E-Spire Entertainment News

Don't forget to stop by the new site for your latest in entertainment news.

eSpot - The Entertainment Spot (formerly E-Spire Entertainment News): http://www.espot.wordpress.com/

eSpot Entertainment news has been updated. Check out the site:
www.espot.wordpress.com

Ledisi Lost and Found CD
Jamie Foxx Presents America’s Funniest Comics Vol. 3
Rick Ross - Rise to Power
Talib Kweli Eardrum Review
The Nanny Diaries

and so much more at eSpot - The Entertainment Spot (www.espot.wordpress.com).

eSpot Interview with actor Darrin Henson - Live and UnCut

Don't forget to stop by the new site for your latest in entertainment news.

eSpot - The Entertainment Spot (formerly E-Spire Entertainment News): http://www.espot.wordpress.com/

Don't forget to stop by the new site for your latest in entertainment news.

eSpot - The Entertainment Spot (formerly E-Spire Entertainment News): www.espot.wordpress.com

Just an update to let you know I've started posting over on the new site. Please bookmark it and stop on by.

Also, for those who leave comments at the new site, you'll be eligible to win one of several contests going on between now and the end of August. Prizes: Rush Hour 3 gift pack or CD from the brand new recording artist Ledisis ( http://espot.wordpress.com/2007/08/21/rave-reviews-for-ledisis-lost-and-found/).

Stop on by and surf around at www.espot.wordpress.com.

It's that time of year again. As you prepare for your return to school or your child's return to school, you'll be needing to purchase a backpack. For quality, get the Jansport brand. It's durable and stylish and most importantly dependable. Whether you're young or old; male or female, Jansport has the style for you. Jansport has a variety of styles and colors. To learn more about Jansport, visit their website at: http://www.jansport.com/js_tbsp_landing.php.
The Jansport brand is available at a store near you.

Children in my family use Jansport. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national bestselling author of Paige's Web and Double Platinum

Five Questions with Author Monica Carter By Kisha Green

What was the premise for you writing your novel Sacrifice The One?

I wanted to tell a story of love and sacrifice. The story that turned out ended up being a family drama encompassing love and sacrifice, but a whole lot more. Sacrifice the One asks the question: Is there any sacrifice too great for love? And we're not just talking about the romantic love of a guy and a girl, but the desire we all have to be accepted into another's heart. For some, it's the quest for love from a romantic interest. For others, it's the quest for love from a parent. In this book, we see both.

Describe your writing life? You do freelance writing as well as the daily operations of your business. How do you find the time?

I find the time because I love what I do. You know that old saying: do what you love and it won't feel like work? Well, I do what I love and so it certainly does not feel like work. I have the wonderful opportunity to run a copywriting and design firm, RootSky Creative, LLC, with my husband. So I can be found working all hours of the day -- 11 p.m. feels just as good as 11 a.m. Now, granted, I don't do a lot of very early mornings because I work late at night. But that's the beauty of my work: I don't have to get up and go to somebody's 9 to 5 and punch a clock. I get the opportunity to work on projects of my choosing, on my schedule ... well, pretty much on my schedule. Sometimes I have clients who come to me for rush projects and I do work to accommodate that.

You ask how do I balance writing as well as the daily operations of my business. Writing is a business, and I treat it as such. Many people view writing as their pained art, too revered and precious to be considered in the same sentence with money. To me, my writing is my money. God gives us all gifts to make our way in this world, and I want to use my gift to the best of my ability so that I can have a good life and in turn, share with others and support causes and projects I believe in.

Because I do so many types of writing, I had to learn how to balance my approach to it. When I am writing a project of my own, such as one of my books or my newspaper column where I will have a byline, then I approach projects one way. But when I am writing something for someone else and it is going to be a piece under their name or company, then I know I cannot approach that project in the same way. It's not mine; I'm just someone helping along the way.

I feel blessed to be able to help clients write their books, because many of these are projects that have been on their hearts for years, yet they could not find a way to get them done. Not many people want to stay in the background as a ghostwriter, because we human beings do like our credit, but for me, staying in the background here is fine because I know I am helping someone achieve a dream. The same goes for the work I do in helping people put together projects to help promote their works. Not all writing is about the writer. Sometimes, it's about helping someone else out.

From the organizational standpoint, I'm pretty low-tech. I just keep a sticky note with my to-do list on it. That helps me make sure I'm taking care of the business end of what I do -- project quotes, follow ups, client calls, etc.

Being a motivational speaker you must come across an assortment of people, do you ever consider writing a story from any of those experiences?

I am always considering writing a story about something I encounter. Some story ideas I file away, others I discard nearly as quickly as they occur to me. But yes, I'm always interested in what's going on around me.

I write a regular column for my local newspaper, so I sometimes use elements from my life, though I've toned that down quite a lot! When I started writing the column at 25, I wasn't sure what all went into a column, so I just wrote what was going on with me and those around me -- a recipe for trouble! It was fun for a while and I had a large readership doing that, but I eventually decided I wanted to limit the amount of personal life I included in the newspaper -- after all, I didn't need people knowing so much about me! So now I look for things I find interesting in the news, community, or pop culture and write about them.

When did you decide to pen your first novel?

Hmmm. I decided to pen my first novel when I decided I'd be a writer, back in the fourth grade. I knew I would do it, it was just a matter of when I'd get around to it. So I finally sat down somewhere around 25 or 26 and wrote As If Nothing Happened, a story about best friends who let secrets come between them. I self published that in 2002 at 27 and then in 2004 self published my second novel, Sacrifice the One, a story of a father and daughter struggling to come together, but having a hard time getting over their own complicated emotions. Sacrifice the One was picked up by Urban Christian/Kensington and republished in April 2007. I'm thrilled about that opportunity, especially as it means sharing the book with a wider audience because of the great distribution this publisher has.

I'm amazed at the feedback I receive from those who read Sacrifice the One, because it elicits such an emotional response in so many people who can identify with the characters in the book struggling through hurt, rejection, and trying to fit forgiveness in their hearts. Sacrifice the One is a faith-themed book because it allows the characters to search their souls for the answers to their hurts. And that's true for many of us. If we will listen to that inner voice in our hearts instead of just lashing out, we can resolve our issues in a much better way. This book has an inspirational message for the human spirit.

What are your long term literary goals?

My long-term literary goals are to produce good books that strike a chord with readers. I plan to be around a long time, so I am going for longevity in both fiction and nonfiction. I love telling stories that come from the imagination through novels, but I also have certain information I want to share so I can help others. My nonfiction projects include motivation, education, and enlightenment so I help people live better lives.

And, of course, I do want to have a few best sellers in there somewhere -- who wouldn't?

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your work. I appreciate your time and that of your readers. I always enjoy sharing information about the business of writing. If you or your readers need other information, feel free to visit http://www.rootskycreative.com/, or drop me an e-mail at monica@rootskycreative.com.

Interview by Kisha Green. To learn more about Kisha, visit her website: www.divabooksinconline.com.

Constantine Maroulis talents were showcased on the CBS soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful." I'm a fan of the show and didn't realize until I got the CD, that Constantine was an ex-American Idol contestant. Listeners won't be disappointed. The track "Girl Like You," "Everybody Loves," "Fading into You," and "So Long," are my favorite songs on the 12 track CD.

Constantine has been wooing fans on the hit CBS Daytime Soap The Bold and the Beautiful all summer playing the role as "Constantine." Fortunatey for fans, Mr. Bell saw Constantine, loved one of his songs and asked him to be on the show. Constantine's no stranger to acting. He grew up in theater. He was acting long before he made his debut on American Idol a few years ago.

Post-Idol has seen Constantine touring, hosting shows on MTV on Yahoo, starring in plays and on TV. He now has a hit CD with his self-titled CD Constantine. Constantine could have easily gotten with a major label, but decided to release his first solo album independently.

Fans of Constantine should be on the look out for a tour. He says, "I love being on the road. I love meeting new people."

About his personal life. Constantine says, "I'm not married, but I'm dating and having a good time."

As the youngest of three, Constantine's family is behind him 100 percent. "My immediate and extended family have been very supportive," says Constantine. "The Greek community has been supportive."

Constantine doesn't seem to be slowing down. He hasn't had a vacation since 2000, but he doesn't mind. With his music and acting, Constantine enjoys both and enjoys being busy as long as he can do one or the other or both.

"Constantine is proof there's success after Idol. He's gained a new fan." ~ Shelia M Goss, entertainment writer and author of Paige's Web and My Invisible Husband.

These two music artists put together a CD with a collection of songs that will take you back down memory lane. Listeners will get a chance to enjoy the mixture of old school music with some of today's top music stars. This review is short and simple. If you like the original version of the songs and if you like the current sound of Joss Stone & Avril Lavigne, then you can't go wrong by adding "Influences" to your music collection. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer & national best-selling author of Paige's Web and Double Platinum.

Track Listing For Joss Stone - Influences

“Please, Please, Please” James Brown
“I Can’t Stand The Rain” Ann Peebles
“Never Too Much” Luther Vandross
“No Diggity” Blackstreet
“Devil’s Pie” D’Angelo
“Lovin’ You” Minnie Riperton
“I’ve Got Love On My Mind” Natalie Cole
“Put Your Records On” Corinne Bailey Rae
“Me And Mrs. Jones” Billy Paul
“Let’s Stay Together” Al Green
“I Only Want To Be With You”Dusty Springfield
“Ain’t No Way” Aretha Franklin

Track Listing For Avril Lavigne – Influences

“Anthem Part Two” Blink 182
“Sing Sing Death House” The Distillers
“This Is The New *hit” Marilyn Manson
“All I Really Want” Alanis Morissette
“Iris” Goo Goo Dolls
“Dreams” The Cranberries
“Tubthumping” Chumbawamba
“Sugar, Sugar” The Archies
“I Get Around” The Beach Boys
“Me And Bobby McGee” Janis Joplin

http://www.target.com http://180music.com/

Bestselling Author Launches Multimedia Company

2007 will be an extremely busy year for Linda Dominique Grosvenor. Her multimedia company Princess Dominique Multimedia (www.PrincessDominiqueMultimedia.com ) officially launches with a soiree in New York City this Fall, but she will also release two long-awaited books, begin filming her documentary 'The Black List' this summer, and continues to maintain a hip and edgy pop culture blog at PrincessDominique.com/blog--this multi-dimensional phenom couldn't be happier.

For almost ten years as the literary industry tweaked itself and came up with creative sub-genres to accommodate new trends, Linda Dominique Grosvenor had taken a back seat, while those who hadn't even picked up a pen when she was totaling sales in the thousands of copies of her self-published debut novel, came onto the scene and garnered the spotlight. She's spent the past three years creating a multimedia plan and polishing up her 8th novel. Her love of the written word and letters from readers who are discovering her past novels are what helps her forge on. "People tell me all the time that I have a universal writing style, it's not dated with slang and other terminology. Some say that my books are more like modern classics and I love the idea of writing that way. I can still remember books I read in my teens. Twenty years from now I still want readers to be able to relate to my stories that way and I pray they leave that kind of legacy for generations to come."

Although her second novel Like Boogie On Tuesday assisted with launching Sepia Books (BET) in 2001 and the sequel Fever followed in 2002, she was determined that there was still a place in the market for stories that didn't use wild sex or drugs kingpins as its selling point. "Don't get me wrong, I love creating seductive scenes just as much as the next person, however, the true art of seduction is to get readers part of the way and then let them turn off the lights and roll over with their significant other and make it come to life for themselves." Having offered her novels to several start-up companies that didn't have the marketing savvy to garner her independent releases the recognition they deserved, she confesses, "I've been generous to a fault. I offered my talent to more than just a few companies, but with no stake in the companies other than royalties from the sale of the books, I've finally decided it was time to implement a long-overdue idea--Princess Dominique Multimedia."

In 2005 Grosvenor founded Princess Dominique Multimedia (www.princessdominiquemultimedia.com ) and launched the publishing division with her non-fiction book for singles The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate in April 2007, which was met with an energetic reception from a ready audience. On the heels of her acclaimed collection of poetry Love Lingers to which Black Issues Book Review touted her, "an apprentice of language" she is slated to release Body Language; her sophomore collection that poetry-lovers across the U.S. have been anxiously anticipating. Currently seeking well-written fiction titles for possible publication, the new multimedia company will re-release Grosvenor's sixth novel The Hamptons (the first book in a 3-part chick-lit styled series) in paperback. This will be the third book in the company's 2007 line up.

"I'm not limiting my work to Princess Dominique Multimedia, that's why I'm currently on my third agent," she says. "I'm a writer and I will always find a variety of ways to express myself. A lot of things have ended for me, but there are plenty of things that have started over brand new for me in this season of my life, and this company is one. I've been soured on the idea of a partnership, so, Princess Dominique Multimedia is my baby and my goal is to use my 10 years of marketing and promotion experience and develop products in the vein of what I find fascinating; work by novelists such as Jenoyne Adams, Colin Channer and Sandra Cisneros and musicians like Maxwell, Alicia Keys and Teena Marie. I want my company to produce more of the same. Princess Dominique Multimedia is taking me places I've never been before. It has a film division too. I just love having the options. In this day and age, you need them!"

Linda Dominique Grosvenor has made her foray into non-fiction with the inspirational smash hit The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate. The author of several popular novels including the summer sizzler The Hamptons, she maintains a popular online advice column at AskPrincessDominique.com and a pop culture blog at PrincessDominique.com/blog. Visit her at www.LindaDominiqueGrosvenor.com and browse the submission criteria for her multimedia company at www.PrincessDominiqueMultimedia.com.

eSpire Entertainment News will be migrating over to eSpot - The Entertainment Spot...a place where you get your entertainment news, interviews and reviews!

Wordpress is easier to navigate and it's easier for you all to keep track of comments.

I'll be doing dual posts on here until we all get used to being over at eSpot.

Here's the new link: www.espot.wordpress.com.

New Line Cinema's RUSH HOUR 3 starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker will be in theaters on August 10, 2007.

As a reader of eSpire, you have a chance to win one of many prizes--Rush Hour 3 T-shirts, Baseball Caps and Tattoos.

If you're signed up to the eSpire mailing list, you're automatically entered. If not, click on the image below or the link to sign up to the mailing list.



Sign Up to eSpire Mailing List

Celebrity News and Gossip

Five Questions with Kerry Wagner
By eSpire writer Kisha Green

In the literary world there are numerous obstacles one has to overcome if he or she intends to be a success. Often times enough, authors do not get their just due and will sometimes release a book and because of bad marketing (or no marketing) these books, as well as the authors, go unknown. Well, for author Kerry E. Wagner, failure was not an option. He came through the literary doors demanding R-E-S-P-E-C-T. While some backed away from this man for his "in your face" persona; at the end of the day, Kerry has the mentality of “if it don’t make cents then it won't make dollars!"

KG: Kerry, give the readers a little background on who you are.
KW: I'm just your regular ole' Joe with hopes, dreams and aspirations like anybody else. Nothing more, nothing less and I guess I am partial to grounded people as such. Not bothering anybody, not out to hurt anyone. Just trying to master my mistakes fast enough, so that eventually they will become lessons. Keeping my options open, maximizing some opportunities if possible and making sense out of nothing so that I don't get too discouraged. A simple cat that some want to make complicated. Those are the ones who don't understand dedication. Kerry Wagner is just a bad boy trying to not do well, just better. I am very approachable if you are genuine. I am ABSOLUTELY NOT APPROACHABLE when you are condescending. I'm going to strip you of that bulls*** so we're on aa even playin' field potna...ERRY'TIME..

KG: When did you decide that you could actually write a book?
KW: I didn’t; somebody else did. I was writing as a form of therapy after being incarcerated. A good friend of mine, Willie D of the Ghetto Boys, picked me up when I was released. We were hanging out and I let him hear a few chapters, He was blown away apparently after knowing me all that time and not knowing of this gift. I initially was against the whole idea. I have this thing about trying to be accepted amongst peers who don't want to accept you. It's a total turn off for me and even more waste of time and energy. Not something I would suggest to anyone. But he insisted that I do it my way...with my voice and uniqueness. He exclaimed, "NO ONE TALKS THE WAY YOU DO MAN!...Write how you talk , you move people "Wag." Willie is not typically impressed by too much of anything, so for him to exude that type of energy behind and express backing it. He sort of was the catalyst behind it. I basically experimented with the idea. That's why it says "Limited Edition in the top right corner." Having the presence of mind to test market it first turned out to be one of the better strategy moves we did. Now I know exactly what to give them; along with giving them a piece of me to set myself apart from the rest. I love and am more proud of the fact that even amongst avid readers, the one thing they will say about my style is, "It has its own voice, nothing out there like it." That is a bigger compliment than it is a good book to me. Only one Kerry and the hard part about it is, I know it can't be duplicated. What you are getting from me has my personality and character all over it. You are going to know me in a way you were not prepared to when I'm through with you.

KG: Describe your writing life, what is a typical day like for you?
KW: Well as you know, I am self published. So I work for me completely. When you have books, it's like you have your job. When you don't have the books, it's like you lost it. So it is very important for me to have more books than I can sell out this round. I ran out a lot with the Limited Edition version of "She Did That." I rather be the guy out there hustling books, making a full profit than messing around online making a little one. Less drama also, online is the breeding grounds for drama. You have to know how to let that roll right off. Otherwise it will consume you to a negative. I love the sport of hustling my own books, creating my own destiny, fulfilling my fantasies and desires as oppose to just day dreaming about it. It makes me feel alive; the art of the deal is bliss to me. I was built for this part of the game. This is where I make my mark. NO ONE is going to out work me...I won't allow it. I am not a fan of thinking about it. I DO IT! The completion, the set backs, the obstacles and the bounce back all play a major part in my confidence level right now. I don't care to ask for any help in the game. I came prepared this time. When I run out of gas in my car along the way of this journey, I got my motorcycle ready and gassed up. When my motorcycle runs out of gas, I got my bicycle ready. When that tire goes flat, I got my skate board on stand by. When that breaks in half, I got my tennis shoes laced up. When I done wore a hole in them, I got some knee pads ready...I'll crawl. And when I can't crawl no more, you know I am dead. I'm going where I'm going, because I'm willing to die trying. Can you match that? I ain't asking nobody for near breath to hang around here any longer than I'm suppose to be. I am quite comfortable with making due with the time God is, has and will allow me. I ain't making no excuses...I'm just gonna get it done and anybody around me will have to understand that attitude if they don't happen to have it. You better get it, ain't anything halfway about me!

KG: So there is a lot of buzz about your debut novel She Did That why do you think that was?
KW: Because of my resourcefulness, because I learned from my mistakes in the rap game and applied and turned it into a lesson in the literary game. Having the presence of mind again to understand the psyche of the consumer, understand characteristics of humans and especially females...applying that. TARGETING MY AUDIENCE was and is deliberate and the key to any successful anything. You have a product is one thing, knowing when and where the audience is for it is PARAMOUNT. I didn't have Christians in mind when I wrote this book. So I don't hang out outside of churches trying to sell the book ya know? I know where my audience is and I have learned to make the necessary adjustments for that audience that is just outside of my demographics. Can't alter too much, you will loose it that way. Got to stay in the confines and of what will definitely work for you and not against you. At least deal in the PROBABILITY...never the possibility when dealing in business. 50/50 is never good odds to operate under trust me. 75/100 is better. Ain't it? Just look at it. But that 100/100 is what I strive for. I'm gonna make that deal every f***ing time without hesitation. Like I said, an offer you can't refuse and I also apply that when offering a consumer. You gonna see the benefit to that purchase when I'm done with your a**. Gonna be hard not to buy that book from me. It’s hard to not buy this. You glued to this interview, captivated, mesmerized and it's even better in person. I'm a hard act to follow...and where this takes practice for someone else...it comes natural to me. I'm built for this...simple as that. Yet I don't mind sharing the info or resources I have with anyone. Don't have to be intimidated by anyone or anything. There's only one me and I'm being that where as everyone else is trying to be someone else. THERE IS ONLY ONE OF YOU TOO! Do that to the fullest and find a few people who are interested and the rest will gravitate towards that. Like-mindedness is as like-mindedness does...promise!

KG: Tell us about your novel She Did That.
KW: She Did That is basically a love story. It is a classic relationship drama filled with pearls of wisdom in the form of riddles to keep the reader engaged and interested. It's not an erotic story. Some of the chapters required some intense visualization and that to some readers seemed to overtake the whole story line (lol) It’s a book about life, love and responsibility, pain, tragedy, and triumph. You wanna know what men think as oppose to what we say, it’s in there. You wanna believe that a situation and circumstance don't control any and everyone...it's in there ...and WE all love to say what we will and will not go through or will not do. YOU A LIE...and I can prove it and I dare you to take the challenge...It's all in the there. No way around these characters, now most of us try to disassociate ourselves from them...unless they were and or are someone we care about GENUINELY. He might not have been your boyfriend, but he was your sisters. He was your brother, uncle, nephew and most undeniably if you are blessed to have more than one. He will be YOUR son...one day if he hasn't been already. I will find the compassion in your soul and rob you of it with this read. You might be cold initially, but you will bleed, by the end, a warm, caring, compassionate, human, thick, rich hillbilly blood before it's over with. All by design.

Readers can reach Kerry E Wagner by sending an email kerrywagner@hotmail.com or visiting one of his websites: www.myspace.com/kerryewagnerlive or http://www.shedidthat.com/

To order your copy of She Did That, go to: http://www.shedidthat.com/Order_Now.html

Interview by Kisha Green. To learn more about Kisha, visit her website: www.divabooksinconline.com.

California native, Leroy Powell will bring his old-time-country-and-blues-with-a-little-bit-of-old-school-rock-thrown-in-for-good-measure sound, to a digital player near you with the release of his self-titled solo debut album LEROY POWELL on July 31 on all major digital music service providers.

Best known as lead guitarist for the SHOOTER JENNINGS’ BAND, the .357’s, Leroy finally made the time to record his own album in 2006. The 11 song album features the single “Keep the Diamond”, “I Go To Extremes” and “Vacation.” Notably, the video for “Keep the Diamond” was co-directed by actress GINA GERSHON and ROBIN DAVEY of the band The Bastard Fairies.

Described in a recent interview by Guitar Player Magazine as having, "half his riffs smell like beer and honky-tonks, while the other half sound like redneck cousins of Led Zeppelin," Powell combined the many musical influences he's been surrounded by over the years to create an, "honest, tell it like it is" album that will appeal to both his fans from Shooter as well as new ones.

Originally a tenor saxophone player, Leroy started playing guitar at the age of 10. He started his first band at the age of 12 with his brother Chris (with whom he still plays). He started playing guitar, harmonica, pedal steel, and vocals with SHOOTER JENNINGS in 2003. He went on to record four SHOOTER JENNINGS albums, as well as touring regularly with the band. He also has several original cuts on those records, including "Lonesome Blues," "Hair of the Dog," "The Alligator Chomp" (performed by TONY JOE WHITE), "Slow Train" (on the new record, sung with THE OAKRIDGE BOYS). His song, "Busted in Baylor County," was featured in the movie "The Dukes of Hazzard." His touring with Shooter has allowed him to share the stage with the likes of WILLIE NELSON, HANK JR, DAVID ALLANCOE and LYNYRD SKYNRD. And he wrote the single, "Dream," for R&B artist, ALICE SMITH. Leroy played all of the guitars on the upcoming posthumous WAYLON JENNINGS album. In addition, LEROY produced, co-wrote, and played for GINA GERSHON's upcoming album In Search of Cleo set for release on August 28.

"It's about time I started singing my own songs" - Leroy

http://www.leroypowell.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wwwleroypowellcom

# # #

Geffen Records is proud to present the debut EP from Emmy Rossum. Available now.

“Slow Me Down” Streaming Audio Links:
Real Player

Windows Media

Official Site:
http://www.geffen.com/emmyrossum

MySpace Page:
http://www.Myspace.com/emmyrossum

The best fiction is always based in some truth, even if the truth hasn’t
happened yet. 17 year-old rapper K-Smith has already lived a life that has
entertained millions. The nephew of box office superstar and Grammy Award
winning MC, Will Smith, K is intimately acquainted with the character his uncle
popularized on television.

After cutting his teeth at local shows K-Smith is putting the finishing touches
on his debut album, Streetz to Hollywood. The first single, “Better Man”
features a lady-pleasing cameo from Omarion and establishes K-Smith as a
charismatic young talent that is eager to make his own mark on the music
industry.

For more info on K Smith, check out http://www.myspace.com/ksmithmovement.

K Smith is on tour.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007
Venue:
Indiana State Fair Grounds
1202 East 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5
HUEY
HURRICANE CHRIS

LOUISVILLE, THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007
Venue:
Kroger
2710 West Broadway
28th & Broadway

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5
LIL MAMA

CINCINNATI, FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2007
Venue:
Music Hall
Ballroom
1241 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5
MIMS

MACON, GA MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
Venue:
Georgia Music Hall of Fame
200 MLK Jr Blvd.
Macon, GA 31201

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5

RALEIGH, TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007
Venue:
Chris Leith Chevrolet

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5
HURRICANE CHRIS
RICH BOY

RICHMOND, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007
Venue:
Richmond International Raceway
600 Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5
CHRIS BROWN
HURRICANE CHRIS
RICH BOY
DJ UNK

WASHINGTON, DC, FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007 (FINALE)
Venue:
Union Station

Artists:
K Smith
Kin Folks
Eric Darnell
Yung Berg
Alliance
Cupid
Al Fats
B5

Madi B
Street G.E.D. In Stores Now!
Anytime Records
www.myspace.com/mrmadib

My Money's Long Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCbsLcSLm6s

Kia Shine
Due Season - In Stores Now
Universal Motown
www.myspace.com/kiashine

Hear Single "Krispy:"
Windows Media
Real Player

About Kia Shine

As the 2007 recipient of the Southern Entertainment Award for the Independent Artist of the Year, Memphis based recording artist Kia Shine has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with. Kia Shine is a major figure on the South’s hip-hop underground scene. Now with his national debut on Universal Motown Records entitled Due Season Kia Shine is finally stepping up to take his rightful place in the hip-hop world.

Born in and raised in Memphis’ infamous Frazier neighborhood, Kia Shine witnessed first hand the devastating effect that drugs and poverty had on his community. “When I think about Frazier I think about New Jack City,” says Kia. “I remember when there wasn’t any such thing as crack and I remember when it first came into the neighborhood and how it was affected. It looked like you were either selling it or your folks were using it.” Thankfully Kia Shine was able to resist the temptation of the cheap high and the fast money that crack offered many ghetto youth. “I knew God had bigger plans for me. It just took me a little bit longer to realize that music was the thing that he wanted me to do.”

While it may have taken him a while to figure out that music was his true calling, it was always a huge part of his life. He grew up listening great soul artist like David Ruffin, Willie Hutch and Womack & Womack and classic hip-hop by pioneers artists like Eric B & Rakim, Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five and Kurtis Blow. This music had a profound impact on him as a youth and would eventually mold Kia Shine into the artist/producer he is today.

But before Kia Shine answered the call to be a rapper/producer he first answered to the call of corporate America, working for the casino conglomerate Harris Entertainment. He did well with the company, eventually earning a promotion that would have taken him to company’s headquarters in Las Vegas. But at that point the call to music was too loud for him to ignore.

In 1998, Kia Shine’s little brother’s L.I. wanted to release a record. Kia Shine invested his own money and poured himself into his brother’s project from start to finish. Later that year the group dropped their album on a local label called Diamond Cut, which was distributed by Select-O-Hits through a deal procured by Kia Shine. Although the record wasn’t a huge hit locally, it opened many doors for Kia Shine. As luck would have it, a Universal Motown executive was in town trying to sign a local artist and bumped into the budding producer. Impressed with Kia Shine’s business savvy and entrepreneurship the executive urged him to come to New York and play some music for him.

“At that time I was working on [L.I.’s] third album,” recalls Kia Shine. “So I went up to New York to try and let him hear the music. He didn’t really like the music but he liked one of the beats. I sold him that beat and came back and signed every hot producer that I could find in the city. I even bought some equipment and started making beats myself.”

Kia Shine also teamed up with another burgeoning entrepreneur Jack Frost and formed Rap Hustlers Entertainment. Using buddy passes for Northwest Airlines Kia Shine would fly to New York and sell beats to high profile recording artists like Jersey Mone, Juvenile, 8 Ball and Ludacris. His work led to a production deal with Ruff Ryders and a publishing deal with Universal Music. He also went back to his independent roots in Memphis and signed some of the city’s biggest underground artists, including TVT recording artist Yo Gotti, La Chat, Kingpin Skinny Pimp, Criminal Mane and Gangster Blac. Through indie deals with Koch and various other joint ventures Rap hustlers managed to sell over 200,000 units, making them one of Memphis’ most successful independent labels, but things soon fell apart. “At one point my company was going through some hard times,” explains Kia Shine. “I lost a lotta money recording for various artists, but I never got paid for my work. All my artists left me and before I knew it I was broke. God says do it yourself so that’s what I did.”

Making the transition from producer to rapper was a natural progression for Kia Shine. In the past three years Kia Shine has featured on some of the South’s biggest underground hits like “TVs,” featuring 8 Ball and Kingpin Skinny Pimp “Dirty South Soldiers” featuring Lil Jon and “Round & Round” featuring Mike Jones. When he dropped the club banger “Respect My Fresh” the public was more than ready to receive their Kia Shine with open arms. They were even more receptive when he dropped “I Be Everywhere.” The song garnered over 5,000 Media Based spins. The buzz around Kia Shine piqued the interest of Universal Motown Records which promptly signed him to an unprecedented deal to release his debut CD Due Season.

Due Season contains a bevy of bass-laded, trunk-rattling beats, catchy hooks and extra fresh rhymes that makes the album a unique listening experience. The CD is filled with club friendly joint like the blazing “I Be Everywhere,” featuring Jim Jones, an ultra hyper song with a thunderous bass line and a dark gothic strings that play a haunting melody. “Respect My Fresh,” is a funky ditty about Kia Shine’s reputation for wearing the freshest gear including his own line of high end sneakers called Traffic Jams. Built around a bubbling bass line, an arresting guitar riff and a pounding 808 beat, “Respect My Fresh” is one of the flyiest jams on the album. He continues to flaunt his fresh on the slamming heaters “Krispy” and “Wow.” Replete with bangers like these, Due Season proves emphatically that Kia Shine’s time to shine is right now.

“Last year I made people respect my fresh,” says Kia Shine. “This year I made them respect my grind.”

ABOUT SEAN KINGSTON

Sean Kingston, a 17 year old native of Jamaica, is not just a new face in popular music; he’s accomplished the rare task of creating a new genre where rap, reggae, dancehall, pop, a touch of doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combine into something totally fresh. Add in Sean’s family roots which cite Jamaican legendary producer Jack Ruby as his grandfather and reggae king Buju Banton as a close family friend and you have one of the most exciting debuts this year. And while hip-hop lyrics have sparked the biggest debate in years, Sean finds himself in the center of the controversy - but not where you might think. The teen prefers to show his creativity without using profanity.

It’s no wonder then that Sean is quickly becoming a household name with his first single “Beautiful Girls,” a song cross-pollinating on both urban and pop radio stations coast to coast. The unmistakable hit boasts the instant hook of “Stand by Me” which acts like a muse for the song produced by savant J.R. Rotem. Sean is the first signing on J.R.’s label Beluga Heights and his debut album Sean Kingston is due out on July 31 on Beluga Heights/Epic.

“I heard the track ‘Stand by Me,’ one night in the studio, the radio was on. I asked J.R., did anybody ever use this sample? He made the beat right there on the spot and I wrote the words down while he played it back to me. I loved the way it turned out and I think my sound is a lot different than what else is out there. It all just worked and we knew we had something special with the track. I’m also singing about something people can relate – being in love and this other person who you think is your world tells you they want to end the relationship.”

Kingston wants to make it clear that he is no cookie cutter artist that has the songs laid out for him. He comes up with 100 percent of his lyrics. Sean also understands that at 17 years old and making urban music he has a responsibility to fans, “With this album I thought it was important to not use curse words or negative slang that might offend people. I write my own songs so it’s like if I can write a great track without using those words than that’s the style for me.” Sean continues, “As an artist, my whole goal is to make powerful and classic album. I want everyone to feel my music and understand my heritage and that’s what this album will do. The music is all about the authentic Sean Kingston vibe. JR is a talented dude and a dope producer and he saw that I had something different to offer from other artists out there. Together we’re a powerful force and I’m ready to share it with the world.”

Sean talks about J.R. more like a big brother, rather than an Executive Producer of his album. Couple of years ago, Kingston started randomly hitting music industry contacts on MySpace. Although none of the A&R reps responded, Rotem emailed him back. J.R. almost had no choice. “Sean would hit me up at least three times a day!” J.R. says.

“He had a real distinct sound,” Rotem remembers. “I worked with some of the best and I don’t see why Sean can’t grow to be one of them. His potential is limitless.” Rotem invited Sean for a meeting in Los Angeles; coincidentally the young performer was already in the process of moving to California. Shortly after their initial meeting, Rotem had a flagship artist for his Epic records joint venture, Beluga Heights. For Sean, it was almost like a prophecy beginning to be fulfilled. Not only is music his love, it is in his blood. Now Kingston says he’s looking forward to making music and living out his dream.

In just a short time, Kingston has already done what few in his age bracket can accomplish - get people excited about music again. His album is shaping up to be filled with a string of hits including “Me Love,” “Got No Shorty,” “There’s Nothin’” featuring Paula DeAnda, “I Can Feel It” and “Take You There.”

Perhaps one of the most eye opening tracks is “Dry Your Eyes” where Sean visits the hardship of watching his mother and sister be sent to prison when he was just 15 years-old. He sings to his mother to not let herself be saddened that she’s away from the family and to know that they’re always there for her.

“I always had my sister and my brother,” he began to explain. “My brother was there but he was running around doing his own thing most of the time. When my mother and sister went away, it took a lot out of me. My sister went away for four months and my mom has been away for over a year. When she went away, I was like ‘nah man, this is too much.’ I was only 14. I missed her like crazy but I pulled through and used it as my motivation. “Dry Your Eyes” is a defining song on the album for me because it touches on something that’s very personal to me. The dope melody that’s on there makes me feel even closer to it.”

Sean has a certified hip-hop knocker on his hands with the reggae remix of “Colors” (2007) which features the legendary Vybz Kartel and the always profound Kardinal Offishall and will appear on Sean’s album as a bonus track. “Unity and representation is where Colors came from,” Kingston elaborated. “The song is about representing whatever flag that you’re loyal to – whether it is Jamaica, the States, your block etc. It’s a lifestyle record that can be a street anthem no matter where you’re from and where you at now. The reggae version came up because I knew I had to do one special for my native Jamaica. The first person I thought of was Vybz Kartel. His verse came out crazy. Then Kardinal, that’s my homie, really attacked the track.”

“In the future I want to have my own label and work on the business side,” he said. “I went to acting school when I was younger, so I want to get into that. I want to get into every aspect of the business. It took me a little while to develop and build my sound, to find out who the real Sean Kingston was. I didn’t know if I wanted to harmonize, or to rap. But I found out that I can do it all.”

LEDISI
LOST & FOUND
IN STORES AUGUST 28
VERVE MUSIC GROUP
www.myspace.com/ledisi

LOST AND FOUND showcases the multi-talented artist who co-produced all of the songs with veteran music producer/composer Rex Rideout, Jamey Jaz, Mano Hanes, Lorenzo Johnson, and her longtime producing and writing partner Sundra Manning, with whom she formed LeSun Music the independent label which released her two earlier projects.

Each song on LOST AND FOUND is a poignant look at life and love in all its phases – whether it’s an examination of what it means to fall in love with one’s “Best Friend,” or the disappointment and sense of defeat that accompanies the decision to call it quits, “I Tried,”(which features Errol Cooney on guitar), or the sensual, R&B-drenched “In The Morning,” each track expresses a particular point-of-view and is an honest outpouring of Ledisi’s heart – both as an artist and as a woman. The first single, “Alright,” is a life-affirming message of comfort, warmth, and reassurance that will remind the listener that no matter what, in the end, everything will be alright. The title track features Ledisi’s textured vocals showcased against the simple accompaniment of Rex Rideout on piano and Karen Briggs on violin.

LOST AND FOUND is a sonic mélange of jazz, classic R&B, and scat, all fused with rib-thumping bottom notes of unadulterated funk and gospel, and Ledisi moves fluidly between these genres, mixing it up to create a flavorful aural Gumbo that is melodically lush, lyrically appealing and unabashedly soulful. After hearing it, music aficionados will understand why Stephen Holden of The New York Times said: “Her voice is her own portable playground.”

Nate Herr, General Manager of The Verve Music Group enthused: “Artists like Ledisi come along so rarely. She is a peerless singer whose many talents are matched only by her remarkable spirit. Verve is a label with an incredibly rich legacy, and Ledisi is the kind of artist who will enhance that legacy in the years to come.”

Prior to recording LOST AND FOUND, Ledisi made the move from her home base of Oakland to New York where she played a pivotal role in inspiring characters and musical compositions during the development of Oprah Winfrey’s stage adaptation of THE COLOR PURPLE. More recently, Ledisi performed “Blues in the Night” as part of the talent line-up that appeared in the PBS special “We All Love Ella.” Ledisi’s cover of “Blues in the Night” was previously recorded for the companion CD with Phil Ramone serving as the project’s executive producer.

Later this year, Ledisi will appear in Leatherheads, a feature film starring George Clooney.

Check out her brand new single, "It's Alright":
http://verve.edgeboss.net/wmedia/verve/ledisi/alright.wax

COMMON
"Finding Forever"
G.O.O.D Music / Geffen Records
http://www.common-music.com/
http://www.myspace.com/common

COMMON - "The People" (prod. by Kanye West)
Window

COMMON - "The Game" (prod. by Kanye West with scratches by DJ Premier)
Window
Real

NOW That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 25 features current chart favorites from superstar artists like Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, T-Pain, Beyounce and Shakira, Fergie, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson. Also included are huge hits from hot newcomers like Huey, Boys Like Girls, Lloyd, Mims and Elliot Yamin.

Head to your local Walmart store or check out www.walmart.com to pick up the NOW That's What I Call Music! Volume 25 exclusive CD, featuring a bonus access card for 27 exclusive downloads and 32 bonus streams, a behind-the-scenes look at your favorite artists and a sneak peek at tomorrow's biggest stars! You can order the exclusive NOW 25 CD and bonus card here: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6014576.

NEW CAST, NEW BEACH, AND NEW DRAMA IN
“NEWPORT HARBOR: THE REAL ORANGE COUNTY”
PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15TH AT 10:30PM ET/PT

GRAND OPENING OF VIRTUAL NEWPORT HARBOR TRANSPORTS FANS NORTH TO LIVE THE NEW DRAMA FOR THEMSELVES

GET A SNEAK PEEK NOW AT NEWPORTHARBOR.MTV.COM: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1565260

For three seasons fans have lived, loved and come of age with the teenagers of “Laguna Beach.” This season, MTV is moving up the coast to Newport Harbor. Join a new circle of friends as they discover first loves, face new rivalries and suffer new heartbreaks as “Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County” premieres on Wednesday, August 15th at 10:30pm ET/PT on MTV.

“It has been three years since the Stephen, Lauren and Kristin love triangle drew viewers to the real life drama of Laguna Beach,” said Tony DiSanto, Executive Vice President, Series Development & Programming for MTV. “Now we are moving up the coast to a new town with new faces and a new high school, but with the same drama of dealing with relationships, cliques, family and friends. The real OC is a beautiful backdrop to this universal story and this year we go back to the heart of the drama...that wistful last year of school."

And on the same day as the television premiere, fans will be able to hang out with the new cast, party, relax and shop in the same places they see on-air for themselves in Virtual Newport Harbor, available at www.vmtv.com. From checking out the Main Street Surf Shop, to running to the store known as Etc. Etc. Etc. for the perfect outfit to wear, viewers will be able to virtually live the same story-lines they see on-air, including some of the biggest events of the year like the prom and graduation, and meet new cast member Chrissy on opening night.

Beginning July 23, fans can log onto newportharbor.mtv.com to view video cast bios, exclusive behind the scenes photos, test their Laguna Beach knowledge with episode quizzes, and watch full episodes from previous seasons. Viewers can also check out the official Newport Harbor blog for exclusive content about the cast and show.

Fans will be able to watch full episodes on the MTV Mobile 24-hour, live TV service, as well as view video cast bios, clips of the best moments from each episode and more on MTV Mobile video on demand through its wireless carrier distribution partners. Fans will also be able to read cast bios, view photo flipbooks, take weekly polls and keep up with weekly episode guides on the MTV Mobile WAP site at wap.mtv.com.
As the cast prepares to leave their childhood behind, they will find that high school isn’t always a day at the beach. On the road to their first kiss, the newest couple at school contends with a protective father and a girl that’s used to getting everything she wants. Meanwhile, former best friends compete for the affection of a younger beauty.

A new town means new beauty, new drama, and new faces. Meet the cast of “Newport Harbor: The Real Orange County”…

Chrissy
Pretty and popular, Chrissy is a senior who grew up in Newport Beach and is lifelong friends with Sasha and Grant. An only child to doting parents, Chrissy has recently blossomed into a head-turning high school senior. As smart as she is beautiful, Chrissy has three colleges to pick from as she prepares to leave the family nest. While everything seems to be going her way, Chrissy longs for the one thing that has eluded her: a boyfriend. Now that the hottest guy in school – a junior named Clay who also happens to be her neighbor – has taken an interest in her, Chrissy appears headed for a storybook romance. Along the way she’ll need to navigate roadblocks including an overprotective dad and rivals for Clay’s affection.

Clay
Clay is a junior and although shy with girls, he is regarded as Newport Harbor’s hottest guy. Born and raised in Newport, he takes full advantage of his oceanfront playground. Whether he’s fishing from his own speed boat off Balboa Island or surfing at one of Newport’s famous breaks, Clay catches girls’ glances wherever he goes. Clay’s humble attitude belies his looks – and he often turns to Grant, his gregarious friend, for a boost of confidence. While it seems Clay could have any girl he wants, his shyness has kept him from having a relationship. But when Clay develops real feelings for Chrissy – and she responds accordingly- it could be his chance to break out.

Allie
A stunning senior, Allie is the girl that all the boys want and all the girls want to be. She seems to have it all: a beautiful home on the tip of Balboa Peninsula, carte blanche with her dad’s credit cards, and a hip family restaurant in which she holds parties for dozens of her friends. But all this wealth and confidence masks a vulnerable side to Allie. She may be a huge flirt with the boys, including Clay, but Allie really longs to rekindle romance with her seventh-grade boyfriend, Chase. Apart from romantic challenges, Allie struggles with leaving her privileged life behind as she prepares to strike out on her own.

Grant
While only a junior, Grant rules the school. Whether it’s throwing parties, his luck with the ladies or his money supply, Grant is the epicenter for entertainment. Grant is constantly living up to his nickname - G-ball, for “Goofball”- and keeps a smile on everyone’s faces. Not one for a serious relationship himself, Grant is content to act as a sounding board for both his childhood friend Chrissy and her new crush Clay. Former childhood friend Chase has recently turned into Grant’s nemesis, as they compete for the affection of Chase’s on and off girlfriend, Taylor. After spending a summer at military school, Grant is trying to reform his bad boy ways, or at least think about his future beyond Newport.

Chase
A strapping senior, Chase lives just a skateboard ride away from the surf shop where he works. He has a way with girls; no matter how many hearts he breaks. Although dating a sophomore named Taylor, he openly flirts with his ex flame, Allie and often gets in hot water with both of them. To make life even more complicated, Chase has a bitter rivalry with his former best friend Grant as they often compete for the same girls. For the time being, Chase seems to regard love as a game to be won. Although he acts as a player at school, he has a close relationship with his mom and brothers at home, who he has formed a close bond with since his parent’s divorce.

Taylor
While it looks like Taylor just walked off the pages of Sports Illustrated, she is really just a sophomore in high school. When she’s not with girls her own age Taylor hangs out with Chrissy’s clique. The boys have taken notice of Taylor and the attention presents many challenges for this fragile girl. She wants to be serious with her boyfriend, Chase, but he seems to have an eternally wandering eye. When other boys, including Chase’s arch rival Grant, show an interest in Taylor she is torn.

Sasha
A loyal childhood friend and neighbor, Sasha is part of Chrissy’s inner circle. Blonde and beautiful, Chrissy and Sasha share a passion for tennis and are partners on the high school team. Their heart to heart talks often occur courtside between matches where Sasha gives Chrissy advice about how to get closer to Clay. Apart from scholastic achievement and school crushes, the girls also share a value system instilled by their strict parents.

The third season of “Laguna Beach” reached over 70 million fans and was the most watched program in its time period among viewers ages 12-24 across all of television, even out-delivering broadcast.

Virtual Newport Harbor is the latest virtual world from MTV Networks that is intricately tied to a hit MTV franchise and allows fans to connect with one another, create their own drama and live out the story arcs they see unfold on-air.

Liz Gateley is creator and executive producer of “Newport Harbor.” Gary Auerbach, Tony DiSanto and Kathryn Takis are executive producers. Keith Hoffman and Jan Lane are co-executive producers. Adam DiVello and Heather Olander serve as development executives for MTV.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 137 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, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 260 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.
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Catch All The Drama of “The Hills” with the Season 2 DVD, A Virtual Hills Viewing Party with Cast Members and The Season 3 Premiere on MTV

Party with Lauren and Audrina on August 10 at 6pm ET
When You Pre-Order “The Hills” -- The Complete Second Season DVD,
Hitting Stores August 7

“The Hills” Third Season Premieres on August 13 at 10pm ET/PT

Dive right back into all the drama of MTV’s popular series “The Hills” with the release of the Season 2 DVD, a virtual world viewing party when cast members Lauren and Audrina go virtual, and the Season 3 premiere on MTV.

All the excitement begins immediately when you pre-order “The Hills” – The Complete Second Season DVD from http://www.thehills.mtv.com/. By pre-ordering the DVD, you’ll receive an invitation to enjoy an exclusive Virtual Hills viewing party on Friday, August 10 at 6 p.m. ET – with Lauren and Audrina – in which you get a VIP advanced screening of the third season premiere of “The Hills,” three days before its television premiere on Monday, August 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

If you’re not one of the lucky few who can party with the girls, don’t worry. All fans inside the popular virtual world, can also get an exclusive first-look at the season premiere Friday, August 10 at 6pm, 9pm and midnight ET before it hits the air by going to www.virtualhills.mtv.com. But like all those other wannabes out there who don’t make it into the popular clubs where Lauren and her girls party – you won’t get a chance to mingle with them virtually – unless, of course, you pre-order the DVD.

“The Hills” – The Complete Second Season DVD is a three-disc set including 12 drama-filled episodes, plus deleted scenes, interviews and two featurettes: “The Hills Season 2 Premiere Party” and “The Hills Season 2 Photo Shoot," and a special code to access a Virtual Hills swag pack, including a virtual "The Hills" t-shirt and hand held DVD to carry in-world. The DVD will be available in stores on August 7.

“The Hills” season kicks off on MTV on Monday, August 13 at 10 pm ET/PT when viewers will find out if Hollywood is big enough for one group of close friends who have been torn in two.

Now forced to juggle a variety of difficult situations, the four girls of "The Hills" are back for yet another season of even more drama. Newly single, Whitney has graduated college and now has to deal with the added stress of her first real job. Audrina is enjoying her first serious relationship, but hitting the town every night with her single roommate Lauren won’t make it easy. And now that Heidi’s playing house with Spencer and dealing with the separation from her best friend Lauren, Spencer wants to take their relationship to the next level. Lauren’s had enough of being single and is looking for Mr. Right, but with new responsibilities at Teen Vogue, a new roommate, and a boyfriend from her past back in her life, how will she ever find him? And the biggest issue of all – Lauren and Heidi haven’t spoken since Heidi moved in with Spencer. And when this feud comes to a head, how will Lauren hold it all together?

Show enthusiasts can further delve into the fun with "The Hills After Show," an interactive talk show streamed immediately following "The Hills." Each week, Jessi Cruickshank and Dan Levy are joined in-studio by special guests to discuss, debate and sometimes mock the things that just happened on "The Hills" while aficionados add their opinions and observations to the conversation by webcam. Fans can visit http://www.hills.mtv.com/ for all the latest details. And following the premiere on August 13, fans can chat with Lauren via webcam for immediate reaction to the show. In addition, http://www.hills.mtv.com/ will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, bios, full episodes, as well as a dedicated blog to “The Hills” where fans can dish on the latest news and check out exclusive interviews and photos.

The second season of “The Hills” was the most watched program in the time period (Mon 10-10:30p) among P12-24 across all of television, cable and broadcast. P18-24 posted growth of 25% from season to season, while season two was up by 6% among P12-34. Season two of “The Hills” reached 60 million viewers. Additionally, “The Hills” content on http://www.hills.mtv.com/ has had more than 23 million streams this year, while the live After Shows alone have garnered nearly 1 million streams.

“The Hills” was created by Adam DiVello. Adam DiVello, Sean Travis, Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley serve as Executive Producers.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 137 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, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 260 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.

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Taking a revolutionary approach to music marketing, Jonah Fialkoff, otherwise known as the 'indie renegade' is making available for the first time the 7 Key Code System to success in marketing music online. Fialkoff, a successful indie music entrepreneur developed the 7 Key Code System in conjunction with top sales and marketing consultants to provide proven and practical techniques that will bring tangible results to any indie artist or label.

Jonah Fialkoff is an indie record label owner, digital distributor, music business consultant to multiple top Billboard charting artists, known speaker, IBS (Intercollegiate Broadcast System) panelist in NYC and Boston, and author. He is known for his humor, sarcasm, harsh reality checks, but always tells it like it is. He cuts straight to the point and has dedicated himself to arming indie artists and labels with the knowledge to break through the music business without any major label interference.

The 7 Key Code System is designed to put the power in the hands of the indie artist. It gives them all the tools and techniques they need to create and maintain a successful and profitable career, without the need of a major label.

The 7 Key Code System will explain how to:-- Triple album sales, quadruple your fan base and get distribution in a matter of months.-- Use your website to develop and cultivate your fanbase into a loyal, buying audience.-- Drive traffic to your website, capture email addresses, and put in place a system to interact with your fans.-- Make the most of social networking sites, podcasting and other web 2.0 tools-- Develop a turnkey online music store-- Develop a smart promotional system-- Turn your fanbase into your own grassroots marketing team-- Make money selling digital downloads and ringtones-- Use proven methods to create additional revenue through licensing your music to TV, film and video games-- Take advantage of satellite, internet and mp3 radio to break as an independent artist
...And much more.

Early adopters of this system will also gain access to an exclusive music business networking group to consolidate and further develop what they learn and implement.

Visit www.7keycode.com to claim your free music industry report. Read the Indie Renegade Blog at www.rocktheindieworld.com/blog

Audio Streams:
Listen Here!

Imeem:
http://junkscience.imeem.com/

MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/junksciencerap

http://www.myspace.com/nuclearfamily

Label:
http://www.embeddedmusic.net/
http://www.definitivejux.net/

Check out “Cyclone”
Cyclone (radio edit)
Windows Media
Cyclone (radio edit)
Quicktime

If you love the song, then you should be a part of it by submitting your own idea for the official “Cyclone” dance: http://www.youtube.com/group/bashcyclone

Baby Bash on Myspace: www.myspace.com/babybash.

“Shout It Out Loud” live concert footage

“Firehouse” live concert footage

Order your copy, by CLICKING HERE.

Check out this new contest website:
www.yourticket2drive.com

ARTIST: Lyle Lovett
ALBUM TITLE: It’s Not Big It’s Large
RELEASE DATE: August 28, 2007
CURRENT SINGLE:
LABEL: Lost Highway
ARTIST SITE: http://www.lylelovett.com/
MYSPACE SITE: http://www.myspace.com/lylelovett

After a four year hiatus, multi-grammy winner Lyle Lovett is back with his Large Band with his new album, It’s Not Big It’s Large. Seamlessly incorporating aspects of country, gospel, jazz, & bluegrass musical genres has always been a forte of his, but never has it been so effortless than with this most recent outing with his Large Band.

1. TICKLE TOE
2. I WILL RISE UP / AIN'T NO MORE CANE
3. ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE
4. DON'T CRY A TEAR
5. SOUTH TEXAS GIRL
6. THIS TRAVELING AROUND
7. UP IN INDIANA
8. THE ALLEY SONG
9. NO BIG DEAL
10. MAKE IT HAPPY
11. AIN'T NO MORE CANE
12. UP IN INDIANA (acoustic)
PRODUCED BY BILLY WILLIAMS

AUDIO STREAMS - Caravanserai
WMA:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/verve/loreena_mc/wma/caravanserai.wax

Real:
http://boss.streamos.com/real/verve/loreena_mc/real/caravanserai001.smi


“A reverent, resonant blend of Celtic-rooted ballads and exotica.”—The New York Times
“Fusion comfort food…packed with spirituality.”—USA Today

This fall Loreena McKennitt will release her first live concert DVD, Loreena McKennitt: Nights From The Alhambra. The performances were filmed in Granada, Spain at the Palacio de Carlos V in the Alhambra Palace historic monument over three nights in September 2006; McKennitt is one of very few artists to have been granted the opportunity to perform in this breathtaking Unesco World Heritage site. Selections from the concerts originally aired on PBS as a “Great Performances” special. The DVD includes debut performances of material from her first new album in nine years, An Ancient Muse, which the Los Angeles Times has called “a musical fusion that unites entire cultures,” as well as newly orchestrated renditions of all of her familiar favorites, including “The Mummers’ Dance,” “All Souls Night,” “The Bonny Swans” and “Cymbeline.”
“You’re within the compound of this circular environment, and you think, ‘Oh, I’m in a small performance space.’ Then you look up, and it’s open to the sky.” McKennitt said of the experience of playing in the breathtaking 16th century building—a masterwork of Spanish Renaissance architecture. In Nights From The Alhambra, McKennitt shares the stage with a diverse lineup of world musicians including all-Britain champion on uilleann pipes Steáfán Hannigan, noted composer and jazz violinist Hugh Marsh, Syrian-born oud virtuoso Haig Yazdjian and classically trained lyra player Sokratis Sinopoulos. “You really see the interplay with the musicians and how they spark each other,” McKennitt says of the recorded performances.
The international roster of musicians on the DVD mirrors the focus of her new album. Produced by McKennitt, An Ancient Muse takes the listener on a journey that sweeps across eras and musical genres, from the British Isles to ancient Greece and Byzantine- and Ottoman-era Turkey. Scripps News calls the album “a literary-flavored, Celtic-oriented travelogue of the Mediterranean region of centuries ago,” and McKennitt herself describes the album by saying “I don’t know where I’m going to go on this trip. I’m just going to get on board the train and allow each encounter to lead to the next.”
In a recording career spanning two decades, McKennitt has won worldwide critical acclaim and gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards in 15 countries across four continents. She has won numerous awards including the Billboard International Achievement Award and two Juno Awards.
Nights from the Alhambra is offered as a three-disc set comprising one DVD (with a running time of nearly 140 minutes) and two audio CDs. The package is available in both a DVD-format digipak and a CD-format digipak.

###


ARTIST: Loreena McKennitt
ALBUM TITLE: Nights from the Alhambra
RELEASE DATE: August 21, 2007
CURRENT SINGLE:
LABEL: Verve Music Group http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/artist.aspx?ob=art&src=rslt&aid=7075
ARTIST SITE: http://www.quinlanroad.com/

Best-selling hitmaking performer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is back with his first new album in two yearsWatch Babyface's Career EPK VIDEO STREAMS

(July 2007 – New York, NY) 10-time Grammy award-winning megastar Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, an icon figure of live performance, songwriting, and production whose work on his own music and others’ has resulted in more than 100 million career sales, has completed his 11th album, PLAYLIST, which will arrive in stores September 18th as the first album on the newly re-launched Mercury Records label, it was announced today by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Chairman Island Def Jam Music Group and David Massey, President, Mercury Records.

PLAYLIST will be Babyface’s first album devoted (mostly) to cover versions of some of his favorite songs, among them James Taylor’s “Fire & Rain,” Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer,” Jim Croce's "Time In A Bottle," Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," and many others. The album will also include original material.

Over the course of the ’90s, Babyface not only distinguished himself as the decade’s single greatest hitmaker, but as one of the greatest hitmakers in the history of popular music. His imprint (to date) extends to over 125 top 10 pop and R&B hits which include 47 #1 R&B hits, 51 top 10 pop hits, and 16 #1 pop hits. For one span of time on Billboard’s pop and R&B charts, Babyface was listed as the writer, producer and/or performer on twelve separate songs in the Top 20.

His countless Grammy awards (which include Producer Of the Year in 1995, ’96 and ’97 – the only person in history to win three consecutive years), NAACP Image Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards are just one indication of Babyface’s penetration into pop culture. In addition to co-founding LaFace Records with Antonio “L.A.” Reid in 1989 (home of Toni Braxton, OutKast, TLC, Pink and Usher), Babyface’s name is linked to the world’s biggest-selling and most universally popular recording artists – including Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Toni Braxton, Tevin Campbell, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Dru Hill, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lionel Richie, TLC, and Vanessa Williams – to name a few.

Babyface is also responsible for such phenomena as the 7 million-selling Waiting To Exhale movie soundtrack album, and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games anthem “Power Of the Dream” (which he co-wrote, and which was sung by Celine Dion). As a movie producer, Babyface’s company debuted in 1997 with Soul Food (which grossed over $43 million, and spun off a double-platinum soundtrack album), followed by Hav Plenty in 1998, Light It Up in 1999 and Josie & The Pussycats (2001).

Babyface’s albums and singles include: Lovers By Babyface (1987); Tender Lover (1989, double-platinum), a #1 R&B album in Billboard for 11 weeks, including the #1 R&B singles “It’s No Crime” and “Tender Love,” “Whip Appeal” (#2), and “My Kinda Girl” (#3); For the Cool In You (1993, triple-platinum), on the R&B album chart for 87 weeks, with the top 10 R&B singles “For the Cool In You,” “Never Keeping Secrets,” “And Our Feelings,” and “When Can I See You”; The Day (1996, double-platinum), with the top 5 R&B/pop crossover hits “This Is For the Lover In You” (platinum) and “Every Time I Close My Eyes” (gold); MTV Unplugged NYC 1997 (gold); Christmas With Babyface (1998); Face2Face (2001); and Grown & Sexy (2005).

Recipient of the NAACP Lifetime achievement Award, the Essence Award For Excellence, GQ magazine’s Man Of the Year honor, and named One Of the Most Influential People In America by TIME magazine, Babyface’s caring and generosity are well-known. He is national spokesman for the Boarder Baby Project in Washington, DC, which provides transitional housing for babies abandoned at birth, awaiting adoption.

In July 1999, Babyface became the largest single personal donor to VH1’s “Save the Music” campaign when he donated $60,000 to the campaign in his home state of Indiana, to help improve the quality of music education in public schools by restoring and supporting music programs and raising public awareness. That same month in Indianapolis, the Governor of Indiana renamed a 23-mile stretch of Interstate 65 “Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds Highway,” the first time that a living African-American has been bestowed an honor of such magnitude.

I'm a long time Prince fan so I anxiously awaited the arrival of Planet Earth. Like a kid on Christmas, I unwrapped the wrapper and before pulling out of the parking lot at the post office, I put the CD in. The first thought that came to my mind as I scanned the songs was "The old Prince is back."

This CD made me want to see Prince perform live again. I could visualize him with his guitar doing an instrumental on several of the songs like "The One U Wanna C," "Chelsea Rodgers," and of course "Guitar." I chuckled as I listened to "Guitar" and you will too when you hear the lyrics. The single "Future Baby Mama" and "Somewhere Here on Earth" slows it down and both have sexy grooves.

"Planet Earth" is funky, meaning good, and is a CD that not only Prince fans can appreciate but those who are borderline. ~ Review by Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and National Best-selling author of Paige's Web, My Invisible Husband and Double Platinum (coming Spring 2008).

Confessions of a Call Girl stars Tamala Jones and Bokeem Woodbine. Tamala plays Tory Adams. Tory is married to Bokeem's character and unbeknowst to him, his wife is a call girl. During the course of the story, Tory tries to deal with her secret life by seeing a psychiatrist played by Lynn Whitfield. The psychiatrist tries to get to the root of Tory's sex addiction. One of Tory's clients becomes obsessed with her and attempts to blackmail her. Tory tries to keep her regular life and secret life seperately but things happen that threaten to make both of her worlds collide.

VIEW TRAILER

Confessions of a Call Girl takes you into the mind of a call girl and has an unforgettable surprise ending. ~ Review by Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and National Best selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true and Paige's Web.

Ms. Jody Watley is back, and though she never left, this cd shows her need to continue to try new things and she does just that on her latest album, "The Makeover." She remakes some classics while recreating her own songs. It is a smooth ride from start to finish, but the stand out tracks are "I Want Your Love", "Love Hangover", and my personal favorite "The Makeover (Superstar)." It is a positive message put to techno, telling others about self-love, not being afraid to stand out, while also taking time to makeover the inside. This cd gets the highest grade possible, and I can only hope she will keep the music coming.

Review by eSpire writer Kendall.

http://myspace.com/elliottyamin

Tour Schedule:

Dates as of 7/27/07 - Subject to Change Without Notice:

Jul 29 2007 1:00P AT&T Park - National Anthem @SF Giants game San Francisco, California
Jul 31 2007 8:00P JDRF "Promise To Remember Me" Campaign Washington DC, Washington DC
Aug 1 2007 5:00P JDRF "Promise To Remember Me" Campaign Washington DC, Washington DC
Aug 8 2007 5:00P WAVEHOUSE for KHTS San Diego, California
Aug 24 2007 12:30P Appearance on "The Bold And The Beautiful" soap opera Los Angeles
Aug 29 2007 8:00A Rachel Ray Show New York, New York
Aug 31 2007 7:00P Z100 Six Flags Great American Concert Series Jackson, New Jersey
Sep 1 2007 8:00P B93.7 "Last Chance Summer Dance" Clemson, South Carolina
Sep 15 2007 12:00P JDRF Appearance - UK London
Sep 16 2007 12:00P JDRF Appearance - UK London
Sep 21 2007 8:00P Trinoma - Philippines Manila
Sep 22 2007 8:00P Glorietta - Philippines Manila
Sep 23 2007 8:00P Market! Market! Mall - Philippines Manila
Sep 24 2007 8:00P Appearance on "Lincoln Heights" -ABC Family Channel Los Angeles, California
Sep 26 2007 8:00P Ayala Mall - Philippines Cebu
Sep 29 2007 8:00P Alabang Town Center - Philippines Manila
Nov 14 2007 12:00P World Diabetes Day - NY New York, New York

BEWARE THE FORCE OF NATURE, AND THE NATURE OF MAN
Killer Wave World Premiere Sunday August 5th 7/6c Only on ION Television

Prepare for the next wave… of terror. Massive tidal waves hit the East Coast and a team of scientists discover the terrifying reason behind the phenomenon. Killer Wave is an action-disaster miniseries which tells the tale of a sinister plot aimed to manufacture fear for profit.

Renegade scientist John McAdams (Angus Macfadyen), an expert on man-made ecological disasters and weapons of mass destruction, is called upon to pin point the cause of what appears to be a bizarre series of natural disasters. Partnered with the beautiful, young Sophie Marleau (Karine Vanasse) of the Oceanographic Institute, McAdams has grave suspicions that the deadly waves are man-made cataclysms triggered to wipe out half of the world. When another scientist sets out to prove who’s behind the undersea explosions, he’s murdered, and McAdams becomes the prime suspect. With the stakes raised, McAdams is on the run.

His greatest fear becomes a reality when he discovers the identity of the terrorist with undersea nuclear missiles set to detonate another full-scale assault. But as the earth rumbles and the waters rise, it may already be too late. Killer Wave is the action-adventure miniseries to top them all—ten stories tall and ready to strike.

Killer Wave was filmed in more than 45 locations throughout Canada during the summer of 2006. The miniseries was directed by Bruce McDonald (Queer As Folk, Degrassi: The Next Generation) and executive produced by Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr. (Arabian Nights, Human Trafficking, Merlin).

RHI Movie Weekend presents the world premiere miniseries event, all in one night, only on ION Television.

Premieres Sunday August 5th, 2007 (7/6c)—Miniseries airs all in one night

The miniseries airs on ION Television. Check your local listings or visit http://titantvguide.titantv.com/apg/ion.aspx to find ION

Watch Trailer: CLICK HERE

The release date of Elvis: Viva Las Vegas is particularly significant as it is timed to hit the market right before the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death. “Elvis Week,” takes place over 9 days in Elvis’ hometown of Memphis (August 11 -19). This year’s celebration will draw more Elvis fans than ever from all over the world to Memphis for an array of events including the 30th Anniversary Concert and the Midnight In Vegas concert. For all the details about Elvis Week visit http://www.elvisweek.com/.

Elvis: Viva Las Vegas Audio Streams:

Viva Las Vegas

See See Rider

Elvis Presley Official Site:
http://www.elvis.com

Elvis: Viva Las Vegas Track Listing:

1) Viva Las Vegas
2) See See Rider
3) The Wonder Of You
4) Polk Salad Annie
5) Release Me
6) Let It Be Me
7) I Just Can’t Help Believin’
8) Walk A Mile In My Shoes
9) Bridge Over Troubled Water
10) Patch It Up
11) You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
12) You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling
13) An American Trilogy
14) Never Been To Spain
15) You Gave Me A Mountain
16) The Impossible Dream

DailyMotion
Watch Video Here

Comedy Central has put up a site where you can upload your own roast of Flava Flav. Check out what America's amateur roasters have had to say!

Jason Fox - "Aunt Jackie"
Listen by clicking here!

Jason Fox- "Aunt Jackie" video:
Watch video on YouTube.com

www.myspace.com/jasonfox

Tour Schedule

AUGUST
1 Norfolk, VA - Norva
3 Atlanta, GA - Earthlink
5 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
6 Dallas, TX - House of Blues
10 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
11 San Diego, CA - House of Blues
12 Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
14 Sacramento, CA - TBD
20 Chicago, IL - House of Blues
21 Chicago, IL - House of Blues
22 Detroit, MI - Elysium Lounge
23 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues



Interview with the multi-talented J Records recording artist EMILY KING.



Shelia Goss: Why did you start singing?
Emily King: My parents are professional singers. I've always been around it. They put me in their shows. My parents have been my biggest influence.

Shelia: Did you write the songs on your album "East Side Story"?
Emily K.: Yes, I did. I'm a self-contained writer. It was a huge collaboration with Chucky Thompson. Chucky was a "hit man" with Bad Boy. He did Mary J Blige's "My Life" and worked with Faith Evans. He's an incredibile producer.

Shelia: You're on J Records right?
Emily K.: Yes.

Shelia: How did you get discovered?
Emily K.: My mother had a friend at Sony music publishing and one of his writers was Chucky. I brought a demo to my mom's friend and he ended up playing it for Chucky. Chucky and I met the following week and we hit it off. We started going up to different labels. I would bring my guitar, sing and play to the executives. One day we made it to Clive Davis. I sang and got a great respond wand we've been working every since. .

Shelia: Congratulations.
Emily K.: Thank you...I'm excited.

Shelia: Before meeting up with Chucky, were you looking for a record deal or just writing and singing with hopes of pursuing a record deal later?
Emily K.: I was really prepping myself. I got out of high school at 16 and had been doing gigs and playing in coffeehouses. I made a demo and thinking positive, I knew somebody was going to hear it.


Shelia: How do your friends feel about your record deal?
Emily K.: They feel good. They're excited. They want to see me on MTV or BET one day.

Shelia: Have you filmed the video for your single yet?
Emily K.: We're actually in the process of putting that together. It's going to be exciting.

Shelia: Besides Clive Davis, who is someone you met recently that you were like in awe of?
Emily K.: I opened up for Common. I'm a fan of Common and he's such a cool dude.

Shelia: When will your album be coming out?
Emily K.: The single will be out soon and the album(East Side Story) will be out at the top of 2007.

Shelia: How many more songs do you have to record?
Emily K.: The album's actually done. There's 12 songs on the album. I had a lot of interesting collaborations. It was good.

Shelia: Is there more fast paced songs verses slow paced songs or mixed?
Emily K.: We mixed it up. We want to give you that roller coast ride. I want people to play it straight through.

Shelia: For those readers who may not have heard of Emily King, what singer would you compare yourself with?
Emily K.: That's a tough one. I get a lot of comparisons. Sometimes people say Teena Marie, Alicia Keys or Norah Jones. I'm honored to be compared to them but I'm trying to bring my own thing and I hope people like it. Everybody is unique.

Shelia: What do you do in your spare time when you want to relax and unwind?
Emily K.: I like to crotchet. I knit. I cook. I like to bake. I oil paint. Anything creative. I like hanging out with people and friends, going to the movies and playing pool. There's always something to do here in NYC.

Shelia: What was the last good movie you saw?
Emily K.: Snakes on a Plane

Shelia: What artists do you listen to the most?
Emily K.: I listen to singer/songwriters, but I listen to a lot of different things.

Shelia: Pick three songs from your CD and tell me about it.
Emily K.: Color Blind: It talks about how I feel about life; how I was raised. I'm interracial and it deals with that.

You & I: I wrote it and it was effortlessly. It has a really pure love message in it. I enjoyed singing that one a lot.

It Was You: Definitely a favorite. I wrote it a time ago. I wrote it about my parents actually getting divorced.

Shelia: Last question. How does it feel to be on the label headed by one of the most respected men in music--Clive Davis?
Emily K.: It's mind blowing.

Be on the look out for Emily King's new CD release "East Side Story" on J Records.

Interview by entertainment writer Shelia M Goss. She's also the national bestselling author of My Invisible Husband. To read more interviews or find out more about this writer, visit her website www.sheliagoss.com.

Hear My Love Single:
Windows Media
Real Player

Ain't Nothing Like Me, Joe's latest CD, is for the mature at heart. It's the right music to spice up your night. If I Was Your Man, one of the first singles, enticed me to want to listen to the entire CD.

There's not a bad song on the 14 track CD. It was hard choosing favorite tracks, but if I had to, they would be If I Was Your Man, My Love, Go Hard, Ain't Nothing Like Me, Feel For You, and You Should Know Me.

Whether you're planning a romantic evening or relaxing by yourself, I recommend adding Joe's new CD Ain't Nothing Like Me to your playlist. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and National Bestselling author of Double Platinum (coming Spring 2008), Paige's Web (coming Fall 2007), My Invisibile Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true.

JOHNTA AUSTIN
"OCEAN DRIVE" IN STORES September 4
So So Def / Island Urbanhttp://www.johntaaustin.com/
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/johntaaustin

AUDIO: Turn it Up REMIX, featuring Jadakiss
Windows

Real

WATCH Johnta Austin's VIDEO Turn it Up, featuring Jermaine Dupri

Windows

Real

Turn it Up AUDIO, featuring Jermaine Dupri

Windows

Real Player


MORE ABOUT JOHNTA AUSTIN

His name is already familiar to record buyers who make note of the songwriting credits on major hit records by such superstar artists as Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige. Music industry insiders know him as the Grammy-winning ‘go-to’ writer which is why the legendary Whitney Houston, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, global multi-platinum artist Usher and hitmaker Chris Brown have tracks on forthcoming projects by this unassuming Atlanta native. While he may have spent the last eight years behind the scenes, penning songs for the likes of Toni Braxton, Tyrese, Enrique Iglesias, Ginuwine, Aaliyah, Faith Evans, B2K, Ciara, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, and Mario, that’s all about to change with the 2007 release of Johnta Austin’s much-awaited debut album, OCEAN DRIVE.

Signed to super-producer Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def label, Johnta (pronounced “John-tay”) Austin is stepping out front with a first record that is reminiscent of the finely-crafted work of such soulful icons as Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and in more recent times, Babyface. For, like all three, Johnta brings the skill of his honed penmanship to his work as a recording artist. Indeed, if Gaye – one of Johnta’s musical influences – were around today cutting his groundbreaking “Let’s Get It On” album, it might sound a little like Austin’s auspicious debut in terms of lyrical content, smooth’n’sexy vocals and masterful production. The analogy is particular interesting: when asked if any artist or album provided the inspiration for OCEAN DRIVE, Johnta is quick to mention Gaye’s 1973 masterpiece which he heard when he was just fifteen. Like Marvin and other ‘triple threat’ artists such as Babyface and R. Kelly, who write, produce and sing, Johnta describes himself as “a storyteller, writing songs that are lyrically relevant, without too many gimmicks.”

OCEAN DRIVE, the bulk of which was produced by Dupri with songs written by Dupri and Austin, is, in the words of the artist himself, "classy, sexy, fresh, which is what you think of when you think of Miami’s Ocean Drive.” A heady mix of infectious club-flavored grooves and old school-styled slow jams, OCEAN DRIVE is a breath of fresh air, with its emphasis on real songs with memorable hooks. Case in point: “The One That Got Away,” which Johnta says is a good indicator of what listeners can expect from his album. “I wrote it from personal experience,” he says of the Stargate-produced cut. “Even with all the success you may have in life, you can get tired of acting like you’re not hurting, thinking about that one girl you never forget, the one who crosses your mind time after time.

With a big up to the club scene, “Video” (featuring Atlanta-based rapper DJ Unk) is the infectious new single from OCEAN DRIVE, produced by Dupri while “Let’s Take It Back” is Johnta’s way of paying homage to house parties “where folks would slow dance up against the wall!” Then there’s “Lil’ More Love,” a ‘back-in-the-day’ ballad that Johnta says “will definitely appeal to the ‘grown’ folks!” The standout cut has an interesting history to it: “That’s the song that got me signed to Jermaine’s label. I sent him a demo while he was on vacation. He played it to Janet (Jackson) and she asked Jermaine, ‘is he going to do his own album?’” The ultimate result of that conversation? OCEAN DRIVE, whose release has been anticipated by music listeners who were captivated by “Turn It Up,” the track featuring Jadakiss that sparked major excitement in late 2006 at radio, online and on television (with a popular video that aired on BET, BET-J an VH1-Soul). It’s an ode to soul music greats like Vandross, Kelly, Blige, Faith Evans and Jodeci among others, Johnta says. “Those artists create different moods with their music. This is my way of expressing the influence of music on our everyday lives.”

Johnta’s focus on writing, producing and singing songs that reflect real life experiences and situations is the constant theme throughout OCEAN DRIVE, whether on “Hood Love,” featuring none other than the unmatchable Mary J.Blige, the story of two people who “fight more than they get along…but at the end of the day, really love each other…” or “A Mess” (produced by Teddy Bishop) which speaks of a couple in a long-term relationship “which is no longer working.” On a more positive tip, “Joy” is Johnta’s upbeat commentary on “the pinnacle of love” while “Up In My Room” (with shades of Gaye’s sexually-charged lyrics on “Let’s Get It On”) is, well, “self-explanatory!” and the chill cut “Mutual” – originally planned by co-producer Jazzy Pha for as a track for Chris Brown – sets the mood for some serious love-making.

For Johnta, the journey from Grammy-winning songwriter to the making of his first album had its original roots when, as an aspiring child actor and singer in his church choir, he landed a gig at the age of 12 as co-host of a children's television series on Turner Broadcasting Station (TBS). Austin got the chance to interview entertainment icons like Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. This high profile gig gained the attention of late night talk show host Arsenio Hall, who invited Austin to be a guest on his popular show. When Johnta revealed that he liked to sing, Arsenio immediately prompted him to sing with the show's band. Coincidentally, an A&R rep from RCA Records was watching that show and later reached out to Johnta which led to the then-13-year-old's first record deal with RCA in 1994.

The experience was short-lived when inevitably, as a young teen, Johnta’s voice changed; his connection with RCA however took an interesting turn when, a few years later, he submitted the lyrics to the song “Sweet Lady" to then newly-signed Tyrese for his debut album. By the time Johnta graduated from North Atlanta’s School of Performing Arts high school in 1998, "Sweet Lady" was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard charts. "I was happy to get the opportunity to write a record for Tyrese," says Austin. "I didn't know it was gonna be as successful as it was…”

With the success of "Sweet Lady" came opportunities to work with numerous other artists: in 1999, Johnta had his second hit as a songwriter with Ideal’s “Get Gone”: subsequently, he’s scored with “Miss You,” a top 3 pop hit for Aaliyah as well as cuts on Jessica Simpson (“A Public Affar”) and Mary J. Blige (“Be Without You”), co-writing a series of massive hits for Mariah Carey, including “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Shake It Off”, “It’s Like That” and the record-breaking single, “We Belong Together” which earned Johnta a Grammy as “Best R&B Song” in 2005. Says Carey, “As a fellow songwriter, I really had an incredible experience working with Johnta. I’m really excited for him and happy that such a true talent is getting a chance to shine as a solo artist.”: Blige declares, “Johnta is the best thing to happen to the music industry,”; Chris Brown enthused: “His pen is like a basketball to Michael Jordan. He’s creative and not afraid to go outside the box in his writing.” Adds Ciara: “The way that he tells stories through music is so vivid that you can paint the picture.”

That skill as a contemporary storyteller drawing on his own life experiences led to Jermaine Dupri’s insightful decision to sign Johnta to his So So Def label in 2005 after Dupri began taking notice of Johnta’s singing talents on demos for songs they were writing for various projects. Taking time to ensure that Johnta’s first album would reflect the span of his skills as a soulful vocalist, songwriter and producer, Dupri has supervised the project from inception to its release in 2007.

For Johnta, who cites Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder as primary vocal influences, R. Kelly and Babyface as among those who have inspired his craft as a songwriter and Quincy Jones as a producer whose work he deeply admires, the release of OCEAN DRIVE is the culmination of patiently waiting: "I don't think I’ve ever stopped being an artist," maintains Austin. "I focused on the songwriting thing for so long because I knew when I got another chance to do an album, I wanted to bring more to the table."

That he succeeds is self-evident for OCEAN DRIVE is indeed a soulful showcase for Johnta who says it simply: “Subject matter is key to a good song. You have to talk about things that people can relate to. And as far as singing goes, I try to sing with a lot of emotion," he says. "When it's a painful song, I want you to feel the pain in my voice. When it's a love song, I want you to feel the love.” Those words could easily be quotes from the late Mr. Gaye: rather, they are the words of Johnta Austin, a multi-talented artist who’s bringing that ‘old school’ feeling to today’s music scene, full on.

DAVID BANNER READIES NEW ALBUM FOR FALL RELEASE
First Single “Speaker,” features Akon, Lil Wayne & Snoop Dogg

“GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD”
In-Stores October 9th
Universal Motown/SRC Records
www.myspace.com/davidbanner

(New York, NY) - Mississippi hip hop icon David Banner is putting the finishing touches on his much anticipated new SRC/Universal Motown album, Greatest Story Ever Told, preparing it for a fall release. The first single from the charismatic star’s fifth studio album, “Speaker,” features a select trinity of superstar talent – Akon, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. Other stars joining the compelling producer/artist Banner on this album (either as guest artists or behind the boards) include Chris Brown, Jim Jones, UGK, Cool & Dre and Nitti, to name a few.

The prolific rap star is also slated to join hip-hop’s elite on what is fast becoming the hottest live show of the summer, the 2007 Rock The Bells North American Festival Series. Featuring a revolving pantheon of legendary street-edged/rap stars, including Wu-Tang Clan, Rage Against The Machine, Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Jedi Mind Tricks and others, Banner will kick off the celebrated journey, which will perform for nearly a quarter of a million people during its five week run in Mansfield, MA on July 26. (see dates below).

Emerging from more than a year of in-depth humanitarian and philanthropic efforts to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Jackson, Mississippi native was eager to get back into the studio and practice his craft. “Everybody wants to hear the hits and I got ‘em,” says Banner. “But I wouldn’t be calling it ‘The Greatest Story’ if it also wasn’t truthful. My fans know I’m going to be telling it straight-up however I’m coming.”

It was Banner’s 2005 release Certified that set a new standard for hip-hop scorchers, with his smash single “Play” garnered more then 50 million in radio audience and climbed into the Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, causing more than one esteemed urban publication to peg the star as hip-hop’s ‘thinking man.’ The outspoken Banner has been perfecting his signature brand of rap rock and street tinged anthems ever since his stunning 2003 Gold-plus debut, Mississippi – The Album. The album’s genre-altering single "Like A Pimp," featuring Lil' Flip, was hailed as Banner’s breakthrough song. Banner has also gone on to become one of hip-hop’s most sought after producers as well, igniting groundbreaking collaborations with revered artists such as T.I., Nelly, Young Buck, Shop Boyz, Chris Brown, and others.

Banner and his home-grown charitable organization, ‘Heal The Hood,’ have been honored by the Black Caucus of Mississippi’s state legislature for their Herculean efforts on behalf of the victims displaced by the terrible devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Banner’s ‘hands-on’ philosophy about ‘affecting’ positive change was in full effect during the crisis and its aftermath, with the socially conscious star personally dedicating a year out of his schedule to aid and support those in need, raising more than $500,000, and distributing the funds to dozens of southern communities and organizations in ravaged southern Mississippi, Alabama and New Orleans. The driven activist was also awarded the Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes Humanitarian Award in 2006 by Atlanta radio station Hot 107 in recognition of his selfless humanitarian endeavors.

The multi-talented Banner also made his acting debut in last year’s acclaimed Craig Brewer directed (Hustle & Flow) movie, Black Snake Moan, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci.

2007 Rock The Bells North American Festival Dates:

August 7th Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Center
August 8th Houston, TX Reliant Park
August 11th San Bernardino, CA Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen
August 12th San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre (parking lot)
August 18th San Francisco, CA McCovey Cove (parking lot)
August 19th Sacramento, CA TBD
August 21st Salt Lake City, UT TBD
August 22nd Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
August 25th Minneapolis, MN TBD
August 26th Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion
August 29th Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
September 1st Honolulu, Hawaii TBD

Chuck’s Secret Revealed!!

Hack into Chuck’s Laptop at ChucksSecret.com To Access to His Personal Profiles on Flickr, Myspace, Facebook, Last.FM, Digg and More

Chuck Premieres on NBC September 24th

VIDEO - Stay

AUDIO - Stay

Simply Red, one of the UK’s most talented, successful and enduring bands, are here to stay. To prove it, they return with the aptly titled new album ‘Stay’which is in stores now. The third LP, available on their own label SimplyRed.com, is a smooth, passionate collection of soulful tunes and vibrant lyrics, all driven with Mick Hucknall’s inimitable vocals.

Written and produced by Mick Hucknall, with contributions from Andy Wright - whose previous credits include Natalie Imbruglia and Annie Lennox - the album was recorded between London’s ‘Home’ and ‘Metropolis’ studios late last year. Featuring the irrepressible new single ‘So Not Over You’, it also boasts 10 other brand new tracks.

Highlights include: the electric glow of Ronnie Lane’s classic ‘Debris’; the sparkling title track ‘Stay’; the almost autobiographical ‘Good Times Have Done Me Wrong’ & the decadently romantic ‘The World And You Tonight’.

The new album follows a triumphant 18 months, which saw them earn their tenth Top Ten album, play three sold-out dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall and perform at Oslo’s Nobel Peace Prize concert. Their last LP – the critically acclaimed ‘Simplified’ - entered the UK album chart at Number 3, adding to the bands extensive list of successes. It followed on from ‘Home’, which sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide.

The new single ‘So Not Over You’ is available on two CDs and features must-have B-sides. The first includes the shimmering ‘Beside You’, while the second boasts revitalised ‘So Not Over You’ mixes by Motivo and Johnny Douglas, as well as the new video, which was directed by Russell Thomas (Maroon 5, Placebo, Kylie Minogue) in Cape Town.

AUDIO – So Not Over You

VIDEO – So Not Over You

Sept 1 Boulder, CO Macky Auditorium
Sept 2 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
Sept 3 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre
Sept 7 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
Sept 8 Detroit, MI The Fillmore at State
Theatre
Sept 10 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace Theatre
Sept 11 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
Sept 12 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
Sept 14 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
Sept 15 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
Sept 22 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre
Sept 23 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
Sept 24 Montreal, Quebec Theatre St. Denis
Sept 25 Montreal, Quebec Theatre St. Denis
Sept 28 Toronto, ONT Massey Hall
Sept 29 Toronto, ONT Massey Hall
Oct 27 New Orleans, LA Voodoo Music Festival
Oct 28 Birmingham, AL Alabama Theatre
Oct 29 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
Oct 31 Miami, FL Gusman Center
Nov 1 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
Nov 2 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
Nov 4 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
Nov 5 Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
Nov 6 El Paso, TX Plaza Theatre
Nov 10 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
Nov 12 Portland, OR Kelly Auditorium
Nov 13 Vancouver, BC Orpheum Theatre
Nov 14 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
Nov 15 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre


For ticket and on sale dates please visit www.Benharper.net

Hear new Papoose single "Bang It Out":

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ABOUT PAPOOSE

Born and raised in the notorious Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Papoose took his first jabs at being a rapper at the young age of 11. Given the name by his grandmother meaning "Indian baby", whom he resembled as a child, Papoose is the true definition of a real mc. Inspired by rap legends Rakim, Kool-G-Rap and Big Daddy Kane, he has been well respected in the underground street circuit for a long period of time now. Papoose has survived the trappings and politics of the rap industry, which uses gimmicks as well as fake street and jail images to sell records and destroy the essence of what a true mc really is.

His first big break happened when he earned a spot on Kool-G-Raps "Roots of Evil" album in 1999. After proving he could hold his own with the veteran rapper, Papoose released his own unique underground smash "Alphabetical Slaughter” where he flows venomously from A to Z, using each letter perfectly and precise. After turning down a bad record deal, Papoose hit the streets and pressed his own mix tape titled “Art of War". With it’s powerful and unique lyrics, the record soon found its way into the hands of Dj KaySlay who immediately signed Papoose to Street Sweepers Entertainment. Ever since then he has dominated the mix tape scene worldwide.

His 1st hit record "Charades” he spoke about the unfair tactics of the ”hip hop police”. This record went in rotation at Hot 97 in New York City and many other stations around the globe. Papoose has already put out 12 mixtapes and has a total of 227 songs and freestyles all within a year and a half. That is equivalent to 12 albums during that period and more than any signed or unsigned artist has ever done. Papoose has continued to drop classics such as “Monopoly”, “Flashback” and “Mother nature” where he spoke about the politics surrounding hurricane Katrina and the disaster that followed.

Bottom line, Papoose is the hottest upcoming artist in the world and his street buzz is immaculate. His Internet following is tremendous and he has the same amount of downloads as most platinum artist. Papoose’s music captures audiences with its intelligent wordplay, stunning metaphors and cunning street knowledge while still carrying a message. At this time, a bidding war has ignited and a record deal will be an option rather than a question. Papoose is the future.

--DJ KaySlay aka The Drama King

Awards

2005 JUSTO “Artist of the Year” Underground Mix Tape
2005 UMA'S “Underground Artist of the Year”

Collaborations

Papoose appeared on songs with Nas, Jim jones, Bun-B, Busta Rhymes, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Talib Kweli, Mobb Deep, Remy Martin, Hell Rell, Juvenile, Ghostface Killah, Black Rob and D-Block just to name a few.

Listen to the single "Future Baby Mama"


Prince
Planet Earth
IN STORES TODAYColumbia Records
http://www.3121.com

Sherri Shepherd is a talented actress/comedian. Her resume includes roles on a variety of television shows such as The Jamie Foxx Show, Less Than Perfect, Everybody Loves Raymond, and numerous movies such as Guess Who and Beauty Shop. Sherri's been guest hosting on ABC's The View and stars in the movie Who's Your Caddy? (in theaters this weekend).

My first memory of you was as Sheila from The Jamie Foxx Show. Since then, I've seen you on various TV shows as well as guest hosting on The View. You appear to be a natural behind the camera. Did you always know you wanted a career in entertainment or was it something that "just happened"?
Sherri Shepherd: I knew at 4 years old, that I loved performing in front of people. At 4, my grandmother use to cook Sunday dinner for all of the family (cousins, 2nd cousins, aunts, uncles, great aunts, etc.) and after we ate, she'd put me in front of them and say "do your little program" and I would make everyone laugh. As I got older, I knew I'd either be a radio deejay or I would marry Michael Jackson. My career did not just "happen". As a Christian, I don't believe in "coincidences". I believe that God appoints and directs everything. So this career is truly a blessing from above.

What has been one of your most unforgettable roles?
Sherri Shepherd: I LOVED playing the crazy "Sheila" on the Jamie Foxx show. Jamie allowed me to improv a lot of my scenes, and sometimes he'd be laughing so hard at my antics, he'd make me do take after take! There was one episode where I wanted to be in his music video, and I came out dancing crazy in a red dress... I fasted on water for 5 days before wearing that tight dress... after Jamie made me do that dance scene about 6 or 7 times, I was ready to pass out!

You wear multiple hats (mother/actress/comedian/etc). a) How do you balance it all and b) How do you stay grounded with your success?
Sherri Shepherd: Girl... PRAYER!!!! And this baby has made me run to the grocery store to purchase some One-A-Day multivitamins! I stay grounded, cuz' I know that this success is a blessing... God giveth and God taketh away.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursing a career as an actor?
Sherri Shepherd: Make sure that is really what you want to do, cuz' this business is not for the fainthearted. There are very few "overnight" successes. Most successful people you see, worked their butts off...so unless you get on American Idol and get in the Top 10 and make it to the Top 2, get ready for the long haul.

What's next for Sherri Shepherd? Any more TV shows or upcoming movies?
Sherri Shepherd:
Movies: The Transformers
and Who's Your Caddy (starring Big Boi from the musical group "Outkast" & Faizon Love)

Be sure to check out Sherri Shepherd's upcoming movies as well as watch her on TV. To learn more about this dynamic actress, visit her website at: http://www.norefundnoexchange.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/sherrishepherd.

Interview by Shelia M Goss, an entertainment writer and author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true and Paige's Web. For more information, visit www.sheliagoss.com.

Playaz Circle in Supply and Demand
By eSpire writer Shani Greene-Dowdell

Playaz Circle is a well-seasoned Atlanta-based group that has ignited a flame in the rap game that is spreading like wildfire. This week, I had the privilege of chatting it up with the duo - Titi Boi and Dolla Boy. Having teamed up with Disturbing tha Peace for their sophomore CD Supply and Demand they are recharged and on the grindstone.

Growing up in College Park in the 90's, Titi Boi and Dolla Boy's friendship began over a game of B-ball. Titi Boi recalls, "We were in gym back in the day, about to play ball when I was like 'Dolla let me roll with you…and from that day 'til now we've been down." When asked how their music will contribute to the southern legacy in rap, Dolla says with certainty, "We are from here...the south is home. We are going to bring the world to the Southside."

In 1997, the childhood friends put their money together to release their independent album United We Stand, United We Fall. The album had features from Lil' Fate, I-20 and other's from the Disturbing tha Peace family. They were introduced to Ludacris by Lil Fate and soon became good friends as they all shared the same dream.

As luck would have it Titi and Dolla suffered a few hard knocks (Dolla being incarcerated and Titi having been shot) and had to put their music careers on hold. When asked where they see PC in the next few years, Dolla sees great things on the horizon, "I want to see the Duffle Bag Boys record label opening up doors for other artists from our hood, the people that have been down with us for a long time." Titi adds, "When we make it big, we want to give others the same opportunity."

The PC not only plans to open doors for other artists, but they also feel strongly about giving back to the community. Whether it's sponsoring football teams, giving out Jerseys to the kids, or throwing neighborhood barbecues, being an active part of the community is important to Titi and Dolla.

When their single Duffle Bag Boys featuring Lil Wayne hit the airwaves all over America, some thought Lil Wayne wrote Titi and Dolla's lyrics, but Titi says, "We create all of our own music. As a matter of fact a lot of the time we don't write we just flow freestyle." Dolla assures that Supply and Demand will have something for everyone, "There are 360 degrees to Dolla so you can expect us to get it crunk, keep it real from the streets and at the same time have that 'rub your feet' music for the ladies." Titi confirms, "Creativity can't be categorized, but you can expect our music to have a comfortable feel."

Titi Boi and Dolla Boy are prepared to do their part to keep the eye on the south. Titi says, "While others come to Atlanta and on the first day they want to make it home. We are from here...the south is home. We are going to bring the world to the Southside and keep bringing the southern flava to living rooms across America. As proof that PC is serious about this claim, Titi shares, "The video for Duffle Bag Boys was shot in our hood, which has never been done before, so this is huge."

So just when does the Supply and Demand drop? Titi and Dolla assure fans it is coming soon.

For more information on the Playaz Circle, go to www.myspace.com/playazcircle or www.playazcircle.net.

Interviewed by Shani Greene-Dowdell, author of Keepin' It Tight. To learn more about Shani, go to www.shanibooks.com.

The Blueprint Interview by eSpire writer Kendall

You have a beautiful name, what does it mean?
In Saskrit, Suphala literally means "producer of good fruit", and symbolically means "one who leads to excellent results."

How did your collaborations with artists such as Edie Brickell come to be?
I met Edie in the studio when Harper Simon had an idea to have us all collaborate. Edie, Harper, Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda, and I had a great jam session that day and discovered there was a wonderful musical chemistry there. Since that day, Edie and I collaborate on each other's music whenever we get a chance.

What is your hope for the future female musicians in Afghanistan?
Young girls should be given a chance to learn music just like everyone else. Music is much larger than ourselves and anyone who has the ability to tap into it, should be supported.

Did you know you were changing history by being the first female to play in Afghanistan since the fall of the taliban?
No. I went to play a concert just like anywhere else. I was very interested in visiting due to the fact that Afghanis share the same Hindustani Classical music with us. It was lovely to meet the Tabla artists especially, hear their stories, and exchange rhythms. I didn't know there hadn't been a big concert since the fall of the taliban.

Your current album has an interesting title "Blueprint", is there a story?
The concept behind, "Blueprint," is that recordings are blueprints or prototypes. Each finite recording is interpreted in an infinite number of ways. Just as each listener has there own unique moments and mood with the songs, as musicians we can play these pieces in several different ways. And we do.

Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Its hard to say who my influences were, but I can tell you some artists i listened to: N.W.A., Prince, Chopin, Michael Jackson, Beethoven, and Bhimsen Joshi.

What are the benefits to having your own production company?
I can roll out of bed and start working in my studio....that's the main one.

Being in the music business, you are surrounded by so much of everything, how do you stay grounded?
Practicing Tabla is like a meditation.

What can we expect from you in the years to come?
More music you've never heard before.

What is in your ipod/cd player?
Recordings of live concerts made by my ipod mic.

For more information about Suphala, visit her website:
http://www.suphala.com/

Interview by Kendall. For more interviews and reviews at eSpire, visit http://www.e-spire.blogspot.com/.

ABOUT SEAN KINGSTON

Sean Kingston, a 17 year old native of Jamaica, is not just a new face in popular music; he’s accomplished the rare task of creating a new genre where rap, reggae, dancehall, pop, a touch of doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combine into something totally fresh. Add in Sean’s family roots which cite Jamaican legendary producer Jack Ruby as his grandfather and reggae king Buju Banton as a close family friend and you have one of the most exciting debuts this year. And while hip-hop lyrics have sparked the biggest debate in years, Sean finds himself in the center of the controversy - but not where you might think. The teen prefers to show his creativity without using profanity.

It’s no wonder then that Sean is quickly becoming a household name with his first single “Beautiful Girls,” a song cross-pollinating on both urban and pop radio stations coast to coast. The unmistakable hit boasts the instant hook of “Stand by Me” which acts like a muse for the song produced by savant J.R. Rotem. Sean is the first signing on J.R.’s label Beluga Heights and his debut album Sean Kingston is due out on July 31 on Beluga Heights/Epic.

“I heard the track ‘Stand by Me,’ one night in the studio, the radio was on. I asked J.R., did anybody ever use this sample? He made the beat right there on the spot and I wrote the words down while he played it back to me. I loved the way it turned out and I think my sound is a lot different than what else is out there. It all just worked and we knew we had something special with the track. I’m also singing about something people can relate – being in love and this other person who you think is your world tells you they want to end the relationship.”

Kingston wants to make it clear that he is no cookie cutter artist that has the songs laid out for him. He comes up with 100 percent of his lyrics. Sean also understands that at 17 years old and making urban music he has a responsibility to fans, “With this album I thought it was important to not use curse words or negative slang that might offend people. I write my own songs so it’s like if I can write a great track without using those words than that’s the style for me.” Sean continues, “As an artist, my whole goal is to make powerful and classic album. I want everyone to feel my music and understand my heritage and that’s what this album will do. The music is all about the authentic Sean Kingston vibe. JR is a talented dude and a dope producer and he saw that I had something different to offer from other artists out there. Together we’re a powerful force and I’m ready to share it with the world.”

Sean talks about J.R. more like a big brother, rather than an Executive Producer of his album. Couple of years ago, Kingston started randomly hitting music industry contacts on MySpace. Although none of the A&R reps responded, Rotem emailed him back. J.R. almost had no choice. “Sean would hit me up at least three times a day!” J.R. says.

“He had a real distinct sound,” Rotem remembers. “I worked with some of the best and I don’t see why Sean can’t grow to be one of them. His potential is limitless.” Rotem invited Sean for a meeting in Los Angeles; coincidentally the young performer was already in the process of moving to California. Shortly after their initial meeting, Rotem had a flagship artist for his Epic records joint venture, Beluga Heights. For Sean, it was almost like a prophecy beginning to be fulfilled. Not only is music his love, it is in his blood. Now Kingston says he’s looking forward to making music and living out his dream.

In just a short time, Kingston has already done what few in his age bracket can accomplish - get people excited about music again. His album is shaping up to be filled with a string of hits including “Me Love,” “Got No Shorty,” “There’s Nothin’” featuring Paula DeAnda, “I Can Feel It” and “Take You There.”

Perhaps one of the most eye opening tracks is “Dry Your Eyes” where Sean visits the hardship of watching his mother and sister be sent to prison when he was just 15 years-old. He sings to his mother to not let herself be saddened that she’s away from the family and to know that they’re always there for her.

“I always had my sister and my brother,” he began to explain. “My brother was there but he was running around doing his own thing most of the time. When my mother and sister went away, it took a lot out of me. My sister went away for four months and my mom has been away for over a year. When she went away, I was like ‘nah man, this is too much.’ I was only 14. I missed her like crazy but I pulled through and used it as my motivation. “Dry Your Eyes” is a defining song on the album for me because it touches on something that’s very personal to me. The dope melody that’s on there makes me feel even closer to it.”

Sean has a certified hip-hop knocker on his hands with the reggae remix of “Colors” (2007) which features the legendary Vybz Kartel and the always profound Kardinal Offishall and will appear on Sean’s album as a bonus track. “Unity and representation is where Colors came from,” Kingston elaborated. “The song is about representing whatever flag that you’re loyal to – whether it is Jamaica, the States, your block etc. It’s a lifestyle record that can be a street anthem no matter where you’re from and where you at now. The reggae version came up because I knew I had to do one special for my native Jamaica. The first person I thought of was Vybz Kartel. His verse came out crazy. Then Kardinal, that’s my homie, really attacked the track.”

“In the future I want to have my own label and work on the business side,” he said. “I went to acting school when I was younger, so I want to get into that. I want to get into every aspect of the business. It took me a little while to develop and build my sound, to find out who the real Sean Kingston was. I didn’t know if I wanted to harmonize, or to rap. But I found out that I can do it all.”

AUDIO "Ridin"
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Mya
Universal Motown
Liberation IN STORES FALL 2007

“This album may remind people of my early Rufus albums because I’m in a similar ‘soul space’. I’ve been on a little journey in the last few years, finding Yvette again... I’ve changed. This album is different from any other album I’ve recorded because it reflects what I’m about, who I am now.” ~ Chaka Khan

CHAKA KHAN
"FUNK THIS" IN STORES SEPTEMBER 25
BURGUNDY RECORDS / SONY BMG ENTERTAINMENT
http://www.myspace.com/officialchakakhan

AUDIO: Disrespectful (Featuring Mary J. Blige)

CHAKA KHAN “FUNK THIS” BIO

Say the name “Chaka” and most folks in the know instantly think of a woman who has made an indelible and lasting impression on the music scene of the past three decades. First, as the lead singer of the massively successful R&B, funk and pop band Rufus, then as a solo artist in her own right who has influenced an entire generation of female vocalists (think Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Ledisi, Maysa among others). Like Aretha, like Joni, like Tina, a first name will do. For there’s only one Chaka, woman of fire, possessed of a powerhouse, unforgettably distinctive trademark vocal style who sings with unrelenting passion, honest emotion and authenticity; no matter what the song, you can count on Chaka to deliver with realness, every time.

Seldom has that been more evident than on the aptly-named FUNK THIS, in some ways a return to her musical roots with Rufus, a glorious collaboration with the super hitmaking team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It’s the album that many a Chaka fan will instantly say they’ve been waiting for, a tough’n’earthy showcase for the gritty, in-your-face sound that first attracted the solid and loyal audience that have been with Chaka “through the fire” (also the title of her autobiography), through the ups and downs and ins and outs of a career filled with accomplishment, achievement and, as she herself admits, its share of highs and lows.

The iconic singer says it best: “This album may remind people of my early Rufus albums because I’m in a similar ‘soul space’. I’ve been on a little journey in the last few years, finding Yvette again,” she notes, referring to her birth name. “I went through a period of being insecure. I’m walking a different path now. I’ve changed. This album is different from any other album I’ve recorded because it reflects what I’m about, who I am now.”

Distinct from recent recordings – such as the critically-acclaimed “Classikhan,” the 2004 album, partly recorded with the London Philarmonic Orchestra, that included songs from her years growing up in Chicago – FUNK THIS embodies the essence of Chaka’s fiery approach to music, bringing together a selection of her own compositions and collaborations with fresh readings of classic tunes originated by longtime musical pal Prince (“Sign ‘O’The Times”), one of Chaka’s musical heroines Joni Mitchell (“Ladies’ Man”) and Jimi Hendrix (“Castles Made Of Sand”) There’s a brilliant revisit of two Rufus classics – “Pack’d My Bags,” and “You Got The Love”– fused into an unforgettable medley and for good measure, “Disrespectful,” a hardcore duet with superstar Mary J. Blige.

“The album’s called FUNK THIS because it’s funky!” Chaka grins, when asked how she came up with the title and concept for the CD, her first for Burgundy Records. “Honestly, the idea for it came to me in a dream and I like that we’re calling it FUNK THIS because it gives people an indicator of what to expect.” With the masterful production of fellow Grammy winners Jam & Lewis (whose list of credits, like Chaka’s, would fill pages), FUNK THIS gives the dynamic singer an opportunity to do what she does best: whether revealing her own recent journey through the words of “Super Life” or adding her stamp to the turgid 1969 soul classic “Foolish Fool” (originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick), the album presents the diversity of Chaka Khan, from the poetic (“Angel”) to the revelatory (“Will You Love Me?”).

Of working with Jam & Lewis and their talented crew of musicians (including the Avila brothers, ‘Big Jim’ Wright and special guest Jesse Johnson), Chaka says, “When we first met, it was like a mutual admiration society! I mean, who wouldn’t want to work with Jimmy & Terry?” The combination is dynamic: track by track, FUNK THIS represents Chaka, 2007, at the top of her game.

She gladly reveals her thoughts on each of the album’s 13 cuts. “I first heard Dee Dee’s “Foolish Fool” when I was growing up and it made a deep impression on me. It’s been part of my fibre ever since. When we were discussing cover songs to do, I said, ‘I gotta one for you!’ It’s intense and Dee Dee must have been through something traumatic to sing it the way she did. I know a lot of women feel what the song says, ‘she’s gotta be crazy if she thinks she can take you from me!’ Yeah!”

The poignant ballad “Angel” was based on a poem Chaka wrote “a few years ago when I was in an ‘altered’ state. I pulled out the words and I thought, ‘wow, I wrote this? The lyrics are pretty intense for someone who was out of their mind at the time. It’s a very special song to me, especially since I’ve started walking a different path, since I’ve been through a whole life change.”

The upbeat “Will You Love Me?” co-written with Doug Rasheed is “a sad, pleading song. It’s about my own insecurities – like who is coming to my rescue? It’s deep, beautiful.”

The beautifully acoustic “One For All Times,” penned by Chaka with Terry Lewis, “has a Rufus kind of feel to it. It’s about eternal love, the kind of song that Joni Mitchell might have written if she were black!” Chaka grins. Speaking of Mitchell, “Ladies’ Man” is a gem from the legendary singer/songwriter’s catalog: “I’ve known Joni for about twenty years and I was so honored to be asked to honor her at a Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame in Toronto. We got to hang out for the first time in some years and I told her I wanted to record one of her songs. She said (imitates Joni), “No, Chaka you have to do ‘Ladies’ Man’” so how was I going to say ‘no’ to Joni Mitchell?”

In the realm of musical legends, Prince has also occupied a special place in Chaka’s heart, from the days before his “I Feel For You” gave her a million-selling Grammy-winning No. 1 international hit record in 1984: the biting “Sign ‘O’ The Times” seems like a perfect choice for FUNK THIS. “I’ve always loved the song and its message seems very prophetic now.
I included a part of “I’m Every Woman” because adding that felt very natural when we were recording,” Chaka notes, referring to her original 1978 Ashford & Simpson-penned first solo hit. “Castles Made Of Sand” from the Jimi Hendrix classic LP, “Axis, Bold As Love” is given a Khan workout: “I listened to that song a lot in my ‘acid’ days,” Chaka says. “That album was one of those jam records we all listened to back then. The lyrics are sad and tragic but I tried to make it positive. The question is, if you build your castle, is it gonna stand?”

Chaka’s self-penned, self-affirming “Super Life” addresses that very same question in its own way: it’s a very special, very personal song. “I wrote it a few years ago when I started walking on a more life-sustaining path and it’s about the promise I made to myself for the rest of my life. The lyric says, ‘I’m gonna life a superlife, for the babies, for the children’ and that’s what I’m doing.” In the realm of honest lyrics, “Disrespectful” comes from the pen of Mary J. Blige: “We were going to write together but Mary started writing this song and it was so strong, she finished it herself,” Chaka reveals. “It’s an absolute powerhouse, crazy, insane track! When you listen to it, it’s hard to tell which of us is singing! It’s a tour-de-force about one of the few subjects two women can sing about!”

With a nod to the successive gold and platinum albums and non-stop hit singles that catapulted Rufus to the top from 1974 to 1981, a medley of two Rufus favorites reunites Chaka with the band’s guitarist Tony Maiden who also co-penned “Back In The Day” with Chaka. “I chose ‘Pack’d My Bags’ because I wrote it, I love it and I’ve never tired of singing it; we put in “You Got The Love” and it turned out very well.” Another notable cut on FUNK THIS is a soulful duet with Michael McDonald on “You Belong To Me,” the classic Carly Simon song.

FUNK THIS is an important new addition to the extensive Khan catalog of close to a dozen solo albums, spanning almost twenty years of recording and performing worldwide. An eight-time Grammy winner, Chaka Khan can truly claim the title ‘renaissance woman.’ Her distinctive vocal style has influenced and impacted a whole generation of hit making contemporary artists and her commitment as a humanitarian and philanthropist has continued to thrive through the work of her own Chaka Khan Foundation.

Growing up in Chicago during the 1950s and ’60s, Chaka – born Yvette Marie Stevens – developed an early awareness of the creative and political movements around her. She formed her first singing group when she was 11 and joined the Black Panthers in her late teens, heading up their free breakfast program for kids. By age 20, she had found the perfect outlet for her creative energy as the singer for Rufus, and five years later, as a breakout solo artist. Known for a catalog of classic hits: “Tell Me Something Good,” “Sweet Thing,” "Once You Get Started," "Everlasting Love," "Do You Love What You Feel," "Ain’t Nobody," “I’m Every Woman,” “I Feel For You,” “Through The Fire,” “Clouds”, “I’ll Be Good To You”, and “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me,” Chaka has worked in practically every genre of music from pop, R&B, rock, disco, world music and fusion to jazz, rap, hip-hop, and classical. The diverse list of distinguished collaborators with whom Chaka has recorded includes but is not limited to Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Ashford & Simpson, Rod Stewart, Manhattan Transfer, Dizzy Gillespie, Gladys Knight, Joe Henderson, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Lenny White, Bobby McFerrin, Melle Mel, Lionel Hampton, Eric Clapton, Fourplay, Peter Cetera, Queen Latifah, Brandy, Tamia, Kanye West, Shaggy, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Ry Cooder, Bruce Hornsby, Guru, Phil Collins, De La Soul, Michael MacDonald, Steve Winwood, and, Miles Davis. Emotive vocals have been the trademark of Ms. Khan who has graced the soundtracks of several movies including “Clockers,” "Set It Off," "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," "Miami Vice," "White Knights," "Moscow on the Hudson," "Disappearing Acts,” "Waiting to Exhale," and “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown,” and the recent Tyler Perry hit “Madea’s Family Reunion".

Winner of the 1995 London’s Best Actress Capitol Radio Listener’s Poll Award Recipient for “Mama, I Want to Sing", a Diamond Life Awardee of Excellence from the International Association of African-American Music (IAAAM), recipient of the “Soul Train’s Lena Horne Lady of Soul Career Achievement Award”, declared a "power mover" by Vibe Magazine, and given the date October 19th as Chaka Khan Day by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, Chaka’s impact on popular culture is undeniable.

A renowned proponent of ‘old school’ soul music, her energy, dynamism, and passion through live performances for over three decades, Chaka has brought her special brand of vocal magic to audiences the world over. Her prowess as a credited creative force behind her impressive catalog of solo albums is one that is held in high regard by her peers: executive producer for the 1992 Grammy-winning "The Woman I Am” and Chaka’s 1998 album “Come 2 My House” featuring a number of Khan compositions. Chaka’s range as an artist is both timeless and limitless as demonstrated in her ability to interpret a range of enduring songs associated with artists such as Peggy Lee, Patsy Cline, Shirley Bassey, Oscar Brown Jr. and Lena Horne, captured on her 2004 release “Classikhan,” recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

But it’s away from the stage and the recording studio that Chaka’s light has continued to promote a need for change. Her inspiring autobiography “Through The Fire” was acclaimed for its soul-bearing candor and honesty and her commitment to women and children at risk is seen through her countless hours of dedication to the Chaka Khan Foundation. Formed in 1999, the Foundations’ initiative has involved a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School district mentoring 5th and 6th grade students who are college-bound. Of her work with the Foundation and her other philanthropic endeavors which include participation in numerous charity benefits devoted to conquering AIDS and HIV prevention, Chaka simply says, "It’s time to build up and time to give back".

Entrepreneurial in spirit, Chaka’s entertainment company Chaka Khan Enterprises is definitely a family affair. Her mother, Sandra Coleman, works as her business manager; and her sister, Tammy McCrary, is her personal manager; while her daughter Milini (who enjoyed success as the lead singer for the group Pretty in Pink) has a burgeoning solo career and her son Damien is also an aspiring record producer. In addition to the Chaka Khan Foundation, Chaka is also responsible for her own line of chocolates (“Chakalates”), sold in Nieman Marcus Stores and the guiding force behind her own Earthsong record label.

Honored by BET with a much-deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award,” Chaka’s enduring spirit and passion for music and life have endeared her to music lovers the world over. “Music has always been the background theme to life,” she states, “and people are profoundly affected by what they hear. I think I always knew I’d forever be doing this. It’s what I was put it for. It’s always been kind of like a ministry – now it’s a conscious one,” she says referring to her own recent life changes. “Every song on this new album has a message, an in-depth message which can be applied to many things in life. Every word is heartfelt and I didn’t sing anything I didn’t feel.”

The provocatively-titled FUNK THIS is, she says, “the album I’ve been promising my fans for the past ten years.” And the kind of funk on the CD? “It’s funk of many kinds with a wide range of different feelings. It’s soulful, soul-felt and from my soul.” That about says it all!

Back Flipping Forward is in stores October 02, 2007.

Will Dailey “Rise” Audio Streams:
Windows Media
Quicktime
Real Player

Will Dailey Official Site:
http://www.willdailey.com/
And My Space page:
http://www.myspace.com/willdailey

Metafore - Nah Mean
Click Here to Listen

Itunes

Metafore EPK

Metafore
In Stores Fall 2007
Luckybug Entertainment
www.teammetafore.com
www.myspace.com/teammetafore

WHO’S YOUR CADDY?
DIMENSION FILMS
IN THEATERS JULY 27TH
www.whosyourcaddythemovie.com

VIEW THE TRAILER HERE
http://www.whosyourcaddythemovie.com

CHECK OUT AN EXCLUSIVE CLIP HERE
[WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT]

SYNOPSIS

Who’s Your Caddy? is a hilarious, fish-out-of-water comedy about superstar rap mogul, C-Note (Big Boi), who runs into fierce opposition when he tries to join the super stuffy Carolina Pines Golf & Country Club. Undeterred, C-Note gets the brilliant idea to buy the land adjacent to the golf club’s 17th hole, which he cleverly leverages to gain membership. C-Note’s crew wreaks havoc as they bring their larger-than-life style to the club. As the club’s hoighty-toighty leadership desperately tries to revoke C-Note’s membership, our hero realizes that his family’s honor – and secret record-breaking golf history – is at stake. As he takes on the fight of his life, C-Note pulls out all the stops to bring down the club’s backwards establishment and welcome them to the 21st century.

Mario performed the National Anthem at The White House to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson joining Major League Baseball. With approximately 200-300 people in attendance, including President Bush, Frank Robinson, Tommy Lasorda, Jackie Robinson's former teammates from both the Negro and Major Leagues, Tee Ball teams from Los Angeles and Brooklyn and several other invited guests, Mario impressed the audience with his voice and charisma.

For more info on Mario's Go!, please visit:
www.myspace.com/mariojrecords & www.mario2u.com

New York Knicks fans, you can't beat this offer.

Season tickets at $25 a game:
http://www.nba.com/knicks/tickets/tix_25season.html

Dallas Independent Record Label, Clout Records, Receives Major Distribution Deal from EMI

Dallas, TX – July 2007 - Dallas based independent record label, Clout Records, has acquired a national distribution deal with EMI. Head of Urban Music at EMI Music Marketing, Jesse Flores, offered the popular local label the agreement after retail consultant Billy Bowles, a former EMI executive, arranged a 3-day meeting with Mr. Flores in Dallas to evaluate Clout Records.

“We at EMI are excited about our newly formed partnership with Clout Records. When it comes to the rap genre it is crucial to have your hometown behind you 100%; Corey and his team have proven to me that they have the Dallas market on lock. The Clout brand means something in Texas and I look forward to helping them extend their reach to other markets the way other successful Indie rap labels have in the past“, states Mr. Flores.

Owned and operated by CEO Corey Cleghorn, Clout Records has been in business for nearly 3 years. When asked why he chose to go with EMI rather than other major labels, Mr. Cleghorn states, “ It was a great deal for us with a great company. Our agreement with EMI includes 75% of all of our sales and ownership of our masters. This type of deal doesn’t happen much these days especially through a major distributor.

Cleghorn also admits that he knows with the opportunity comes a lot of responsibility. EMI will do what they do best which is distribution and Retail and Clout is responsible for everything else. Clout has always specialized in excellent street promotions and has kept good industry relationships as an independent label. Clout must now prove that they have the same ability nationally as they have regionally to make hit songs that move from the streets to the club and graduate to radio such as their most recent single "Hit the Dance Floor" by 18 year old rapper Lil Peace.

" The situation is perfect for our company because EMI seems prepared to let us build our brand, keep creative control, be aggressive by quickly releasing our upcoming projects, and help us take our Dallas style global." Mr. Cleghorn continues, "EMI has helped create major labels underneath their umbrella. They've also distributed for Virgin and Capital as well as partnered up with Rap-A-Lot, Ruff Ryders and Priority in the past, so of course, it was an easy decision for me."

Clout doesn't require that a major label supervise all facets of their company since they have shown to be capable of creating a buzz on the streets and radio as an independent label but the question is will this convert to success on a national level? Mr. Cleghorn affirms the obstacles ahead, "This is a very big challenge for me but I’m confident that with a little budget support and the professionals I already work with we can make a major impact. Because of the support of our city and our fans in other cities we have a chance to be successful and make Dallas very proud."

Clout and EMI have a tentative release date of September 25th for Lil Peace's Album "Young and the Wreckless" and Clout Cartel’s "Changing The Game" Clout's Compilation and DVD Documentary.

For more info on Clout Records log on to:
www.myspace.com/cloutrecords
www.cloutrecords.com

Clout Media Department: 972-814-2713
cloutmarketing@yahoo.com

Kandel Media
www.kandelmedia.com

Lenny Kravitz’s most anticipated album is set to release in February 2008. Fans will get a chance to get not one but two albums in 2008. "IT IS TIME FOR A LOVE REVOLUTION" and "FUNK."

Be on the lookout for more information as I get it.

Lucky Brand Jeans is hitting the highways in our custom made Denim Highway bus, looking for adventure!

To find out more, click on the link:
http://www.denimhighway.com

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ORIGINAL TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK
TOUCHES DOWN JULY 24, 2007 ON ARTISTS’ ADDICTION RECORDS

Exclusive Remix of The Killers’ “Read My Mind,” Iron & Wine and Calexico’s “Dead Man’s Will,” Tony Lucca
Cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Devil Town” Heard Alongside Whiskeytown, Drive-By Truckers, OutKast, More

July 17, 2007 - LOS ANGELES, CA — Friday Night Lights Original Television Soundtrack will be released July 24, 2007, on Artists’ Addiction Records. A weekly drama centered around small-town Dillon, Texas, “Friday Night Lights” premiered in October of 2006 to mass critical acclaim and with season two making its’ debut on October 5th. The album’s producers are Artist Addiction principals Jonathan Miller, Jonathan Platt and veteran music executive Jonathan McHugh. Jason Katims is executive producer of “Friday Night Lights” and executive soundtrack producer of Friday Night Lights Original Television Soundtrack.

“Every song on the ‘Friday Night Lights’ soundtrack was used in the show, most of them in prime spots where they really enhanced the emotional impact of the scene,” says Liza Richardson, music supervisor for the critically acclaimed NBC TV series. “

“We were adamant that the soundtrack be a true reflection of the show,” adds Katims. But we had an embarrassment of riches of great music to choose from, so we narrowed down the track listing by making sure whatever we chose was especially representative.”

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the “Friday Night Lights” fans another piece of the show they can identify with, as well as help build excitement for the upcoming season,” comments Shelli Hill, Vice President of Video, Music & Product Development for NBC Universal Television Distribution.

Inspired by the celebrated 2004 film “Friday Night Lights,” the program is set in small-town Dillon, Texas, home of the state-champion Panthers high school football team. And though the gridiron is the show’s ostensible raison d’être, its action is driven by a compelling ensemble of characters who, even when their team wins the game, must struggle with the vagaries of daily life in West Texas. Hailed as one of the top ten shows of 2006 by Time magazine and Entertainment Weekly, the critically acclaimed drama “Friday Night Lights” also received 2006 honors by the American Film Institute (AFI) for Television Program of the Year and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award.

The eclectic Friday Night Lights Original Television Soundtrack, which was licensed to Artists’ Addiction Records by NBC Universal Television Distribution, is a worthy companion to the primetime drama. Offering listeners the opportunity to relive some of the show’s pivotal moments are Tony Lucca’s rendition of Daniel Johnston’s “Devil Town”; the Like Rebel Diamonds Mix of The Killers’ “Read My Mind”; “I Turn My Camera On,” by Austin, Texas, outfit Spoon; OutKast’s jazzy “Idlewild Blues”; Whiskeytown’s “Everything I Do”; “Rewind,” by Stereophonics; Starsailor’s “Keep Us Together”; the beat to “Big Big Kid,” from rapper Jibbs; “So Divided,” by
… And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead; the Drive-By Truckers’ “Goodbye”; “Dead Man’s Will,” one of Iron & Wine’s shimmering collaborations with Calexico; the previously unreleased José González cut “Storm”: a cover of Suicide’s “I Remember,” from Chris Brokaw; and “First Breath After Coma,” courtesy of the Austin post-rock instrumental outfit Explosions in the Sky, who scored the film “Friday Night Lights” and contribute much to the television show, including its hypnotic theme music.

Richardson, a highly respected player in film and television music whose credits extend from “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001) and “Lords of Dogtown” (2005) to the animated feature “Surf’s Up” (2007), agrees with Katims that the show’s music serves as another character, taking on the role of omniscient narrator.

* * *

Expanding on the hit feature film and best selling book “Friday Night Lights,” this poignant series centers on the small rural town of Dillon, Texas, where the coveted state football championship rings are held in the highest regard. The Dillon Panther’s faced many challenges their first season with Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler, “Grey’s Anatomy”) at the helm, but after much hard work, determination and a victory at the State Championship Game, the team’s fate at the start of yet another new season and Taylor’s family’s future with them, continues to remain uncertain.

The talented cast also includes: Scott Porter (“Music & Lyrics by…”) as the Panther’s injured former star quarterback, Jason Street; Gaius Charles (“The Book of Daniel”) as feared running back Brian “Smash” Williams; Taylor Kitsch (“The Covenant”) as reckless and self-destructive full back Tim Riggins; Connie Britton (“The Brothers McMullen,” “24”) as Taylor’s supportive wife and high school guidance counselor, Tami; Zach Gilford (“The Last Winter”) as Matt Saracen, the new team captain and star quarterback, and Minka Kelly (“What I Like About You”) as Lyla Garrity, Panther cheerleader and Street’s on again off-again girlfriend. The series also stars Aimee Teegarden (“Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) as Coach Taylor’s daughter, Julie; Adrianne Palicki (“South Beach”) as Tyra Collette, and Jesse Plemons (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Landry Clarke.

Executive producers are Peter Berg (the film “Friday Night Lights,” “The Rundown”), who also wrote and directed the pilot, Jason Katims (“Roswell”), Brian Grazer (“The Da Vinci Code,” “Cinderella Man,” “A Beautiful Mind”), David Nevins (“Arrested Development”), Sarah Aubrey (“Bad Santa,” “The Kingdom”) and Jeffrey Reiner (NBC’s “Surface”). “Friday Night Lights” is a production of Imagine Entertainment, Universal Media Studio and Film 44.

About Artists’ Addiction Records
Artists’ Addiction Records, formed in 2005 by principal Jonathan Scott Miller, encompasses Artists’ Addiction Music Publishing, Artist Addiction Soundtracks (with principals Jonathan Miller and Jonathan Platt) and Stop! Go music supervision. The multifaceted company’s mission is to bring consumers and clients the finest in branded entertainment and music supervision. This includes soundtracks to contemporary films and television shows, album releases from established artists, and music supervision of various high-profile films, television programs and commercials.

About NBC Universal Television Distribution
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages.

http://artistsaddiction.com/FNL.htm
http://www.nbc.com/Friday_Night_Lights/
# # #

TRACK LISTING:
01. Devil Tow Tony Lucca
02. Read My Mind (Like Rebel Diamonds Mix) The Killers
03. I Turn My Camera On Spoon
04. Idlewild Blues Outkast
05. Everything I Do Whiskeytown
06. Rewind Stereophonics
07. Keep Us Together Starsailor
08. Big Big Kid Jibbs
09. So Divided …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead
10. Goodbye The Drive By Truckers
11. Dead Man’s Will Iron & Wine/Calexico
12. Storm Jose Gonzalez
13. I Remember Chris Brokaw
14. First Breath After Coma Explosions In The Sky

"Easy" featuring Bow Wow Video

Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, 16-year-old Paula DeAnda is part of the groundswell of rhythmic radio performers based in that region. Her first single "Doing Too Much" was co-written with Baby Bash who appears on the track with Paula. It's enjoying tremendous rotation on Rhythm and Top 40 stations across the country. She was signed to Arista Records within a day of her audition after performing for Clive Davis. This young, talented singer/songwriter is on the rise with her soulful voice and R&B sensibility.

"Walk Away" Audio - Full Version (4:25)
Windows Media
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmhi.aspx
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmmed.aspx
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmlo.aspx

Check out Music Nation (http://www.rock.musicnation.com/) for the chance to win a recording contract with Original Signal Recording/Epic Records and a performance on FUEL TV’s The Daily Habit, among other prizes.

The Honorary Title is Jarrod Gorbel on lead vocals and guitar, Aaron Kamstra on bass and keyboards, Jon Wiley on guitar, and Adam Boyd on drums. Based in Brooklyn, the band started in 2003 with Gorbel and Kamstra playing gigs on the New York City club circuit. In 2004 the group released their full-length debut Anything Else but the Truth. On the heels of this critically-acclaimed, Shortlist-nominated album, the group recruited Wiley and Boyd, and The Honorary Title began to tour nationally with such diverse groups as Switchfoot, Taking Back Sunday and AC Newman.

Tour Schedule:

7/18 Houston, TX Meridian
7/20 Orlando, FL The Club @ Firestone
7/21 Jacksonville, FL Fuel Coffeehouse
7/22 St. Petersburg, Fl Jannus Landing
7/24 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
7/25 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade
7/26 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
7/27 Memphis, TN New Daisy Theatre
7/28 Tulsa, OK D-Fest
7/29 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
7/31 San Diego, CA SOMA
8/1 Los Angeles, CA Avalon
8/2 Anaheim,CA House of Blues
8/3 San Francisco, CA The Great American Music Hall
8/4 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
8/5 Seattle, Wa Neumos

Cassidy - "My Drink n My 2 Step"
Quicktime
Windows Media

More information: http://www.myspace.com/cassidy

Grammy® nominee KT TUNSTALL became one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters in the world in one giant step, with the amazing two-year global journey of her multi-million selling debut album, Eye To the Telescope. This year KT will release her second album DRASTIC FANTASTIC that promises to be guitar-heavy and very sexy.

For DRASTIC FANTASTIC KT again tapped Telescope producer Steve Osbourne (U2, New Order, Happy Mondays). The album was mixed by Michael H. Brauer (Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, My Morning Jacket). The release of the album will follow a very busy summer which included a notable live appearance on the Live Earth worldwide music event for environmental awareness.

On September 18, 2007, Virgin Records will release Tunstall’s second album, DRASTIC FANTASTIC.

For more information from KT Tunstall and album pre-order details visit her official site www.KTTunstall.com.

"Bubbly:"

Quicktime
Windows Media
Real Player

Colbie Caillat Official Site:
http://www.colbiecaillatmusic.com/
and on MySpace:www.myspace.com/colbiecaillat

TOUR DATES:
7-18 Tom Ridge Pavillion at Mountain Laurel Center Bushkill Falls, PA
7-20 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
7-21 Jones Beach Wantagh, NY
7-22 Tweeter Center Boston, MA
7-24 Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY
7-25 Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT
7-27 Borgata Events Center Atlantic City, NJ
7-28 Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Darien Center, NY
7-29 A.J. Palumbo Center Pittsburgh, PA
7-31 Chastain Parl Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA
8-1 Pensacola Civic Center Pensacola, FL
8-3 Sound Advice Amphitheatre West Palm Beach, FL
8-4 Ford Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
8-23 Charter One Pavillion Chicago, IL
8-24 Minnesota State Fair Minneapolis, MN
8-26 Freedom Hall Detroit, MI
8-28 Tower City Amphitheatre Cleveland, OH
8-31 Smirnoff Music Centre Dallas, TX
9-1 The Backyard Austin, TX
9-2 Cynthia Wood Pavillion Houston, TX

“The Kiss” Audio Streams:
Windows Media Player
Real Player
Quicktime

Karmina Official Site:
http://www.karmina.us

And MySpace Page:
http://www.myspace.com/karmina

AUDIO: Everlast "Saving Grace"

Video- Everlast "Saving Grace":
Windows
Real Player

LOS ANGELES - (July 2007) - Multi-platinum recording artist, Everlast, has written and recorded the theme song for TNT's new drama series, "Saving Grace," starring acclaimed Academy Award-winning actress, Holly Hunter, and premiering July 23 at 10 p.m. on TNT.

The song, also called "Saving Grace," will play during the show's main title sequence and end credits. It will release as a full-length track and video, available at major online music retailers including iTunes (www.itunes.com) and Rhapsody (www.rhapsody.com). The song will also stream at TNT.com (www.tnt.tv).

The music of Everlast (born Erik Schrody) proved inspirational to show creator and executive producer Nancy Miller, who listened to Everlast recordings - particularly the 2004 track "Lonely Road" - while writing the pilot script. Once TNT ordered the series, Fox Television Studios (FtvS), which produces the show for TNT, and Fox Music worked to harness that inspiration, ultimately striking a deal with the Grammy-winning artist to write and record "Saving Grace." FtvS is currently exploring licensing other Everlast material for use in individual episodes.

Miller said, "I was turned on to Everlast by our music supervisor. The second I heard his voice I went crazy over it. He has such a sexy, interesting voice. I fell in love with his music; in fact, I listened to his CDs in my car so much that I burned them out. His lyrics speak so much to the struggle of Grace - her pain, her heroic nature - that I immediately connected to them. I feel like Everlast is the musical 'Godfather' of our series."

Everlast commented, "It was great to get the call from Fox - not only to find out that Nancy Miller was a fan, but also to be asked to write a song for such a cool show. The timing couldn't be better; I'm back in the studio working on a new album. This project was a great way to kick that off."

About The Show
Saving Grace is a provocative new hour-long drama series starring Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko, an intense, cynical and sexy Oklahoma City police detective. Despite being at the top of her field, Grace lives life wild - hard, fast and on the edge. She drinks too much. She sleeps with the wrong men. Wicked-smart and tough, Grace hits bottom one night when she slams into a pedestrian while she is driving drunk. Horrified at the realization of what she's done, Grace uncharacteristically asks for help, and receives it in the form of an unconventional angel named Earl. The journey, for both of them, will not be an easy one. For Grace, it will bring up life's most complicated issues. Each episode of "Saving Grace" revolves around a specific case that the detectives are trying to solve, while delving deeper into the characters' personal lives.
SAVING GRACE is produced for TNT by Fox Television Studios and creator Nancy Miller (Any Day Now). Miller also serves as executive producer on the series, along with Gary A. Randall (Any Day Now, Leaving LA) and Artie Mandelberg (Leaving L.A., Mr. & Mrs. Smith).

About Everlast
Everlast (born Erik Schrody) is a Grammy-winning musician known for alternating between hip-hop and rock. The front man for rap group House of Pain until 1996, Everlast released his first solo album, ''Forever Everlasting,'' in 1990. After suffering a major heart attack, he came back strong with a second solo album, "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues'' (1998) which featured the hit singles "What It's Like" and "Ends." His third solo album, ''Eat at Whitey's,'' was released in 2000. That same year, Everlast won a Grammy (with Santana) for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, for "Put Your Lights On." Everlast's fourth solo album, "'White Trash Beautiful,'' was released in 2004. Everlast is currently at work on his next album, which will be released by Sony/ATV.

About Fox Television Studios
Fox TV Studios is a program supplier to the major U.S. and international broadcast and cable networks. The studio is currently producing Saving Grace, starring Academy award-winner Holly Hunter, for TNT (premiering July 23); Burn Notice, for USA Network; The Shield and The Riches for FX; the late-night Talkshow with Spike Feresten for the FOX Broadcasting Company; Crowned: The Mother of all Pageants, premiering in 2008 on The CW; and The Girls Next Door for E! Entertainment Television. Through Regency Television (a partnership with New Regency) productions include New Amsterdam, premiering fall 2007, and The Return of Jezebel James, premiering in 2008, both for FOX. FtvS' international format production division is currently in production on more than 25 shows in Europe and Latin America. Fox Television Studios' series and TV movies have earned numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, Peabody and Humanitas awards.

About Fox Music
Fox Music oversees the music needs for all of Twentieth Century Fox Film and Television divisions. Fox Music is currently supervising the music for more than 20 motion pictures and 40 television series including Live Free or Die Hard, The Simpsons Movie, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, as well as all current Fox TV Studios productions. The division has partnered directly with iTunes and Rhapsody for digital distribution of its recorded product. Over the past 10 years Fox Music has garnered 17 Academy Award, 26 Golden Globe, 28 Grammy and 64 Emmy Award nominations.

About TNT
Turner Network Television (TNT), television's destination for drama and one of cable's top-rated networks, offers original movies and series, including the acclaimed detective drama The Closer, starring Golden Globe? winner and Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Awards? nominee Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, a bold new drama starring Oscar®-winner Holly Hunter; Heartland, a powerful medical drama with Treat Williams and Kari Matchett; and this summer's eagerly anticipated television event The Company, executive-produced by Ridley Scott and starring Chris O'Donnell, Michael Keaton and Alfred Molina. TNT is also home to powerful one-hour dramas, such as Without a Trace, Law & Order, Las Vegas, Cold Case, ER, Charmed and Judging Amy; broadcast premiere movies; compelling prime-time specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards?; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA. TNT is also available in high-definition. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a TimeWarner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming to the basic cable industry.

Five Questions with Asia By Kisha Green

As many young girls growing up play with dolls and pretend to often escape their world by dreaming of that perfect place. This land of make believe is almost as amazing as Peter Pan had with Never Never Land. For author Asia she was dreaming bigger than the stars literally with thoughts of being an astronaut and if that failed, a rock scientist. Asia didn’t pick writing it was almost in a sense that writing picked her and when that amazing event happened, Asia ran with the thought of having a promising literary career and the end result with one book under her belt is an authoress who knows that the sky is the limit in regards to her literary destiny.

When did you realize you had a gift and that you wanted to share it with the world?
I did not start out like most writers/authors. I started out wanting to be a scientist or an inventor. However, there were a few things that were indicators about my writing talents. The first was the ability to stir up controversy in some of the topics I would debate around the water cooler. The second was when I played hooky from church and starting blogging and writing out of the blue. As time went on, I had a full manuscript. The third was when I signed up for a writing program and the instructors gave me a lot of positive feedback, some negative as well, but a lot of positive feedback. As cliché as it sounds, I really had something I wanted to say.

How receptive has the public been of your work?
So far most people have been very receptive. There have been a few naysayers but that's to be expected. I want my work to be provocative. Many so far have found some commonality in the underlying theme of my novel.

Tell me one word to best describe you.
Atypical

What can we expect from you next?
Currently, I'm working on a second fictional novel, which I'm definitely aiming for it to be better than the first (and hopefully more provocative). I enjoy writing about real life "stuff" with a fictional twist.

What are your inspirations/influences?
My main inspiration is my two year old son. As lame as it sounds, I watch how he keeps trying to tie his shoes (and he's still unsuccessful at this point), but never gives up. Other sources of inspiration are "roadblocks". I've always been an achiever. Therefore, when I meet a roadblock, I'm compelled to figure out a way around it. And then there's Oprah...need I say more?

To learn more about Asia, go to http://www.authoressasia.com/ or
www.myspace.com/authoressasia.

Interview by Kisha Green. To learn more about Kisha, visit her website: www.divabooksinconline.com.

Listen to the single "Future Baby Mama"


Prince
Planet Earth
IN STORES JULY 24th
Columbia Records
http://www.3121.com

Kelly Rowland's latest CD Ms Kelly is way better than her last one. I was able to listen to the entire CD in one sitting. I only found myself pressing the "skip" button a few times. Overall, Ms Kelly's 12 track CD is great to listen to when chilling at home or riding in the car. Ms Kelly should validate Kelly Rowland's solo career. If you like the first single "Like This" featuring Eve, then you'll like track #2 "Comeback." The music for both tracks will have you bopping your head. "Flashback," "Still in Love with my Ex," and the duet with Tank "The Show" are three of my favorite tracks on the entire CD. "Better Without You" is another favorite and I would love to see it as a single.

"Kelly Rowland has redeemed herself as a solo artist with Ms. Kelly." ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national bestselling author of My Invisible Husband, Paige's Web and Double Platinum.

How did you get your start?
I started composing at an early age with a toy-piano. I was gifted when I was four years old. I think I always loved to create stories out of my imagination that sometimes took the shape of writings, drawings and even songs. I would have loved to study music but sadly I did not and then I stopped for quite a lot of years during my university studies as a scientist. I really found out though that music and art (illustrating) was really my devotion and rescued my old high school keyboard from the wardrobe to get back to composing. But it was back in 2002 when I wrote and uploaded “I steal the leaves” to mp3.com. By then I was a composer “looking for a vocalist” but people liked the first demo as it was and I felt very encouraged to find out that I don’t only love to sing but also I cannot live without singing. I took Internet resources to spread it, and the first recordings were really hideously recorded compared with the actual studio versions. I think Internet is a pivotal key to the promotion of any indie artist nowadays… and most of it it’s free. I keep a humble list of resources for newcomers since then. My Internet experience lead to real deals and offers but at the end I found out that being independent is what I worshiped above all and thus I ended up creating my own label and publishing company to make my first official release. Ancient Shadows (buy link: http://priscillahernandez.yidnethfanclub.com/product).

What artists have influenced your music?
I think the most important influence in my music are movie scores and soundtracks: Joe Hisaishi, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith and many many others… I’m fond of cinematic texturas and I like the storytelling concept of the music in the movies that flows along with the story rather than staying rigid within a determined structure. About the voice, many people have compared me with Enya and Tori Amos, actually I think the first has a nice voice and I didn’t know the second (though I do know and I take it as a huge compliment, it’s more of my taste) but to be honest the singers who inspired me were Roland Orzábal (from Tears for Fears) which pessimist tone and lyrics really influenced me, and even Cyndi Lauper (especially in her most recent ballad mood).

As a songwriter, how long does it take you to compose a song?
It depends on the random forces of the universe… some songs have been evolving for years, as they were wrote at an early age and then rescued… I really like to find some old stuff because I think it trapped my feelings then and it’s a way to bring back and convey those feelings into something tangible. Others like “I steal the leaves” came quite sudden in two or three days. Sometimes I can improvise songs just while I play, and I even end up using them, but I take longer in polishing it, and sometimes fusing stories. I prefer to build the music and lyric exactly at the same time, thus I’m not limited by the metrics afterwards and I think this is the most conflictive point when I songwrite that I really have to delay and have clear both music and words at the same time to fit perfectly.

What are some obstacles you've faced trying to break into the music business?
Well, unfortunately facing the reality and being aware I’m just another struggling indie artist and for certain archievements some investments are mandatory. My store is strange as I got up to 9 record deal offers including majors but I finally made the decisión to decline them. I had no luck with the offers as they saw “a voice” and I’m a componer that sings. Deals were too long and compromising and I felt discouraged a long while. Listeners started to donate through my official website ( http://www.yidneth.com/).

What do you want listeners to feel when they listen to your music?
Ancient Shadows has been a very personal project to me as it’s a compilation of my fantasies during a long while. It was also dedicated to my dear friend Kira, my dog that died several years ago, and thus I wanted to make something I’d feel proud to dedicate to her. My music could be described as “ethereal” but it often has a darker meaning. I used the songs to face my dreams and fears bringing them to life using the music. This vibe can also be felt in the live performances (http://youtube.com/yidneth) we really want to STORYTELL using songs and music to share stories. Things we have forgotten back in our childhood… invisible friends, fairies, ghosts, haunted houses, bitter willows, nightmares, a fantasy in the realms of twilight.

Priscilla Hernandez myspace: http://myspace.com/priscillahernandez
Official website: http://www.yidneth.com/

Interview by entertainment writer Shelia M. Goss. She's also the national bestselling author of Paige's Web, My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true. For more info, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com.

Memory Almost Full is Paul McCartney's latest music CD. He's a veteran and he's able to showcase his lyrical and musical skills on Memory in Full. I'm sure his fans will probably like the majority of the songs. For the most part, Memory in Full is well worth the money. Whether you're a fan of rock or pop, Paul McCartney has fused the two. If he was aiming to make a comeback, he did it with Memory in Full. ~ Review by Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national best-selling author of Paige's Web and My Invisible Husband.

"Pop, Lock, & Drop It" was a favorite dance song for 2007. Not a bad way to make your debut on the music scene for Huey. The next song on the CD I would like to see as a single is "When I Hustle" featuring one of my favorite new singers Lloyd. T-Pain makes a guest appearance on a few songs, but I prefer his appearance on the "Pop, Lock, & Drop It" remix version that also features Bow Wow. Notebook Paper gets 3 stars and I look forward to hearing more from Huey. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national best-selling author of Double Platinum, Paige's Web and My Invisible Husband

Constantine Maroulis talents were showcased on the CBS soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful." I'm a fan of the show and didn't realize until I got the CD, that Constantine was an ex-American Idol contestant. Listeners won't be disappointed. The track "Girl Like You," "Everybody Loves," "Fading into You," and "So Long," are my favorite songs on the 12 track CD.

"Constantine is proof there's success after Idol. He's gained a new fan." ~ Shelia M Goss, entertainment writer and author of Paige's Web and My Invisible Husband.

Rihanna "Good Girl Gone Bad" (Island/Def Jam):

On her latest disc from Island/Def Jam, Rihanna has never made being bad sound so good or sexy. On the opening track "Umbrella" with guest vocal by Jay-Z, she it has an infectious beat and her vocals are tight, it isn't hard to see why this has been a big hit this summer, but it doesn't stop there, she has a couple of dance tunes, and the sick bass guitar on "Shut Up and Drive" make you want to take her wherever she wants to go. But as the set moves along she slows down long enough to give us "Rehab" about the pain of getting over a relationship. She has really come into her own with the disc, and it is without a doubt one of the best discs to drop this summer.

Review by Kendall.

Larry The Cable Guy has released the Comedy Central special Morning Constitutions on DVD. To be honest, this DVD is my first time watching the comedian do a full performance. I can take his type of humor in small doses but not for an hour; however fans of Larry The Cable Guy will probably enjoy the entire DVD. I give him credit, he makes small things seem funny. If you're looking for a few good laughs, "Morning Constitutions" is entertaining. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national best-selling author of Paige's Web and My Invisible Husband.

rm"One Love (It Don't Make Any Difference To Me)" will be featured on Kevin's self-titled Downtown/ Atlantic Records debut, coming this fall. The acoutic version, "It Don't Make Any Difference To Me", is featured on Kevin Michael's EP, available exclusively on iTunes.

Kevin Michael feat. Wyclef Jean
"One Love (It Don't Make Any Difference To Me)"

Kevin Michael
"It Don't Make Any Difference To Me" (Acoustic Version)

VIDEO

"LOVE AIN'T GOT NO COLOR." - KEVIN MICHAEL
http://myspace.com/kevinmichaelmusic
Downtown Recordings/ Atlantic Records

Official website: http://www.the-ugks.com/

Track listing:
DISC 1:

Swishas And Dosha
Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) featuring OutKast
Chrome Plated Woman
Life Is 2009 featuring Too $hort
The Game Belongs To Me
Like That (Remix)
Gravy
Underground Kingz
Grind Hard featuring Young T.O.E. and DJ B-Do
Take Tha Hood Back featuring Slim Thug, Vicious and Middle Fingaz
Quit Hatin' The South featuring Charlie Wilson and Willie D
Heaven
Trill N****** Don't Die featuring Z-Ro

DISC 2:
How Long Can It Last featuring Charlie Wilson
Still Ridin' Dirty featuring Scarface
Stop-N-Go featuring Jazze Pha
Cocaine featuring Rick Ross
Two Type Of B****** featuring Dizzee Rascal and Pimpin' Ken
Real Women featuring Talib Kweli and Raheem DeVaughn
Candy
Tell Me How Ya Feel
Shattered Dreams
Like That
Next Up featuring Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap
Living This Life
Outro

Bonus Track: Int'l Players Anthem featuring Three 6 Mafia (Chopped & Screwed)
Bonus Track: Int'l Players Anthem featuring Three 6 Mafia

UNIVERSAL MOTOWN RECORDS RAP STAR
CHAMILLIONAIRE TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM

First Single "Hip-Hop Police" featuring Slick Rick
#1 Most Added at Rhythm Crossover
#4 Most Added at Urban Radio

ULTIMATE VICTORY
IN STORES SEPTEMBER 18TH

(New York, NY) - Universal Motown groundbreaking hip-hop artist, Chamillionaire has marked September 18th as the official release date for his much-buzzed about sophomore effort, Ultimate Victory, the follow-up to his Award winning, platinum-plus debut The Sound Of Revenge.

The first single from the new disk, "Hip-Hop Police," featuring legendary rap star Slick Rick, has already set hip-hop chat rooms a blaze and is the #1 Most Added song at RhythmCrossover and the #4 Most Added on Urban Radio.Chamillionaire promises the song is just 'the tip of the iceberg' when it comes to Ultimate Victory, which he describes as 'A very conceptual album where I really pushed my creativity.'

Chamillionaire's rise from Houston underground rap pioneer to award-winning, mainstream music luminary was again affirmed last month when the prolific artist was nominated for two Grammy Awards, garnering nods in the Best Rap Song category and for Best Rap Performance By Duo or Group for the hit single "Ridin'," featuring Krayzie Bone, from his platinum-plus debut album The Sound Of Revenge. The prestigious nods came on the heels of his two trophy-takedown at the First Annual BET Hip-Hop Awards in mid-November, where Chamillionaire walked away with both the Rookie of the Year Award and the coveted Alltell Wireless People's Champ (Viewers' Choice) Awards. The Houston rapper began his incredible run as the most honored hip-hop star of the past year by beating out proven superstars 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and T.I. for Best Rap Video for "Ridin'" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.

Chamillionaire's platinum-plus debut disc has become one of the most lauded albums in hip-hop history, with the single and video for "Ridin'" topping almost every chart and single-handedly transforming the digital landscape, as well. Incredibly, Chamillionaire became the biggest selling Ringtone artist in history, surpassing an amazing 4 million in ringtone sales, in addition to his groundbreaking Myspace site closing in on an astounding 6 million profile views.

As a special gesture to fans, Chamillionaire will be releasing the new Mixtape Messiah 3 CD and Mixtape Messiah DVD later this month.The magnitude of Chamillionaire's rise from Mixtape Messiah to multi-platform entertainment entrepreneur can best be gleamed from a mainstream news story that ran earlier this year as to how the rapper's Robin Hood-like image even penetrated the sacred halls of the White House. Presidential Press Secretary Tony Snow called worldwide attention to the hip-hop artist's ringtone prowess when he heard a reporter's cell phone playing the opening chords of "Ridin'" during his daily briefing. When Snow humorously pressed other reporters to see if she did indeed 'have the ringtone on her phone,' one ABC scribe replied" 'Doesn't everyone?'

“We want to unify our communities,” Divine says of The DEY’s mission. “By being bilingual, we address all those people — the non-English speaker and the non-Spanish speaker — and we create a bridge between them, a space where they can all exist.”

The DEY
TBD - Fall 2007
Epic Records
http://www.thedey.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedey


"Get The Feeling" audio

RUSH HOUR 3
IN THEATERS AUGUST 10TH
NEW LINE CINEMA
http://www.rushhourmovie.com

OFFICIAL TRAILER


SYNOPSIS

Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Hiroyuki Sanada, Youki Kudoh And Max Von Sydow

Chris Tucker returns to the big screen after a six-year absence as he reunites with the all-star team of co-star Jackie Chan, director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, Rush Hour 2, X-Men: The Last Stand, Red Dragon), and screenwriter, Jeff Nathanson (Rush Hour 2, Catch Me If You Can) to deliver the third installment of the blockbuster Rush Hour franchise. Arriving in theaters on August 10, 2007, Rush Hour 3 sees the beloved action comedy duo of Tucker and Chan reprising their roles as LAPD Detective James Carter and Chinese Chief Inspector Lee respectively. This time around, the two must travel to Paris to battle a wing of the Chinese organized crime family, the Triads. Based on Characters created by Ross La Manna, Rush Hour 3 is being produced by Arthur Sarkissian, Roger Birnbaum (Memoirs of a Geisha), Jay Stern, Jonathan Glickman (The Pacifier) and Andrew Z. Davis

Reba McEntire upcoming CD Reba Duets album is scheduled to be released on September 18th. "Because of You" is a duet with Kelly Clarkson. Other guests on the CD include: Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Faith Hill, Carole King, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Justin Timberlake and Trisha Yearwood.

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson – Because of You
CLICK HERE to listen.

eSpire Entertainment welcomes Kendall. Kendall is one
of the newest members to join the team. He'll be doing music reviews
and interviews.

Kendall was born in Chicago and after 17 years he moved
to Indiana and graduated from high school there. He has
always had a strong interest in music and movies, and
reading books. His childhood home was overloaded
with books and has carried on to his adult life. Kendall says,
"I just can't get enough, I like meeting new people,
having new experiences, and this job is ideal."

Surfing with the Alien was the album that ignited Joe Satriani’s career as a solo performer. The acclaimed guitarist’s second full-length release, Surfing with the Alien was originally issued in October 1987 on Relativity Records. It became a left-field bestseller that reached No. 29 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified Platinum for US sales of over one million copies. It was the first rock guitar instrumental album to reach Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart. It includes the charting hits “Satch Boogie” and “Surfing With The Alien”, plus the Grammy-nominated “Always With Me, Always With You”.

Surfing... launched Satriani on an ever-evolving creative path: eighteen further audio and video releases (nine of them certified gold and/or platinum) totaling over 10 million albums sold worldwide, fourteen Grammy Award nominations, and multiple world tours both as a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza.

On August 7th, 2007, Epic/Legacy Recordings will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking album with the release of a new expanded edition of Surfing with the Alien. This meticulously restored two-disc set includes the newly remastered album and a previously never-before-seen live show filmed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1988. It will also feature new liner notes written by Joe and special deluxe packaging featuring photos, notes and other memorabilia from Joe’s personal archive.

Joe Satriani Audio Streams:
“Surfing With The Alien”


“Satch Boogie”


“Always With Me, Always With You”

(Brooklyn, NY – July 2007) Independent record label Embedded Music will release the self-titled debut album of hip-hop duo Iller Than Theirs this fall. Brooklyn-based Iller Than Theirs is a mellow opposition to the commoditization of hip-hop culture that has resulted in fake MC’s peddling their own posturing while crazed billionaires buy up and tear down the old neighborhoods. In a world that’s growing more convoluted, complex, and corrupt, they’ve decided to respond with a simple, easygoing honesty of lyricism, free of pretension and thug theatrics. “We’re not saying that we’re better than anybody, alright? We’re not better than nobody. We’re just Iller.”

Iller Than Theirs is made up of Tone Tank and Krayo, artists from the Nuclear Family collective. Known as Nuk Fam for short, these New York-based musicians pride themselves on their unique humor and humility. Nuk Fam boasts artists Junk Science, who released their debut Feeding Einstein in 2005, as well as Iller producers DJ Snafu, J. Howells Werthman, and Scott Thorough. The album is set for bn release on September 18, on Embedded Music, and will feature guest appearances from Mastah Ace, Cool Calm Pete, and varied Nuk Fam artists.
###

"I Fell In Love With the DJ" (featuring Cham)
Hear Single Here

WHO IS Cha'Nelle?

An exuberant songstress of entrancing yet accessible proportions, the twenty-three year old American transplant simply cannot be marginalized and indeed refuses to be defined. She relishes country music but breathes R&B; she is a student of dancehall but has a degree in pop. The true definition of a genre-buster, it's only natural then that the tunes on her Capitol Records debut, Things Happen For A Reason, is every bit as motley as her lineage, personality, musical taste and upbringing.

Official Sites:
http://www.chenelle-world.com/
http://www.myspace.com/chenelleworld

New Jaw-Dropping Series
From the Minds of Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg
Premiering Tuesday, July 17 at 10pm ET/PT

Fans Also Get Extended Season of Viral Video Series “Scarred” at 10:30pm ET/PT
Along with Special One-hour Installment
“Scarred: The Worst of the Worst” at 11:00pm ET/PT

Beware!! MTV turns Tuesdays into a night of chills and thrills with the premiere of new series “Room 401,” as well as an extended season of the popular stomach-turning series “Scarred” -- all beginning July 17 at 10pm ET/PT. Also premiering that night is the one-hour special, “Scarred: The Worst of the Worst.”

Viewers are asked to enter the mind-blowing journey through the weird, absurd and shocking world of illusion in the new series, “Room 401.” The show sweeps unaware victims into the center of mini horror movies that play out live in front of their eyes. From the reanimation of the dead, to chain-saw mishaps, to sinister sushi experiences, each episode will contain four “scares” sure to tingle the spine. Featuring some of the most talented, up-and-coming illusionists, “Room 401” will make viewers scream, jump and even laugh... uncomfortably. In this age of CGI and edit room after effects, “Room 401” unfolds live. We don't manipulate the film... we manipulate the mind.

“Scarred,” the half-hour series exploring the stories behind the sickest clips on the web, continues its run in a new 10:30pm ET/PT timeslot offering more gross-out viral exploits. Every day, young people are posting and sharing the hardcore footage of their most severe mishaps and accidents on the web making them some of the most popular and talked about viral videos. Now viewers get to hear from the people that experienced the pain and agony firsthand. Hosted by Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix, "Scarred" provides a cautionary view of this growing and hugely popular trend. And at 11:00pm ET/PT, fans can catch a special one-hour edition, “Scarred: The Worst of The Worst” for the grossest clips from the first 10 episodes. Host Jacoby counts down what viewers voted on as the nastiest spills -- broken arms, compound fractures, blood loss, this special has got it all.

“Room 401” is created and executive produced by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg for Katalyst Films and Billy Rainey and Lois Curren for MTV.

Nicole Perry is creator and consulting producer for “Scarred.” The concept is developed by Brian Nashel who is also co-executive producer. MTV executive producers for “Scarred” are Tony DiSanto, George McTeague and Liz Gateley.


MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 137 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, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 260 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.

###

MXPX PREVIEW NEW ALBUM ON MYSPACE
SECRET WEAPON OUT JULY 17

MxPx is Mike Herrera on vocals and bass guitar, Tom Wisniewski on guitar, and Yuri Ruley on drums. Formed in 1992 by Herrera and Ruley, the Bremerton, Washington-bred band’s line-up has remained constant since Wisniewski joined the group in 1995. Over the course of seven studio albums, an array of EPs, a live disc and a DVD, MxPx has become a fixture on the pop/punk scene, with numerous songs appearing on TV and alternative radio, including “Punk Rawk Show,” “Chick Magnet,” “Move To Bremerton,” “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” and “Running Out Of Time.”

MxPx is streaming Secret Weapon in its entirety on their MySpace page before you can buy it next Tuesday! Secret Weapon is the band’s eighth studio effort and finds them returning to the legendary Tooth & Nail Records for the first time in eleven years. The album hits stores on July 17.

Visit MxPx’s MySpace page now to listen to the full album stream of Secret Weapon: http://www.myspace.com/mxpx

“My Entourage Gives You the Back Massage While Wearing Camouflage
(Up In the Garage).”

Check out the video here:
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v663187NbmjqR55

For more information about the guys, go to their MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/kingsolomonandgiggles/

LUDACRIS AND DISTURBING THA PEACE RECORDS READY FOR STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, 3rd DTP ALL-STAR COMPILATION, DUE AUG. 28th

Starring: Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Block Xchange, Brolic D, Chingy, I-20, Serius Jones, Steph Jones, Lil’ Fate, Playaz Circle, Shareefa, Shawn Jay, Shawnna, Small World, Smoke, and Willy Northpole

TWO ADVANCE TRACKS IMPACTING NOW AT RADIO MIX SHOW FORMATS:

“Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle feat. Lil’ Wayne (impacts at Urban radio July 23rd)

“Celebrity Chick” by Ludacris, Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World (impact at Rhythm format, on August 27th, and at Pop radio on Aug. 27th)


(July 2007 – New York, NY) Call it the ultimate mixtape event of 2007, as STRENGTH IN NUMBERS showcases the label’s family of artists on 12 brand new previously unreleased tracks, set to arrive in stores on August 28th.

In addition to multi-platinum DTP core artists Ludacris, who is CEO of the company (distributed worldwide by Island Def Jam Music Group), and Bobby Valentino, the new comp­ila­tion stars (in alphabetical order): Block Xchange, Brolic D, Chingy, I-20, Serius Jones, Steph Jones, Lil’ Fate, Playaz Circle, Shareefa, Shawn Jay, Shawnna, Small World, Smoke, and Willy Northpole.

With one exception, every track on STRENGTH IN NUMBERS is a collaboration of two or more DTP artists. In advance of the album’s street date, two tracks have been singled out for impact last week and this week at all radio Mix Show formats: “Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle featuring Lil’ Wayne; and the album’s opening track, “Celebrity Chick” by Ludacris, Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World. Looking ahead, “Duffle Bag Boy” will impact at Urban radio on July 23rd; on the same date, “Celebrity Chick” will impact at the Rhythm format, and on August 27th, it will impact at Pop radio.

The video for “Celebrity Chick” was filmed earlier this week in Los Angeles, and is expected to premiere in mid-July, date to be announced shortly. Also, look for a special BET “Access Granted” feature on the making of the video on July 18th. The video for “Duffle Bag Boy” will be shot soon.

As of this writing, the track sequence for STRENGTH BY NUMBERS is as follows:

1. “Celebrity Chick” – by Chingy, Steph Jones, and Small World
2. “Hot Tamales” by Small World, Chingy, and Serius Jones
3. “Jealous Of Me” by Small World, Shawn Jay, and Tity Boi
4. “Don’t Check Me” by Ludacris, Playaz Circle, and I-20
5. “Windy City” by Block Xchange, Shawnna, and Ludacris
6. “The Game” by Shareefa, Serius Jones, Chingy, and Small World
7. “DTP” by Willy Northpole and I-20
9. “Speakers In the Trunk” by Brolic D and Tity Boi
10. “Let’s Go”(Remix) by Bobby Valentino featuring Lil’ Fate
11. “Duffle Bag Boy” by Playaz Circle featuring Lil’ Wayne
12. “Live On Stage” by DTP Family (including Small World, Brolic D, Playaz Circle, Smoke, Willy Northpole, and Ludacris)
13. “Act Like Us” by Playaz Circle, Serius Jones, and Willy Northpole
14. “We Ain’t Worried ‘Bout U” by Ludacris

STRENGTH BY NUMBERS marks the third time that Ludacris has dedicated an entire album to spotlighting his label roster. After debuting in 2000 with his triple-platinum Incognegro (aka Back For the First Time, with “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Southern Hospitality”), followed in 2001 with the triple-platinum Word Of Mouf (with “Area Codes,” “Move B***h,” and “Saturday (Oooh Oooh!)”) – 2002 brought Golden Grain. The 15-track album presented tracks with Shawnna, Lil’ Fate, Tity Boi, I-20, and others (as well as guests Scarface, Mystikal, and Too Short).

Luda came back strong in 2003 with the double-platinum Chicken-N-Beer, the #1 Pop/#1 R&B, success that gave him his first across-the-board #1 Rap/#1 R&B/ #1 Pop cross­over hit, “Stand Up.” It was followed by the double-platinum The Red Light District in 2004.

The second DTP compilation was released in December 2005, Ludacris Presents … Disturbing Tha Peace. The 17-track package that starred Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Shawnna, Playaz Circle, Lil’ Fate, I-20, Shareefa, Field Mob, Lazyeye, Norflck, as well as guest shots by Jamie Foxx, Stat Quo and others. The platinum Grammy Winning Release Therapy, the most recent solo album by Ludacris, was released September 2006, and spun off the #1 single “Runaway Love” featuring Mary J. Blige.

# # #

Dave Stewart’s career spans 25 years of writing and producing 100’s of classic songs known all over the world with some of the most legendary artists of our time. These songs, along with groundbreaking productions have seen him win just about every music award there is to win!

Many “hit” songs he has written with Annie Lennox (his longtime partner in Eurythmics) but it also includes songs he has co-written or recorded with an eclectic mixture of artists including Mick Jagger, Gwen Stefani, Daryl Hall, Sinead O ’ Connor, Bryan Ferry, Alison Moyet, Bono, Tom Petty, Jon Bon Jovi, Terry Hall, Anastacia, Lamont Dozier, Bob Dylan, Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Shakespeare ’s Sister, Bob Geldof, Al Green, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Dr.Dre, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Beyonce, George Harrison, Joss Stone and the immortal Jimmy Cliff.

“Don’t Be Afraid” is a single from Dave’s upcoming new album.

“Don’t Be Afraid”
Windows Media:
Audio

Video

Real Player:
Audio
Video

Dave Stewart's Website: http://davestewart.com/

July

Thur
7/19/2007
Chicago, IL
Martyrs

Fri
7/20/2007
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Art Festival

Sat
7/21/2007
Louisville, KY
Phoenix Hill Tavern

Sun
7/22/2007
Cleveland, OH
Agora Theatre

Mon
7/23/2007
Columbus, OH
Basement

Fri
7/27/2007
Atlanta, GA
Vynyl

Sun
7/29/2007
Nashville, TN
The Rutledge

Mon
7/30/2007
Greenville, SC
The Handlebar

Tues
7/31/2007
Raleigh, NC
Casbah

August

Thur
8/2/2007
Washington, DC
Rock N Roll Hotel

Fri
8/3/2007
Philadelphia, PA
World Café

Sat
8/4/2007
Boston, MA
Tommy Doyles

Mon
8/6/2007
New York, NY
Knitting Factory

Thur
8/30/2007
Salt Lake City, UT

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The Alliance has linked up with Mr. Cartoon for a one of a kind contest. The Alliance and Mr. Cartoon now want to make history by giving one lucky fan a free trip to Los Angeles to receive a free tattoo from Mr. Cartoon himself.

Official contest page: http://www.showallianceyourtatts.com/photos/

The Alliance
Goin' Digital
IN STORES JULY 17
NCE Records / Asylum Records
MySpace.com/TheAllianceATL

NCE (Nothin Comz Eazy) Records is the movement. THE ALLIANCE is the click. Comprised of rappers BLACKOUT, P.O.P., SKINNY, female rapper BLISS, and in-house producer TY-CUTTA, their hit song "TATTOO" featuring FABO, is sweeping the nation faster than you can say "Tat-Tat-Tatted Up". This club banger is one that's not going anywhere! One thing is certain; regardless of your set, the fact of the matter is that The Alliance inked up just right! The tattoo, whether if it's displayed in clothing apparel designs or directly on the skin, is an expression of a lifestyle that represents total individuality and freedom of expression.

Listen To The Tattoo Remix!
The Alliance - Tattoo REMIX featuring Lil' Boosie,
Foxx, Webbie, Gucci Mane and Juvenile AUDIO

eSpire Entertainment welcomes Shani Greene-Dowdell. Shani is one of the newest members to join the team. She'll be doing music reviews and interviews.

SHANI GREENE-DOWDELL is the author of Keepin' It Tight, a wife and mother of three. Born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, Shani was fascinated by creative writing and writing plays as a child. She attended Troy State University at Montgomery and Southern Union Community College in Opelika, Alabama with the goal of becoming a nurse, but motherhood changed her career path to becoming a work-from-home medical transcriptionist. Shani found very little time for writing while raising her children until 2005. With her children older and her determination to change the dynamics of her career, Shani started writing Keepin' It Tight and she hasn't put her pen down since. Keepin' It Tight (released May 28, 2007 through www.lulu.com) is a poignant tale about a black woman's search for love and one white woman's quest to tear down the relationship that the sistah finds. It's racy, it's daring, it pushes the envelope - It's Shani!!

Shani's first love for literature is reading. She is a reviewer for Strive Magazine (online publication) and Big Time Publishing Magazine (print publication). She is a contributing author in Jessica Tiles' spicy erotic anthology, Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage, and has her very own erotic anthology Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy coming in March 2008. Whether Shani is writing poetry, blogging, or working on one of her several writing projects, she is determined to follow her heart and become a best-selling author. "To be able to write full time one day," Shani says, "that is my dream!"