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HIP HOP BEHIND BARS: Lil Wayne to report to prison; holds "Going away party"
PIC: Lil Wayne to report to prison; holds "Going away party"
PIC: Lil Wayne to report to prison; throws "Going away party" last night with stars like Drake (below left); Julia Beverly (below right)
(BlackPressRadio.com) - He's come a long way from making black TV show host Reuben Armstrong cry at the inaugural edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards, but over the next year, he might be doing some crying himself.
That's because Grammy award winning rapper Lil Wayne was arrested in 2007 on gun charges, will be formally sentenced February 9, 2010 (tomorrow) and is expected to begin his jail sentence at Rikers Island in New York City immediately afterwards.
That's because Grammy award winning rapper Lil Wayne was arrested in 2007 on gun charges, will be formally sentenced February 9, 2010 (tomorrow) and is expected to begin his jail sentence at Rikers Island in New York City immediately afterwards.
Celebrity photographer and Ozone magazine publisher Julia Beverly caught up with rappers Young Money and others as they came out in support of Lil Wayne February 7 at Dolce for Wizzy's official “Going Away Party” in Miami.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwUgU99_R9s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwUgU99_R9s
To view our interviews with Lil Wayne and Julia Beverly visit the Black Press Channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/blackpress.
Alicia Keys OUTED on Wendy Williams Show
Long before Jon Grosslin and Tiger Woods made made celebrity affairs the new reality TV hot button, homewrecker Alicia Keys was been involved with married music producer Swizz Beats. Keys,who is often quoted for saying she's all about empowering Black women, has repeatedly denied any involvement.
But Keys was outed for her adultress affair on the December 15 episode of the Wendy Williams Show by lifestyle guru B. Smith and Wendy herself.
During a cooking segment, Wendy and Smith dished about partying with Keys and Swizz Beats and the bling that he gave her in front of the group while they were all out celebrating her birthday. Smith tried to regroup saying, "I was drinking...I can't remember," but confirming that she was at the event and indeed did see the couple being a couple.
Smith was on the show to promote her new book: B. Smith cooks southern style.
Ne-Yo's mom sets the record straight
Exclusive: Ne-Yo's mom speaks about new TV show
(BlackPressRadio) - Long before Lady GaGa and Adam Lambert stunned the world as openly gay musicians, the Internet buzzed that R&B superstar Ne-Yo was an in-the-closet homosexual. In fact, a bogus Essence magazine article claimed that the songwriting wonder had come out.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with BlackPressRadio's DC Livers, Ne-Yo's mother H. Loraine Smith breaks her silence and addresses rumors. Smith also discusses the trials and tribulations of being a single mother raising two children and her upcoming new talk show -Dinner Table Discussions - that will provide advice and inspiration nationwide. Celebrity moms Aliyah “Mama Pain” Najm, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist and actor T-Pain), Jacida Carter, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist Lil’ Wayne) and Smith have teamed up and will serve as co-hosts for their newly-created talk show, Dinner Table Discussions. The show is scheduled to launch in 2010.
Smith is a long-time child advocate and currently heads up Ne-Yo's Compound Foundation whose mission is to increase awareness about the status of children in the child welfare systemin America and to support and partner with residential care facilities through programs aimed at teaching entrepreneurship and life skillsthat will empower them to become productive, successful, independent adults.
The LIVE interview will air on BlackPodcasts.net and then will be re-ran on HipHopDx.com.
LISTEN LIVE NOW:
About Dinner Table Discussions co-hosts will present a quality and
informative program, yet entertaining that tackles hard-hitting topics,
current events, interviews and feature segments. DTD will provide
solutions to every day issues and aim to make a difference in their
viewers’ lives. They are committed to providing a show that will
enhance viewers educationally, economically, socially and culturally.
“Our vision is to be a premier talk show that delivers a creative and
informative format that assists viewers in educating and solving
challenging issues,” says Najm. “There are situations in our
communities, cities, states and even nationwide that people have made
us aware of and they want to resolve the issues, but they just don’t
know where to get help or how to properly handle certain issues,” says
Najm. Stay tune – Dinner Table Discussions is on its way. Web: www.dinnertablediscussions.com
(BlackPressRadio) - Long before Lady GaGa and Adam Lambert stunned the world as openly gay musicians, the Internet buzzed that R&B superstar Ne-Yo was an in-the-closet homosexual. In fact, a bogus Essence magazine article claimed that the songwriting wonder had come out.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with BlackPressRadio's DC Livers, Ne-Yo's mother H. Loraine Smith breaks her silence and addresses rumors. Smith also discusses the trials and tribulations of being a single mother raising two children and her upcoming new talk show -Dinner Table Discussions - that will provide advice and inspiration nationwide. Celebrity moms Aliyah “Mama Pain” Najm, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist and actor T-Pain), Jacida Carter, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist Lil’ Wayne) and Smith have teamed up and will serve as co-hosts for their newly-created talk show, Dinner Table Discussions. The show is scheduled to launch in 2010.
Smith is a long-time child advocate and currently heads up Ne-Yo's Compound Foundation whose mission is to increase awareness about the status of children in the child welfare systemin America and to support and partner with residential care facilities through programs aimed at teaching entrepreneurship and life skillsthat will empower them to become productive, successful, independent adults.
The LIVE interview will air on BlackPodcasts.net and then will be re-ran on HipHopDx.com.
LISTEN LIVE NOW:
Download | Duration: 00:18:17
About Dinner Table Discussions
T-Pain's mom speaks in interview with BlackPressRadio (Part 1)
EXCLUSIVE: Hip hop moms grant first U.S. interview to BlackPressRadio, announce new talk show in the works
(BlackPress.org) - In their first interview in the
Fromcougar confessions to an inside look at their celebrity sons to realtalk advice, even their sons will be surprised what these threeupcoming talk show moms have to say.
The multi-part series kicks off with ALIYAH NAJM aka "Mama Pain" on Monday, November 23 exclusively on BlackPressRadio.
Download | Duration: 00:20:45
Wendy Williams Show welcomes Black Press for mini-All Star Awards ceremony
 | 5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards Winners  (BlackPress.org)- It was a hair-raising event on the set of the Wendy Williams Show today as Black Press presented Wendy Williams with her official BlackPress All Star Awards plaque, gift basketand other gifts that included a high-end lace front courtesy of ForGirlsLikeUs, Inc. Williams incorporated one of the gifts (the lace front wig) into the show in a way that will be memorable to fans for a long time to come. "All I can say is you gotta see this episode," said DC Livers, managing editor for the Historical Black Press Foundation,which hosts the Black Press All Star Awards. "Wendy made the lace front a new character on her show. Of course, it was funny as can be, but it really showed how in touch she is with her audience. She did it in such a way that made you want more and more," Livers said. Livers presented the award to Williams who personally came over to say thank you during a commercial break. "It was a really fun morning filled with lots of dancing," said Livers."Wendy was gracious and funny and seemed to sincerely appreciate getting the award that was chosen for her by her media peers and fans,"Livers said. Wendy Williams Show welcomes Black Press for mini-All Star Awards ceremony Williams won for Best Black TV Show and People's Choice Award: Best Black Reality TV Star. "There are other mini-winner ceremonies plans in the coming weeks, so I hope that they will all be this much fun," Livers said. WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Missed the event? You can still see all of your favorite Black Press All Star winners in the sneak peek VIDEO on the Black Press Channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/blackpress. Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS: www.myspace.com/blackpress www.twitter.com/blackpressradio Website: www.BlackPress.org Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved. |
100 and counting...NAACP gets new theme song courtesy of established musican
New York City-based musican helps NAACP make history
(BlackPress.org) - Although the NAACP turned 100 this year, the future of the organization is in safe hands with the next genneration of the NAACP according to an established musican who mixes hip hop, funk and activism for a catchy new theme song honoring the legacy of the NAACP.
Hear the exclusive sneak peek exclusively on BlackPressRadio.com
Download | Duration: 00:05:12
MEDIA MUTINY at NAACP convention: Did NAACP infringe on the Freedom of the Press?
Did NAACP infringe on the Freedom of the Press?
International Media mutiny on the horizon behind-the-scenes of NAACP Convention
(BlackPress.org) - International journalists from around the world have convened in New York City for the NAACP's 100th Anniversary, but a different story is brewing behind-the-scenes. Journalists from France, Africa, and other countries are feeling "squeezed out" by the NAACP who are refusing the media's access to major events and workshops.
Journalists are forced to leave the hotel to obtain water and food, missing key events. Four out of five of the computers made available in the Working Press room do not have a working Internet connection. Ironically, points out Abbey Muneer, a reporter for Liberty News, the staff computers work and have active Internet connection.
Food is available in the room but a sign posted reading "Staff only" sets the tone for the environment in the media room. By Thursday, when President Barack Obama speaks at the NAACP there could be a media mutiny, if things are not improved.
What's odd is that Benjamin Jealous was once a journalist, sort of, so he should have a clear understanding of the needs of the working press. Jealous used to head up NNPA's news service.
Reporters from CBS, Washington Post, BBC, Orbite Television, a Black-focused news outlet from Paris, France and other media outlets as far away as Japan and The Netherlands are on hand for the event, but few are finding the effort worth their time.
"We're not coming back tomorrow or Thursday," Muneer said.
"[The Media representatives] who are charged with handling the media room are walking around the media room without shoes, they ran out of press badges and the staff seems more interested in the after parties than helping the press get their stories," Muneer said. "It's very upseting."
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.
International Media mutiny on the horizon behind-the-scenes of NAACP Convention
(BlackPress.org) - International journalists from around the world have convened in New York City for the NAACP's 100th Anniversary, but a different story is brewing behind-the-scenes. Journalists from France, Africa, and other countries are feeling "squeezed out" by the NAACP who are refusing the media's access to major events and workshops.
Journalists are forced to leave the hotel to obtain water and food, missing key events. Four out of five of the computers made available in the Working Press room do not have a working Internet connection. Ironically, points out Abbey Muneer, a reporter for Liberty News, the staff computers work and have active Internet connection.
Food is available in the room but a sign posted reading "Staff only" sets the tone for the environment in the media room. By Thursday, when President Barack Obama speaks at the NAACP there could be a media mutiny, if things are not improved.
What's odd is that Benjamin Jealous was once a journalist, sort of, so he should have a clear understanding of the needs of the working press. Jealous used to head up NNPA's news service.
Reporters from CBS, Washington Post, BBC, Orbite Television, a Black-focused news outlet from Paris, France and other media outlets as far away as Japan and The Netherlands are on hand for the event, but few are finding the effort worth their time.
"We're not coming back tomorrow or Thursday," Muneer said.
"[The Media representatives] who are charged with handling the media room are walking around the media room without shoes, they ran out of press badges and the staff seems more interested in the after parties than helping the press get their stories," Muneer said. "It's very upseting."
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.
Rev. Al Sharpton helps NAACP kicks off its 100th Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in NYC
Breaking News: Michael Jackson left Beatles, Elvis Pressley catalogs to mother Katherine in his will, says Rev. Sharpton at NAACP 100th Celebration
(BlackPress.org) -
NAACP kicks off its 100th Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in NYC with a religious brunch with Rev. Al Sharpton, a fashion show at the Women in the NAACP luncheon that featured a tribute performance to the Jackson 5.
Sharpton make major news over the past two weeks for his work with Michael Jackson's family following the super star's June 25, 2009 death in California. Speaking to a sold out audience at the July 12 NAACP Gospel Brunch, Sharpton told the audience "They never thought that a little Black boy would grow up to leave all this money and assets to his mama when Michael Jackson started," Sharpton said. (Audio coming soon).
(BlackPress.org) -
NAACP kicks off its 100th Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in NYC with a religious brunch with Rev. Al Sharpton, a fashion show at the Women in the NAACP luncheon that featured a tribute performance to the Jackson 5.
Sharpton make major news over the past two weeks for his work with Michael Jackson's family following the super star's June 25, 2009 death in California. Speaking to a sold out audience at the July 12 NAACP Gospel Brunch, Sharpton told the audience "They never thought that a little Black boy would grow up to leave all this money and assets to his mama when Michael Jackson started," Sharpton said. (Audio coming soon).
| Download | Duration: 00:31:13
BET Awards 2009: Ciara breaks down, Black media outlets cry foul
Watershed of tears stops Ciara press conference at 2009 BET Awards
Singer manages to resume interviews
Disclaimer: This podcast interview was taken from our archives of a previous event.
Uncut and Unedited: Does the BET Awards discriminate? Decide for yourself.
Watch the video at www.youtube.com/blackpress
(BlackPress.org)- To be sure, this year's BET Awards was an emotional night for all whoattended but for some celebrities and Black media outlets, June 28,2009 was more emotional than ever.
Many Black-owned mediaoutlets complained that Black Entertainment Television's owner Viacom,Inc. either blacked them out of the opportunity to cover the historictribute to the Michael Jackson or didn't give them fair treatment at the event.
Outletslike Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, People and Billboardmagazine all had access to rehearsals, celebrities, special events,after parties and more, claim the Black media outlets. The Chicago Defender,which is 5 minutes away from Jackson's hometown of Gary, IN, did nothave a representative at the event. To add insult to injury, theChicago Defender was forced to run AP videos of the event on itswebsite.
This isn't the first time that BET was accused ofplaying racial favorites at the awards show. At the inaugural BET HipHop Awards show in Atlanta, GA, Black journalists were so enraged withBET's alleged treatment toward White-owned and mainstream media outletsthat some actually packed up their gear and left before the event wasover.
"As managing editor for the Historical Black PressFoundation which works with 450 Black-owned media outlets and the hostof BlackPressRadio's podcast series, I'm often caught in the middle. I see how hard the media relations staff works to pull off the nations largest award show, but I also understand the challenges of the Black Press,"said DC Livers who regularly covers events hosted by Black-owned ororiented media outlets like the BET Awards. "But, when it was announced thatBET was reformatting its show to accommodate the Michael Jackson tragedy, myphone blew up with text messages, calls and Tweets asking why membersof the traditional Black Press weren't being allowed to cover theevent."
During the first week of May 2009, BlackPressRadiocontacted the media department for BET and was told that the companywas "making some changes" and that the media credentialing process forthis year's event would done "by invitation only." BET also angeredmany with their decision to switch the event from the last Tuesday ofJune to a Sunday night. Even normal BET Awards host Mo'Nique missed achance to do her Beyonce/Sasha Fierce impression when she realized shewouldn't attend the event due to a previously scheduled performance atthe Beacon Theatre in New York City. Jamie Foxx was given the job ofhosting the event in her absence.
"I knew that would meantrouble for our membership, but BET pays millions to pull this eventoff. It's their party and they can kinda invite who they want. But, ifthe company can rip apart an entire stage, revamp an entire awards showand pull off the music industry's first tribute to Michael Jackson in48 hours, it ought to be able to find a way to make sure Black-ownedmedia outlets have a seat at the table," Livers said.
"Blackjournalists repping White-owned and mainstream media outlets is not thesame as making sure that America's Black Press has equal access to thathistoric event."
Livers said that in order to try to preventfuture misunderstandings, some of the publishers and supporters likeDavid Parks, whose father Gordon co-founded Essence magazine, will seeka meeting with Viacom's brass to address their concerns and form anaction plan for the future. The group hopes the meeting take placebefore the upcoming "SOS: Can We Save the Black Press" town hallmeeting in Harlem in September, just weeks prior to the BET Hip HopAwards.
"This year HBPF celebrates its 10th anniversary ofenhancing the Black Press through technology, helping Black-owned mediaoutlets find a presence on the Web and increase their competitivenature using the Internet,but when it comes to many of Viacom producedevents like the BET Awards it's like the 60s. Hopefully, the meetingwill help quell the growing tension," Livers said.
In related news, R&B sensation Ciara,23, who wore a Black and gold military style jacked in honor of thelate King of Pop, broke down in tears at her post-performance pressconference at last night's BET Awards.
"[Michael Jackson] wasdoing a song for Hurricane Katrina and he wanted me to be a part ofit," she said. She missed the call when she didn't hear the phone ring.
Ciaraperformed Jackson's 1991 hit 'Heal the World' told reporters,"For me,[Michael Jackson] was the reason why I perform. He means that much,"she said.
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
SOS: Can We Save the Black Press Town hall meeting
REGISTER NOW: www.acteva.com/go/blackpress
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio (3 year anniversary)
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.
Singer manages to resume interviews
Disclaimer: This podcast interview was taken from our archives of a previous event.
Uncut and Unedited: Does the BET Awards discriminate? Decide for yourself.
| Download | Duration: 00:27:05
Watch the video at www.youtube.com/blackpress
(BlackPress.org)- To be sure, this year's BET Awards was an emotional night for all whoattended but for some celebrities and Black media outlets, June 28,2009 was more emotional than ever.
Many Black-owned mediaoutlets complained that Black Entertainment Television's owner Viacom,Inc. either blacked them out of the opportunity to cover the historictribute to the Michael Jackson or didn't give them fair treatment at the event.
Outletslike Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, People and Billboardmagazine all had access to rehearsals, celebrities, special events,after parties and more, claim the Black media outlets. The Chicago Defender,which is 5 minutes away from Jackson's hometown of Gary, IN, did nothave a representative at the event. To add insult to injury, theChicago Defender was forced to run AP videos of the event on itswebsite.
This isn't the first time that BET was accused ofplaying racial favorites at the awards show. At the inaugural BET HipHop Awards show in Atlanta, GA, Black journalists were so enraged withBET's alleged treatment toward White-owned and mainstream media outletsthat some actually packed up their gear and left before the event wasover.
"As managing editor for the Historical Black PressFoundation which works with 450 Black-owned media outlets and the hostof BlackPressRadio's podcast series, I'm often caught in the middle. I see how hard the media relations staff works to pull off the nations largest award show, but I also understand the challenges of the Black Press,"said DC Livers who regularly covers events hosted by Black-owned ororiented media outlets like the BET Awards. "But, when it was announced thatBET was reformatting its show to accommodate the Michael Jackson tragedy, myphone blew up with text messages, calls and Tweets asking why membersof the traditional Black Press weren't being allowed to cover theevent."
During the first week of May 2009, BlackPressRadiocontacted the media department for BET and was told that the companywas "making some changes" and that the media credentialing process forthis year's event would done "by invitation only." BET also angeredmany with their decision to switch the event from the last Tuesday ofJune to a Sunday night. Even normal BET Awards host Mo'Nique missed achance to do her Beyonce/Sasha Fierce impression when she realized shewouldn't attend the event due to a previously scheduled performance atthe Beacon Theatre in New York City. Jamie Foxx was given the job ofhosting the event in her absence.
"I knew that would meantrouble for our membership, but BET pays millions to pull this eventoff. It's their party and they can kinda invite who they want. But, ifthe company can rip apart an entire stage, revamp an entire awards showand pull off the music industry's first tribute to Michael Jackson in48 hours, it ought to be able to find a way to make sure Black-ownedmedia outlets have a seat at the table," Livers said.
"Blackjournalists repping White-owned and mainstream media outlets is not thesame as making sure that America's Black Press has equal access to thathistoric event."
Livers said that in order to try to preventfuture misunderstandings, some of the publishers and supporters likeDavid Parks, whose father Gordon co-founded Essence magazine, will seeka meeting with Viacom's brass to address their concerns and form anaction plan for the future. The group hopes the meeting take placebefore the upcoming "SOS: Can We Save the Black Press" town hallmeeting in Harlem in September, just weeks prior to the BET Hip HopAwards.
"This year HBPF celebrates its 10th anniversary ofenhancing the Black Press through technology, helping Black-owned mediaoutlets find a presence on the Web and increase their competitivenature using the Internet,but when it comes to many of Viacom producedevents like the BET Awards it's like the 60s. Hopefully, the meetingwill help quell the growing tension," Livers said.
In related news, R&B sensation Ciara,23, who wore a Black and gold military style jacked in honor of thelate King of Pop, broke down in tears at her post-performance pressconference at last night's BET Awards.
"[Michael Jackson] wasdoing a song for Hurricane Katrina and he wanted me to be a part ofit," she said. She missed the call when she didn't hear the phone ring.
Ciaraperformed Jackson's 1991 hit 'Heal the World' told reporters,"For me,[Michael Jackson] was the reason why I perform. He means that much,"she said.
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
SOS: Can We Save the Black Press Town hall meeting
REGISTER NOW: www.acteva.com/go/blackpress
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio (3 year anniversary)
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.
Michael Jackson's death prompts mad celebrity rush to L.A. to honor Michael Jackson at ASCAP and BET Awards
LIVE from L.A. (Part 3)
BREAKING NEWS: Alicia Keys, Smokey Robinson honored at ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, Michael Jackson led topic discussion
Another highlight was the special tribute to music legend Smokey Robinson, who was honored with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in recognition of "his achievements as a songwriter and artist who has written an enduring chapter in American musical history and whose songs have inspired generations. " Following a video presentation illustrating Robinson's outstanding career, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams co-presented the award. The tribute culminated with stellar performances by R&B superstar Ne-Yo, R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter Kelly Price, new J Records artist CJ, and Australia's most popular vocal group Human Nature,who sang a selection of Robinson's biggest hits. Past recipients ofASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award include Earth, Wind &Fire; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Bill Withers.
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.
BREAKING NEWS: Alicia Keys, Smokey Robinson honored at ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, Michael Jackson led topic discussion
NEW! Watch the Video Report: www.youtube.com/blackpress
(BlackPressRadio. com) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. BlackPressRadio provided LIVE red carpet coverage of the event. Photos and video will be available at noon today.
The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables, paid special tribute to Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys,and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAPsongs on the 2008 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.
But none of the stars could wait to discuss their love for the late songwriter/singer Michael Jackson.
Sidebar
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CD hailed by Rolling Stone as best ever!
To see the interview with Rhymefest for the Michael Jackson tribute CD, visit http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=qmU0ZzhvDBI
Top awards were handed out to: Click here for the complete list of winners.
(BlackPressRadio. com) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. BlackPressRadio provided LIVE red carpet coverage of the event. Photos and video will be available at noon today.
The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables, paid special tribute to Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys,and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAPsongs on the 2008 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.
But none of the stars could wait to discuss their love for the late songwriter/singer Michael Jackson.
Singer/Songwriter Ne-Yogot emotional when asked his thoughts on Jackson's passing. Keeping hishead down and speaking low, Ne-Yo said, "I just can't understand howthis could happen to Mike."
A visibly shaken Barry Gordon, who headed up Motown and introduced The Jackson 5 to the world, couldn't talk at all and bypassed the red carpet interview session with the press as he rushed into the event.
Sidebar
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CD hailed by Rolling Stone as best ever!
To see the interview with Rhymefest for the Michael Jackson tribute CD, visit http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=qmU0ZzhvDBI
Top awards were handed out to: Click here for the complete list of winners.
- Songwriters of the Year: Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream
- Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing
- Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song: " Like You'll Never See Me Again"
- Top Rap Song: "Lollipop"
- Top Gospel Song: "I Trust You"
One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of ASCAP's Golden Note Award to Alicia Keys, which is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Gabby Wilson, an 11-year old musical prodigy, performed in honor of Keys, and Paul Williamspresented the prestigious award to the 12-time Grammy Award winner.Past recipients of ASCAP's Golden Note Award include Sean "Diddy"Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.
Another highlight was the special tribute to music legend Smokey Robinson, who was honored with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in recognition of "his achievements as a songwriter and artist who has written an enduring chapter in American musical history and whose songs have inspired generations. " Following a video presentation illustrating Robinson's outstanding career, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams co-presented the award. The tribute culminated with stellar performances by R&B superstar Ne-Yo, R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter Kelly Price, new J Records artist CJ, and Australia's most popular vocal group Human Nature,who sang a selection of Robinson's biggest hits. Past recipients ofASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award include Earth, Wind &Fire; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Bill Withers.
SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.