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COCA-COLA KEEPS IT COOL WITH TEEN CONCERT TOUR FEATURING GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING STAR LUPE FIASCO

Coca-Cola keeps the summer cool and makes it hot for teens across the country as it kicks off the six-city, invitation only “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” featuring hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco today in Los Angeles.

Starting tonight in Hollywood, Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco will bring his hits, “Kick, Push” and “Superstar” to lucky teens, ages 13-17, across the country for an exclusive, invitation only concert tour created by Coca-Cola North America.  The “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” opens today at the Avalon in Hollywood and will travel to some of the hottest venues in five other cities including:  The Electric Factory (Philadelphia, August 3); The Tabernacle (Atlanta, August 8); Park West (Chicago, August 17); LOVE (Washington D.C., August 21); and, The Filmore at Irving Plaza (New York City, August 29).   Up-and-coming artist Karina Pasian will open the show.

            “The ‘Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour’ continues Coca-Cola’s tradition of connecting African American teens with something they love – Coca-Cola and music,” said Yolanda White, assistant vice president, African American Marketing, Coca-Cola North America.  “Not only will each concert offer the teens an unforgettable musical experience, it will give each of them a taste of the Coke Side of Life – a moment in time that is refreshingly optimistic and uplifting.  And, by engaging an artist like Lupe Fiasco, they will be encouraged to live on the positive side of life.”

Tickets to the show are free and can only be obtained from partnering radio stations, participating retailers and Coca-Cola street teams traveling to teen hot spots throughout the cities.  In addition, select Boys & Girls Clubs in each market will distribute tickets to deserving Club teens.  

 

            “I am looking forward to the ‘Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour.’ It’s a unique opportunity for me to bring a message of positivity and what it really means to be cool,” said Lupe Fiasco.  “I hope it will be an unforgettable experience for every teen who attends.”

The Grammy award-winning Lupe Fiasco came on the music scene in 2006 with the chart-topping debut single, “Kick, Push.”  He has been lauded by critics and fans alike for his clean, underground, storytelling rap style that is contrast to popular mainstream lyrics glamorizing materialism, sexuality and violence.   His music is inspired by his love for Japanese animation, comic books, video games, art, literature and philosophy.  MTV recently ranked him No. 7 on the list of “hottest MCs in the Game 2008.”   His highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Cool” was released in December 2007 and has garnered current hits “Superstar,” “Paris Tokyo” and “Hip Hop Saved My Life.”

Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs  

The partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs is a part of a long-term national relationship The Coca-Cola Company has with the non-profit youth organization.  As part of the “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour,” select teens from local Clubs will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Lupe Fiasco and attend the concert as VIPs. 

            Radio stations offering “Refresh Your Flow Tour” tickets are:  Power 106, Los Angeles; Power 99, Philadelphia; HOT 107.9, Atlanta; WGCI, Chicago; WPGC Jams, Washington D.C.; and, HOT 97, New York City.  Check with each station directly to learn more about how to obtain tickets. 

The Coca-Cola Company

            The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands.  Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee.  Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees.  Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

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Murs Declares His Hip-Hop Candidacy With Murs For President

Underground rap stalwart Murs is running for the position of Hip-Hop President with his forthcoming album on Warner Bros. Records, Murs For President.  Through his compelling lyrics, the Los Angeles rapper champions social equality, racial unity and economic empowerment. 

Due in stores September 30, the eclectic, genre-bending, politically charged, musically adventurous Murs For President includes “Can It Be,” which marks Murs’ dedication to make a change for the better with his words and through his influence on others.  The bouncy, horn-propelled “Lookin’ Fly” has Murs paying homage to his forward-thinking fashion sense, while “Science” breaks down black history in the United States and how it is tied to hip-hop’s evolution.

Through the Internet, touring and his flurry of independent releases with Living Legends, with producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder, as one-half of Felt (with Atmosphere’s Slug) and as a solo artist, Murs has become one of hip-hop’s most notable success stories.  A tireless performer, Murs will appear on this summer’s Rock The Bells tour, and Murs’ Paid Dues makes him the only rapper to own, operate and perform at his own music festival. 

As hundreds of thousands of fans around the world already know, Murs is here to save hip-hop from artistic inferiority.  So be sure to vote Murs For President September 30. 

Yes, you can.

www.mursforpresident.com
www.myspace.com/murs

WEST COAST RAP ICON C-BO TEAMS UP WITH OMAR “BIG-O” GOODING FOR TRADIN’ WAR STORIES – AUGUST 19TH

Tradin’ War Stories is the second August release from West Coast rap mainstays West Coast Mafia Records, via their new distribution deal with indie powerhouse KOCH. Over the years West Coast Mafia Records has developed a stronghold in the hardcore rap market, and a full release schedule under this new partnership will enable the label to add to their west coast rap legacy. Flagship artist and label founder C-Bo stands out as having one of the most consistent careers in rap music, as both an artist and a businessman. He has been releasing records on his own label for more than a decade and has sold more than two million units independently, routinely moving 100 000 units on a single release. He has also personally contributed to albums by best-selling artists including 2Pac, Master P, E40, Too $hort, Luniz, Scarface, Yukmouth, Jazzy Phae, Lil Flip, Baby Bash, Dr Dre, Spice 1 and more.

C-Bo is raising the bar once again, this time collaborating with Omar “Big-O” Gooding. If that last name sounds familiar it’s because he is indeed the brother of Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. Omar “Big-O” Gooding is a television and movie star in his own right — you can see him in numerous TV series including Barbershop (based on the movie) along with movies such as The Gospel and Baby Boy.

With the help of C-Bo, “The Mob Father”, the duo has created one of the hottest albums of the summer.  Tradin’ War Stories officially marks Big-O’s entry into the rap game, and his skills are sure to surprise a lot of people. Tradin’ War Stories is music to ride to — “Weeest!” is poised to be a West Coast ‘hood anthem, featuring Playa Ham from up and coming South Central collective Young Giantz. Guests on the 17 track album, include Chino XL, Stylie Ray, Denver underground legends Young Doe and Hawk Man plus production from noted multi-platinum producer Focus.  On this collaborative effort, Tradin’ War Stories sees C-Bo delivering his signature street knowledge while Big-O demonstrates his venomous spit. A Big-O solo album is slated for release later this year.

www.myspace.com/cbomusic