Jamie Foxx is an Undeniable Hit

Jamie Foxx’s J Records release, UNPREDICTABLE, has proven itself to be an undeniable hit as it debuts at #2 on this week’s Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan. With a total of 597,554 units sold in the first week, UNPREDICTABLE also enters at #2 and #3 on the Current R&B Albums and the Digital Albums charts, respectively. Foxx joins the ranks of 50 Cent, Coldplay, Kanye West and Mary J. Blige as one of the highest selling debuts of 2005.

The chart-topping debut of UNPREDICTABLE solidifies Foxx as a bona fide triple threat — comedian, Oscar winning actor and multiple Grammy nominated singer. The New York Daily News declared that Foxx “isn’t acting. It’s real.” The Los Angeles Times claimed that UNPREDICTABLE shows that Foxx “is no dilettante.”

Even with superstar guest appearances by Ludacris (”Unpredictable”), Mary J. Blige (”Love Changes”), Kanye West (”Extravaganza”), The Game & Snoop Dogg (”Be With You”), Twista (”DJ Play a Love Song”) and Common (”U Still Got It” Interlude), The Boston Globe cited “loading up R&B albums with famous friends might be the way it’s done, but Foxx doesn’t need anyone as a crutch … Foxx proves himself a fine singer with a warmly soulful voice.”

Foxx’s “soulful voice” recently earned him his first solo Grammy nomination in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category for his performance of “Creepin’” from the J Records’ release So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross. Foxx is still riding high on pop, R&B, and rap charts as Kanye West’s guest on his hit single “Gold Digger,” which also received Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rap Solo Performance. Last year, Foxx received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, for crooning on “Slow Jamz” with Twista and West (a track from Twista’s Kamikaze album).

Earlier this month, Foxx taped a TV special to air on NBC early next year. The one-hour show is a musical journey of Jamie’s life, tracing his roots back to his hometown of Terrell, Texas, where he was raised in the church and became a classically trained pianist. The special will feature songs from UNPREDICTABLE and other original music by Jamie as well as surprise celebrity guest appearances.

Via PRNewswire

Mary J. Blige’s ‘The Breakthrough’ Debuts at #1

Long live the Queen! Mary J. Blige’s seventh album, “The Breakthrough,” released on December 20th, follows through on its title’s promise as it blasts to the top of the chart to debut at #1. The outstanding first week sales of 727,000, her highest sales debut ever, foretells that this latest effort is without doubt one of her strongest albums ever and reminds us why she has the title — the Queen of Hip Hop Soul!!

“The Breakthrough” delivers more of Mary’s straight-up, fan-pleasing messages all sung with her trademark serenity, conviction and compassion. The album takes the listener on a journey through its 14 tracks. Essential stops on this trip are the album’s debut single, “Be Without You;” an inspiring duet with Bono on U2’s “One;” “MJB Da MVP;” “Good Woman Down” and “I found My Everything.” Helming this musical expedition is an all star cast of producers including Bryan-Michael Cox, Rodney Jerkins, the Black Eyed Peas’ Will I Am, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dre & Vidal, Raphael Saadiq and more.

More than delivering a her loyal fans, Mary delivered a package of Christmas joy for many retailers with the “The Breakthrough” while winning over media and radio programmers along the way.

Vanity Fair raves, ” … she’s still the Queen, 13 years and five studio albums later … ” Doc Wynter, Clear Channel’s Senior Vice President of Urban Programming, enthuses, “We’re so glad to have Mary’s music back on the radio. The journey that she’s taken us on through her music continues to bring listeners back to the radio with each new single she drops.” USA TODAY states, “Blige still touches souls, by laying bare her own.”

Over the course of 14 years, with a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your-diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished three-time Grammy Award winning recording artist known for her electrifying live performances and dramatic videos.

Mary will bring one of her thrilling performances into the nation’s homes when she rings in the New Year with a headline performance on NBC’s “New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly.” The broadcast will begin at 11:30 EST with a live Mary performance from Times Square in New York City on Saturday, December 31st. Mary will return again later in the show to perform a second song.

Mary’s six prior platinum and multi-platinum hit albums include such classics, “No More Drama,” “What’s the 411,” “My Life,” “Share My World,” “Mary” and “Love & Life.”

Via PRNewswire

Will Smith ID Thief Sent Back to Prison

Black Enterprise January Issue Features Hot Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs

Whether in the business of car customization or preparing candidates for college admission, young black entrepreneurs are turning trends into profits.

“Hot Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs,” is the January cover story of Black Enterprise (be) magazine. It profiles a number of dynamic young professionals who are creating some of the most innovative new enterprises in the country.

“A combination of smart ideas and popular market trends will make a number of businesses boom in 2006,” says BE Technology/Small Business Editor James C. Johnson. “These smart upstarts have the talent for recognizing market opportunities and possess the zeal to turn them into lucrative businesses.”

Included are cover subjects Hassan and Hussein Iddrissu, who combined their ideas with a hot consumer trend-car customization-resulting in one of the most sought after automobile detailing shops in Los Angeles.

Additional growth is anticipated in numerous sectors including lifestyle-management services; mobile technology; security and privacy; home entertainment; and health and wellness. Entrepreneurs who take advantage of these hot consumer trends today may find themselves poised for big profits tomorrow. (Pg. 82)

With increased energy costs, higher interest rates, and stagnating wages, it’s more important than ever to start 2006 with a solid financial plan. In “Smart Money Moves for the New Year,” BE Personal Finance Editor Matthew S. Scott offers an immediate strategy for saving, investing, and increasing net worth.

From tips on taxes to insurance and estate planning, there are a range of actions that, when put in place, can move financial fortunes forward. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a startup, a seasoned investor, or an individual with a limited income, following this advice now can help maximize monetary gains for the upcoming year. (Pg. 88)

Plus:
“Buy Property Early” provides the fundamentals on how to begin, build, and capitalize on a realty portfolio. (Pg.
69)

“Profiles in Courage” profiles Detroit jewelry designer Donna Sadler, entrepreneur Nadine Thompson, and tennis pro James Blake. Their stories are lessons on how to triumph in the face of crisis. (Pg. 74)

The January issue of black enterprise is available on newsstands now.

Via PRNewswire

The G-Unity Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer Across the Country

Sponsored by The G-Unity Foundation, Inc., its founder 50 Cent and his G-Unit Records recording artists Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Spider Loc, Mobb Deep, M.O.P., and Olivia, surprised children at three nonprofit organizations across the country, making the holiday season bright and cheerful.

On December 23 in Compton, California, Spider Loc visited a nonprofit that he knows well, the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum. The Museum’s main purpose is to make aviation accessible to children who lack the access and opportunity to experience such. One hundred children were treated to iPod Shuffles and a party. Spider also presented director Robin Petgrave with a check for $25,000 to support Positive Vibrations, their youth mentoring program.

Eighty-five children at the Springfield Family Inn in Jamaica, New York were surprised when 50 Cent, Olivia, Lloyd Banks, Mobb Deep, M.O.P., and Tony Yayo appeared with plenty of toys, winter coats, hats, and gloves for everyone. And to make the celebration even more joyful, the children were treated to a concert given by the incredible Boys Choir of Harlem. In the spirit of giving, a grant for $25,000 was presented to Homes for the Homeless to fund their Healthy Living Center Project expansion project.

Homes for the Homeless (HFH) is the nation’s largest provider of residential, education and employment training centers-serving over 630 homeless families and over 1,200 homeless children each day at five separate sites across New York City. Dubbed American Family Inns, these sites function as communities of opportunity, carefully integrating a network of on-site education, employment and family support services that address the multiple causes of homelessness.

Last but not least, on December 19 in Nashville, Tennessee, Young Buck visited seventy children at the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children. The children received toys and were treated to a pizza party. On top of that, the organization was greatly surprised when Young Buck presented a check for $25,000.

“I was very, very taken back,” executive director Sara Longhini said. “It’s an amazing donation for us and our families.” The grant will support establishing a new Infant/Toddler Program, or their Summer Enrichment Program.

A grant of $10,000 was also awarded to the Boys Choir of Harlem, Inc. The G-Unity Foundation previously supported the Choir and its Choir Academy with a grant of $150,000.

Via PRNewswire

Harlem boys choir gets eviction notice

Basketball Great Shaquille O’Neal Joins A New Team

Three-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal has joined a new team to help curb the obesity epidemic and get kids fit while groovin’ to the sounds, the moves, the comedic overtones and serious undertones of “The JammX Kids,” it was announced today by Merv Adelson, Chairman, Lightforce Entertainment, parent company for “The JammX Kids” brand.

Shaq will help entice kids into getting active, eating smart and growing up well, through his participation in the “The JammX Kids”‘ upcoming action-motivating DVD series, two network television specials, music video, public appearances and PSAs.

“Shaq is an extraordinary role model, a noted children’s advocate and a fervent believer in fitness,” said Adelson. “He is truly the perfect ‘power center’ for our team and our strategy. Between Shaq and Randy Jackson, there is no better combination to help us get kids inspired to get off the couch and get movin’.”

“`The JammX Kids’ are head of the class in talent,” said O’Neal, “but I was most impressed by how they have chosen to use that talent — to help their peers get active and healthy. And one thing I know for sure, the more kids have fun with exercise, the more they will do it. `The JammX Kids’ make it fun.”

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Nappy New Year 2006 Calendar Celebrates Natural Beauty

When Bernadette Adams Davis was growing up in South Carolina, one of the worst taunts among Black children was to call somebody’s hair “nappy.” Having hair that was obviously kinky and not freshly straightened with heat or chemicals was an opening to ridicule. In adulthood she, like many other women of African descent, decided to embrace rather than shun their natural hair and turn the negative moniker on its ear.

To celebrate the beauty of women who are happy to be nappy, Davis created the Nappy New Year 2006 wall calendar. This unique calendar features black and white photography of a diverse group of women, including artists, writers, business owners, academics and performers.

“I hope the calendar will remind women daily of how beautiful our hair can be, whether trimmed close to the scalp, twisted, locked or picked out into a fabulous Afro,” Davis said.

Each woman’s photo is accompanied by a quote about her personality and/or her natural hair.

The quotes in Nappy New Year 2006 include:

“I couldn’t free all that was inside my head until I stopped oppressing what was on top of it.” — Lisa Teasley, author

“I love my twists…I feel like a Nubian queen with my twisted locks.” — Michelle Nicole Falana, actress and theater director

“my locs = hair peace = self love = best thing I ever did for myself” — E-K. Daufin, professor, poet and performer

The calendars are available for purchase at http://www.nappynewyear.com .

Via Business Wire

Nordstrom Celebrates Black History Month With Kamoinge Photo Exhibit

In celebration of Black History Month, Nordstrom will showcase a photography exhibit by Kamoinge, a talented group of African American photographers. The images illustrate life and culture as expressed through fashion over the past 40 years. The exhibit will be displayed in select Nordstrom stores and at http://www.nordstrom.com throughout the month of February.

A new addition to the Nordstrom exhibit this year, Kamoinge is a group of New York City-based photographers whose work has been featured in books, museums, newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. Kamoinge (a Swahili word meaning “a group of people acting together”) was established in 1963 in Harlem to alleviate the sense of photographic isolation generally felt by black photographers. Today their mission has evolved to produce visual images of time that reflect human relationships, political and social interactions and the spiritual world of imagery. Nordstrom has honored Black History Month over the past four years with in-store exhibits.

“We are honored to celebrate Black History Month with the Kamoinge photography exhibit,” said Delena Sunday, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Diversity Affairs. “Through this exhibit, our customers will see a wonderful mix of old and new photographs that reflect culture and spirit through the evolution of fashion. We are excited to share the work of this impressive group of photographers.”

The exhibit will feature 12 photographers: Salimah Ali, Anthony Barboza, Mark Lee Blackshear, Adger Cowans, Gerald Cyrus, Russell K. Frederick, John Pinderhughes Herbert Randall, Radcliffe Roye, Jamel Shabazz, Ming Smith, and Shawn Walker.

Exhibit Locations
The exhibit will be on display at Nordstrom: San Francisco Centre; Arden Fair, Sacramento, Calif.; Fashion Valley, San Diego; Park Meadows, Littleton, Colo.; King of Prussia, Pa.; Michigan Avenue, Chicago; Circle Center, Indianapolis; Southpoint, Durham, N.C.; Dallas Galleria; Perimeter Mall, Atlanta; Pentagon, Arlington, Va.; Lloyd Center, Portland, Ore.; Southcenter and Downtown Seattle.

Boxed sets of 20 note cards featuring images from the exhibit will be available at Nordstrom stores hosting the exhibit. Each set is $8. Quantities are limited.

Via PRNewswire-FirstCall

Aetna Continues Relationship with the National Dental Association to Eliminate Disparities in Dental Health

Aetna Inc. today announced a $25,000 grant to the National Dental Association (NDA) for its community health, access, recruitment and mentoring project. The grant will help the NDA continue its mission to enhance the skills of its members, recruit minorities into the profession and create opportunities for research.

“We are delighted to join the NDA in its efforts to recruit and mentor African American dental students, thereby promoting oral health care among underserved populations,” said Dr. Mary Lee Conicella, Aetna Dental’s national director of Clinical Operations and NDA Corporate Roundtable member. “In doing this, we hope to improve public awareness of the relationship between oral health and overall health. The goals of the NDA align with Aetna’s mission to identify areas of focus and courses of action to address disparities in health care.”

This year to date, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have awarded over $3.75 million to programs focused primarily on addressing racial and ethnic disparities in health and disease prevention. Since 1982, Aetna has published the African American History Calendar in recognition of the outstanding contributions of African Americans. The 2004 calendar saluted African American dentists and their role in public health.

“What is important to recognize is that when the NDA goes into America’s communities of color with the message of how dental health relates to overall health, we know we do not go alone,” said NDA President Dr. Aljernon Bolden. “We take Aetna with us and we are very proud to do so, because we know that Aetna shares our mission: to eliminate health disparities.”

To elevate the dental health status of minorities, the NDA works to improve the delivery of oral health care in underserved communities while improving educational opportunities of minorities in the oral health field. The NDA formed its Corporate Roundtable in 1997 to provide resources, advice and counsel to the NDA on membership, scholarship and community education.

The National Dental Association (NDA) is comprised of 48 state and local chapters throughout the United States and Caribbean that represent over 7,000 black dentists and 35 million black Americans. Since its inception in 1913, the NDA has been dedicated to increasing minorities’ access to care by serving as advocates in the legislative arena and private sector. Today, the NDA strives to ensure continuing service and workforce diversity by actively promoting the oral health care field as a viable profession for African Americans and other under-represented minorities.

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