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.

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