KANYE WEST & MTV GIVE BACK TO IRAQ WAR VETERANS w/ “CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING”

 In this next installment of “Choose or Lose’s” ongoing campaign to bring awareness to young veterans issues, MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary “Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming” set to air on Monday, July 28th at 10pm ET/PT.  In this one hour special, Kanye West, along with MTV’s Sway Calloway, give recently returned Iraq war veterans the surprise of their lives by unexpectedly visiting their homes.  Viewers will see first-hand the difficult and often painful challenges young vets face when they return home.  In order to make sure that the stories are heard Sway and Kanye traveled to the homes of veterans, heard their stories and expressed gratitude for their service.  But it didn’t end there…On behalf of MTV and the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Sway and Kanye gave each veteran a life changing gift.  Debts were paid off, rents were taken care of and tuitions were funded. 

 

“There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks.  They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about” said Kanye West. “I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people but you can always do more.  I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories.  I went to their homes to listen and get their first hand experiences.  I wanted to hear their stories.”

 

“The stories of the veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are important and worth telling.” said Dave Sirulnick, Executive Vice President for MTV News and Production. “In conversations with veterans over the last year, it became clear that Kanye’s music is used by soldiers in Iraq as a way of connecting to home.  Once these veterans return home, their stories are so moving that you can’t help but want to do the right thing and help them out.”

 

The “Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming” special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America’s returning armed forces.  The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through Chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation. 

 

Viewers can go to Chooseorlose.com and interact with the show and the veterans, find ways to take action on these issues and share their own thoughts on the subject.  They can also get more information on the veterans featured by clicking on the following profile links also available on chooseorlose.com: Tirann Laws, Shameeka Gray and Lorenzo Zarate.

 

Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq.  Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.

 

The “Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming” special will also be available on MTV Mobile through all of its wireless carrier distribution partners.  To receive regular alerts on their mobile phone, viewers will be able to text ST to 84465 from MTV’s 51 “Street Team ’08” members, specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington, D.C., covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective.   There will also be weekly MTV News stories on issues that affect young veterans.  Online viewers will be able to get a sneak peek of the special on Friday, July 25th when the first act will be featured on the home page of AOL and within AOL Music’s The Boombox (http://www.theboombox.com/) and PopEater (http://www.popeater.com/) sections, as well as AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/) and AOL News (http://news.aol.com/entertainment).

 

“Choose or Lose ’08” (http://www.ChooseorLose.com) is MTV’s Emmy-Award winning campaign to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most.  First launched in 1992, the campaign has helped fuel several of the largest youth voter turnouts in US history, including in 2004, when it helped inspire nearly 22 million 18-30 year olds to register and vote.  Other elements of “Choose or Lose ‘08” include the pioneering MTV / MySpace Presidential Dialogue Series, which has featured Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Governor Huckabee and Representative Paul taking unfiltered questions – in person and online, in real time – from youth nationwide; “Choose or Lose Presents Clinton & Obama Answer Young Veterans”; and MTV “Street Team ’08,” 51 specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington, D.C., covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective.  “Street Team” members file weekly multi-media reports, tailor their coverage for mobile devices and focus on the political issues that most impact young people in their respective states.  On July 4th Choose or Lose presented exclusive 60-second video messages on MTV2 from presumptive Presidential candidates, republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama.  These messages paid tribute to the young men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces.  All “Choose or Lose” content – plus more information on the candidates, issues, registering to vote and a spirited debate – can be found on http://www.ChooseorLose.com.

 

 

Think MTV (Think.MTV.com) is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions – via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs – and connect with others to make a difference.  The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more.  For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com. 

 

About The Dr. Donda West Foundation

The mission of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, formerly known as the Kanye West Foundation, is to help combat the severe dropout problem in schools across the United States by partnering with community organizations to provide underserved youth access to music production programs that will enable them to unleash their creative ability and reach their full potential. Kanye’s vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, is its inaugural program, “Loop Dreams”, a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate.  Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum.  Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success.  Dr. Donda West Foundation is committed to providing high quality programs in partnership with community organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California where Loop Dreams is currently implemented.

 

 

About MTV

MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture.  For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries—giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen.  On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years.  Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds.  On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006.  And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else.  MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Wanna know more?  Come on in… http://www.mtvpress.com.

T.I. READY TO SHOW HIS “PAPER TRAIL”

Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I. has unveiled further details of his much-anticipated new album, “PAPER TRAIL.”  The multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar will release the follow-up to 2007’s RIAA platinum-certified “T.I. vs T.I.P.” on September 9th.

“I just want everyone to know that it’s coming out and that I’m going to answer a lot of questions in the music,” the ATL-based rapper says of “PAPER TRAIL.”  “It’s intense and insightful; it’s gonna shake up the game and it’s me at my best.”

“PAPER TRAIL” has been heralded by the street track, “No Matter What,” on which T.I. directly addresses his current life situation.  The track – produced by Danjahandz (Timbaland, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Danity Kane) – has been building momentum organically, scoring major airplay at Urban and Rhythmic radio outlets nationwide.  The song’s companion video is now in “Medium” rotation at BET and in “Heavy” rotation on the network’s Rap City.  At MTV, “No Matter What” is in rotation across the spectrum, including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, and MTV Jams (where it was recently “Jam of the Week”).

The album’s first official single, “Whatever You Like,” has just hit radio outlets nationwide.  The song was produced by Jim Jonsin, whose many credits include Lil Wayne’s current #1 smash, “Lollipop.”  In addition, “Swing Your Rag,” a brand-new Swizz Beatz-produced track from “PAPER TRAIL,” has just been added to the player on T.I.’s MySpace page, located at www.trapmuzik.com.   

* * * * *

“PAPER TRAIL” is T.I. at his best – melding emotive moments like the harrowing “My Life, Your Entertainment” with celebratory anthems such as the cocky “Turn My Beat Down.”  In addition to the aforementioned Danja and Swizz Beatz, the production roster includes such studio stars as DJ Toomp (Kanye West, Missy Elliot, Young Jeezy) and Drumma Boy (Paul Wall, Rick Ross, Yung Joc).  The result is T.I.’s most potent and important LP to date.

The album follows T.I.’s two previous #1 blockbusters, 2007’s “T.I. vs T.I.P.” and 2006’s RIAA platinum-certified “KING.”  With an unparalleled track record of hit singles – including “Top Back,” “Big Things Poppin’ (Do It),” “Why You Wanna,” and the Grammy Award-winning “What You Know” – T.I. is without question one of hip-hop’s greatest stars.  In addition to his multiple Grammy Awards, T.I. has been the recipient of a wide variety of honors, including BET Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

An accomplished actor as well as a gifted rapper and live performer, T.I. has played acclaimed roles in the major motion pictures ATL and American Gangster.  He will be starring in the upcoming Screen Gems film entitled Bone Deep.  He will also make a cameo appearance on the new season of HBO’s Entourage.

 Earlier this year, Tip found success in cyberspace, launching a social networking website called www.streetcred.com.  Added to these endeavors is his much-anticipated clothing line Akoo, which will be in stores this fall. 

In 2009, T.I. will be tackling television with an inspirational reality show airing on MTV.  The yet-to-be-titled series will center on the rapper’s life on probation in the year leading up to his impending year-long jail sentence.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.trapmuzik.com and www.myspace.com/trapmuzik.

HARLEM WEEK KICK OFF WITH “A GREAT DAY” FESTIVAL SUNDAY, JULY 27 EVENT FEATURE FREE CONCERTS & FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

On Sunday, July 27^th, HARLEM WEEK begins its 34^th Anniversary celebration by honoring the multi-cultural community with a variety of spectacular events and activities during its “A Great Day In Harlem” event.  The four-part, day-long celebration includes the annual Family Unity Day Cultural Festival; the inspirational Harlem Gospel Caravan; the international “Fashion Fusion” fashion showcase; and ends with the enchanting “Sunday Classics” – saluting legendary recording artists, Sam Cooke & Lou Rawls.

 

“A Great Day In Harlem” begins with the festive “Family Unity Day” cultural festival. This event, which takes place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, is an enjoyable cultural experience where the entire family can take pleasure in a variety of artistic expressions. This portion of the day will conclude with “A Harlem Gospel Caravan.” This spirit filled segment, which takes place from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, includes a special performance by Hezekiah Walker, Regina Belle; Donald Lawrence with the Murrills and a variety of choirs and spirit field gospel performers.

                                                                                                                            

For fashion enthusiasts, the steps of the Ulysses S. Grant National Park once again transform to one big runway as HARLEM WEEK celebrates the best in urban style during its “Fashion Fusion” fashion show.  Join the Harlem Fashion Initiative team as they host this vibrant outdoor extravaganza which will include some of New York’s freshest faces displaying some of the hottest fashion and accessories by a variety of cutting-edge designer.  This year designers include Duane Fish; Her Game 2; Harpers New York; Stitches; Courtney Washington; Johnny Vincent Swimwear; D’Marsh Collection; and Darius Wobil.

 

The festive day will end with a salute honoring ““Sam Cook & Lou Rawls” during the annual Sunday Classic Concert.  This segment will include a variety of musical tributes by Herald Melvin’s Blue Notes, Eric Benet, Joe Cuba, Impact Repertory Theater and other surprise guest performers. This spectacular affair will also entail an official posthumously inductions of Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls into the National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame class of 2008.

                                                                                                     

The four-part “Great Day In Harlem” is just one of the many events comprising HARLEM WEEK’s 34^th Anniversary.  Other activities during the month-long celebration include the The Economic Development Award Luncheon, a college fair, an auto show, and a 2-day children’s festival.  Come discover the treasures of a proud community. Discover Harlem.  For further information about the excitement and culture that is HARLEM WEEK, log on to www.HarlemDiscover.com or call (212) 862-8477