W.O.R.T.H. INC. AND THE ELAN GROUP PRESENT THE FIRST ANNUAL W.O.R.T.H. BENEFIT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 8th IN NEW YORK CITY

On Saturday, March 8, 2008 from 10:00pm – 2:00pm 501(c)(3)W.O.R.T.H. Inc and The Elan Group present The First Annual W.O.R.T.H. Benefit at Bar 13 located at 121 University Place (2^nd Floor), between 13^th and 14^th Streets in New York City. There will be an open bar from 10pm -11pm, a door raffle and a silent auction, along with a $20.00 admission fee. This benefit will raise awareness surrounding the sexual violence against women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3^rd largest country in Africa), and the entire array of physical, social, and economic ill-effects surrounding this crisis including but not limited to the rise of STD’s including HIV/Aids, displacement and personal safety, and the rising death toll, among other prevalent issues. Proceeds will be donated to Dr. Denis Mukwege at Panzi Hospital located in South Kivu of the DRC. Dr. Mukwege was originally the lone physician at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, that specialized in treating women and children who have survived sexual violence.  He has since trained four other physicians to perform the complex surgeries necessary to treat the physical trauma associated with sexual violence. Dr. Denis Mukwege was featured in Oprah’s O Magazine and on CNN. Anderson Cooper of CNN calls this the deadliest conflict since World War II!

Two prolific and internationally renowned women – Queen GodIs (critically acclaimed and internationally esteemed artisan) and Toni Blackman (critically acclaimed and award-winning artist), will host this benefit. In addition, a group of highly respected performers and artists will provide education and entertainment through the arts. The highly respected DJ Chela will provide us with music for the evening. Joy Plaza, President of W.O.R.T.H., says – “It will be an extremely powerful night of ART and EDUCATION through music, spoken word poetry, displayed artwork, and powerful speech, designed to raise awareness around Sexual Violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  We have many incredible individuals involved…and it’s a great opportunity to connect with some truly fly individuals – from musicians to activists, poets to community leaders, artists to graphic designers, producers to all-around go getters all coming together for one cause- to raise awareness around sexual violence.” The First Annual W.O.R.T.H. Benefit has set its bar high with the caliber of talent that is involved in this event. In addition, many sponsors have provided their support in order to make this event a success.

Performers/Artists Include:

Maya Azucena – Vocalist/Songwriter

Patricia Smith – Poet/Spoken Word Artist

Ursula Rucker – Spoken Word Recording Artist

Carlos Andres Gomez – Spoken Word Artist and Actor

Sponsors for W.O.R.T.H. Benefit Include:

Bucktown USA Entertainment – Full Media Coverage

Buzz TV – Full Media Coverage

The Hip Hop Association (H2A) – Coverage on their website, Donation to raffle an all-access pass to two future H2A events.

The Elan Group – Event Coordination

3-D Platform – Event Coordination, Press, & Contributions from 3-D clients

Pink Eye Fashions – Silent Auction contribution (W.O.R.T.H. inspired sneakers – 3-D Platform Client)

Kosmetiks NYC – Merchandise Donation

Sketch – Silent Auction (W.O.R.T.H. inspired original artwork – 3-D Platform Client)

Premium Image Makers – Benefit Program Booklets

Goma Film Project – 50 Complimentary DVD’s of PBS Documentary LUMO

So Live! Arts – Live Painting for Silent Auction courtesy of Fly Lady Di

1 Soul Designs – Merchandise donation

World Up! – Coverage on their website, newletter

Fusicology – Coverage on their website, writer at the event

Nu-Soul Magazine – Coverage at the Benefit (writer, photographer)

N8KD – Merchandise donation

Nissrene Dondini – Original Artwork
 Loganic – Original Artwork

** More In-Depth Detail on All Individuals, Companies, And Sponsors Involved in This Benefit Will Be Provided On Location Via Printed Event Programs

ABOUT W.O.R.T.H.

The Women’s Organization of Rebirth Through Healing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  W.O.R.T.H. recognizes the dire need to address human rights violations against women and children in Central and Eastern Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our organization seeks to address and raise international awareness surrounding issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, displacement, personal safety, access to health care, food and shelter, detention, and gender discrimination.

Founder, Aria Maddox, established W.O.R.T.H. in 2006 as a passionate vision of hope. In doing her own research into the violent rape crimes in Central Africa, Aria was shocked to find that very few organizations around the world were set up to directly assist women and children in the Congo. Even more appalling is the fact that the international community as a whole is paying little to no attention to the millions who have already lost their lives during and since the Congo war and the hundreds of thousands of others who are currently displaced and living in refugee camps in surrounding regions. At these camps, men, women and children are without access to proper medical attention, adequate food and water, and shelter from the intense heat and torrential downpours; rains so devastating that they often completely wipe out the only roadways that lead to these camps.  The inability to access refugee camps is preventing clean water, food and medical supplies from reaching those who need it most.

Aria’s vision for the Women’s Organization of Rebirth Through Healing is to raise international awareness.  Her long-term goal is to build a holistic transition house for women and children in the Congo that will serve to keep survivors of sexual violence safe while working to empower them in every aspect of their lives.

To help realize this ambitious goal and help bring her vision to life, Aria Maddox called on friend and philanthropist, Joy Plaza who she knew shared the same passion and dedication for social justice and human rights. Their shared commitment to this fight is the backbone of what lies ahead in W.O.R.T.H.’s future. But they do not stand alone. They stand alongside a group of strong and dedicated women and are also blessed with the voices of countless others who have stepped up and said the four simple words necessary to create change “How can I help?”

The Women’s Organization of Rebirth Through Healing is poised to, not only reach the hearts and minds of those wanting to join our fight, but to put pressure on world leaders to take a stand against sexual violence as a weapon of war. It is a necessity that the G8 leaders and the United Nations play an integral role in intervening and putting an end to human rights violations in the Congo as well as other war torn countries. One of our missions, with your help and through partnerships with other organizations and sponsors who share our vision of hope, is to put pressure on world leaders and the international community.  Join with us as we continue this fight for justice and humanity.

For More Information About W.O.R.T.H., log onto:

www.youreworthit.org

ABOUT THE ELAN GROUP

Bridging the gap between the world’s needs and desires is The Elan Group, a company whose mission is to raise awareness on society’s pressing issues. As the world grows in population, so does the burdening issues that affect us all. Through entertainment, The Elan Group sheds light on existing issues that need to be heard, addressed and given a voice.

Stay tuned, as The Elan Group continues to produce events as a supporting platform to create these voices. Support our efforts and goals as we raise awareness on disease and sickness, domestic violence, lack of education, homelessness, unemployment, pollution, hunger and starvation…if you can add to this list we need you. Please support our purpose!

For More Information About The Elan Group, log onto:

www.myspace.com/theelangroup

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FAST FACTS

Panzi Hospital was inaugurated in 1992. It was initially built for 120 beds but the total number of beds are now 324. The average number of patients hospitalized per month is 410 persons. The mission of Panzi Hospital is to:

• Improve the quality of medical care for the population
• Reduce the maternal and infant death rate
• Provide treatment of the survivor of sexual violence and surgical repair for women suffering from fistulas of the uro-genital tract.

The HIV virus is spreading fast in the DRC. Unlike many other countries in southern Africa, there is no reliable data about the exact prevalence of the disease. There are many risk factors though, such as high rates of sexual violence, population displacement caused by war and lack of access to preventative health care, that suggest that the global AIDS epidemic is beginning to hit the DRC hard (Médecins Sans Frontières/ 2004).

• In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, HIV prevalence rates are estimated to be between 1.7 to 7.6% depending on the region, and may be as high as 20% among women who have suffered sexual violence in areas of armed conflict (Department of International Development, March 2007).
• Women account for more than half (57%) of adults estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in the DRC (UNAIDS, 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, July 2004).
• HIV prevalence is high among young people in the DRC, especially young women. Among those ages 15-24, the estimated number of young women living with HIV/AIDS was almost twice that of young men (UNAIDS, Youth and HIV/AIDS: Opportunity in Crisis, 2002).
• Years of war in DRC, have completely decimated the health system in the country and national investment in AIDS treatment is a major priority. The Global Fund has dedicated $35 million to AIDS care over the next two year in DRC. But more money is needed. ARV drugs costs $29 per month – well out of reach of most Congolese (Médecins Sans Frontières/ 2004).
• Rape increases the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission significantly because forced sexual intercourse is accompanied by injuries and bleeding which enhances transmission of the virus as compared to during consensual sex.  Physical injury from sexual violence can be very serious, especially in young girls.  It was recently estimated that the HIV prevalence in South Kivu could reach 20 per cent. Sexual violence is likely to have been a significant contributory factor to this increase (Dr Francois Lepira, director of the national program against AIDS, quoted by the United Nations Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) on the 5th of  November, 2003 and re-printed by Médecins Sans Frontières).

New Book Takes An Intimate Look Into The World of African-American Fathers

A new book by David Manuel pays tribute to African American dads through the words and experiences of the children, who know their dads the best.
 

 

                                  “I AM A FATHER”

New Table Top Book Takes An Intimate Look Into The World of African-American Fathers  

February 20, 2008 (Atlanta) – An extraordinary new tabletop book captures the relationships between African-American fathers and their children is being released just in time for Father’s Day entitled “I am a Father.” Compiled by author David Manuel, the book is a celebration of black fatherhood from one generation to the next.

Featuring intimate portraits captured by photographers Donna Permell and Moses Robinson, “I Am A Father” spotlights celebrity dad’s like Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Tom Joyner and everyday dads, to underscore the special bond between fathers and their offspring. The book also features stimulating essays as told through the eyes of their children that celebrates the relationship between father’s and their child(ren).

Inspired by Manuel’s own journey as an African-American father and son, “I Am A Father” provides powerful expositions on one of the most fundamental components of family life. “Being a father requires hard work that can be stacked with many obstacles to overcome,” he says. ‘As a father of two sons and growing up without one, I know firsthand the impact that a caring father can make on a child’s development. I firmly believe that a caring and devoted father can make the difference in a child choosing the positive or negative road of life”.

“I am a Father” is a testimony to the importance and value of black fatherhood. “Black fathers are alive and well, and we care deeply about our children,” Manuel adds. Its release will be followed by a touring photo exhibition that will showcase the powerful images captured in the book.

About the Author: David Manuel is currently the director of Community Relations at the Woodruff Arts Center’s Celebrate Diversity through the Arts Initiative and is very active using his position to bridge different cultures together using art as a vehicle. A graduate of the Atlanta College of Art, Manuel has also worked in the Atlanta Public School System where he taught kindergarten through fifth grade. A little league football coach for Mountain Park Association, Manuel resides in Lilburn, GA with his wife Lori and sons Branden and Blake.

Lunch feat Ray J GET EM GIRL

Lunch featuring Ray J   Get Em Girl from upcoming album

Southern LA or as it is more favorably known, the Inland Empire may never have been viewed as a Hip-Hop stronghold, cities such as Compton and Long Beach have generally overshadowed the IE. But with  recording artist Lunch commandeering his Homeless Nation movement, it is only a matter of time before more people gravitate to the sounds emulating from the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino. The Inland Empire Ambassador has teamed with Ray J for this his first single from the up and coming album Heart of a Lion, expected to hit shelves in August. The infectious Get Em Girl track is currently  in rotation across the nation and the video for this instant club anthem is being shot later this month. “I feel that Get Em Girl is a like a breath of fresh air  from the westcoast,” Lunch shares. “It is something completely different from what people are used to, the flow and the production, plus the ladies love it.. Lunch is coming soon get ready to eat….. “ EXPLICIT VERSION http://www.sendspace.com/file/1d3u3f RADIO VERSION http://www.sendspace.com/file/1jbvxo INSTRUMENTAL http://www.sendspace.com/file/p3u9kg **SEE LUNCH PERFORM ON FRIDAY 7th of MARCH IN SALT LAKE** ***CITY, UTAH AT THE RITZ NIGHTCLUB*** For further information on Lunch www.myspace.com/lunchdageneralhn

SAY NOW AND DIAL A DEAL

Element 9 Muzik LLC, a newly-founded urban record label, has unveiled an innovative approach to collecting demo submissions from aspiring artists.

Partnering with web Technology Company, Saynow, the label has developed Dial-A-Deal, which allows artists to display their talent live over a dedicated phone line. The innovative approach allows Element 9’s talent scouts to hear a live stream from artists in any location.

Element 9 Muzik headed by industry veteran, Tony “X” Franklin, has agreed in principle to a deal with San Francisco based SMC Recordings to distribute a selection of releases which will be managed by Fontana Distribution/Universal Music Group.

The Dial-A-Deal concept was developed by Element 9 Founder, Stu “Xplosive” Pflaum, a 26-year-old who has quickly proven the value of youthful leadership in the industry. Pflaum started out as an intern working with Franklin’s street team and lifestyle marketing division at Asylum Records. He left to form the Element 9 Recordings Publishing Company and scored a quick success by publishing the recent Grammy-nominated hit “Crank That” by recording artist Soulja Boy.

Pflaum’s Element 9.0 Online Media Company will power the promotions and publicity for the contest, which is expected to draw a great deal of interest from artists. The company has previously managed online campaigns for a number of high-profile urban acts and is credited with running the online promotions that attracted major label attention to Soulja Boy while he was an unsigned artist.

Element 9 has announced the contest will run through September. However, many artists will see perks along the way. SMC Recordings plans to offer select entrants a chance to appear as featured artists on their upcoming releases. Additionally, Element 9.0 will provide free online marketing services to aid potential Element 9 artists. The exact terms of a potential record deal are not being disclosed at this time to assure more flexibility for all parties. According to Pflaum, “the open-ended nature of the opportunity serves the best interest of the artists by not putting a public price tag on display, and at the same time assures the stakes will rise for the artists based on how fierce the competition gets.”

DJ Muggs Scores Upcoming Blockbuster Street Kings Starring Keanu Reeves and Forrest Whitaker

DJ Muggs, who has produced countless classics for Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins along with critically-acclaimed albums with the GZA of Wu-Tang Clan and Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm, has scored the upcoming David Ayer-directed movie Street Kings, hitting theaters April 11.

 

“We began the process of Street Kings by talking to David Ayer about the direction of the sound and how we wanted to convey certain moods in certain scenes,” DJ Muggs explains. “Then once the movie was shot, we went to work and brought the sound and movement to life. The main difference from scoring and making records is that in scoring the music can’t loop. You gotta build, take away and add changes constantly as each frame changes. And the other difference is that when I make music, I only have to answer to me. This time I had the director and the producers and the studio Fox Searchlight. You have to make sure they get their vision across as well as the energy and emotion they want in the sound of their film. I’m here for that purpose.”

 

Street Kings stars Keanu Reeves playing veteran LAPD Vice Detective Tom Ludlow, who is on the hunt to find the killers of his former partner. Forrest Whitaker plays Captain Wander, Ludlow’s supervisor, who tries to keep Ludlow in line and away from Captain Biggs of Internal Affairs (played by Hugh Laurie). Street Kings also stars the Game and Common.

 

DJ Muggs is also currently working on his highly anticipated compilation album Soul Assassins III as well as DJ Muggs vs. Planet Asia, a concept album that has the super-producer providing his signature dark, head-nodding soundscapes for the prolific MC. DJ Muggs is also working with his Soul Assassins team to launch SoulAssassins.com. The site is currently scheduled to launch in mid-March.

 

You can also check out the trailer for Street Kings here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgdVGJFsNfE

Universal Republic Group Signs a Big Problem Straight Out of Compton

Forget Houston.  Compton, we have a Problem, as in one of the most sought after lyricists and writers on the West Coast, Problem, announced his singles deal signing with Universal Republic today.  Problem joins the label and home to five-time Grammy Award Winning singer, Amy Winehouse, The Shop Boyz and St. Louis-bred rapper Stank. The Los Angeles native is set to release his power single, “Toe Up” through the record behemoth.

Combine the song range of Ludacris, the style of Juelz Santana and Lil’ Wayne and the West Coast claims of Snoop and The Game, and you have Problem, a veteran who has worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Lil’ Wayne and producers Cool and Dre.  A name given to him on the basketball courts in the inner city, Problem never wondered “if” a deal would happen, but “when”.  Problem knew he was on his way to a successful career when his debut mixtape, Second Round Knockout sold 13,000 copies.  When Universal caught wind of his single, “Toe Up” on Los Angeles’ Power 106, it was only a matter of weeks before he was on a plane to New York and his fate sealed on the dotted line.

“That single was just me being loaded one night and the next morning playing around,” he explains about his life-altering record.

And the force continues to grow stronger as the demand for his single, “Toe Up” is being requested heavily throughout the West Coast radio and club circuit.  With his eyes set on Hip-Hop greatness, Problem promises that he will not be a one-hit wonder.

“I’m here for the mainstay,” he assures. “It’s going to be a problem for a long time.”

Sky Balla Delivers Tycoon Status — New Album on Koch April 1

The Bay Area has produced many iconic figures in Hip Hop, and the new generation of artists emerging from the region are following suit with a style all their own. Sky Balla first made his mark in music as a teen, and has grown progressively with the Bay’s thriving scene. He will be releasing his second full-length solo album Tycoon Status on April 1, 2008 in conjunction with Tycoon Status Entertainment and Koch Entertainment.

Hailing from the notorious Fillmore section of San Francisco, Sky Balla has had an amazing independent journey in developing his sound. While he experienced an almost overnight success as a teen with the group The Gamblaz, he ventured out on his own in to create his first street album in 2006, The Mobb Report. He pressed up 2,000 units on his own, and began building his name as a one-man army.

After some time recording and taking on the challenges of the music industry alone, in 2007 Sky Balla teamed with Bay Area promoter Young Rell, CEO of Tycoon Status Entertainment. Although they had known each other for years, it was the perfect time to team up for Sky’s official debut full-length album. “Sky is truly a musical person,” says Rell of the partnership. “I’ve been in the studio with a number of artists, and I’ve only seen a few with the talent that he has. I am excited about the situation, because I know we can make it.”

The new album Tycoon Status carries Sky’s formidable industry experience and trademark swagger throughout, and boasts guest appearances from the likes of E-40, Cassidy, CTE’s Slick Pulla, Dipset’s Hell Rell, San Quinn, Turf Talk, Tynisha Keli, Mike Marshall, Bleu Davinci and Mistah F.A.B. Production credits include Cozmo, Traxamillion, Raw Smoov, Priceless, J-Money, Matheo, Sean-T and Bova.

The first single from the album is the Cozmo-produced “Mobbin’ All Day” featuring E-40 and San Quinn, and the track has a powerful Bay-friendly sound. In his many travels, Sky Balla wants people to understand that the Bay is always his home. Sky brought in Cassidy and William Henn for his follow-up single “Posted At The Bar,” which offers a definitive nationwide appeal. Sky has made both tracks available to hear at www.tygereye.net/skyballa.

“I was in the zone recording this album,” explains Sky Balla. “People in the streets and industry both have been asking me when I am going to drop a album, and my fans have been waiting. I’m giving them what they want. I take this music seriously, but there is always room for improvement. I know I’m not the best rapper alive, but I am defiantly one of the hardest hustlas alive. I’m real before this rap sh*t. I’m not a rapper, I just happen to be hot with a pen. I’m a hustla who loves the art, the music and money. I do it for the streets.”

For more information on Sky Balla, go to www.tygereye.net/skyballa and www.myspace.com/skyballa

Tycoon Status tracklist:

1)   Free Mac Minister (Intro)
2)   For Da Streets – prod. by Bova
3)   Stay Grindin’ - prod. by Sean-T
4)   I Go – prod. by Cozmo
5)   Direct Connect f/ Hell Rell – prod. by Matheo
6)   Let’s Talk Money – prod. by Cozmo
7)   Creep With You f/ Tynisha Keli – prod. by Cozmo
8)   Posted At Da Bar f/ Cassidy and Willie Henn – prod. by Raw Smoov
9)   I’m About Mine f/ Mike Marshall – prod. by Cozmo
10)  Mobbin’ All Day f/ San Quinn, E-40 – prod. by Cozmo
11)  What’s Crackin‘ – prod. by J-Money
12)  Need A Bigga Room f/ Bleu Davinci – prod. by J-Money
13)  U.S.D.A. Interview With Big Von
14)  I Ride f/ Slick Pulla – prod. by Raw Smoov
15)  Hit Me On My Chearp f/ Turf Talk – prod. by Priceless
16)  Tycoon Status – prod. by Traxamillion
**Bonus Track
17)  Mobbin’ All Day f/ Mistah F.A.B. and E-40 – prod. by Cozmo

RICK ROSS RETURNS WITH TRILLA – NEW SECOND ALBUM FOR SLIP N’ SLIDE/DEF JAM SET FOR MARCH 11th RELEASE

Slip N’ Slide/Def Jam recording artist Rick Ross, who rose from ruling the underground rap scene in Miami, to becoming 2006’s buzz-worthiest hip-hop artist with his #1 Pop/#1 R&B/#1 Rap major label debut album Port Of Miami – returns with TRILLA, the long-awaited follow-up and one of 2008’s most hotly anticipated new releases, set to arrive in stores March 11th. 

            Busting open Urban and Rhythmic radio for TRILLA is Rick’s new single release, “The Boss,” featuring T-Pain.  “The Boss” was produced by JR Rotem, L.A.-based hitmaker for Sean Kingston, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Chamillionare, and others.  The new single moves up to #20-bullet on both the R&R/BDS and Mediabase Urban charts.The song’s Hot 100 audience is also building, now at 17 million with 2,300 spins.

            The streets couldnt wait for new music from TRILLA, as two bangers hit the blogs last week with a flurry of anticipation: “Maybach Music” featuring JAY-Z, and “Luxury Tax” featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Trick Daddy, both produced by Justice League.

            With “The Boss” video charting at #9 on BET’s “106 & Park” countdown last week, Ross headed out on a whirlwind promotion, starting in Chicago, then making stops throughout the South in Memphis, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Columbus, Montgomery, Greensboro, Raleigh, Washington DC, Charlotte, and Columbia, South Carolina.  He is scheduled to appear on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live next Thursday night, March 13th.  Online, his personal “TrillaWorld” blog is in its third week of operation.  His http://www.myspace.com/rickross website shows more than 13.9 million profile views, and over 357,000 friends, with an amazing 22.4 million total plays.

            Back in 2006, “Hustlin’” became the first mastertone ever certified platinum by the RIAA for sales of 1 million copies before the associated album had even been released.  A remix was subsequently issued, featuring Jay-Z and Young Jeezy.  The second single from Port Of Miami was “Push It,” whose movie soundtrack excerpts (circa 1990) from Giorgio Moroder’s “Scarface (Push It To The Limit),” evoked the gritty soul of a city that is always on the edge of exploding.  Port Of Miami (released August 2006) entered the Soundscan chart at #1 with impressive first week sales of 187,000 units. 

            With the album’s success, six-foot-two, 300-pound Rick Ross – who was first signed to Trick Daddy’s Miami-based Slip N’ Slide records in 2001 – came into hiw own.  A “hip-hop heavyweight,” was how the New York Times described him.  “The number one ghostwriter in the South,” was how he described himself and his work behind the scenes for all those years.  “I’m bridging the gap between the South and the East Coast,” he told Rolling Stone.  “The sound is real Dirty South.  But I’m spittin’ hard, to where the East Coast appreciates it.”  All eyes are now on Rick Ross, as TRILLA underscores the promise of one of today’s premiere hip-hop voices.