YouTube Partners With Interscope To Find Next Rap Star

NFL Network intercepts Deion’s attempt to write about Vick

‘Disagreements’ Led to Usher’s Wedding Cancellation

Courvoisier Provides Royal Treatment Fit For A ‘King’

During the 2007 BET Awards week, Courvoisier hosted several exclusive events to honor the “Self Made Man”, beginning with rap artist, actor, producer and co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, T.I. The House of Courvoisier served as the host for the T.I. Vs T.I.P. album release party. More than 500 invited guests packed The Republic, where they were treated to the one-of-a-kind House of Courvoisier experience, while getting an exclusive first listen to the newest release from the self- proclaimed “King of the South.” Pictured is Chris Mahoney, senior brand director, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, presenting T.I. with a personalized bottle of Courvoisier Initiale Extra, on the red carpet. Guests got into party mode sipping Courvoisier’s signature premium cocktails, such as Courvoisier Brown Sugar and Courvoisier Strawberry Lemonade, as they rocked to the sounds of DJ Mars, who kept today’s hottest cuts coming on the one’s and two’s. Other notable guests in the building included hip-hop mogul Kevin Liles, official House of Courvoisier brand spokesperson Big Tigger, New Orleans Saints’ running back Reggie Bush, boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr., R&B singers Ginuwine and Tyrese, hip-hop artist Busta Rhymes, actor Omar Epps, sister and brother singing and acting duo Brandy and Ray J, and Chance of “I Love New York”, among numerous others. To learn more about upcoming HOC events and promotions, visit the new House of Courvoisier web site at http://www.theHouseofCV.com.

Two hip-hop stars arrested in New York after concert

African American Lives 2 Coming to PBS

The critically acclaimed PBS broadcasts African American Lives (2006) and Oprah’s Roots (2007) shined a national spotlight on the powerful process of discovering one’s family history. In February 2008 on PBS, Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. will guide an all-new group – poet Maya Angelou, comedian Dave Chappelle, actor Morgan Freeman, theologian Peter Gomes, publisher Linda Johnson Rice, athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee, radio host Tom Joyner and rock ’n’ roll legend Tina Turner – on a journey to discover their ancestry in AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2. The new four-part series will draw on DNA analysis, genealogical research and family oral tradition to trace the lineages of the participants down through U.S. history and back to Africa.

In a unique twist to AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2, one ordinary individual, selected from more than 2,000 applicants, will join Professor Gates and this distinguished group on the life-changing quest for their roots.

AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 is the centerpiece of a multifaceted project that will include a major new book written by Professor Gates and published by Crown, a division of Random House, a companion Web site, and teacher training and outreach events in seven key markets across the country.

Major corporate funding for this new production and its outreach initiatives is provided by The Coca-Cola Company and Johnson & Johnson. Additional funding is provided by General Motors. Funding is also provided by public television viewers and PBS.

AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 is a co-production of Thirteen/WNET New York, Kunhardt Productions and Inkwell Films. Graham Judd is series producer; Dyllan McGee is senior producer for Kunhardt Productions. Executive producers are Henry Louis Gates Jr., William R. Grant and Peter W. Kunhardt.

University of Phoenix Ranks #1 in Graduating Master’s Degree Students from Underrepresented Populations

The University of Phoenix graduates more underrepresented students with master’s degrees in business, health care and education than any other university in the nation, according to a recent report by the publication Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

In its annual Top 100 Graduate Degree Producers report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education also ranked the University of Phoenix number one in African American and American Indian students graduating with master’s degrees in all disciplines combined.

“I am thrilled that University of Phoenix has been recognized in this special report,” said University of Phoenix President William Pepicello. “This recognition speaks to University of Phoenix’s long-held commitment to inclusion and to providing underrepresented students with access to higher education.”

The annual Top 100 Graduate Degree Producers report recognizes institutions where underrepresented students are earning graduate-level certifications across a spectrum of disciplines and professions. The study is the only one of its kind nationally to report on the ability of U.S. colleges and universities to award graduate degrees to Black, Hispanic, Asian American and American Indian students.

Data for the report is provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and looks at the top 100 institutions during the 2005-2006 academic year.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education, formerly Black Issues in Higher Education, is the nation’s only news magazine dedicated exclusively to diversity issues in higher education.

University of Phoenix is one of a handful of institutions of higher learning – public or private – completely devoted to providing access to higher education for working students. More than 40 percent of University of Phoenix’s enrollment consists of students from underrepresented racial or ethnic communities who are successfully completing their education and graduating with associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. University of Phoenix’s average student graduation rate across all program levels is equal to or better than that found among the nation’s four-year colleges and universities.

Ja Rule Brings The Mirror

It’s not uncommon for a new album to offer a glimpse behind the artist but when that artist is an entrepreneur, film star, social activist, hip hop mogul, Grammy nominee and lightning rod – only one man can hold the glass up to himself and challenge both the game that brought him and the aftermath. That artist is Ja Rule and his new album, The Mirror, his seventh, heralds a bold new introspective era in hip hop – the same way the Queens native crashed the gates of the rap game with his turn-of-the-decade masterpiece – Venni Vetti Vecci – and has been ‘coming’ and ‘conquering’ – 12 million albums strong – ever since.

Armed with a blistering new single, “Uh Ohhh,” featuring none other than Lil Wayne – impacts last week, and christening a new record company – Mpire (and a rejuvenated The Murder Inc Records – which he co-owns, and its new association with Universal Motown) – Ja Rule looks both back and forward on the new one, enlisting the Top Dawg production team and other select guest appearances, as he lays claim to hard-won personal turf and higher ground.

From the redemptive “Abandoned” to the banging and to the downright righteous exchange he trades with Lil Wayne on the sizzling new single “Uh Ohhh,” Ja Rule tips his hand more than ever about the hurdles he’s successfully resolved and the new doors and challenges opening up ahead. A foreshadowing of a new ‘player-coach mode’ in his future can be gleamed in his latest multi-platform ventures: known for his savvy business acumen, his new company Rule Global Media includes an internet radio station, 187fm.com., a new film company – Tunnel Vision, and his latest, finger-on-the-pulse adventure – the launch of starsonpoker.com which brings fans, celebrities and gaming aficionados together on the internet for an opportunity to really see how Ja Rule lays it down.

Hailing from the fertile hip hop territory of Hollis, Queens, Ja Rule has been running the rap table since the late ‘90s, stepping up and seizing the moment on Jay-Z’s scorcher “Can I Get A…’ in 1998, he has never looked back. Co-founder with hip hop mogul/producer Irving “Gotti” Lorenzo of the revered hip hop Mpire/label Murder Inc Records, which has launched, Ashanti, Lloyd, Channel 7, and Ja Rule himself, among others. The prolific star has sandwiched 4 platinum/multi-platinum albums among his own six acclaimed releases, including his most recent near-platinum 2005 offering R.U.L.E. which was the first album to offer an Xbox Live subscription component.

Progenitor of countless superstar collaborations (including Jay-Z, DMX, Fat Joe, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg, Method Man and others) and winner of numerous awards, including, a MTV Award, a BET Award, and a World Music Award for Best Selling Rap Artist. Ja Rule was nominated for 4 Grammy Awards for his 2002 triple platinum opus Pain Is Love. The album is considered a classic among music industry chroniclers.

UniverSoul Circus Makes Top Ten List of Most Requested Family Attractions

UniverSoul Circus, the source of urban- rich family entertainment, has been thrilling audiences with a celebration of music, arts, and theater for more than 14 years. Their crowd-pleasing, family-friendly form of entertainment recently ranked 8th on Ticketmaster’s top ten list of most requested family attractions. UniverSoul Circus features 75 performers from more than 10 countries, including dancers, trapeze artists, clowns, magic acts, elephants, big cats, bicycle stunts, and more. The mix of cultural expression and contemporary music serves to reconnect families in a fun, high energy atmosphere with performances from coast to coast. Growing from its loyal urban customer base, UniverSoul has since attracted a larger and more diverse audience, and this increased popularity is marked by the ranking on Ticketmaster’s list.

“Our show is about bridging generational and cultural gaps,” said founder, Cedric Walker. “As our world is getting smaller, families are looking for ways to spend time together and experience other cultures.” Appealing to all ages is no easy feat, but UniverSoul’s blend of old school soul and modern hip-hop sounds provides entertainment that grandparents, parents, and kids can all enjoy. Visit UniverSoulCircus.com for tickets and dates.

Mid-Year Most Requested Family Attractions
1. Disney on Ice
2. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
4. Sesame Street Live
5. Disney’s High School Musical — The Ice Tour
6. Go Diego Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue
7. Wiggles
8. UniverSoul Circus
9. Harlem Globetrotters
10. Doodlebops Live!

Ticketmaster’s ranking of the nation’s most requested events is based on online page views, information requests, and ticket sales through Ticketmaster sales channels during the first half of 2007 (1/01/07 — 6/30/07).

The Fourth Annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors

VH1 will once again honor the hip hop pioneers and legends that have made significant contributions to all aspects of pop culture with the fourth annual “VH1 Hip Hop Honors.” Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year’s honorees include Snoop Dogg, WHODINI, Missy Elliot, Wild Style’s 25th Anniversary and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing.

Premiering on Monday, October 8 at 10 PM*, “VH1 Hip Hop Honors,” will celebrate the players who broke new ground and pioneered the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” will be taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, October 4. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today’s hottest new talent. Generations of hip hop will bridge the gap for one exceptional night to set it off with the original style and flavor that sparked and inspired the evolution of the music. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

On July 23, VH1.com is launching “THE SCORE,” an online search to find the best, undiscovered hip hop producer in the country. VH1 will give one lucky producer the opportunity to heat up VH1′s fourth annual hip hop celebration by awarding him or her with the opportunity to create and produce the official score of the annual, televised event. The winning score will be used during the broadcast of “VH1 Hip Hop Honors.” The creator will receive show credit and the opportunity to be mentored by an industry executive/producer during a session where the winning score will be professionally produced.

From July 23 through August 20, contestants can post their 60-second beats for consideration at http://hiphop.vh1.com. See site for official rules and guidelines. Three finalists will be selected by a panel of music industry judges. Viewers will then decide through online voting who has what it takes to create and produce this year’s official score to “VH1 Hip Hop Honors.”

Additionally, in early September, VH1.com will launch a dedicated “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” Web site with honoree profiles, exclusive online content and more.

“VH1 Hip Hop Honors” is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blackjac Entertainment. Louis J. Horvitz will direct. Nelson George and Fab Five Freddie are co-Executive producers.

Viacom’s MTV Networks Names Reginald Williams Senior Vice President, Music Strategy

MTV Networks (MTVN), a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announced the promotion of Reginald Williams to Senior Vice President of Music Strategy for MTVN. Based in New York, Williams reports to George Cheeks, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and Co- General Counsel of MTVN.

“With his extensive strategic abilities and passion for our brands, I’m very pleased to have Reggie serve as our chief liaison between the music industry and our businesses,” said Cheeks. “The landscape of the music industry is changing faster than ever, and Reggie is the ideal candidate to navigate this evolution while maintaining and strengthening our relationships with our partners in the recording industry.”

In this role, Williams will conceive and execute the overall Company strategies and financial models for securing the use of music on MTVN’s global television and digital platforms, including online, wireless and VOD. Williams will also be responsible for advising senior company executives on global music rights matters, and overseeing the negotiating and drafting of global license and music rights agreements.

Prior to his promotion, Williams served as Vice President of the MTVN Music Strategy team. Williams joined MTVN in 2001 as Counsel to VH1. In this role, he negotiated all acquisitions of content for and was responsible for all new media-related legal matters for VH1, including negotiating and drafting all agreements for VH1.com, overseeing all VH1.com compliance issues and serving as the VH1 business and legal affairs representative in cross- channel new media initiatives.

Before joining MTV Networks, Williams was the Director of Corporate Development for Vanguarde NeoMedia, where he was responsible for developing business strategies for five new media services targeting the urban market. Before his tenure at Vanguarde, Williams was the founder and CEO of nuRules.com, an urban lifestyle website that featured news, reviews, articles and streaming media related to urban culture. Williams began his career as a corporate lawyer with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP, before leaving to practice entertainment law at Epstein, Levinsohn, Bodine, Hurwitz & Weinstein, LLP. Williams received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Scott Mills Named President and Chief Operating Officer of BET Networks

BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), announced Scott Mills has been named President and Chief Operating Officer for BET Networks. The company also appointed Michael Pickrum as Chief Financial Officer and named Denmark West to serve as President of Digital Media. Mills will report directly to Debra Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks, and remain based in Washington, D.C. Pickrum and West will report to Mills and will be based in Washington, D.C., and New York City, respectively.

Mills, who was most recently BET Networks’ CFO and President of Digital Media, will lead the company’s business operations, including Advertising Sales, Content Distribution & Marketing, Legal and Business Affairs, Finance, Digital, Research, International and Administration.

“Scott brings incredible operational, financial and digital expertise to this new role — qualities that will help him guide BET Networks to a position of even greater growth,” said Lee. “His leadership and vision for the future will ensure that we are working in the most efficient and strategic way possible across our business.”

In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Pickrum will be responsible for managing the financial operations for BET Networks and will play a strategic role in the overall management of the company.

As President of Digital Media, West will lead the company’s expanding portfolio of digital brands, including BET.com, BET Mobile, BET on Demand and BET’s digital download offerings, and will oversee the development and implementation of the company’s global digital strategy.

“With Michael’s exceptional analytical skills, leadership abilities and operational experience, he is the perfect person to lead BET Networks’ great finance team,” said Mills. “And I’m thrilled to welcome Denmark to the BET Networks family. Denmark is simply one of the best digital strategists in the industry. Between his time at Microsoft and his recent roles at MTVN, he has developed valuable experience and relationships across the mobile, games, online and even traditional media businesses. I’m certain he brings the expertise to drive BETN’s digital strategy and assets to the next level.”

‘Hot Ghetto Mess’ gets vote of support

BlackEnterprise.Com Announces Relaunch

BLACK ENTERPRISE, the premier business and financial resource for African Americans, today unveiled a complete redesign of its Website, BlackEnterprise.com. The redesign sets the destination apart as being the most comprehensive source of online information for African American professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers.

The redesigned BlackEnterprise.com provides original interactive content pertaining to small business, wealth building, careers, and homeownership. The site’s wider, cleaner layout makes for better usability, intuitive navigation, and enhanced search capabilities for all BE’s signature lists, including a current and historical archive of the BE 100s, the top-grossing black-owned businesses in the nation, the Top 50 Colleges for African Americans, Best 10 Cities for African Americans, the 40 Best Companies for Diversity, and more.

BlackEnterprise.com now features a multimedia library with unlimited, free-of-charge video access to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s television programs, Our World with Black Enterprise and Black Enterprise Business Report, as well as audio access to BE’s radio program, Black Enterprise Magazine’s Keys to a Better Life.

“BLACK ENTERPRISE is the country’s most recognized media brand for the African American business community,” says Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President & CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE. “With the relaunch of BlackEnterprise.com, we can leverage the phenomenal power of the BLACK ENTERPRISE brand across all mediums-print, online, radio, and television. Our distinctive, award-winning content is now available to consumers wherever and whenever they want it.”

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE

Sponsors drop BET’s `Hot Ghetto Mess’

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