Tracey Edmonds Named President and Chief Operating Officer of Our Stories Films

Answering the promise to assemble a top-notch management team, Our Stories Films, the recently announced film studio created by Robert L. Johnson and The Weinstein Company, has named well-respected entertainment executive Tracey Edmonds as its president and chief operating officer. The announcement was made jointly today by Robert L. Johnson and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company.

As president and chief operating officer, Edmonds will be responsible for driving the vision of the new film studio and all operations. In running the company, she will be charged with identifying and executing on projects from development to production. She will soon assemble a team of executives to support her in establishing the studio’s unique position in the marketplace. Last month, through the privately-held RLJ Companies (RLJ), Johnson, founder of BET and owner of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, entered into the new venture with The Weinstein Company (TWC) to create a film company that will produce titles in the urban comedy genre.

“For a long time, the African-American creative community has wanted to have a studio where greenlight authority rests with an African-American. I’m happy that Harvey and Bob have joined me in making this vision a reality. I’m excited that Tracey has chosen to become a part of this venture — her track record and creative abilities will insure that the vision becomes a success.”

“When looking for someone to lead Our Stories, we identified an executive who has a track record of innovation and success, the respect of the industry, and a strong understanding of, and relationships with, both business and talent,” said Harvey Weinstein. “Tracey is the ideal choice, and we’re thrilled that she will be heading up Our Stories.”

Over the past 10 years as owner, president and CEO of Edmonds Entertainment Group, Edmonds has amassed a track record filled with significant accomplishments in film, television and music. Edmonds’ first feature film, Soul Food, was produced for $7 million and grossed over $43 million at the box office, spawning a triple platinum soundtrack and a popular Showtime television series of the same name that ran for five seasons. Both the feature and the series won multiple NAACP awards. Edmonds’ independent film production company, e2 filmworks, produced two critically acclaimed motion pictures: Hav Plenty, released by Miramax in 1998, and PUNKS, which won Best American Independent Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Torino Italy Film Festival, and Outstanding Emerging Talent at the L.A. OutFest, as well as a distinguished John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Edmonds has also produced some of the most popular television shows to ever appear on BET, including the first African-American reality series, “College Hill,” which debuted in 2004 to set a network record as BET’s highest rated series premiere in 25 years. “College Hill” is now in its fourth season and continues to be a ratings winner. In 2006, Edmonds created and executive produced “Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown,” which currently stands as the top-rated series debut in BET history. Edmonds also produced the popular “DMX: Soul of a Man” for BET.

New Lyfe Jennings Album, The Phoenix, Enters the Billboard Top 200 at #2

The urban/pop/soul musician Lyfe Jennings is back on the charts as his new album, The Phoenix, enters the Billboard Top 200 at #2, having SoundScanned 136,065 pieces its first week in the stores. The Phoenix has also debuted at #1 on the R&B Album Sales chart, according to SoundScan.

The Phoenix is the eagerly-awaited successor to Lyfe’s breakout debut album, Lyfe 268-192.” Released in August 2004, Lyfe 268-192 peaked at #39 on the Top 200 nearly a year after its release and went on to achieve an RIAA platinum certification (for sales of 1,000,000 records) in January 2006.

It’s been an amazing couple of years for Lyfe, who brought down the house at “Good Morning America” on August 17 with a passionate performance of “Goodbye.” Lyfe’s recent duet with Alicia Keys, a soul-shaking version of the Curtis Mayfield classic, “People Get Ready,” may be heard in the Jerry Bruckheimer film, “Glory Road.”

Lyfe closed out 2005 with his highly successful “Lyfe Experience” headline tour, which included guest artists Goapele and Vivian Green. Lyfe spent the larger part of summer 2005 on tour with his Grammy-winning Columbia Records labelmate John Legend.

A two-time #1 Billboard Heatseekers album (2/20/05 & 3/6/05), Lyfe 268-192 was released on August 17, 2004 and immediately established the worldly and poetic Lyfe as an aesthetic force of nature with mainstream and underground support.

Rolling Stone (Nov. 11, 2004) found Lyfe’s songs “… eloquent in their depiction of struggle … .”

“Filled with a genuine rawness reminiscent of Sam Cooke or Donny Hathaway,” wrote the edgy New York taste-making YRB, “‘Lyfe 268-192′ is a thought-provoking journey into the soul of a man whose lyrics tell a melodic story of the everyday realities that affect us all, yet allows us to exhale because somebody finally gets it.”

Lyfe brings the full force of his songs to his concert audiences, winning converts wherever he plays. “Bringing only an acoustic guitar to the hallowed 125th Street venue,” wrote the hip-hop bible The Source (July 2004), “Lyfe won over the notoriously demanding Apollo crowd and dominated the Amateur Show competition, winning five straight times.”

Snoop Dogg Scheduled to Release Highly Anticipated New LP

Multi-Platinum, Award Winning rapper Snoop Dogg is set to release his eighth solo LP, “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment,” this November through Doggystyle/Geffen. “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment” is one of the most highly anticipated new albums of the year and will continue to solidify this hip hop icon as one of the most influential musical entertainers of today.

Throughout each record on the forthcoming release, Snoop takes it back to the basics … back to the ‘hood, showcasing the original gangsta sound that made this Long Beach rapper an instant household name when he made his debut in 1992 on Dr. Dre’s hit song “Deep Cover” and the classic album “The Chronic.” After releasing a string of hit records on his last effort that carried a more commercial sound, such as the #1 mega-hit “Drop It Like It’s Hot” featuring Pharrell, the rapper decided this time around to bring back Snoop Dogg, the O.G., for his fans. Producers who collaborated on “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment” include hit makers Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Rick Rock, Pharrell, among others; along with guest appearances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ice Cube, The Game, Brandy, R. Kelly and MC Eight.

The premiere single, produced by Pharrell, titled “Vato,” featuring B Real from Cypress Hill is a gritty street record that tells an everyday story from the rough LA streets that only the Dogg himself can tell. The video for the single, which was directed by Phillip Atwell, plays like a short cinematic film with an important underlying message: the need for black and brown unity, especially in the wake of violence in recent months in Los Angeles. With Snoop starring as an O.G. and B Real as a Latino gang member, the video also boasts guest appearances by rap veteran Kid Frost and Oscar nominated actor Edward James Olmos to bring attention to an unfortunate, but real issue that continues to plague communities today. Through this groundbreaking video, Snoop is looking to leverage his street credibility and knowledge to launch a much needed push for unity.

“It’s about time we start to fight for each other rather than fighting against each other. I have homies from all cultural backgrounds and love all of my brothers, black and brown. There is nothing that can stop us from creating a better future for ourselves, for our families and generations to come if we all came together,” says Snoop Dogg.

This is not the superstar’s first attempt to bring forth social awareness to important issues. Last year, he held a peace summit dubbed “Protect the West” to end all feuds between rap artists from the West Coast. Snoop also participated in rallies to save Stanley “Tookie” Williams, an ex-gang member on death row who spearheaded the truce between the “Bloods” and “Crips.”

The highly anticipated world premiere of “Vato” will make its video debut at the end of this month on “BET’s Access Granted.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE To Debut TV Series Hosted By Ed Gordon

Our World With Black Enterprise, a new, half-hour, nationally syndicated television series that spotlights the contemporary African American experience, will bring more diversity to weekly, talk TV when it debuts next month.

Premiering on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, Our World With Black Enterprise, hosted by acclaimed broadcast journalist Ed Gordon, will feature news, entertainment, roundtable discussions, and special interest stories about African Americans from all walks of life-from Hollywood to the corporate suite and everyone in between.

BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) magazine, now in its 36th year, is the No. 1 business and investing resource for African Americans with a readership of 3.9 million. A multimedia company with print, radio, television, and Web properties, BE will partner with Central City Productions (CCP), a Chicago-based production, sales, and distribution firm, to produce the new lifestyle show.

“We are extremely excited to announce the launch of a weekly news and entertainment show dedicated to our core audience,” says BE president and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves. “For more than three decades, BLACK ENTERPRISE has distinguished itself as a unique and independent voice for African Americans. Through Our World, BE will showcase the best of our society and offer viable solutions to the challenges we face.”

Ed Gordon, host of Our World With Black Enterprise, says, “I am delighted to be part of a new program that will showcase the world of news, sports, and entertainment from a black perspective, and give voice to some of today’s brightest minds and best talent. I look forward to bringing the rich conversation of the black community to the forefront, and presenting our culture, our people, and our perspective each week.”

National Trade Group Honors Madam C.J. Walker

The Direct Selling Association(DSA) posthumously awarded Madam C.J. Walker its Distinguished Service Award today at the Netherlands Hilton Hotel.

“We’re honored to recognize Madam C.J. Walker for her pioneering contributions to the direct sales industry as one of America’s earliest entrepreneurs to employ door-to door-sales,” said Amy Robinson, DSA’s Director of Communications and Media Relations.

Walker developed a scalp condition in the 1890s, which caused her to lose most of her hair. She attempted to create a remedy and eventually developed a treatment that helped her hair grow.

Subsequently, she created a line of hair care products and started her own company in 1905, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company in St. Louis. Walker traveled during the next year and a half throughout the heavily black South and Southeast to sell her products door-to-door and to demonstrate her scalp treatments in churches and lodges.

“Walker encouraged other Black women to leave unpromising careers as poorly paid washerwomen and maids to become Walker Agents and earn commissions,” said Erica Littlejohn Burnette, Co-founder and Vice President of Marketing for Our Own Image, the Ohio-based direct selling company that nominated Walker for the award. Our Own Image offers African American party supplies, gift bags, keepsakes, journals and home accessories.

“She made a tremendous impact to the quality of life for tens of thousands of black women,” Littlejohn Burnette added.

Since Walker’s early efforts to distribute her products door-to-door, direct selling has evolved into a $30 billion industry that now includes home parties, one-on one demonstrations and other methods.

Today, there are nearly 14 million sales consultants across the country employed by more than 1,500 U.S. based direct selling companies.

By the time of Walker’s death in 1917, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Co. was the largest business owned by an African American in the U.S. Her estate and business had a combined worth of more than $1 million (approximately $10 million today). The Guinness Book of World Records cites Walker as the first female American self-made millionaire.

ESSENCE And Diddy Kick Off Fashion Week With BLACK STYLE NOW

The Opening Gala for BLACK STYLE NOW will kick off New York’s Fashion Week with a star-studded, black-carpet event on Friday, September 8, 2006, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. The exclusive celebration, in honor of the Museum of the City of New York’s groundbreaking exploration of hip-hop style and the Black fashion revolution, is hosted by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

As the first major American exhibition to explore Black fashion, BLACK STYLE NOW will feature examples of the attire, accessories, and looks that define contemporary fashion; including a strapless fuchsia, velvet gown worn by Lil’ Kim to the 2005 Costume Institute Gala, an original wool-pinstripe suit worn by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to the 2006 CFDA Awards, and a custom-designed white and cranberry leather, monogrammed cap made for LL Cool J in the 1980′s, to name a few. Opening on September 9, 2006, and running through February 19, 2007, the exhibition will present historic photos, video images and stylized vignettes to reveal how today’s fashion is shaped by African-American style. Beyonce, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Russell Simmons, Sean ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Lil’ Kim and Andre 3000 are among the celebrities whose influence will be documented in BLACK STYLE NOW.

The BLACK STYLE NOW Opening Gala is a VIP party, offering a special preview of the BLACK STYLE NOW exhibition, which explores the history of African-American style and the influence of hip-hop on fashion and design. The BLACK STYLE NOW Opening Gala chairpersons, ESSENCE editorial director Susan L. Taylor, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Museum of the City of New York President Susan Henshaw Jones, have assembled an illustrious event host committee, including Iman, John Dempsey, William P. Lauder, Susan Fales-Hill, Thelma Golden, Allison Whipple Rockefeller, and ESSENCE editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, among others.

“ESSENCE is ecstatic to fete the opening of BLACK STYLE NOW, with a singular event uniting the entertainment industry with the fashion community to pay tribute to the history of Black style,” said Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence Communications Inc. “Congratulations to the Museum of the City of New York for realizing its vision for BLACK STYLE NOW, a creative and pioneering exhibition reflective of the African-American experience, which ESSENCE proudly celebrates.”

Commented Susan Henshaw Jones, President and Director of the Museum of the City of New York: “Much of the hip-hop phenomenon began in the streets of New York City, so it is fitting for the Museum of the City of New York to organize this groundbreaking exhibition. BLACK STYLE NOW will not only document the impact of the hip-hop style revolution on mainstream fashion, but will explore the contributions of African-American stylemakers throughout the twentieth century. The Museum is very grateful to Time Warner and to ESSENCE for making it possible for us to tell this story.”

The Opening Gala for BLACK STYLE NOW is generously supported by platinum sponsor Macy’s; gold sponsor Unforgivable by Sean John; fashion sponsors Akademiks, Rocawear and Sean John; bronze supporters Sony and Diet Pepsi Jazz; and VH1. BLACK STYLE NOW is funded by the Time Warner Foundation. ESSENCE magazine is the primary sponsor. Generous support has also been provided by Altria Group, Inc.

Via PRNewswire

BEENIE MAN Returns To Keep His ‘Undisputed’ Title As King Of The Dance Hall

Grammy Award winner BEENIE MAN releases his new album, UNDISPUTED, August 29th, 2006 on Virgin Records, unleashing a storm of unstoppable riddims, rhymes and toasts guaranteed to pack the dance floor — and send the competition home thoroughly bloodied and bruised.

The album’s kick-off single is the tough and viciously propulsive “Hmm Hmm,” produced by Tony Kelly, who previously created career-making rhythms for Sean Paul, Sasha and others. Also blazing up Hot 97 & Power 105 in NYC is Foxy Brown reppin’ Roc-A-Fella on the “Hmm Hmm” remix which is about to go out to national radio. The single “Girls,” guest-starring international hitmaker Akon (“Locked Up”), has already been previewed online and on cable as a video. Directed by Little X, “Girls” matches a high-fashion look to the track’s gorgeous vocal hook and crunked-up techno rhythm, resulting in one of the smoothest and sexiest music clips of the year.

Also on UNDISPUTED, two more tracks of outstanding fusion music come in the hip-hop “Jamaican Ting,” and the unmistakable reggaeton beat of “Fire,” featuring guest spots by Voltio and Randy. Irresistible uptempo dance hall rhythms meet BEENIE MAN’s vicious flow in “Chacka Dance,” “Set You Free” and “Beenie Man,” featuring a guest vocal by D’Angel.

BEENIE MAN also joins Virgin labelmate Brooke Valentine in “Dutty Wine Gal,” and the track “My World” features a step-out by the roughest of the rough female toasters, Lady Saw.

Also producing on UNDISPUTED are Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett (Sean Paul’s “Give It Up To Me”, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel), hot reggaeton producer DJ Giann (Tego Calderon, Shakira, Beyonce), and hip-hop’s crossover king, Scott Storch (Beyonce, Eve, Chris Brown, Nelly, The Roots, Paris Hilton).

BEENIE MAN’s Virgin album Art and Life is the winner of the 2000 Grammy for Best Reggae Album, and he has been nominated two additional times in the category. He first began performing professionally at age 8, mounting a fearsome and much-celebrated battle with Bounty Killer as a teenager. In the process, he created a string of long lived dance hall smashes that bonded dance hall and hip hop. BEENIE MAN had a 20-week run on the U.S. Hot 100 with the pop Top 40/Urban Top 15 crossover “Who Am I (Sim Simma),” and charted for 15 weeks on the Hot 100 with “Girls Dem Sugar,” featuring urban songstress Mya. He was most recently in the U.S. pop top 30 with “Feel It Boy,” a collaboration with superstar Janet Jackson; and the all-time classic “Dude,” featuring Ms. Thing.

Via PRNewswire

African-American Smoking Trend Survey Released By GlaxoSmithKline

As part of its “Stomp Out Smoking in the African-American Community” campaign, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, marketers of Nicorette, NicoDermCQ and Commit, released the findings of a commissioned survey about smoking habits of African Americans at this year’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention. Currently, there are more than 4.7 million African-American smokers in the United States, and three in four African-American smokers choose menthol as their cigarettes of choice.

The results from the survey paint a picture of the long held beliefs and contradicting opinions many African Americans have about their smoking habits. It also highlights some plausible reasons why more African-Americans have not been successful at quitting. For example, 56 percent of those interviewed believe cold turkey is the most effective way to quit smoking, but approximately eight out of 10 of the respondents shared that they were unsuccessful quitting. This statistic highlights a knowledge gap in terms of the effectiveness of the “cold turkey” method versus using nicotine replacement therapy. Unaided “cold turkey” cessation fails 97 percent of the time. However, as smokers get older, they acknowledge that “cold turkey” is not the most effective method to use to quit smoking.

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Volkswagen Has Gone ‘Idlewild!!!’

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has teamed up with Universal and hip-hop duo OutKast to host screenings of the film Idlewild and movie soundtrack listening parties in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles. OutKast’s Andre “Andre 3000″ Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton both star in the film. The listening parties will feature new sounds from the duo’s next album, which also serves as the film’s soundtrack. The album will include all new songs by OutKast and is set to release August 22nd — three days before the movie hits theatres, August 25th.

In a continuous effort to reach out to the African American community, this is the third Volkswagen Important People (VWIP) sponsored event of the year, NBA All*Star Weekend in Houston being the first, followed by Zo’s Summer Groove in Miami.

“Volkswagen is extremely excited to partner with OutKast on what is sure to be a fabulous event. What’s particularly exciting is the opportunity to connect with the African-American community,” says Kenyatta Bynoe, Brand Marketing Manager, at Volkswagen.

Fans in each market will have the opportunity to become VWIP’s and win tickets to the listening parties through radio call-ins. Volkswagen has aligned itself with the hottest Hip-Hop radio stations in each market. Stations will also broadcast live from the “blue” carpet.

In addition to consumers, invited guests include tastemakers, athletes and entertainers. The VWIP “blue” carpet events will feature complimentary shuttle service for select guests in each market. A fleet of 2006 Touaregs, Volkswagen’s top-line SUV, will transport select VWIPs to and from the screenings and listening parties.

The screenings will run from 7:30-9:30 PM while the soundtrack album listening parties begin at 9:00 PM.

ATLANTA
Thursday, August 17th
Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16
371 17th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363
LISTENING PARTY: eleven50, 1150b Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309
Invited celebrity guests include: Boris Kodjoe, Ludacris, Bow Wow, Cee-lo, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Lyfe Jennings, Yung Joc, Jason Weaver, Lil’ Jon, T.I., Usher and India.Arie

LOS ANGELES
Saturday, August 19th
Harmony Gold Screening Room
7655 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90046
LISTENING PARTY: Memphis, 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Invited celebrity guests include: Jane Fonda, Terrence Howard, Ving Rhames, Faizon Love, Macy Gray, Malinda Williams, Paula Jai Parker, Paula Patton, Eve, Nick Cannon, Anthony Anderson, Darrin Henson, Danny Masterson, Hill Harper, Keenan Thompson, Regina King, Larenz Tate,
Sanaa Lathan, Ryan Phillipe, Shane West, Tracee Ellis Ross, Baron Davis, Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom and Smush Parker

NEW YORK
Wednesday, August 23rd
Loews Kips Bay 15
570 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
LISTENING PARTY: Providence, 311 W. 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Invited celebrity guests include: Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Chris Brown, DMX, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Fonzworth Bentley, JoJo, Kevin Liles, LL Cool J., Lil’ Kim, Lupe Fiasco, Nina Sky, Olivia, Queen Latifah, Remy Ma, Rockwilder and Tyson Beckford

Via PRNewswire

New Aaron Neville Album To Be Released On September 19th

Burgundy Records’ (SONY BMG) first signing, Aaron Neville, completed the recording of his new album, Bring It On Home … The Soul Classics.

This is Neville’s first Sony BMG release. Due on September 19, the album comprises 13 all-time soul classics, including Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

The set also features collaborations with Chris Botti, Chaka Khan, Dave Sanborn, Mavis Staples and Art Neville.

“Legendary soul classics performed by one of the greatest soul voices of the 20th Century…it doesn’t get better than that,” says Joe DiMuro, EVP/General Manager of Sony BMG’s Burgundy Records (http://www.burgundyrecords.com). “By putting our own twist on it, we are making these beloved soul classics new again.”

Stewart Levine produced the album. Levine, who has worked with a bevy of platinum selling artists, including Jamie Cullum, Simply Red and BB King, has produced over 10 Grammy-award winning records.

“This is very natural ground for Aaron, as he grew up immersed in the sounds of classic rhythm and blues. It’s not a departure or some grand ‘concept’ — it’s a very natural fit for him and something he’s wanted to do for a very long time,” says Levine. “The idea behind the record was simplicity itself. We took these iconic songs and stripped them to their essence. We didn’t want Aaron to cover them; we wanted him to redefine them. He did just that.”

“I am excited to be a part of Burgundy Records and look forward to giving my existing fans and, hopefully, new fans some brand new music,” says Aaron Neville.

New Orleans’ “first son” and four-time Grammy(R) award winning artist, Neville has a trademark angelic voice and an impressive body of work to go along with it.

The Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group (SMG) recently launched its new record label, Burgundy Records. The Sony BMG SMG imprint plans to sign legendary multi-platinum artists and release new titles in conjunction with an innovative marketing campaign that will promote the artists through traditional and non-traditional channels.

Final Aaron Neville track listing and sequence

1. Rainy Night In Georgia (featuring Chris Botti)
2. Ain’t No Sunshine
3. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
4. Stand By Me
5. You Send Me
6. Respect Yourself (featuring Mavis Staples)
7. When A Man Loves A Woman
8. Let’s Stay Together (featuring Chaka Khan)
9. It’s All Right
10. People Get Ready (featuring Art Neville and David Sanborn)
11. My Girl
12. Ain’t That Peculiar
13. A Change Is Gonna Come

Via PRNewswire

The Compelling Finale of BET’S Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is’ Airs August 16th

BET and Interscope A&M Records turns up the heat this summer with a provocative end to the six-part original docu drama featuring R & B’s newest princess, Keyshia Cole. Averaging 8 million viewers a week, “THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,” programming block truly exemplifies the origination and journeys of two unique individuals: Keyshia Cole and DMX. In the series finale of “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is,” the turbulence and personal struggles illustrated in the first five episodes culminates in a life-affirming and touching conclusion when Keyshia Cole comes full circle with her incarcerated mother on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Yes, Keyshia is an accomplished 24-year-old singer who currently records with the likes of Grammy-Award winning talents Kanye West, John Legend and Diddy. But the reality is that Keyshia comes from a family plagued by drugs, poverty and violence. She was able to achieve success but still struggles with her family and searches for guidance on how to help her alcohol-abusing sister when she visits her mother in jail.

“My childhood was not easy,” said Keyshia Cole. “I went through a lot of trials and tribulations, so it was important for me to share my struggles — open up my life to my fans. I wanted this show to inspire young kids and let them know that no matter what their situation is, no matter where they come from, no matter where they are, no matter who they are — with faith, you can always accomplish your goals. I did it and survived, and so can they.”

The show is the brainchild of Ron Fair, Chairman of Geffen Records, and Reginald Hudlin. Fair, who signed Keyshia Cole while President of A&M Records and produced her platinum debut album, The Way It Is commented, “I’m thrilled that Byron Phillips and Reginald Hudlin have validated Keyshia Cole as a real life character that truly belongs in the fabric of the BET Network.”

In the gripping finale, Keyshia and her biological mother have a candid mother-daughter conversation at an LA-area prison camp. Keyshia’s mother opens up about her struggle to overcome a crack cocaine addiction. She discusses her desire to leave jail in September 2006 and remain clean to help her family. As Keyshia comes face-to-face with her drug-afflicted mother, Frankie, she truly understands how far Frankie has come. A bittersweet reunion, Keyshia and her mother finally put the long, rocky road behind them, but she remains cautious in her hope that her mother will remain sober this time around. Keyshia’s mom also, for the first time, reveals information during their heart-to heart talk about the identity of her biological father.

The six-part series debuted on BET on July 12, 2006 and found its niche by chronicling a determined songstress’ journey from her dysfunctional childhood all the way to “platinum” heights. In the premiere episode, set in Oakland, audiences followed Keyshia on her return home since beginning her tour some months prior. Keyshia’s most intimate and conflicted family relationships were introduced. The next couple of episodes candidly depicted Keyshia’s challenges and hardships throughout her young life and what she’s overcome to achieve her dream of success — a dream that was fully realized when her record breaking success was celebrated in a platinum party that included Monica, Jagged Edge and other notable musicians.

“Keyshia’s passion stems from her complicated past,” said Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment, BET. “This is not a modern day Cinderella tale; this is the story of a talented young survivor that is teaching our youth how to cope with a struggling childhood and still come out on top.”

The final two episodes reveal how Keyshia’s success is tampered by the realities of her family, as she worries about her older sister Neffie’s drinking problem. Neffie seems to refuse help from anyone and instead turns to alcohol when she can’t handle the responsibility of caring for her life and children. Things seem to come full circle as Keyshia, her sister and their biological mother, Frankie confront their issues of the past and come together for a teary-eyed reunion that starts the healing process for Keyshia and her family’s very promising future.

Via PRNewswire

‘Flavor of Love 2′ premiere breaks all-time audience record for VH1

Cash Money Records CEOs Donate $3000 To Miami Youth

Cash Money Records CEOs Ronald “Slim” Williams and his brother Bryan “Birdman” Williams are donating $3000 on behalf of their charity Cash Money For Kids to the Morningside Park Soccer Program in Miami. The donation will go directly to the children’s soccer program for new equipment. “We always believe in giving back to the community, and we want to make sure the kids have recreational outlets that may help them stay out of trouble,” states Ronald “Slim” Williams. Bryan “Birdman” Williams says, “It’s important for young kids to be able to play safe and have fun. Hopefully this will help the children of Morningside Park enjoy their day a little more.”

The Cash Money Records CEOs have a history of giving back to their community. Each year including last year, they have held their Annual Turkey Give Away for needy families in their native city of New Orleans. Displaced after Hurricane Katrina, the Williams brothers have adopted Miami as their new home base.

Via PRNewswire

UNCF Remembers Legendary Spokesman Lou Rawls

The Sept. 8 and 9 taping of An Evening of Stars(R) Tribute to Aretha Franklin benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will be the first time in 28 years that the UNCF’s annual TV special will be produced without legendary performer Lou Rawls, who died in January at the age of 72.

But Rawls, who is credited with originating the idea for the TV event in 1979 and helping the UNCF to raise over $200 million for minority higher education, will be remembered on the 28th anniversary of the program with a special award bearing his name. The Lou Rawls-UNCF Award will be given to an artist whose career exemplifies Rawls’ passion for ensuring that minority youth receive a quality college education. The first recipient of the accolade will be announced Friday, Sept. 8 during the taping at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. As part of its partnership with UNCF and commitment to education, Target will be the corporate sponsor of the Lou Rawls-UNCF Award.

“When Lou Rawls passed, UNCF felt it was important that his esteemed legacy not fade away, but shine brighter than ever on the television event in which he invested so much of his time and talent,” said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. “Each year, this award will go to a worthy individual whose service to our mission of education and supporting member colleges lives up to the name of the man for whom it was created.”

“What an amazing way to continue the legacy of such an extraordinary man. Although Lou himself was not able to attend college, he created this telethon 28 years ago with selfless sacrifice and a vision to help those who would strive for higher education fulfill their dream,” said Nina Rawls, widow of the Grammy Award-winning vocalist. “It is truly an honor to keep his name and vision alive for future generations.”

From 1979 to 1997, the UNCF’s annual television special was known as The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars(R). The program was re-formatted and re-named An Evening of Stars(R) in 1998. At its 25th anniversary in 2004, the program adopted a tribute format to recognize an outstanding artist each year with the UNCF’s prestigious Award of Excellence. Rawls was the first recipient of the award, followed by Quincy Jones in 2005 and Stevie Wonder in 2006. Aretha Franklin will become the fourth recipient and first female artist to receive the annual tribute and UNCF’s Award of Excellence.

The live taping at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood will feature celebrity presenters and well-known performers from a variety of eras and genres of music and acting. As one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history, An Evening of Stars(R) has featured a Who’s Who of recognizable talent, including Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dick Clark, Nancy Wilson, Reba McIntyre, Richard Pryor, Beyonce Knowles, Jill Scott, Luther Vandross, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, Ed McMahon, Vanessa Williams, Michael Bolton, Toni Braxton, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley and scores of others.

Learn more about UNCF at http://www.uncf.org

Via PRNewswire

BET News Launches Series On The Recovery And Aftermath Of Hurricane Katrina

Her destructive winds, damaging waves and torrential rains ended long ago. But the tragedy and indelible marks of Hurricane Katrina remain. As the Gulf Coast region nears the one-year anniversary of the greatest natural disaster in modern U.S. history, BET News today launches a month long series of daily news briefs and testimonials capturing life in the aftermath for Louisiana and Mississippi as the rebuilding continues. S.O.S: SAVING OURSELVES – ONE YEAR LATER is a poignant reprise by BET News that culminates on Tuesday, September 5 with a primetime special that takes a probing look at the region’s future.

BET News has assembled a cadre of celebrities, community leaders, government officials and local citizens to lend voice and perspective to its series. These individuals either lived in or traveled to the ravaged region. Some were directly impacted by the storm, while others contributed time and money to assist in the relief effort. Noteworthy participants in the series include actress Holly Robinson-Peete; rappers David Banner and Ludacris; gospel duo Mary Mary; hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons; religious leader Bishop Paul Morton; New Orleans activist Kalamu ya Salaam; Mary Joseph of the New Orleans Children’s Defense Fund; and many others.

“Those powerful images of death and devastation in New Orleans and the surrounding region will be remembered forever,” said Nina Henderson Moore, BET Executive Vice President of News & Public Affairs. “The rebuilding effort since then has progressed, yet been controversial at many levels. This series will do more than just revisit the past. There are still many unanswered questions about the local impact, especially among African Americans; the government’s failures in the face of disaster; and the vulnerability of the area to future hurricanes. Ultimately, our series is part of BET’s ongoing effort to keep the public focus on this region and its recovery.”

In addition to the televised series, BET viewers can access extended coverage of the Hurricane Katrina anniversary and recovery at http://www.BET.com. On-line content includes news stories, features, chats with experts, opinion polls, photo galleries and links to community organizations providing assistance to the thousands of victims still needing help.

Via PRNewswire

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