Whitney wows ‘em as a solo act

Ruben Studdard Makes THE RETURN a Top 10 Chart Event

Buoyed by Urban radio’s reaction to the new single “Change Me,” award-winning, RIAA platinum J Records artist Ruben Studdard makes his auspicious ‘return’ this week to the Billboard 200 albums chart at #8 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart #2 with THE RETURN, which arrived in stores October 17th. THE RETURN is NAACP Image Award winner and Grammy nominee Ruben’s long-awaited follow-up to his heralded debut album Soulful, which contained the back-to-back pop/R&B crossover single hits “Flying Without Wings/Superstar” and “Sorry 2004.”

In between Soulful and THE RETURN, Ruben paid homage to his deep southern Gospel roots on I Need An Angel (November 2004), whose title tune was written and produced by R. Kelly. The acclaimed project debuted at #1 on the Gospel chart, achieved RIAA gold status within weeks, and earned Ruben a BET nomination last year for “Best Gospel Album.”

Following the late-summer release of “Change Me,” the #1 most added song at Urban Radio in its first week out, Ruben was viewed by millions during appearances on TV’s Access Hollywood and Extra. In the weeks leading up to the release of THE RETURN, Ruben also appeared on NBC’s The Today Show (twice!) and The Martha Stewart Show, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View, CNN’s Showbiz Tonight, CBS’s The Early Show, and today (Oct. 25th) on NBC’s The Megan Mullally Show. The video for “Change Me” is in rotation on BET J and BET After Dark. He will perform live this week on BET J (Oct. 27th) and will sit down with BET’s The Center for an in depth interview (Oct. 26th). Stay tuned for appearances on the syndicated Rachael Ray show and The Tyra Banks Show.

Studdard has a vast amount of online awareness and activity with features on AOL Music, Clear Channel Music online, MSN Music, VH1.com “Hear Music First” and Hi5.com. THE RETURN is currently the #3 R&B album in the iTunes Music Store, ahead of Janet Jackson, Beyonce and John Legend.

THE RETURN takes its title from the opening cut, “The Return (of the Velvet Teddy Bear),” a song written for him by co-producer Harold Lilly, signifying Ruben’s return to the mainstream after his gospel sojourn. “A lot of people outside the gospel field didn’t know I’d released I Need An Angel,” he said, “so they’d come up and ask me where I’d been for the last two years! With THE RETURN, I’m saying, ‘I’m back singing these love songs just for you!’”

THE RETURN continues the love affair that Ruben has enjoyed with audiences across the country since winning the American Idol competition. The release of Soulful (December 2003) set off an avalanche of awards and nominations over the next two years, as Ruben was recognized by the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Awards, Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Awards, Billboard Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. In 2006, THE RETURN is aimed squarely at Ruben’s legions of loyal fans: “I put a lot of love into making this album,” he said, “and my audience is going to feel that… “

Via PRNewswire

Black Enterprise Presents Its Annual Small Business Issue

Creating and growing a successful company in today’s changing marketplace calls for innovative thinking. In the November 2006 Small Business issue, black enterprise (be) showcases thriving entrepreneurs who have applied modern strategies to grow-and in some cases create-additional streams of revenue. “Entrepreneurs should always be thinking of creative ways to generate profits if they want to sustain business growth,” says be Small Business/Technology Editor James A. Johnson. “Some of those strategies-from self-publishing books to processing online orders 24 hours-a-day-require a higher degree of personal self-reliance than more traditional methods.”

A prime example is November cover subject Aundrea Lacy, founder and CEO of Luv’s Brownies. Today, due to savvy marketing and thinking “outside the box,” Lacy’s business has expanded to include public speaking, consulting, and book selling. Her first self-published book, Luv Story, sold nearly 300,000 copies. Her second title, Brownie Points, is due out in 2007. By being forerunners in the marketplace, African American entrepreneurs such as Lacy are poised to usher in an extraordinary era of creativity where bold initiatives will spawn the next generation of successful businesses. (Pgs. 53-54, 84)

A growing number of black Republicans are vying for election-year victories despite formidable challenges. A recent study revealed that whites who belong to either party are less likely to vote for their party’s black nominee. In “Rise of the Black Republicans?” be Executive Editor Derek T. Dingle examines the prospects of three GOP candidates seeking to win high-stakes contests. Gubernatorial candidates J. Kenneth Blackwell (Ohio), ootball great Lynn Swann (Pennsylvania), and Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (U.S. Senatorial candidate) face the daunting challenge of capturing white conservative voters without alienating African American voters. (Pg. 100)

Also in November:
In “Saving Faithfully,” be discusses how a plan to invest 10% to 15% of your after-tax income can contribute to your early retirement as a millionaire. (Pg. 79)

“The Best Time to Buy a Car” offers savvy advice on when and how to strike the best deal on an automobile. (Pg. 128)

In “Managing a Windfall,” be advises you on what to do — as well as what not do — if you come into sudden wealth, such as lottery winnings, an inheritance, or early retirement compensation. (Pg. 138)

Via PRNewswire

UGK Drops Long Awaited New Album on December 19, 2006

Jive recording artist UGK returns after a long hiatus with their long awaited seventh album “U.G.K. Underground Kingz.” Group members Bun B and Pimp C return with a double album that features twenty new tracks.

The album lists production by UGK’s own Pimp C, as well as Atlanta hit makers Jazzy Pha and Lil Jon. New York super producer Swizz Beats adds some East Coast flavor to the double package. Scarface produced 3 tracks. Pimp C’s production is filled with the live instruments that always distinguished the group’s original sound. The album features a fleet of guests that includes Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Sleepy Brown, Three Six Mafia, Willy D and others. On the Marley Marl’s produced “H-Town” Bun B and Pimp C team up with New York’s veterans Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane.

The first single will be the Jazzy Pha’s produced “Stop & Go.” The b-side will feature the songs “2 Kind Of B*****s” and “Chrome Plated Woman.”

UGK put the South on the map in 1988 with their first album release “The Southern Way.” Since then, the group has maintained a presence in the rap world with albums, mixtapes, indie releases and cameos on numerous prominent artists’ tracks. In 2000, they made a high-profile appearance on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin.” In 2005, Bun B released his first solo album “Trill.” The CD debuted at #6 on the Hot 200 Billboard Charts, peaked at #1 on Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop album Chart and has been certified gold. Pimp C released his solo album “Pimpalation” in Summer 2006.

Via PRNewswire

2007 Essence Music Festival Coming Home To New Orleans

The Essence Music Festival, the nation’s largest annual African-American event celebrating Black music and culture, is ‘Coming Home’ to New Orleans on July 5-7, 2007 to present the biggest names in entertainment for three nights of exhilarating performances, it was announced today by Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. and Mitch Landrieu, Lt. Governor, State of Louisiana.

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray, and ESSENCE Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor were also on hand to commemorate the agreement.

The announcement marks the return of the 13th annual Festival to its original home, since relocating temporarily to Houston in 2006 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The homecoming of the world renowned “party with a purpose” is expected to bring more than 200,000 visitors to the City of New Orleans and will benefit the local and state economy; including businesses that employ local residents – many of which are still in recovery post-Katrina.

“ESSENCE is proud to join with the State of Louisiana in support of the City of New Orleans and bring the Essence Music Festival back home, where Festivalgoers can once again experience the richness of New Orleans’ culture– including distinctive music, traditions, and cuisine celebrated with old-fashioned southern hospitality,” said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. “Continuing the longstanding tradition of outstanding music, culture and community, the Essence Music Festival’s return to New Orleans in 2007 is not to be missed!”

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Center Bureau will serve as the host organization for the 2007 Essence Music Festival.

The newly-restored Louisiana Superdome will host three fantastic nights of live performances by the biggest names in entertainment, and during the day, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will house the free and open-to-the-public Essence Cares Empowerment Seminars, as well as the popular Essence Marketplace.

“The Essence Music Festival is coming home. Essence’s return to Louisiana sends the signal to the world that we are back in business,” said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. “This major event, which attracts over 200,000 visitors each year, will be a shot in the arm for our economy and the thousands of small businesses and employers that rely on tourists.”

Landrieu added, “I would like to thank the Essence Host Committee – without their hard work and determination we could not have brought Essence back to Louisiana in 2007.”

The Essence Host Committee was formed by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and includes: Angele Davis, Secretary, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Steven Perry, President/ CEO, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Doug Thornton, Regional Vice President, SMG; Sandy Shilstone, President/ CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation; Bill Langkopp, Executive Vice President, Louisiana Hotel and Lodging Association; and Toni Rice, President, Multicultural Tourism Network.

Look out for the December 2006 issue of ESSENCE magazine or log on to http://www.essence.com for updates on tickets, performers, and hotel accommodations, as well as weekly promotions.

Via PRNewswire

Jay Z Makes A Slam Dunk With EA

Jay-Z will appear in EA’s NBA Live ’07 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. Consumers who purchase the new Reebok S.Carter Basketball IV shoe will receive a unique unlockable code to access the Jay-Z character, S.Carter All-Stars and Rbk/S.Carter Arena for use in the game. The S.Carter Basketball IV shoe can be purchased at Champs Sports.

(PRNewsFoto/Reebok)

Ethnic Spending on Hair, Beauty, and Cosmetics Tops $8.4 Billion

Bolstered by ethnic-specific hair, beauty, and cosmetic (HBC) products seeing double digit growth between 2001 and 2006, overall purchases of both ethnic-specific and general-market HBC products by Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics are set to top $8.4 billion by year’s end, according to the latest market research from Packaged Facts.

Ethnic Hair, Beauty and Cosmetic Products in the U.S. pegs the current market for ethnic-specific HBC products at nearly $1.9 billion, a 19% gain over 2001 figures. Yet this is only a portion of what ethnic consumers actually spend on hair relaxers, nail and lip care, make-up, and other HBC products. General-market HBC purchases ring up at about 3.5 times more than ethnic-specific, with this year’s general-market purchases expected to total over $6.5 billion.

Yet the market remains difficult to target. After being drawn to high-end, “non-ethnic-specific” prestige-style HBC products early this century, the fading novelty factor coupled with ethnics’ special grooming needs has caused the ethnic sector to settle into a pattern of interspersing use of traditional ethnic-specific products with non-ethnic-specific splurge items. In fact, there are strong indicators that retail channels are blurring, with pop-prestige chains warming up to ethnic-specific fare. Meanwhile, mass retailers’ expansion now includes prestige-often “Dr. Endorsed”-products as well as low-end premium products.

“Ethnic consumers are not just choosing ‘ethnic’ or not. They’re also looking at high-end versus value, chemical versus organic, and the latest fad versus ‘urban style’,” said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. “Marketers should find that a more holistic approach to product offerings as well as more diverse retail promotional efforts will fare well with this rapidly growing demographic.”

SNOOP DOGG’S HOOD OF HORROR to Have Red Carpet Premiere at Screamfest 2006

The hip-hop horror feature SNOOP DOGG’S HOOD OF HORROR will have a Hollywood premiere as part of Screamfest 2006 on the evening of Wednesday, October 18, at Grauman’s Mann Chinese 6 Theater located in the Hollywood & Highland Center. Celebrity red carpet arrivals, including Snoop Dogg and other stars from the film, will begin at 7:00 pm, with the festival screening at 7:30pm. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is a proud sponsor of Screamfest 2006 and the HOOD OF HORROR premiere.

Blending horror, anime, live action, gore, and a strong dose of gallows humor, SNOOP DOGG’S HOOD OF HORROR presents three terrifying tales from this nefarious neighborhood, whose depraved denizens can all look forward to a very unpleasant eternity. Snoop Dogg stars as Devin, a deceased gangster who has the dubious honor of escorting Satan’s latest “conquests” to their just reward, and our personal escort through this City of the Damned. Take, for example, a young graffiti artist who receives the power of life and death over others, a wonderful thing if she weren’t so consumed by hatred; or the spoiled, entitled son of a Texas oil tycoon who thinks he can get away with murder; and then there’s the rapper who has a few skeletons in his closet and they’re beating down the door. Part Rod Serling, part Crypt Keeper, but all Dogg, Snoop’s presence sets the unrelenting tone for this anthology from hell.

Costarring with Snoop Dogg are Ernie Hudson, Danny Trejo, Method Man, Anson Mount, Brande Roderick, Lyn Shaye, Daniella Alonso, Noel Guglielmi and Pooch Hall, along with WCW Champ Diamond Dallas Page, NBA stars Lamar Odom and Tayshaun Prince, and NFL stars Teyo Johnson, Justin Fargas and Glenn Cadrez. Rounding out this stellar cast are none other than Billy Dee Williams and Jason Alexander.

BET Networks Hip Hop Awards Nominee Ceremony

On hand to unveil nominees of BET’s first ever HIP HOP AWARDS were (L to R) platinum rapper Young Jeezy, hip-hop mogul and super producer Jermaine Dupri, multi-platinum rapper and Academy award-winning film Crash cast member Ludacris, and recipient of the ‘I AM HIP HOP ICON’ award, pioneer and legendary DJ, Grandmaster Flash. The BET HIP HOP AWARDS tapes at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Sunday, November 12 and premieres Wednesday, November 15 @ 9 p.m. on BET.

Crown Royal(R) ‘Makes The Cut’ In Neighborhood Barbershops Across the Country

Crown Royal, America’s number-one super-premium Canadian whisky, is lending support to local business owners while celebrating the tradition of a longstanding cornerstone of the African-American community — the barbershop. Bringing a touch of old school reverence with a fresh, urban spin, the Crown Royal Barbershop stopped by the Legends Barber Shop on Tuesday, October 3 in Los Angeles. Designed to support talented entrepreneurs who have positively
impacted their communities, the Crown Royal Barbershop is the first renovation program of its kind to launch nationwide.

As with past Crown Royal Barbershop events, the L.A. event attracted notable celebrity support, with Toccara Jones, star of America’s Next Top Model, serving as the official Crown Royal Barbershop hostess and spokesperson, and Academy Award-nominated actor, Michael Clark Duncan (The Green Mile) in attendance.

Brian “Goose” Davis, barber and owner of Legends Barber Shop, the latest to host the Crown Royal Barbershop in Los Angeles, is thrilled over his shop’s renovation and was honored that his shop was selected to participate in the program. “What Crown Royal has done to revitalize our
business has made a world of difference — both aesthetically and professionally. This kind of support can be just the push needed to elevate a shop like ours and really put it on the map,” said Davis.

Furthering its commitment to giving back to the community, Crown Royal, in partnership with Legends, will conduct a three-week fund drive benefiting the Jenesse Center, a local South Central Los Angeles charity dedicated to supporting women who have survived domestic violence. “Through its generosity, the Crown Royal Barbershop program will allow us to continue our efforts to combat domestic violence and make a difference in the lives of its survivors,” said Karen Earl, executive director for the Jenesse Center.

Since early 2005, the Crown Royal Barbershop has traveled across the U.S. and to date has refurbished 11 barbershops in several major cities, including Chicago, Houston, New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. Late last year, Crown Royal deployed a special mobile version of its Barbershop program to the Gulf Coast region to benefit evacuees displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Its popularity has extended far beyond just a neighborhood affair, with more than 8,000 consumers ages 21 and older enjoying this signature Crown Royal experience firsthand.

The Barbershop program incorporates the “royal” treatment into each establishment — an interior makeover that transforms the shop into a place fit for a king, complete with custom barber chairs, flat screen televisions, neon lighting, and a fresh coat of paint, incorporating Crown Royal signature colors — purple and gold — into the space.

“Barbershops have long provided an environment where people come together and share a meaningful, cultural connection,” said Giovanni Sgro, Crown Royal multicultural brand manager. “We respect this tradition, and, through the Crown Royal Barbershop program, look to give back to the community in an innovative and meaningful way, while staying true to our Crown Royal message — ‘It’s about quality, not quantity’.”

The Crown Royal Barbershop program will lend its support to barbershops in 12 markets across the nation through June 2007, including: Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Richmond, Va., St. Louis, Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston, Marshall, TX, Oakland, Atlanta, and Indianapolis.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Adds Flavor To Burger King

BURGER KING(R) has another “king” when it comes to music and fashion — Sean “Diddy” Combs. In his new role with the worldwide fast food restaurant company, Diddy — Bad Boy Records founder, CEO and recording artist — will help beef up Burger King Corporation’s profile in the music and entertainment industry, consulting on relevant entertainment and marketing talent, as he himself is set to star in an upcoming BURGER KING ad campaign.

The multi-year relationship kicks off in October with a co branded channel on YouTube.com titled “DiddyTV.” The interactive channel is now live with a personal video message from the Grammy-winning superstar. Fans can visit “DiddyTV” ( http://www.youtube.com/diddytv ) for exclusive access to music tracks and video clips from Diddy’s first solo collection in five years, “PRESS PLAY” (Bad Boy/Atlantic), in stores Oct. 17.

“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a pop culture icon, and we’re thrilled to be able to collaborate, using the breadth of his talents as an artist, entrepreneur and change agent to impact and inspire our guests,” said Russ Klein, president of global marketing, strategy and innovation, Burger King Corporation. “We expect this to be a rich, long-term relationship that is wide open in terms of Diddy’s contributions as a BURGER KING brand ambassador.”

Burger King Corporation is also an official sponsor of Diddy’s fall 2006 cross-country CD tour. BURGER KING will be represented at all local market events, including consumer listening parties and special appearances by Diddy at high schools in select cities. The promotional tour will wrap up on Oct. 16 with Diddy’s return to his home base of New York City.

“I’m having it my way on this album, and it’s been a great journey for me, so I’m grateful for partners like Burger King Corporation that are helping me bring a fresh sound to my fans,” said Diddy. “They share my passion for being tastemakers and giving the people what they want.”

A year in the making, “PRESS PLAY” finds Diddy joined by a who’s who of contemporary artists and producers. Among the guest performers are: Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Big Boi, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, Nas, Fergie, Avant, and Pharoahe Monch. Diddy was joined on the production side by such studio stars as Kanye West, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Havoc from Mobb Deep, Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, Rich Harrison, and others.

Via PRNewswire

Crown Royal Looking to Uncover the Next Kings of Comedy

Crown Royal, America’s number-one selling whisky by value, will kick off its highly-anticipated Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis, IN on Friday, October 6, with some of the nation’s hottest up and-coming comedians set to hit the stage. Hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh will host the 12-city tour, with veteran funnymen Bruce Bruce and Earthquake headlining.

“Comedy provides a relaxed setting where adults from all walks of life can come together, put their daily lives on hold and simply be entertained,” said Giovanni Sgro, Crown Royal multicultural brand manager. “The Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy tour is an exciting way to engage consumers, uncover rising talent and reinforce our key message reminding fans that — ‘It’s about quality, not quantity.”

For the Bad Boys of Comedy Tour, Crown Royal has partnered with prolific comedy producer Walther Latham. Latham is responsible for creating some of the largest grossing comedy tours in history, including The Original Kings of Comedy Tour, which raked in over $37 million. Latham is also responsible for the successful HBO series and DVD comedy, “P. Diddy Presents The Bad Boys of Comedy,” which is the inspiration for this tour.

In addition to the celebrity headliners, the Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour will open the stage to some of today’s hottest up-and-coming comedians. This is the first large-scale comedy tour to put rising stars side- by-side with veteran comedians.

“Beyond the amazing comedy, what makes this tour so special is that fans could be witnessing the big break for a future king of comedy as these sensational comedians set the stage on fire. Crown Royal is honored to lend support to a tour that provides aspiring African American comedians an opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Sgro.

The Crown Royal Bad Boys of Comedy Tour will make stops in the following cities in 2006: Indianapolis, IN (October 6); Dallas, TX (October 8); Westbury, NY (October 13); Merrillville, IN (October 14); Phoenix, AZ (October 21); Cincinnati, OH (October 29); Milwaukee, WI (November 3); Rochester, NY (November 4) Jacksonville, FL (November 10); Charleston, SC (November 11); Columbia, SC (November 18); Washington D.C. (November 19).

Tickets are available online at http://www.lathamentertainment.com or at each local box office.

African American Teen Unemployment Jumps 12% – Seven Times the National Average

While the nation’s unemployment rate decreased slightly in September to 4.6%, the unemployment rate among African American teens shot up 12% to the shockingly high rate of 32.2%, according to the Labor Department’s September jobs report. The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warns voters in AZ, CO, OH, MO, MT, and NV — who will vote on minimum wage hike ballot initiatives in November — that raising the minimum wage will destroy entry-level jobs and make it even harder for African American teens to find work.

Overall teenage unemployment continues to hover around 16%, while African American teen unemployment escalated to seven times the national rate. This translates into well over a quarter of a million (267,000) African American teenagers who are actively seeking employment but are having a hard time getting their foot in the door.

Decades of economic research conclude that mandated wage hikes eliminate entry-level jobs, putting particular pressure on minorities and the low skilled. A Cornell University study found that black young adults typically bear almost four times the employment loss of their non black counterparts after a minimum wage increase. Specifically, they found that a 10% increase in the minimum wage will result in an 8.5% decrease in employment for black young adults and teenagers.

“What these teens need is a healthy entry-level job market where they can start acquiring the skills necessary to move onward and upward in their careers,” said Michael Flynn, EPI’s Director of Legislative Affairs. “Unfortunately, minimum wage hikes put that vital first job even farther out of reach.”

Gatewayjobs.com, a website focusing on the crisis in entry level employment, provides regularly updated statistics detailing the employment market for entry-level employees and vital information about a host of government assistance programs designed to promote employment and economic success.

The Employment Policies Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding entry-level employment.

Employment Policies Institute via PRNEWSWIRE

Wendy Williams Teams With Alize On New Campaign

The drink of choice is Alize! And she’s Wendy Williams, Queen of All Media! Once again, the two iconic brands have concocted a very special recipe for all to savor. Together, Alize and brand spokesperson, Wendy Williams, are going on the road in their first major consumer experience under the brand’s new “Go On! Alize” campaign, aptly titled Alize LIVE! Presents “The Wendy Williams Experience” — a five-city national tour designed to bring consumers closer to the “Go On! Alize” lifestyle experience.

Alize LIVE! features some of today’s hottest names in urban entertainment within a fully experiential environment. Attendees will be invited to experience the exotic flavors and mixability of Alize with dancing, dining, and live entertainment all evening.

“When we conceived Alize LIVE! we wanted it to be a truly consumer friendly and interactive experience communicating our brand message through a variety of touch points,” says Michelle Murray, Brand Director, Alize. “Our intention is to connect with our consumers on a personal level by demonstrating how Alize is genuinely a part of their lifestyles.”

Alize LIVE! does just that. The tour, headlined by soul sensation Keyshia Cole — whose music is being compared to the likes of Mary J. Blige — is a mix of concert, party, and adult playground. The big idea comes together by recreating Wendy’s signature radio show “The Wendy Williams Experience” on stage. During the show, Wendy plays host to a variety of acts while she sips on one of the many new Alize cocktails being enjoyed by her audience … all compliments of Alize.

Guests will be introduced to Alize’s flavor personalities Original, Sexy, Exotic and Cool as they sample the new drink menu featuring The Experience made with Red Passion and Champagne; The Transfusion made with Original Gold, coconut rum and cranberry; The Wild Cosmo — a remix of the original with Alize Wild; The How You Doin’? — an unmistakably Bleu concoction with pineapple, and many more. Alize, unlike imitators, is made from fresh fruit juices and the finest French cognac lending itself to being the perfect compliment to any menu or occasion.

Alize LIVE! premiered at Philadelphia’s famed Electric Factory on Friday, September 15th to a packed house of Alize and Wendy Williams fans. Tickets to this exclusive VIP experience can only be accessed by consumers through promotional radio give-aways. Additionally, Alize will keep the party moving on the Alize Party Bus(TM) by driving in 100-300 consumers from surrounding metropolitan markets.

“The idea of putting my show on stage is a thrill for me,” says Wendy Williams. “It’s great to bring ‘the Experience’ into a forum that puts a face to my listeners. These are people who are already friends in my head so seeing them just reaffirms our connection. It’s like having a giant party in the studio!”

Alize invites consumers and friends to “follow the flavors” as each market will offer up something fresh for its guests with acts being added to the bill and surprise visits by celebrity friends. Sexy Alize servers and bartenders will keep the cocktails flowing while the sounds of today’s most sought after DJs will keep the crowd moving from city to city.

“Me and my girl Wendy are bringing the heat with Alize LIVE,” says Keyshia Cole. “We’ll be keeping it in ORIGINAL in New York, COOL in Chicago, EXOTIC in Miami, and SEXY on the West Coast. Go On Alize!”

Alize LIVE! Tour cities and dates are (exclusive venues undisclosed to the public):

September 15, 2006 in Philadelphia, PA
October 7, 2006 in New York, NY
October 20, 2006 in Chicago, IL
November 3, 2006 in Miami, FL
November 17, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA

Via PRNewswire

Beyonce Wins Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

On September 21, 2006 a United States District Court in Houston dismissed a copyright infringement case brought against Beyonce and the co-authors of the Grammy(R) Award winning, number one hit song “Baby Boy.” Judge Nancy Atlas ruled that Beyonce and the other defendants named in case did not infringe the copyright in the plaintiff’s song.

In response to the court’s decision, Beyonce said, “It’s unfortunate that lawsuits such as this one occur, but I am grateful and relieved to have this behind me and I am eager to move on.”

“Baby Boy” was written and produced by Beyonce, Sean Paul, Scott Storch, Robert Waller and Jay-Z.

A Minneapolis singer-songwriter named Jennifer Armour asserted in a lawsuit filed in July 2005 that her former manager, Marc McKinney p/k/a Theo Forrest, submitted demo recordings of her song “Got a Little Bit of Love for You” to Mathew Knowles (President, Music World Entertainment), representatives of Beyonce’s record label Columbia Records, a division of SONY BMG Music Entertainment, and Sean Paul’s label Atlantic Recording Corporation in early March 2003. She soon discovered in the litigation, however, that the writing and recording of “Baby Boy” was substantially complete by February 10, 2003, approximately one month before Armour alleged that her demo was submitted.

The basis of the court’s decision, however, was not the fact that “Baby Boy” was in existence before the date on which the plaintiff’s demos were allegedly submitted to various people and entities affiliated with the “Baby Boy” songwriters. Beyonce’s attorney filed a motion for summary judgment in which he asked the court to make a side-by side comparison of the plaintiff’s song and “Baby Boy.” One of the key questions in a copyright infringement case is whether two songs are “substantially similar” to one another. The court made the requested side-by-side comparison and determined that no reasonable person could conclude that “Baby Boy” is “substantially similar” to the plaintiff’s song. In fact, the court wrote that the two songs are “substantially dissimilar” from one another.

Defendants named in the lawsuit included Beyonce, Jay-Z, Scott Storch, Robert Waller, SONY BMG Music Entertainment, Hitco Music Publishing, TVT Music, and Notting Dale Songs, all of whom were represented by Henry (“Hank”) J. Fasthoff, IV of Stumpf Craddock Massey Farrimond; and Sean Paul, Atlantic Recording Corporation, EMI Music Publishing, EMI April Music, VP Music Group, and Dutty Rock Music who were represented by Roland Garcia and Rachel Sims of Greenberg Traurig.

Via PRNewswire

Next Page »