MISSY ELLIOTT AND DAVE MEYERS CREATE HISTORY

 Five-time Grammy Award winner Missy Elliott has teamed up with longtime visual collaborator Dave Meyers to take the game beyond the next level and into a whole new dimension by creating the first ever 3D music video. The video is for “Ching-A-Ling,” a new song which, along with Elliott’s “Shake Your Pom Pom,” will appear on both the “STEP UP 2 THE STREETS – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” (due out February 5^th) as well as on Elliott’s forthcoming 7^th studio album (due out Spring 2008). “STEP UP 2 THE STREETS – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK” is the musical companion to the upcoming Touchstone Pictures dance film of the same name. The film is slated to open in theatres nationwide on February 14^th.  

“This is truly historic,” says director Dave Meyers. “People have talked about and tried to make it happen before, but no one has ever set out to purposefully create a 3D music video and then actually made it happen. Once again, Missy and I are happily and comfortably in uncharted territory!”

 

In addition to its groundbreaking 3D effects, “East meets East” as the dancers from the “Ching-A-Ling” video, dressed in colorful Harajuku street style, combine a hint of Indian influenced Bollywood-style movement with the logic-defying time-and-space warping stop motion dance style of the Woomin Crew from Japan. “You’ve gotta see these kids with your own eyes to believe it,” says Elliott, who discovered Woomin while surfing the internet. “My inspiration comes from all over the world and this video really showcases that.”

 

MTV will premiere the 3D version of the “Ching-A-Ling” video on Monday, February 4th live on MTV “TRL” at 3:30PM. BET will premiere a 2D version on 2/4 @ 6:30PM on “106th & Park,” and the 3D version later that evening on the channel. In addition, MTV.com will be airing both 3D & 2D versions of the video all day on 2/4. The glasses needed to view the 3D effects will be available via FYE stores nationwide, at select adidas stores, and via radio giveaways in various cities hosting STEP UP 2 movie screenings. For more 3D glasses distribution locations, please visit www.missy-elliott.com or www.myspace.com/missyelliott.

 

The radio response to “Ching-A-Ling” has been instantaneous and reactionary, and the song has garnered over 15 million in audience after just a few short weeks of airplay. The song was produced by The Arkiteks (4 Media Management/Relentless Management) & Lamb for Lamtrak Productions.

 Elliott enjoyed a wide variety of successes in 2007: from writing and producing songs for  Fantasia and Keyshia Cole, including Cole’s Grammy-nominated “Let It Go;” to being paid tribute at VH-1’s Hip Hop Honors and receiving the “Creative Visionary Award” at the 2^nd Annual Black Girls Rock Awards Show at Lincoln Center; to remixing country with hip hop for the national television advertising campaign for Doritos Collisions.  

Elliott is currently putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming 7^th studio album, due out on Goldmind/Atlantic Records late Spring 2008.   

www.missy-elliott.com

SAFER SEX COMEDY EXTRAVANGAZA – FEB 7TH @ LAUGH FACTORY

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on Thursday February 7th, 2008, STFree Certifications Inc. in association with World Mission Foundation presents a fundraiser comedy showcase titled “The 2nd Annual Safer Sex Comedy Extravaganza” featuring today’s hottest stand-up comedians plus FREE on-site STD screening and HIV testing. Attendees with also receive a FREE Safe Sex License with every test. NBHAAD is a national mobilization effort designed to encourage African-Americans across the United States and Territorial areas to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. This year’s theme is “Prevention is Power.”

For the second year in a row, “The 2nd Annual Safer Sex Comedy Extravanza” will be held at the World Famous Laugh Factory, 303 West 42nd Street located in the heart of Times Square in New York City. Proceeds of the event will benefit World Mission Foundation. a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to serving, promoting and improving the lives of people in communities where little or no HIV/AIDS services are available. WMF provides services through education, information and prevention (awareness) to schools, families, communities, widows, orphans, etc. WMF exists as an advocate for children and adolescents to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and to enable them to become responsible and independent adults.
 

Hosted by the notoriously hilarious Rob Stapleton, The 2nd Annual Safer Sex Comedy Extravangaza will feature performances by rising stand-up comedians Marshal Brandon, AG White, Kyle Grooms, with special guest Kiki Rockstar, love, sex, relationship expert, and author of Under The Covers, a collection of 28 powerful, erotic short stories about love, sex, and relationships.

The evening will kick off with a special musical performance by The Earthman Experience, a 4-member Haitian Creole World Music collective featuring vocalist Richard “Earthman” Laurent with DJ Hard Hittin Harry on turntables accented by LIVE drumming and a violinist.

Founded by Eli Dancy, STFree Certifications Inc. has taken on an aggressive and grassroots approach to HIV/AIDS prevention in urban high risk communities, spreading the important message of practicing safer sex and more importantly…knowing your status. STFree are the creators of the world’s first and only Safe Sex License, a confidential card that allow its’ members to instantly prove the last two times they were tested for HIV/AIDS and the results. The service helps those who are HIV-free to continue living safe and healthy lives. It also makes people more conscious about the need and importance of constantly monitoring their sexual health status by getting tested.

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7th, please join us for “The 2nd Annual Safer Sex Comedy Extravaganza” and experience “comedy for a cause”

Tickets are $30 – To purchase tickets E-mail TICKETS@STFREE.COM or call 347-312-7070

For more on STFree Certifications and the Safe Sex License visit www.safesexlicense.com

Sha Money’s One Stop Shop Announcement

Sha Money XL & Money Management Group Presents: One Stop Shop 2008!!

On March 8th and 9th of 2008, hundreds of established and upcoming producers will descend upon Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the annual One Stop Shop producer’s conference, masterminded by Sha Money XL’s production and artist management company, Money Management Group. The conference will feature top industry professionals, platinum track making producers, and new technology trends from companies like Microsoft, M Audio, and Traxxpad. It will also include an itinerary filled, video game tournaments, after parties hosted by NYC’s most noted DJs, and the infamous One Stop Shop Beat Battle. and most importantly the industry workshops/panels. This year OSS features The Microsoft Technology Panel hosted by Arif Gursel, a software test engineer in the Microsoft XBOX team as well as The Power Management Panel which features Gee Roberson, Derick Jackson, Bernard Parks, Ryan Press and more. The 2008 One Stop Shop also boasts a Tastemaker Panel and a New Producer Panel; so it isn’t surprising that this conference has captured the excitement of producers that have constantly saturated the music game with their talent. “This is the conference for those that are serious about making real moves in the industry… You gotta love it!” – from Kanye West’s mentor, NO I.D.  The lineup for the 2008 OSS include producers; DJ Toomp, Swizz Beats, the legendary DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, DJ Quik, 9th Wonder, No ID, Trackboyz, and Nottz. This year, Money Management Group is honoring the works of Swizz Beats, famed for his unique production and his continuous ability to produce number one hits and Atlanta based Grammy winner DJ Toomp, known for his platinum selling hits with T.I and Kanye West. Other panelists include; Shalik Berry (Def Jam), Conrad Dimanche (Bad Boy), Jean Nelson (Atlantic), Lenny S., (Def Jam), Wendy Day, Chuck Creekmur (Allhiphop), Bonsu Thompson, Julia Beverly (Ozone), Juan Madrid (Sony ATV), Maani Edwards (Universal Publishing) and more. Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Kurupt, Outlawz, Talib Kweli, and Riz are also slated to make appearances throughout the weekend. “This year is gonna be bigger and better. We’ve got the support of great talent and companies that share our vision.” – Kisha, MMG Marketing Director.  Over 700 producers from around the world attended the One Stop Shop of 2007. MMG had producers flying in from Africa, Bermuda, and the UK. “The future of the One Stop Shop is growth. I want this to go down in Hip-Hop history and be a major conference like Mixshow Power Summit, R&R, Sema or Midem. I want to continue to let new producers find their way through this industry and learn just who the key players are and what networking is about,” Sha explains. Money Management Group teaches producers and artists the importance of branding. “It is so important to brand yourself in today’s environment. You have producers dropping LPs like artists now.” Sha states. MMG’s conference has helped jumpstart the careers of last year’s Beat Battle finalists. “Since the conference I’ve had beat placement on both the Pac and Rick Ross albums” – Jiggolo, OSS Beat Battle Finalist. Sponsorship for this year’s event comes from a variety of companies and components of the music industry; such as Xpoz Magazine, ASCAP, iStandard Producers, AllHipHop.com, Loud.com, Microsoft, Shade 45/Sirius Satellite Radio, Edios Traxxpad, Ozone Magazine, M Audio and Native Instruments.   To purchase tickets to the event visit www.moneymanagementxl.com. ABOUT MMG www.myspace.com/moneymanagement.com Money Management Group (MMG) was founded by Michael Clervoix, aka Sha Money XL. It’s executive board includes Kisha Scott, Marketing Director, and Kasper Clermont, Product Manager. MMG helped launch the career of G-Unit artists and now has a vast roster of producers including: Hi-Tek, Jake One, Dangerous LLC, Tha Bizness, and Black Jeruz. Future ventures include the OSS franchise and a recently signed deal with Red Distribution.

Baby Bash and Pitbull Spring Tour

Rap superstars, TVT Records’ Pitbull and Arista Records’ Baby Bash, come together to co-headline a Spring tour.  The cross-country tour kicks off in Orlando on Saturday, March 15 in support of their new albums; The Boatlift and Cyclone, respectively. Pitbull and Baby Bash have massive internet followings, are two of the most searched for Latin artists on Myspace, and both have been the #1 Latin artist on the site.   
 
‘It’s been long over due for me and Pit to hit the road together; finally our fans can see us both together for one ticket. You can’t beat that with a whoopin’ stick,’ says Baby Bash about the upcoming tour.
 
Baby Bash’s first smash single from the new album, ‘Cyclone,’ (featuring T-Pain) has already sold more than 1.5 million digital singles, surpassed the 1 million mark in ringtones, and hit Top 10 on the rap and mainstream radio charts, making him one of the hottest stars in the country.  The second single, ‘What Is It’ (featuring Sean Kingston) is currently Top 10 on the rap chart and is heating up at mainstream radio.
 
This is the first national tour for Pitbull since joining Lil Jon on the Anger Management Tour in 2005. ‘I can’t wait to get out on the road with Baby Bash. I want to use this opportunity to connect with my all my fans and million plus Myspace friends,’ says Pitbull.
 
The Boatlift showcases Pitbull’s lyrical prowess as he crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and captivating rhymes on each song.  Pitbull has created an incredibly diverse album ranging from R&B-influenced sounds like first single “Secret Admirer” feat Lloyd, to hypnotic club banger ‘Go Girl’ teaming with Trina and Young Boss, and current Afro-Cuban melodic single ‘The Anthem’ with a bombastic chant by Lil Jon. ” The Anthem” is number 17 on the Top 40 Rhythm chart and breaking big on Mainstream Top 40 (Pop) radio.
 
Baby Bash originally from Vallejo, CA now based in Houston, TX, has garnered a loyal following as a rapper-singer mixing hip-hop and R&B with his Latin roots. Bash¹s major label debut album, The Smokin’ Nephew (certified gold), and the follow up Super Saucy, featured the #1 hit singles, ‘Suga Suga’ (featuring Frankie J) and ‘Baby I’m Back’ (featuring Akon).  Bash also penned and performed on the smash records with Frankie J, ³Obsession² and Paula Deanda, ³Doing Too Much.² Most recently Bash was featured with Jennifer Lopez on ‘This Boy’s On Fire’ from Santana’s Ultimate Santana.
 
Cuban-American MC Pitbull surpassed gold status for more than 500,000 copies sold of his debut album M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue in the United States. The feat gave Pitbull the biggest-selling bilingual hip-hop debut since Cypress Hill’s 1991 self-titled debut, and put him in the rare category of Latino rappers who have achieved major success in English-language radio.  In addition to being the #1 Latin artist on Myspace, Pitbull unleashed his sophomore album El Mariel in late 2006 spawning the #1 Latin Rap hit, “Dime”.
 
Pitbull and Baby Bash will be performing in the following cities (subject to change):

MARCH 15th
ORLANDO, FL       
HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH 16th
MIAMI, FL         
CALLE OCHO

MARCH 18th        
PANAMA CITY, FL   
CLUB LA VELA

MARCH 19th        
MYRTLE BEACH, SC  
HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH 21st        
NEW YORK, NY      
FILLMORE

MARCH 22nd        
ALLENTOWN, PA     
CROCODILE ROCK

MARCH 25th        
CLEVELAND, OH     
HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH 26th        
CHICAGO, IL       
HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH 28th        
TULSA, OK         
CAINS BALLROOM

MARCH 30th        
DALLAS, TX        
HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL 1st
DENVER, CO        
OGDEN

APRIL 3rd         
LONG BEACH, CA    
VAULT 350

APRIL 4th         
SAN DIEGO, CA     
HOUSE OF BLUES
 
Tour updates can also be found at:
www.myspace.com/babybash <http://www.myspace.com/babybash> www.myspace.com/pitbull <http://www.myspace.com/pitbull>

Monday Polly: HMO or PPO?

Written by Charles “CZA” Sweet

As I’m writing this, I just keep counting down the days until a bruva can be set free from my plantation… err, I mean job, so I can pursue this Urban Journalism more fully. Until then, I’m punching that time clock just like y’all are. I strongly believe that we (and not just the African American side) as a people weren’t meant to have to subjugate themselves, doing menial tasks for their daily bread. Feel me? Adam and Eve had it best, running around in the garden bucked naked doing it REAL big (no homo).

Back to the subject at hand, the reason I brought up the “killing fields” (and not so much the body, but the soul and the mind, but let’s stay focused) is if you happen to work at a somewhat decent spot, you’ll be offered a benefits package that includes health insurance. Since every company is different and can offer drastically different options than the next, I want to just go over a few of the more basic aspects of a package and lace y’all with game about what they really mean. Just a warning: I’m not listing EVERYTHING here; that would be too much info and some things may not match up with your particular company or their respective packages. Check with your human resources department to see what’s up. Without further ado; wherever I go, you goooooo…

I’m trying to live as long as Mother Teresa baby, real talk!

The most common types of health insurance plans are HMO and PPO. A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is really a company that contracts with various doctors, hospitals and other providers, and offers more patients to them in exchange for a discounted rate to the patients in the form of copays (flat fee) In ‘73, an act was passed saying that any company with 25 or more employees had to offer federally certified HMO options. A restriction with this is that you have to pick a primary physician in the HMO’s network that then authorizes anyone else that they think you might need to see later, including specialists or others who work in the field, but aren’t considered essential, to maintaining your health. The main drawback of this type of plan is that if you need medical attention somewhere inaccessible to your main doc, you’re more than likely paying full price. You know as well as much as I do those medical bills can get astronomical damn fast. Emergency room visits usually don’t fall under that rule, but don’t quote me. Some of the more popular HMOs are Aetna, (which I use because of the beautiful $20 copay they provide) CIGNA, Kaiser Permanente and Wellpoint, respectively.

On the other side of the coin is the Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), which offer discounts after a set deductible is met yearly. Many people go with this choice because you aren’t limited to an in-network physician and can often come close to what you would get in an HMO plan. The bad side about PPOs is that they can create problems in the health care industry, due to many requiring you to pay claims in a certain timeframe to take advantage of the discounts; the additional step of calculating the discount and having the insurer pay the access fee can easily get backlogged. Still, it’s better than the benefits that uninsured get, even if they pay cash. That’s crazy, right? Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPO) are similar to PPOs, but the only difference being that if you went to an out of network doctor, you don’t receive ANY coverage at all versus the PPO, in which you would just pay more for going to a non-preferred provider.

That should sharpen your pencils a bit and give you some ammo for when you want to decide what plan is best for you and your family. Look out for me next time and keep it movin’, shakin’ and prosperous. Hit me up at themondaypolly@gmail.com and drop some comments below so we can keep ourselves up on game. Until then…Uno Bravado!

KOCH RECORDS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM BY LEGENDARY LYRICIST AZ

KOCH Records is excited to announce the release of Undeniable, the brand new album by celebrated lyricist AZ.  Undeniable will be released on February 19^th, 2008.  The new album features Ray J, Styles P and Jay Rush, with production by Fame, Large Professor, Nottz, Street Radio and more. 

The first single is the title track, “Undeniable,” which is hitting urban radio now.

AZ’s intelligent rhymes and impressive flow have long set him apart from the bevy of other New York emcees to emerge in the mid nineties. His lyrical power to paint vivid pictures of the gangsta lifestyle has long been celebrated by fans and critics alike. 

The 10-year veteran first came to the greater rap community’s attention after his stellar performance on Nas’ track “Life’s A Bitch” in 1994. His debut album, 1995’s Doe or Die, showcased the talented emcee’s literate and thoughtful approach to gangsta rap and shook the New York hip-hop scene to the core.

He has released a string of classic bangers like 1998’s Pieces Of A Man, 2001’s 9 Lives, 2002‘s Aziatic and 2005’s A.W.O.L. that have sold an impressive 700,000+ units combined.  His skill has put him on the level above most, alongside his peers NAS and Jay-Z.

Undeniable showcases AZ at his best.  His descriptive and impressive lyrical flow is at the forefront of this new album.  

Kingdom Records Wins Label of the Year at Chicago Music Awards

Kingdom Records continues to raise the bar for a pure praise and worship experience by recording music that is timeless, not trendy, sung by singers who are servants, who worship weekly at their home church and are not recording artists in the usual sense. This commitment to excellence and chart success by the label was amply rewarded at the 27th Chicago Music Awards on Sunday, January 27th, where Kingdom Records was honored as Record Label of the Year. The gala was held at Chicago’s historic Park West Theater.

“This is the only awards program of its kind in Chicago to pay tribute to Chicago born and bred artists and entertainers,” said CMA founder & producer Ephraim Martin. “Reggae and Reggaeton, Jazz & Blues, Rap & Hip Hop, Classical, Country & Western and even Polka, we have music for nearly every possible taste.” Internationally known Chicago-bred entertainer Kanye West topped the list of nominees with 5 nominations out of a possible 42.  He was joined at the top by Common, Twista, Lupe Fiasco and “new kids on the block,” Rich Kiddz.  Other top nominees included Country/Western singer Dayna Malow, Rock group Wilco, Gospel entertainer Lemmie Battles and R&B entertainer Teresa Griffin along with Chicago legends R. Kelley, Koko Taylor, Chi-Lites, Jennifer Hudson, Buddy Guy and Ramsey Lewis.

About Kingdom Records
Kingdom Records, Inc. is the fulfillment of the vision of Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, Senior Pastor of Valley Kingdom Ministries International. Apostle Wilson conceived the idea from God to start a praise and worship ministry and to name it Shekinah Glory Ministry and to name the label Kingdom Records, while on sabbatical in the Arizona desert in 1999. The company was established in 2000. Kingdom Record’s primary mission is to create music that pierces the kingdom of darkness and enlarges the Kingdom of God. The company is lead by music industry veteran Bernie McLean, Joan Sullivan, Junito R. Harris, Jr and Michael Weatherspoon. In addition to Shekinah Glory Ministry and Phil Tarver, Kingdom Records has expanded its roster with the addition of Cynthia Jones and Kim Stratton.

HIP HOP PRODUCER PETE ROCK RELEASES FIRST ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS

Hip-hop producer/DJ/MC Pete Rock is set to release his first album in four years. Titled NY’s Finest, the album will be released in February 2008 in a joint venture between Soul Survivor Records and NY based indie label Nature Sounds.The record features a roster of cult hip hop artists that includes Wu-Tang’s Raekwon and Masta Killa, Dipset’s Jim Jones, Papoose, D-Block and Redman amongst others. The first single “We Roll” features Jim Jones and Max B. The track shipped to radio in mid-October and it’s already getting spins at mix-shows throughout the Northeast. Other tracks currently available are “914″ featuring Styles P and Sheek Louch, “The PJ’s” featuring Raekwon and Masta Killa and “Til I Retire” featuring Pete Rock himself.

Born in the Bronx, NY by Jamaican parents, a teenage Pete Rock first hit the scene in the late 80’s when he joined legendary DJ/producer Marley Marl on NY station WBLS’ show “In Control With Marley Marl.” The popularity of the radio show soon led Pete Rock to experiment with production. In 1991, he was joined by up-and-coming rapper CL Smooth and released the debut EP, All Souled Out. In 1992, the duo dropped Mecca And The Soul Brother, one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of all time. Pete and CL eventually released The Main Ingredient in 1994. Although the album was very well received by critics and fans alike, the project marked the last effort for the duo.

Since then, Pete Rock has lent his production skills to some of the greatest MC’s. He crafted and remixed hits for Nas, Biggie, Jeru The Damaja, and, more recently, Jim Jones, Talib Kweli’s Ear Drum, Redman’s Red’s Gone Wild and Ghostface, for whom he produced tracks for Fishscale, one of music critics’ favorite hip hop albums of 2006.

Pete Rock is considered by most to be one of the greatest hip-hop producers. Following the split with CL Smooth, Pete has released a number of solo projects. In 1998, Loud Records released Soul Survivor; that was followed in 2001 by a collection of instrumental tracks aptly titled PeteStrumentals. In 2004, he released Soul Survivor II on his own imprint Soul Brother Recordings.

Nature Sounds is quickly becoming the indie home for classic hip-hop. During the last couple of years the label has released critically acclaimed projects by artists that include MF DOOM, Wu-Tang’s Masta Killa (Made In Brooklyn), and most recently, Mobb Deep’s Havoc (The Kush).

Akeelah & the Bee Star KeKe Palmer, Oscar Nominated Group Impact Represent at the Apollo

In honor of Black History Month, the Apollo Family is proud to premiere REPRESENT! a Celebration of Young Talent at the Apollo, a brand new showcase series celebrating young and up-and-coming artists of varying disciplines from throughout the New York City area . The event will spotlight a select group of promising young talent including 2008 Oscar(Best Song) nominees Impact Repertory Theatre; the children’s African dance troupe, Batoto Yetu; all brass gospel ensemble, Harlem Heavenly Notes; classical music trio and siblings JoSunJari and Harbor Latin Youth Ensemble, a salsa band from the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Hosted by spoken word artists, The Mayhem Poets, the program will also feature a special performance from Atlantic Recording artist and Akeelah & the Bee star KeKe Palmer, who will perform selections from her debut album “So Uncool.”. Sunday, February 17th at 5pm. Tickets are just $12, $10 for groups of 5 or more, and are available through the Apollo Theater Box Office, 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, (212) 531-5305 and Ticketmaster, (212) 307-7171 or www.ticketmaster.com/venue/6.

REPRESENT!, part of the Apollo’s new Family Series, honors the arts and the power of creative self-expression and features talented youth from New York City-based arts ensembles performing African dance, inspirational music, hip hop repertory theater, classical strings and Afro-Caribbean Latin music. These talented pre-professionals use music, dance, theater and poetry to entertain and enlighten — delivering vibrant performances that illustrate an independence of body and spirit.  Harkening back to the variety show format, the premise of REPRESENT! was derived from the Apollo’s rich tradition of showcasing emerging acts on its famous stage and launching the careers of many young artists who went on to become music icons including Stevie Wonder, Stephanie Mills and Lauryn Hill. With REPRESENT! family audiences will experience the budding artistry of five very different groups performing on the stage of one of the world’s most revered  theaters.

“I am fired up about REPRESENT!” says the show’s producer, Monique Martin.  “In one word it says so much about who these young people are.  They signify, embody, and exemplify the potential of youth and the transformative power of the arts.  Mass media does not dictate popular culture for them — through the arts, they define it for themselves.”

About Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer was born Lauren Keyana Palmer in Robbins, IL, a small town just outside Chicago. Although the talented singer/actress’ first love is music, the multi talented teen is best known for her performance as the lead character in the acclaimed film Akeelah and the Bee, and her role shortly after in Tyler Perry’s film a # 1 box office hit, Medea’s Family Reunion. Her film and television credits also include the critically acclaimed CBS series Cold Case, Barbershop 2: Back in Business and a number of nationally televised commercials, just to name a few. To date, KeKe is the youngest actress to ever receive a nomination in a lead Actress category from the Screen Actors Guild. The rising star’s debut album “So Uncool” is comprised of youthful and fun material, ranging from up-tempo R&B to inspirational songs.

About IMPACT Repertory Theatre
IMPACT Repertory Theatre (IMPACT) is a free program that offers performing arts and leadership training to develop and empower young people ages 12 to 18.  Based in Harlem, New York City, IMPACT was founded in 1997 and operates as a major branch of New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG), which was established in 1964 and is one of the oldest Black non-profit theatre companies in New York City. Most recently, IMPACT was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song with their song Raise It Up for the motion picture AUGUST RUSH.

Since its inception, IMPACT has staged more than 350 performances to live audiences totaling well over 150,000.  Highlights include shows at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, the US Open, the Apollo Theater, Million Family March, Columbia University, the New York City Marathon, the Tribeca Performing Arts Center and National Black Theater. IMPACT has also shared the same stage with Kanye West, LL Cool J, Nona Hendryx, Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, Foxy Brown, Bun B, Remy Ma, and Reverend Run.. 

About Batoto Yetu
Batoto Yetu is a Manhattan-based community arts organization founded in 1990 by Júlio T. Leitão with the goal of preserving the culture of Angola and Central and Southwest Africa. Committed to fostering the healthy creative and social development of children through the expressive medium of dance, Batoto Yetu has worked diligently to bring traditional African dance and culture to children of African descent, cultivating self-awareness and esteem through the performing arts.  

About JoSunJari
JoSunJari is a sibling trio of young classical string musicians.  They have delighted audiences at various venues including, the Harvard Club of New York, the Jewish Community Center on Manhattan’s upper west side, the St. Nick’s Pub in Harlem, the Harlem Arts Alliance, and Calvary Baptist Church on the lower west side. JoSunJari has also delivered spontaneous concerts in Central Park, Soho, Lincoln Square, Washington Square Park and Brooklyn Heights. The trio are currently students at the Manhattan School of Music.
 
JoSunJari takes their name from each of the siblings who comprise this talented trio: Joelle, age 16; Sunnaj, age10 and 6 year old Sujari.

About Harlem Heavenly Notes
Harlem Heavenly Notes, nicknamed “The Holy Ghost Band” by a Pastor from their church, the House of Prayer, exude spirituality through the sounds of their horns.  A gospel brass band that consists of 17 young men, the group started in 1996 and members Anthony Threatt, Warnell Sheppard, Selwyn Deshazo, Dannon Woodard, Rasheen Gamble, Dareen Smothers and Jonathan Davis have been with the band since its inception.  Playing in the church, in the streets of Manhattan and recently in Sweden to teach college students about their musical timing, they have made a commitment to increase the spirituality wherever they go. 

The Harbor Latin Youth Ensemble
The Harbor Latin Youth Ensemble is comprised of the most advanced student ages 12–19 enrolled in the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Art’s Pre-Professional Latin Music Program, led by Conservatory Director Ramon Rodriguez. Since 1970, the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, a division of Boys & Girls Harbor,   has played an important role in preserving and perpetuating Afro-Caribbean Latin music. In 2006, the ensemble was the subject of the PBS documentary, “Mi Mambo”, which aired nationally during Hispanic Heritage month as part of Cantos Latinos programming. The ensemble was also featured in a special video on Latino arts and culture in New York filmed specifically for the 2006 Latin GRAMMYs.

The Harbor Latin Youth Ensemble has performed at Carnegie Hall, Americas Society, Museum Mile Festival, El Museo del Barrio with Jimmy Bosch, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Celebrate Brooklyn, and with Eddie Palmieri and his Afro-Caribbean jazz Septet. The ensemble has been featured on Univision’s Despierta America as well as in People Magazine. On February 16, 2007, the Harbor Latin Youth Ensemble appeared as special guests for the Columbia Harlem Jazz Project’s, “Here Comes the Latin Sun,” Eddie Palmieri and his Afro-Caribbean Jazz Septet featuring the great Eddie Palmieri and Brian Lynch.

About Mayhem Poets
Utilizing hip-hop rhythms and dynamic theatrical techniques, the Mayhem Poets -  Kyle Sutton, Scott Tarazevits and Mason Granger -  have developed powerful performances and workshops to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to craft and perform original poetry.   The Mayhem Poets have brought their experience to such notable venues as the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire, The Kilkenny Arts Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland, The New Victory Theater in Times Square New York and the Calgary International Children’s Festival, as well as countless school districts, universities, detention centers, hospitals, poetry-slams and open mics.

The Apollo Family Series
For many adults, particularly those who grew up in Harlem, The Apollo Theater was their first exposure to the performing arts and has long served as a source of first discovery of live music, dance and theater.  The Apollo Family Series extends the Apollo’s commitment to enhancing the life of the community through programs that engage parents, children and extended family members.

About The Apollo Theater
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has played a major role in the emergence of innovative musical genres including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul and hip-hop.  Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo’s stage. Based on its cultural significance and architecture, the Apollo Theater received state and city landmark designation in 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Apollo Theater Foundation was established as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation in 1991 and is dedicated to the preservation and development of the Apollo Theater. The historic venue hosts major concerts and special events and continues its tradition of discovering future stars with its weekly installment of Apollo Amateur Night every Wednesday night and with the syndicated television show, Showtime at the Apollo, which is taped at the theater and airs weekly in over 150 markets nationwide. Harlem is Manhattan’s third most popular tourist destination and the Apollo remains Harlem’s top attraction, drawing 1.3 million visitors annually.

The world famous Apollo Theater, “where stars are born and legends are made” ™ is located in the heart of Harlem at 253 West 125 Street, between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Ave.) and Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave.). For further information about the Apollo Theater, visit the website at www.apollotheater.org

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NAACP, Teamsters Call on Major League Baseball to Help End Racial Discrimination at New Era Cap

NAACP Chairman Julian Bond and Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa asked Major League Baseball (MLB) to intervene with the MLB’s exclusive on-field cap manufacturer, New Era Cap, in an effort to end racial discrimination and worker rights violations in New Era’s distribution center in Mobile, Alabama. The NAACP also released today its report of the investigation it recently undertook at the request of workers at the facility.
Titled “Racial Discrimination, Repression and Retaliation at New Era Cap,” the report documents conditions that include a lack of promotion of experienced black workers; poverty-level wages with significant differences in pay between black and white workers; and a fierce, retaliatory anti-union campaign, in the course of which more than 20 workers were terminated. Despite these tactics employed by the company, New Era’s 111 Mobile workers voted last July to join the Teamsters.

“What the hardworking men and women at the Mobile New Era facility want is not unreasonable. They simply want the fair treatment and opportunities that all Americans should have, and that New Era has accorded its Northern workers in Buffalo. They want an end to management’s racially discriminatory promotion practices, respect and a living wage in return for a hard day’s work,” said Julian Bond, Chairman of the Board of the NAACP.

“I am confident that Major League Baseball will join us in demanding that New Era end the disgraceful and discriminatory situation at its Mobile, Alabama facility,” Bond said.

“New Era’s management tactics in Mobile date back to the bad old days of the Old South, or the factory systems of the turn of the century,” Hoffa said. “They have no place in today’s America. And they have no place in the company that makes the official team caps for the All-American pastime.”

In addition to manufacturing Major League Baseball’s official caps, New Era is the supplier for a number of NBA, NHL, and collegiate teams. The company also makes popular caps for Hip Hop fans.

Hoffa’s and Bond’s outreach to Major League Baseball comes against the backdrop of a rising groundswell of protest against New Era’s worker and human rights abuses by student groups, civil rights organizations, labor, and religious groups. These groups are going to consumers — and to the dozens of universities that have suppliers’ agreements with New Era — to demand change in the company’s treatment of its Southern workers.

“We’re proud to join with the NAACP, which has fought for equality and justice in America for close to 100 years, to demand better lives and better opportunities for New Era workers. We call on Major League Baseball to do the same,” said Hoffa. “We are putting New Era on notice that this effort to abolish inequality and injustice will not cease until New Era ends the discriminatory and humiliating conditions at its Mobile plant.”

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the world are advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

First Call Analyst: