IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED — TIME SENSITIVE

Dear Friends and Associates:
 
Do you remember running barefoot outside as a child, sometimes paying the price with a splinter or piece of glass that had to be dislodged from your foot by the nearest adult with a sterilized sewing needle and alcohol?  Then you were warned to keep your shoes on while the wound heeled so that you could avoid infection.  In many of the townships and rural areas of Southern Africa and other underserved communities around the globe, shoes are rare and prized commodities.  It is common for children and their families in these areas to travel barefoot-no matter what the weather or terrain. Walking barefoot exposes their feet to rusty metals and glass, urine, feces and various bacteria that could lead to acute infection including gangrene and, in many cases, could ultimately result in amputations.
 
Global Soles is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shoes for these individuals in order to improve public health, well-being and dignity of communities worldwide.  The inaugural mission for Global Soles will begin August 9, 2008, when members of the group will arrive in Johannesburg to deliver at least 5,000 new pairs of shoes to children and adults in underserved areas in Southern Africa.  We are writing to ask your assistance in meeting that goal.
 
We currently are soliciting new footwear and monetary contributions from individuals, groups, churches, faith-based organizations, non-profits, fraternities and sororities, corporations, community groups and educational institutions.  We are seeking footwear for boys and girls, ages 3 to 18 years old, including sneakers, black dress shoes, rain and casual boots for school, church and play.  For adult women and men, we are collecting comfortable rubber sole shoes, sneakers, as well as rain and casual boots.  Additional projects will consist of the delivery of shoes to developing countries around the globe, including, but not limited to: Nigeria and Ghana in December 2008, Haiti in April 2009, Jamaica in August 2009, and Guyana in December 2009.  The regions of greatest need will receive priority in shoe deliveries. Our long-term goals include:  the delivery of vaccines, medication, medical supplies, educational materials, sanitary napkins, and toiletries to impoverished communities worldwide.
 
The deadline for donating footwear or making monetary contributions (which will go toward shipping costs) is July 30, 2008.  Please ship product donations to: Gwendolyn Quinn, GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc., c/o of Global Soles, 1650 Broadway – Suite #1011, New York, New York 10019.  Checks should be made out to: Global Soles, Inc. and mailed to Rotimi Akinnuoye, 248 Clifton Place, Brooklyn, New York 11216.
 
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this project. We will call you soon to follow-up.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need more information.  You might also visit our website at www.globalsoles.com, to learn more about us.  Our contact information is below.
 
Best Regards,

Gwendolyn Quinn
Global Soles
212-765-7910
gwendolynquinn@aol.com

KOCH RECORDS ANNOUNCES DEAL WITH VIRGINIA RAP DUO THE CLIPSE

Platinum-selling rappers the Clipse have partnered with KOCH Records for a special release: The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang, which will be released on August 5^th, 2008. The Re-Up Gang, formed in 2004, is a larger ensemble encompassing the Clipse and collaborative Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. This fearsome foursome has been recording together since the Clipse’ platinum debut Lord Willin’, and is responsible for the celebrated We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series. But The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang is a standalone album featuring 9 new songs, including a single produced by Scott Storch, plus 3 unreleased remixes of tracks from We Got it 4 Cheap vol. 3.

 

Says Pusha T, one half of the Clipse: “Everything happens for a reason. We put out the We Got it 4 Cheap series on our own for the streets and that helped keep us visible and build the Re-Up name as an entity. This time, [our manager] Tony Draper got with [KOCH General Manager] Alan Grunblatt to put together an official album with new music and let KOCH Records do what they do best. This release gives us something fresh in the marketplace to reward Re-Up fans while we continue to work on the Clipse album.” The Clipse recently signed a groundbreaking 5-year 50/50 deal at Sony/ Columbia Records, entitling the Clipse to ownership of their masters. 

 

Grunblatt says, “Tony Draper and I have worked together since the days of Suave House and Relativity Records.  KOCH loves the Clipse and are thrilled to be working with the Re-Up Gang.”  

 

In the meantime, keep an ear open for Scott Storch’s single, “Fast Life,” which impacts next week. With its infectious hand claps and retro synth effects, “Fast Life” is an inevitable summer sizzler. Not lost amidst the dancefloor-destined drums are the quartet’s lyrical acumen and gleaming metaphor game. “Fast Life” has the irrepressible collective energy of a prior Clipse’-flavored hit, “What Happened to that Boy.” Expect an accompanying video for the track come early July. Additionally, three prime cuts from Volume 3 of We Got it 4 Cheap have been remixed and re-issued specifically for this project. The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang arrives August 5. And keep the pot boiling for the Clipse’ full-length album on Sony, due in November.

DJ Khaled releases new single; third album on deck!

 Miami radio personality, label head, Terror Squad/KOCH Records recording artist and soon, Global dominator DJ Khaled is finally unleashing his long-awaited new single, “Out Here Grindin’.” The track is sure to be the summer jam of 2008 and features Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Plies, Ace Hood, and Trick Daddy with production from The Runners. 

 

“Out Here Grindin’” was the #1 most added single at Urban Radio this week with 47 stations coming on board. The record was already at 700 spins going into add date.

 

About the single, DJ Khaled says, “’OUT HERE GRINDIN’” is the biggest record in the streets!! This will be the anthem for ‘08!! I do this for the streets!!! WE GLOBAL!!!! This record is for the people!!!”

 

The single is now available for sale from iTunes.

 

A video for “Out Here Grindin’” was recently shot and directed by Miami-native Gil Green. It will hit video networks and portals soon.

 

Khaled’s third and most anticipated album to date, We Global, will be released on September 16th, 2008.  We Global will feature Kanye West, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Nas, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Flo-Rida, Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy and many more to be announced.

 

Producers The Runners, Danja, Nasty, The Incredibles, Cool and Dre, and of course Beat Novacaine are handling production on what are sure to be the hottest tracks of 2008 on We Global. 

 

DJ Khaled was also nominated for a 2008 BET Award for Best Collabo for his song “I’m So Hood (Remix)” feat. Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Big Boi, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and Birdman.
XXL recently called Khaled “the gatekeeper of the Sunshine State sound.” And with good reason.

On his first two albums, Khaled helped the burgeoning Miami hip hop scene explode nationally by featuring local as well as national talent on his numerous singles/collaborations.  Khaled’s last album, 2007’s We The Best, debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 and has sold over 400,000 copies on the strength the album’s two huge hits, “We Takin’ Over” and “I’m So Hood” and its massive Remix.

 

Khaled is also closing in on 3 million combined Digital/Mobile units on the strength of “I’m So Hood” and “We Takin’ Over.”

 

DJ Khaled, who currently has the most popular radio show in Miami (WEDR/99 Jamz), released his debut, Listennn…The Album, last year debuting at #1 on the Billboard Independent Chart.  The album spawned 3 singles/videos including “Holla At Me,” “Grammy Family,” and “Born N’ Raised.”

 

Look for Khaled EVERYWHERE this summer. He’s bringing Miami global!

 

For more info on DJ Khaled, please visit www.MySpace.com/DjKhaled.

 

JAY-Z MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST HIP HOP ARTIST TO HEADLINE GLATSONBURY FESTIVAL

JAY-Z MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST HIP HOP ARTIST TO HEADLINE GLATSONBURY FESTIVAL

 

Rapper ’stole show’ at Glastonbury  – Press Association

 

Rapper Jay Z wows Glastonbury Festival – reuters.uk

 

Jay-Z puts on world class show – BBC

 

Above are just some of the headlines following JAY-Z’s eagerly anticipated performance at the historic Glatsonbury Festival.  Controversy and much debate were generated after Noel Gallagher of Oasis spoke against JAY-Z headling the traditionally guitar / rock fest.  Gallagher was quoted saying, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it…I’m sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance. Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music. I’m not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It’s wrong.”

 

Stated JAY-Z, “These barriers that they have are only put up there to separate us.  They are there so people have a way of filing the music but that’s not the way kids today listen to music.  I listen to all types of music and that’s what should happen, that’s what the world should be about, mixing culture.  There’s only good music and bad music.”

 

Shooting down all critics, JAY-Z  made history at the sold out Glatsonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28th.  With a guitar slung low, JAY-Z entered the stage to the Oasis song “Wonderwall” beforing launching into his smash, “99 Problems.”

 

Click the link to check out the performance:   http://www.bbc.co.uk/glastonbury/2008/artists/jayz/

 

LONG LOST ALBUM FROM BOSTON HIP-HOP PIONEER AND PERCEPTIONIST DJ/PRODUCER, FAKTS ONE, FINALLY SEES LIGHT OF DAY.

Although most of the details are sketchy, the one thing that’s certain is that the once highly influential underground hip-hop DJ/Producer and Perceptionist member, Fakts One, one day, simply disappeared.  Some blame problems with his record label that folded right before the scheduled release of his debut solo album. Others say the stresses of the unstable music industry led Fakts to turn his back on hip-hop as a profession. Whatever the reason, he decided to make a clean break from the music and many of his closest friends in the industry haven’t heard from him since.

 

 DJ Fakts One was a key figure in the Boston Hip-Hop scene for many years. He got his start djing parties and breaking local acts on WERS radio in the late ’90’s, through the popular “89.9 at Night” show. He dropped one of his first mix tapes (yes, on cassette) on the famed Brick Records titled “Heavy Hitters” and instantly started making noise throughout the state. Lending production to many releases by Mr. Lif and Akrobatik, it was inevitable that these three long-time friends would form a trio that was 100% pure hip-hop called The Perceptionists.

 

 Their album “Black Dialogue” was released in 2005 on Definitive Jux to critical claim. With great sales, and a tour that was ready to kick off, this powerhouse of a rap group was about to start taking things over! At the same time Fakts was waiting on his solo record debut to be released, but the label continued to stall, delay and eventually folded into the industry abyss. Then, in a sudden turn of events, Fakts up and left his partners “Lif and Ak” stranded with no DJ at the start of their tour and vanished off the hip-hop map altogether.

 

 Although Fakts One’s departure left fans and friends both frustrated and confused, no one could deny his musical talents. Most just assumed that his highly anticipated debut opus “Long Range” would just become another victim of industry politics. It would be yet another rumored release that nobody would ever hear or could prove actually existed…until now. Finally, five years after its completion, “Long Range” will be released EXACTLY how he had intended before quitting the business. The album has some of the best MC’s around (Little Brother, Planet Asia, Boot Camp Clik as well as his brothers in The Perceptionists; Mr. Lif and Akrobatik) and as one would expect, the beats are that classic boombap sound, drenched with his own blood, sweat and tears.

 

It’s a shame it took so long for this to happen but as they say good things come to those who wait. Hopefully when Fakts hears all his years of hard work finally coming to light, he can sit back (wherever he is), smile and realize it was well worth the journey.

 

Tracklisting and credits for Fakts One’s Long Range:

 

1.) Ridin’ Dirty

2.) Grown Folks f/ Little Brother

3.) Life Music f/ Rocklyn & Maya Azucena

4.) OK f/ Kingsize & Outerspace

5.) Born For This f/Chan

6.) Don’t Stop f/Boot Camp Clik

7.) The Showstarter f/ The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif & Akrobatik)

8.) Audiovisual f/  J Live

9)  U From The Q f/ Universal

10.) Set The Mood f/ Grayskul

11.) Moments Matter f/ Tajai (of Souls Of Mischief)

12.) Selfish f/ Akrobatik & Iyadonna

13.) Longevity f/ Rasco, Planet Asia & Shakes Da Mayor

14.) The Showstarter (Walkman Remix) f/ The Perceptionists (Mr. Lif & Akrobatik)

 

G-Unit Are Back With New Album T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight

The second studio album from 50 Cent-led rap group G Unit entitled T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight, is in stores July 1st (2008).

Fans can now listen to T.O.S.: Terminate On Sight, at www.gunit.tv, and register for free to leave feedback and discuss the album.

50 Cent and Lloyd Banks used the NBA playoffs split screen commercial to promote the album, the commercial (available on ThisIs50.com) said; “Some times I scare people. I’m unpredictable. Take situations into my own hands and make them work for me. I’m a fighter, a warrior. I’ll run you out the neighbourhood and the business. I’m a protector of myself, and those around me. And I’m vengeful, I’ll hold a grudge. I’ll shoot you, I’ll stab you, I’ll kill you. Or maybe you’ll just disappear.”

Originally scheduled for a release earlier this month, the album was pushed back by Interscope to July 1st. Two singles are currently in rotation, the Rick Rock produced Rider pt. 2 and I Like The Way She Do It produced by Street Radio. The album also boasts production from heavyweights Polow Da Don, Jake One, and Swizz Beatz.

50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo are back! GGGGG-unit!!!!

G-UNIT
T.O.S.: TERMINATE ON SIGHT IN STORES JULY 1

Snoop’s The Adventures of Tha Blue Carpet Treatment DVD in Stores and On-Demand At CodeblackTV Now!




KOCH RECORDS AND IMEEM HOST BOBBY DIGITAL AKA THE RZA REMIX CONTEST

KOCH Records and imeem, a social network with over 25 million unique monthly visitors, are proud to announce an exciting new contest in which fans of The RZA can flex their digi skills by creating their own versions of the Bobby Digital track “Drama” from his new album, Digi Snacks. This is the first time The RZA has officially made one of his songs completely accessible to music fans to remix. 

 

Fans can access the contest now at http://www.imeem.com/remixtherza and download different stems for “Drama,” including the vocal stem, horn stem, drum stem, key stem 1, and key stem 2, to sample, chop and create their very own remix. 

 

The RZA is widely recognized as the architect of some of the finest beat-scapes in hip-hop history. He pioneered a plethora of styles that modern day producers use today. The RZA’s fourth solo album Digi Snacks is available in-stores and online everywhere now.

 

The winner of the best remix will receive $500 cash, courtesy of RZA & KOCH Records.  Mixes by the winner and top runners-up will be eligible for inclusion on a forthcoming digital release by RZA as Bobby Digital.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Go to:  http://www.imeem.com/remixtherza

2. Join the group

3. Click the “Download Link” 

4. Create your remix

5. Upload an MP3 of your remix to the group page: http://www.imeem.com/remixtherza

6. Share the track with your friends

7. Get your money!

 

The RZA has produced a number of albums for the Wu-Tang Clan, its affiliates, and other A-list artists that have led to multi-platinum releases the world over. He also has a successful movie career and has appeared in films with Bill Murray (Coffee & Cigarettes), Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe (American Gangster), Angela Bassett (Gospel Hill), Jude Law & Forest Whitaker (Repossession Mambo), and Clive Owens (Derailed).

 

Additionally, RZA’s also created soundtracks for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, Afro Samurai and the cult-classic Ghostdog: The Way Of The Samurai. RZA revolutionized the hip-hop world while simultaneously creating an empire upon it.

 

Digi Snacks is the 3^rd Bobby Digital installment from The RZA.

Video: Boot Camp Clik – Yeah (Extended Version)

American Black Film Festival Ambassador Release

 

Actor Anthony Mackie, who will star as Tupac Shakur in the biopic, Notorious, scheduled for release by Fox Searchlight Pictures in 2009, has been named today as Ambassador for the Film Life’s 2008 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The ABFF is the premier international marketplace for films that showcase the best new work by and about people of African descent. The role of the ABFF Ambassador is to broaden public awareness of the festival and its mission to encourage collaboration and support between Hollywood and the independent film community. This year’s festival, whose theme is “Exploring Black Romance and Sexuality in American Cinema,” is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles from August 7-10.

Mackie, who succeeds last year’s Ambassador, Anthony Anderson, will be featured in the upcoming DreamWorks film Eagle Eye, starring Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan and Billy Bob Thornton. Eagle Eye is scheduled to hit theaters this September. Mackie was an Independent Spirit Award Nominee for his portrayal of Perry, a young homosexual visual artist in the film Brother to Brother. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Drowning Crow, A Soldier’s Play, and Talk” for which he won an Obie Award in 2002. Mackie can also be seen in the films The Manchurian Candidate and Million Dollar Baby, alongside Oscar winning actors Denzel Washington, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Hillary Swank; as well as Half Nelson, We Are Marshall, Freedomland, and She Hate Me.

“I am honored to be able to serve as the 2008 ABFF Ambassador to help increase awareness of this great festival that champions creative expression as well as recognizes and rewards emerging talent, who might otherwise remain undiscovered,” Mackie said. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mackie honed his skills at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts before completing his education at Juilliard.

“Anthony exemplifies what the mission of the ABFF is: to recognize, showcase and celebrate emerging African American talent,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life and founder of the ABFF. “I am always pleased when young, talented actors recognize the importance of what the ABFF has been doing over the past 12 years, and are eager to give back and support our mission,” Friday continued.

Allstate is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2008 festival and HBO® is the festival’s Founding Sponsor. Other sponsors on board for this year include luxury automaker, Lincoln, as well as Target, BET J (Premier); Blockbuster, Heineken (Official); Nielsen Media Research, One Village Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Codeblack Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Fox Entertainment Group (Supporting); SAG Indie, Writers Guild of America West, Greater Philadelphia Film Commission (Industry); Black Enterprise, Uptown, Upscale, Black Noir, Heart&Soul, Precious Times, Automotive Rhythms, Toy Box, Monarch, Hope Today Magazine, NV, Save the Date and EUR Web (Media).

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

The ABFF, cofounded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based film marketing and distribution company. Its mission is to spearhead the global distribution of quality Black films and be the leading American brand producing Black movies, television, events and digital content. Film Life’s key properties include the American Black Film Festival (abff.com); the Black Movie Awards (blackmovieawards.com); the Turks and Caicos International Film Festival (www.turksnadcaicosfilmfest.com); and the ABFF DVD Series (thefilmlife.com), a partnership with Warner Home Video.For general registration information visit

www.abff.com, call 646- 375-2144, ext. 1, or contact the festival via e-mail at abff@thefilmlife.com.