14yr Old Arrested For Child Pornography

A 14 yr old girl has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography after the girl posted 30 nude pictures of herself on Myspace for her boyfriend to see. Authorities in Passiac County were prompted by a tip from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.

TV One founder Cathy Hughes and BET Founder Bob Johnson Feud over TV Networks

Two of the biggest names in African American media communications are locked in a war of words over the future of minority-owned television outlets.
Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), has applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve plans for a new “urban” television network.
Johnson is joined in his application by Ion Media Networks Inc., which describes itself as “a network television broadcasting company which owns and operates the largest broadcast television station group in the U.S., as measured by the number of television households ION’s stations serve.” Johnson’s company would own 51 percent of the new venture and Ion 49 percent. The plans for the urban channel have been challenged by TV One Chair Alfred C. Liggins, who heads the largest multimedia company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners, viewers, readers and Internet users.
TV One told the FCC that Johnson’s plan “simply would substitute a government-favored programmer (Urban) for another, such as TV One, that does not receive the government’s favored dispensation.”
The TV One FCC filing in opposition of Johnson’s bid to launch an upstart, urban-targeted network has drawn the ire of Johnson, who expressed his “disappointment” in both an exclusive interview with the trade publication Broadcasting & Cable and a personal letter to Liggins.
“It does surprise me,” Johnson told B&C this week. “That’s how TV One came to be — asking for carriage and insisting that cable operators provide more diversity. To say that cable can’t afford to offer more channels is crazy. And to assume that because another channel comes about that they are going to drop BET makes the case that we need FCC action to get carriage. If we’re the last added and the first dropped, there is something wrong with the system.”
Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization, has pointed out to the FCC that Urban Television’s current application is not in the public interest and its “applications should be dismissed.”

(The Philadelphia Tribune, News Report, Bobbi Booker)

T.I SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR AND A DAY!

Clifford Harris also known as rapper TI has been sentenced to one year and one day in jail after he pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing illegal weapons. He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison.
T.I has already completed 1,000 hours of community service that was required as part of his plea deal, which has included warning young people about the dangers of guns, drugs and violence.

Head of Drug Cartel On Forbes Billionaire List

Joaqin Guzman is the head of the Sinaloa cartel, (named after the Mexican state in which it is based) and is worth an estimated $1 billion. He escaped from a Mexican jail in a laundry truck back in 2001. It is reported that he charmed and bribed the entire prison staff. He is still a wanted man however the Mexican Army can not touch him. During his wedding in 2007 to his 18 yr old bride he had the wedding heavily guarded to the point that the army decided not to attempt to seize him. It has been estimated that last year Mexican and Colombian traffickers made between $18billion to $39billion. Colombia's Pablo Escobar was ranked the 7th richest man in the world, with $25billion to his name in 1989.

Online Music Stores Increase its Music Downloads to $1.29 Per Song

On April 7th Apple Itunes will increase the price of the music listed in their online music store up to $1.29 a song. The increase comes at a bad time because we are in a recession. This new move does not help to combat piracy. Many of the songs whose price will increase will be classics such as Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In The USA" and hit songs from artists like Lady Gaga, Flo Rida, and Metallica.

Congress to fight Mexico Drug Wars!

Congress has approved $700 million in assistance to help Mexico fight drug traffickers and build more effective security forces. However, lawmakers cut back the first installment of aid under the Merida Initiative from $450 million to $300 million. Some members of Congress and Mexican officials complain that promised equipment to fight the cartels is taking too long to arrive.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent Democrat from Connecticut who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said Wednesday that the administration's new plan was "a significant first step forward. But I don't think it is enough."
(csmonitor)

New Music From MIMS-"Love Rollercoaster"

BRAND NEW 2ND SINGLE OFF MIMS

SOPHMORE RELEASE "GUILT" DUE INSTORES APRIL 7TH

Title: STOP BEEFIN &START EATIN RADIO
Episode: NEW MIMS "LOVE ROLLERCOASTER" FT LATOYA LUCKETT (CAPITOL RECORDS)

http://sti.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-21T15_12_52-07_00

Enjoy!

QWILITE RECORDS PRESENTS RANJINI - SILLY

Ranjini, a native of Richmond, Virginia, first started singing at the age of five. She was classically trained in the Indian school of music by her mother, also a musician. Dancing came to her almost as early as singing did. Since she was six, she has been trained in an Indian dance art form known as Bharatanatyam.

She's no stranger to the stage, having performed in Canada, India, and throughout the United States. But she didn't just want to stick to the Indian arts. On her own, Ranjini learned how to play the piano by ear until her parents decided to formally seek out a piano teacher. Ever since, the piano has been Ranjini's primary instrument. She also plays an Indian stringed instrument called the veena (an ancestor of the sitar).

Growing up, listening to artists like Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston, among others, she naturally gravitated towards pop/R&B in developing her own vocal style. Dealing with the pressures from Indian society to follow a more practical career path, this girl decided to follow her heart, her love for music.

Defying all odds, she fell under the mentorship of Quincy "Q" Patrick, CEO of Qwilite Entertainment, who was instrumental in the launch of industry mogul Clive Davis's J Records by writing the label's first two gold records. He has composed hits for some of the hottest names in the music industry: Alicia Keys, Usher, Joe, Luther Vandross, Babyface, and countless others. "Q" has taken Ranjini's artistry to a whole new level. At the pivotal age of nineteen, she decided to put her college career at NYU on hold to whole-heartedly pursue her dream as a recording artist.

After honing her craft as a singer, songwriter, and performer, Ranjini's sweet, sultry voice combined with that authentic Indian flair, puts her in a league with the hottest female artists of the new millennium.

Title: STOP BEEFIN &START EATIN RADIO
Episode: QWILITE RECORDS PRESENTS RANJINI - SILLY

http://sti.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-22T20_11_33-07_00

Enjoy!

Platinum-selling Author Turned Play Producer Miasha to Host 2nd Weekend Of Secret Society Play, May 9th

Platinum-selling Author Turned Play Producer Miasha to Host 2nd Weekend Of Secret Society Play, May 9th at University of Penn's Irvine Auditorium, Philadelphia, PA:
Back by popular demand, Fifth Avenue Productions presents A Red Carpet Affair, Secret Society: The Stage Play on May 9, 2009. Hosted by America's Next Top Model Isis ,
the stage adaptation of Miasha's best-selling novel will stun audiences at the Irvine Auditorium at 3401 Spruce Street. Doors open at 7:00pm for this twisted tale of two fly and flashy females who hustle men for money and material possessions.
Miasha's Secret Society: The Stage Play debuted in July 2008 in Philadelphia shocking audiences to their core. This tale with a twist intrigues readers and audiences alike with them hanging on to every word. Love and Life Magazine called Secret Society a "play that should not be overlooked." IMAG's review of Secret Society emphasized the quality talent onstage. "The careful choice of actors that graced the stage made the play a treat for the five senses. Each and every actor gave you an up close and personal view of the thoughts and feelings of the characters which brought the book alive."
Secret Society: The Stage Play, sponsored by Premiere Luxury Rentals will be the place to see and be seen with invited celebrities, tv and radio personalities, sports stars, and well-known Philadelphia reporters among others. Special Invited guests to this star-studded event include:
Patty Labelle
Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer
Jenice Armstrong, Philadelphia Daily News
Ryan Howard
Deshaun Jackson
Terrance Howard
Quest Love
Natasha Brown, CBS
Angela Russell, CBS
Mary Stoker Smith, CBS
Christine Welker, NBC
Lori Wilson, NBC
Chennelle Jones, FOX
Marreese Speight, 76ers
Royal Ivey, 76ers
Thaddeue Young, 76ers
Louis Williams, 76ers
Reggie Evans, 76ers
Quintin Demps
Tickets prices for an evening that promises to be both introspective and intriguing begin at $40 can be purchased at https://secretsociety.ticketleap.com/

SEA Winners (Saturday)

BEST FREESTYLE (ON A MIXTAPE)

Yung Texxus

BEST BLEND MIXTAPE

DJ Cashis Kay – Blends For That Ass 5

BEST MIX SERIES/VOL

DJ Chuck T - Down South Slangin

BEST RAP MIX OF THE YEAR

DJ Teknikz - Must Be 2 Sides

BEST REGGAE / REGGAETON MIX-TAPE

Dexterity - Deadly Silence (Hip-Hop Reggae#11)

BEST R&B MIX-TAPE

DJ Smallz - Smokin' R&B Vol. 14

BEST SLOW JAM MIX-TAPE

DJ Finesse & Sounds Of Pleasure - Platinum Slow Jams Vol 34

BEST DANCE/PARTY MIXTAPE

DJ Cannon Banyon - Back In Da Day Booty Shakin

BEST EXCLUSIVES ON A MIXTAPE

DJ Drama

SPECIALITY (BEST OF) MIXTAPE

24hr Grind-On The Grind: Smoke One 4 Your Brother (Devin The Dude)

INTERNET / SATELLITE RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

Hiphopfriendsonline.com

BEST INDIE RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Allstar - Starlito's Way II

BEST INDIE R&B ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Amore Rayne - Journey

BEST INDIE RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR

OJ Da Juiceman

BEST INDIE R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Skai

BEAT OF THE YEAR

Lil Wayne - A Milli (by Bangladesh)

SLEPT ON ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Paper

INDIE RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR

Slip-N-Slide Records

INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Tony Neal

INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Crunkfest

INDUSTRY SERVICE OF THE YEAR

TJs DJs

IMPACT MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Ozone Magazine

ONLINE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

YoRaps.com

SEA Friday Winners

SLEPT ON DJ OF THE YEAR - DJ Dollar Bill
DJ CREW / FAMILY OF THE YEAR - Slip n Slide DJ's
BEST ART/GRAPHICS ON A MIXTAPE - DJ 2Mello & Rapmullet.com - Summer Breeze
MIX-TAPE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - DJ Spinatik
BEST MIX-TAPE (DUO/TEAM) - DJ Whut It Dew & DJ Scrill
BEST CHOPPED & SCREWED MIX - OG Ron C - F-Action 50
MIX-TAPE ARTIST (MALE) OF THE YEAR - Gucci Mane
MIX-TAPE ARTIST (FEMALE) OF THE YEAR - Rasheeda
PROGRAM/MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR - J Blaze (WWLD)
SLEPT ON PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - Bigg V (WGNL 104 / WAID106.5)
BREAK-THRU PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - Charlamagne Tha God (WHXT103.9-Columbia, SC)
IMPACT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - AG (WUBT 101.1-Nashville, TN)
IMPACT ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Jackie Chain
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - B.O.B.
RECORD PROMOTER OF THE YEAR - Bigga Rankin
STREET TEAM OF THE YEAR - Kingpin Productionz
GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Artigraphs
WEBSITE OF THE YEAR - Memphisrap.com
MIXTAPE WEBSITE OF THE YEAR - Mixgrind.comI
NTERNET HUSTLER OF THE YEAR - Mocca "Underground Queen"
RECORD STORE OF THE YEAR - Big Oomp Records
MODEL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - Core Models

Kelly Osbourne out of Rehab

Kelly Osbourne says her recent stint in rehab was for a decade-long addiction to painkillers she believes could have killed her.

"I knew if I didn't get help, I would die," Osbourne told People. "I'm getting a second chance [at my career] and I want to be present for it."

Osburne says she first took liquid Vicodin after having her tonsils removed when she was 13.

"I found, when I take this, people like me," she said. "I'm having fun, I'm not getting picked on. It became a confidence thing."

The rock offspring tried to kick the habit by checking into rehab in 2004 and again in 2005. After suffering an "intense relapse," Osbourne voluntarily returned to rehab in January.

(seattlepi)

OGPR SNAGS GRAMMY-WINNING PRODUCTION TEAM J.U.S.T.I.C.E. LEAGUE -

CLICK ABOVE IMAGE TO GO

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. LEAGUE'S MYSPACE PAGE

We rarely work with producers; maybe it's just us, but the media doesn't seem to care much unless they have a hit song "RIGHT NOW!" Fortunately, that is never an issue with Grammy-winning production team, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, who consistently stay on the charts. The list of critically acclaimed singles these guys have produced goes on and on but, since "RIGHT NOW!" is what seems to matter, we can talk about Rick Ross' current single, Magnificent ft. John Legend, currently on the R&R Urban airplay charts at #24 (up from #35) and Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart at #29 (up from #42).

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League seem to have a special chemistry when it comes to Rick Ross. Fans of Ross' last album, Trilla, will recall the critically acclaimed tracks for Maybach Music ft. Jay Z, Luxury Tax ft. Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy & Young Jeezy and Billionaire; all produced by the guys. Other stand-out's from 2008 include 2 tracks on Young Jeezy's album, The Recession (Word Play, Done It All), B.G.'s smash single, I Hustle and the nationwide smash hit single, She Got It ft. T-Pain & Tay Dizm, which went platinum in ringtone sales.

Hailing from Tampa, Florida; Rook, Colione, and Kenny, are three individuals from three totally different walks of life; coming together to place their footprints in the sands in hopes of one day being mentioned among likes of today's and yesterday's "musical greats." The individual members themselves, who were once all soloists, came together and formed the group; each bringing with them different elements which, in the end result, provides for their unique and complimentary sound. Colione, the southerner of the group, loves hard drums, infectious melodies, and synth-laden beats that give the group the edge that's needed to deliver that dirty south sound. Rook, on the other hand, brings an east coast swagger and influence on the group with dusty samples, a classic drum break approach to making music, and a blend of vinyl driven ear-popping drums, along with a meticulous approach to recording vocals. Lastly, there's Kenny, the musical tie that binds the group together; being a master of sax, keys, and woodwind instruments, his ability to fuse his talents with the production style of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, makes for a clean, edgy, warm and masterful sound. Their individual strengths serve as a testament to the diversity of the music they create, which ranges from all types of Hip Hop, new and old styles of R&B, to Rock N Roll and more.

In October of 2004, the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League did the unattainable for a newly formed team of musicians/producers; thanks to the ear of industry veteran and at the time new-hire to the company, Chris Hicks, they acquired a lucrative publishing deal with one of the biggest music publishers in the world - Warner Chappell Music Publishing. Both impressing and confounding their peers alike, they were able to accomplish all of this without even a song on the radio or any published works in their catalog at that time! Their sound speaks for itself and once you listen, you will instantly recognize they have that gift and deliver great music for fans of all genres to enjoy.

Adding to the various platinum, multi-platinum and gold plaques under their collective belts, the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League received a Grammy for their work on the 2006 R&B Album of the Year, The Breakthrough by Mary J. Blige.

J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League has had the privilege to work with, or be a part of projects for some of today's more established and elite artists such as: Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, T-Pain, Young Jeezy, The Game, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Ludacris to name a few. The League is constantly in the studio, working not only with today's heavyweights, but also with tomorrow's future stars, continuously pushing themselves to keep providing the music their known for, while simultaneously trying to raise the production bar. In 2009, they continue to blaze the trails they've started and forwarn you to be on the lookout for the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, as the group guarantees to keep putting MUSIC into today's "Music".

Look out for J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League at the upcoming ASCAP "I Create Music" Expo 09 in Los Angeles, April 23rd - 25th, where the guys are featured panelists and available for all Los Angeles media opportunities.

http://www.myspace.com/officialjustice

“Roccett To Success” Panel to Debut at 2009 SEA Event

Tunica, MS--- In a time where the music industry has experienced a vast oversaturation of music, coupled with budget constraints, West Coast Rapper, Roccett, and his label/team, “Get Your Green Up Entertainment”, have maintained consistent visibility and branding for the talented rapper and his upcoming projects. Roccett and Get Your Green Up Entertainment have been able to create and maintain strategic branding and visibility initiatives by utilizing three rules: (1) Stay Consistent (2) Be Creative (3) Explore All Opportunities.
It is this mantra for life and work ethic that has landed Roccett in national and international magazines, created a worldwide underground buzz and enabled him to get over 69,000 returns when searched on Google.com, even while operating with limited assistance. As an independent artist, Roccett has garnered global attention that has attracted the interest of various major labels.
Roccett and Get Your Green Up Entertainment’s consistent grind and work ethic have sparked the attention of the Southern Entertainment Awards (SEA), an annual music event that attracts over 3,000 attendees yearly to Tunica, Mississippi. This year, SEA will debut its new panel “Roccett To Success”. The panel event, moderated by legendary Hip-Hop advocate, Wendy Day, will examine the career of Roccett to date and provide event attendees with invaluable steps and key information to assist in creating awareness and branding of themselves, while operating with limited funds. Roccett’s manager, Rick Edwards (CEO of Get Your Green up Ent.) will head the panel for Team Roccett and provide invaluable insight and advice related to direct marketing and artist branding.
The Southern Entertainment Awards will take place March 19-22 in Tunica, Mississippi. Visit http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2766380&s=92335265 for more information on this event.
For Interview Requests regarding Roccett, please e-mail Jennifer Onwumere at info@jengerbread.com.
For More Information regarding Roccett, visit http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2766381&s=92335265, http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2766382&s=92335265 and http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2766383&s=92335265 .
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CHECK THE NEW ISSUE OF INTRO MAGAZINE!

INTRO MAGAZINE is back with interviews from from former Danity Kane member D. Woods, Torch from Rick Ross's new group Triple C, Chopper Citys BG, and Young Jeezy's protege Roccett. Also interviews from Go Gettas Chief and an update on Slim Thug

Open publication

NYC Businessman Tries To Make Up for Bernie Madoff's Customers A Free Dinner For Those Frauded

Businessman Nino Selimaj is announcing today he is trying to make up for the $50 billion dollars in losses of Bernard Madoff's over 2,000 customers by offering them free dinner. Patrons can bring their monthly client account statements from Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC and get a free entree at the popular 208 Restaurant located on East 58th street.

Although I cant give these unfortunate people back their money in cash, I can pay them back in pasta for their losses The restaurant has lost income from the Madoff scandal. Some of their dual customers that were affected by the Ponzi scheme have not returned. Hopefully offering them free food might bring them back. said Mr. Selimaj. Customers must call 212-750-7766 in advance to make a reservation and their identity will be concealed.

Foreclosures Climb 30%

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Foreclosure filings in the U.S. climbed 30 percent in February from a year earlier as the worsening economy thwarted efforts by the government and lenders to prevent homeowners from losing property, RealtyTrac Inc. said.
A total of 290,631 homes received a default or auction notice or were seized by the lender, the Irvine, California-based seller of default data said in a statement today. Properties that got a foreclosure filing for the first time totaled 161,976, the highest in RealtyTrac records dating to January 2005.
“More people have lost their incomes or are underwater on their mortgages, so a new housing plan won’t change those facts by itself,” Barry Eichengreen, professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, said in an interview. (read more)

Sony Pictures Cut 350 Jobs!

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Announce that it will be laying off 250 people and eliminating 100 open positions in efforts to cut costs. Chief Executive Michael Lynton and studio co-chair Amy Pascal stated in memo that went out Wednesday why they were making the cuts: "Our studio remains profitable, but over the past five months, the deepening global financial crisis has begun to impact some of our lines of business, such as television syndication, DVDs and advertising sales," also stated "These economic effects have, regretfully, made it necessary to take the step we had hoped to avoid, and worked hard to minimize: reducing our headcount." Most of the layoffs will take place in LA and the rest will take place overseas. The studio has already moved to reduce executive benefits, travel and overtime in order to reduces costs.

IPod Shuffle Revamped

The new IPod Shuffle is measures around 46mm by 8mm and weighs only 10.7 grams. The new Shuffle only comes in black and silver. The IPod will be able to speak to you in 14 different languages because it will have no screen.

Off Key Economy Won't Hit Sour Notes at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference & Festival

While everyone is talking about the economy and speculating on how it will effect business, the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival will suspend the rules for one long weekend where nothing will mute the music. The ability to build a career with a little help from friends, acquaintances, and business associates that can be met at SXSW makes attending the event an essential part of the music industry calendar. Meeting the people now that can help in the future is an integral part of making the trip to Austin, Texas, Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22, 2009. The panels, mentor sessions, crash courses, exposure at gigs and social networking through my.sxsw.com will help with building a career, a following or whatever is needed to further your goals.

The 2009 SXSW Music Conference held at the Austin Convention Center will feature over 70 panel discussions, interviews, demo listening sessions and the SXSW mentor program and quickies sessions. The daytime program of educational, informative and entertaining presentations is a core component of the event which covers business and creative issues in music. Highlights will include: Quincy Jones' Keynote Address on Thursday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.; SXSW Interviews on Thursday, March 19 featuring the Oak Ridge Boys at 3:30 p.m., and Devo at 5:00 p.m.; on Friday, March 20 with Little Steven at 11:00 a.m. and Carlene Carter at 2:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, March 21 with The Hold Steady at noon. Panels will include: 'BBQ The Texas Way;' 'Inside Michael Ochs Archives;' 'Woodstock: Untold Stories;' 'History of British Indies;' and a sneak peek at 'Neil Young Archives.' Wednesday, March 18 is a jam packed day with the "Green Track" designed to give an overview of how to be musically green by discussing 'Sustainability and Greening,' 'Making a Green Album,' and 'British Innovations.' In addition, five hour-long 'Crash Courses' will be offered on the following topics 'Recording,' 'Management,' 'Getting Gigs,' 'Online Resources' and 'Merchandising.' Rounding out the conference are Demo Listening sessions that offer registrants a chance to see how music is reviewed and reacted to by representatives from labels, venues, radio and the press, the Mentor Program that offers registrants ten minute meetings with panelists and industry pros and the Quickies which are small group meetings with advance online signup. For a complete list of panel topics, descriptions and speakers, access the SXSW website at http://sxsw.com/music/talks

The SXSW Trade Show Exhibition, also in the convention center, will host an array of events and exhibitors. The three day music trade show which will be held this year from Wednesday, March 18 - Friday, March 20 offers a unique opportunity for the performing bands and thousands of other industry professionals to meet in one-on-one scenarios and exchange information. Participating organizations from around the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, UK - England, UK - Scotland, Spain, and from every corner of the United States will be on hand to aid in broadening careers for both American and international bands and companies. The Indie Village makes it possible for you to network, meet with and learn about over 50 of the nation's finest Indie Labels. StudioSX, presented by Blue Microphones, is where high profile music industry professionals will be interviewed in front of an audience on the trade show floor. The South by Bookstore sponsored by Barnes & Noble Booksellers will feature notable SXSW registrants selling and signing books. The SESAC Day Stage Cafe runs Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and features acoustic sets from bands that will be playing at the nighttime music festival from Noon to 6:00 p.m. each day. A complete list of Exhibition participants with full web pages and direct links to each company is available at http://sxsw.com/music/trade_show. During the day, the Austin Convention Center is the centerpiece for networking and business activities for anyone working in the music industry.

Two attractions for all performing bands are the Showcasing Artist Lounge and the Artist Village. The Showcasing Artist Lounge, sponsored by LP33.tv and Whisky a Go Go Records is a great place in the convention center for conversation, a beverage or snack, massages, access to computers, and an outdoor patio. The other perk for showcasing artists is The Artist Village presented by The Recording Academy and Affliction Clothing and the Grammy Garage. After loading in at their showcase, the bands make a short drive to free parking and a tented area in Waterloo Park to enjoy food and drinks with a short walk to 6th Street or fifty cent shuttle ride to Auditorium Shores and South Congress.

SXSW Music 2009 major sponsors provide critical support for the event and include Miller Lite, Fuze Beverage, Sonicbids, ZonePerfect, Independent Film Channel, MLB Authentic Collection, Pepsi and founding sponsor the Austin Chronicle. Local electronic media sponsors include KLBJ-FM, KGSR, 101X and Hot 93.3.

The top attraction, though, is the music. The SXSW Music Festival, which spans five nights, will present 1900 musical acts on 88 stages in venues ranging from the most intimate clubs to the outdoor stage located at Auditorium Shores. The music starts on Wednesday, March 18 and runs through Sunday, March 22. A very small sampling of bands includes Bedouin Soundclash, New York Dolls, The So So Glos, Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles, Invincible, Yarah Bravo, Complete, Choc Quib Town, Ximena Sarinana, The Sonics, Yelle, Amazing Baby, Bun B, Rick Ross, Dead Prez, Easy Star All-Stars, and Kingman and Jonah. The outdoor shows, at the Auditorium Shores Stage on Lady Bird Lake, are free to the public and take place for three days, Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21. Thursday's show starts at 6:00 p.m. and includes Cold War Kids and M Ward; Friday's line-up also starting at 6:00 p.m. will be Bob Schneider, Raul Malo and The Arc Angels; Saturday's show will feature a full day with Jambo, Biscuit Brothers, Joe McDermott, Daddy a Go-Go, Beach House and Explosions in the Sky. Media sponsors for the outdoor stage are The CW Austin, KLBJ-FM, KGSR, 101X and Hot 93.3. The Auditorium Shores Stage concerts are sponsored by Cirrus Logic, Capital One Bank, and Unicorn Media.

Helping to kick off the SXSW Music Festival is the Twenty-seventh Annual Austin Music Awards at the Austin Music Hall on Wednesday, March 18 at 7:55 p.m. sharp. This year's show features Suzanna Choffel, Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland, Bob Schneider and Lonelyland with The Fireants, The Dicks with David Yow, Roky Erickson with the Black Angels and SDQ2: A Tribute to Doug Sahm with Shawn Sahm, Augie Meyers and Alejandro Escovedo. Registration badges and wristbands for SXSW include admission to the Austin Music Awards. The Music Awards are presented by The Austin Chronicle and SXSW and co-sponsored by 107.1 KGSR.

New this year is my.SXSW.com, the official social networking and scheduling tool for the 2009 conferences and festivals. Using my.SXSW, attendees can access the site to interact with one another, build their personalized conference schedules, join exclusive groups and form lasting relationships with other attendees. my.SXSW is powered by The Social Collective http://thesocialcollective.com

Also new this year, the You Tube SXSW Channel featuring film trailers and music videos from this year's participating filmmakers and performers, and interviews with heavyweights in the music, film and technology industries. SXSW will be constantly updating the channel during the event with new content, including band showcases, StudioSX interviews, panels and more. Check out the great videos that can't be found anywhere else at www.youtube.com/sxsw

For the third year in a row. DIRECTV's The 101 Network will be the exclusive television destination for DIRECTV SXSW Live 2009, airing on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET on channel 101. Taping in HS and 5.1 surround in custom music venues, "The Bat Bar" and "Lonestar Lounge," SXSW Live 2009 will play host to the hottest up-and-coming acts and legendary artists the festival has to offer. The Tapings are free and open to the public. Line up to be released soon. Visit http://sxsw.com/music/shows/sxswlive. Check the pocket guide or the SXSW website for exact times and location. Admission will be available to all conference registrants and wristband-holders. Complimentary tickets for the general public are available, space permitting.

A featured attraction also in the Austin Convention Center is The Flatstock Concert Poster Exhibition and Collectors Show sponsored by Onitsuka Tiger and presented by SXSW and the American Poster Institute (API) on Thursday through Sunday, March 19 - 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Over 100 poster artists representing decades of styles, colors and techniques will be selling and displaying their posters.

Yet another new event for 2009, SXSW presents the Austin Record Convention and Texas Guitar Show on Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22 in the Austin Convention Center. All under one roof, it's South Buy Sell Trade! The largest show of its kind and more than 30 years strong, the Austin Record Convention brings together dealers and buyers from around the world. With titles from as far back as the 1930's, you'll find countless 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks, posters and collectibles. Also garnering 30 years of respect and success, the Texas Guitar Show is a true buy-sell-trade event. Bring your musical instruments to sell, trade, or have appraised. Buyers will find everything from guitars, amps, banjos, mandolins, effects, memorabilia, sound gear, parts, drums, violins, books and accessories.

The 2009 SXSW Golf Tournament will take place at Circle C Golf Club on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00 p.m. (Shotgun Start). The format will be Four-Person "Texas" Scramble. This year it benefits The Folk Alliance. Sponsored by ASCAP & SXSW. For more information, please call 901/522-1170 or email fa@folk.org.

The annual SXSW Barbecue & Softball Tournament gets underway Sunday, March 22, at Monroe "Lefty" Krieg Fields. Player warm-up begins at noon, with the first game starting at 1:00 pm sharp. For those who prefer to socialize rather than exercise, there's authentic Texas Barbecue with all the trimmings prepared by Ruby's Barbecue (with all natural, free-range beef). Vegetarians need not despair though, Ruby's does great vegetarian options, also. It's a great opportunity for that last meet up while being thoroughly entertained by the antics on the playing field. This event is for SXSW Music and Platinum registrants only and is a great opportunity for that final one-on-one conversation.

SXSW Music Conference is co-sponsored by a network of 41 regional arts and entertainment magazines from across the United States and Canada. SXSW 2009 welcomes Baltimore Citypaper (Baltimore, MD), Black & White (Birmingham, AL), Boston's Weekly Dig (Boston, MA), Cincinnati CityBeat (Cincinnati, OH), City Pages (Minneapolis, MN), Creative Loafing (Tampa, FL), Creative Loafing (Atlanta, GA), Dallas Observer (Dallas, TX), Denver Westword (Denver, CO), Flagpole Magazine (Athens, GA), Ft. Worth Weekly (Fort Worth, TX), Houston Press (Houston, TX), Inland Empire Weekly (Corona, CA), The Independent Weekly (Durham, NC), LA Weekly (Los Angeles, CA), Las Vegas City Life, (Las Vegas, NV), Memphis Flyer (Memphis, TN), Metro Times Detroit (Detroit, MI), Miami New Times (Miami, FL), Nashville Scene (Nashville, TN), New Times Broward Palm Beach (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Nightflying (Little Rock, AR), NOW Magazine (Toronto, ON), OC Weekly (Santa Ana, CA), OffBeat Magazine (New Orleans, LA), Orlando Weekly (Orlando, FL), Phoenix New Times (Phoenix, AZ), The Pitch (Kansas City, MO), Portland Mercury (Portland, OR), The Reader (Omaha, NE), Riverfront Times (St. Louis, MO), Salt Lake City Weekly (Salt Lake City, UT), San Antonio Current (San Antonio, TX), San Diego CityBeat (San Diego, CA), Seattle Weekly (Seattle, WA), SF Weekly (San Francisco, CA), Tucson Weekly (Tucson, AZ), Urban Tulsa Weekly (Tulsa, OK), Village Voice (New York, NY), Weekly Alibi (Albuquerque, NM), Weekly Volcano (Lakewood, WA). SXSW co-sponsors provide support for promotional activities and musical events in connection with the conference.

For more information, access our website at http://sxsw.com/music or email us at sxsw@sxsw.com.

From The Executive Producers of Bravo's Being Bobby Brown and R&B Legend Keith Sweat New Show Platinum House ft. Dru Hill

Ten years and counting since the highly successful super group from Baltimore known to fans as Dru Hill, recorded and released an album together. During their “brief’ hiatus from the music world as a group, two members of the group started solo careers in an attempt to stay in the addictive spotlight. SISQO, the groups more colorful and most successful breakout star grew to become an international superstar with a burgeoning acting career, appearances on other reality shows, maintaining relevance in today’s pop culture. So after such a long time apart, how can Dru Hill become Dru Hill again? A chance for a comeback is on the horizon and legendary singer-songwriter-producer Keith Sweat orchestrates this humbling yet, suspenseful story of the groups 30 day adventures to stardom again, KEITH SWEAT’S PLATINUM HOUSE. They’re back.

Dru Hill’s comeback story takes place in a mansion a la Real World house- in Atlanta, Georgia, and for the next month they must essentially re-learn how to work together again as a group-counteract and solve all the problems that prevented any previous chances of an album. The remaining faces of Dru Hill– SISQO (Mark Althavean Andrews), Nokio (Tamir Ruffin), Jazz (Larry Anthony) and new face Tao (Antwuan Simpson) with manger Keivn Peck-go through an intensive work regimen with the help of a licensed therapist, team-building coach, trainer and vocal coach all determined to equip them with tools to make the road to their comeback a little smoother.
Enters Making the Band meets In Treatment.

PLATINUM HOUSE is the brainchild of Keith Sweat’s film and television company KEIA Productions and serves as executive producer along with the super team of Simmons-Shelley Entertainment, formerly B2 Entertainment Studios, Tracey Baker-Simmons and Wanda Shelley-the dynamic duo behind Bravo’s hit show “Being Bobby Brown”.

“My purpose in producing PLATINUM HOUSE stems from my history with R&B groups of the late ‘80s and ‘90s,” said Sweat. “Many of these groups consisted of some very talented individuals, but they also seem to have their problems. They have a lot of anger and frustration that they need to release. Although there were many solo careers launched from these various groups, none of the solo careers were ever as big as the success they achieved as a group. My goal is to help groups like Dru Hill get back together and rekindle the magic. The public wants it, and the music industry needs it” states Sweat.

Viewers will tune in to Peachtree TV, Turner Broadcasting System’s Atlanta based station, on February 23rd at 10PM EST as KEITH SWEAT’S PLATINUM HOUSE will air exclusively as a one-hour special. Throughout the emotionally charged special, the Peachtree audience will see the highs and lows and frustrations of trying to regain the luster of what the group once had while evoking a new kind of musical magic to make them relevant in 2009. From the departure of a group member to the entrance of a new, watch Dru Hill’s perilous journey back to musical greatness. Look for the series to appear on a national cable network.

LG Mobile Phones Renews Partnership With the VH1 Save The Music Foundation

LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) announced today they have once again joined forces with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation for a one-year, multi-faceted partnership to promote the importance of music education. The partnership will include check presentations at public schools around the county and a national year-long advertising campaign -- 'Come Together' -- that was funded by LG Mobile Phones to raise awareness about music education and the positive impact it has on children's lives.

LG Mobile Phones will officially kick-off the partnership by presenting a check to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation for $150,000 on March 5th at a public school in New York City. Grammy Award winning rapper and star of Law and Order: SVU, Ice-T will speak to students about the role music has played in his life and Grammy Award winning artist Chrisette Michele will perform a song in support of the LG Mobile Phones and VH1 Save The Music partnership. Executives from all organizations will attend the event, including Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation Paul Cothran, and Senior Director of Marketing Communications for LG Mobile Phones Tim O'Brien.

"We are very excited to continue our partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation because LG is passionate about the importance of music education," said Tim O'Brien, senior director of marketing communications for LG Mobile Phones. "Together, we hope to continue to improve and restore music education in our public schools."

"Restoring music education in our public schools is an essential cause, and we applaud LG for its continued support of this worthy mission," says Paul Cothran, executive director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "It is important for people to recognize the central role music education has in a student's life and our hope is to help raise awareness through this initiative with LG."

The performance and presentation will occur at the City College Academy of the Arts, a New York public school supported by the VH1 Save The Music initiative. A string ensemble from the school will perform for the executives, Ice-T, Chrisette Michele and 300 of their fellow students. The group's instruments were all donated by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in 2006. Ice-T will then speak and Chrisette Michele will perform for the assembled students. LG will also debut their TV spot showcasing real life students who have benefited from the Foundation.

About LG Electronics Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in 114 operations including 82 subsidiaries around the world. With 2007 global sales of USD 44 billion, LG is comprised of five business units - Home Entertainment, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning, Business Solutions and Mobile Communications. LG is the world's leading producer of mobile handsets, flat panel TVs, air conditioners, front-loading washing machines, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is the world's leading provider of UMTS (WCDMA), CDMA and GSM handsets, which have been designed to improve the value of customer life. With a total range of wired and wireless solutions, the company is rapidly establishing a global presence and growing its international market share in 3G handsets. For more information please visit www.lgmobilephones.com. For more information about the new LG advertising campaign on behalf of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation program, please visit: www.lgformusic.com.

About the VH1 Save The Music Foundation

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. Since 1997, VH1 Save The Music has provided $43 million worth of new musical instruments, donated to more than 1,600 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of more than 1.2 million public school students. Now eleven years strong, it is our renewed commitment to donate one hundred million dollars worth of new musical instruments to ensure that even a greater number of students receive a comprehensive music education in the coming decade! To join the movement to First Make Music, Then Make History, visit www.vh1savethemusic.com.

AT&T and MTV Networks Join Forces to 'Unlock the Vault' and Unleash Classic MTV Content Exclusively to Users

New York, NY (Rap Newswire) - AT&T and MTV are launching a new interactive campaign - The AT&T Music Vault, built by MTV Networks' Digital Fusion team that brings together the power of the MTV Networks and the AT&T brand to connect with consumers like never before. The campaign enables music fans to unlock a virtual "Vault," (www.attvault.mtvmusic.com), granting them access to MTV Networks' video content that has been kept under lock and key for decades and has never before been released on the Internet - until now.

Each day AT&T and MTV will unlock 15 new pieces of content from MTV, VH1 and CMT's music history. Fans can view tomorrow's content early by correctly playing an AT&T music trivia game which will also be populated around music content across MTV Networks' broad portfolio of sites (including MTV.com, VH1.com, CMT.com). The trivia is served in an innovative unit alongside the video player, so that consumers can play the game while they are watching their favorite video.

The trivia game boasts 18,000 questions across 5 music genres and questions are served according to the genre of the music video being played. So, the entire experience is contextually relevant for consumers. The online advertising campaign has also been developed with the consumer audience in mind - executions on CMT promote the best in country content, while MTV will tease celebrity interviews, the hottest videos and live performances.

Once inside the vault, consumers can share their access with friends. This not only furthers the reach of the campaign, but it also gives consumers an extra reward for their game play.

The engine behind the campaign is mtvmusic.com, an online destination that holds tens of thousands of music videos, live performances, celebrity interviews, behind the scenes clips and special event coverage -- material that has been cultivated, developed, and held by MTV for over twenty-five years. The site contains a streamlined video viewing experience and options such as an innovative, site-wide playlist feature for music fans to store and share their favorite videos.

"We worked with MTVN's Digital Fusion team to create a new experience for consumers, one in which the game is the advertisement. Consumers benefit from the advertisement perhaps more than we do. It's a two way street in terms of digital advertising," said Chris Schembri, Vice President of Media Services for AT&T.

"This partnership is a perfect union of great brands with great messages for our shared audience," said Jason Witt, MTVN Digital Fusion's SVP and General Manager. "Both MTV Networks and AT&T are bringing their collective fans the content they love and doing it in a unique, fun and engaging way."

"Unlock the Vault" is one of many campaigns co-authored by MTVN's Digital Fusion team, an online advertising and marketing unit that works across all MTV Networks' properties to mine insights, develop innovative media and advertising products and create custom marketing programs. From MTV to COMEDY CENTRAL, SPIKE, Nickelodeon and others, Digital Fusion draws upon the vast resources of MTV Networks' portfolio of brands to connect advertisers to highly targeted consumers.

Digital Fusion has developed dozens of campaigns for brands and companies across categories, including entertainment, packaged goods, communications, quick service restaurants, retail, technology, and service industries.

"Unlock the Vault" is supported by Panache, an ad-insertion platform serving major media and entertainment companies.

For further information on the Vault, go to http://www.attvault.mtvmusic.com/.

Pastor Releases Third Release April 2009!

Pastor Troy, along with SMC Recordings, readies the release of Feel Me or Kill Me, a follow-up to the 2007 fan favorite Tool Muziq.

Feel Me or Kill Me takes a cue from another great Pastor Troy album- We Ready... , with Troy back producing his own music alongside DJ Squeeky, Trackman, KP and others. Feel Me or Kill Me includes 12 adrenaline-fueled, signature Troy songs that are sure to get his fans excited. One listen to the album's lead-off single "I Want War" (produced by Trackman) and fans will remember why they joined Troy's ranks to begin with.

VP of A&R at SMC Recordings, Will Bronson, explains his anticipation for the new album, "This record is quintessential Troy. It's hardcore, chaotic and that's the Pastor Troy I love. We're just furthering what we did with Tool Musiq."

Feel Me Or Kill Me is Troy's third release with the San Francisco based label SMC Recordings and is set for release April 14th 2009.

The Florida A&M University Student Government Association and Hip Hop Grub Spot Presents the 3rd Annual State of the Black Student Summit

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, March 10, 2009 – Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Student Government Association (SGA) along with the Florida State University Black Student Union will present the Third Annual State of the Black Student Summit on April 2 through April 3, 2009 in Gaither Gymnasium. This year’s theme is “The Pursuit: How Obama and Hip-Hop Can Renew America’s Promise.”

The two-day event will feature workshops and two panel discussions ranging in topics from Hip-Hop’s influence on politics to the business of Hip-Hop and its economic impact on entrepreneurship and pop culture. Confirmed panelists include Chuck Creekmur, Co-CEO of AllHipHop.com; Ryan Ford, Director of Creative Strategy at the Cashmere Agency; Joshua Fahiym Ratcliffe, President Hip Hop Grub Spot and Former Editor-in-Chief of The Source Magazine; Donna Brazille, Democratic Strategist; Sha Money XL of G-Unit; Tony Shellman, Co-founder of Parish Nation clothing (Enyce and Mecca); 25-year old Tony Payton, Jr., Democrat Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Amy Andrieux, General Manager of The Source Magazine; Woodie White, Global Brand Manager for LRG; Jacques-Philippe Piverger as Principal Investor at AIG Investments and Co-Founder of The Council of Urban Professionals; Corey Boddie, Entertainment Attorney (Jermaine Dupri and Beyonce); and Lee Hawkins, Journalist for CNBC and the Wall Street Journal.

“The State of the Black Student Summit was first presented to the campus community by SGA in 2005 as a vehicle by which our students could access the wisdom and unique experiences of accomplished intellectuals, artists, and innovators,” says Andrew Collins, FAMU’s student body president and university trustee.

Hip-Hop Grub Spot, the title sponsor for the event and the first hip-hop themed healthy food franchise, expressed their excitement about their involvement with The Summit. Joshua Fahiym Ratcliffe, president of Hip-Hop Grub Spot and former editor-in-chief of Source Magazine states, “This is a great opportunity for everyone involved, because it will show how Hip-Hop can be a tool of progress for its most important stakeholders, the students.” Other corporate sponsors include Red Bull, Myspace, and The Source Magazine.

“This is the first time the two universities have come together for an event of this magnitude. We are really excited about the event,” Marcus Winder, Florida State University Black Student Union co-chair for the Summit.

“We are very excited for a chance to partner with SGA to bring an array of distinguished guests that can not only speak, but deliver real opportunities for our students in the forms of internships,” says Sean Mitchell, Florida A&M University Student Government Co-chair of The Summit.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information, contact Co-chair, Kianta Key at sbss08@gmail.com. For corporate sponsorship or guest information, contact Co-chair, Sean Mitchell at sbss.sponsorship@gmail.com.

http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=headlines&p=display&news=163

AOL Launches TechnoPadres.com Today!

AOL Latino launches TechnoPadres.com today. TechnoPadres.com is a Spanish Language site designed for parents to use as a resource to help parents understand the technology that their children are using. This site was developed for the Latino market largely because this market is untapped. The site will help parents understand such sites as Facebook, Twitter, Bebo, and Myspace.

NEW YORK'S DISABILITY COMMUNITY REACHES OUT TO ''KING OF POP'' MICHAEL JACKSON TO GO ON THE COMEBACK TOUR

New York’s disabled community reaches out to perform at Michael Jackson’s comeback tour. One of New York’s largest disabled and individuals with special needs organizations, Family Residence Essential Enterprise (FREE), based in New York, is reaching out to music legend Michael Jackson upon hearing his announced on March 5, 2009. Jackson is looking to mount a thriller of a comeback after not performing in more than a decade and the Feeplayers were thrilled to hear it. After performing Thriller over a 100 times they are confident in reaching out to Jackson to help him brush up on his moves or teach him a few new ones.

Jackson’s comeback has erupted idea’s of being a coming out for the Freeplayers who have worked hard, despite all obstacles, to replicate the dances from the 1982 video. It would be an honor to be recognized for all of their hard work and tributes to the king of pop. “Our 3,000 individuals with special needs still today look up to Jackson as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century” says Jeff Cohen, Director of Gift Planning.

He is not only an idol for the Freeplayers but his devotion in raising money for charities and non-profits has sparked Free’s imagination on how to give back and the group is rigorously reaching out and has high hopes in becoming the new Jackson 5 for 2009.

About National Foundation for Human Potential

The National Foundation for Human Potential through Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), benefits more than 3,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness or traumatic brain injury and their families each year on Long Island.

E-mail: pradowitz@familyres.org

D.L. HUGLEY'S CNN SHOW CANCELLED

CNN has announced that D.L. Hughley show has been cancelled. Here is the official statement:

"D.L. approached CNN about being permanently based in Los Angeles, where his family lives. To accommodate this, we agreed upon a new role where he will be a contributor for the network based in Los Angeles. We are eager to continue our relationship with D.L. who is a tremendous talent and a valued colleague."

Amy Winehouse Charged With Assault!

Amy Winehouse was charged with assault on Thursday for hitting a fan Daren Flash in the eye. Daren took a picture if Amy after the leaving the end-of-summer ball in London last year. Amy's court date is set for March 16.

LIL WAYNE-PROM QUEEN VIDEO

CHECK OUT THE LIL WAYNE VIDEO "PROM QUEEN"

KERI HILSON GIVES IT TO BEYONCE AND CIARA

Keri Hilson Goes in On Beyonce and Ciara with her new remix to "Turnin Me On"

Facebook Takes on Twitter/ Twitter Now Offers Advertising!

There has been alot going on in the world of Facebook. Facebook has announced that it has redesigned itself to be more like Twitter. Since the Facebook lost the bid to purchase Twitter it has decided to redesign itself. some of the changes allow users to share their info with an unlimited number of friends. These updates can "be brief messages" according to Facebook. Facebook has now become direct competition with Twitter. Analyst Caroline Dangson stated "By adding this now, though, Facebook is taking Twitter on directly. They realize if they have these real-time streams, then people will spend more time on Facebook. If people can do it all on Facebook, they just might decide to do so. Suddenly, they don't have to go to Twitter." In January Facebook reached its 150 million active user mark.

Twitter has announced that it will be providing advertising on its sites. A new platform will allow text ads to be embedded within twitter posts. These posts will only appear on the most popular tweets. Adjix founder Joe Moreno stated that "This new ad format will be a great way for Twitter users to earn additional revenue, and its unobtrusive format won't annoy recipients, like some other Twitter ad programmes."

CHRIS BROWN CHARGED!

Chris Brown was charged with two felonies (assault and making criminal threats). If convicted If convicted, the possible sentence ranges anywhere from probation to four years and eight months in state prison.

Personal Info Stolen from Music Site!

Swedish company Spotify recently reported that hackers have hacked into their system stealing users email addresses, dates of birth, and home addresses. Users credit card information is handled by a third party and is believed to not have been compromised. The company recommends that users who started their accounts prior to December 19, 2008 to change their passwords.

NEW TRAE THE TRUTH CARTOON

CLICK ABOVE IMAGE TO GO TO

YOUTUBE & WATCH PROMO TRAILER

Trae Tha Truth has kept the anticipation for his upcoming cartoon, Tha Adventures of Trae Tha Truth, which he co-created with animator Jay S, running high and with that in mind, here is yet another taste of what's in store when it is finally released.

In this promo, fans get an official introduction to all of the members of the immediate ABN family, including Trae's 8 year-old son, Lil Jared; with whom Trae musically collaborated just recently on the song/video combo, Ballin' Smashin'.

The first official episode of Tha Adventures of Trae Tha Truth is expected to be at least 20 minutes in length and will feature the animated personas of Krayzie Bone, Bun B, Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Shorty Lo, Lil Duval, the whole ABN gang (including Lil Jared) and many more.

Stay tuned for more info. You have been warned!!!!!!!!!!

Below is the download link for Ballin' Smashin' and the link to watch the accompaning video.

DOWNLOAD LINK:

Lil Jared ft. Trae Tha Truth - Ballin' Smashin' -

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8nc5p0

VIDEO LINK:

Lil Jared ft. Trae Tha Truth - Ballin' Smashin' -

VIRGIN MEGA STORE CLOSES!

After shutting several stores in recent months, Virgin Megastores will close its remaining retail locations by the summer, according to TheWrap, an entertainment website.

Virgin Entertainment Group currently operates six stores in the U.S., including one location in Los Angeles at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The other stores are in San Francisco, Denver, Orlando and New York, which has two locations.
Like many record stores, Virgin has struggled in recent years as consumers turn to retailers such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart and online services for their music needs.
Virgin's flagship store in Times Square will be replaced by a Forever 21.
-- Andrea Chang
la times blog

HIV increase in those 50yrs Old and Up!

A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) have found that there is an increase of 11% of new HIV cases in the elderly. The WHO has stated in their study that with the increase in erectile dysfunction drugs people over the age of 50 and up are more likely to have unprotected sex than younger people. With so many illnesses that effect those progressing into their twilight years HIV screening is rare. "Since 1998, erectile dysfunction drugs have been extending the sex life of many older individuals and, at the same time, may be extending the HIV epidemic into older age groups," the study said.

(uk.reuters.com)

Want To Choose Your Childs Hair and Eye Color???

You can get everything from designer shoes, clothes, and now babies. A Los Angeles fertility clinic now offers couples the ability to choose their baby's physical traits. In an interview with the BBC (British broadcasting Channel) director Jeff Steinberg stated "I would not say this is a dangerous road, It's an uncharted road." The method that is used is called PGD or preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The process allows couples to choose such things as the child's eye and hair color.

DID YOU KNOW HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH EXISTS?

INTERNATIONAL/ USA – March 3, 2009 – Not many people know that HIP HOP has its own HISTORY MONTH, in November. And…HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH has been established as November, for some years. On NOVEMBER 12, 1974, the name "Hip Hop" was born. Thus, November 12, every year, is the actual anniversary of hip hop.

Why does the public not know this? And for those who do, why have we not highlighted and celebrated this more. Why haven't hip hop artists pushed or promoted this month and day more, to commemorate their passion, industry, and stance as hip hop artists?

Well, this has changed and is continuing to change? More industry Execs and Artists are jumping on the band wagon to highlight this achievement in hip hop culture. This is fast-becoming a movement of sorts.

WE URGE EVERYONE TO SIGN THE PUSH for HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH FOR TWO REASONS:

1. TO ENCOURAGE MORE "REAL" HIP HOP EDUCATION DURING THIS MONTH

2. TO FORCE THE MEDIA TO HIGHLIGHT "THE REAL" HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH OF NOVEMBER.

THE LINK TO SIGN THE PETITION IS: http://www.petitiononline.com/push4hhm/petition.html

BROUGHT TO YOU BY, HIP HOP GROWS UP, INC, A SUBSIDIARY OF GLOBAL CHANGE EXPERIENCES^©

IN HONOR OF AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, THE LEGEND, WHO COINED THE PHRASE "HIP HOP" AND ESTABLISHED HIP HOP'S ANNIVERSARY AND NOVEMBER AS HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH, ALSO IN HONOR OF THE UNIVERSAL ZULU NATION.