COME AND SEE A DEEPER LOVE IN THE 2008 AMERICAN THEATRE OF HARLEM’S CULTURES COLLIDE FILM FESTIVAL THIS THURSDAY IN BROOKLYN!!!

On Thursday, March 6, 2008 American Theatre of Harlem’s 2008 Cultures Collide Film Festival kicks off with a complimentary screening of shorts and the feature A DEEPER LOVE, directed by Darrell Smith. The program begins at 7pm in The Great Room of the South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford Street, located in the arts community of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY.  A DEEPER LOVE has been stealing the hearts of film critics and moviegoers up and down the east and west coast, and is coming back to Brooklyn – paying homage to the city that inspired it all.  Set in one of the most culturally rich cities of the world – Brooklyn, New York, A DEEPER LOVE will touch your heart, move your soul and rock you to the core.

Written, produced and directed by Darrell Smith, A DEEPER LOVE tells the story of the perfect match, Gina and Kevin. Gina and Kevin share a bond that is strong enough to go through anything. But when a new love enters her life, she must make a decision that will change her life forever.  Chyna Layne (Lee Daniels’ PUSH, HBO’s LIFE SUPPORT) and Rayan Lawrence (BACKSTAB, Dr. Miracle Commercials), Petri Hawkins Byrd (JUDGE JUDY), Gwynne Flanagan, Christopher L. McAllister and Nazanin Nour lead outstanding performances.

Film critic Max Achille of The Source hails A DEEPER LOVE “…A TRUE MASTERPIECE!!!”

View the trailer, director and cast bios, pictures and more about A DEEPER LOVE at www.ADeeperLoveTheMovie.com or www.myspace.com/ADeeperLoveTheMovie

About The American Theatre of Harlem

Founded in 1989 by the late Hal DeWindt, the American Theatre of Harlem produces showcases, readings, and full-length plays.  It also conducts ongoing acting workshops.  ATH Artistic Director, Keith Johnston, in addition to leading the workshops, has directed many of ATH’s full-length productions including The Colored Museum, Orphans, A Streetcar Named Desire and SEASONS, the annual One-Act Play festival showcasing emerging playwrights, directors, and actors.   Mr. Johnston also created the SHINE Program, an educational theater component that provides workshops for youth and other community groups.

Proceeds from the Cultures Collide Festivities conclude on March 9, 2008 with an awards presentation and a tribute to the Regent Emerita Adelaide Sanford. Proceeds from the festival go towards the production of SEASONS, The American Theatre of Harlem’s annual one-act play festival. Created in 2003, Seasons is dedicated to introducing audiences to dazzling new voices as well as paying homage to classic voices that speak to our modern times.

To learn more about the American Theatre of Harlem and CULTURES COLLIDE, visit:

www.americantheatreofharlem.org

Get to Know Fokis

NYC rapper documents his journey in hoping to secure a record deal.

New York, NY Very few rappers push themselves to the extremes that this manhattan native does. This Lower East Side lyricist is that focused (no pun intended) on securing himself a deal that he has set himself a target of one year to ensure that he does just that. Documenting the trials and tribulations that unsigned artists go through to live out their dreams, Fokis born William Heredia is videoing his journey through the realities of the recording industry today. The aptly titled Road to the Riches video footage available on the rappers myspace page and on numerous other sites on the web shows Fokis  dealing with everyday issues such as staying in shape. “I know that your appearance is very important in this business and being in shape is important for your health so I challenged my self to lose 50 to 60lbs in a years time. its a battle that many people face. I know if i can achieve my goal i will inspire many people as well.” Fokis and The Road to the Riches  captured the attention of Hot 97 DJ Absolut who will be presenting the the shows soundtrack  which is set for release in the Spring. “I have come across many artist’s in my time but when I met Fokis, there was something very unique about him.  Not only is he a talented artist but he is very persistent, has a good head on his shoulders and is definitely about his business. I had to be a part of his movement,” summarized Absolut Having collaborated for the project with some of the industries most lyrical, Joel Ortiz and Joe Budden and  the vocally talented Atlantic recording artist Deemi, Fokis is confident that if all the plans he is currently executing come together as anticipated he will be on target to accomplish what he set out to do. Get that Deal!! TO DOWNLOAD THE FIRST SINGLE OFF THE ALBUM GET IT TOGETHER CLICK ON LINKS BELOW Dirty Version http://www.sendspace.com/file/snxzd4 Radio Version http://www.sendspace.com/file/7jwrt1 AND FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON FOKIS PLEASE CLICK THE LINKS BELOW www.myspace.com/fokis2k www.fokis2k.com OR TO PREVIEW THE TRAILER OF ROAD TO THE RICHES CLICK ON THIS LINK http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d58/Fokis/?action=view¤t=FokisPromo.flv

Truth & Soul Fallin’ Off the Reel Vol.2 Megamix

Mix gives a taste of forthcoming Fallin’ Off the Reel Vol.2

The Song: With the Truth & Soul Megamix, DJ Akalepse gives fans an intimate sneak peak sampling of what’s to come with the upcoming CD and double LP release of Truth & Soul: Fallin off the Reel Vol. 2, which comes out next Tuesday, March 11th. This Fallin’ Off the Reel Megamix seamlessly spans from the eclectic soul/funk/jazz/dub sounds of El Michels Affair “This One’s For My Baby” to the more stripped-down, traditional funk and soul style of “My World” by Lee Fields & The Expressions, to the Hispanic-flavored groove of Bronx River Parkway’s “La Valla.” Other tracks featured on the Megamix include “What’s Going On” by Timothy McNealy, “An Earthquake’s Coming” by Black Velvet, Quincy Bright’s “Big Black Hole,” and “Just A While Longer” by Funky Music Machine, and others. Truth & Soul lets the music speak for itself, patiently transitioning from one track to another, placing the integrity of the compositions and performances at the forefront of the Megamix. Tracklisting: 1. “This One’s For My Baby” – El Michels Affair 2. “PJ’s” – El Michels Affair feat. Raekwon 3. “What Going On” – Timothy McNealy 4. “I’m Glad You’re Mine” – Timothy McNealy 5. “An Earthquake’s Coming” – Black Velvet 6. “My World” – Lee Fields 7. “Love Comes and Goes” – Lee Fields 8. “Big Black Hole” – Quincey Bright 9. “Just A While Longer” – Funky Music Machine 10. “La Vall” – Bronx River Parkway 11. “Nora Se Va” – Bronx River Parkway The Background: Fallin’ Off the Reel Vol. 2 follows the success of Truth and Soul’s first edition of the compilation, Fallin’ Off the Reel, released in the fall of 2006. The forthcoming second-edition Truth & Soul compilation boasts a varied roster of current-day and older funk and soul artists, including Timothy McNealy, El Michels Affair, Bronx River Parkway, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Tyrone Ashley’s Funk Music Machine, Black Velvet, Quincy Bright and The Fabulous Three. The compilation comprises a wide selection of contemporary music that has descended from the rhythm and blues, soul, and funk music traditions. Fallin’ Off The Reel Vol. 2 has every Truth & Soul 45 single presented in chronological order from 2006 until now (available for the first time on CD), including one previously unreleased bonus track. The Gatefold Double-LP includes selected tracks from both volumes of the Fallin’ Off the Reel series, plus rare tracks. About Truth & Soul: When Soul Fire Records officially retired in 2004, Soul Fire house musicians Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman started their own label, Truth & Soul, which has now become a label and production house based out of Brooklyn, NY that specializes in creating deep funk and soul music. They have released a slew of 7″ and 12″ vinyl releases by bands such as El Michels Affair, Bama & The Family, Lee Fields & the Expressions, Timothy McNealy, Asiko, Bronx River Parkway, and many more. Both Michels and Silverman produce, perform on, engineer, and mix all of the label’s releases and productions. Audio Streams: Fallin’ Off the Reel Vol.2 Megamix http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TruthandSoul/Truth_and_Soul-Megamix.mp3 Bronx River Parkway – “La Valla” http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TruthandSoul/Bronx_River_Parkway-La_Valla.mp3 http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TruthandSoul/Bronx_River_Parkway-La_Valla.asx Video Streams: Rostarr and Truth & Soul- “Percussive Movement No. 5 -Timelapse” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR1m-TJA5FY Rostarr and Truth & Soul- “Percussive Movement No. 7 -Timelapse” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nduomkqMPs Wu Tang & El Michels Affair -”Bring Da Ruckus” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hkLBwaCN8Y Raekwon & El Michels Affair – “Criminology” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmuJYocq7Ns Raekwon & El Michels Affair “C.R.E.A.M.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei2JbYeHl-I El Michels Affair – “Thinking Black” (Ike Turner track) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PxhEObUpPA   Other Streams: Amy Winehouse – “Love Is A Losing Game” (Truth & Soul Remix) http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TruthandSoul/LoveIsALosingGame_TruthandSoulRemix.mp3 Truth & Soul MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/truthandsoulrecords Truth & Soul Imeem: http://truthandsoul.imeem.com Truth & Soul Official Site: http://www.truthandsoulrecords.com

Hip-Hop Siblings Putting A New Face on Rap

Young Italy is a rap duo unlike any other. Young Italy’s two members, Anthony Daniele aka Lil’ A, age 11, and Francesco Daniele aka Lil’ Frank, age 14, are hip-hop siblings. The fresh faced Memphis-based rappers may look cute, but when they begin rap, their skills take over and cuteness isn’t the focus anymore. Lil’ A and Lil’ Frank are serious, flow-laced rappers/lyricists. Bi-lingual in Italian and English, Young Italy already has a loud buzz going over in Italy; they’re ready now to show America what they’re about.

Young Italy’s energetic music comes laced with thumping swag, heart and a rhythmic vibe. Their first single, “Beat N My Trunk,” featuring Jay Mullinz, is a catchy crunk tune. Their debut CD, “Young, Fly & Flashy,” will be released later in 2008 by Trendsetters Entertainment.

The brothers rap about young, contemporary subjects without cursing; their music is enjoyed by both parents and kids alike. Their subject matter ranges from dance moves, as in “Snap Once,” to a tribute to their late uncle, with the thoughtful tune, “Uncle Frank.”

With the full support of their parents, Lil’ A and Lil’ Frank are home schooled so that they can have a schedule that allows for their music career. They are, nevertheless, well-rounded young fellas who also enjoy various sports, including soccer, basketball and football.

Lil’ A is also a professional actor with numerous credits under his belt, while Lil’ Frank is a skilled musician, who works on the music for Young Italy’s songs.

The two hard-working, focused hip-hop bambinos are poised to make a very distinctive name for themselves in the music game.

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Music at: www.myspace.com/youngitalymusic

JERMAINE DUPRI PROVIDES THE MOST ACCESS!

This week, superstar music producer and So So Def Recordings CEO/Island Records President of Urban Music Jermaine Dupri announced his purchase of internet blog site, The Most Access (www.themostaccess.com).  The Most Access is a new online outlet featuring the latest in news, urban entertainment, fashion, lifestyle ands sports, as well as exclusive, fast-breaking video footage. 

The Most Access provides up to the minute information on subject matter ranging from the most recent A-List celebrity events to the latest music releases to NBA, NFL and MLB trade news.  The site also features sections offering music, film and theater reviews, business and money news and contests.  In addition, The Most Access highlights other popular pages and blog sites including All Hip Hop, Concrete Loop and Real Talk NY. 

On what sparked his interest in The Most Access, Jermaine says, “It’s a site that I’d been paying attention to for awhile.  I noticed that they were really offering exclusive coverage and access that other sites weren’t.   I enjoy offering people an insider’s look into the celebrity lifestyle.  That’s what I do through my music, my companies, my ventures.  And that’s exactly what this site does.  It offers the most access.”

About Jermaine Dupri

Jermaine Dupri’s 20 + year career has established him as one of the most creative and influential figures in the music business.  As founder and CEO of So So Def Recordings, producer and songwriter, Dupri has launched and catapulted the careers of some of the most popular recording artists of our time.  He has been the driving force behind dozens of gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums for numerous artists and is a platinum-selling artist himself.  In 2007, JD was appointed president of Island Records Urban Music, a new division of the Island Def Jam Music Group.  In his new position, JD oversees Island’s Urban Music operation and provides his much sought after production services to the various record labels under parent company, Universal Music Group.

NAACP ACCEPTS AIMS OF HIP HOP ANNIVERSARY TOUR

The NAACP applauds the profanity-free, family oriented nature of the Hip Hop Anniversary Tour as it begins in Italy this week. The anniversary tour will showcase legendary artists and enormous talents that created the rap music genre. In the last 30 years, rap has steadily become a cultural phenomenon and its influence dominates as America’s latest offering of pop culture to the world. The Tour is sponsored by Visit Florida and aims to present 3 hrs of non-stop Hip Hop without profanity.

“The pioneers of this global art form are to be commended for setting the proper tone as they set out to play to adoring crowds around the world,” said NAACP Interim President & CEO Dennis Courtland Hayes. “As their fame, popularity and string of awards demonstrate, you can be creative and sell without degrading women, being profane, violent, racist or sexist. We hope that more contemporary artists are paying attention.”                     

“The music from the past was fun,” rap industry legend Kurtis Blow said in announcing the series of U.S. and European shows Friday in Washington, D.C. with fellow rap icons the Sugar Hill Gang, Grand Master Mele Mel, Grand Wizard Theodore and Whodini. “The tour brings those beats and good feelings back with three hours of Hip Hop with no profanity and within the bounds of universal acceptance.”

Last year Kurtis, former ‘gangsta’ rapper Master P, his son Romeo, other entertainers and media corporations, signed on to the NAACP’s STOP Campaign. Kurtis, now a minister, also participated in the NAACP’s symbolic burial of the N-word at its annual convention in Detroit.

The STOP Campaign — an initiative of the NAACP Youth & College Division — seeks to end the prevalence of racist, sexist language, images and concepts in the media by holding the industry responsible and by calling for a shift in personal behavior. The targets of the STOP Campaign are the record and television industries, recording artists and the African American community. More information about the STOP Campaign can be found at: www.naacp.org.

 Learn more about the tour online at:www.hiphopanniversary.com