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.”

Read more

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.

Research Firm Releases African American Automotive Study

Are certain new vehicles addressing cultural distinctions, and why are Nissan product ratings high among African American new car buyers? Pride and individuality are key aspects. Certainly building well designed, capable and quality vehicles–at the most discounted price–sells, but it doesn’t end there. African Americans who are potential new vehicle buyers have expectations and needs that are similar to the industry, but they clearly show a distinctive emotional profile on key aspects of the “super values” (Security, Freedom, Esteem, and Balance) that make up the experience owners have with their vehicles. Super values define the largest clusters of values and emotions identified by Dr. Darrel Edwards, founder of Strategic Vision, from the initial 752,284 respondents who completed our worldwide survey on values, emotions and behavior. The overall clusters have been validated against 1.6 million respondents worldwide. There are strengths at two levels: overall positions like Freedom and Esteem and within the super value clusters where the distinctive patterns of specific values and emotions are found. The African American profiles are taken from the syndicated Vehicle Experience Study (VES(TM)) completed by Strategic Vision each year in the automotive industry. Possession of these emotions and values are not exclusive to African Americans, but are distinctive in the strength or magnitude of their importance. African Americans who completed Strategic Vision’s questionnaire see themselves as very successful and highly motivated. They have a strong desire for personal power and ability to choose, but are careful about trusting others – similar to the population of new vehicle buyers. They see themselves as strong individuals, who demand being recognized as such. African American new vehicle buyers have a strong sense of self-esteem. All new car buyers have these emotional values, but they are exceptionally prominent among African Americans. The following data is from Strategic Vision’s 2005 full-year Vehicle Experience Study (VES):

Ten Most Purchased Brands By African Americans
Nissan 12.5%
Chevrolet 11.6%
Toyota 9.5%
Ford 9.2%
Chrysler 7.7%
Honda 5.3%
Dodge 4.4%
Hyundai 3.8%
Cadillac 3.3%
GMC 3.2%

Ten Most Purchased Models By African Americans
Nissan Altima 12.5%
Chrysler 300 3.3%
Ford F-Series (F150) 2.5%
Toyota Corolla 2.3%
Toyota Camry 2.1%
Honda Accord Sedan 2.1%
Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.8%
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 1.8%
Ford Explorer 1.8%
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1.6%

For 14 years, Strategic Vision has been providing a syndicated Vehicle Experience Study (VES(TM)) to the automotive industry. The VES(TM) is the most comprehensive study in the industry in that it captures a data set including both the history, behavior and attribute ratings of 506 primary, secondary and tertiary attributes of the customers. In addition, it measures the emotional responses, perceptions, consideration factors, intentions, customer delight, and a number of other key indicators and aspects of experience reported by the over 1.4 million new car buyers who have completed the survey since its initiation in 1997. The owners have their vehicles at least three months before they are measured. This interval is an industry standard used by all major syndicated studies. In order to assure highly reliable results, Strategic Vision created a three year (2003, 2004, and 2005) data sub-set of over 13,000 African American new vehicle buyers, including their emotional responses and the comprehensive measure of their experience with their vehicles after the three month period. The Total Quality Index (TQI(TM)) captures the more complete experience the buyer has with his or her vehicle including both rational and emotional aspects.

Strategic Vision’s TQI(TM) provides specific directions to those who wish to sell more vehicles to African Americans. The scores are directly influenced by the ability of the manufacturer and dealer to satisfy their needs and desires. When African Americans report that they “are proud” and “see themselves as strong individuals,” brands who respond appropriately will sell more cars. Dealers need to listen. Manufacturers can even define which product attributes speak strongly to those individuals. The revelation is not just in the general emotional profile, but also in the ability to quantify and specify key areas of distinction. “Our unique matrices quantify human values and emotion and the aspects of experience that address those values and needs,” reports Dr. Darrel Edwards, Ph.D, ABPP, Strategic Vision’s CEO and Founder. “Pride and individuality are directly related to exterior and interior style. In addition, the ability to add personal touches to your vehicle that customizes it to be your own is rewarding. Your vehicle makes a statement about you. Manufacturers need to be clearly aware what they can do to engender pride in ownership while making allowance for the buyers to express their individuality. Dealers need to listen to the African American community when they report that they are strongly committed to their sense of pride and individuality.” They want respect – as do all buyers – but clearly look for and respond to signs that deliver the message: “We respect your individuality. We are proud of what we have to sell and you will be proud to own our brand.” The automotive industry is in the most competitive period ever. Manufacturers are building well designed, quality vehicles. There is a need for leverageable guidance. Strategic Vision’s African American study points to hallmarks that can bring success for the manufacturers and dealers. The study identifies the “gold nuggets” that specifically address the African American buyers. As an example, indexed data reveals that the number one reason African Americans considered one of the industry’s leading brands, but rejected it, was the lack of choice: not sensitive to the desire for individuality. There was a strong perception that there were not enough color choices and interior options or versatility. This was ethnically specific to African Americans. The brand offered fair deals, but was not sensitive to a major issue among the African American buyers. Why are Nissan product ratings high among African American new car buyers? Nissan did exceptionally well on aspects of product coupled with a positive dealership experience that communicated to the buyers’ sense of pride and individuality – cornerstones for positive regard among the African American buyers. On a scale that ranges from 0 to 100 (reflecting top box scores) that measures the brand’s scores on brand delivery (“Clearly Describes My Feelings”), Nissan scores 70 on Pride while the competitive set of brands scores 64. Nissan scores 67 on Individuality while the competitive set scores 51. Nissan presents a strong profile to the African American community of new vehicle buyers. Are certain new vehicles addressing cultural distinctions? Yes, but it is not that the vehicle was built for a specific ethnic group; it’s the understanding and delivery tailored to these distinctions that will prove to be persuasive to target audiences/customers. It is clear that if Nissan competed, Nissan was a winner among African Americans. Strategic Vision’s ability to examine multi-cultural themes and distinctions was made possible by research led by its CEO, Founder and Creative Director Darrel Edwards, Ph.D. and the targeted efforts of Christopher Chaney, Vice-President and Director of Special Projects.

Jamster and WMG Expand Relationship with Commercial Featuring Diddy

Jamster, a worldwide leader in mobile content and entertainment services and a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), today announced that Sean “Diddy” Combs, founder and CEO of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, is featured in a new commercial promoting Jamster-exclusive ringtones created from master recordings in The Notorious B.I.G. catalog. The Notorious B.I.G.’s latest album from Bad Boy Records, The Notorious B.I.G. Duets: The Final Chapter, hits music stores today. Bad Boy Records is a joint venture with Warner Music Group (NYSE: WMG).

Jamster has successfully worked with WMG for close to a year. Jamster has distribution rights to WMG’s mobile personalization products catalog, which allows it to offer consumers ringtones and screensavers by WMG’s world- renowned roster of artists.

Earlier this year, WMG’s Warner Bros. Records worked with Jamster to provide consumers with early access to Asylum Records/Warner Bros. Records rap artist Mike Jones’ Top Five debut album by taking advantage of the popularity of ringtones. Together they created the first artist-endorsed Jamster ringtone commercial in the Americas. A band on WMG’s Asylum Records, D4L, created a ringtone called ‘Laffy Taffy’ earlier this year that has topped the Jamster Top 40 Ringtones chart for nearly three months.

“This relationship with a diverse, global content aggregator like Jamster allows Warner Music Group to literally put our music-based content in the hands of mobile phone users around the world,” said Kevin Liles, Executive Vice President, Warner Music Group. “As the mobile phone becomes an increasingly important way for consumers to get their favorite music and entertainment, we’re excited to be the first major music company to help fans connect to music they love through Jamster and its network of dozens of wireless providers.”

“Warner Music Group provides Jamster with popular mobile entertainment choices that individuals everywhere are using to personalize their wireless experience,” said Vernon Irvin, Executive Vice President and General Manager, VeriSign Communications Services. “As labels move into the mobile broadband age, Jamster is helping the music industry give consumers what they want, when and how they want it.”

The commercial featuring Diddy can be seen on BET, which is the nation’s leading television network providing quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American audience.

Via PRNewswire-FirstCall

Hidden Beach Recordings Goes International

Today Hidden Beach Recordings officially announced the launch of Hidden Beach International (HBI). This newest imprint extends the highly successfully Hidden Beach Recordings brand which boasts Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott, talented saxophonist Mike Phillips, R&B duo Kindred The Family Soul, Jeff Bradshaw and Lina. Based in Santa Monica, California, Hidden Beach International will continue the mission of Hidden Beach Recordings to present artists who are bold visionaries with a definitive creative point-of-view.

The first release on the Hidden Beach International imprint will be the internationally renowned Bent Fabric’s Jukebox — The Album, which has already achieved chart topping success internationally. Jukebox — The Album will be released on January 24, 2006 and will feature 11 new songs, including Fabric playing his Grammy Award winning original composition “Alley Cat,” and the added bonus of two new remixes: “Alley Cat” by Hit & Run; and “Jukebox” by legendary DJ and remixer Ralphi Rosario.

The album will also incorporate additional enhancements such as the much-seen Cingular/iTunes commercial spot and the very light-hearted animated video “Jukebox.” Both the “Jukebox” video and the Cingular/iTunes commercial can be accessed via http://www.bentfabric.us or by visiting http://www.HiddenBeach.com.

Hidden Beach Recordings has always cultivated and presented artists who are originators and Hidden Beach International will be no different. Bent Fabric is a key example of the type of artists that Hidden Beach has presented to the world, the best of the best musical talent.

Hidden Beach International’s primary mission will be to introduce the U.S. to an eclectic array of international artists who are breaking new ground and challenging the industry status quo by daring to be different. Artists on HBI will be able to create a body of work for a label that uses its independence to venture into non-traditional marketing and creative arenas frequently overlooked by conventional music imprints.

“Hidden Beach International will continue the legacy started by Hidden Beach Recordings,” says McKeever, President and CEO. “We feel that we have created a recognizable brand where the consumer knows that if it’s on Hidden Beach, it is good, quality music that may not necessarily fall into the traditional genres of R&B or Pop. But in the end, that’s what we’re all about. At Hidden Beach we try to think differently, and we enjoy taking creative risks. We imagine music outside of the calculated forms which results in signing artists whose musical styles are outside of the expected and is something new. This is our primary mission.”

This year millions of people have already heard several songs from Bent Fabric’s Jukebox — The Album. In addition to the popular commercial for the iTunes-enabled Cingular Wireless Phone, other Bent Fabric music can be heard in feature film trailers for major motion pictures starring everyone from Jim Carey (“Fun With Dick and Jane”) to Dennis Quaid (“Yours, Mine & Ours”) to Ice Cube (“Are We There Yet?”). It can also be heard in numerous television series — “Las Vegas,” “Kitchen Confidential,” and “Darcy’s Wildlife,” just to name a few. Fabric’s music was chosen as the theme song for the WB Network’s long-running image campaign, and is now heard every night on the network.

With the upcoming release of Jukebox — The Album, Hidden Beach International is primed to introduce Bent Fabric’s international status to a completely new audience.

“Just like the initial artists on Hidden Beach Recordings, Bent Fabric defines what we are all about. He’s an artist who records real music but brings a fresh sound to the process. People are going to be blown away by what they hear,” says McKeever.

In the coming weeks, Hidden Beach Recordings will announce the new music slated for release in 2006.

Please feel free to visit http://www.hiddenbeach.com for additional information.

Via PRNewswire

Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige to Perform at the 2006 Essence Music Festival

Essence Festivals, LLC., officials announced today that Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, will perform at the 2006 Essence Music Festival, July 1, 2 and 3, which will be held in its new temporary home at Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. ESSENCE, however, continues to work closely with city and state officials to rebuild the city of New Orleans.

Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige, known for her chart topping albums including No More Drama, My Life and her hotly-anticipated release The Breakthrough, has performed to sold-out audiences and received critical acclaim for over a decade. Additional stellar artists will be announced in coming weeks.

The Essence Music Festival, known as “the party with a purpose,” is the nation’s largest annual African-American event and gathering of musical talent in the world. The Festival has become a destination of choice for families and friends as they schedule their reunions. This multigenerational Festival offers free Empowerment Seminars during the day and exciting performances at night, where Festivalgoers can dance and sing along with the biggest names in entertainment-rhythm and blues, classic soul, hip-hop, neo-soul and jazz.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252.

Chevrolet is a sponsor of the Essence Music Festival. Additional sponsors will be announced at a later date.

Via PRNewswire

Fantasia Joins UNCF’s An Evening of Stars Tribute to Stevie Wonder

J Records recording artist and former American Idol winner Fantasia will perform on UNCF’s An Evening Of Stars Tribute to Stevie Wonder. The program will air on several networks in various markets from January 6th through January 8th. Fantasia will perform “Summertime” from her J Records debut album Free Yourself as a well as “Superstition” in honor of Wonder.

In 1973, legendary R&B artist Stevie Wonder won his first two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his hit “Superstition.” This year Fantasia continues to prove what legends are made of with her 4 Grammy Award nominations — more than any other American Idol winner to date! The highly praised song “Free Yourself” was nominated for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Performance while her album Free Yourself was nominated for Best R&B Album. The fourth nomination was for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for her version of “Summertime. ” It was Fantasia’s show stopping version of the Gershwins’ “Summertime” that took her to the final round on the American Idol competition.

The four Grammy nominations further emphasis the glowing reviews she received from her 2004 J Records debut Free Yourself. People Magazine stated, “On her soulful debut album, Fantasia Barrino steps up as the American Idol champ most likely to become a genuine pop idol.” USA Today commented, “Free Yourself … is by far the freshest and funkiest Idol record to date,” while Los Angeles Times went straight to the point and claimed “Fantasia Barrino is a S-T-A-R.”

Fantasia made history this summer when her debut single, “I Believe,” entered Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart at # 1, making her the first artist in the history of the chart to debut at # 1 with her first solo record. Since then the American Idol winner has racked up a truckload of honors, including an NAACP Image Award and a Billboard Award. Her debut album, Free Yourself has sold more than 1.7 million units in the US to date, firmly establishing Fantasia as one of the most exciting new artists in music. Along the way, this talented young artist made Billboard history again when she became the first female artist to have three of the top five songs on the Adult R&B Chart. The very next week she became the first artist to have two of the top three songs on that chart: “Truth Is” at #2 and “Free Yourself” at #3.

Recently, Fantasia wrapped up the critically acclaimed Touch The Sky tour with Kanye West and is still promoting her inspirational memoir, “Life Is Not A Fairy Tale,” which has been embraced by her fans from coast to coast. Fantasia plans to return to the studio early next year to record her sophomore album.

Via PRNewswire

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