The Source

New York Fashion Week’s hottest ticket, Fashion Rocks(TM), returns for its fourth year to the legendary Radio City Music Hall on September 6, 2007. Music’s A-list performers and the world’s hottest fashions will once again share the stage in a star-studded extravaganza celebrating the relationship between fashion and music. The concert will air the following night, Friday, September 7, 2007 in a two-hour special on the CBS television network (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).The show, hosted by Entourage star Jeremy Piven, will feature performances by Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Fall Out Boy, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Ludacris, Martina McBride, Santana and Usher.

“The synergy between fashion and music is even more pronounced now than it was when we first created Fashion Rocks(TM) three years ago, said Conde Nast Media Group president, Richard D. Beckman. “Each year the line between the two becomes increasingly blurred as more musicians launch fashion lines and more designers align themselves with musicians. Fashion Rocks(TM) 2007 will feature outstanding performers from both worlds who span the spectrum of musical genres and fashion styles and bring to life that special relationship.”

The Fashion Rocks(TM) magazine will also return this year. Slated to reach over 60 million readers and filled with even more editorial content, Fashion Rocks(TM) magazine will accompany the September issue of 17 Conde Nast titles. Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and Contributing Editor Jonathan Van Meter will again take the helm as editorial director and editor-in-chief, respectively.

New to the scene is OBO, an international fashion production company. OBO will be producing the highly anticipated fashion segments that appear throughout the concert. OBO most recently produced the 2007 Victoria’s Secret fashion show, as well as shows for Zegna, Marchesa, Tommy Hilfiger, Chloe and Behnaz Sarafpour, among others.

Executive producers of Fashion Rocks(TM) are Anthony Eaton, executive director and president of Tall Pony Productions and Richard D. Beckman, president of Conde Nast Media Group and Kingdom Entertainment. Mr. Eaton is an award-winning video producer whose roster of accolades includes GRAMMY(R) Awards, Cable Aces and NAACP Awards. His work has also received numerous film festival honors.

Fashion Rocks(TM) is sponsored by five key advertisers: Chevrolet, Citi, Revlon, Dillard’s, and Nexxus.

Fashion Rocks(TM) is a production of Conde Nast Media Group, a unit of Conde Nast Publications which includes corporate sales, marketing, interactive and direct sales efforts for all of Conde Nast’s consumer magazines and websites. Conde Nast Media Group is recognized as an industry leader for its creation and execution of large-scale, integrated, multi-platform advertising programs and events.

Fans looking for more information on Fashion Rocks can log onto fashionrocks2007.tv

Fresh off a nationwide tour, El-P has added a free performance to his schedule at a New York Urban Outfitters. El’s joined with Free Yr. Radio, an independent music campaign developed by Toyota Motor Sales and Urban Outfitters for a free in-store concert on July 14th at Avenue of the Amercias’ Urban Outfitters in Manhattan.

El-P joins an impressive roster of performers included in the Free Yr. Radio series, which takes place nationwide through July and features performances by The Rapture, Dinosaur Jr., Tapes N’ Tapes, and The Klaxons among others. The July 14th date is the 12th stop on the Free Yr. Radio tour. WNHU 88.7 FM will be co-presenting the free concert and will also give away a new Toyota Yaris to one lucky radio listener.

Visit www.freeyrradio.com now to print off an official invite to El-P’s free performance.

El-P released his new single “The Overly Dramatic Truth” from his latest album, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, for purchase on iTunes this week. See below for a direct link to the single.  

Purchase “The Overly Dramatic Truth” on iTunes:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=257499488&s=143441

Listen to Smithereens from “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” (MP3)

http://worlds-fair.net/media/El-P/Smithereens.mp3

Purchase “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” (with a bonus track) on iTunes

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=252894815&id=252893460&s=143441

Watch El-P’s “Smithereens” from I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgSweMvre30

El-P Live in London c/o Dazed Digital:

http://www.dazeddigital.com/mediaplayer/default.aspx?m=watch&a=474

El-P Live in Boston c/o Boston.TV:

http://www.boston.tv/beta2/btv.html?id=286593806

El-P iMeem and exclusive photos:
http://elproducto.imeem.com/ 

Straight Outta Tampa Bay Florida hails TRINITY, a female emcee with a ‘Fresh Kinda Attitude’. Not only is this the aura surrounding this young star in the making, its the title of her latest mix tape offering hosted by ‘Mr Southern Smoke’, DJ Smallz. Packed with neck snapping beats and the type of tracks that makes your mama jump on the dance floor, ‘Fresh Kinda Attitude’ definitely caters to future fans and consumers by proving TRINITY’s lyrical prowess and ability to make good songs.

Having early influences such as MC Lyte, Run Dmc, Earth Wind and Fire, NWA, The Beastie Boys, Quincy Jones, and Scarface, TRINITY is able to combine the past with future to give us a fresh new sound. TRINITY became passionate about the sound of music early in South Carolina playing drums in a marching band, quickly realizing that music was more than a right but rather a calling. TRINITY then moved to the Tampa Bay area and then began to DJ at the age of 15. Shortly thereafter, TRINITY was introduced to Big Money Ced, a DJ at a local Tampa radio station, who became a mentor for TRINITY in pursuing a career in music and a career as a producer. Not only is TRINITY a rapper but she also produces all her own music. With the project “80’s Baby” on the way, TRINITY plans to take us all back to a time when music meant something. The lead tracks, “Move It” and “HUSH” urges fans to loosen their inhibitions and get back to the dance floor.

Be on the lookout for ’80’s Babies Volume 1 Party, Love, Money’ Coming Soon!!!

For Interviews, Drops or Exclusives
istandardpublicity@gmail.com

For more info log onto
www.myspace.com/partylovemoney

From a broke-down project in Shreveport, Louisiana to celebrity status, Famouz has truly been there and done that.   Taking his “50 state hustler” mantra to new levels, Famouz played collegiate football for Rutgers University and is a former 4-year veteran NFL football player for the New York Giants (1999-2003) and also played for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League.

 While there have been a host of former athletes turned entertainment entrepreneurs’, Famouz is different as he has been rapping since he was 12-years old and even opened up for E-40 at the young age of fifteen.  Aware of the skepticism regarding athletes turned rappers, Famouz assertively laments “I am different from any other athlete that has ventured into the music industry.  First of all, I was a walk on for the NY Giants.  I wasn’t drafted and I had to prove myself to make the team every year, as every year I was cut and played my way back on the team.  Secondly, I wasn’t making a lot of money and the money that I did make went into my passion which was music.  The difference is that music is my passion and my football career just happened to come first.  I had the talent to go pro, but music is something that pumps through my blood daily; it keeps me alive.  To quiet those people who say that athletes can’t be good at more than one thing is what I intend to do.  I’ve proven I can perform at the highest level and produce results in anything that I set my mind to; I’ve been doing it my whole life.”

Backed by the production of One Drop Scott, the multitude of musical styles, display the versatility and talent of the creative genius Famouz.  “I was inspired by the Isley Brothers, Run DMC, Prince, UGK and Tupac and grew up listening to funk, rock, rap and R&B.  All of that helped me to develop my own style of pushing the envelope and creating a musical ghetto gumbo of sorts.  Yeah, musical ghetto gumbo” laughs Famouz. 

Famouz’s debut album entitled, Ghetto Passport, explains the struggle, experiences and realness of the rapper, entrepreneur / hustler.  “Push” (which was inspired by the “get knocked down, get right back up” mentality of NBA Star Dwyane Wade) revolves around the spirit of working hard to get what you want. Famouz also teamed up with Jon Bon Jovi to interpolate Bon Jovi’s classic “Bad Name” with a Hiphop twist and as Famouz explains, the collaboration came to life due to mutual interests “I first met Bon Jovi when I was with the Giants, then when I was in the Arena League, I played against the Philly Soul (the team Jon owns) and they were a huge rival of ours.  Later on we presented the idea of collaborating to Jon and the rest is history.”  Also, be on the lookout for the controversial “Trippin” featuring E-40, the hypnotic call and response number “Swervin” and “Wiggle” a club banger that will have all of the females running to the dance floor to shake their moneymaker (“front, back and middle”).  A few of Famouz’s personal favorites from Ghetto Passport include “Heaven” because as Famouz states “we are living in very tragic times and it will speak to people” obviously “Bad Name” because “it’s fuc*ing Bon Jovi” and the remake of David Bowie’s “Fame” now re-entitled “Famouz” as it truly takes music to another level; and it took forever to clear and my man Huff Daddy got it done” .

Famouz’s vision was further solidified when he signed with World Jam Records, which is headed by David L. Huff aka Huff Daddy.  Huff Daddy realized the talent and work ethic displayed by Famouz as he balanced his job and passion for music.  Their collaboration brings more unbelievable music to the table.

The promotion for Ghetto Passport is well underway, as Famouz joined Los Angeles Lakers players Kobe Bryant, Luke Walton and Brian Cook in March 2007 to host a free to the public fiesta featuring music from Famouz and World Jam Records.   In addition, a US club-tour is already being solidified and as Famouz comments, be ready for some A-List guest stars to appear on the road with him “I have a lot of friends that still play football. They know that I’ve been working on this music stuff for along time.  I’m not going to mention names right now, but come on, I was a former Giant.  But aside from those surprise guests, in the long run, my music will definitely speak for itself.”  So, get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as Famouz’s debut, Ghetto Passport, gears up to hit the streets and clubs on September 25^th, 2007 Tracklisting and credits for Famouz’s Ghetto Passport: 1.) Take Off2.) Ghetto Passport3.) Gettin’ It
4.) Famouz5.) Trippin’ f/ E-40 & Rankin Scroo’
6.) Swervin’
7.) Bad Name f/ Jon Bon Jovi
8.) Wiggle
9.) Push
10.) Ahhh…Miami
11.) Thug Taboo12.) Voice Mail 1
13.) Pheanin’
14.) Twist Twist f/UGK’s Bun B & Billy Cook
15.) Heaven16.) In Too Deep
17.) Crunch Time
18.) Nothing Can Stop Me19.) Neighborhood Star f/ 5 Ent20.) Landing

While various rappers have stepped forward to discuss their ghostwriting careers, few have been able to transition their skills behind the scenes into full-fledged success for themselves. After writing for the likes of Nick Cannon, MC Lyte, Rodney Jerkins, Teddy Riley and Will Smith, Brooklyn native Kel Spencer is well on his way to blazing his path as a well-rounded artist. With his song “The Definition” from DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Return Of The Magnificent album currently blowing up radio in Europe, Kel has now released his video for the new single “The Building” for audiences worldwide.Once an aspiring football player, Kel found his calling with music while studying business at Morgan State University. He began writing lyrics for other artists, and with hits like “Black Suits Comin’ (Nod Ya Head)” and “Switch” for multi-platinum artist Will Smith, Kel’s clean, aggressive writing style earned him many fans in the industry. Will Smith signed Kel to the Overbrook Entertainment label, however Kel’s desire to forge ahead led him to pursue the independent route with his own 3rd Power imprint. 

Bringing his love for sports into the fold, Kel penned theme songs for the Minnesota Vikings, the Indiana University Men’s Basketball team, and ESPN’s show The Season. Maintaining diversity in his work is of the utmost importance to the young performer. “I want to truly establish myself as a brand, rather than just have two decent singles and disappear,” explains Kel. “I’ve seen all of the success stories and all of the failures. By intertwining my street dealings with spirituality, it can be nothing less than a winning formula.”

In 2007, Kel stepped into the spotlight with the Jazzy Jeff collaboration “The Definition,” which reached the top of the charts in the U.K. Now Kel has unveiled his single and video for “The Building,” a catchy ode to his energetic lyrical style and positive attitude. In coming months, Kel Spencer will release the Who Is Kel Spencer? Documentary and his debut solo album One Way. The song may say “the building ain’t big enough,” however Kel Spencer has made sure that his foundation is solid enough for the building to keep growing.

To watch “The Building” video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msXglnMFHxg

For more information on Kel Spencer, go to www.tygereye.net/kelspencer and www.myspace.com/kelspencer

Terror Squad Entertainment and Imperial Records are proud to announce that Fat Joe has sold over 1 million ring tones of “Make It Rain,” as certified by RIAA’s Platinum Ringtune program.

Fat Joe’s critically-acclaimed album Me, Myself and I still continues to sell and make a strong statement for independent music and is one of the most successful albums that Imperial Records has released since re-launching as EMI Music’s independent urban label division in 2006. Some of the other milestones that Imperial has reached with Fat Joe and Terror Squad include Imperial’s first Top 10 single, “Make It Rain” in more than 40 years on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Chart, peaking at #6.  The album, Me, Myself and I reached #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Album Chart and debuted at #14 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.  The single, “Make It Rain” also reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The album has received rave reviews in VIBE, the Source, Washington Post, and the LA Times.   

“Fat Joe and Terror Squad Entertainment have been great to work with and are a prime example of what we can bring to a project,” said Neil Levine, Imperial Records Senior VP/GM.  “We bring the same pioneering spirit and dedication to quality music as the original Imperial, but with expertise and resources right for independent urban artists today. We have the advantage of being super-focused on finding and developing the most exciting music in the clubs and the streets, but also have access to major label resources.  It’s a great combination for our artists.”

 Imperial Records is a full service label group that began operations in June of 2006 when music entrepreneur Neil Levine joined EMI Music to establish a division focused on the independent urban music market.  Imperial Records is an independent label group and artist development division that is part of EMI’s Capitol Music Group.  The division was designed to be a breeding ground for new talent and to serve as a catalyst for smaller independent labels.  Imperial is working closely with emerging artists to market and promote each release all the way from the grass roots level to the top of the charts.  Services Imperial provides include publicity, radio promotion, street team promotions, sales management, product management and digital marketing. Imperial also provides these services to urban artists throughout EMI’s major labels in the United States, including the Capitol Music Group.       

Imperial Records, a legendary imprint that was home to Fats Domino, teen rock idol Ricky Nelson, the Temptations and Cher was originally established in 1948.  The label grew to become one of that era’s powerhouse Rock n’ Roll and R&B labels.  The new Imperial is just getting started with developing hit artists for a new generation.  In addition to Fat Joe, other recent Imperial projects include Jin on Raptivism Records, a re-launch of Levine’s own Penalty Recordings; previously unreleased tracks from the 6 time-Grammy nominated artist Anthony Hamilton on Merovingian Music, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard Independent Album Chart, as well as the debut album from Evidence of Dilated Peoples, the second release from singer/songwriter Donnie on Soulthought, the fourth release from Rasheeda on D-LO Entertainment. 

Producer Melody Child placed second in the IStandard Showcase at the Remote Lounge on Wednesday, June 20th.  Competing against ten other producers and escorted to the stage by managers Lite and Moe, Melody proved she has what it takes.  Bracing herself for the response of the crowd and comments by the judges regarding her place in the music producing world, Melody held her own.

As DJ. BedTyme357 spun her 5 one minute beats heads bobbed and bodies swayed and Melody Child quickly became a crowd favorite.  Leaving the stage amid applause and congratulations, Melody Child focused herself for the comments of music industry power-weight judges, Dave Lighty, Matty Fingaz, Ian Holder, Vinny Idol and Steff Nasty.  After a brief deliberation by the judges, IStandard co-founder J. Hatch announced the winners and the second name called was Melody Child’s.

Smiling and taking in the enormity of it all, Melody Child says about her performance, “As the only woman competing among other talented producers my focus was making sure the judges and the crowd could see that I enjoyed my music and was proud of what I produced and I obviously succeeded”.

Now with even more confidence in her talent and with the knowledge and advice of the panel of judges who represent a whose who in the music industry, Melody intends to go back into the studio and do what she loves best… making music that pleases the crowd.  

Her mentor, producer, the Original Cipher Sounds puts it this way, “Music and talent are both God given, the ability to have your music heard is dedication and perseverance.  Melody has all the above and then some”.

Buju Banton is hotter than July! The dancehall- reggae icon has been tapped to open Chicago’s 15th Annual African Caribbean International Festival Of Life (www.festivaloflife.com), a five day extravaganza that celebrates the diversity of Chi-Town with music, food, arts and crafts, attracting over 150,000 people from a growing variety of cultures each year.“Chicago will never ever see another event like this when Buju Banton touches the stage on the 4th of July,” promises Ephraim Martin, the Festival’s producer. “This show will be the kind of spiritually enriching family event that everyone can appreciate because we’re talking about independence through the eyes of Buju Banton. It is not just the talk of the town–it’s the talk of the country!”

On July 6th, Buju Banton and his Shiloh Band kick off the highly anticipated Too Bad Canadian Tour in London, Toronto, the first of six dates in the area. This is the first time Banton will tour parts of the country in support of his critically acclaimed Too Bad album, which was released in Canada last October. Gargamel Music artist New Kidz is on deck as the opener. For additional tour dates log on to www.myspace.com/bujubantonOn Friday July 20th, the Banton is back home to headline Evolution Night of the 15th Annual Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest (www.reggaesumfest.com) in Montego Bay Jamaica. Hosted by Elise Kelly of Irie FM, the Evolution Night will also feature a tribute to reggae music legends Frankie Paul, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Admiral Bailey, Gem Myers, Ernie Smith and Pluto Shervington.

BUJU BANTON… DON’T STOP AT ALL! www.myspace.com/bujubanton www.youtube.com/gargamelmusic www.gargamelmusic.com

Legendary hip-hop songwriter and artist Rev Run from groundbreaking group Run-DMC will be honored as a BMI Icon at the performing right organization’s 7^th Annual Urban Awards. The invitation-only gala, which will also recognize the past year’s most-performed BMI urban songs, is set for Sept. 7 at The New York New York in Las Vegas, NV, coinciding with the MTV Video Music Awards being held Sept. 9.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Rev Run will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute during the ceremony, and he joins an elite group that includes James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and last year’s honorees, Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

As one third of Run-DMC, Rev Run helped change the sound of rap by simultaneously being more street and rock ‘n’ roll than his contemporaries. From the boom-box classic single “Sucker MCs” (1983) to their standard-setting discs Run-DMC, King of Rock, Raising Hell and Tougher Than Leather, Run-DMC defined a new level of Black cool for the world. Dressed in their trademarked black hats, outfits to match and strangely laced Adidas sneakers, Run-DMC stayed at the top of the pop charts for most of the ’80s and knocked open the doors to commercial freedom for the rap generation. A multi-medium star — he stars in his own television show, Run’s House, as well working closely with brother Russell on the Phat Farm clothing line — Rev Run continues to create, having just released his CD Distortion on the Russell Simmons Music Group (RSMG).

Hosted by BMI President/CEO Del Bryant and Atlanta Writer/Publisher VP Catherine Brewton, the 7^th Annual BMI Urban Awards will recognize the songwriters, publishers and producers of the top BMI urban songs played on American radio and television. An Urban Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and Producer of the Year will be named during the ceremony. In addition, the writers of the songs that reached the No. 1 spots on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop and Hot Rap Tracks charts will also be honored.

Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and publishers in all genres of music. For more than 65 years, BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world, a vast repertoire that includes more than 6.5 million works. The non-profit-making corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

Ifé Dancy and WBAI 99.5 FM in New York, present the 5^th Hip Hop TakeOver, starting Friday June 29^th 2007 at 7pm, lasting 29 hours through Saturday June 30^th midnight. Once again, we are starting the TakeOver right with DJ Emskee and G-Man, both from the longest running underground Hip Hop show in New York, The Underground Railroad, heard on WBAI 99.5 FM. Throughout the course of the 29 hours, expect to hear interviews from Rahiem from the Furious Five, Wyclef Jean, and Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond during B-Boy Omega’s segment, The Originators. In addition, EOW’s (End Of the Weak) MC Challenge will include interviews with Iron Solomon and Poison Pen. Lady Beat Makers, will discuss women’s role in the Hip Hop industry during the Lady Beat Makers Hour. Stay tuned to Uncle Ralph’s Hip Hop Bar-B-Q, hosted by Video Music Box’s own Ralph McDaniels. For those that need to be educated on some of the music that Hip Hop artist has sampled from, check out Joyce Jones interview with CTI jazz record label owner Creed Taylor.

The Hip Hop TakeOver is a 29-hour radio event heard on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York twice a year, once in June then in November. We cater towards the gritty, underground, politically conscience audience, as well as the mainstream commercial crowd. We give a mix in Hip Hop Radio that you will hear no place else throughout the New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut region and streamed live on www.WBAI.org.

For the schedule and more information visit www.TheHipHopTakeOver.com.