Hip Hop Press - Hip Hop Press Releases

A new music classic is born from Hip Hop's most outrageous and unpredictable artist, Kool Keith

/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, February 10, 2006 - A new classic is born from Hip Hop's most outrageous and unpredictable artist, Kool Keith (Black Elvis, Dr. Octagon, Dr. Dooom). "Nogatco Rd." is Keith's most inventive and highly anticipated album in years. Complete with UFO conspiracies, alien autopsies, coded space raps, and an amazing array of some of the most original tracks in years. Nogatco Rd. features strong and intricate Hip Hop production that is dusted with a dabble of hard rock, electronic and celestial soundscapes. The "Nogatco Rd." album is also an Enhanced CD that is loaded with features including a 50's style Sci-Fi mini-movie starring Kool Keith (viewable on a computer CD-ROM drive). Other features also include a digital comic book, digital photo album and other treats. Produced by Iz-Real (of acclaimed releases such as the MF Doom/Viktor Vaughn "Venomous Villain", "The Mic Planet Sessions", and "The Drastic Jungle Project"), "Nogatco Rd." also features guest appearances from progressive Hip Hop stars Sage Francis aka Xual Zan and the king of hard hitting avant-garde Hip Hop, Sole (of Anticon). Talented beatmakers DiViNCi, Jahson, Mr. Hill, EDK, Carl Kavorkian, Broken Klutch and D. Watcher also contribute. Welcome to the world of Hip Hop music's most enigmatic figure; a sinister, scientific Hip Hop genius known as Mr. Nogatco aka Kool Keith; reborn in rare form.

For more information, please contact:

Erin Burke
erinburkepr@aol.com
(917) 689 4975

# # #

Press Release Contact Information:
Erin Burke
Erin Burke PR
freelance publicist
1783 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY
USA 11225
Voice: 917 689 4975
E-Mail: erinburkepr@aol.com

/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, February 10, 2006 - MC. Dancer. Actor. Lil J, the triple threat best known from the Disney Channel's "That's So Raven" always knew he would be a star, now the rest of the world is experiencing the brilliant glow. The young superstar is poised to release his second record, Back Like I Left Somethin (845 Entertainment/SMC Recordings), an album produced by some of today's most esteemed urban hit-makers.

At the tender age of seven, he was rhyming outside his local K-Mart in Long Beach, California. An ambitious youngster, he collected enough tip money from these impromptu performances to pay for his own demo tape.

While Lil J grew up emulating greats like Michael Jackson, Will Smith, and New Edition, it was his impromptu performance in front of another legend that gave him his first taste of the limelight. At an in-store function, the young rapper showcased his very best LL Cool J impersonation in front of the superstar and was then invited to accompany him to the House of Blues.

By his early teens, J was signed to Trans Continental Records, best known for their affiliation with the hottest teen pop groups of the time including the Backstreet Boys, O-Town, N-Sync and LFO. His debut album All About J exploded on the scene in 2001 and boasted some of the industry's top producers like Jermaine Dupri, L.E.S. and L.T. Hutton.

Back Like I Left Somethin is a versatile mixture of urban-savvy tracks sporting a slew of influences. It showcases a young MC whose on-point flow commands instant attention. Featuring the lead single "I Know - (When We First Met)," Back Like I Left Somethin features collaborations with Mac G, Tiana Soleil and Melvin Riley of Ready for the World, among others.

Of the album, he says: "I would say the whole album is a lot more mature than my last one. Even though there are a lot of familiar themes, this is a record that people of all ages can relate to. The album is just me and the things that I do. The majority of the album gets you pumped up because a lot of the songs are fast. Everybody loves those party tunes you can bump in your car during the summertime." Greg Miller, co-CEO of 845 Entertainment adds, "We are thrilled to have Lil J as the newest addition to 845 Entertainment's ever growing roster".

Already an executive at his own Federation X Entertainment company and not yet 20 years old, Lil' J is well on his way to becoming a self-made entrepreneur. Also look for him in an upcoming Reebok commercial. This young man is truly an incredible talent, and this is just the beginning.

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Erin Burke
917-689-4975
erinburke@smcrecordings.com
erinburkepr@aol.com

Press Release Contact Information:
Erin Burke
Erin Burke PR
freelance publicist
1783 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY
USA 11225
Voice: 917 689 4975
E-Mail: erinburkepr@aol.com

In A Realm Where Video Downloads Cost $1.99, The Home of Kottonmouth Kings Sets Trend For Industry By Podcasting Music Videos For Free.

(PRWEB) February 10, 2006 -- It had to happen sooner or later, thanks to Suburban Noize Records, the thriving indie label that launched the anti-establishment heroes Kottonmouth Kings into a global phenomenon. Subnoize continues its trademark of going against the grain, or hopefully starting a new trend for the industry by making a series of its videos available by Podcastingfor Free!

Four videos currently offered on the companys website www.subnoizerecords.com are also now available for downloading as PodcastsPut It Down by Kottonmouth Kings featuring Cypress Hill, Paint It Black by Last Laugh, White Trash Renegade by Big B. and a live snippet from a performance by One Session. New videos, along with new audio Podcasts, will be made available on an ongoing basis.

Subnoize President Kevin Zinger believes that offering these Podcasts for no charge is a way for the label to stay one step ahead of the industry in the emerging arena. For a company like Suburban Noize, it makes sense for us to have this content available for free, he says. Every kid went out and got a new video iPOD for Christmas. And there is only so much content that is available now for them. If we give it away for free, it will drive fans to our site to get it."

Those people will be showing their friends, which will motivate people who may have never heard of Suburban Noize or the bands on the label to come to our site, Zinger adds. A new kid is not going to take the chance on an independent artist to download their video for a $1.99 but for free, why not?. At the end of the day, an independent label needs to worry about the long term exposure for the bands, not the small amount of money that is available to have your fan base download a video.

Fans using PCs can download these videos to their iPods in five simple steps:

1) On the Subnoize homepage, click on the icon that says Subnoize podcasts, Click Here To Subscribe. Users are then urged to open their iTunes program;

2) Copy this link:
http://www.suburbannoizerecords.com/Podcasts/SuburbanNoizeRecords.xml;

3) Pull down the Advanced menu on the top toolbar (This is the list of menus across the top of the screen that reads: File, Edit, Controls, Visualizer, Advanced, Window, Help);

4) Select Subscribe To Podcast; 5) Paste the link from Step 2.

ITunes will automatically redirect to the Podcast window and will automatically connect. Subnoize recommends that the user have Itunes 4.9 or higher to use the program.

# # #

James Levesque
LUCK MEDIA & MARKETING, INC.
310-860-9170

Renaissance Records is proud to announce the new single from Rocwell called "Welcome to the Chop Shop". His new album is primed to be a smash startimg with this hot new track.

(PRWEB) February 10, 2006 -- Renaissance records are proud to present Rocwellss newest single Welcome to the Chop Shop. Now available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/rocwellsilk

Hip Hop songwriter Rocwell is a maverick in the Orlando hip-hop community. He thrives on defying any easy pigeonhole.

His project deals with life, women, and the fast pace world of hip-hop with an energy that will appeal to all listeners. He has created a distinct sound of east coast dialect and lyrics with his dirty south roots.

He has been a mainstay on the rap circuit in Orlando, Florida. Rocwell has two albums to his credit, but its his latest single Welcome to the Chop Shop thats creating a buzz. He performed in concert with rap stars such as Trina, Big Tymers, and Mystikal, and has featured at clubs and car shows, like Hot Import Nights.

Rocwell is available for interviews. Please contact Winston Cole to set up a time that is convenient at jerzykidd @ tmail.com. Please visit Rocwell on the web at www.myspace.com/rocwell or at www.renaissancerecords.net for more information.

# # #

Titus Dillard
RENAISSANCE RECORDS
407-463-3184

Hip-hop performance at Yuca Lounge in Washington D.C. Feb. 19, 2006 featuring Camp Lo, Ken Starr, and the Roll Wit Us Allstars.

(PRWEB) February 10, 2006 -- Flow, a weekly music showcase kicking off on February 19th 2006, will invade DC on its debut night with a double pronged assault from underground stars Camp Lo (whose debut album Uptown Saturday Night received massive critical acclaim) and Kenn Starr (who garnered major praise for collaborations with Geffen Records star Talib Kweli and Atlantic recording artists Little Brother). As if that wasn't enough, this powerful bill is further enhanced by the addition of local underground luminaries; Roll Wit Us All Stars and J.V.P. (whose main producer Frank Nitti has produced for platinum celebrity Young Jeezy). The party continues after the show with DJ Jesse Tittsworth (the organizer behind the massively successful Krunk event that rocked Montgomery County) and WPFW-FM's own RBI.

This weekly music showcase/party promises future performances over the next few months from the likes of CL Smooth (of the legendary Pete Rock & CL Smooth), M-1 (of recording group, dead prez), Nouveau Riche (a rock band fronted by The Roots crew's own Dice Raw) and Stiffed (fronted by Santi White, who penned the majority of the lyrics on MCA recording artist Res acclaimed debut How I Do). Be the first to cover the next movement in live music and partying in DC!

Yuca is an upscale Cuban restaurant and lounge that features three bars, two lounges, a dining area, and spacious room for performances and dancing. Located at 1800 M St NW. Doors for the show open at 8pm. Cover is $10. 18+

For more info on Camp Lo, Kenn Starr, and Roll Wit Us Allstars, check them out on the web:
www.myspace.com/camplo1 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Lo
www.myspace.com/kennstarr
www.myspace.com/rollwitus
www.myspace.com/bubblelistic
www.myspace.com/gerardspinkspublishing

For any artists bookings for the Roll Wit Us Allstars, please contact Roshanda Duncan of Bubblelistic Management via email.

# # #

Gerard Spinks
GERARD SPINKS PUBLISHING BUBBLELISTIC, LLC
443-562-9113

The "Ill Street Dues Part 3" double disc features 63 hot tracks from artist such as: Ras Kass, Dogg Pound, Jay Z, Lil Kim, Keak Da Sneak, Bishop Lamont, E40, Planet Asia, Gza, Self Sceintific, Mitchy Slick, Juelz Santana, Lil' Wayne, Pitbull, Chamillionaire, Bun B, Paul Wall, Warren G, Mike Jones, B. Real , Game, Kam, Sly Boggie and the list goes on. Not to mention, Warrior continues to break un-signed talent with several features from underground rappers like Scipio, Mykestro, Rob G, El Dorado Red, Quiz, Tri-Star, and Prime.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2006 -- West Coast mixtape mogul, DJ Warrior, is at the turntables again with his hottest release yet, "Ill Street Dues Volume 3", set to hit the streets February 2, 2006. This double disc CD is the third addition to the Ill Street Dues series of mixtapes, which have been feature in Scratch Magazine and on MTV's Mixtape Mondays. Although Warrior represents the West Coast to the fullest, this CD signifies the merging of west and east coast hip hop with Talib Kweli, one of the illest rappers from the east coast and G. Malone, a west coast rapper who just signed to Sony Urban, hosting this third edition.

What sets this long awaited third volume apart from any of DJ Warrior's past mixtapes are the exclusive cuts and new joints that only can be heard on Ill Street Dues Volume 3. The double disc features 63 hot tracks from artist such as: Ras Kass, Dogg Pound, Jay Z, Lil Kim, Keak Da Sneak, Bishop Lamont, E40, Planet Asia, Gza, Self Sceitific, Mitchy Slick, Juelz Santana, Lil' Wayne, Pitbull, Chamillionaire, Bun B, Paul Wall, Warren G, Mike Jones, B. Real , Game, Kam, Sly Boggie and the list goes on. Not to mention, Warrior continues to break un-signed talent with several features from underground rappers like Scipio, Mykestro, Rob G, El Dorado Red, Quiz, Tri-Star, and Prime. Exclusive production done by none other than DJ Warrior, hot mixes, and banging beats that are unstoppable can all be found on the new Ill Street Dues 3. This third addition proves to be one of the hottest CDs in the bunch.

Look out for DJ Warrior's debut album to drop later this year on Angeles/Fontana/HipHopWest "Cali Untouchable Radio".

Tracklisting provide with mp3 samples for your listening pleasure on:
http://www.stronghouserecords.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=386&osCsid=a25553facad5b520c19fc5d7f736e599

# # #

StrongHouse
STRONGHOUSE RECORDS LLC
http://www.hiphopwest.com/
866-754-6588

Bands Turn Tunes into Ringtones, Which Fans Download Free

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent musicians are embracing MyxerTones (http://www.myxertones.com/), a groundbreaking technology that enables bands to create mobile phone ringtones from their own music. In a simple process, musicians select a song or sound file and receive a MyxerTag html tag to paste into their website, blog, or MySpace profile. Then, a fan clicks on the MyxerTag, enters his or her mobile phone number, and receives the band's content as a ringtone.

mVisible Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of technology, services, and programs to intelligently manage and deliver content to mobile devices, launched MyxerTags as an adjunct to their popular MyxerTones offering. According to mVisible Founder and Chief Technology Officer Myk Willis, "MyxerTags are snippets of html code that are automatically created by MyxerTones. They're used by bands, artists, or anyone who wants their music delivered through MyxerTones as a ringtone."

Musicians are enthusiastic about the new service. "I built a MySpace profile just so I could build ringtones from Cogburns songs that other people could download," said Jennifer Hicks from The Cogburns. "It's a trip to hear these on other people's phones!" She particularly appreciates the simplicity of selecting a song or sound file, providing basic information to identify it - such as the artist, title, and genre - and receiving the tag. "It's as easy as cut-and-paste," added Hicks. "You don't have to worry about different file formats, the types of phones fans are using, or any of that. MyxerTones takes care of everything."

Anyone visiting a musician's website is one click away from downloading their ringtone. According to Scott Kinnear, CEO and President of mVisible, "The site's visitors click the MyxerTag, which takes them to MyxerTones.com, where they simply enter their phone number and receive the band's ringtone for free."

mVisible Technologies, Inc. provides uniform access to digital media, such as music, photos, and video, via mobile phones - regardless of the type of phone, network carrier, calling plan, or file format. mVisible allows users to tap into existing digital media from virtually anywhere on the planet.

CONTACT:
Greg Van Horn
561/447-8266
greg.vanhorn@mvisible.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: mVisible Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Greg Van Horn, mVisible Technologies, Inc., +1-561-447-8266,
greg.vanhorn@mvisible.com

Web site: http://www.myxertones.com/
http://www.ereleases.com/

Cingular Sounds Live will give customers exclusive access to see and hear concert performances by some of today's most popular artists - all from their wireless phone

Innovative Music Program Debuts in Los Angeles with Performances by Daddy Yankee with special guest The Pussycat Dolls

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding yet another musical element to its repertoire, Cingular today announced Cingular Sounds Live, a unique concert series that is designed to generate exclusive content specifically for the mobile environment.

Cingular will create, produce and host a series of regular music events throughout the country in which the taped footage from each event will be used as part of the company's exclusive video offering. Utilizing the company's soon-to-be launched on-demand streaming video service, Cingular Video(TM), customers will be able to use their 3G-compatible wireless phones to watch concert highlights just days after the live event.

"Showing video content on wireless devices is not necessarily new anymore, but what makes Cingular Sounds Live so unique is that we aren't chasing music concerts to get this footage. Instead, we are actually creating these mobile music events for the sole purpose of making the content available for our customers to access and enjoy on their wireless phones," said David Garver, executive director of segment marketing and sponsorships, Cingular Wireless.

Cingular Sounds Live is the latest development in the company's successful Cingular Sounds program. The creation of Cingular Sounds Live demonstrates Cingular's leadership in wireless music innovation, as well as the natural synergies between wireless and music.

"With the advancement of wireless networks and handset technologies, the cell phone is becoming a true entertainment device. Innovative programs like Cingular Sounds Live allow us to address the needs of many consumers who want to stay connected to their lives - and their music - while mobile," added Garver.

Cingular Sounds Live Concert Premiere

On February 9, the company will kick off its first invitation-only Cingular Sounds Live concert in Los Angeles featuring performances by Reggaeton artist and Latin Grammy Award winner Daddy Yankee with special guest The Pussycat Dolls, whose singles "Don't Cha" and "Stickwitu" have become major pop hits.

Cingular and Music

Cingular has a long history in leading the convergence of wireless and music.

* July 2003 - Introduces First Music Phone, the Nokia 3300
* March 2004 - First to Offer Music Tone Ringtones From All Major Music
Labels
* April 2005 - Debuts Cingular Sounds with Never Heard Before Music as
Ringtones
* September 2005 - Launches World's First Phone with iTunes
* September 2005 - First to Offer Billboard Mobile Music Application
* November 2005 - Unveils MobiRadio with more than 40 Streaming Music
Stations
* December 2005 - Releases Sony Ericsson W600i Music Phone
* December 2005 - Announces Exclusive Ringtone "Don't Give Up (Africa)"
Performed by Alicia Keys and Bono, with Proceeds Supporting AIDS Relief
Organization, Keep A Child Alive
* January 2006 - Cingular launches the exclusive SLVR featuring iTunes
* February 2006 - Cingular launches Cingular Sounds Live

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 54.1 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., (NYSE:T) , and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS) , has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com. Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com/

Source: Cingular Wireless

CONTACT: Kelleigh Scott Beal of Cingular Wireless, +1-404-236-6321, or
kelleigh.scott@cingular.com

Web site: http://www.cingular.com/
http://cingular.mediaroom.com/

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz and Andrew Lack to Assume New Positions

NEW YORK and GUETERSLOH, Germany, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful creation of the global recorded music joint venture SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 18 months ago, the parent companies Sony Corporation of America and Bertelsmann AG are moving forward with a management realignment that will further strengthen the operation of the company. Effective immediately, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, formerly Chairman of the Board of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, is named Chief Executive Officer, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Andrew Lack, who has been Chief Executive Officer, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, assumes the position of Chairman of the Board, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, which is headquartered in New York, will continue to be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of six representatives of Bertelsmann and Sony.

In his new position Mr. Schmidt-Holtz will have overall management responsibility for the company and be based in New York. Mr. Lack, as Chairman of the Board, will lead the company's public policy and industry initiatives, and assume operating responsibility and oversight for the theatrical film business of Sony BMG, and be based in New York. The senior management team will also include the Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Kelleher, and a Chief Operating Officer to be appointed shortly.

The joint venture SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT was formally announced on August 5, 2004. It is 50% owned by Bertelsmann and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America. It encompasses some of the most influential and successful record labels in the world and a wide array of recording artists, and operates worldwide. Messrs Schmidt-Holtz and Lack were instrumental in joining together to begin the negotiations and ultimately implement the joint venture.

"We are very fortunate to have executives of this high caliber at SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Together Andy and Rolf worked tirelessly to bring about the merger and begin the integration of our global operations. Thanks to that effort SONY BMG is well-positioned to deal with the complex issues and rapid changes facing the music industry, and it continues to maintain strong market position as well as a particularly strong performance in this past quarter in comparison with the industry overall. With this management change Rolf and Andy are now aligned in positions that will take advantage of the significant progress the company has already made, as well as their formidable business skills and respective management experiences. Together they will continue to strengthen the company's relationship with artists and the creative community, secure its global reach and provide great entertainment to music lovers around the world. I want to thank them both for the successes of the past 18 months and say that we all look forward to working with them in their new positions."

"Sony BMG is gaining a media executive who is as experienced as he is successful. Rolf Schmidt-Holtz has impressively proven his flair for the creative and economic aspects of success in the music business -. and under the most difficult of market conditions -- at the helm of the Bertelsmann Music Group. I wish him all the best and continued success for his future assignment. Andrew Lack successfully led the organizational integration process following the merger. This achievement is a real milestone for SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT," said Gunter Thielen, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann AG.

"I am honored to be asked to lead Sony BMG and to take us forward as a leader in music and entertainment. I know a deep commitment to our artists and our shareholders is shared by our employees worldwide, and by working together we will continue to grow Sony BMG as a creative powerhouse," said Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

"I am extremely pleased to take on this new leadership role with the company and to continue to help SONY BMG accelerate its tremendous growth and performance," said Andrew Lack, Chairman of the Board, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. "Rolf and I are fortunate to have a roster of extraordinary artists and a top notch team of creative executives around the world. Now, with the integration behind us, SONY BMG is poised to achieve outstanding success."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz Biography

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz served as Chairman of the Board of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT from August 2004 to February 2006. Since January 2001, he headed the Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), New York, as Chairman and CEO. He led BMG into the merger of the recorded music business with Sony Music Entertainment International in August 2004 and, since, assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of the joint venture.

At the same time, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz was a member of the Bertelsmann AG Executive Board and headed the BMG division which, today, consists of the joint venture share in SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT and of BMG Music Publishing. He also served as Chief Creative Officer of Bertelsmann AG.

His career spans high-profile positions for major European television and print media, having worked as a journalist, TV editor and correspondent, magazine editor in chief and publisher, newspaper publisher and TV executive. In 1986 he was appointed Editor in Chief of German public broadcaster WDR where he ran a weekly political talk show. In 1988, he became publisher and, two years later, Editor in Chief of Gruner + Jahr's Stern news magazine, halting the circulation decline by reestablishing the publication's reputation. From 1989 he also served as a member of the Executive Board of Gruner + Jahr. In 1994, he was appointed CEO of Bertelsmann's television business UFA which he led into the merger with Luxembourg based broadcaster CLT to form CLT-UFA in 1997. As CEO of CLT-UFA he orchestrated the combination with Pearson Television to form RTL Group in 2000.

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, born on August 31, 1948 in Martinsreuth, Germany, is an examined lawyer and studied political science as well as psychology.

Andrew Lack Biography

As CEO of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT from August 2004 to February 2006 Mr. Lack oversaw all operations of the global recorded music company, a leading producer and marketer of pre-recorded music and video. From January 2003 to August 2004 he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sony Music Entertainment.

Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for NBC since June of 2001. During his tenure with NBC he oversaw Entertainment, News, including MSNBC and CNBC, NBC Stations, Sales, and Broadcast & Network Operations.

From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Lack was the president of NBC News, where he transformed the News division into the most-watched news organization. NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Meet the Press, and The Today Show each became No. 1 in their time periods, and the primetime franchise Dateline NBC became a significant part of NBC's primetime programming strategy. Mr. Lack quadrupled the number of Dateline programs produced by NBC news, expanded the Today show to three hours, and was responsible for the creation of Today's streetside, "window on the world" studio in New York's Rockefeller Center.

Before going to NBC, Mr. Lack spent much of his television career at CBS News, where he created and served as the executive producer of the groundbreaking newsmagazine West 57th (1985-89). He served as the senior executive producer of the landmark CBS Reports for nearly a decade (1978-85), producing acclaimed documentaries such as "People Like Us" (1982), "Teddy" with Roger Mudd, "The Boat People" (1979), "The Defense of the United States" (1981), and "Bittersweet Memories: A Vietnam Reunion" (1981). He joined CBS News in 1976 and by the next year had become a prominent producer for 60 Minutes.

Mr. Lack's broadcasts at CBS earned numerous honors, including 16 Emmy Awards, 4 Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Journalism Awards, 5 Ohio State Awards, an Oversees Press Club Award, 2 Gravel Awards from the American Bar Association, a George Polk Award and a Clarion Award.

Andrew Lack attended the Sorbonne and received a bachelor of fine arts degree from the School of Fine Arts at Boston University in 1968. He lives in New York with his wife, Betsy Kenny Lack, and their children.

The media company Bertelsmann commands globally leading positions in the major markets. Its core business is the creation of first-class media content. Bertelsmann includes RTL Group, Europe's No.1 in television and radio, as well as the world's biggest book-publishing group, Random House, with more than 100 publishing imprints (Alfred A. Knopf, Bantam, Goldmann). Gruner + Jahr, the European No.1 in magazine publishing (Stern, Geo, Capital) and the BMG music division -- comprised of the Sony BMG joint venture (Anastacia, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Dido, Usher) and BMG Music Publishing -- also stand for creativity and powerful brands. The Arvato division bundles the group's media services, which include the expanding units Arvato Logistics Services and Arvato Direct Services (distribution, service centers, customer relationship management), along with state-of-the-art printers, storage media production and comprehensive IT-services. Bertelsmann's direct-to-customer businesses are bundled in Direct Group: book and music clubs with more than 35 million members all over the world.

Sony Corporation of America, based in New York City, is the U.S. subsidiary of Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo. Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., and a 50% interest in SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, one of the largest recorded music companies in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $67 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, and it employs 151,400 people worldwide. Sony's consolidated sales in the U.S. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 were $18.4 billion. For more information see http://www.sony.com/.

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

Source: Sony Corporation of America

CONTACT: Elizabeth Young of Bertelsmann Inc., +1-212-782-9009,
youngeliz@aol.com, or Andreas Grafemeyer of Bertelsmann AG, +49-5241-80-2466,
andreas.grafemeyer@bertelsmann.de, or Jennifer Glass of Sony Corporation of
America, +1-212-833-6975, jennifer_glass@sonyusa.com, or Mack Araki,
+1-212-833-6821, mack_araki@sonyusa.com, or Cory Shields for SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT/ US/ Germany, +1-212-833-4647, cory.shields@sonybmg.com

Web site: http://www.sony.com/

www.VideoVixens.net is a website dedicated specifically to models that have appeared in music videos. What would a music video be without a beautiful video model?

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- Claude Julian (Makeup Artist/Talent Manager/Creative Director, Claude Julian Enterprises LLC and Matthew Cherry (Founder/CEO/Webmaster), Video Vixens LLC/www.VideoVixens.net have teamed up to create the hottest music video model directory in the world. Matthew Cherry is a former star wide receiver from the University of Arkon. In February 2006, Matthew is headed to Hamburg, Germany to represent the Carolina Panthers in NFL Europe.

This dynamic team have joined forces to create www.videovixens.net. They are the premier experts on music video models in America. They have collaborated with Chief Fashion Photographer Chicago's own Lawrence Brown (www.blophoto.com) to capture the beauty of all the music video models in upcoming photo shoots and national marketing campaigns. They have assembled quite a style team with HiStyle (www.histyledesign.com) supplying the jewelry, Tia Lyn (www.tialingerie.com) and Dedric DeShon with Next Level is the Chief Hair Stylist for all photo shoots.

Video Vixens.net is a website dedicated specifically to models that have appeared in music videos. Music Videos are the medium where an urban model can shine and not worry about if she is tall enough or skinny enough to be considered for work. Video Vixens come in all shapes and sizes and music videos embrace all that is beautiful about a woman. Honestly do you think anybody would watch music videos if it weren't for the models? VideoVixens.net has broken the art of video modeling into three separate categories:

VIDEO VIXENS: A Video Vixen is what would be considered to be a veteran in the music video modeling game. A Video Vixen is a model that has been cast in at least one major music video in featured or a principal role as well as having appeared in a major magazine publication such as KING, Black Mens, Smooth, or XXL. There are several types of video vixens from the fresh new faces who have just recently gotten their first music video feature like Ahni Luv, Chessika Cartwright, Nancy Ermina, Miya Granatello, Vanna Black, Nicole Narain, LaShontae Heckard, Shauna Faith, Amber Burnside aka Absolutely Amber, and Janelle Stein to the already established vixens who have several features in music videos to their credit like The Glenn Twins, Erica Mena, Azzareya Curtis, Esther Baxter, Buffie the Body, Simone Baptiste and Summer Walker to the OG veteran Video Vixens who have careers that span over 5 years in the industry like Melyssa Ford, Gloria Velez, Sincerely Ward and KiToy Johnson.

VIDEO HONEYS: A Video Honey is what is considered to be a rookie to the music video modeling game. They are young ladies who have modeling experience and have appeared in at least one music video but not necessarily in a feature or principal role and they have not appeared in a major magazine publication. They are the next in line to shine and are one step away from becoming Video Vixens themselves. They have been on music video sets before and they know about the process and the long hours that come with the job so they have a little experience.

In December 2005, Hot Video Honeys 2006 (National Video Models Poster Search) was developed through a national casting at www.onemodelplace.com that attracted hundreds of music video models from all over the world. Through this casting process video honeys were selected from Atlanta, L.A., Canada, New York, Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, Miami, and Washington D.C. These are a few of the Hot Video Honeys 2006 that the video music industry should keep an eye on: Jazmin Velazquez, Donna Baker, Ajay Milan, Rose Washington, Michelle Attai, Jackie Pitcher, Rayne Craft, Amanda Davis, Dazelle Yvette, Norionna Porter, and Mandy Marie.

VIDEO DIMES: A Video Dime is considered to be a recruit to the music video modeling game. They are young ladies who have modeling experience as far as dealing with photographers and agencies but they have no experience on music video sets. They have the look to be considered the next new hot thing in the industry but they lack the experience. A Video Dime has not appeared in a music video or in a magazine spread but they hope to in the near future. These are a few of the Hot Video Dimes that the video music industry should keep an eye on: Michelle Rivers, Rabbitt, Gia Jai, Naiya, Amrit Dhaliwal, Shawna Philips, Milena Roucha, Amber Ettinger, Dalene Costley and Nashifa Bhagwandin.

The exposure a model can gain from being cast in a major music video can lead to opportunities in other aspects of the entertainment industry. Several actresses and entertainers got their start by being a Video Vixen such as LisaRaye, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Traci Bingham, Nia Long, Keshia Knight Pulliam, K.D. Aubert, Leila Arcieri, Angell Conwell, Regean Gomez-Preston and Taraji P. Henson.

At VideoVixens.net it is the mission of this dynamic team to focus on the positives of video modeling and show aspiring models how to parlay the exposure gained to branch off into all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.VideoVixens.net is so unique because of its international appeal and interest of the careers of top music video models that you have seen on BET, VH-1, and MTV. This website allows for the first time in the history of the music video world the opportunity to plug into the national fan base and media interest of these radiant beauties. VideoVixens.net will showcase the hot video projects, video vixens, honeys and dimes spotlight, casting calls, photo shoots, interviews, information directory on music video models, featured websites, corporate banners, video model search, and streaming music videos that are heating up the charts.

If you are interested in booking a Video Vixens, Video Honeys, or Video Dimes feel free to go to www.videovixens.net

Makeup Website http://www.onemodelplace.com/claudejulian

# # #

Mr. Jamison Adams (Publicist/Agent)
CLAUDE JULIAN ENTERPRISES LLC
312-494-2623

Hip-Hop Superstar's ``Hurricane by 310'' Sneaker Line to Debut in Europe at Select Specialty Retailers

The multi-platinum hip hop star The Game launches signature 310 sneaker.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2006--310 Global Brands, the marketing and merchandising company of the high-end automotive specialists 310 Motoring, announced today that it is launching multi-platinum hip-hop superstar The Game's signature sneaker line, "Hurricane by 310," in Europe in March 2006.

The European launch at key specialty athletic and urban lifestyle stores in France, Germany, Holland, Spain and the United Kingdom follows the successful Holiday 2005 debut in the United States. The American launch at select athletic specialty stores resulted in high double digit sell-thrus.
"The Hurricane line is not just about signing one of the largest and most respected hip hop artists -- it's about relationships," said Marc Laidler, founder of 310 Motoring. "My history with The Game goes back to when he was an aspiring artist -- and I feel blessed to be working with him. He is sharp, articulate and creative, and is integrally involved in developing the Hurricane line -- a natural progression for 310 Motoring as it grows into a global luxury brand."

Recording artist The Game stated: "I'm ecstatic to present my shoe -- Hurricane by 310 -- to the world. It's an original design that is the result of a creative collaboration with Marc and the 310 design team. It's the highest quality. It is going to be big and I feel honored to be doing it with Marc and 310 Motoring."

Under the agreement, 310 will design, market and distribute the Game's signature footwear line. Reflecting The Game's tastes and personality, the initial Hurricane by 310 style is a street athletic sneaker in all-over white and all-over black. Additional styles and colorways are planned in 2006.
310 Footwear reflects the quality, integrity and design of the high-end customized automobiles bearing the same moniker. Each detail of fabrication speaks of the very special attention paid to quality and evokes absolute exclusivity. It is an utterly unique collection that is not designed to be unique. It is designed to capture a feeling, a culture, a lifestyle. It is the quintessential luxury brand.

ABOUT The Game
The Game (aka Jayceon Taylor) is the ideal personality for 310 to partner with for its first athletic line. The Game was a star shooting guard at Compton High School and briefly enjoyed a college basketball scholarship before succumbing to the life of the streets that eventually fueled the fire of his multi-platinum debut album "The Documentary." From the birthplace of gangsta rap, Compton, CA, The Game's success signifies the West Coast's return to hip-hop dominance and his partnership with the LA-based global brand 310 Motoring only strengthens this power.

ABOUT 310 Global Brands
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, 310 Global Brands was founded in 2003 as the marketing, merchandising and licensing arm of high-end automotive customization specialist 310 Motoring. The Company was the first to offer custom design innovations and services to create one-of-a-kind vehicles for an extensive clientele list comprised of celebrities, entertainers, athletes and trend-setting urban consumers. 310 Motoring Footwear is available in department, specialty stores and boutiques in the United States and select countries worldwide.

Contacts
310 Global Brands
Jennifer Clay, 1-310-937-1326

New York Platinum Enterprise, home of www.whatspoppincentral.com , presents a pair of rising stars.

The first I Am Whatspoppin Next Tour artist LG3 of D Town Records will perform at the All-Star Yacht Party in Kemah, Texas, the 3rd largest boating community in the country, Houston Sunday Feb. 19.

LG3 is a pair of young women reppin Dallas. They have performed all over Texas and have asked to bless our yacht and the tour during our first stop, NBA All Star in Houston.

Hear their music:
http://www.garageband.com/artist/LG3
http://www.pittradio.net/music_info/artist_info.asp?id=515

Check out the label:
http://www.dtownrecords.com/

If you want to go to the party...there are still tickets left. It goes down at 7pm on All Star Sunday, just so you'll know.

If you or someone you know would like to be a part of the tour, and perform during:

BLACK COLLEGE REUNION
TEXAS BEACH PARTY
URBAN BEACH WEEK MIAMI
ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
INDIANA BLACK EXPO

you need to contact Ty Wilson ASAP.

Want to reach hundreds of thousands of 18-35 year olds? Want the chance to meet others in the rap and r&b game? Look no further than the I Am Whatspoppin Next Tour!

Ty Wilson
Multi Media Director
Platinum Enterprise Group Services
877- 521- 4686 ext 4
MMD@PEGSONLINE.COM

Reggaetons King of Kings is the first urban Latino artist
to sell out Los Angeles premier venue

Los Angeles February 6, 2006 Don Omar, the ultimate reggaeton
hit-maker put on a show to remember in front of a sold out audience in
Los Angeles this Saturday, February 4, 2006. The first urban Latino
artist to sell out Gibson Amphitheatre, Don Omar closed out his
California appearances in front of a packed audience of 6,000 people.

Hennessey, Universal Pictures new release Doom, and radio station
Latino 96.3 FM sponsored the show, which was brought to Los Angeles by
Orjuela Entertainment, Machete Music and Total Entertainment Group.
For those who couldnt get tickets, or those who simply want to relive
the moment, the show was also taped by Cingular Wireless and is
available in streamable content to Cingular Wireless customers.

Reggaeton, as a part of urban Latino music, is arguably the most
influential musical movement of the past year. As a cross-cultural
genre, reggaeton is influenced by Jamaican music (reggae), Latin
tropical music (bomba/plena/salsa/merengue/ bachata, etc.) and urban
hip-hop music. In 2004 and 2005, reggaeton drove Latin record sales,
making Latin the only music category to register growth, according to
Nielsen SoundScan and the Recording Industry Association of America.

Urban artists have begun to see their influence on reggaeton and have
responded by welcoming reggaeton into urban music. This is evidenced
by the fact that many multi-platinum hip-hop and R&B artists are
collaborating with reggaeton artists and doing reggaeton remixes of
their own songs.

On the West Coast, reggaeton has taken off. As a reggaeton
groundbreaker known for delivering hit after hit, the performance on
February 4 was Don Omars first solo show in Los Angeles. He performed
his hit songs, Reggaeton Latino, Dale Don Dale, Pobre Diabla, Dile and
more accompanied by a live band and famed DJ Eliel. Surprise guest DJ
Nelson joined the King of Kings on stage. This show is the Don Omar
event that Southern California will never forget. His album, Kings of
Kings will be released on Machete Music in May.

Contact: Talia Rodrguez-Shakur
(323) 644-0606
talia@streetropical.com

Historic In-Depth Interview Airs Thursday, February 16 at 11 PM on MTV

New York, NY February 9, 2006 MTV News will premiere the first interview with rap megastars Jay-Z and Nas as they end one of the most publicized lyrical battles of all time. All Eyes on Jay-Z and Nas premieres on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 11 PM on MTV.

In an intimate conversation with MTV News Correspondent Sway Calloway, the two artists give MTV the scoop on the years of battle (and mutual respect), reveal why the two artists finally decided to stop hating and come together, and unveil current plans to work together. Now that Nas is signed on to Jay-Zs Def Jam label, the very public animosity has turned to talk of a duet is in the pipeline.

Its bigger than both of us.Its more about the culture, about showing people another way, because [the battle we staged] was something that stopped the world Now everyone emulates the battle, Jay-Z tells Sway, So now we have to show them another way.

Preview clips of will air on Direct Effect, TRL and MTV Overdrive all week, and reporting on MTVNews.com takes a comprehensive look at the interview and its implications.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the worlds leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Press Contact:
Diane Domondon
MTV
Phone: 212.846.6613
Email: diane.domondon@mtvstaff.com

Juelz Santana launches new clothing company, Mazia and becomes a partner with H3 Enterprises Hip Hop Soda Shop.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 9, 2006 -- LaRon James mostly famously known as Rap Artist, Juelz Santana, is making some huge moves in his career other than music. With his sophomore album, WHAT THE GAMES BEEN MISSING certified GOLD (selling well over 500,000 copies) on Diplomat/Def Jam Records, he has started to make his mark in the fashion industry with his new clothing company, The Z-Line and the stock market by partnering with H3 (HTRE) Enterprises, Inc.

This fall, Juelz will be launching his clothing company, MAZIA licensed by Z-Line Clothing, Inc. I want to be a driving force in the Urban Market.MAZIA will be a vengeance against all other brands that have taken the style from my generation and attempted to duplicate what we do naturally. Other labels have tried and just haven't gotten it right because they were missing that key ingredient me, says Santana.

MAZIA's mission is to hit the fashion industry over the head with a look that is overzealous, powerful, and magnetic. We will provide a look that will give urban apparel what the games been missing, says Lawrence Arthur of Z-Lineclothing.

H3Enterprises, Inc. (HTRE) has also entered into a multi-faceted Agreement with the #1 Recording Artist. The Agreement includes Juelz hosting H3's first Cyber Sports One-on-One Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston where many celebs are expected to participate in this fan-friendly event. Juelz has also agreed to become
a financial partner in H3's flagship Hip Hop Soda Shop on 125th Street in Harlem, as well as in HTRE itself.

Its great to add another home-grown Harlem hero to H3, said Brian H3 Peters, President and Founder of HTRE, the first publicly traded Hip Hop Company. Juelz is the future of hip hop and a bonafide star. Having him as part of Team H3 should be a great benefit for our shareholders and community alike.

In addition to his new ventures, Juelz is expanding his recording studio, Santana Studios and is actively assisting his Mother, Deborah James with the operation of his familys Harlem based clothing store, Santanas Town http://www.santanastown.com/catalog/ , and touring. CamRon and I are extremely proud of Juelz and his desire to become more than just an Artist, says his Manager, Joseph Big Joe Sherman of New Era Entertainment. To make a mark that can not be erased is something that Juelz aspires to do and his new ventures are a reflection of his goals being reached.

For more info, visit our website at http://www.santanastown.com. To purchase What The Game's Been Missing CD visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=as2&path=ASIN/B000BFNYZC&tag=santanastown-20&camp=1789&creative=9325

# # #

Dave Rivera
SANTANA'S TOWN
http://www.santanastown.com/
212-690-0452

February 7, 2006 New England and New York based powerhouse team The U-N Delegations, made up of Dj Dax, Epic Visions, Furyus and Wize, officially announce the planned release of their much anticipated debut album to be titled Closed Captioned. The album will feature guest appearances by Killah Priest, Shabazz the Disciple, Amadeus the Stampede, R.H. Bless, Brix, NLZ, Radix, The Middlemen, Jimmy Sprinkles and others. Production work for the album is being handled by Dj Dax and Epic Visions.

The tentative date for release is Tuesday April 25th, 2006. The album aims as a unique throwback to the pureness of Hip Hop that incorporates raw lyrics & energy with innovative, forceful production and beats. Lyrically the album is an edgy blend of spiritual, social, hardcore and golden age get down while musically it masterfully blends profound orchestral cliffhangers with hard, deep, dark and funky bangers.

Check www.Jiveturkeyproductions.com for more info

For Interviews or Press Requests please contact us.

Jive Turkey Productions. Home of Dj Dax, Epic Visions, Wize and Furyus. Record Label, music publishing, web design, graphic design, concert promotions, club promotions & radio promotions.Dj Dax
Dj / Producer Jive Turkey Productions
330 Lowell ST. #2R
Manchester, NH 03104
Dax@Jiveturkeyproductions.com
www.Jiveturkeyproductions.com mobile: (603) 339-0009

Helps Users Discover Music They Will Love, for Free

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Slim Devices and Pandora announced a partnership to support Pandora Radio on the Squeezebox Internet music player, creating an exciting new way to discover music from the comfort of your living room.

Simply enter the name of your favorite song or artist into your Squeezebox, and Pandora creates a custom radio stream based on songs with musical similarities to your choice. Imagine having an unlimited number of personalized, commercial-free streams delivered to your Hi-Fi!
"The first time I used Pandora on my Squeezebox, I was glued to my listening chair for the entire weekend," said Sean Adams, CEO of Slim Devices. "I used to get the thrill of finding a new song I liked once a week. Now I feel it one song after another, listening to any style of music."

Starting March 1st, Squeezebox v3 and Squeezebox2 owners can listen for free to Pandora for 90-days by using SqueezeNetwork. Customers can continue their Pandora service for only $36 per year. Slim Devices operates SqueezeNetwork, a free service that lets owners access a vast array of music and news through their Squeezebox without a computer.

"Pandora was founded by musicians and Slim Devices was started by music-lovers," said Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora. "Together, our mission is to help everyone connect with the music they like in the most enjoyable environment possible. Squeezebox is the best way to extend the Pandora experience into every room of your home."

For six years, Pandora has been developing the most comprehensive analysis of music ever undertaken. A team of thirty-five musician-analysts listen to music, one song at a time, collecting 400 attributes that only human ears can capture -- melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics and more. The musical connections this approach creates will surprise even the most experienced music lover.

About Slim Devices(TM)

Slim Devices, founded in 2000, is the worldwide pioneer of network entertainment products for users of personal computers and the Internet. Slim Devices' innovative hardware and Open Source software are setting the standard for an exciting new product category. The Slim Devices logo and Squeezebox are trademarks or registered trademarks of Slim Devices, Inc.

About Pandora Media(TM)

Pandora is dedicated to the enjoyment and discovery of music. After six years of extensive development, Pandora released the first version of its personalized listening service, powered by the Music Genome Project, the world's richest and most comprehensive musical taxonomy.

Each song in this massive database -- which covers Pop, Rock, Jazz, Electronica, Hip Hop, Country, Blues, R&B, and more, is analyzed by a trained musician along 400 distinct musical attributes to capture its unique musical identity. Pandora uses this information to build playlists based on musical similarity. By simply entering a favorite song or artist, a listener is instantly launched into a personalized listening experience, full of new discovery as Pandora journeys across the genome.

The analyst team works daily to keep the Music Genome Project updated with the latest releases, emerging artists, and an ever-deepening collection of catalogue titles.

Source: Slim Devices, Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Cosson of Slim Devices, Inc., +1-510-743-1152, ext. 2,
or patrick@slimdevices.com; or Marivi Lerdo de Tejada of Pandora,
+1-415-577-4318, or marivil@onpr.com

Web site: http://www.slimdevices.com/

I like the current mix of hip hop and music industry press releases at Hip Hop Press. But I think it might all work better if I split Hip Hop Press into two press release blogs, one focused on hip hop and one on the music industry.

What do you think? Talk to me, please!

Clyde Smith
hiphoppress(at)netweed(dot)com

Thanks.

/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, February 08, 2006 - A brand new "Hitz and Stabs" disk is the latest addition to Syntaur Productions' MegaDisk collection for the Akai MPC samplers. This single floppy disk offers 32 separate hits and stabs geared toward HipHop and RandB productions. The radio-ready samples on this disk - such as Dre Hitz, Ethnic Stabz, and Jazzy Hitz - have been extensively hyped up and tweaked out in Syntaur Productions' studio located deep in the heart of Texas. Designed to add extra punch and excitment to a song, the new MegaDisk contains 32 Programs, each with 4 variations in Banks A-D.

The "Hitz and Stabs" MegaDisk is programmed for the Akai MPC2000, 2000xl, 3000, and 4000; it is available for $18.95 from Syntaur Productions. Audio demos and online ordering are available at www.syntaur.com/mpc_sounds.html, or customers can call Syntaur Productions at 800-334-1288. Orders are shipped the same day (or by the next business day, for evening or weekend orders).

Syntaur Productions has been producing sounds for nearly two decades, and has supplied sonic ammunition to Outkast, Wu Tang Clan, Nelly, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Brandy, Elton John, Fishbone, and many others.

Syntaur Productions
1418 N. Walnut Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(800) 334-1288
www.syntaur.com
email: sales@syntaur.com

Press Release Contact Information:
Sam Mims
Syntaur Productions
Owner
1418 North Walnut Avenue
New Braunfels, Texas
USA 78130
Voice: 830-627-1530
Fax: 830-627-1531
E-Mail: Sales@syntaur.com

To initiate the program Evol Records will release promotional Chad Love Speak No Evol CDs to qualified LifestYle Brokers worldwide. Additionally, both parties will be developing a strategic marketing campaign that will enable people to contact Chad Love through a variety of social networks.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- Evol Records announces a partnership with LifestYle Brokers who will be developing a program to build social capital amongst the fan base of Chad Love listeners. Chad Love (CEO by Day, Rapper by Night) has a strong following of entrepreneurial creative warriors and independent professionals that can appreciate the positive and historical messages in both his music and the principals taught through the LifestYle Broker Network, which encourages Trust, Loyalty, Participation and Reciprocity.

We believe in creating value and rewarding value creators and that is possible to break the silos of identity by encouraging immerging professionals to build social capital. Life is filled with silos, social clicks and pockets of corporate cultures that need to be transcended if you want to harness the collective power of the people you know. Craig Pravda, President, LifestYle Brokers Inc.

We like that Lifestyle Brokers is very selective in who they chose to represent. Their qualifying criteria are based on the established principals of social capital and the development of social networks. Chad Love was interviewed to identify if he plays a central role, is recognized as a thought leader or expert in his field. Scott Holland, V.P. of Marketing, Evol Records.

LifestYle Brokers didn't promise me success, but they promise to deliver opportunity. Chad Love

In less than 48 hours, after our initial meeting we received positive feed back that our ideas had been received by members of their organization in important knowledge centers in the US, Canada and Australia.

About Chad Love:

Chad Love is the next generation in the ever-growing hip-house game. After years of researching and experiencing the music and the Industry, Love has launched a new and fresh style, hip-house, upon the music world. Chad Love does not restrict himself to a single technique when taking control of the microphone, he is a chameleon who has the ability to make you laugh, cry and be energized through his creative lyrics, unique personal style and positive beats. For further information on Chad Love, visit the website at http://www.chadlove.com or http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=3377219&from1=QUIA#tracks

About LifestYle Brokers:

LifestYle Brokers designs and markets ideas, that build community and strengthen identity. LifestYle Brokers aids people with passion to identify trends, capture attention from like-minded people and provides Personal PR to developing creative talent. Currently, LifestYle Brokers is the founder of Officehomes -- A franchise of housing for independent professionals in New York, NY and Vancouver, BC.

# # #

Scott Holland
EVOL RECORDS.
http://www.chadlove.com/
347-598-3865

I Need You To Love Me by BarlowGirl distributed minutes after release.

(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 8, 2006 -- Promo Only MPE last week delivered the first music video through the Promo Only MPE 2.0 System in conjunction with Word Label Group. I Need You To Love Me by Fervent Records acclaimed three-sister rock band, BarlowGirl, was distributed to over 700 radio stations and other entertainment outlets across the U.S. minutes after its official release.

Promo Only MPE recently added the delivery of music videos to their Promo Only MPE 2.0 System to enable record labels to securely distribute music video content to radio and other media outlets.

We were delighted to be the first label to deliver a music video through the Promo Only MPE System, said Derek Jones, Word Label Groups VP of National Promotions. It is a real bonus for us and our artists to be able distribute music and video content in such a timely manner. BarlowGirl was the perfect choice to launch this through Promo Only MPE.

To be able to securely deliver music videos immediately upon their release is a first for us and the industry, said Dean Ernst, director of Promo Only MPE. We are excited that the breadth of content we can service through the Promo Only MPE System continues to expand. Continuing to innovate is what has distinguished Promo Only MPE in this industry.

BarlowGirl recently won Yahoo Musics Whos Next, claimed the top sales for a new Christian artist in 2004 and received four Gospel Music Award nominations in 2005.

About Promo Only
With offices in Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, Calgary, Chicago and London, Promo Only (www.promoonly.com) is the world's leader in subscription-based music and music video services. Promo Only offers a complete line of music on CD and music video on DVD designed to meet the needs of music professionals, business owners and retail operations. Jim Robinson and Pete Werner founded Promo Only in 1992.

About Word
Word Label Group, comprised of Word Records, Fervent Records and Myrrh Records, is a division of Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company. The artist roster heralds some of today's top Christian music performers and songwriters including Amy Grant, Point Of Grace, BarlowGirl, Jaci Velasquez, Building 429, Big Daddy Weave, By The Tree, Nicole C. Mullen, Randy Travis and American Idol's George Huff. The Word Label Group leads the industry with over 50 years of music-making history.

Media Contact:
Alastair Duncan
310 300 0950 x 234

# # #

Alastair Duncan
LCO - Levine Communications Office
310-300-0950

- Store Visits to Support Launch of Innovative 'Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' Video Game -

NEW YORK, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) and Marc Ecko, the visionary behind several of today's most respected youth lifestyle brands, today announced a nationwide tour of in-store appearances to celebrate the launch of Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure. Shipping to stores nationwide on February 14th, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is a gripping digital adventure that fuses innovative gameplay, a provocative storyline, an eclectic and renowned cast, and a musical score featuring some of the most influential voices and sounds of the generation.

The "Getting Up" tour will stop in some of the country's biggest cities, including New York, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. During these stops, Marc Ecko and friends -- ranging from hip-hop artists to acclaimed graffiti artists -- will appear at several retail stores, such as GameStop and Virgin Megastores, to sign copies of the new game. They also will give away special gifts that include the official Getting Up Blackbook, which features an exclusive collection of graffiti art and an insider's look at the game's development process.

"Producing a game that encompasses such originality and innovation has been an incredible experience and we are very excited to unveil Getting Up," said Marc Ecko. "This tour is our way to celebrate its launch and say thanks to all of our supporters."

The tour kicks off at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square, NYC on Thursday, February 16th at 6 PM with Marc Ecko, The RZA, Rakim and legendary graffiti artists Cope 2, T-Kid and Seen. The Getting Up tour will conclude a week later at the Virgin Megastore in Chicago on February 23rd.

Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is a sprawling tale in which freedom of expression is suppressed in the name of maintaining public safety by a tyrannical government. Gamers assume the role of Trane, an unlikely hero just looking to "get up," or gain fame by making his graffiti "tag" in as many places as possible, until he realizes there is so much more at stake. Players learn and master various "graf" skills while navigating through the vertical landscapes of the fictional urban city of New Radius. During their quest, players must sneak past and battle against rival crews, a corrupt Mayor, and the city's brutal Civil Conduct Keepers (CCK). The goal: to reach the sweet spots of New Radius, where a well-placed tag at first brings respect and reputation but later becomes the platform upon which to expose the oppressive mayor, spread the voice of a revolution, and set a city free.

With themes related to the balance of freedom of expression and the pressure to maintain civil order that echo contemporary headlines, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure offers diverse gameplay and an impressive array of graffiti tags to provide a creative, rewarding and challenging experience to the player. More than 65 graffiti artists have lent their signature tags and art to the urban environments, while six legendary artists -- Cope 2, FUTURA, OBEY: Shepard Fairey, Seen, Smith and T-Kid -- serve as in- game mentors to its protagonist, Trane.

In addition, Mr. Ecko, through the support of Sean "Diddy" Combs' legendary A&R skills, has assembled a soundtrack featuring an array of licensed music and various original tracks, including an exclusive version of Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya," remixed by Serj from the band System of a Down; "Clik, Clak, and Spray" from Pack FM; "Book of Judges" from Pharoahe Monch; and "Getting Up Anthem: Part 1," performed by legendary Hip-Hop artist Rakim and Talib Kweli.

Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure also includes a variety of star-studded voice talent such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Rosario Dawson, Brittany Murphy, George Hamilton, Giovanni Ribisi, Adam West, Andy Dick, Charlie Murphy, The RZA and Michael "M.C. Serch" Berrin.

Developed by The Collective, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is rated 'M' for Mature and will be available for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows. A mobile version is currently available through Glu Mobile. For additional information about the game please visit http://www.gettingup.com/.

About Marc Ecko Enterprises

The youngest member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America's board of directors, Marc Ecko is founder of *ecko unltd., the world famous rhino brand. In eleven years since its creation in 1993, the group of companies that comprise Marc Ecko Enterprises has grown to include: *ecko unltd.(R) men's and Eckored(R) women's apparel, as well as outerwear, footwear, watches, eyewear, underwear, belts, bags, hats, small leather goods, formalwear and more.

Marc Ecko Enterprises also includes Marc Ecko "Cut & Sew" (a contemporary menswear line launched Fall 2004); G-Unit(R) clothing and accessories (a joint venture with multi-platinum musician, 50 Cent); Zoo York(R) (a line of action sports-inspired clothing and accessories); and Avirex(R) Sportswear Collection (a mid-tier brand launched Spring 2005). The Company also publishes Complex(R) magazine, a men's consumer magazine with a rate base of 335,000, and is developing Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure(TM), the first truly authentic video game based on urban culture and graffiti art debuting February 2006. *ecko unltd. products are available in over 5,000 stores domestically and in over 45 countries internationally, as well as through 38 of its own retail stores across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.marceckoenterprises.com/.

About The Collective

Part of Foundation 9 Entertainment (http://www.f9e.com/), the largest independent game developer in North America, The Collective is a leading developer of console video games, and known for groundbreaking third-person action adventure games, including the critically acclaimed Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb(TM), Buffy the Vampire Slayer(TM) and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith(TM). The Collective is based in Newport Beach, CA and can be found on the web at: http://www.collectivestudios.com/.

The Collective, along with Backbone, Pipeworks, ImaginEngine, and Digital Eclipse make up Foundation 9 Entertainment. The company's studios have developed more than 250 titles, including more than 50 in 2004 alone. Foundation 9 Entertainment employs more than 325 employees, and has offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Emeryville, Vancouver, Boston, Eugene, and Honolulu. For more information on Foundation 9 Entertainment, please visit: http://www.f9e.com/.

About Atari

New York-based Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) develops interactive games for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party publishers of interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The Company's 1,000+ titles include hard- core, genre-defining franchises such as DRIVER(TM), The Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo), Stuntman(TM) and Test Drive(R); and mass- market and children's franchises such as Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon Ball Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR- 0000052573), the largest interactive games publisher in Europe. For more information, visit http://www.atari.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop and EB Games; delays in product development and related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; loss of our credit facility; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005 and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.

ATARI, the ATARI logo, and classic Atari game titles and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. or its affiliates.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Atari, Inc.

CONTACT: Andrea Schneider of Atari, Inc., +1-212-726-4259,
andrea.schneider@atari.com; or Tara Bruno of HighWater Group (For Atari),
+1-212-338-0077 ext. 302, tara@highwatergroup.com

Web site: http://www.atari.com/
http://www.f9e.com/
http://www.marceckoenterprises.com/
http://www.gettingup.com/

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- All eyes were on the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night as the legendary music mogul Clive Davis hosted his annual pre-Grammy bash. Touted as THE Grammy event by Hollywood and the music elite, this event always attracts the biggest names in entertainment -- with this year being no exception.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/LATU163LOGO )

Guests were treated to an unprecedented night of music featuring both solo performances and the most intriguing pairings of the industry's biggest names. With an introduction from famed LA Reid, Grammy winning artist Rod Stewart opened the show with a medley of his rock & roll greatest hits, Chris Brown and Heather Headley -- whose debut album charted at #5 this week -- followed as did Grammy nominee Kelly Clarkson who garnered a standing ovation with her performances of "Since U Been Gone," and "Because of You." The evening continued with the Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas' Grammy-winning duet "Smooth," followed by a fan-favorite medley by multi-Grammy winner Barry Manilow along with his rendition of "Unchained Melody." Jamie Foxx brought the audience to their feet with his performance featuring Ludacris, Jodeci, Kanye West, Snoop and Doug E. Fresh, and the evening capped off with a Luther Vandross tribute by Grammy nominee Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton singing "Til My Baby Comes Home" with additional artists Natalie Cole, Mario and Alicia Keys joining for "The Power of Love" finale.

Onsite to enjoy this incredible evening were many of today's hottest stars and industry executives including Terrence Howard, Sharon Stone, Selma Hayek, Pharrell, Aerosmith, Diana Ross, Fantasia, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Velvet Revolver, Ashlee Simpson, Foo Fighters, Black Eyed Peas, Sheryl Crow, Tyra Banks, Maroon 5, Brett Ratner, Michelle Williams, Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, John Voight, Randy Jackson, Bill Maher, Babyface, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Dixie Chicks, Penny Marshall, executives Les Moonves, Reginald Hudlin, Lyor Cohen, Russell Simmons, Ron Perelman, Hugh Panero, Rob Glaser, Don Ienner, Andre Harrell, Simon Fuller and Dana Walden, among others.

Contact: Kelly Striewski/Dvora Vener
kstriewski@bwr-la.com/dvener@bwr-la.com
B|W|R Public Relations
310-550-7776

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051025/LATU163LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Clive Davis

CONTACT: Kelly Striewski, kstriewski@bwr-la.com, or Dvora Vener,
dvener@bwr-la.com, both of B|W|R Public Relations, +1-310-550-7776, for Clive Davis

Elisabeth Familian Named President, Bobbi Proctor Named Publisher, Alesandra Dubin Named Editor and Bureau Chief

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- BiZBash Media, the publisher of trade magazines, Web sites, and producer of live events servicing the corporate special events industry in major markets including New York, Toronto, and Florida, is launching in the Los Angeles/Southern California markets February 15, 2006, with a Web site dedicated to the event planners market.

BiZBash LA & Southern California will include a biweekly, electronic newsletter that will showcase the most interesting events and feature listings of the latest venues and resources in each market. The first issue of the L.A. version of BiZBash magazine is scheduled for later this year.

Elisabeth Familian, founder and former C.E.O. of Masterplanner Media and publisher of Inside Events magazine, has been named president of BiZBash's California operation, and Bobbi Proctor, former regional sales manager for Meetings West and associate publisher of Agenda Magazine, has been named publisher. Current associate editor Alesandra Dubin will move to Los Angeles to become the Southern California editor and bureau chief.

"BiZBash will centralize resources for event planners, providing a much needed tool within the event planning world," said David Adler, C.E.O. and founder of BiZBash Media. "The network, which has proven highly successful in New York City, will become the ideal springboard for event planners in generating ideas for their clients providing useful resources in more than 200 categories of goods and services within the industry. The Web site will cover everything from the hippest and most unique venues to valuable information on event promotion."

Adler continues, "We are what Variety is to the entertainment industry, and Women's Wear Daily is to fashion. The special events industry finally deserves a first-class media outlet that will make it easier for professionals to do their jobs. We have assembled an all-star team to bring the unique vision of BiZBash, as a tool for passionate event planners and marketers, to the Los Angeles and Southern California market."

More about BiZBash New Personnel

Elisabeth Familian -- President, BiZBash Los Angeles & Southern California

Familian was the founder and C.E.O. of Masterplanner Media, the multimedia event conflict resolution calendar in multiple markets, publisher of Inside Events magazine, and cofounder of giveadonation.com. Most recently, Familian, who is active in nonprofit and community organizations in California and New York, was vice president of relationship development for Kintera Inc., following its acquisition of both Masterplanner and giveadonation.com.

Bobbi Proctor -- Publisher, BiZBash Los Angeles & Southern California

Most recently, Proctor was the regional sales manager for Meetings West magazine. She spent nine years as associate publisher for Agenda Publications, handling the launches for Southern California, Las Vegas, and Arizona.

Alesandra Dubin -- Editor and Bureau Chief, BiZBash Los Angeles & Southern California

Dubin most recently served as an associate editor in BiZBash's New York office. She has a background in retail, fashion, and entertainment writing, and a master's degree in journalism from New York University. The relocation to Los Angeles marks a return to her hometown.

About BiZBash Media

In the Los Angeles/Southern California market, it is estimated that there are more than 80,000 corporate and nonprofit events held annually, in more than 1,000 venues. While the entire event industry nationwide is responsible for more than $13 billion in spending, the Los Angeles/Southern California market represents approximately $2 billion and is second only to New York, which represents $3.5 billion.

BiZBash is the authority for anyone who plans, designs, or influences corporate and nonprofit events. The company publishes magazines, hosts Web sites, and produces trade shows for the event industry in New York, Florida, and Toronto and now Los Angeles/Southern California.

In just six years, BiZBash has become the largest Web site serving New York City event and meeting planners, event producers, and marketers responsible for producing the more than 110,000 corporate and nonprofit events held annually. In Southern California there are an estimated 80,000 corporate and nonprofit events annually.

Source: BiZBash Media

CONTACT: Howard Bragman of Fifteen Minutes PR, +1-323-656-2700,
howardbragman@aol.com, for BiZBash Media

Winning Film Will Be Televised on BET and Submitted to Independent Film Festivals

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- BET, the Black AIDS Institute, and the Kaiser Family Foundation today announced the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject (RIU/BASS) Film Competition. Following two successful years that include over 1000 screenplay submissions and four winning short films, the competition provides a platform to creatively explore issues that surround HIV/AIDS in African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latin communities in the U.S., including stigma and discrimination, Black male sexuality, homophobia, and perceptions of masculinity, femininity and gender roles. The winning film will televise on BET sometime around World AIDS Day (December 1, 2006), and be submitted for viewing at independent film festivals around the world.

Today in the United States, Black Americans represent the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS, dying from HIV, and being diagnosed with AIDS. Black men have the highest AIDS case rates of any group in the nation, followed by Black women. In some cities, Black men who have sex with men are estimated to be infected with HIV at rates as high as those in sub-Saharan Africa. Screenplay submissions that address these issues are welcome.

The competition seeks to encourage attention to fresh and culturally unique storylines that encompass HIV/AIDS issues within the Black community, including bringing attention to under explored topics. Entries are due by May 26, and will be carefully reviewed by a prominent panel of judges. The winner will be announced on August 1 and will receive up to $25,000 to produce their winning short film.

"Presently, minority Americans represent seventy-one percent of new AIDS cases, while at least half of all new HIV infections are estimated to be among young adults under the age of twenty-five," said Kelli Richardson Lawson, BET's Executive Vice President of Corporate Marketing. "Our Rap-It-Up films serve as an important resource in educating viewers about a deadly epidemic that continues to disproportionately affect African Americans at an alarming rate. This film competition not only explores social issues and themes that are rarely discussed in our communities, but also arms everyone with the information necessary to prevent the disease."

"The shocking truth is that in 2006, AIDS in America is a Black disease. Behavior determines who is and who isn't at risk for HIV. Cultural norms dictate behavioral norms, and films have the power to drive cultural norms," stated Phill Wilson, Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute. "Recently released statistics show an AIDS epidemic among Black Gay men that outstrips anything we are seeing in the worst hit parts of sub-Saharan Africa. When nearly 50 percent of Black gay and bisexual men in some of our nation's cities may already be infected with HIV, we have a pandemic in this country of catastrophic proportions and each of us must rise to the occasion."

"The Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS short subject film competition has proven to be a powerful way to explore critical issues that affect African Americans in communities throughout the U.S.," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "Given the epidemic's significant and disproportionate impact on African Americans in this country, it's essential to bring attention to the personal challenges related to HIV/AIDS."

Last year's RIU/BASS film competition awarded two winners for their powerful screenplays depicting HIV/AIDS in the Black community. The extraordinary writing team of Drew Anderson, Justin Follin, Charneice Fox and Michelle Sewell from Washington, DC, won for their stirring screenplay "Multitude of Mercies," a story depicting how a young Black minister personally deals with HIV/AIDS in his church. Michelle Lynne Coons of Los Angeles also won for her poignant screenplay, "Let's Talk," which deals with how to raise the issue of HIV testing in the context of a burgeoning relationship.

Following is information regarding the application process and competition deadlines:

*Competition Deadlines: The RIU/BASS competition is open to all races
and ethnicities; however submissions are to
address the issue of HIV/AIDS and the Black
male. The film competition begins February 7,
2006 and ends May 26, 2006. Early submission
deadline is May 2 ($55 entry fee); the
submission deadline is May 26 ($80 entry fee).
The 10 finalists will be announced on June 27;
and the winner will be announced on August 1,
2006.

*Application Guidelines: The application package is available for
download at http://www.bet.com/rapitup and
http://www.blackaids.org/; or can be obtained by
mailing a request to the Rap-It-Up/BASS Film
Competition; c/o RIU/BASS Competition
Coordinator; 1833 West Eighth Street, Suite 200;
Los Angeles, CA 90057-4920. Five copies of the
completed application package are to be mailed
to the Rap-It-Up/BASS Film Competition; c/o
RIU/BASS Competition Coordinator; 1833 West
Eighth Street, Suite 200; Los Angeles, CA
90057-4920.

*General Information: Competition information can be found at
http://www.bet.com/rapitup or
http://www.blackaids.org/. Specific questions
can be directed to toll-free number,
1-877-757-AIDS (2437).

ABOUT RAP-IT-UP

Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and BET: Black Entertainment Television have partnered on an extensive public education campaign to inform young people about sexual health issues, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). The partnership includes special programming, public service advertisements (PSAs), online content on bet.com, and a free resource and referral service. In 2000, the campaign launched a grassroots initiative to complement the on-air and online components of Rap- It-Up. Program elements include teen forums, mobile HIV testing events, and a middle and high school curriculum on HIV/AIDS. The campaign was nominated for an Emmy for Best National Public Service Announcement in 2002 and 2001, and has received numerous other awards, including the 2002 Cable Positive POP Award for Outstanding Newsmagazine Series, the 2002 CTPAA Joel Berger Award, the 2002 NAACP Image Award, the 2002 Academy of Television Arts & Science TV Cares "Ribbon of Hope" Award, and the 2002 NBACA Community Service Award.

ABOUT BET

BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American audience. The BET Network reaches more than 80 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is a dominant consumer brand in the urban marketplace with a diverse group of branded businesses: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; and BET Event Productions, specializing in a full range of event production services, including event management, venue selection, talent recruitment, sound, lighting and stage production.

ABOUT THE BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE

Founded in 1999, The Black AIDS Institute is the only national HIV/AIDS thinktank focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute offers training and capacity building, disseminates information, and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view. http://www.blackaids.org/

ABOUT THE HENRY J. KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health issues to policymakers, the media, and the general public. It is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. Information on HIV/AIDS is available at http://www.kff.org/, and a daily news summary report on developments in HIV/AIDS is available on http://www.kaisernetwork.org/, the Foundation's free health information service.

Source: BET (Black Entertainment Television)

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET, +1-202-608-2745, or
lyntina.townsend@bet.net; or Phill Wilson of The Black AIDS Institute,
+1-213-353-3610, or Phillw@BlackAIDS.org; or Rob Graham of The Henry J. Kaiser
Family Foundation, +1-650-854-9400, or RobG@kff.org

Web site: http://www.bet.com/
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/
http://www.kff.org/
http://www.bet.com/rapitup
http://www.blackaids.org/

The University of Michigan's Music of the Americas Study Group 2006 Symposium, "Ear Candy: the Pleasures and Politics of Pop," will be presented Sat. Feb. 11 at the university's Haven Hall in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) February 7, 2006 -- The University of Michigan's Music of the Americas Study Group 2006 Symposium, "Ear Candy: the Pleasures and Politics of Pop," will be presented Sat. Feb. 11 at the university's Haven Hall in Ann Arbor.

Journalist and author Alan Abrams, the founding publicist of Motown Records, will speak at the event's second session on "Marketing Motown: Tales from the Trenches of a Revolution." At the age of 18, Abrams became the first employee of what was to become Berry Gordy, Jr's music empire. Abrams began as the national record promotion man for the Detroit labels in 1959 and eventually became Motown's Press Relations Director.

The University of Michigan has posted a site, "Selling the Motor City Its Sound," which highlights a lengthy interview with Abrams. The interview is part of the University of Michigans School of Music Living Music series in cooperation with the American Music Institute, and details Abrams experiences in marketing Motown to the media and the masses. The link to the site can be found at: www.umich.edu/~aamuhist/dmorrisz/motown/index.html

Author of 11 published books -- none self-published -- including the highly acclaimed and pioneering Holocaust study, "Special Treatment: The Untold Story of the Survival of Thousands of Jews in Hitlers Third Reich," Abrams is currently writing his story of the early days of Motown with an emphasis on the marketing of the Detroit Sound. Abrams Motown and Stax-Volt archives are held in the University of Michigan's Bentley Historical Library.

The program for the event follows. Admission is free and open to the public.

EAR CANDY: the Pleasures and Politics of Pop
Saturday, February 11
10 AM 4 PM
Haven Hall 3512

SCHEDULE

Coffee begins at 9:00 am

Session I:
9:30 am (Mark Clague, moderator) Shirli Gilbert, "South African Popular
Music and the International Anti-Apartheid Struggle"
Lori Brooks, "'Sousa Played in Ragtime': Paul Laurence Dunbar and the
Emergence of A Ragtime Sensibility".
Christi-Anne Castro, "Universal Sound and Embodied Difference: Asian
Americans Making Pop Music

Session II
11:30 am 12:15 pm (Mark Clague, intro)
Alan Abrams (former publicity agent for Motown Records)
Marketing Motown: Tales from the Trenches of a Revolution

Lunch at Cottage Inn
12:30 pm (Paul Anderson, moderator)
Keynote Talk: Charles Kronengold (Wayne State University) The Pop
Song's More and Melancholy Democracy

Session III
2:30 pm (Charles Garrett, moderator)
Walter Everett, "Painting Their Room in a Colorful Way: The Beatles'
Exploration of Timbre.
Todd Decker, Fred Astaires Bugle Call Rag
Paul Anderson, Willow Weep for Me: The Jazz Ballad, with and without Romance

Closing Discussion
End ca. 4:30 pm
Book Table provided by University of Michigan Press

# # #

N. Cecilia Abrams
STALEBAGEL INK
419.425.1047

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy Award-winner Kanye West will interpret the theme to "Mission: Impossible III," bringing his inventive, masterful, and dynamic style to the iconic song. Dubbed "the smartest man in pop music" in an October '05 TIME Magazine cover story, West -- who is also nominated for an additional eight GRAMMYs at the upcoming 48th annual ceremony -- continues the tradition of groundbreaking and innovative artists performing the classic theme, as members of U2 did in 1996 for "Mission: Impossible," followed by Limp Bizkit in 2000 for "M:I-2."

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO )

Tom Cruise said, "As a fan of Kanye's work, I was thrilled at the prospect of him contributing his talents to 'M:i:III.' We wanted to take this installment of 'Mission' to the next level and Kanye's music definitely added to accomplishing that goal. As we've done with the film, what he's done with the 'Mission' theme is going to blow people away."

Director J.J. Abrams said, "My goal is to take the 'Mission' franchise and re-interpret it to make a movie that is familiar, but absolutely brand new. Kanye has done just that with his version of the classic Lalo Schifrin theme, and we're thrilled to be working with him."

Producer Paula Wagner added, "With each 'Mission' installment, we have always put a team together that was representative of the very best at their respective crafts. With the addition of Kanye West's music to 'M:i:III,' we continue that tradition. His powerful, emotional style is the perfect complement for the mix of drama and action that is in this film."

"Mission: Impossible III" stars Tom Cruise and is directed by J.J. Abrams. The film also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, and Laurence Fishburne. The action thriller was shot on location in Shanghai, Rome, Berlin, and parts of the United States. "Mission: Impossible III" is scheduled for release on May 5, 2006.

Tom Cruise returns as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, who faces the mission of his life in "Mission: Impossible III." Director J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias") brings his unique blend of action and drama to the billion-dollar franchise.

Paramount Pictures presents a Cruise|Wagner production, "Mission: Impossible III." The film is directed by J.J. Abrams, from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & J.J. Abrams, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. The film is produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIAB) , one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment news, sports and music.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Paramount Pictures

CONTACT: David Waldman, VP, Publicity, Paramount Pictures,
+1-323-956-5872

H3Enterprises Signs Sponsorship Package With National Basketball Players Association

NEW YORK, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- H3Enterprises, Inc. has today announced the signing of a "Gala Sponsorship Package" with the National Basketball Players Association that will give H3 premier visibility and exposure at this years NBA All-Star Weekend to be held in Houston the third weekend of February. H3 (h3inc.com) is set to present a "Rap Battle" as well as a "One on One" Video Challenge with cash prizes going to the winning players. Both events will be hosted by the newest member of Team H3 and one of the fastest rising stars of Hip Hop, Harlem's Juelz Santana. The H3CyberSports and rap battle events will give fans attending All-Star Weekend the opportunity to meet and take on their favorite players and rappers in a highly competitive fun-filled contest.

H3 will also be unveiling its HipHopSodaShop booth at the NBPA All Star-Gala, to be held in the Brown Convention Center from 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM, Saturday, February 18. The goal of this presentation is to create brand awareness for the SodaShops and explain the benefits of becoming a HipHopSodaShop Area Developer to the top players in the NBA. HTRE hopes to enter into Joint Venture Agreements in every NBA market with a premiere player in that market and maintain a close relationship with the Players Association. HTRE is currently in talks with several NBA superstars interested in becoming a part of Team H3.

Brian "H3" Peters the newest and youngest mogul on the Hip Hop scene and founder of HTRE, the first publicly-traded Hip Hop Company, will be bringing his own high powered all-star team to Houston. Among others working at All-Star Weekend on behalf of Team H3 will be Company Chairman and Creative Director, George "I Want My MTV" Lois, the incomparable NY adman behind the best known culture changing campaigns of modern times; Former NBA Champion and noted Black Vegas business and construction giant, Jackie Robinson, Director of H3's West Coast Operations; Co-founder Jamar "J Niice" McNeil who is Clear Channel and Cleveland's #1 DJ and personal friend to many of Cleveland's elite athletes, Lou "The Idol Maker" Pearlman, who recently got involved with HTRE as a Florida Area Developer and significant financial backer; and Harlem's Gift To Street Ball and Team H3, "Whole Lotta Game" aka "A Butta" aka "Hollywood A" aka Adrian Walton, 3-time EBC Champion and a member of H3's double-overtime victims to Black Wall Street in this year's classic Championship game. Hollywood will invite everyone present to "put up or shut up" in his one-on-one NBA Live Challenge. "I've already kicked a whole lotta NBA ass at Rucker and now I'll torture 'em in CyberSpace," said the usually soft-spoken Walton.

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Certain information included herein may contain statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results.

Contact: 877-H3-Hiphop ask for Public Relations

http://www.hiphopsodashop.com/

Source: H3Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Public Relations: 877-H3-Hiphop

Web site: http://www.hiphopsodashop.com/
http://www.h3inc.com/