Latin Hip Hop Film "Filly Brown" to Premiere at Sundance

For 15 years, the radio show Pocos Pero Locos has broadcast Latin hip-hop from Los Angeles to the world. With the 2012 Sundance Film Festival's selection of Filly Brown, the music and culture showcased on-air by radio personality Lisa "Khool Aid" Rios, and her partner, producer Edward "E-Dub" Rios, is central to the feature film. Their company, Silent Giant Entertainment (along with Cima Productions and Olmos Productions), produced the drama starring Gina Rodriguez and Jenni Rivera. Rounding out the cast are Lou Diamond Phillips and Edward James Olmos in their first-on screen pairing since the milestone Stand and Deliver.

" Edward James Olmos is so authentic for the people. He is our icon," says Khool Aid. As Latin superstar Jenni Rivera who has guested on Pocos Pero Locos, was initially cast by Khool Aid in the role of Maria Tonorio. But ultimately, it was Olmos who convinced Jenni Rivera to take the role.

With music as its centerpiece, Filly Brown extends a cultural initiative to a new generation and the Pocos Pero Locos radio show is key to the onscreen drama. Khool Aid also makes her big-screen acting debut.

Balancing a musical career with the financial needs of the family is central to the drama. The title character's relationship with her imprisoned mother also adds a captivating and poignant storyline. The film also includes musical authenticity of Pocos Pero Locos artists Baby Bash, Chingo Bling, B Millz, Diamonique and Cuete Yeska. The film is directed by Youssef Delara and Michael D. Olmos, and executive produced by Edward James Olmos, Kevin Smith, and Homa Soroor.

Khool Aid and E-Dub, music and broadcast veterans, have now expanded their media empire to feature films. Their long time business affairs, entertainment attorney Helen Yu says, "In the 15 years I've represented Khool Aid and E-Dub, their creative vision and ability to execute that vision into reality is like none other."

For Khool Aid and E-Dub, the film signifies a significant shift from the streets to the cinema for the signature brand of Latin hip-hop that Pocos Pero Locos has championed since the early 1990's. "This is much more than simply a Sundance film," says E-Dub. "It is 15 years in the making of a movement."

DJ Khaled Receives First Grammy Award Nomination

Cash Money/Universal Republic Records multi-platinum, award-winning producer and recording artist DJ Khaled has received his first Grammy Award nomination for the smash hit single, "I'm On One" [Featuring Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne]. This anthem remains the centerpiece of, We the Best Forever, his fifth studio album and first for Cash Money / Universal Republic Records.

WONKA WRapper Lets Fans Create Music with Their Favorite Boxes of Wonka Candy via Interactive Facebook Music Application

WONKA®, the maker of NERDS®, LAFFY TAFFY® and SWEETARTS®, has teamed up with actor, host, DJ and producer Nick Cannon to launch WONKA WRapper, an interactive music application available only on Facebook.com/Wonka. Using augmented reality – and a little magic from Willy Wonka – WONKA WRapper turns fans into virtual music makers! These five participating packs of WONKA candies: NERDS, LAFFY TAFFY, SWEETARTS, EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPERS, and SPREE, can be used to activate unique looping music tracks, resulting in a fun and melodious interactive experience.
“Everyone knows how much I love music and WONKA candy, so it’s incredibly cool to combine my two favorite things in a really fun way,” said Cannon, host of ‘America’s Got Talent’ and cast member of NBC’s new hit comedy ‘Up All Night.’ “With a little creativity, imagination, and some WONKA candy, the WONKA WRapper lets you be the DJ online, and you can share the music you make through Facebook.”

Fans can visit the Wonka WRapper app on Facebook with packages of NERDS, LAFFY TAFFY, SWEETARTS, EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPERS, or SPREE candies in hand. Simply hold up the candy wrappers in front of a webcam to unlock a variety of music beats, instruments, and interactive graphics through WONKA WRapper. Each of the five participating WONKA products plays a different musical track for each instrument – the more types of candy used, the more intricate the song. WONKA WRapper offers a never-before-seen, online music-mixing tool fueled by candy and imagination, letting fans have fun as they turn tracks off and on, and add new sounds and beats. After recording and saving their creations in WONKA’s video gallery, fans can then share with friends and comment on others’ videos, making the Wonka WRapper a truly interactive social media experience.

“When it comes to WONKA candy and music, Nick Cannon knows best,” said WONKA spokesperson, Tricia Bowles of Nestlé USA Confections & Snacks Division. “We love the fun and creativity that Nick brings to this innovative project, and we’re thrilled to give WONKA fans a new way to enjoy their love of music and WONKA candy. The WONKA WRapper is a great online program for candy and music-lovers, and a lot of fun for all ages!”

To test your music-mixing skills and to lay down beats with the WONKA WRapper, grab some packages of NERDS, LAFFY TAFFY, SWEETARTS, EVERLASTING GOBSTOPPERS, or SPREE and visit Facebook.com/Wonka.

Singer/Songwriter KEM Makes His Big-Screen Acting Debut as He Joins the Cast of the Movie Remake 'Sparkle'

Universal Motown Grammy® nominated singer/songwriter KEM will make his big-screen acting debut in a remake of the 1976 film "Sparkle," which is set in, and currently being filmed in, his hometown Detroit, Michigan.

KEM will play the part of club owner and Master of Ceremonies, 'Buddy' in the musical drama. Starring in the musical drama are Grammy® nominated and platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks ("American Idol" winner, Season 6), Multi-Grammy® Award winner Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (What's Your Number?, "Gossip Girl"), Omari Hardwick (Kick Ass, The A-Team) and Grammy® Award winner, Cee-Lo Green.

"I've always had the idea that I'd like to try my hand at acting one day, and I'm very thankful to have the chance to do that with a classic film such as SPARKLE," said KEM. "That the film is set in Detroit and being filmed in Detroit only enhances this extraordinary experience for me."

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Encourages Students to Pursue Multiple Dreams

In an exclusive interview for the Verizon Thinkfinity Education Speaker Series, Johnson, the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, discusses the critical role that schools and teachers need to fill to support student achievement in and out of the classroom. He also has some advice for students, stating:

"You don't ever want to give an excuse. You know the challenges already, so, okay, you have them. But that doesn't stop you from bringing a good attitude to the school, being a great student at school, being a great person at your school."

Johnson also said teachers also need to encourage students to have not just one dream for their futures, but several dreams.

"It's very important that our kids understand that you don't have to have one dream," he said. "I think it's very important that we have a few dreams. I was dreaming that I was going to be in the NBA and that I was going to be a businessman. It wasn't until a teacher made me feel that way and gave me the confidence to go on."

Tyrese New Album Open Invitation

Tyrese "Open Invitation" Online Album Listening Party from Modern Artists Creative on Vimeo.

Eddie Griffin Produces New Film Titled Hillbilly Highway!

We just discovered that comedian Eddie Griffin is about to produce a film- and it’s going to feature comedian Devin The Dude who will in the film with several acting veterans. For those of you who don’t know Devin, he is known for sharing his love of sticky icky in his music and now he’s about to bring that same passion to the big screen. The Houston bred emcee is currently wrapping up production in Atlanta on the urban marijuana comedy titled Hillbilly Highway, co-starring comedian Lil Duval and will be produced by Griffin and written, created and directed by Damon ‘Coke’ Daniels.

The film, which also stars Tiny Lister Jr, Erik Estrada, Gary Owen, Tommy Ford, Keith David, Jasmine Burke and more, focuses on a pair of pot-smoking brothers, Earl and Ray Ray, who go on a quest to find a highway in Kentucky that leads to a “marijuana nirvana.” While on the road, the two become embroiled in a fight between two families – the Gatfields and McCroys (based on real-life families Hatfield and McCoy) – and are chased out of town after the families realize that the pair is trying to make off with the weed.

”Hillbilly Highway’ is really going to take people by surprise,’ said Griffin. “We have a fantastic team and working with Damon ‘Coke’ Daniels has been a great experience. I can’t wait for the camera to stop rolling so I can see the finished product.” Daniels went on to discuss his goal to create films similar to another successful African American director. “I’m building an urban comedy brand similar to what Tyler Perry did, but much more raw and edgy,’ added Daniels, whose credits include Who Made the Potato Salad and My Baby’s Daddy.

Hillbilly Highway is finishing up production next week, though there is no release date set. Devin the Dude, who has never starred in a movie, recently released his sixth studio album, Suite 420, earlier this year.

The Sitter (2012) POP-UP TRAILER - HD Jonah Hill Movie

HILARIOUS MOVIE I CAN'T WAIT TO CHECK IT OUT.

EA & Adidas Originals Unite to Bring Need for Speed The Run to Consumers This Fall

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and adidas Originals today announced a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and gaming partnership for Need for Speed™ The Run. Combining the cultural expertise of both brands, consumers will not only see the iconic adidas Superstar shoes in Need for Speed The Run, but they’ll also be treated with exclusive and limited edition Need for Speed The Run adidas branded apparel which will be available at all adidas Originals stores across the United States. The Need for Speed The Run and adidas promotion will be celebrated at three of the country’s and game’s most iconic locations: Chicago, San Francisco and New York where consumers will get exclusive access to the limited edition Need for Speed The Run shoe and video game.

Walgreens to Sponsor All-Star Original Movie Event, FIVE, Exploring Breast Cancer’s Impact On People’s Lives

In support of its Way to Well Commitment, aimed at prevention and early detection of today’s leading diseases, Walgreens is serving as a title sponsor of a groundbreaking, original movie event, FIVE, an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people’s lives. FIVE was directed by a cast of award-winning actresses and performers including Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Patty Jenkins and Penelope Spheeris. FIVE will premiere on Lifetime Oct. 10, at 9 p.m. EST.

FIVE features an all-star ensemble cast and uses humor and drama to focus on the effect breast cancer and its different stages of diagnosis have on relationships, as well as how women perceive themselves while searching for strength, comfort, medical breakthroughs and ultimately, a cure.

“Walgreens is proud to support the FIVE project and to be working with its creators to inspire and educate women in the fight against breast cancer,” said Deborah Sabo, Walgreens vice president of marketing services. “Through our Way to Well Commitment, our pharmacists, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals are helping to provide access to the tools and support people need to manage their health, in thousands of communities nationwide.”

Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, JUDOBABY Inc. Launch Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football for Wii™ and PC

Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, JUDOBABY Inc. Launch Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football for Wii™ and PC
JUDOBABY Inc., developer of quality family-friendly video games, announced today the in-store availability of Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football for Wii™ featuring NFL Network's #1 Player of All Time Jerry Rice along with his dog, Nitus. The title is the company's flagship game and the first release in the new Pets Sports League franchise and is available in GameStop and other retail and online locations nationwide.

Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football is an innovative family-friendly title that uniquely blends everyone's favorite genres - pets and sports - into an action-sports game for players of all ages. The multi-player title allows up to four users to participate in the ultimate pet sports experience. Designed for both male and female gamers, players assume the identity of 14 characters, including Rock Star Rob, Surf Pro Sandy and Flea-Bo the Clown. Each character takes the field as quarterback and is assigned a team of seven canine companions, who they direct with a Wii Remote™ controller to instruct their teammates to throw, dodge, jump and swim to victory.

Teams can be built from more than 20 popular breeds, including golden retrievers, boxers, chihuahuas and poodles who complete crossing patterns all over the field. Players can customize members of their team by choosing from countless character, uniform, hat and shoe options. The game features 12 unconventional playing fields, from Tahiti to outer space. Fierce and fun competition fuels players to go for championship status and the ultimate prize - the Golden Hydrant Trophy.

Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football is rated E for everyone by the ESRB. For more information visit www.judobaby.com.

Gun Hill Road

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Final Destination 5

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Kelly Rowland's LIVE Q&A Monday July 25, 2011

Kelly Rowland's already sizzling summer is about to get even hotter with the release of her highly-anticipated third solo album on Tuesday. And one day before "Here I Am" comes out, she'll be *here* at Billboard.com for a Live Q&A on Monday, July 25 at 4:30pm ET answering fan tweets and chatting about the album live on camera. We're sure you've got tons of burning questions for her about everything from working with Nelly, Lil Wayne, Big Sean and others on the album to her huge single, "Motivation," which already hit No. 1 on our R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Tweet all of your burning questions for Kelly to @billboarddotcom using hashtag #bbKelly. Then be sure to come right back here to this page on Monday to watch our Live Q&A with her, hosted by Billboard.com in partnership with Ustream.

Kelly Rowland to Release Here I Am on July 26th

Universal Motown Republic Records excitedly announces the release of KELLY ROWLAND's third highly-anticipated solo album, HERE I AM, available everywhere July 26, 2011.
The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter/actress/dancer and X Factor judge will turn up the heat this summer with this diverse collection of powerhouse pop hits, club-ready anthems, and sexy, smooth R&B-dosed jams.

Right now, HERE I AM's current chart-topping single "Motivation"[Featuring Lil Wayne] is lighting up airwaves everywhere, holding the #1 spot at Urban Radio for seven weeks strong without showing any signs of slowing down. It's ROWLAND's first #1 single as a solo artist, and it establishes a rock solid-foundation for her third solo album. The song's sizzling video is nearing 25 million views on YouTube/VEVO, motivating listeners everywhere to get down with ROWLAND.

Hot off the single's success, HERE I AM drops on July 26, and it features collaborations with a myriad of A-list talent. She hit the studio with Ne-Yo for the rapturous ballad "Heaven and Earth" and David Guetta on the uplifting dance-floor sensation, “Commander." ROWLAND continues her tradition of explosive collaborations with Guetta with whom she made 2009's worldwide smash "When Love Takes Over." That first collaboration landed in the Top 10 in 20 countries and was #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club songs chart in the U.S. and #1 on the Billboard European Hot 100 Singles chart.

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USA / Presidential Proclamation--African-American Music Appreciation Month

A proclamation





The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity of our Union. African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the rich musical traditions of African-American musicians and their gifts to our country and our world.





From the cadenced hums of spirituals to the melodies of rhythm and blues, African-American music has been used to communicate, to challenge, to praise, and to uplift in times of both despair and triumph. The rhythmic chords embedded in spirituals have long expressed a deep faith in the power of prayer, and brought hope to slaves toiling in fields. The soulfulness of jazz and storytelling in the blues inspired a cultural renaissance, while the potent words of gospel gave strength to a generation that rose above the din of hatred to move our country toward justice and equality for all.





Today, African-American musicians continue to create new musical genres and transform the scope of traditional musical formats. The artistic depth of soul, rock and roll, and hip-hop not only bring together people across our Nation, but also energize and shape the creativity of artists around the world. The contributions of African-American composers and musicians to symphony, opera, choral music, and musical theater continue to reach new audiences and encourage listeners to celebrate fresh interpretations of these and other genres.





In cherished songs passed down through generations and innovative musical fusions crafted today, African-American music continues to transcend time, place, and circumstance to provide a source of pride and inspiration for all who hear its harmonies. This month, we celebrate the legacy of African-American music and its enduring power to bring life to the narrative of our Nation.





NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.





BARACK OBAMA

Flavor Flav, The Real Man Behind The Clock and Sunglasses "In My Own Words"© (IMOW)

The statement below was written by Flavor Flav and it may be copied, printed and announced but cannot be altered in any way without the express permission of Flavor Flav (William Jonathon Drayton, Jr.).

"To all of my fams (I've taken the 'n' out of fans and replaced it with an 'm,' because a fan doesn't do anything for me but cool me off when I'm hot and a 'fam' is one that supports me), I thank you all for making me who I am today. Without y'all, I would just be an ordinary person in the street, no different and no better than anyone else - the only thing that makes me different is my job description.

My life has taught me that nothing is really easy. Everything in life you want can come to you, but you really, really have to earn it and deserve it. You only get to live physically once in this lifetime, so while we are living this one time - we need to make the best of it. When we die, we become nothing but memories to other people and we want to leave them the best memories ever.

If I could influence and mentor today's youth, based on my past experience, I would tell them that I made some very serious mistakes in my life. I would like for everyone in the world to read my book about the mistakes I've made, so hopefully they won't make the same ones.

I have always been told I have a lot of interesting things to say and stories to tell. I've often thought about doing my own talk show. If I did, I would probably use the style of Arsenio Hall, but a Jerry Springer or Maury Povich style show should be a lot of fun. I have been asked if I would ever do Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice Show and my reply to that is it would be a pleasure to once again see and talk to Donald Trump. If I do come out with my own show some time, all I can say is... 'Once again, Flavor Flav has reinvented himself.'

Anyway, I decided to write a book. My new book is called Flavor Flav: The Icon The Memoir (Farrah Gray Publishing). My book is edgy, compassionate and often hilarious! My book is a thrill ride from the heights of my stardom to the depths of my despair and Yo! I'm still here to tell it. I've been down some pretty dark holes - but somehow I always found the strength to climb back out of them.

I get asked about regrets but I have no regrets in my life and I would change nothing. The reason is because it took the past to bring the future, and if I was to change something in my past then today I might not be able to teach what I've learned.

I want to add that I think Ascot/Aston's In My Own Words (IMOW) is a great idea for celebrities to say in their own words how they feel about their life and what's going on in it. That's why we, Public Enemy, made a record called Don't Believe The Hype, which means... don't believe everything you read or hear. The best source for the true information is 'from the horse's mouth!'

God bless you all with your life, your future, your goals, and your families. And once again, I thank you for making me who I am today - Flavor Flav: The Icon.

God bless and peace to all. See y'all on my book tour!"

Flavor Flav

Dallas Austin's Rowdy Electronics and BKE Present the Beat Thang, Debuting July 17, 2011, Exclusively at Best Buy

"We wanted everyone to be able to produce music the same way we do," says Dallas Austin of the idea behind the Beat Thang. The Grammy-winning producer-songwriter-"keyboard fanatic" and owner of Atlanta-based Rowdy Electronics is introducing this groundbreaking mobile music-making machine through a joint venture with Nashville's BKE (Beat Kangz Electronics.) The Beat Thang will go on sale exclusively at Best Buy July 17, 2011 as a limited edition with a suggested retail price of $1,500.

Dallas Austin is the man behind multiplatinum hits by the likes of Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, TLC, Madonna, Pink and Gwen Stefani. At Austin's level, producing music the same way he does means access to a library of 3,000+ original sounds (live drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, strings, horns, Latin and African percussion); hundreds of beats, patterns and loops; 65 digital effects (EQ, compression, reverb, delay, filter, chopped, screwed, reverse record); sampling; waveform editing; and mixing and mastering functionality, among other marvels.

http://beatthang.com/

Beat Thang from Rowdy BKE on Vimeo.

Oscar De La Hoya Will Help Build Houses In Underserved Communities.

Golden Boy Community Investments, a certified community development entity, has been established by Golden Boy Partners, the urban real estate development company founded by Oscar De La Hoya, boxing superstar and promoter, and John Long, CEO and founder of Highridge Partners. The entity late last month received $25 million in New Markets Tax Credits from the U. S. Department of the Treasury to facilitate development of urban housing, retail and commercial projects in underserved communities in California and Texas.

.“Golden Boy Partners is not just about real estate development. It is about building communities and changing lives,” said De La Hoya. “Golden Boy Community Investments allows us to better and more quickly fulfill our founding mission of providing underserved and overlooked urban areas with services and amenities needed by the residents of these communities

NEXT GENERATION FILM MAKER COMPETITION