Public Enemy Partners With m-Qube

Continuing a tradition of trailblazing, Hip Hop legend Public Enemy has taken on a new way to share its music with the masses. Partnering with Boston-based m-Qube, the group and its own label, SLAMJamz Records, is leaning heavily on the mobile channel to break New Whirl Odor, their first studio album in six years.

In 1999, after releasing There’s a Poison Goin On, leader Chuck D announced that Public Enemy would take a new approach to making and delivering music. Poison was one of the very first – and successful – dips into the online world, and was ultimately licensed across the world in over 20 countries and five world labels. Today, with New Whirl Odor, the new frontier is mobile, and Public Enemy is leading the revolution again.

“As an independent label, we are always looking for ways to expand our distribution network,” said Public Enemy frontman Chuck D. “Mobile is happening in a big way, and we are thrilled to be using it to reach our fans–wherever they are.”

A package of exclusive mobile offerings is available immediately for download including polytones, mastertones, full tracks and wallpapers. m-Qube will manage worldwide distribution of the mobile content, releasing Public Enemy to their massive distribution network of wireless carries and content aggregators. m-Qube will also build Web and WAP Storefronts as extensions to Public Enemy’s existing Web site, www.publicenemy.com.

“We first entered the mobile technology arena back in 2002 when Chuck D created a series of voicetones,” says Public Enemy’s manager Walter Leaphart. “Our expanded use of the mobile channel represents a natural progression in these efforts. Public Enemy has always been leader in music and new technology, and this is the latest phase of their multi-faceted campaign that will continue to build in the coming months.”

“We are thrilled to leverage our technology and distribution network to help innovative entertainers like Public Enemy use mobile to reach their audiences,” said Jon Bukosky, m-Qube’s VP of Worldwide Content & Los Angeles Operations. “Mobile is a critical channel for musicians — especially if they are interested in targeting the youth market — and we are pleased to have been selected by Public Enemy to make this happen.”

Via Business Wire

Ciara Signs Exclusive Publishing Deal

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), in a highly competitive situation, announced today the signing of Multi-Platinum Superstar, Ciara, to an exclusive, worldwide publishing deal.

On the heels of the signing, it was also announced that Hip-hop ingenue Ciara lead the VIBE Awards for the most nominations, including artist of the year, for which she competed against UMPG artist/writers Mariah Carey and 50 Cent , among others. Ciara received the ‘Coolest Collabo’ award for “Oh” featuring UMPG’s Ludacris.

At 19 years old, Ciara, an Atlanta native has established herself as R&B’s hottest triple threat: Singer, Songwriter and Entertainer. Ciara burst onto the scene in 2004 with the never-gonna-get-it single “Goodies” and the debut album of the same name from Sho’Nuff/LaFace/Zomba Label Group which quickly went to No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Currently riding the Multi-Platinum wave with three #1 singles and a current Top 10 single, “And I” to keep her a float, Ciara’s 2.7 million plus records has launched her into a world of music, movies and more!

The scene-stealing songstress has been recognized throughout the year with over 30 notable nominations and awards including MTV Video Awards, Billboard Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Soul Train Awards, Lady of Soul Awards, World Music Awards and as the most nominated artist at the BET Awards. Additionally, Ciara’s surmounting recognition has secured her performances at top music events, which include the recent Much Music Awards, BET Awards, VH1 Hip Hop Honors and the upcoming Billboard Awards.

UMPG’s Director of Urban Music, East Coast, Ethiopia Habtemariam, has long been watching Ciara grow and develop as an artist, “Ciara has become the most sought after entertainer of 2005 earning the respect of her peers and veterans in the industry. I am so thrilled that Ciara has chosen UMPG as her publishing home. She is truly an industry leader and we welcome her to the UMPG family.”

“I am pleased to have signed with Universal Music Publishing Group,” said Ciara. “David Renzer and his dedicated team continue to take the world’s top songwriters to tremendous levels of success with their proven track record. I am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to working closely with the team.”

Managed by Phillana Williams, SVP Marketing at sister label, Island Def Jam Music Group, Ciara joins UMPG’s successful R&B/Hip-Hop roster, which includes 50 Cent, G Unit, Ice Cube, Mariah Carey, Ludacris, Amerie, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Printz Board, amongst others. Ciara was previously administered through Noon Time/HitCo.

Via PRNewswire

Former Executive Releases Book On Workplace Diversity

Peter Miller, president of PMA Literary and Film Management, Incorporated, is pleased to announce the placement of ‘Results Without Excuses: Using Diversity to Grow Your Business’ by Joe Watson, with Phil Revzin, senior editor at St. Martin’s Press.

The book is scheduled for hardcover publication — Fall/Winter 2006.

America is becoming more diverse every year, and as companies compete globally, business must adapt or perish. Results Without Excuses is a must-have blueprint for companies attempting to respond to a new global culture.

Watson’s book outlines not only how businesses can change their workplace homogeneity, but why they must. By 2008, the combined buying power of people of color is expected to exceed 1.5 trillion dollars. Businesses selling everything from applesauce to Zoloft will want to take advantage of the changing market to stay ahead of their competitors.

In Results Without Excuses, Joe Watson argues that executives who fail to take advantage of diversity will be overtaken by those who do.

With clarity, wit, and the encouraging tone of the powerful motivational speaker that he is, Joe Watson politely but convincingly demolishes excuses that prevent companies from finding the multicultural staff they all say they are searching for. Results Without Excuses is not an angry rant against corporate racism, nor is it a politically correct waltz around the issues, but rather a step-by-step prescription for a logical diversity plan.

Joe Watson is a former executive with the Eastman Kodak Company, Gartner Group and Robert Half International. He founded StrategicHire in 1999; it is now one of the nation’s leading boutique executive search companies. Joe Watson is currently CEO of the Watson Engagement Group. WEG properties have a mission to bring Watson’s passion for business excellence and personal growth to the masses by disrupting convention and challenging the imagination to embrace the power of bold ideas.

Joe has been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business 2.0, Fast Company, USA Today, The Washington Post, Chronicle of Philanthropy and US Banker.

Watson has also provided guidance to Black Enterprise, National Association of Investment Companies, National Black MBA Association and the Conference of Minority Public Administrators.

Eminem To Release Greatest Hits Album

CURTAIN CALL: THE HITS (Aftermath/Interscope), the first greatest hits album from rap superstar Eminem, will be issued on December 6, 2005, available in both Parental Advisory and Non-PA versions. Released simultaneously will be a two-disc deluxe edition (PA only) featuring special packaging and a second CD titled “Stan’s Mixtape.”

Along with 13 of Eminem’s biggest hits, CURTAIN CALL includes three new songs — “Fack,” “Shake That” (featuring Nate Dogg) and “When I’m Gone” — each written and produced by Eminem. In addition, the CURTAIN CALL bonus track marks the album premiere of the controversial Eminem-Elton John live duet of “Stan” from the 2001 Grammy Awards presentation.

“I have some songs that a lot of people like,” said Eminem. “I have some songs that only I like. This album is obviously for the ‘lot’ of people.”

Executive produced by the nine-time Grammy winner, CURTAIN CALL boasts all five of Eminem’s gold and platinum singles to date, from the platinum, Oscar and two-time Grammy winning “Lose Yourself” (#1 Pop/#2 Rap) from the 8 Mile soundtrack and platinum “Just Lose It” (#6 Pop/#7 Rap) and “Mockingbird” (#11 Pop/#10 Rap) to the gold “Without Me” (#2 Pop/#5 Rap) and “Like Toy Soldiers” (Top 40 Pop). The other Grammy winners included are “My Name Is” (Top 40 Pop/#10 Rap) and “The Real Slim Shady” (#4 Pop/#7 Rap).

Also heard on CURTAIN CALL: THE HITS are “The Way I Am” (Top 30 Rap), “Stan” (featuring Dido) (Top 40 R&B/Hip Hop), “Sing For The Moment” (Top 20 Pop/Rap), “Guilty Conscience” (featuring Dr. Dre) and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” (#4 Pop/#5 Rap).

CURTAIN CALL: THE HITS spans contributions from all four of Eminem’s major label solo albums: 1999′s quadruple platinum THE SLIM SHADY LP, 2000′s nine times platinum THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP, 2002′s eight times platinum THE EMINEM SHOW and 2004′s ENCORE, which is almost five times platinum. The three most recent charted #1 Pop and #1 R&B/Hip-Hop, with his major label debut #2 Pop and #1 R&B/Hip-Hop. Each of his first three albums also won the Best Rap Album Grammy (ENCORE will be eligible for the 2006 presentation). Eminem has to date sold more than 65 million albums.

The “Stan’s Mixtape” bonus CD in the two-disc Deluxe Edition finds the main character in “Stan” bringing together his favorite Eminem songs. Among the seven tracks are two from THE SLIM SHADY LP: the #5 Rap “Just Don’t Give A F*ck” and the Dr. Dre & Mel Man produced “Role Model.” From THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP are “Criminal” and the Dr. Dre & Mel Man produced “Kill You.” The mixtape also includes two tracks previously unavailable on any Eminem album — the “Dead Wrong RMX” (featuring The Notorious B.I.G.), notably co-produced by P. Diddy; and “Renegade” (featuring Jay-Z), a legendary duet from Jay-Z’s classic THE BLUEPRINT album. Also included on the bonus CD is “Sh*t On You” (featuring D12), which until now has never been released on CD.

Via PRNewswire

Verizon “Realize” Multicultural Campaign Rewards Minority Entreprenuer

Dream254: The Verizon Incubator came to an end last week as Philadelphia resident and entrepreneur, Addye Joy Durant, realized her dream when she launched JOYFANTASTIC Design. Durant fine-tuned her graphic-art and product-design firm while living in a Philadelphia storefront. During her 21-day journey, she had to rely solely on Verizon telecommunications services and computer technology to meet her basic needs and acquire the necessary tools to make her entrepreneurial passion a
reality.

For completing the 21-day challenge Durant (pictured second from right) was presented a $10,000 check from Clint Arnold, director of business partnership channel for Verizon’s Retail Markets. In addition to the $10,000, Durant also received a Verizon Realize print-advertising contract. Shown in the photo with Durant are Clint Arnold, who also served as the Incubator Taskmaster, Penni Owens and Danielle Young, both senior managers for Verizon’s multicultural marketing group.

via PRNewswire

Tommy the Clown Brings Major Dance Competition to Los Angeles

Tommy the Clown, internationally recognized “father of krumping” and a leading proponent of positive values for urban kids and teens, presents Battle Zone 2005, the largest dance competition of its kind, on Friday, Dec. 9, from 8 p.m., at the Los Angeles Forum.

Featured in the critically acclaimed documentary feature, Rize, Battle Zone is an intense freestyle contest that encourages creativity and provides a constructive alternative to violence. Tommy the Clown incorporated the dance “battles” into his live shows and soon became an icon for young people in urban communities, bringing uplifting messages encased in the latest music to an otherwise bleak environment.

“I created the Battle Zone to give the kids an outlet to settle their differences on the dance floor instead of on the streets,” says Thomas “Tommy the Clown” Johnson.

Battle Zone 2005 will feature two of L.A.’s top krump crews along with the Hip Hop Clowns, community battles, Snoop Dogg and other celebrity guests.

“Until Tommy came along, there was nothing to do (in urban neighborhoods) other than get into gangs and drugs,” states Anie Dizon, Battle Zone executive producer. “He helps kids have faith, work together, and realize that they can make something of themselves.”

Battle Zone tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the Los Angeles
Forum box office.

On The Web: http://www.tommytheclown.com.

Showtime Boxing to Celebrate 20th Anniversary With Unification Bout

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was born when “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler defeated John “The Beast” Mugabi in a spectacular and unforgettable 11th-round knockout in Las Vegas. On March 4, 2006, SHOWTIME will deliver a special 20th anniversary gift to fans and continue its legacy as “America’s No. 1 Boxing Network” with the most meaningful world title unification fight of the decade. Undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (International Boxing Federation) and Joe Calzaghe (World Boxing Organization will finally meet in a 12-round showdown to determine once and for all the best in the division.

The much anticipated match up, being promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, in association with Frank Warren’s Sport Network, will air LIVE on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from the MEN Arena in Manchester, England.

One of today’s best and most feared pound-for-pound fighters, the exciting Lacy (21-0, 17 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Fla., will make the fifth defense of the belt he won with an impressive eighth-round TKO over Syd Vanderpool Oct. 2, 2004, on SHOWTIME. The first 2000 U.S. Olympian to capture a world title, Lacy, 28, is coming off of a devastating second-round TKO over top-5 contender Scott Pemberton (Nov. 5 on SHOWTIME).

“I only want the fights the fans want, and it looks like Calzaghe feels the same way,” said Lacy, who has notched 16 of his 21 wins on SHOWTIME. “Two undefeated world champions unifying the title will be like when Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns unified the welterweight title.”

“I am coming to get you, Joe! I am coming to get you!”

Lacy and Calzaghe were expected to fight Nov. 5 on SHOWTIME, but the match fell through after Calzaghe fractured his left hand in a Sept. 10 defense against Evans Ashira.

via PRNewswire

50 Cent: Bulletproof Hits Streets Nationwide

Vivendi Universal Games (“VU Games”) announced that 50 Cent: Bulletproof, the gritty urban action game starring multi-platinum recording artist 50 Cent, is now available at retail stores nationwide to meet the widespread consumer demand for one of the year’s most anticipated console releases. Gamers and fans of 50 Cent and G-Unit can now get their hands on the highly engaging third-person shooter, which boasts over four CDs of music including new exclusive tracks and remixes, more than a dozen music videos and tons of bonus features. 50 Cent: Bulletproof is available for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and carries an MSRP of $49.99.

“This game is hot,” said 50 Cent. “It’s an exciting time for me and G-Unit as we’ve gone from the music world into the virtual world and I can’t wait for my fans to join in on the action.”

“50 Cent: Bulletproof breaks new ground by offering the ultimate collaboration of music, game play and storytelling from the point of view of one of the world’s hottest entertainers,” said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, VU Games. “Never before has an artist of 50 Cent’s caliber fully committed all of their creative talent to deliver a video game that is a fully engaging entertainment experience.”

About 50 Cent: Bulletproof
In 50 Cent: Bulletproof, 50 gets caught in a web of corruption, double-crosses and shady deals that lead him on a bloody path through New York’s underworld. Backed-up by his G-Unit soldiers, the streets heat up as 50 Cent takes on the most dangerous crime families in the city. Players assume the role of 50 Cent in a fictitious story, where they will use an arsenal of tactics including more than 25 dramatic counter kill moves, evasive rolls and mobile cover to stay alive while the bullets fly.

Penned by Emmy(R) award winner Terry Winter, 50 Cent: Bulletproof stars an unprecedented line-up of the hottest recording artists in the music industry today, including 50 Cent and G-Unit’s Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, as well as other hip-hop superstars.

The game also includes exclusive new tracks and remixes from 50 Cent, music from his multi-platinum albums Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre and over a dozen 50 Cent and G-Unit music videos.

50 Cent: Bulletproof was created in partnership with Interscope Records, Shady Records and Aftermath Records. 50 Cent: Bulletproof will be available for the PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system in 2006.

More information about the game can be found at
http://www.50centbulletproof.com/.

via PRNewswire

Nappy Roots Join McDonald’s Restaurants in World Children’s Day Efforts

Grammy nominated Hip Hop artists R. Prophet and Nappy Roots are supporting their Kentucky roots with McDonald’s Restaurants during World Children’s Day this November.

On Saturday, November 19th, R. Prophet and Nappy Roots along with Miss Black Kentucky Shakoala Blackburn and local R&B station B96, will all ‘Give a Hand’ to support the Louisville Ronald McDonald House by selling paper hands at the McDonald’s Restaurant located at 28th and Broadway in Louisville. R. Prophet and Nappy Roots will step behind the counter as official McDonald’s crewmembers at 2pm.

World Children’s Day is a McDonald’s Restaurant fundraiser that takes place in over 30,000 restaurants worldwide, supporting children in more than 100 countries each November. Globally, the corporation raised in excess of $23 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities last year. Locally, $60,365 was raised through World Children’s Day activities including the ‘Give a Hand’ sales for Ronald McDonald House Charities. A portion of the money raised did benefit the Louisville Ronald McDonald House, located at 550 S. First Street.

The Ronald McDonald House of Louisville provides a home away from home for families of hospitalized seriously ill children since 1984. To date, more than 18,000 families have been served from 119 counties across Kentucky, 25 states nationwide, and more than 20 countries.

Charitable work is nothing new to R. Prophet and Nappy Roots. Their passionate and exclusive outreach has earned them an official day named in their honor. September 16 will always be remembered as Nappy Roots day in Louisville, KY. The group also gave back to their fans and the community, completing a television PSA in support of the PAX organization’s “SPEAK UP” campaign against weapon-related school violence. In June 2003, Nappy Roots were invited by the U.S. Government to perform for the American troops in the Persian Gulf as part of the USO’s Project Salute 2003, the first large-scale entertainment tour to the region since Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Via PRNewswire

Cash Money Records Founders Give Back To New Orleans

Cash Money Records founders Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams and Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams, Crescent City natives who are still overcoming the personal devastation of Hurricane Katrina in their own lives, are not letting the after effects of the catastrophe prevent them from continuing their annual holiday tradition of providing a memorable Thanksgiving to those less fortunate. This year they’ll be dedicating their annual Turkey Giveaway to more than 2000 evacuees of the terrible Hurricane, providing survivors and displaced residents of the crisis with a sit down Thanksgiving dinner with all the holiday trimmings.

The dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA., from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the event being co-sponsored by SU.

“So many of our friends and family were devastated by this terrible tragedy, we wanted to do something a little more elaborate this year to address the needs of the people who have lost so much and might not have the resources to remember the holiday,” stated Ronald Williams. “We want to show our love and support for these courageous survivors who never, ever give up.” Williams’ own home and offices were destroyed by Katrina, as his were brother’s, Lil Wayne’s, and other members of the Cash Money family. “We’re just happy we are still able to provide our annual blessing this holiday,” stated Birdman. “It’s in that spirit that we want to show our friends and neighbors how much the Cash Money family cares about nurturing this community and rebuilding New Orleans.”

This is the Sixth Annual Thanksgiving Charity event for the Cash Money entrepreneurs, who have been on-hand for each holiday giveaway, personally handing out 25 lb. turkeys with a myriad of New Orleans celebrities, political figures, and hip- hop stars in tow to support the cause, just one of the many philanthropic endeavors founded by the compassionate Williams Brothers. The resourceful duo created the Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation in 1998 in memory of their deceased parents. The foundation is dedicated to creating a wider net of opportunities for local youth, as well as the disenfranchised of the community. Their Cash Money For Kids’ program co-sponsored by the Charlotte Hornets basketball team, rewards local students for stellar academic achievement with tickets for NBA basketball games.

Via PRNewswire

PHEAA Partners With Black Achievers Program

PHEAA announced today that it is partnering with the Black Achievers Program, offered through the Camp Curtin Branch of the Harrisburg Area YMCA, to develop students, grades seven through twelve, to be successful in the workforce.

The Black Achievers Program was founded in 1971 at New York City’s Harlem YMCA to help young African Americans develop a positive sense of self and to set high education and career goals.

A scheduled series of classes and educational events, based on grade levels, provides students with the information they need to evaluate career options, make college choices and understand the expectations of the workplace.

PHEAA will provide instructors for the program’s Saturday classes, held at Harrisburg Area Community College, on a variety of subjects including resume writing, presentation skills, and affording college education. The Agency will also provide job-shadowing opportunities, internships for high school and college students, and mentoring for student interns. This program, as with all of PHEAA’s programs and services, is accomplished with PHEAA’s business earnings – at no cost to taxpayers.

“To date the Black Achievers Program has accomplished incredible success,” said Dick Willey, AES President and CEO. “A notable number of participants are completing the program, then going on to postsecondary schooling. They need guidance with regards to preparing for college and funding their tuition, which we’re happy to provide. We look forward to continued success with this program – it is so important for today’s young people to better themselves and focus on achieving success in life.”

Students register to participate in the Black Achievers Program by contacting the Camp Curtin Branch of the Harrisburg Area YMCA. Although the program is conducted on the first and third Saturday of every month throughout the current academic year, it is designed for continuous learning. Many of the participants begin the program in the seventh grade and attend every year until graduation.

Via PRNewswire

Keyshia Cole on the Rise

R&B songstress Keyshia Cole took home the Next Award at The Third Annual Vibe Awards announced Saturday (broadcast Tuesday, November 15 on UPN at 8 p.m. EST). The Next award is presented to a new artist who has made considerable strides in the music industry. The 23-year old sensation adds that honor to her rapidly growing list of accomplishments — a just-certified gold debut album, a current Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop hit (also Top 40 Pop) and a nationwide tour with Kanye West that continues through the end of the year.

The singer-songwriter, who delivered a show stopping performance on the show, was also nominated for Vibe’s R&B Voice of the Year, and the Vibe Vixen Award.

A&M/Interscope has shown unwavering dedication in cultivating this R&B songstress. “Our perseverance in breaking Keyshia Cole shows A&M/Interscope’s commitment to R&B music. We are extremely proud of Keyshia — and this is only the beginning,” states Jimmy Iovine, Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

Cole’s talent, rather than bling and hype, has earned critical acclaim as well. Reviews of the Oakland, CA native’s June-released debut album The Way It Is (A&M) have been glowing:

“Cole serves up grit beyond her years … simultaneously contemporary and classic.” (Rolling Stone)

“Cole shows that she is more than just another pretender to the throne.” (People)

“A perfect balance between R&B’s tunefulness and hip hop’s grit … The Way It Is goes a long way toward advancing R&B’s recovery.” (New York Daily News)

The Way It Is debuted at #2 R&B and #6 Pop. Its first two singles, “I Changed My Mind” and “(I Just Want It) To Be Over,” cracked the R&B/Hip-Hop Top 30. “I Should Have Cheated” remains Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop and Top 40 Pop (Billboard, November 19 issue). The single is also Top 5 at Urban radio and continues to climb the airplay charts. Her forthcoming single, “Love,” is already being praised:

“It is on the emotion-drenched ‘Love’ that Cole separates herself from the average R&B/pop diva.” (USA Today)

With Keyshia Cole, real music is back — and that’s the way it is.

Via PRNewswire

Snoop Dogg Appears In Campaign For XM Satellite Radio

Picture Above: Hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg appears in a new TV spot for XM Satellite Radio as part of XM’s “Listen Large” marketing campaign for the 2005 holiday shopping season. Snoop also hosts a music show heard exclusively on XM’s classic rap channel The Rhyme.

Snoop Dogg hosts and calls all the shots on ‘Da Chuuch with Big Snoop Dogg’ (exclusively on The Rhyme – XM 65) where he serves up a monthly 90-minute marathon of music and interviews, which he directs from his own Los Angeles crib.

XM’s classic rap channel The Rhyme features unedited music from true pioneers of hip hop and rap. Artists such as Run D.M.C., N.W.A., 2 Live Crew and more.

Photo via (PRNewsFoto)

BET Unveils World AIDS Day Programming Lineup

BET and the Kaiser Family Foundation today announced a line up of special HIV-themed programming to mark World AIDS Day on Thursday, December 1, 2005 as part their Rap It-Up HIV/AIDS public awareness initiative. New interactive content will also be available on both http://www.bet.com and http://www.rap-it-up.com websites. Launched in 1998, the initiative has sought to inform and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately impacts African Americans.

On Thursday, December 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, BET will premiere the 2005 Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition winner, MULTITUDE OF MERCIES written and produced by a Washington, DC-based writing team made up of Drew Anderson, Justin Follin, Charneice Fox and Michelle Sewell. MULTITUDE OF MERCIES depicts the poignant story of a young Black minister’s struggle with HIV/AIDS-related issues within his church and his Washington, DC neighborhood. Veteran actor Malcolm Jamal Warner plays an HIV/AIDS counselor and R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn plays himself in featured cameos throughout the film, which also challenges the issues of community activism and leadership as it relates to HIV/AIDS. The Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Film Subject Screenplay Competition is a partnership of BET, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Black AIDS Institute, and the YWCA.

Preceding the premiere of MULTITUDE OF MERCIES and kicking off the World AIDS Day lineup will be special HIV-themed episodes of sitcoms THE PARKERS entitled “She’s Positive”; and the GIRLFRIENDS episode “The Pact” which will air on Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. respectively. Throughout the day on December 1, BET NEWS will also televise special news briefs that examine the impact of HIV/AIDS in African-American communities.

In addition to HIV-related programming, BET.com will provide new Rap-It-Up interactive content on http://www.rap-it-up.com, including a hosted online chat at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT with “Tha Hip Hop Doc” Dr. Rani Whitfield.

On Sunday, December 4, the cable network continues its dedicated World AIDS Day programming with an HIV-themed movie block. The set will kickoff with an encore broadcast of MULTITUDE OF MERCIES at 1:00 p.m., followed by the critically-acclaimed Rap-It-Up films WALKING ON SUNSHINE and TANGY’S SONG! airing at 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively.

Wrapping up the HIV/AIDS-focused programming will be a special two-part series of JEFF JOHNSON CHRONICLES: RAP-IT UP/SEX IT UP. BET’s Jeff Johnson hosts the public affairs special that explores the relationship between hip hop music and its audience, specifically looking at issues of sexuality and health through conversations with various hip hop artists, health officials, academics, cultural critics, and young people. The first show entitled, “Hip Hop and Sexuality,” airs on Sunday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m. and focuses on the cultural questions about Hip Hop and sexuality and encourages viewers to question how depictions in hip hop media impact the choices they may make about their health and relationships. On Sunday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m., part two of the series titled “Hip Hop Fantasy and Reality” touches on the fantasized depiction of hip hop and its impact on the Hip Hop generation.

Since 1998, BET has partnered with the Kaiser Family Foundation on Rap-It-Up. To date, the initiative has helped to test over 8,000 people nationwide for HIV; received over one million calls to its toll-free hotline; distributed over 360,000 HIV/AIDS information brochures, and hosted community teen forums in over 29 cities for over 9,000 young adults.

Via PRNewswire

Destiny’s Child Debuts World Children’s Day At McDonalds

Adding superstar power to McDonald’s unprecedented worldwide fundraising campaign for children, World Children’s Day, Destiny’s Child today debuted their new single, “Stand Up For Love (2005 World Children’s Day Anthem)”. The international recording stars appeared live at a Ronald McDonald House(R) in Los Angeles to sing their new hit for children and parents staying at the home-away from-home for critically ill children and their families. Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York; actor and international Latin singer Carlos Ponce; singing sensation Ciara; American Idol’s Randy Jackson, Grammy winning producer David Foster, and TLC’s “Trading Spaces” designer Doug Wilson joined the singers to show their support for World Children’s Day.

“McDonald’s cares passionately about children. It is a core value at McDonald’s. We are raising funds and supporting programs to improve the health and well being of children — that is what World Children’s Day at McDonald’s is all about. We are mobilizing every element of our brand around the world to get the job done,” said Mike Roberts, McDonald’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

World Children’s Day at McDonald’s is a global program in more than 100 countries taking place throughout the month of November. Since its inception in 2002, it has raised more than $50 million for children’s causes. This year, McDonald’s Corporation has a goal to raise $50 million for children in celebration of its 50th anniversary and World Children’s Day will contribute greatly to this commitment.

“The needs of children are so great. Our mission at Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) is to help improve the well being of children all over the world. Funds raised through World Children’s Day will help provide everything from hearing aids and dental care to early cancer detection and treatment. Celebrities are joining McDonald’s worldwide team of dedicated employees, restaurant owners, suppliers and customers to touch the lives of children,” said Ken Barun, RMHC President and Chief Executive Officer.

World Children’s Day Global Ambassadors
Destiny’s Child and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, have been named global ambassadors for World Children’s Day 2005. Destiny’s Child donated a portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold during their recent North American tour to RMHC and visited children in Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during their global tour.

“The kids we’ve met have no idea how much they’ve given us. We wanted to record the World Children’s Day anthem for them, in hopes that people would hear their voice through ours,” said Beyonce Knowles, Destiny’s Child lead singer.

Via PRNewswire

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