also sponsor the Sugar Water Festival, featuring Queen Latifah as well as musical artists Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. The brand will promote CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE at the various venues of the Festival, which kicks off on July 8 in Virginia Beach, VA and will visit 20 cities before concluding in Los Angeles, CA on August 9.

“I’m delighted that in addition to my expanded role with the brand, I’m an important part of CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE. The program’s goal — and mine — is to encourage women to project confidence, and to share this gift with others. I know that in doing so, we can help women live more fulfilling lives,” said Queen Latifah.

Via PRNewswire

Def Jam Mobile Launches

AG Interactive, the new media subsidiary of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), and Def Jam Enterprises, a subsidiary of Rush Communications Inc., today announced Def Jam Mobile, the premier platform for Hip Hop wireless services. The first seven Def Jam Mobile services — including personalization, entertainment, information, and messaging applications — are now available to wireless operators in North America that deploy applications and services developed for QUALCOMM’s BREW solution as well as from http://www.defjammobile.com . AG Interactive pre viewed all seven of their applications at Booth #69 at the BREW 2005 Conference, June 1-3, in San Diego.

As part of today’s announcement, AG Interactive also debuts its Sportz Tonez product line, leveraging the industry’s widest array of talent and content from star athletes such as Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz, New York Knicks’ Stephon Marbury, Dallas Cowboy’s Roy Williams, Minnesota Twin’s Torii Hunter, and boxer Roy Jones Jr. Def Jam Mobile leads these offerings with Basketball Tonez, which it co-produced with the original sound design team from the hugely popular Nike Freestyle commercials.

Def Jam Mobile represents a milestone in the mobile entertainment marketplace, leveraging the strength and success that Russell Simmons and Def Jam Enterprises have earned in the Hip Hop community. The brand expands the Hip Hop empire that Mr. Simmons has built over the past two decades including Def Jam Recordings, Def Comedy Jam, Def Poetry Jam, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Def Jam University, Run Athletics, Phat Farm Footwear, Def Jam Interactive, Def Films, and Def on Demand cable network, among others. Def Jam is a uniquely enduring lifestyle brand, which possesses unrivaled customer loyalty characterized by both a sense of community and shared cultural experience.

“The Hop Hop lifestyle has proven to be a global financial powerhouse,” stated Russell Simmons, CEO, Rush Communications. “The launch of Def Jam Mobile represents more than music, it represents the entire Hip Hop lifestyle through games, film, television, video, comedy, sports, fashion and news.”

AG Interactive and Def Jam Enterprises now provide consumers with the most comprehensive line of mobile Hip Hop content available today including:

- Sportz Tonez: Keep the game going on your phone with 30 Def Jam Basketball Tonez, the industry’s first ringtones to emulate the sounds of the game

- Def Jam Mobile 411: The industry’s first Hip Hop mobile news service with four channels of information services ready to inform, educate and entertain you including exclusive offerings from the leading source of industry news: AllHipHop.com, Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Laws of Success, Reverend Run’s (Run-DMC) Daily Affirmations, and Simmons/Lathan’s History Makers

- Def Jam Mobile Lip Service: Send animated greetings from your cell phone to anyone’s e-mail on the run with the first Hip Hop mobile greetings

- Ce-Lo: Amass cash and bling with a game of “street smart” craps on your phone

- Def Jam Mobile Snipes: Download ill art and bring images from Method Man, Redman, Mr. Cartoon and other celebrities and models to life on your phone

- Def Jam Mobile Beatz: Download the most popular Hip Hop polyphonic ringtones from more than 100 different music publishers

- Def Jam Mobile Trackz: Customize your phone with more than 700 ringtones including music tones, celebrity voice tones, sound effects, comedy shorts, film clips, and mixtapes

“The launch of Def Jam Mobile is a major expansion of one of the most powerful brands in the U.S., and we are thrilled to be introducing it to BREW operators globally,” stated Bryan Biniak, senior vice president and general manager of mobile at AG Interactive. “The Def Jam lifestyle will be rolling out to consumers worldwide through our comprehensive mobile marketing channels as well as instant messenger, online, print, broadcast, event and retail distribution channels.”

AG Interactive has signed more than 50 celebrities to produce original mobile content ranging from Method Man and George Clinton to chart-topping Hip Hop rapper Chingy, MTV’s LaLa and superstar model Melyssa Ford.

“Def Jam started the Hip Hop revolution 20 years ago. Being a leader has always been a cornerstone to our success,” stated Lauren Wirtzer, vice president of marketing, Def Jam Enterprises. “Creativity has been the heart and soul of the Def Jam brand, and that will hold true with Def Jam Mobile’s original content creation.”

AGmobile, AG Interactive’s mobile division, has grown to a force of 150 employees worldwide and has accelerated to profitability in less than a year since its inception. AGmobile has launched 17 unique BREW applications in the past year supporting Def Jam Mobile, Univision Movil, MIDIringtones, and Blue Mountain Mobile.

“QUALCOMM is excited to work with industry innovators like Def Jam Enterprises and AG Interactive to make this trend setting content available for wireless users with BREW handsets,” said Dr. Peggy Johnson, President, Internet Services, QUALCOMM Incorporated. “AG Interactive continues to bring advanced content to market and these new titles are sure to be a hit with consumers looking for the latest in entertainment, sports and music.”

Via PRNewswire

Destiny’s Child No More? Group To Split

Destiny’s Child, one of the top-selling female pop vocal groups of all time, made a surprise announcement, before a crowd of 16,000 fans, on-stage at the Palau St. Jordi in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday, June 11. Group member Kelly Rowland said that the group’s current “Destiny Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It” tour, presented by McDonalds, would be the last time they would perform together as Destiny’s Child in Europe.

Thanking their fans for years of love and support, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced that they would be retiring as Destiny’s Child and moving forward to pursue personal goals and individual careers in music, theater, television and film.

Statement from Destiny’s Child: “As a group, we’ve been blessed with success and the greatest fans in the world. We have been working together as Destiny’s Child since we were nine, and touring together since we were fourteen. After a lot of discussion and some deep soul searching, we realized that our current tour has given us the opportunity to leave Destiny’s Child on a high note, united in our friendship and filled with an overwhelming gratitude for our music, our fans, and each other. After all these wonderful years working together, we realized that now is the time to pursue our personal goals and solo efforts in earnest. This is a time of natural growth for all of us. No matter what happens, we will always love each other as friends and sisters and will always support each other as artists. We want to thank all of our fans for their incredible love and support and hope to see you all again as we continue fulfilling our destinies.”

Destiny’s Child will return to the States to begin the American leg of the group’s tour on July 9. The final Destiny’s Child concert is currently slated to take place in Vancouver on September 10.

The upcoming stateside “Destiny Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It” concerts mark Destiny Child’s first full-length tour of North America in four years. Support acts on the “Destiny Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It” tour will include Destiny’s Child’s Sony Urban/Columbia Records labelmate Amerie, the platinum recording artist Mario, and emerging urban artist Tyra.

“Destiny’s Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It” is a state-of-the art modern concert experience featuring spectacular sets, exquisite lighting, pristine sound, and dramatic new staging. With costumes designed by Tina Knowles for House of Dereon, the women in Destiny’s Child have never looked … or sounded… better.

One of the world’s top-selling musical acts of the late 90s and early 00s, Destiny’s Child has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with solo recordings by Beyonce, Kelly, and Michelle bringing the total up to an astounding 50 million. The members of Destiny’s Child, individually and collectively, have earned a phenomenal 38 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum RIAA certifications since the group’s recorded debut in November 1997.

Destiny’s Child is donating 25 cents to Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) from every ticket sold during their Destiny Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It North American Tour. Destiny’s Child fans can also make a donation by going to http://www.rmhc.org/giveahand.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC(R)), a non-profit, 501(c)(3), creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most — right in their own communities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities and RMHC are trademarks of McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates.

Destiny’s Child “Destiny Fulfilled … And Lovin’ It” North American Tour Dates

Sat 09-Jul-05 St. Louis, MO Savvis Center
Sun 10-Jul-05 Memphis, TN FedEx Arena
Tue 12-Jul-05 Nashville, TN Gaylord Arena
Fri 15-Jul-05 Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
Sat 16-Jul-05 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
Sun 17-Jul-05 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Office Depot Center
Wed 20-Jul-05 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
Fri 22-Jul-05 Charlotte, NC Verizon Amphitheatre
Sat 23-Jul-05 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Amphitheatre
Sun 24-Jul-05 Raleigh, NC Alltell Pavilion
Thu 28-Jul-05 Albany Pepsi Arena
Fri 29-Jul-05 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Sun 31-Jul-05 Washington, DC MCI Center
Wed 03-Aug-05 Uncasville Mohegan Sun
Fri 05-Aug-05 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Sat 06-Aug-05 Boston, MA TD North Bank Garden
Sun 07-Aug-05 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Stadium
Tue 09-Aug-05 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Wed 10-Aug-05 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Center
Fri 12-Aug-05 Cleveland, OH Gund Arena
Sat 13-Aug-05 Columbus, OH Nationwide
Sun 14-Aug-05 Detroit, MI The Palace
Fri 19-Aug-05 San Antonio SBC Center
Sat 20-Aug-05 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Sun 21-Aug-05 Dallas, TX American Airlines
Tue 23-Aug-05 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Fri 26-Aug-05 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Arena
Sat 27-Aug-05 Phoenix, AZ America West Arena
Thu 01-Sep-05 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
Fri 02-Sep-05 Anaheim, CA Pond
Sat 03-Sep-05 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
Sun 04-Sep-05 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Fri 09-Sep-05 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Sat 10-Sep-05 Vancouver, BC GM Place

Additions & changes to tour dates TBD

via PRNewswire

Jay-Z And Reebok Team Up to Offer Internship

Ever wonder what it takes to produce a multi-platinum album, write the perfect lyrics to a hit song or manage an award-winning group? Well, if so, here’s your chance to find out. Once again Jay-Z, in conjunction with Reebok and the S. Carter Academy is out to discover the best and brightest by offering one qualified applicant an internship position at Def Jam Records where Jay-Z serves as president.

The internship program with Def Jam Records is designed to give one applicant the opportunity for real-life work experience in the highly competitive music industry. The future music mogul selected for the eight-week internship program will work at the Def Jam headquarters in New York City and witness first hand the inner workings of the music business. Entrants can apply for the Def Jam internship by logging onto http://www.scarteracademy.com and submitting a resume along with an essay answering the question, “Tell us about your career aspirations and how they relate to music?” The deadline to register for the Def Jam internship is August 16, 2005.

In addition to applying for the Def Jam internship, applicants will have the opportunity to take part in the S. Carter Academy Remix Challenge — an online contest designed to give those interested in music the chance to download an a cappella track by either Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek or Young Gunz and lay their very own beats on them. Each track will be judged by a panel and a winner will be announced at a later date. The deadline to submit music to the S. Carter Academy Remix Challenge is July 5, 2005. The grand prize winner will receive a one year supply of S. Carter by Rbk footwear which includes the S. Carter Tennis II and S. Carter III.

Available in stores beginning on June 14th, the S. Carter Tennis II takes its lead from old-school, classic tennis shoes. From the City to the Hamptons, the S. Carter Tennis II provides exceptional comfort and style for the consumer looking to relax on the weekends. The S. Carter Tennis II will be available in white/navy colorway for a suggested retail price of $75.

The S. Carter III continues to take design cues from its predecessors, but delivering it with a twist. The S. Carter III is designed for the individual looking for sophistication and high-end style. Featuring rich, soft supple leather coupled with the metal tongue logo, the S. Carter III allows consumers to experience a small taste of Mr. Carter’s lifestyle. Hitting stores in white/green/red colorway, these kicks will be available on June 28th for a suggested retail price of $120.

Via PRNewswire

VH1 Crowns Gary Coleman Greatest Kid Star

VH1 has crowned Gary Coleman, of “Diff’rent Strokes” fame, the number one kid star. Other stars to make the list are Emmanuel Lewis, The Jackson Five, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Kim Fields, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, New Edition, Jaleel White, Tatyana Ali, Raven-Symone, Kris Kross, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Danielle Spencer (Dee from “What’s Happening”).

Premiering on Monday, June 13 at 9 P.M., “100 Greatest Kid Stars” is a five night special that follows the tradition of VH1′s successful “100 Greatest … ” franchise. VH1 has assembled the definitive list of child stars, and counts them down using new, exclusive interviews with many of the stars themselves and that golden footage from way back when …

Via PRNewswire

Debra Lee Announced As Successor to BET Founder Robert Johnson

BET Founder and CEO Robert L. Johnson formally announced the appointment of Debra L. Lee, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, as his successor as the company’s CEO effective immediately. Johnson takes the title of Chairman, with plans to retire from the company he founded in 1980 by January 2006. Lee will assume the title of Chairman and CEO following Johnson’s retirement next year.

“I could not have chosen a better chief executive and outstanding leader to succeed me at BET than Debra Lee, and that’s what makes this announcement so important to me and positive for BET’s future,” said Johnson. “Few executives in this industry have exhibited the ability to manage a unique growth company and shown the commitment to building a successful brand the way Debra has in her 19 years at BET. She mastered the cable programming industry long ago, and has a strong executive team in place to support her as she leads BET within the Viacom family.”

“I am convinced that BET’s legacy is in great hands with Debra at the helm,” Johnson concluded.

Tom Freston, Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Viacom, said, “Bob Johnson is a true giant in our business, an entrepreneur of great vision and accomplishment. Bob built BET literally from an idea into a powerhouse. As he moves on to Chairman from CEO, he leaves a legendary legacy and, also, a very worthy successor in Debra Lee.”

Freston added, “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Debra is taking the helm of BET and am confident that, under her leadership, we’ll have a smart and smooth transition. With nearly two decades of experience building a strong relationship with the African-American audience, I look forward to watching Debra make her mark and build on the great legacy of BET.”

“When you’ve dedicated yourself to a mission like I have since coming to BET, it’s truly gratifying when leaders the caliber of Bob Johnson and Tom Freston express without hesitation their utmost confidence in your ability,” said Lee, whose new title until Johnson’s retirement will be President and CEO. “The positive momentum and tremendous optimism for BET’s future are the dividends of Bob’s leadership over these 25 years and the strength of our executive team. I look forward to working with Tom on the continued development of BET as a powerful, successful enterprise for Viacom and its shareholders.”

A Harvard-educated lawyer, Lee takes charge of BET at a time when the brand is the most dominant icon in the urban marketplace. The core BET channel is enjoying an all-time distribution high of more than 80 million homes in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET’s business platform has expanded since its original founding on January 25, 1980 to include a diverse cadre of brand extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks – BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, programming alternatives for niche genres; BET Event Productions, a full- scale event management and production company; and BET Books, the nation’s leading publisher of African-American themed romance novels and other specialized fiction and nonfiction offerings.

Lee, 50, first joined BET as vice president and general counsel in 1986 after serving over five years as an attorney with Washington, DC-based law firm of Steptoe & Johnson. During her tenure, Lee has played pivotal roles in the company’s history, including Executive Vice President and General Counsel of BET’s legal affairs department; Corporate Secretary; and President and Publisher of BET’s publishing division. Even the construction of BET’s corporate headquarters campus in the Northeast corridor of Washington, DC was directly managed by Lee. She stepped up to the level of President and Chief Operating Officer in March 1996.

It was on Lee’s watch that BET enjoyed some of its most explosive growth in ratings, revenue and popularity. She led the network’s evolution beyond its successful music programming into original movies, documentaries, concert specials, news, late-night talk shows and public policy coverage. Lee also substantially expanded investment in marketing, advertising, research and development — strategies all geared to fend off upstarts and would-be challengers to BET’s position as the market leader.

Lee’s sphere of influence also extends well beyond BET where she is regarded as one of the country’s top female executives in the realm of Fortune 500 companies. She serves on the corporate board of directors of global business icons Marriott International and Eastman Kodak Company, and regionally for Washington Gas & Light Company. Her business acumen and strategic approach to management make Lee a popular speaker and lecturer on a range of business topics.

The cable industry has long recognized Lee’s importance as a corporate executive and industry ambassador. Lee serves on the boards of cable trade groups the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM). Industry awards and accolades haven’t escaped Lee either as evidence by her receiving the 2003 Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership from the NCTA – a first for an African-American female executive; 2003 Positively Visionary Award from Cable Positive; 2003 Quasar Award from the National Association of Minorities in Communications; 2001 Woman of the Year Award from Women in Cable and Telecommunications; the Wonder Woman Award from Cablevision magazine; the Silver Star Award from American Women in Radio and Television; and frequent recognition among the industry’s Hundred Heavy Hitters by Cable Fax magazine. Outside the cable industry, Lee has also received special recognition, including the 2005 Madame C. J. Walker Award from Ebony magazine for best exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit of the pioneering Black businesswoman.

Lee earned her Jurist Doctorate at Harvard University Law School, while simultaneously earning a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1980. She graduated from Brown University in 1976 with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Asian Politics.

Via PRNewswire

New Scholarships For 1,000 Minority Students

The fifth class of Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) was announced today. With these scholarships, 1,000 highly motivated low-income minority students from 46 states and the District of Columbia will be able to attend college without the burden of tuition — a barrier that often prevents qualified youth from earning their degree.

GMS scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students of color across the country who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. Scholarships assist students in meeting the cost of attendance at the school of their choice. GMS scholars who choose to pursue graduate studies in the areas of education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and science are eligible to receive continued funding. The program also provides leadership development opportunities, to insure that scholars graduate prepared to become strong leaders in their professions and in their communities.

“The GMS program is a critical step toward bringing true equity to the American educational system. As we continue the hard work of creating high quality high schools from which all students graduate ready for college and work, we must also aim to remove the financial barriers that prevent so many low income students from pursuing higher education,” said Jim Shelton, program director for education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which established the GMS program in 1999. “The Gates Millennium Scholars program reduces those financial barriers and allows high-achieving, low-income students to attend the college or university of their choice.”

The federal Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance reports that 4.4 million Americans will be unable to attend four-year colleges in this decade because of financial constraints. This is particularly disturbing at a time when jobs requiring a college degree are the fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy. Providing opportunities to young people is critical to the economic and civic health of the United States. According to recent research, by 2020, the nation may face a shortage of 14 million workers with college-level skills.

“The Gates Millennium Scholars program provides thousands of promising students of color with the opportunity to attend college and realize their tremendous potential,” said Dr. Michael Lomax, president of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which administers the GMS program in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars, and the Organization of Chinese Americans.

To date, 9,050 African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students have received the Gates Millennium Scholarship and 2,741 scholars have graduated from their school of choice. By 2019, the scheduled end of the program, the $1 billion initiative will have helped more than 20,000 talented low-income students of color attend college, pursue their academic dreams, and embark upon their careers.

Candidates for the GMS award must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. Students must also meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria, have at least a 3.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and have demonstrated leadership through community service or other extracurricular activities.

This year’s group of scholars was chosen from 46 states and Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Nomination materials for the 2006-2007 academic year will be available in the fall at http://www.gmsp.org.

The United Negro College Fund, which was founded in 1944, is the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF raises funds to support its 39 member institutions and has helped more than 300,000 students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. UNCF currently supports more than 65,000 students at over 950 colleges and universities nationwide and administers more than 450 programs, including scholarship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. For more information about UNCF, visit http://www.uncf.org.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (http://www.gatesfoundation.org) works to promote greater equity in four areas: global health, education, public libraries, and support for at-risk families in Washington state and Oregon. The Seattle-based foundation joins local, national, and international partners to ensure that advances in these areas reach those who need them most. The foundation is led by Bill Gates’s father, William H. Gates, Sr., and Patty Stonesifer.

Via PRNewswire

Wachovia apologizes for slavery ties