Grammy Award Winner Rhymefest To Release Debut Album

With the humor of Biz Markie, the lyrical viciousness of Kool G Rap and the storytelling brilliance of Slick Rick, Grammy Award winning rapper Rhymefest is confirmed to release his highly anticipated major label debut album Blue Collar on July 11 on Allido/J Records.

Since winning a Grammy in 2004 for co-writing Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” along with the release of his first single (and Dave Meyers-directed video) “Brand New,” — and countless exclusive mixtapes in between — Rhymefest has been dubbed the “one to watch” by critics and fans alike. Now with the July 11 release of Blue Collar, Rhymefest will showcase his lyrical veracity and versatility and live up to the accolades.

Representing the everyday working man — from the office clerk to the construction worker — Blue Collar is an opus of real stories for and about everyday, real people. Rhymefest offers a thought provoking and sometimes humorous look at today’s society with topics ranging from the war in Iraq (“Bullet” featuring Citizen Cope) to failing relationships (“All Girls Cheat” featuring J Records label mate Mario). Other stand out songs includes “Fever,” “Devil’s Pie,” “Dynomite,” “Sister” and “Build Me Up” featuring the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Producers on Blue Collar include Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Just Blaze, NO-ID, Cool & Dre, Mike Payne & John Henry (Animal House Productions) and Emile.

Rhymefest kicked of the summer performing on a handful of dates in support of Blue Collar with Method Man and Little Brother and Common, with more dates to be announced soon.

Via PRNewswire

Morehouse College Benefits From Purchase Of The MLK Jr. Collection

The City of Atlanta announced that a deal has been struck to bring the coveted Martin Luther King Jr. Collection back to Atlanta. The papers were scheduled to be auctioned at Sotheby’s on June 30.

The city says the transaction, of an undisclosed amount, was made possible through the unprecedented response of Atlanta business and civic leaders and other private parties. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said that the coalition paid a fair price for the priceless collection.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a 1948 graduate of Morehouse College. He entered Morehouse as an early admission student at the age of 15. Dr. Walter E. Massey, president of Morehouse College, said that Morehouse is where the papers should be.

Read more

Superstar Beyonce Completes Search For 10-Piece All-Female Band

Pop culture superstar Beyonce has completed her search for an all-female band and selected ten (plus two alternate) musicians to become her touring ensemble in support of her second solo album, “B’Day,” slated for stateside release on Tuesday, September 5.

Some 1,000 aspiring musicians showed up for open-call auditions held earlier this month in New York, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. 30 finalists were flown by Beyonce from their localities around the country into New York City to meet up with ten New York area finalists for an intense set of decisive auditions at the Sony Music Studios. Beyonce made her final band choices last Sunday.

Beyonce will perform live at the 2006 BET Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, June 27 at 8pm (Eastern/Pacific)/7pm (Central). (Check your local television listings.)

While an all-female band is rarity enough in the worlds of R&B and pop, Beyonce has doubled the funk by including two drummers and a percussionist in her groundbreaking new ensemble.

With a look as hot as their sound, the members of Beyonce’s new band represent a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities. The names of Beyonce’s new bandmates will be revealed soon. The personnel was drawn from the following locations.

The Band:

Horn section — Tenor Sax (from New York City); Trumpet (from Summit, New Jersey); Alto Sax (from Denver, Colorado)

Drums (from Los Angeles, California and Fredericksburg, Virginia)

Percussion (from Houston, Texas)

Keyboards — 1st keyboards (from Saga, Japan); 2nd keyboards (from Houston, Texas)

Bass (from Atlanta, Georgia)

Guitar (from Denver, Colorado)

In addition, Beyonce has chosen an alternate bassist from Tel Aviv, Israel and an alternative keyboardist from New York City.

Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records will release “B’Day,” the much-anticipated new solo album from Beyonce, on Tuesday, September 5.

“B’Day” will be released worldwide on September 4, Beyonce’s 25th birthday.

The pop music superstar’s sophomore studio album premieres all new music produced, written and arranged by Beyonce. “Deja Vu,” the album’s first single, features guest artist Jay-Z with production by Rodney Jerkins. Beyonce’s producers on B’Day include Rich Harrison, Sean Garrett, The Neptunes, and Swizz Beatz. B’Day is executive produced by Beyonce and Mathew Knowles.

Beyonce’s new album is the artist’s first full-length solo work since her #1 multi-platinum 2003 solo debut, “Dangerously In Love,” which earned her five 2004 Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best R&B Song (“Crazy In Love”). With her five-in-one-year Grammy win, Beyonce tied the record for the most Grammys to be won in a single year by a female artist. “Dangerously In Love” and “Crazy In Love” made chart history when both album and single simultaneously hit #1 in the U.S. and the UK (which hadn’t happened since 1983). Beyonce toured for the first time as a solo artist in 2003 in support of “Dangerously In Love,” which has sold more than 11 million records worldwide.

Fan club: http://www.welovebeyonce.com
http://www.beyonceonline.com
http://www.houseofdereon.com
http://www.columbiarecords.com

Via PRNewswire

Wells Fargo And Turning Point Magazine Honor African American Owned Businesses

Celebrating the success of African American-owned small businesses — growing four and a half times faster than all small businesses — Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and Turning Point Magazine, jointly, for the fourth year in a row, awarded the 4th annual Living History Maker Entrepreneur Award 2006 today to Michael Johnson, founder and president of Em Johnson Interest, Inc. (EJI).

EJI is a leading San Francisco Bay Area real estate development company dedicated to the construction of mixed income and affordable housing projects, including urban redevelopment, new construction and rehabilitation of mixed-income, and affordable rental apartments.

Johnson founded EJI in Atlanta in 1979 and since the company’s inception has been focused on the complete process of urban development projects — from initial conceptual planning to design and construction to packaging the financing.

A recent example of EJI’s success is the Fillmore Heritage Center — a $68 million development project intended to institutionalize jazz in San Francisco, creating a mixed income, mixed-use development project contributing to the revitalization of the historic Fillmore Jazz District in San Francisco.

Johnson received the award, along with a $5,000 check at a special luncheon at the 9th Annual African American Business Summit 2006, held at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs.

“At EJI, we believe urban development revitalizes and improves the economic development of our communities,” said Michael Johnson, founder and president of Em Johnson Interest, Inc. “In 25 years, we have never strayed from our focus on redeveloping and rehabilitating mixed-income neighborhoods. The Fillmore Heritage Center is my ‘legacy project’ and I know the passion and perseverance of our team and community made it happen. We are honored to receive this award, and hope our accomplishments demonstrate that African American business owners can contribute and are committed to the economic empowerment in our communities.”

The Wells Fargo and Turning Point Living History Maker Entrepreneur Award honors the extraordinary achievements of African American business owners. Recipients are chosen from applicants across the country, and selected based on business innovation, success, growth, and community service.

“Every year we are inspired by the dedication and innovation of African American business owners nationwide,” said Brenda Ross-Dulan, senior vice president and regional president of the Los Angeles Crossroad Division at Wells Fargo and national spokesperson for Wells Fargo’s African American Business Services program. “This award provides us with a terrific opportunity to recognize the strength, vision, and community focus, of business owners like Michael Johnson. Michael demonstrates what it means to be a Living History Maker Entrepreneur, and he shows us all that entrepreneurs can truly make a difference in the community.”

Wells Fargo launched its African American Business Services program in 1998 to provide outreach, education and increased access to capital among African American business owners. The program focuses on forming community alliances, investing in primary research, and sponsoring key events in the diverse communities where African American business owners live and work. According to the latest U.S. Census, between 1997-2002, African American-owned businesses grew at a rate of 45 percent.

Measuring its progress with a public goal to lend $1 billion over twelve years, Wells Fargo has lent more than $718 million since the program’s inception. For more information about Wells Fargo’s African American Business Services program, please visit the website at http://www.wellsfargo.com/aabs.

“We are very pleased to honor Michael Johnson as the 2006 Living History Maker Entrepreneur awardee,” said Patricia A. Means, president and publisher of Turning Point Magazine and African American Business Summit founder. “We congratulate Michael on this award, and encourage him to continue sharing his passion in inspiring younger generations to remain active in their communities.”

Via PRNewswire-FirstCall

‘A Call Out with Bill Cosby’ Tour Airs Exclusively On CN8 July 7th

Actor and activist Bill Cosby, most recently noted for his provocative commentary and forthright opinions on community improvement, again ignites insight and action in an exclusive CN8 broadcast, “The Bill Cosby Call Out,” airing Friday, July 7 at 9 PM/ET. CN8, The Comcast Network is owned and operated by Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a division of Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) and the country’s leading cable and broadband services provider.

This one-hour special on CN8, The Comcast Network, unveils Cosby’s strident remarks and his panel’s poignant stories shared on stage at the May 16 Washington, D.C. stop of the nationwide “A Call Out with Bill Cosby” tour. CN8 news anchor Arthur Fennell, who moderated the event’s live panel – featuring D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey, community activists, parents of murdered children, a medical examiner, and ordinary citizens who are now trying to make a positive difference – hosts the CN8 broadcast.

Cosby urges his audience to get involved in the lives of their children. “I got a problem with people not knowing where the gun is hid and that the child has one,” he says. “I’m calling you out, and I’m holding you accountable.”

In this compelling public meeting from the University of the District of Columbia, Cosby emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and explores topics centered on community improvement. Along with panel members, he shares crime statistics and gripping testimonials on the harsh realities of street violence, and engages in a sharp dialogue on community policing. And echoing his previous well-known statements, Cosby also rebukes the religious community for failing to address societal problems.

“Cosby raises issues that merit attention and discussion,” Fennell said. “CN8 is honored to share his views with our audience of more than 9 million viewers.”

CN8 will stream “The Bill Cosby Call Out” on its Web site (http://www.cn8.tv) while the broadcast airs. In addition, the special will be available for viewing on Comcast Digital Cable’s “ON DEMAND” service for 20 days, to watch anytime, day or night, after the initial CN8 broadcast.

Via PRNewswire

Major Record Labels Join To Release The Ultimate Luther Vandross

Celebrating the extraordinary artistry and impact of the legendary superstar, J, Epic, and Legacy Records will join in the release of The Ultimate Luther Vandross on August 22nd. A first-of- its-kind, career spanning collection, the eighteen-track album is drawn from the multi-talented singer/songwriter and producer’s recordings for both J Records and Epic Records. The CD will include two previously unissued cuts, “Shine” (produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis), the first single from the album and “Got You Home.” “Shine” is already being blasted on the airwaves as radio stations across the country have jumped the gun and added it prior to its official impact date of June 19th. The overwhelming response from radio programmers includes comments from “it’s the hottest adult song of the year” to “it’s another great record from Luther!”

The Ultimate Luther Vandross features all of Luther’s chart topping singles including the Grammy-winning No. 1 pop/R&B smash, “Dance With My Father,” the title track for Luther’s 2003 platinum-plus J Records album; 1989′s Grammy winning Epic hit, “Here And Now” and “Endless Love,” Luther’s 1994 million-selling duet with Mariah Carey. The CD also includes J hits “Take You Out” and “I’d Rather” and Epic ’80s and ’90s singles, “Never Too Much,” “Give Me The Reason,” “Any Love” and “Power Of Love/Love Power.”

The powerhouse album also reprises such Vandross classics as “A House Is Not A Home,” “Wait For Love” and “Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me” alongside key album cuts such as Luther’s 2003 duet with Beyonce, the cover of the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway classic “The Closer I Get To You,” “Buy Me A Rose” and “Think About You,” all taken from Luther’s last studio album.

Luther Vandross was undeniably one of the most significant vocalists of our time. Since the 1981 platinum-selling release of Never Too Much, Luther’s recording career spanned over two decades and resulted in a lifetime of chart topping hits. Through the 1980′s, he recorded a string of platinum albums, including Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body and The Night I Fell In Love. He scored his first Grammy Award in 1989 with “Here And Now.” 2003′s Dance With My Father received 4 Grammy Awards and has generated worldwide sales exceeding 3 million copies. Collectively, Luther’s body of work has sold in excess of 30 millions records worldwide, winning eight Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image Awards and American Music Awards.

The release of The Ultimate Collection just over a year after his death is a solid reminder of the creative genius, soulful magic and sheer artistry of Luther Vandross, an unforgettable presence and one of the most influential vocalists of our time.

Via PRNewswire

BlackEnglish.com To Help Blacks With English

BlackEnglish.com, a company dedicated to improving the English test scores and literacy rates of African Americans, has introduced three new educational products.

With illiteracy rates as high as 80% in many cities throughout the U.S., BlackEnglish.com will create pro literacy products around its flagship bestseller, Ax or Ask? The African American Guide to Better English ($14.95 -Barnes and Noble). The CD, workbook, and DVD companions will be introduced to schools this fall.

“Blacks have the lowest standardized test scores and this is due to an inability to read and think critically,” said Calumet College of St. Joseph professor and company owner, Garrard McClendon.

“Our goal is to help parents, students, and teachers by engaging students in phonics, sustained silent reading, pronunciation, and with words that trouble African American readers. Hearing us say words like ‘finna, fixin’ to, ‘ax, gonna, conversate, amma-lams, and kennygarden,’ frustrates me, and we must show African Americans how to code switch,” McClendon states.

BlackEnglish.com currently has materials used by teachers in 26 school systems, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

“We are tired of 64% of all Black 4th graders being functionally illiterate. We’re tired of Black students teasing classmates because they use correct diction. Our books, CDs, and DVDs were created to empower African Americans,” McClendon said.

BlackEnglish.com will tour in September to mark the 2006 2007 school year. McClendon will go on a 20-city tour to encourage literacy in African American communities.

Via PRNewswire

The 2006 Essence Music Festival Goes Old School

The Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival today announced the addition of a star-studded old school reunion, Doug E. Fresh and The Pioneers of Hip-Hop, to the Festival’s jam-packed line-up of main-stage performances on Sunday, July 2nd at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The old school reunion show will feature Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Sugar Hill Gang, MC Lyte, Biz Markie, Whodini and Dana Dane. Other performers on July 2nd will include Chris Brown, Jaheim, New Edition and Bobby Brown, and Steve Harvey.

“ESSENCE is thrilled to welcome these ground-breaking artists to round out the show at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival,” said ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks. “The old school reunion performance will perfectly complement scheduled appearances by Cedric the Entertainer, Charlie Wilson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Mo’Nique, Toni Braxton, and Yolanda Adams for the largest gathering of African-American musical talent in the world.”

Diddy and Friends will not perform at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival due to a regrettably unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com, (800) 488-5252 or (713) 629-3700 in Houston. For more information, see the June 2006 issue of ESSENCE or log on to essence.com.

Via PRNewswire

Advertising: An Industry Still So White, but Few Will Discuss It

Fall TV lacks diversity

Lauderdale police using ads to recruit women, minorities

Phat Fashions Extends ‘Lifestyle’ Concept to Home

Kellwood’s Phat Fashions division has signed an agreement with Dan River, Inc. to develop and market a home collection line under the Phat Farm® and Baby Phat® brand names, according to Bernt Ullmann, president Phat Fashions.

The new line, which embodies the classic American flava of Phat Farm® and the sassy and luxurious style of Baby Phat®, is slated to appear in department and specialty stores in Fall 2006 and will consist of bedding, bath furnishings and window treatments. The Phat Farm bedding ensembles include timeless stonewash denim to nautical blocks of color embroidered with the signature logo. The Baby Phat bedding styles a playful, over-the-edge chic look with palettes of Asian black velvet, white mink and exotic prints.

“Phat Farm has been at the forefront in building a hip-hop lifestyle business. We are now expanding our fashion boundaries to include a home collection. We have had tremendous success as being the leader of fashion. This new generation needs its own native interpretation of the bedding/bath business. We are filling a void and reacting to what our consumers have requested,” said Russell Simmons, Phat Fashions founder and CEO.

“We are pleased to introduce luxurious bedding as the next step in expanding our lifestyle brand. It’s exciting for us to offer the Baby Phat consumer something as new, fresh, and fabulous as the pieces you will find in this exclusive bedding collection,” said Kimora Lee Simmons, creative director for Baby Phat.

“The addition of the home collection to the Phat Fashions family is another step towards offering our customers classical products that capture the experience of the Phat lifestyle,” stated Ullmann.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Phat Fashions design team. The power and presence of the Phat Farm and Baby Phat brands, combined with our luxurious fabrications and techniques, will offer our customers a comfortable sleep environment in style,” stated Daniel Hammer, president sales and marketing of Dan River Home Fashion, Inc.

Via PRNewswire-FirstCall

Monster And Kappa Alpha Psi Unveil Career Site For Fraternity Members

Monster(R), the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., an international fraternal organization promoting community leadership primarily among African American men, today announced that Kappa Alpha Psi affiliates now have direct access to Monster job search tools via a collaborative career content site. With 370 chapters on college campuses and 360 alumni chapters in cities worldwide, the alliance with Kappa Alpha Psi provides Monster with increased visibility among diverse job seekers and employers.

Launching today, the co-branded site (www.kappaalphapsi1911.com) will allow Kappa Alpha Psi members, both undergraduates and alumni, to search for jobs, post resumes, and post job opportunities. In addition, members will have access to relevant career-related articles and tips provided by Monster experts.

“Monster has extensive experience working with national organizations that serve minority groups, including the NAACP, and has demonstrated its commitment to serving the community at the local level,” said Samuel C. Hamilton, Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi. “Aligning with Monster is a natural fit as we look to continue providing our members with resources to help them maximize their potential and enhance their community leadership roles.”

“Kappa Alpha Psi’s vast, nationwide network boasts an impressive membership comprised of men of achievement in every field of human endeavor,” said Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer, Monster. “Unlike many traditional fraternities, members of Kappa Alpha Psi have a lifelong relationship with the organization. This alliance affords Monster the chance to offer these talented individuals access to job opportunities and relevant content that can benefit their careers, businesses and professional lives.”

Monster Sponsors the Undergraduate Leadership Institute

Monster will also serve as an annual sponsor of Kappa Alpha Psi’s Undergraduate Leadership Institute, a leadership conference held in Atlanta. Offering a highly structured and intense leadership experience, the Institute is designed to increase undergraduates’ capacity to lead in multiple contexts – in the fraternity, on campus and in the community. Additional details may be found at: http://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/KLI.pdf.

Via BUSINESS WIRE

Beyonce And Prince Lead Galaxy Of Stars At The BET Awards 06

Rumors have been flying and fans have been eagerly anticipating the show-stopping “Grand Opening” and “Grand Closing” of BET Awards ’06, as each year proves to be more extraordinary than before. This year, the BET Awards show begins with a Grand Opening salvo by America’s favorite new Dreamgirl Beyonce, and the world premiere television performance of her new smash “Deja Vu.” To cap the show, BET Awards ’06 has the legendary Prince bringing it home with the Grand Closing to this annual tribute to music, movies, sports and more with an out-of-this-world performance. Prince’s song selection is a closely guarded secret … even to the show producers at this point. The stage is set for BET AWARDS ’06 to be the most sizzling night of live television this year! The three-hour ‘live’ telecast premieres on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (tape-delayed in the Mountain and Pacific zones).

These celebrated BET AWARDS alumni/nominees join top nominee Jamie Foxx, who will perform hits from his debut CD, as well as Busta Rhymes, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne and Mary Mary who will blaze the stage with big-time production numbers. Previously announced show talent Mary J. Blige and T.I. will round out the set list, along with a few surprises.

Elevating the star presence at the historic Shrine Auditorium is host Damon Wayans, BET Lifetime Achievement Award winner Chaka Khan, BET Humanitarian Award recipient Harry Belafonte, and presenters including: film and TV star Vivica A. Fox, hip hop luminaries Outkast, NFL first round draft pick Vince Young, sultry songstress Rihanna, the hilarious Shawn and Marlon Wayans, old-school sitcom stars Bernadette Stanis and Jimmy Walker, and former BET AWARDS host Steve Harvey.

To ensure that viewers never miss a beat, the party will kick off with a series of specials. You can catch the ever popular I Want To Thank My Mama: BET Nomination Special airing Friday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT. BET will highlight the artists who have been nominated and get predictions on the street as to who will take home some hardware on June 27. And check out exciting highlights of past BET AWARDS shows during the encore telecast of the Top 12 Award Show Moments airing June 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

106 & Park hosts Julissa and Big Tigger will jumpstart the coverage on awards day at 6 p.m. ET/PT with 106 & Park Live From the Red Carpet. They’ll get first crack at all the celebrities and nominees before they head into the Shrine for the telecast where artists will be feted in 15 different categories. After the show, more BET AWARDS action can be seen and heard during BET NEWS Special: The Black Carpet Lounge hosted by Toure at 11 p.m. ET/PT. This one-hour program will feature exclusive interviews, show highlights and recap all of the day’s exploits.

In addition, BET viewers can cast their votes for their favorite performer in the BET.com Viewer’s Choice poll at http://www.bet.com, which takes place in “real-time” during the course of the telecast. Viewers can tune in to the ceremony to see if their chosen performer won the Viewer’s Choice award, and also check out other interactive features.

Via PRNewswire

Jay-Z Responds To Comments From Cristal Brand Director

In response to comments made by Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Louis Roderer Cristal, Jay-Z and his upscale sports lounge, The 40/40 Club, have announced that they will no longer be serving Cristal Champagne and Jay-Z will further help lead the boycott against Cristal Champagne in the world of hip-hop.

Despite loyal patronage by Jay-Z, his clientele, and the entire hip-hop community, Rouzaud said in a special edition of The Economist magazine that the company observes its association with the rap world with “curiosity and serenity.” Even though Jay and other rappers continually support the brand by including Cristal in their lyrics, as Jay did in his number 1 hit “Hard Knock Life,” Rouzaud has labeled the name-checks as “unwelcome attention.”

“It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frederic Rouzaud views the ‘hip-hop’ culture as “unwelcome attention.” I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life,” said Jay-Z.

Just as Rouzaud stated, “I’m sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business,” Jay-Z and the 40/40 Club will now be serving only Krug and Dom Perignon to their customers seeking high end champagne products.

Via PRNewswire

Next Page »