AMALGAM DIGITAL SIGNS PEEDI CRAKK TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM “CAMEL FACE HUNTING SEA

After five years, North Philly rapper Peedi Crakk has parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records in favor of booming independent, Amalgam Digital.  The tech-savvy company responsible for launching hip hop’s first genre specific digital retail store attracted Peedi with their innovative business model and creatively fostering environment.  Peedi Crakk joins a roster made up of both commercially successful artists and underground hip hop icons, including Grammy-nominee Joe Budden, Kurious, Tash (of Tha Alkaholiks), and the Juggaknots.  His highly anticipated debut album “Camel Face Hunting Season,” will be released in September 2008.

 

A founding member of State Property, alongside Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Young Gunz, Peedi Crakk has earned respect for his lyrical talent and rhythmic flow.  “The Prince of State Property” created buzz with his single “One for Peedi” which was featured on the Paid in Full soundtrack.  He has also made a name for himself by collaborating with the likes of Twista, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Ne-Yo on the singer’s hit “Stay”.  He has showcased his versatility as a featured artist on two albums from Grammy award winners, The Roots, including his recent feature on their single “Get Busy.”  Additionally, Peedi will be featured in the upcoming film Next Day Air, directed by Benny Boom.

When asked about his new relationship with Amalgam Digital, Peedi made the following statement:

“Yup. I’m back! And I feel unstoppable. My flow is advanced and as an artist, I’m getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back. I’ve been a free agent for the past 3 months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable. They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed…proper promotion and distribution. BANG! It’s Camel Face Hunting Season”

“Camel Face Hunting Season” will hit retail stores and digital outlets in September 2008.  The first single entitled “More Towels,” features production by Vinny Idol.  

AmalgamDigital.com will offer exclusive bonus tracks when the album is downloaded from the website.

 

Envy Hits #1 On Billboard – Single “Ringtone” From Minneapolis MC

Long known for its legendary soul and rock scene, Minneapolis has been a breeding ground for some of the hottest music of our era. In 2008, songwriter/artist Envy is bringing his own brand of Hip Hop to the world. His current Billboard #1 R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales hit “Ringtone” is growing with radio stations in the Midwest and Southeast as Envy prepares his full-length debut album in association with V5 Entertainment. 

 

Envy began his music career when he was only 10-years-old. Inspired by his older sister who passed away when he was just 17, Envy put all of his energy into making a name for himself through entering local MC battles and open mic nights. He signed on with V5 Entertainment to structure the business end of his endeavors, and together they released the song “Ringtone,” which features singer/producer Fedarro, also a V5 artist. You can hear the song now at www.tygereye.net/envy

 

The single debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart, and ”Ringtone” is currently at its second straight week at #1 on the chart. The song also had a stealth six-week run on the Hot Singles Sales chart, hitting #16 last week.

 

“We’ve been pushing ’Ringtone’ locally and getting a good response,” says Envy. “Also we’ve been pushing it out in Detroit, now it’s getting played in New Orleans. We’re working on New York and a lot of surrounding areas in the Midwest. I never really expected it to be like this, it’s like wildfire!”

 

Abraham Malobe, CEO of V5 Entertainment, saw potential in Envy’s talent from the start. ”Many are called, but Envy was your number one that was chosen,” says Malobe. “The time is right for the song ‘Ringtone’ – it gives a very good feel of Envy’s dedication, commitment and love of writing and recording. It’s a hit record that has a good message, and it’s very appealing across the world. It is a very good experience and exciting to work with Envy on his musical career.”

 

The V5 team is working intently with Envy on his debut album. “My album is done lyrically as far as the words and stuff like that,” says Envy. “I’m just getting beats made for it specifically, just matching it up and going from there. I want to at least be known as one of the first Hip-Hop artists to come up and really rep Minnesota and open the doors for people. There’s a lot of talent here, and people don’t really realize that.”

 

For more information on Envy, go to www.tygereye.net/envy, www.myspace.com/tharealenvy and www.v5music.com

 

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

 

Hot R&B/Hip Hop Single Sales Chart

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Hot+R%26B%2FHip-Hop+Singles+Sales

 

 

ABOUT ENVY

 

From live bands to synthesized club music, the Midwest’s music identity spans pop to soul, country to jazz, rock to Hip Hop. In Minnesota specifically, legendary musicians like Prince and the band Mint Condition branded the state internationally through years of quality music. In 2008, young rapper Envy is poised to bring even more positive attention to the Minneapolis sound with his own brand of radio-friendly Hip Hop.

 

After debuting at #3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart, and hitting #1 on the Hip Hop/R&B Single Sales chart, Envy’s new single “Ringtone” (featuring and produced by Fedarro) enjoyed an impressive five-week run on the Hot Single Sales charts, hitting #16 in early June. “Ringtone” is picking up speed at radio stations throughout the Midwest and Southeast areas, and, logically, Envy’s V5 Entertainment team is working on a ringtone deal for the track.

 

Envy began his rap career very early in life. When he was only 10-years-old, his sister taught him how to put the words together, and compliments came from every direction as the budding MC honed his skills. Sadly, Envy’s sister passed away when he was just 17, which gave him even more reason to take the music seriously. He entered open mics and rap battles to get his weight up in the Minnesota scene, and eventually the work paid off as more people began to recognize his artistry.

 

After enduring the challenges that many independent artists face, from promoters asking the performer to pay to perform, to the basic financial obstacles that plague artists everywhere, eventually Envy teamed with V5 Entertainment. The partnership allowed Envy to incorporate a strong business structure behind his music. “The label has opened me up financially and it broadens my horizons,” says Envy. “I get the freedom to do what I want, and they put their trust in me knowing that I’m gonna come up with some fire for them. They let you control your energy more.”

 

As Envy’s MySpace page picks up at a growth rate on views of 20% per week, the V5 team has been pushing the “Ringtone” single very successfully without any major backing. “A lot of people who have heard the song here have been trying to get me to open up for local shows, and my phone is always ringing now,” explains Envy. “We’ve been pushing it locally and getting a good response, also we’ve been pushing it out in Detroit, now it’s getting played in New Orleans. We’re working on New York and a lot of surrounding areas in the Midwest. I never really expected it to be like this, it’s like wildfire!”

 

Realizing that the single is just the start of his movement on a national level, Envy is developing the ways to define his personal sound to the masses. “My music is different, innovative and refreshing, because a lot of people are so used to hearing the same style on the radio right now. I definitely think it’s original and catchy.”

 

Envy cites legends like Prince and Mint Condition as notable influences growing up, however he, like many other Midwest rappers, didn’t have a lot of Hip Hop artists to look up to. “We had Nelly come out of here and you can say he has his own genre, Twista as far as being on a large scale. Pretty much after them and Eminem, I don’t really know any other people that have had longevity. I would like to follow their footsteps as far as getting known.

 

“There really hasn’t been anybody who’s actually put a stamp on the game from the Midwest to make the region more of a household name,” Envy continues. “You’re always gonna hear about Atlanta and New York and some of the West coast, but nobody’s ever really had just the Midwest on lock. I want to at least be known as one of the first Hip-Hop artists to come up and really rep Minnesota and open the doors for people. There’s a lot of talent here, and people don’t really realize that.”

 

The next step for Envy is to record a full-length album, and he’s working hard to develop a full package in preparation for major distribution. “You just can’t get signed off of a freestyle in the bathroom anymore and go from there,” he says. “Pretty much they want you to have your whole package ready.  I’m just working on getting beats. My album is done lyrically as far as the words and stuff like that. I’m just getting beats made for it specifically, just matching it up and going from there. Also, I’m working out with a personal trainer, getting my body right for the camera.”

 

For more information on Envy, go to www.tygereye.net/envy, www.myspace.com/ThaRealEnvy and www.v5music.com

LOS ANGELES FILM FESITVAL ANNOUNCES COMMON AS 2008 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Los Angeles Film Festival announced today that Grammy Award-winning platinum artist and actor, Common, will serve as this year’s Artist in Residence. The 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival takes place in Westwood Village from Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 29.

 

In his role as Artist in Residence, Common has programmed a sidebar of films that have inspired his work: Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Common will also participate in a pre-Festival Conversation on Monday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Majestic Crest Theatre (1262 Westwood Boulevard) in Westwood.  The event is free and open to the public.

 

“We are thrilled to have Common as this year’s Artist in Residence,” said Festival Director, Rich Raddon. “His vision is eclectic and far-reaching, and aligns itself perfectly with what the Los Angeles Film Festival offers to audiences in Los Angeles.”

 

Common stars in the Festival’s Opening Night Film, Universal Pictures’ Wanted, from director Timur Bekmambetov, alongside actors James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, and Angelina Jolie.

 

The Festival also announced that it is implementing numerous changes to produce an eco-friendly, “green” Festival this year, as part of a company-wide greening initiative by Film Independent – the non-profit filmmakers organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, as well as the Spirit Awards.

 

The Festival has partnered with NBC-Universal, which is a green company, on both Opening and Closing nights of the Festival. The Opening Night premiere of Universal Pictures’ Wanted, as well as the Closing Night premiere of Universal Pictures’ Hellboy II: The Golden Army, will be produced in an eco-friendly fashion.

 

Changes being made for the overall Festival will impact everything including the use of bio-diesel fueled generators and the recycling of all paper, wood, glass and plastic used at the Festival. Printed materials will be produced on recycled paper using eco-friendly inks, and catering will use organically-grown produce purchased from local farms within a 150-mile radius of Los Angeles. In addition, all carbon emissions created by the production of the 2008 LA Film Festival will be offset by TerraPass, which funds clean energy and carbon reduction projects, including wind power, farm power, and landfill gas capture.

 

Artist in Residence, Common, is not like most people. In hip hop, he has become one of its most poetic and respected lyricists.  His seventh and most recent album Finding Forever, saw the continuation of his producing partnership with Kanye West and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. It went on to earn a Grammy award. And while he continues to push the envelope musically (his eighth album, Invincible Summer, is due out in early August), Common also continues to make his mark as an actor, appearing in Smokin’ Aces, American Gangster, Street Kings and the upcoming Universal blockbuster Wanted. He’s currently in production on Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins.

 

Not busy enough dividing his time between the studio and the set, Common has also launched a popular hat line, called SOJI, working to empower urban youth in the U.S. through his Common Ground Foundation and has written three children’s books that draw on the cultural relevance of hip-hop to communicate a better understanding of self-respect and love to children.

    

ABOUT THE 2008 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL

 

Westwood Village is home to Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs from Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 29. Festival-goers will experience the best of American and international cinema, enjoying more than 230 feature films, shorts, and music videos, as well as Coffee Talks, Poolside Chats, and other special star-studded events. Westwood Village will showcase films and events among various venues, all within walking distance of each other, with ample, convenient parking and easy access to shopping and dining, setting the stage for the biggest Festival yet.

 

Over the course of 10 days and 11 nights, the public is invited to take advantage of world premieres including independent films and major studio releases, as well as tribute screenings, outdoor movies, celebrity-filled red carpets, and more. Screenings and special events will be held in Westwood at the following locations: Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater At The Geffen Playhouse, AMC Avco 4, The Italian Cultural Institute, The Landmark, Landmark’s Regent Theatre, Majestic Crest Theatre, Mann Festival Theatre, Mann Village Theatre, Hammer Museum, Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum, and W Los Angeles – Westwood. Additional offsite event screenings will take place at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood and the California Plaza on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.

 

The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented by the Los Angeles Times and is supported by Premier Sponsors – Target, American Express OPEN and Netflix – and by Principal Sponsors – Kodak and IFC. Promotional support is provided by Schawk. Special support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the Argyros Foundation. American Airlines is the Official Airline Partner; Movado is the Official Timekeeper; WireImage is the Official Photography Agency of Film Independent; P.R. Newswire is the Official fast breaking news service of Film Independent. The W Los Angeles – Westwood and the Hotel Palomar are the Official hotel partners of the Festival.

 

Festival passes are available for the general public beginning May 21. Individual tickets are available through phone and online sales beginning June 2. The Festival Ticket Office, located at 1020 Westwood Boulevard, will be open to the public beginning Sunday, June 8, selling both passes and individual tickets.

 

For event information and tickets, call 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com. Film notes, images, and trailers are available for viewing at LAFilmFest.com now.

 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

 

Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

 

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

 

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org

 

 

ATLANTA’S HOT 107.9, KONVICT MUZIK AND UPFRONT MEGATAINMENT TEAM UP TO SUPPORT PRESERVE OUR LEGACY, INC FOR CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME JUNE 15, 2008

Atlanta’s Radio station Hot 107.9, Konvict Muzik and Upfront Megatainment have teamed up with Preserve Our Legacy, Inc. on Father’s Day to create awareness about the Jaden Hilton Initiative for Celebrity Basketball Game at Morris Brown College on June 15, 2008 from 1pm-4pm.  Beyonce Alowishus from Hot 107.9 will broadcast live from 11am-3pm on Father’s Day.  The game will be themed as Sports vs. Music.  Players include David Banner, JD Williams from HBO’s the Wire, 2Pistols, DJ Drama, Dolla, Polo, Mims, Headache, Lil John, Rueben Draughn (NY Giants), Ken Hamlin (Dallas Cowboys), Frank Walker (Baltimore Ravens) and Invited Guest Jazze Pha, Mr. Collipark, Case, Rich Boy, Yung Joc, Dwight Freeney, Ron Artest, Josh Howard, Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs and Robert Mathis of the Indianapolis Colts, many more to come.  

 

The Jaden Hilton Initiative

The goal is to establish Jaden’s Law throughout the country.  The Jaden Hilton’s Initiative will educate minorities about health disparities and benefits that adult stem cells provide for treatment options for various diseases that effect minorities such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and about 76 other diseases.  Adult stem cells can be collected from umbilical cord donation and/or bone marrow donation via hip or knee replacement.  Jaden’s Law will mandate hospitals and doctors to educate patients about their donating options as well as via the hospital consent forms.  Jaden’s Law was introduced by New Jersey Assemblyman Neil Cohen on the Assembly level and Senator Ruiz on the Senate Level. 

 

Preserve Our Legacy, Inc aims to mentor, educate and inform minority communities about benefits of adult stem cell treatments. Adult Stem Cells, which can be collected through umbilical cord donation after a mother gives birth, or through orthopedic remedies, have been researched to offer advanced treatment of diseases that affect minority community at a high rate, including Leukemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and over 76 other diseases. “I lost my son last year to Leukemia and my drive and determination is in full gear to try to stop this from happening to any other children anywhere. But it starts with you, if you are educated about this, then you can educate someone else.” says Rodney Hilton.

 

The event is coordinated by MiraMac Media Group, LLP and Go Geta Entertainment.  MiraMac Media Group, LLP is a consulting firm based in New Jersey.  Go Geta Entertainment is based in Atlanta, Georgia.  Atlanta’s radio station Hot 107.9, will be celebrating its 13^th year and hosting Birthday Bash Concert the day before.  Konvict Muzik was found by artist, AKON and is one the leading music entertainment companies in the music industry with artist(s) such as AKON, T-pain, Brick and Lace, just to name a few.  Upfront Megatainment, founded by Devyne Stephens, is one leading industry entertainment companies in Atlanta.

 

For event information contact Shana Mac at 1.877.334.7974 ext 702, for Music Player information contact Meda at ext 703, for Sports Players contact Richera at ext 704.  

 

Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cell types found among differentiated cells in an organ or in tissue (Differentiate meaning to make different, cause to develop differences). Adult stem cells are defined by their origin and their primary role is to maintain and repair tissue in which they are found.  Scientists are discovering that adult stem cells are present in many more tissues than was at first thought and some are able to develop differences to other cell types. This offers hope that adult stem cells may be useful to treat some common serious diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries.

MYSPACE FINALIZES DETAILS ON 150th SECRET SHOW WORLDWIDE

MySpace, the world’s most popular social network, today announced the final details for its 150th installment of the highly popular Secret Show franchise
 (http://myspace.com/secretshows), an original concert series that fuses the online and offline music experience and further connects fans and bands through intimate, “friends only” performances. Singer Janelle Monae will open the show with indie rock super group Battles and headliners Gnarls Barkley following. Doors for the show will be 7:00 PM.

As previously announced, the show is being presented by Samsung Mobile and is being headlined by the Grammy award-winning duo Gnarls Barkley. The genre busting act’s first US concert was a MySpace Secret Show, in the halcyon days of 2006. For this show, the group will be performing at Manhattan’s famed Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza and will be joined by the indie rock super group Battles as well as Ms. Monae.

Gnarls Barkley is the much beloved combination of artist and producer Danger Mouse and vocalist Cee-Lo Green. The duo recently released The Odd Couple, which Entertainment Weekly hailed as “impeccably produced and impressively layered as an esoteric love letter.” The album, featuring the singles “Run” and “Going On,” is the follow up to the group’s platinum-plus selling debut album St. Elsewhere, which was not only critically lauded but a chart-topping worldwide blockbuster.  St. Elsewhere was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, with the band receiving trophies for Best Alternative Album and Best Urban Alternative Performance.

Opening act Battles is comprised of the former members of Don Caballero, Helmet, Tomahawk, and Lynx. Featuring Tyondai Braxton, Ian Williams, John Stanier and Dave Konopka, Battles have long since been touted as an “indie rock supergroup.”  Following their signing to Warp Records and the release of two EPs in 2006, the band released their long awaited first album Mirrored. Pitchfork raved about Mirrored as “a breathtaking aesthetic left-turn that sounds less like rock circa 2007 than rock circa 2097, a world where Marshall stacks and micro-processing go hand in hand.”

Janelle Monae knows a bit about genre busting herself. Her work incorporates rock, pop and soul and was so innovative it caught the attention of Big Boi from Outkast, who discovered her while combing MySpace. The Atlanta rap superstar then recommended her to his friend Sean “Diddy” Combs, who signed her to his label, Bad Boy. Monae has since become one the label’s newest success stories.

Since the launch of MySpace Secret Shows in February 2006, the series has showcased some of today’s greatest artists across all music genres in cities all over the world–from The Cure in Sydney, Australia to Ice Cube in Virginia Beach to Justice in Hamburg to Slayer and Mastodon in Salt Lake City. The shows are exclusive to the MySpace community and only notified that a Secret Show is happening in their area through the site.

Zune Bun B Contest

Bun B and Rap-A-Lot Records are looking for the nation’s next rap superstar, and have teamed with Microsoft Zune to launch the ultimate contest for aspiring artists to win a chance at stardom. Through July 1, entrants can download an exclusive Bun B instrumental Mp3 track from Zune Marketplace, record their own original rap over the track, and submit their demo to Rap-A-Lot Records. At the completion of the contest one winner will receive an expense paid trip to Houston, TX where they will record the track in a studio with Bun B and have a chance at an exclusive recording contract. The winner’s track will also be featured as a free download on Zune Marketplace in September.

The instrumental Mp3 track can be accessed through Bun B’s profile in the Zune online music community, and can be downloaded for free through http://www.zune.net/bunb. Fans can also link to Bun directly by creating their own Zune Card, a profile that automatically updates to reflect what they or their friends are listening to and provides a vibrant method of music discovery. The competition is the latest element of a multi-tiered marketing and promotional partnership the artist has embarked on with Zune during the past year and is being promoted in conjunction with the release of his latest album II Trill. Fans who buy the new CD at Best Buy will receive a coupon for $25.00 off an 8GB Zune digital media player until June 30.

To access the free Bun B instrumental track go to: http://www.zune.net/bunb
For contest rules and submission info go to: http://www.rapalotrecords.com/RYouIITrill/

Cali’s Spider Loc is not an MC you like- Fact is…

The long awaited, eagerly anticipated and hot to death independently released ‘Da 1 U Love 2 Hate’ is on your desks now.

This is the latest effort from Crenshaw, California’s  SPIDER LOC.

It’s exciting times for this rapper as he’s been on a long journey first from being discovered by Suge Knight, to meeting Young Buck and spitting for him and graduating to mixtapes and then an intro to 50 Cent and several mixtapes later- writing music for videogames and performing live on tour with 50 Cent  overseas.  Spider is a G-Unit Member.

In fact-  Spike TV had the Video Games Awards and both Spider Loc and 50 Cent shared the Award for ‘Best Original Song’ in a video game- The Madden NFL 2006.   

 

Fast forward to June 24^th, 2008 when the public gets to witness first hand the progress and evolution of this talented storyteller, street smart, with sing-along contagious choruses/hooks and charismatic character.  SPIDER LOC is live and coming to you via your speakers.  Turn up your stereo, pump up the volume, make sure the bass is heavy and get ready to feel funky.

 

 Spider Loc’s versatility in his music is evident on these 18 tracks.

He takes you on a journey from the dark and somber times of  “Bury Me A G” to the haunting and chilling “Amazin”  to  “Just Pray” which demonstrates a more spiritual side and the classic funk joints “Anywhere” which is a cruising song to the undeniably catchy “Summertime”… Spider makes sure there’s a song for everyone especially the ladies.   Unlike his other previous releases which have conveyed more of a gangsta lean image and depicted his street credibility, this album captures more of his ‘ladies man’ sensibilities and spiritual growth.

Spider still keeps it real but this time coming at life more grounded.

 

Spider Loc’s  BayMaac along with G-West have partnered with Ice Man Music Group for ‘Da 1 U Love 2 Hate’ and is distributed both by Ice Man Music Group and Koch Entertainment.