Arthur Ashe Stamp Dedicated at US Open

Humanitarian and world-class tennis player Arthur Ashe was immortalized on a postage stamp when the U.S. Postal Service conducted a first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony under the shadows of the stadium bearing his name. The ceremony took place as part of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day activities kicking off the 2005 US Open. The stamp will be available nationwide at Post Offices and Philatelic Centers, Aug. 28.

Born July 10, 1943, in segregated Richmond, VA, Ashe learned to play tennis on blacks-only Brook Field playground under the tutelage of local black tennis great Ron Charity.

Ashe went on to be the first African-American man to win Grand Slam tennis tournaments — Wimbledon, the United States and Australian Opens — Ashe followed his on-court accomplishments with a lifetime of activity devoted to humanitarian endeavors.

Lebron James Teams With POWERADE

NASCAR star Bobby Labonte holds nothing back as he challenges basketball icon LeBron James for position in racing simulators at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. The two sports icons joined forces at Saturday’s Sharpie 500 in Bristol to unleash a custom No. 18 LeBron James/POWER ade FLAVA23 Chevrolet that Labonte drove in the race. FLAVA23 is the new line in the popular sports drink which James helped create.

The new version of the POWERADE FLAVA23 line is the second installment of the limited edition sports drink that James helped develop. His input is evident in every detail of the new beverage — from the SourMelon flavor profile to the color and stylized packaging.

Bringing James and FLAVA23 to the track is just one of the many ways POWERADE is driving awareness of the new SourMelon flavor. In addition to the special race car, POWERADE has again teamed up with DC Comics to create a new installment of the comic series about LeBron entitled “King James,” which will be available in both print and online versions.

Via PR Newswire Photo Service

HBCU Battle of the Bands Tunes Up for Exciting 4th Year

The music of yesterday and today, performed in scintillating fashion by the musicians of tomorrow. That’s what America’s Historically Black Colleges and University Marching Bands (HBCUs) promise to deliver as they bring their soulful musicianship and high-stepping dance moves to the 2006 Honda Battle of the Bands.

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) offers a grand stage to showcase the dynamic music programs of 41 of America’s premiere Black institutions, as they “battle” throughout the HBOB Celebration Tour for a coveted spot at the program finale, called the Invitational Showcase. As sponsor, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will once again award a total of $141,000 in grants to participating marching bands.

“The Honda Battle of the Bands provides the premiere stage to showcase just one of the many enduring contributions that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have made to our country,” said Barbara Ponce, manager of Emerging Markets National Advertising for American Honda. “Honda is proud to shine a national spotlight on the musical talent, energy and heritage of these magnificent Historically Black College and University bands.”

The Honda Battle of the Bands is comprised of dual components: the Celebration Tour and the Invitational Showcase. As part of the Celebration Tour, which runs August through November, fans have the opportunity to get interactive by logging on to the Honda Battle of the Bands Web site to participate in the online opinion survey, nominating their favorite HBCU marching band. In addition, during the Celebration Tour, Honda awards $1,000 grants to participating marching bands for their halftime performances. Opinion polls officially opened on Saturday, August 27.

At the conclusion of the Celebration Tour, the 10 bands that demonstrate the best showmanship, musicianship and fan interaction will be invited to “represent” at the 2006 Invitational Showcase in January, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The 10 schools selected will each receive an additional $10,000 toward their respective scholarship funds. The invitees will include the two top bands from each of the four HBCU athletic conferences (CIAA, SWAC, MEAC, SIAC) and two independent universities.

The selection process for the Invitational Showcase is based upon a three-tiered evaluation:

* One-third of the points will be from online fan nominations received at http://www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
* One-third will be from the commissioners of the four conferences, and school presidents.
* One-third will be tallied from the HBCU band directors.

Commissioners, presidents and band directors are not permitted to vote for their own school(s). All online surveys must be completed and submitted by November 4. On November 14, American Honda will announce the bands that will perform at the Invitational Showcase.

Honda’s long-term commitment to HBCUs was first made more than 16 years ago when it established the Honda Campus All Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands, or to enter your nominee for the Invitational Showcase, visit http://www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

Via PRNewswire

Real Estate Executive Honored For Work With Minorities

Stewart Title mid-America vice president of emergent market development, Larry Bullock received the James E. Haynes Sr. award on Aug. 16 at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB(R)) convention, recognizing his exemplary contribution in support of NAREB’s national theme, “Democracy in Housing.” Left to right: NAREB President-elect Clifford Turner, Stewart Planning/Development SVP Matthew Morris, Stewart National Emerging Domestic Markets Director José Menéndez, NAREB Chairman Fred Blair, Bullock and NAREB President Ronald L. Branch.

NAREB(R), founded in 1947, is the oldest minority real estate trade association in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing together the nation’s minority professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about its business and how best to serve its clientele.

Photo via PRNewswire

Dallas Cowboy Eric Ogbogu Sneak Peaked In New Chapter Of Ad Campaign

Dallas Cowboy Eric Ogbogu, one of Under Armour’s athlete representatives, looking fierce in his Under Armour(R) gear. This screenshot is from Under Armour’s 2005 installment of its famed PROTECT THIS HOUSE(TM) trilogy television advertising campaign.

The much anticipated third chapter of the “PROTECT THIS HOUSE” trilogy will continue airing throughout the 2005-06 collegiate and NFL football season, and will serve as a teaser for the performance apparel originator’s entrance into the football cleat market, expected to be officially unveiled in 2006.

Photo via PRNewsFoto

Kanye West and Pepsi Take a Trip Around the Globe

Kanye West in his new Pepsi commercial, “Timeline,” which will premiere during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 28. “Timeline,” follows Kanye as he walks by iconic backdrops of various cities via state-of-the-art computer graphics and special effects. The commercial is set to the song “Heard ‘Em Say” (featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5) from Kanye’s new album “Late Registration.” The 30-second spot was directed by Spike Lee and created by Spike DDB.

The “Timeline” commercial is a part of Kanye’s new partnership with Pepsi. On August 13, the artist headlined an exclusive Pepsi Smash concert in Miami. Performance footage of Kanye from the concert is currently featured on Pepsi’s music microsite on Yahoo! (http://www.smash.yahoo.com), which launched in June and includes original video programming from a variety of musical artists. Las Vegas-based MEGA, INC., Pepsi’s music marketing agency, facilitated the partnership with Kanye.

Photo via PRNewswire

Hip-hop mogul shot in Miami Beach

BET Kicks Off Black College Tour

HBCUs get ready, because college campuses will never be the same again! This fall, BET is hitting the road for the Black College Tour, and with three successful years under its belt, “Senior Fever” is definitely in the air! Alongside some of its key marketing partners, BET will provide a day of entertainment, games, contests, and product samples/information, for current students at 14 historically Black colleges and universities. Starting at Tennessee State University in Nashville on September 8, the events will be on campus and targeted towards college students presently enrolled in the host institutions. Festivities will be hosted by BET’s on-air talent and feature exciting live performances from Universal/Motown recording artists.

Procter and Gamble is once again the Tour’s presenting sponsor. Pontiac, Pepsi, Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Air Force, Verizon Wireless, and Universal/Motown, are all associate sponsors, many for a third or fourth year. McDonald’s(R) joins the Tour this year and will provide students with an “i’m lovin’ it(TM)” experience.

“While we continue to bring campuses all of the exciting elements that have become student favorites, we are constantly working with sponsors each year to develop new and innovative outlets to reach students and provide a day of positive interaction,” said Michelle Garner, BET’s Advertising Sales Vice President of Special Projects and Event Marketing.

“Southwest Airlines is proud to be a part of such an exciting HBCU event as it continues to grow in popularity every year,” said Rob Brown director of multicultural marketing for the Dallas-based airline. “Our sponsorship simply underscores the communities we can reach by partnering with the BET Black College Tour.”

After a highly successful freshman year on the Tour, Rap City Top Ten will once again tape from the schools each Friday with the show’s new host, J- Nicks. As in previous years, the Black College Tour will also include basketball tournaments, freestyle rap, and singing contests, video game competitions, music performances, product sampling and a career center. The endeavor is part of BET’s continual effort to support historically Black colleges and universities.

The overwhelming success of the BET Black College Tour can be attributed to the support and generosity of the Tour sponsors who provide relevant, engaging and informative entertainment and professional networking opportunities for minority students. Previous Black College Tours have included free roundtrip airline tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines; new product samples from Procter & Gamble; a Verizon Wireless 3-point basketball shoot-out contest; a Pepsi Flow freestyle rap competition; as well as free concerts from Universal/Motown hit artists including Akon (SRC), Granddaddy Souf (SRC), and new up & coming artists.

The following are the dates and schools BET is scheduled to visit during the 2005 BET Black College Tour:

2005 BET Black College Tour Schedule

September 8 Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
September 16 Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
September 23 Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
September 30 Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona, FL
October 7 Grambling University, Grambling, LA
October 13 Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
October 14 Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
October 19 Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
October 26 Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA
October 28 North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
November 3 Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
November 4 Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
November 9 Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
November 11 South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

Via PRNewswire

Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin Returns With All New Album HERO

Kirk Franklin, who is undeniably one of Gospel music’s best selling artists and it’s biggest star, is scheduled to release his fifth album, “HERO” on October 4, 2005. “HERO”, the first release on Franklin’s new Fo Yo Soul Entertainment label (in association with Zomba Label Group) and his first since 2002′s platinum-selling The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, represents the next level in the internationally known artists’ career.

The Texas native, who made musical history and forever altered the face of contemporary Gospel with the release of his multi-platinum selling debut album Kirk Franklin and the Family in 1993, still remains the biggest-selling urban contemporary Gospel artist in Soundscan history.

The album is a collection of songs that reflect Franklin’s growth and progression from the cutting edge record breaking artist on his biggest song to date, “Stomp”, to his current roles as husband, father, businessman, and youth pastor. As always, Franklin offers inspiring, encouraging music for ALL people in and out of the church. A host of musical all-stars have joined Franklin on the “HERO” project, including Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Ty Tribbett, Dorinda Clark-Cole, tobyMac, and P.O.D.’s Sonny Sandoval.

The first single, “Looking For You”, is a blazing party track featuring a sample from the classic Patrice Rushen hit song “Haven’t You Heard.” The summer anthem impacts at urban and gospel radio on August 29th and will also be accompanied by a 12 inch that will be serviced to DJ’s and clubs. This follows recent high profile appearances including Bishop TD Jakes’ Mega-Fest 2005 and a national performance on TBN. Franklin will also be hitting the road this fall on a promotion tour in support of the album. For additional information and a listing of tour dates go to Franklin’s new website—- http://www.kirkfranklin.us.

Via PRNewswire

Floetry Set to Release 3rd CD, Flo’Ology on November 8th

It’s more than the passionate vocals of Marsha Ambrosius (the Songstress) and elegant spoken word of Natalie Stewart (the Floacist) that has fans captivated everywhere since FLOETRY first stepped on stage. The dynamic duo’s incredible success is deeply rooted in their ability to appeal to all ages, races and genres of music lovers. The proof is in their long list of accolades and demand for appearances: six Grammy nods, six Soul Train awards perched on their mantle, a NAACP nomination for Outstanding New Artist, a standing ovation at BET’s Walk of Fame: Tribute to Smokey Robinson, impressionable performances at the Essence Music Festival & Def Poetry Jam (HBO). FLOETRY known to make music that speaks to listeners’ mind, body, and soul are now ready to release a masterpiece to stand the test of time and raise the bar in music with their third CD Flo’Ology on Geffen Records. Plus, they’ve enlisted super producer Scott Storch and Hip Hop’s savior Common on their 1st single, “SupaStar”.

Fresh off the Kool Philosophy Tour with The Roots and the Sugar Water Festival Tour alongside Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, FLOETRY are quick to point out the differences between Flo’Ology and the topics covered on their 6X Grammy-nominated debut Floetic and its follow-up, Floacism (Live). This time, the duo’s lyrics more specifically span the spectrum of romantic relationships. On up-tempo grooves like “My Apology” and “Let Me In,” Ambrosius and Stewart offer a sophisticated look at the often-confusing aspects of matters of the heart. On “Lay Down” and “Imagination,” they each delve into the sensual side of love. Finally, “Waiting In Vain” — a remake of the classic Bob Marley song — and the heart-wrenching ballad “Feelings” explore the effects of unrequited love. “Flo’Ology is about women taking more responsibility for what goes on in our lives,” explains Stewart. “Now that Marsha and I are more mature, we’ve come to a better understanding of ourselves, and naturally that’s reflected on the album.”

Still working with some of the same producers that were part of the musical force behind the first album, FLOETRY also enlisted the musical talents of beat genius Scott Storch on “My Apology” and the 1st single “SupaStar” featuring Common. Other featured producers include Rafael Saadiq (“Imagination”) and Whiteleaf Productions (“I’ll Die,” “Closer”).

Stewart and Ambrosius’ undeniable chemistry is at the root of their eargasmic blend of rhythm and rhyme. Having met for the first time as rivals on the basketball court in South London, the pair became fast friends, it was during this time that the two women decided to join together to form FLOETRY. Receiving praise in London for their live performances, FLOETRY journeyed to Philly to concur there passion for music and this is where they met their manager Julius Erving III, the son of hoop legend Dr. J., and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Floetic followed in 2002 and the ladies went on to pen songs for Michael Jackson (“Butterflies”), Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, Bilal and most recently, the chorus for the Styles P hit “I’m Black.” Ambrosius is credited for the background vocals on Justin Timberlake’s hit “Cry Me a River” and is featured on The Game’s “Start from Scratch.”

FLOETRY has performed 160 live shows each year since the release of Floetic, and they are scheduled to hit the road once again for a FLOETRY Flo’Ology lounge tour across the country.

Missy Elliott Partners With Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless, Warner Music Group and Atlantic Music Group today announced that Missy Elliott has joined the Cingular Sounds™ family of artists, providing 26 chart-topping tracks to be available as exclusive 30-second ringtones to Cingular customers. The Missy Elliott collection, coined “Missy Tones,” is a perfect addition to the Cingular Sounds program as it represents the latest and greatest titles from one of music’s most innovative and influential female superstars.

“The addition of Missy Elliott, the best-selling female rap artist of all-time, marks the introduction of the largest collection of music content into the Cingular Sounds program,” said John Burbank, vice president of marketing, Cingular Wireless. “Cingular Sounds continues to set the stage for us to introduce and, in this case, re-introduce our wireless customers to some of the hottest music content available today.”

“Warner Music Group is committed to making the mobile space an important place for consumers to connect with our artists,” said Michael Nash, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy and Business Development. “With this agreement, Warner Music Group not only extends our great partnership with Cingular, but, for the first time, makes Missy Elliott master ringtones available to her many fans.”

“Missy Elliott has always enjoyed a unique bond with her fans, a relationship that will be dramatically enhanced through this exciting new association with Cingular,” said Camille Hackney, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Atlantic Records. “With over two dozen masters spanning her entire career now available in the ringtone world, Missy fans will have an unprecedented ability to customize their wireless phones with their own personal Missy favorites. This is the next evolution in Missy’s career as a groundbreaking, forward-thinking artist, and Cingular is the perfect partner.”

Via PRNewswire

A Dream Comes True for John Legend

R&B/pop singer-songwriter-pianist John Legend realized one of his long-standing dreams recently when the emerging artist recorded a duet remix of his song, “So High,” with hip-hop superstar Lauryn Hill. The Cloud 9 remix of “So High” marks Ms. Hill’s first recorded appearance since 2002′s MTV Unplugged 2.0.

Released to radio over the weekend, the John Legend/Lauryn Hill remix of “So High” is already picking up major airplay in Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and New York City, where it may be heard on the sizzling “Hot 97.”

“I’m really excited to have Ms. Hill on the track,” said John Legend. “She’s truly a genius. The first time I ever appeared on a major album was when I played piano on ‘Everything Is Everything’ from ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’ I have been wanting to work with her again ever since. It’s great to see that wish finally come true.”

R&B/pop singer-songwriter-pianist John Legend has seen a lot of his dreams come true recently. Released late last year, Legend’s very first solo album, Get Lifted, debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and has already gone on to achieve RIAA gold and platinum status. He hit the road twice in 2005, first as the heralded opening act for Alicia Keys and then as the star of his very first headline tour winning the hearts and minds of fans and music critics from coast-to-coast.

Via PRNewswire

‘Judge Hatchett’ Series Airs Powerful 9/11 Tribute on September 12th

On Monday, September 12, 2005, a touching tribute to the thousands of 9/11 victims survived by impressionable teenagers will be televised, when Sony Pictures Television’s syndicated courtroom series “Judge Hatchett” airs a compelling intervention between two teens at Ground Zero. (Check local listings for station and time).

When an angry teenager, Ashley Wilson of Atlanta, Georgia, was brought before Judge Glenda Hatchett’s bench, the Judge employed the help of brave 16-year-old Melody Salcedo to facilitate a crucial 9/11 intervention. Melody has slowly begun to put the pieces of her life back together after the tragic loss of her beloved father, Esmerlin Salcedo, who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Embodying the spirit of survival, Melody, who refers to herself as “daddy’s girl,” has turned the loss of her father, a security guard who managed the elevators in the South Tower, into an important lesson for other teens in communicating with and appreciating their parents. She explains that her father was her “hero,” because he died trying to save others. The NY Times reported, “Esmerlin Salcedo’s co-worker, Roselyn Braud, praised him for leading her to safety before disappearing back into the building to help others.”

After hearing about Ashley Wilson’s “explosive” anger problem — she hates her parents and wants to be adopted by another family — Judge Hatchett executes her trademark brand of creative sentencing by pairing Ashley with Melody at Ground Zero.

“This episode of ‘Judge Hatchett’ not only honors those who perished on 9/11, but it illustrates the strength of their surviving children who in turn became victims of the terrorist attacks,” commented Executive Producer Michael Rourke. “Each year, we produce a variety of hard-hitting, socially relevant teenage interventions, and this episode is indicative of the depth, breadth and caliber of the interventions that viewers can expect to see during our sixth season.”

Melody explains to Ashley the absolute loss she feels every day since her father’s untimely death, and reminds Ashley that she should appreciate what she has — concerned, loving parents. Melody’s young words of wisdom do not fall on deaf ears. Upon her return to the courtroom from Ground Zero, Ashley shows remorse for her bad behavior and expresses her gratitude to Judge Hatchett, and especially to Melody, for the emotional 9/11 intervention.

Via PRNewswire

R. Kelly Set for Debut VMA Performance in Miami

MTV: Music Television today announced that multi-platinum selling R&B star R. Kelly has joined the line up of performers for the “2005 MTV Video Music Awards.” Hosted by Diddy, the 2005 VMAs will broadcast live from American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL on Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 8:00PM (LIVE ET/Tape Delayed PT). R. Kelly joins a list of previously announced performers including 50 Cent, Coldplay, Shakira, Ludacris, Mariah Carey, the Killers, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, and Green Day.

The 2005 VMAs will also include appearances by some of the biggest names from the worlds of music, movies and television including Jessica Simpson, Lil Kim, Ricky Martin, Ashlee Simpson, Bow Wow, Eva Longoria, Nelly, Hilary Duff, Joel Madden from Good Charlotte, Ciara, Alicia Keys, Usher, Jessica Alba, Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone, Jeremy Piven, and Snoop Dogg.

The 2005 VMAs will be presented for the first time on multiple MTV platforms this year giving viewers new ways to experience the show. Exclusively through MTV Overdrive, the network’s hybrid broadband channel, MTV viewers will have unprecedented access to the VMAs, beyond the TV screen.

R. Kelly is the 4th best selling solo Male artist in Soundscan history. The latest release, TP.3 Reloaded, debuted this summer as the #1 selling album on both Billboard’s Album 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Charts. TP.3 Reloaded is R. Kelly’s 9th Top 5 debut and his 5th #1 album and features the single “Trapped In the Closet,” which is the most talked about track of the year.

Since his releasing his first record more than 15 years ago, R. Kelly has sold well over 36 million albums worldwide and become a true musical icon. A multi-winning Grammy, Billboard, Soul Train and American Music Award winner, he has co-directed all of his music videos since the classic “Down Low (Nobody Has To Know).” His latest, the phenomenal “Trapped in the Closet Chapters 1- 5,” was shot in High Definition format and can be seen in its entirety only on the bonus DVD of TP.3 Reloaded. Described by some as “Desperate Housewives” meets “Desperate Husbands,” “Trapped in the Closet” is reminiscent of the serial movies of yesteryear, full of suspense, mystery, drama and packed with unexpected twists and turns. Fans will definitely ask to see this domestic drama again and again.

Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick are the Executive Producers for the “2005 MTV Video Music Awards.” Michael Dempsey is Producer and Summer Strauch is Co-Producer. Beth McCarthy-Miller is Director. Kathy Flynn is Event Producer.

The “2005 MTV Video Music Awards” will be available to a potential viewing audience of over 1 billion people via MTV’s 43 channels reaching 429.1 million households around the world as well as through syndication, and its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire online nation, via MTV’s 38 Web sites around the world.

The official sponsors of the “2005 MTV Video Music Awards” are Gap, Jeep, Pantene, Pepsi, Revlon, Saturn, Taco Bell, and Virgin Mobile.

Via PRNewswire

Bow Wow’s Everybody’s Most ‘Wanted’!

The multi-platinum hip-hop heartthrob Bow Wow is living up to his status as a bona fide superstar as his sizzling new album, Wanted (available as a traditional CD or as a DualDisc) returns to the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 bestselling albums chart while his latest pair of singles, “Let Me Hold You” (featuring Omarion), and “Like You” (featuring Ciara), continue to light up the nation’s airwaves reaching tens of millions of listeners coast-to coast. Both Bow Wow’s current singles are riding high on the nation’s Hot 100 with “Let Me Hold You” holding steady at #4 and “Like You” bulleting its way up to #12.

Though only 18, Bow Wow’s already a veteran rapper with a string of multi-platinum successes behind him. Wanted, his eagerly-awaited fourth album, debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 best-selling albums chart and has already sold more than 328,000 copies. With sales of more than 50,000 copies this week alone, Wanted has returned to the Top 10 and is the nation’s #2 Rap Album and #3 R&B Album. Bow Wow’s latest has generated two smash singles to date: “Let Me Hold You” (featuring Omarion) and “Like You” (featuring Ciara).

Produced by superstar hit maker Jermaine Dupri, “Let Me Hold You,” a collaboration with fellow hip-hop heartthrob Omarion, has been the #1 record on the Urban Mainstream Monitor and the #1 record on the Top 40 Rhythm chart for the past four weeks.

The artist’s new single, “Like You” (featuring Ciara), also produced by hit maker Jermaine Dupri, is extending the building buzz on Bow Wow as the Heart Throb Tour continues to sell out venues across the country (full itinerary following).

Bow Wow’s provocative video for “Like You” has been the #1 downloaded clip on Launch.com and is AOL’s #1 video worldwide, with more than 1.4 million plays to-date.

Bow Wow’s singles are Sony BMG’s two top-selling ringtones this week: #1: “Let Me Hold You” (more than 700,000 sold) and #2: “Like You” (more than 200,000 sold).

A recent New York in-store appearance celebrating the release of Wanted was the scene of pure pandemonium with thousands of delirious and frenzied fans lining up for hours for their chance to meet Bow Wow in person. New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg was reportedly “met with a mob of screaming teenage girls on his way to work….” (New York Daily News (Wednesday, July 13, 2005).

The fan-driven hysteria at the Bow Wow in-store provided a fitting prelude to the hip-hop icon’s SRO “Scream Tour IV Presents: The Heart Throb Tour,” which opened in Trenton, New Jersey on July 20.

For the Scream Tour IV, Bow Wow has joined forces with fellow superstar Omarion for a series of historic North American concerts. Other acts on the Scream Tour IV include Bobby Valentino, Pretty Ricky, Marques Houston, and B5.

2005 is shaping up to be a very big year for Bow Wow. In addition to the release of his new album and the Scream IV tour, Bow Wow will light up the big screen this fall with a starring role in the feature film, “Roll Bounce,” a teenage skater-dramedy set in the late 1970s. A Fox Searchlight release, “Roll Bounce” is slated to open nationwide on September 23, 2005.

Bow Wow first burst on the scene back in 2000 — under the wing of super producer Jermaine Dupri — with his debut album, Beware of Dog, which went on to sell more than three million copies while solidifying his status as an authentic hip-hop heartthrob.

Bow Wow took his brand of rap to the next level with 2001′s Doggy Bag, hitting the road in support of his multi platinum sophomore CD with the sold-out “Scream Tour II,” wowing fans all over the country with hits like “Take Ya Home” and “Thank You.”

Bow Wow’s undeniable star power led to starring roles in the box office triumph “Like Mike” (one of the 50 Top Grossing films of 2002) and the subsequent hits “All About The Benjamins” (2002) and “Johnson Family Vacation” (2004).

With his third album, 2003′s Unleashed, Bow Wow became more directly involved with writing and producing his music, creating a collection directly from the heart, conveying a more personal overview of life from Bow Wow’s perspective.

He is the youngest musician to open the Grammy Awards, is the first “kid” to be included in Vanity Fair’s prestigious annual music issue (October 2001), and entered the “The Guinness Book of World Records” as the youngest solo rapper to hit #1 on the U.S. charts.

Having recently turned 18, with several hit singles, platinum-plus albums, sold-out tours, starring roles in hit films, and a place in “The Guinness Book of World Records” already on his resume, Bow Wow continues to prove that he’s the 100% real deal with the indisputable goods: a bona fide teen superstar blessed with burgeoning talent, tenacity, and a deep connection to his audience.

Bow Wow’s Scream IV: Heart Throb Tour (Remaining dates)

08/24/05 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
08/25/05 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
08/26/05 Washington, DC MCI Center
08/27/05 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex, Special Events Center
09/01/05 Jacksonville, FL Memorial Coliseum
09/02/05 Tampa, FL St Pete Times – Forum
09/04/05 Miami, FL Miami Arena

Via PRNewswire

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