Author Archives: UnRated Magazine

M.O.P.’s Billy Danze Spearheads “Rap United Nations” (RUN) Movement

 “RUN” (Raps United Nation) is the brainchild of M.O.P.’s Billy Danze who throughout the course of his illustrious career and years of extensive international touring could not help but notice and acknowledge how many talented artists he met during his travels who simply lacked a platform to be heard. Who better then a fellow artist to spearhead the charge and give them that platform, as Billy explains “As an artist I understand the frustration.  There are so many artists out there that possess the talent of being able to produce and record good music. They are determined; they have the drive and dedication, but feel as if no one notices. I’ve seen and heard what’s out there from an artistic level.  These artists need to be heard and have a united voice. I am very passionate about giving them that opportunity and will do anything in my power to help those that really want to win.”

 The Music industry has undeniably changed and evolved and artists have been forced to either adapt with it, or go the way of the dinosaur. While the Internet and the proliferation of social media platforms are viable assets for new artists desperately looking for exposure, using those mediums alone is still equivalent to trying to “catch lighting in a bottle.” Billy Danze’s ambitious plans for “RUN” are to create an army of incredible artists from all corners of the globe and to unify and raise awareness for them by creating projects which are loud enough to be heard by the masses; as Billy details “my aim is to get every talented artist a deal. 

Support on a globalized scale is all an artist really needs or could ask for. I have contacted all my resources and they in return have done the same.  A vital key to success in this business is alliance; and I personally have a team in every corner of the world. We can build a team of thousands and support each other.”

There is no disputing the artistic contributions Billy Danze has contributed to the culture as a member of M.O.P., yet, while still in its early infancy, his greatest contribution may still lay in front of him as the founder of “RUN,” as he eloquently states “as a fellow artist, these projects will enable me to be a vital cog in a family of worthy artists that simply need a platform and a voice and to oversee that lends the potential to be the biggest accomplishment of my career.  From a business perspective, I believe “RUN” (Raps United Nation”) is a vehicle the industry is desperately lacking.  The way to find new talent is to go get it.  Industry executives no longer believe in the artist, or artist development, how can the industry grow if we don’t allow new artists to showcase their talent?”

For artists interested in becoming a part of the “RUN” (Raps United Nation) movement and its debut project “First Wave,” please view the links below to find out more information on how to submit music: www.rapsunitednation.com, https://twitter.com/#!/RapsUnited or http://www.facebook.com/RapsUnitedNation

The 2012 Essence Music Festival is “Celebrating The Power of Our Voice”

The 2012 Essence Musical Festival celebrates “The Power of Our Voice” during its 18th anniversary held in New Orleans July 6, 7 and 8. This year’s theme reflects the audiences’ turn to powerful voices—whether through song, the political arena or community organizing—for strength and inspiration during challenging times. The annual Festival promises to deliver a stellar line-up of musical artists as well as leading thinkers, authors, innovators and influencers who will empower and motivate the audience to make a difference in each of their communities The annual weekend of entertainment and empowerment will feature an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations over the festive Fourth of July holiday weekend in the Crescent City.

“The theme of this year’s Essence Music Festival celebrates our most powerful voices. Whether it’s Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul commanding respect or Rep. Maxine Waters demanding better conditions for our community, these powerful voices resonate with our audience like no other,” said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. “As we all face a new reality in these critical times, we want to inspire our Festival-goers to leave this year’s Festival even more resilient and motivated so that they can be empowered to create change in their own communities.”

After another record-breaking year in 2011, this year’s line-up promises to be a weekend to remember. Stellar acts leading the list of artists set to perform at the legendary Louisiana Superdome include: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, Ledisi, SWV, Dru Hill, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Goapele, Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul, Luke James, Eric Roberson, The Stylistics, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bridget Kelly, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, The Stooges Brass Band and Khris Royal & Dark Matter.

In addition, Essence will honor iconic singer Aretha Franklin with “The Power Award.” The Queen of Soul previously performed at the Festival in 1995 and 2005.

In addition to the colossal music line-up, the audience can look forward to the annual Essence Empowerment Experience, which is free and open to the public at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Festival-goers will experience three full days of socio-political dialogue, health and wellness discussions and spiritual inspiration led by dynamic motivational speakers. The initial roster of leading authors, speakers and leaders include: Steve Harvey, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters and Dr. Steve Perry . The weekend will culminate on Sunday with a rousing All-star Gospel tribute honoring gospel mega-stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.

In an effort to continue to give back to the New Orleans community, Essence will also partner with the City of New Orleans to benefit their initiatives focused on saving our youth.

Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. The festival is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture.  For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news visit www.essencemusicfestival.com. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival on Facebook.

 

Will Smith to Host Milestone 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards

World-renowned actor, producer and recording artist Will Smith (I Am Legend, The Pursuit of Happyness and the upcoming Men in Black III) will host Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards , airing live on Saturday,March 31, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/tape delayed for West Coast) from the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, California.  Smith, a ten-time Blimp Award winner, will be joined by Hollywood’s biggest stars in an unforgettable, special anniversary slimefest where kids rule. 

“How better to celebrate 25 years of Kids’ Choice Awards than with the biggest movie star in the world?” said Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon Group and an Executive Producer of the show.  “Will has enough KCA blimps at home to fill a room, having long been one of kids’ favorites.  He’s a larger than life presence who knows how to play big and we’re excited he’ll be taking the stage for the biggest, loudest, messiest spectacle in the show’s 25-year history.”

“The Kids’ Choice Awards are always the year’s liveliest, slimiest and most outrageous party for kids and teens,” said Will Smith. “I’m honored they wanted me to host this year so I can have a front row seat to take part in the fun.”

Two-time Academy-Award® nominee Smith recently finished filming Columbia Pictures’ Men in Black III, which will release on May 25, 2012. Up next, he will begin filming and producing One Thousand A.E. co-starring Jaden Smith.

Last year, Nickelodeon’s 2011 Kids’ Choice Awards, hosted by actor/comedian Jack Black, ranked as basic cable’s top telecast for the week (March 28, 2011–April 3, 2011) with 7.3 million total viewers. The show also ranked as the week’s top telecast with kids and tweens on all TV, averaging a 9.8/3.5 million K2-11, 12.7/2.7 million K6-11 and 11.7/2.5 million T9-14.  The star-studded telecast scored the most votes in the show’s history—a record 200 million (+70%, over 2010) votes were cast across Nick.com, Nick’s mobile site, a brand-new iPhone application and for the first time ever, an iPad-optimized site, TeenNick.com and Nick’s Facebook page.  Nick.com celebrated its highest trafficked day ever on April 2, earning 42 million page views (+9%) and reaching over 2.2 million visitors across its website, mobile and tablet sites (+14%).  Additionally, the audience for the live simulcast of Countdown to Kids’ Choice across these digital platforms posted double-digit increases (+39%) over the previous year.

Once again, kids will pick the winners and get tons of Kids’ Choice Awards content online and across multiple devices.  http://www.nick.com/KCA12 will serve as the official site for the Kids’ Choice Awards with nominee information, voting, videos, celebrity photos, news, and Orange Carpet and backstage webcasts.  Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is more global than ever in 2012, seen in over 300 million households around the world.  Within hours of airing live in the United States and Canada, the show will roll out in additional international markets, providing kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show faster than ever. 

 In many international markets, the 2012 KCAs will feature country-specific award categories and nominees, such as Nickelodeon Italia’s Favorite Star and Nickelodeon UK’s Favorite Show.  Voting for the 2012 KCAs will span over six continents across 15 localized voting sites, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

Get Into the Ruckus with Premiere Episodes of “Russell Simmons Presents The Ruckus”

JB Smoove brings the Ruckus to the stage as he reunites with Russell Simmons to host “Russell Simmons Presents The Ruckus.”  The six half-hour episode series kicks off with two back-to-back episodes on Thursday, January 26 at 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on Comedy Central.

Simmons and Stan Lathan, the duo that created the genre-defining comedy show “Def Comedy Jam” and the previous Comedy Central hit “Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up At El Rey,” have once again joined forces for the stand-up series “Russell Simmons Presents The Ruckus.”  Each episode features the ever-talented Smoove and new material from a mix of rising stars and long time favorite comics, with music by DJ Cassidy.  As a new added bonus, viewers will also see Smoove at his best – performing in filmed sketches woven into each episode.  Other comics appearing in the series filmed at the Edison Ballroom in New York City include: David Arnold, Mike Britt, Capone, Dov Davidoff, Nore Davis, Earthquake, Ian Edwards, Damn Fool, Kareem Green, Tiffany Haddish, Leslie Jones, Damien Lemon, Tony Roberts, Tony Rock, Owen Smith, Chris Spencer, Rob Stapleton, and Wil Sylvince.

Executive producers are Simmons and Lathan, Lathan directed the series, Colored TV produced the series and JoAnn Grigioni is the Executive In Charge Of Production for Comedy Central.

cc.com/ruckus will be the digital home for “Russell Simmons Presents The Ruckus.”  The site will feature previews from upcoming episodes, highlights and sketches from past episodes as well as an exclusive digital series of video interviews of the cast members hosted by Tony Rock.  cc.com/ruckus will be the go-to-guide for information on Smoove, all of the featured comics and the series.

Previously, Smoove was the host of Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at the El Rey” and on Saturday, January 21 Smoove’s first one-hour Comedy Central original stand-up special, “JB Smoove: That’s How I Dooz It” will premiere at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.  He has also expanded his comedy footprint with the launch of www.TheRuckus.com, a comedy based website focused on original and branded comedy content.

Friday the 13th Gets Lucky With FEARnet’s Latest Sweepstakes

FEARnet.com, is passing around lucky charms on one of the unluckiest days of the year with its Friday the 13th Sweepstakes. Starting today through January 16, 2012 at 5 p.m. PT, movie fans can enter to win this luck-filled prize pack at FEARnet.com that would make even Jason Voorhees smile.   

FEARnet scares bad luck away, and will have fans feeling so lucky that they’ll no longer fear crossing paths with black cats, shattered mirrors, or walking under ladders.  The Friday the 13th pack includes: 

  • Sony Bravia Theater System
  • “Friday the 13th” (Extended Killer Kut) DVD
  • “Friday the 13th: The Ultimate Collection” (Parts I – VIII ) DVD with Jason’s Mask
  • “Freddy vs. Jason” DVD
  • “Jason Goes To Hell” DVD
  • “Jason X” DVD
  • FEARnet Swag

Fans can enter the Friday the 13th Sweepstakes starting today through January 16 at: http://www.fearnet.com/holidaysweepstakes. It is open to all residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older.  One entry per person per email address per day will be allowed. 

The Friday the 13th Sweepstakes is the latest addition to the list of amazing sweepstakes and giveaway events featured on FEARnet.com.  FEARnet also recently gave fans chances to win amazing prize packs with its Christmas Sweepstakes, and its trip giveaways to four of America’s most haunted cities including New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Essence Salutes 2012 GRAMMY®-Nominee Kelly Rowland & Music Industry Veteran Sylvia Rhone

Essence will celebrate 2012 GRAMMY® week with its 3rd annual ESSENCE Black Women in Music event honoring GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and rising icon Kelly Rowland and music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone on February 8, 2012 in Los Angeles.

The invitation-only, red-carpet event will bring out Hollywood’s elite to celebrate the accomplishments of the most influential movers and shakers in the music industry. The evening will feature an exclusive performance by Rowland and special guest GRAMMY® Award-winner Eve. The DJ for the evening will be the legendary MC Lytethe first female solo rapper to ever be nominated for a GRAMMY®.

“We’ve watched Kelly Rowland for over a decade grow from a teenage sensation into an international superstar. Her talent, drive and remarkable creative force show what it truly means to be a young powerhouse in an ever-changing industry,” said ESSENCE editor-in-chief Constance C.R. White. “Kelly embodies the ‘soul’ of young Black women through her music and we are proud to salute her dynamic contributions.”

Rowland is a global multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning artist who has sold over 60 million albums worldwide. Entering the industry as a part of one the world’s largest girl groups of our timeDestiny’s Childshe eventually branched out into a thriving solo career. Rowland also broke into the film and television industry, appearing in sitcoms and several big-screen hits. Most recently, she joined the judging panel on the eighth series of the British reality television competition The X Factor. Rowland is currently nominated for a 2012 GRAMMY® for her platinum single Motivation featuring Lil Wayne from her third solo album, Here I Am.

Rhone has succeeded for more than three decades as one of the most influential female executives in the history of the music business. Most recently, she served as President of Universal Motown Records, overseeing a roster of breakthrough, best-selling artists, platinum, and multi-platinum artists, Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Keith Sweat, Nelly, Melanie Fiona, Akon, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte and the legendary Stevie Wonder, among many others. Rhone has been honored with more than three dozen awards during her career, both from the music industry and the greater community.

 

Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle and others Headline Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” Music Festival

The lucky 7th year of the two-day Jazz in the Gardens music festival returns to Miami Gardens with an incredible line-up sure to put the audience at Sun Life Stadium on their feet on March 17 and 18, 2012.  Beginning Saturday, March 17, 2012, “Jazz in the Gardens” attendees will be treated to exhilarating performances by the queen of neo-soul Jill Scott, the soulful chart topping KEM, Ledisi who was recently named “the next Patti LaBelle by Patti LaBelle”, old school human beat box Doug E. Fresh and the timeless jazz superstar Ramsey Lewis. The Sunday, March 18, 2012 line up will feature the incomparable voice of the multi-platinum, nine time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige,  R & B legend Patti LaBelle, smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G, jazz guitarist Kevin Eubanks, formerly of The Tonight Show, and locally grown internationally recognized chanteuse Nicole Henry .

“Jazz in the Gardens” owes its success to a simple formula: a star-studded line-up, great food, extraordinarily affordable ticket prices and amazing weather. For the past six years the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth, consistently delivering stunning increases in attendance. The 2011 festival attracted over 48,000 music lovers, from the Caribbean, the United States and all over Florida, to the City of Miami Gardens

The 2011 “Jazz in the Gardens” featured performances from legendary artists including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Al Jarreau, Jazmine Sullivan, Gladys Knight, The Isley Brothers, EnVogue, Lalah Hathaway, Branford Marsalis and former New Edition members Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant. Previous years have included celebrated artists such as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Anthony Hamilton and Roy Ayers.

For more information about the 7th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens,” please call the general hotline at (877)-640-5299 or visit www.jazzinthegardens.com.

Rapper Maino Special Press Lounge in Chicago

On Saturday, December 10th Atlantic recording artist and rapper, Maino came to Chicago on his highly anticipated promo tour for his new single “Let it Fly” featuring Rosco Dash. Maino along with new R&B artist Shaun Mills attended a special press lounge at the PHLI Showroom hosted by Dave Jeff, owner of PHLI and DJ/Entertainer That’s Broadway.

A host of Chicago’s top music and entertainment media along with WGCI radio personalities UB Rodiquez and Connie attended the event. Guests enjoyed complimentary appetizers provided by Mama Green’s Goodies and cocktail bar hosted by The Amber Factor Elite and Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Photo by Jamila Webb

 

Shawn “Jay Z” Carter Sets the Stage for Evenings at Carnegie Hall

In his most intimate performances in years, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter will headline the first ever hip-hop focused series at Carnegie Hall, in the Stern Auditorium, raising millions for the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation on February 6, 2012 at 8:00pm and February 7, 2012 at 9:30pm. Concert goers will get a once in a lifetime experience as Jay Z takes the stage at the New York landmark to raise dollars that will help boost on-time graduation rates in underserved New York City schools and put college within reach for low-income students across the five boroughs.

“It’s every artist’s dream to play a venue as legendary as Carnegie Hall,” commented Shawn “Jay Z” Carter.  “The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and great thinkers makes for a legendary night.  I’m proud to be a part of the continuing work of United Way of New York City and expanding the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.”

Poverty has the strongest correlation to dropout rates. New York City has the largest income gap in the U.S., and thirty percent of children in New York City live in poverty. Because of statistics like these, coupled with the fact that thirty-nine percent of New York City students who enter high school will not graduate on time, United Way of New York City, The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and Shawn “Jay Z” Carter are engaging activists and philanthropists to provide resources and opportunities for students.

“United Way is dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers build better lives, and we know that the greatest antidote to poverty is education,” said Gordon J. Campbell, CEO, United Way of New York City.  “For more than 20 years, we have been active in early childhood centers and public schools, working with educators, families and students to address barriers to success inside and outside the classroom.  We are so pleased to partner with Jay Z and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, who share our belief that every child deserves a great education.”

“It will be a thrill to welcome Jay Z to Carnegie Hall as he joins an illustrious list of top popular artists who have appeared at the Hall throughout its history,” said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director.  “It’s wonderful that he and the United Way of New York City have come together with the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation for these performances, putting a spotlight on an important cause, creating greater access to higher education.”

Private ticket packages will go on sale Monday, December 12th. For information on these private sales, please visit www.unitedwaynyc.org or www.shawncartersf.com.

In addition, a limited number of single tickets will be offered to the public on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 11:00 AM (EST).   For more information on limited single tickets, please visit www.carnegiehall.org as of January 30.

Comedian Kevin Hart LAUGH AT MY PAIN Launches the Laughs on DVD January 17, 2012

LAUGH AT MY PAIN, the hilarious stand-up comedy film by actor/comedian Kevin Hart, is making its way home on DVD January 17, 2012, courtesy of Codeblack Entertainment (www.codeblack.com). On September 9, 2011, LAUGH AT MY PAIN released in theaters, and within 3 months, surpassed $7.7 million at the box office becoming the most successful film of the year opening in under 300 theaters.

LAUGH AT MY PAIN, independently distributed by Codeblack Entertainment, exceeded opening weekend expectations with an astonishing $1.9 million with limited release in only 97 AMC Theaters in 25 markets.

Millions of Kevin Hart fans, as well as collectors of great comedy stand-up films like Eddie Murphy’s Delirious and Raw or Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat , will want to own their very own copy of what Joshua Weaver of TheRoot.com calls “A non-stop thrill.”

Bonus features on the LAUGH AT MY PAIN DVD include: Hart’s full, unedited interview with Larry King (Larry King Live); “The Plastic Cup Boyz” sketch directed by Tim Story (Think Like A Man, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer) and cameo appearance by Academy Award® nominee Taraji P. Henson (Think Like A Man, CBS’ Person of Interest); and a sneak peek of the upcoming film Think Like A Man, with an introduction from Kevin Hart.