E-Spire Entertainment News

Black. White.
THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD



From Executive Producer Ice Cube Comes The Ultimate Reality Show,
An Explosive And Intriguing Series
Debuting On DVD September 12th From Fox Home Entertainment

CENTURY CITY, Calif. - From Emmy-winning producer R. J. Cutler* ("The War Room") and hip hop legend Ice Cube ( Boyz N The Hood ) comes "Black. White.," the provocative and insightful six-episode docudrama that redefined reality television. Arriving on DVD September 12 from Fox Home Entertainment, this groundbreaking series set the nation abuzz when two families - through the use of extensive makeup - trade races for six weeks. While three members of the Caucasian Wurgel family appeared black and three members of the African-American Sparks family appeared white, the ensuing sociological (and cosmetological) experiment was anything but black-and-white: finally answering the question, "What is it like to live in someone else's skin?" Ranking as the highest-rated unscripted series to ever premier on cable, this critically acclaimed show arrives on DVD laden with extras, including Ice Cube's "Black. White." music video, a behind-the-scenes featurette on "Black. White." makeup application, audio commentary by producers and cast, an educational DVD-ROM study guide created by University of California Santa Barbara race relations expert Dr. Howard Winant and much more. The two-disc set will be available to own for $26.98 US/$37.98 Canada.

*2001 - Emmy, Outstanding Non-Fiction Program (Reality) for "American High"

Synopsis:What is it like to live in someone else's skin? Find out by watching this fascinating series in which the African-American Sparks family (Brian, Renee and 16-year-old Nick) trades places with the Caucasian Wurgel family (Bruno, Carmen and 17-year-old Rose) thanks to an incredible visual transformation created by Hollywood make-up artists. The two families agree to share a home for the duration of a six-week social experiment that will challenge their beliefs and core values in ways they could have never imagined. Their unscripted experiences are often explosive, always intriguing and ultimately insightful – resulting in a totally unique cultural perspective that's anything but black-and-white!

DVD Episodes and Special Features:
The "Black. White." DVD collection includes all six episodes, Ice Cube's original "Black. White." Music video, footage from Rose's poetry slam, a "Black. White." make-up application featurette, commentaries from both the participants and the producers and a DVD-ROM featuring study guides to be used in conjunction with the DVD allowing teachers to further race relations education in the classroom. The series is presented in 1:33:1 aspect ratio on two discs with English Stereo Sound.

For Immediate Release

Literary Wonders!
PO BOX 1631
Little Elm, TX 75068
Contact: Yolanda M. Johnson
Email: info@literarywonder s.com

Crimes of Passion: The Anthology is a collection of true to life stories
that portray the extent of what some will go in the name of love and lust.
The saying that love is blind is true when it comes to some of these
characters because they lose all sight of reality when it comes to the
opposite sex. They prove that there is nothing they wouldn't do for love or
lust and that includes, lying, stealing, cheating and sometimes even murder.

Crimes of Passion: The Anthology is edited by John Wooden and told by twelve
magnificent authors. Some are established authors, some are first time
authors. They include: Beyond the Blood by T.L. Gardner, The Snow Globe by
Sydney Molare, Elijah's Chariot by Gregory Townes, Trust by Rhonda M.
Lawson, Prince Charming by Cherry Hampton, Ask No Questions by John Wooden,
Hide and Seek by Yolanda M. Johnson, Reappearing Acts by L.J. Wilson, I'm In
Love With a Stripper by Vincent Alexandria, The Plateau of Pleasure by
Deanna Michelle Smith, S.E.X. by T. Belinda Williams and Online Illusions by
Jana Jay.

Delta Reviewer gives "Crimes of Passion" 5 Stars. This anthology is a deep
character study of relationships that uncover the thin line between love and
hate.. the stories flow easily with fast paced action, suspense and steamy
love scenes that turn this into a must read blockbuster of the summer! Kudos
to all the authors featured in this work..

~~Monique Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year

A night of reading will never be the same after you pick up "Crimes of
Passion." Each story was intriguing and you'll be sorry to see the stories
end. I look forward to reading other works by the various authors.

~~Shelia M. Goss, Essence Bestselling author of My Invisible Husband

Format: Trade Paperback, 238 pages, 6x9
Publisher: Literary Wonders!
Published: June 2006
Release Date: September 25, 2006
ISBN: 0-9770403-5- 6
Price: $12.95.00 US
Scheduled Online Availability:
Literary Wonders, Amazon.
Scheduled Distribution:
Ingram Book Company, Baker & Taylor and Amazon

For Immediate Release

Literary Wonders!
PO BOX 1631
Little Elm, TX 75068
Contact: Yolanda M. Johnson
Email: info@literarywonders.com

2nd Annual Scholarship Project
This year’s focus is Faith

This contest is open to the following age groups:

Ages 8-10
Prize: $25 Scholarship

Ages 11-13
Prize: $50 Scholarship

Ages 14-16
Prize: $100 Scholarship

Ages 17-21
Prize: $200 Scholarship

Submission guidelines: All entrants must submit an essay that explains and exemplifies their views on, and the importance of faith in today's worldly destruction and disasters. Essays should also include what the student's solution would be to a more peaceful and safer world.

The essay must be doubled spaced and typed with a black 12-point basic font. (No fancy fonts). Entrants must type their name, date, word count and contact information (i.e. address or e-mail address and phone number) and age in the upper right hand corner of the page. Each page must be numbered. Cover pages are okay.

Entrants will be judged on sincerity, creativity, originality, grammar and structure.

Submissions that are not specific with guidelines will automatically be eliminated. Submissions that are clearly not written by students (and not someone else) will automatically be eliminated. If you would like your essay returned, please also include a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope). Any submissions without a SASE will not be returned.

Word Count:

Ages 8-10 (100-250)

Ages 11-13 (500-700)

Ages 14-16 (1000-2000)

Ages 17-21 (2500-5000)

In addition to a scholarship, the winning submission will be featured on Literary Wonders!, AMAG Online! And submitted to various other media outlets. The top 10 best essays will be featured in a future anthology project.

This contest is open to all United States MINORITY Citizens fitting the specified age groups.

Deadline for submissions is December 31, 2006.

Send submissions to:

Literary Wonders!
Scholarship Contest
PO BOX 1631
Little Elm, TX 75068

For questions, please email scholarships@literarywonders.com. Please no phone calls.

2K SPORTS ANNOUNCES NBA 2K7 VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK:
Dan the Automator Produces 12 Original and Exclusive Tracks Featuring A Tribe Called Quest, Fabolous, Ghostface, Mos Def, E-40, Lupe Fiasco and more!

2K Sports/Decon Records
In Stores Now

Dan The Automator:
"From the start, I was interested of exploring the various facets of today's Hip Hop. It was a matter of making their style match mine, without forcing the rappers into what they don't sound like and at the same time keeping the record a continuous work. I think we did a great job. Someone from the Bay Area like E40 comes off equally as interesting as someone from the East Coast like Ghostface or someone from the South like Slim Thug."

Elevating the music integration beyond the soundtrack is 2K Sports' reuniting of A Tribe Called Quest who are also headlining the 2nd Annual 2K Sports Bounce Tour in support of NBA 2K7. The tour kicks off September 1st in Detroit. In addition, select-featured artists appear in the game as playable characters, including Phife from A Tribe Called Quest, Dan The Automator, and Slim Thug, among others.

Dan The Automator feat. Ghostface & A.G. of D.I.T.C. - "2K007"Real

Dan The Automator feat. Hieroglyphics - "Don't Hate The Player" Real

The New Album Beautiful Awakening Released on Virgin Records in Stores January 16th, 2007

The stunning and soulful Stacie Orrico shot up the charts back in 2003, her self titled album spun two top 10 singles and sold over 3 million copies. Her dazzling voice and a rare maturity enabled her to walk away from a remarkable career three years ago to rediscover who she was and what, and whom, really mattered to her. Stacie Orrico's elegant new album, the soulful, R&B-powered Beautiful Awakening, tells the story of that journey, which has landed her where she is today: in control of her life and career for the first time.

"I'm Not Missing You"

Real Player
Windows Media

Count Bass D Wants You To Act Your Waist Size
Nashville rapper and multi-instrumentalist continues to push boundaries of hip-hop



(Brooklyn, NY) Dwight Farrell, aka Count Bass D, will release his fourth full-length album on FatBeats Records. Entitled Act Your Waist Size, the album is filled with 20 genre-defying tracks that serve as further proof that the Count has never been one to linger within the confines of convention in the cut-and-dry music industry.

On Act Your Waist Size, Count Bass D once again demonstrates his unique ability to showcase various styles in a hip-hop context. In addition to his trademark boom-bap and instrumental tracks, he reinterprets two 19th century standards, sings a self-penned ballad, and offers his version of the southern sound. Lead single "Junkies (Hanging Out At The Store)" rides on a laid back southern bass line while new-wave keyboards percolate over the top. Second single "Internationally Known" comes in at just under 2 minutes and features Count flowing over a jazzy glissando loop backed by toy-like drums. Given the success of artists like Outkast and Gnarls Barkley, it's clear that creativity from a rap artist can be embraced by a larger audience, but you won't find Count Bass D worrying about such trends. No, he's busy just being one of many musicians trying to make it in Music City USA, and he's doing it his way.

Act Your Waist Size will be released nationally on FatBeats Records on October 17th.

###

MP3 links:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Count/junkies.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Count/internationallyknown.mp3

This time the interviewer is the interviewee @ Literary Diva Stacy Deanne's Site:
http://www.stacy-deanne.net/work3.htm

FIRST 200 ABSOLUTE JANET JACKSON "FANATICS" WIN RESERVED SEATING AT A SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE IN NYC ON 9/29! All are welcome, but only a few deserve the reserved seats ;)



To enter to win your reserved seat, please send an email no later than 6PM EST, Tuesday, September 26th to janetperformancetix@yahoo.com. Your email should include:

-Your full name

-Your phone number

-Your date of birth (18 and older guys, sorry)

-You must type this out beneath your date of birth: "If I win this reserved seat to see the fabulous Janet Jackson perform and promote her new album 20 Y.O. (releasing on 9/26), I PROMISE that I can be in New York on 9/29 between 5:30 and 6:30 AM EST for the show. I also authorize Virgin Records to email me in the future for Janet Jackson related news only."

-And lastly, please provide us with the reason(s) why you should be in the list of the first 200 ABSOLUTE Janet Jackson fanatics with reserved seats.
This is your chance to share how much you love your girl Janet Jackson!
("Cuz I think she's cute" won't cut it guys!)

You will ONLY be notified if you won 1 of the 200 reserved seats. If you are chosen as a winner YOU MUST HAVE LEGAL ID FOR ADMISSION TO THE SHOW!

This contest is brought to you by Virgin Records

LIONEL RICHIE'S COMING HOME ALBUM DEBUTS AT #6
HISTORIC FIRST TOP 10 ALBUM DEBUT OF HIS CAREER!!!
NEW ALBUM ON ISLAND RECORDS FEATURES "I CALL IT LOVE" #1 ADULT R&B CROSSOVER HIT
NY Times Arts cover story: "Lionel Richie Gets His Groove Back … vintage Richie"

Lionel Richie, legendary singer, songwriter, producer and five-time Grammy award-winning Island recording artist charts another historic achievement today, as his brand new album COMING HOME sells over 75,000 copies in its first week out, to debut at #6 - the first top 10 album debut of his 24-year solo career. The news comes just three weeks before the opening of his 4-week, 17-city headlining North American tour sponsored by United Way - which kicks off October 27th at the Music Hall in Detroit, and wrap up at the Paramount in Oakland, CA on November 25th.

COMING HOME features the #1 Billboard Adult R&B hit I Call It Love (written and produced by Stargate) – his first #1 hit at the Adult R&B format. The song is entering its third month at six different radio formats - Adult R&B, Adult Contemporary, Pop, Rhythmic Top 40, Urban Mainstream, and Smooth Jazz.

The video for I Call It Love, shot in Los Angeles by director Jessey Terrero and star­ring Nicole Richie, premiered on aolmusic.com in August, where it was played nearly 100,000 times in 24 hours. The video is playing on VH1 and BET.

"Lionel Richie Gets His Groove Back," raved the New York Times Arts Section cover story last week, characterizing COMING HOME as "vintage Richie." The new album, his long-awaited third album on Island Records, featuring nine songs written/co-written by Richie, is an all-star collaboration with today's most prolific contemporary hitmakers, including Jermaine Dupri, Raphael Saadiq, Dallas Austin, Sean Garrett, Chuckii Booker, and others.

GET A "LIONEL IS MY FRIEND" T-SHIRT

Get a FREE "LIONEL IS MY FRIEND" T-Shirt. Just add "I Call It Love" to your homepage & add him to your top 8 friends. 25 Grand Prize winners get the autographed album booklet. See more details and enter here:
http://www6.islandrecords.com/site/promo/contest/lionel_richie/myspace/lionel_contest.html

Check out Lionel's Space at: www.myspace.com/lionelrichie

LIONEL RICHIE "COMING HOME" TOUR DATES

Pre-Order your tickets now to benefit United Way:
http://www.tickets-for-charity.com/landing-richie.html

Fri 10/27: Music Hall - Detroit, MI

Sun 10/29: Sears Centre - Hoffman Estates, IL
Mon 10/30: Roy Thomson Hall - Toronto

Fri 11/3: Constitution Hall - Washington, DC

Sat 11/4: Borgata Events Center - Atlantic City, NJ

Sun 11/5: Symphony Hall - Baltimore, MD

Tue 11/7: NJ Performing Arts Center - Newark, NJ

Wed 11/8: Beacon Theater - New York, NY

Fri 11/10: Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT

Sat 11/11: Opera House - Boston, MA
Sun 11/12: Tower - Philadelphia, PA
Wed 11/15: Fox Theater - Atlanta, GA
Fri 11/17: Cypress Bayou Casino - Charenton, LA
Sat 11/18: Cypress Bayou Casino - Charenton, LA
Sun 11/19: The Sinatra Theatre at Bank Atlantic Center - Sunrise, FL
Fri 11/24: Kodak Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sat 11/25: Paramount Theater - Oakland, CA

ENTER HERE for a chance to Meet & Greet Lionel Richie at an upcoming PRIVATE event:
http://win.islandrecords.com/lionelrichie/thinktankmktg

Newly signed to Warner Bros Records, R&B legend Brian McKnight will release his 10th album appropriately entitled "10" this November.



Hear the first single "Used To Be My Girl."
Windows

Quicktime

Click on the link to read an exclusive e-Spire interview with Sammie:
http://e-spire.blogspot.com/2006/08/few-words-with-sammie.html

"You Should Be My Girl" Desert Storm Remix
REAL MEDIA

WINDOWS MEDIA

Six Degrees of Bob Dylan Promotion Launches in Celebration of New Album, Modern Times
Internet Wide Game Creates a Public Forum for Pop Culture Trivia

LOS ANGELES, CA (Fanscape) -- Columbia Records along with StumbleUpon.com, HarpMagazine.com, PerformingSongwriter.com, PopMatters.com, Relix.com and Fanscape have launched a new contest wherein entrants are asked to link Bob Dylan with other pop culture icons (Condoleezza Rice, Bob Marley, etc) a la Kevin Bacon's namesake "six degrees of separation." The Six Degrees of Bob Dylan contest has been created in celebration of Dylan's prolific career that has spanned five decades throughout countless cultural and political shifts. Taking a new twist on an old game, Six Degrees of Bob Dylan offers a digital platform forum for the cream of the pop culture know-it-all crop to prove their worth.

The contest page is being hosted online at http://www.coudal.com/dylan/. The site will be updated with a new question every few days and for each question a winner with a correct entry in the shortest amount of steps will be sent a copy of Modern Times. Everyone with a correct entry will be eligible to the grand prize of Dylan's Columbia Records discography, 47 in total.
Visit the website to find out more.

About Modern Times:
Bob Dylan's latest release Modern Times, was released on August 29th and debuted as #1 Billboard. This is his first since Love and Theft which made the Billboard top five in 2001.

Cadillac Don and J Money
Look At Me
IN STORES November 7
Asylum Records

The history of Southern hip hop is replete with duos that have made an indelible mark on rap music and popular culture. Over the years, legendary artists such as UGK, Outkast, Eightball & MJG have moved crowds as well as millions of units while, at the same time, helping to set the foundation for the current explosion of Southern hip hop.

"We have listened to music all our lives and groups like Eightball & MJG and UGK have been nothing but and inspiration to us! We feel like we want to continue the history and continue to take hip hop to another level along with these other great artist that have pave the way for us," says Cadillac Don. "We started out a lot like those groups hussling trying to become heard by someone who would just give us a chance!"

Born in the Northern Mississippi town of Crawford Mississippi, a small country town where everybody's knows everybody, both Cadillac Don (AKA Donald Sharp) and J. Money (AKA: Tiyon Rogers) grew up poor in single parent homes where music like blues and r & b took center stage in their lives, but as the two childhood friends grew older they soon gravitated toward hip hop. Cadillac Don list hip hop stalwarts like Big Daddy Kane as his chief influences while J. Money cites LL Cool J and Tupac as major influences.

Cadillac Don say his love for hip hop was so strong coming up that at the age of six he and his older brother would sneak out the house and hit the streets at night break-dancing in front of adults for money.

After finishing high school both guys attended college with full scholarships for baseball. They also pursued professional baseball, but the prospect didn't appeal to either one of them. An injury sidelined J. Money's dream, while the lure of a steady job as a high school art teacher benched Cadillac Don. While their dreams of becoming big time pro ball players didn't prosper the two decided to continue to develop their rap skills with the hope of one day becoming rap superstars.

"In my free time I was developing and typing raps between classes," says Cadillac Don, whose name is derived from his love of classic Cadillac cars-according to him he owns three of them. "I often said that being a black man from Mississippi I would have to make a choice that is either jail or make something of myself, so I followed my dream and, shortly I met Big Fruit, the producer, and he began showing me things on the keyboard and how to work the Triton and Pro Tools. After a short period of time I started learning to record myself."

Meanwhile his partner in rhyme was a member of a rap group called The Crawford Boys. The group became one of the town’s most popular groups. While enjoying his time with the group, J. Money decided to pursue a career as a soloist. That's when Cadillac Don introduced him to Big Fruit.

"My man Cadillac hooked up with Big Fruit," says J. Money. "He always asks me to come by the studio but I was too busy. One day I decided to go by there, and when I heard the beats I thought they were unreal. I was like with his beats, my hype and Cadillac's flow we could go somewhere."

Initially Cadillac and J were going to be solo rappers, but because they were such good friends they would often do guest appearances on each other's songs. "We would sound so good on each other's songs that Big Fruit suggested that we should be a group," says Cadillac Don. "That's how we became a duo."

Under Big Fruit's direction the duo begin to carve out a unique sound that captured the ears of rap fans through out North Mississippi. Their sound also caught the attention of 35/35 Entertainment's CEO Clarence Weatherspoon, a native of Crawford Mississippi.

Produced by Big Fruit "Peanut Butter & Jelly," the album's lead single is built around a hypnotic joog beat and menacing piano chords and a steel pan melody, "Peanut Butter & Jelly" celebrates the supped up rides with the candy paint and tan leather interior.

With the initial success of their lead single "Peanut Butter & Jelly" and the response that many of their other songs are getting in the streets Cadillac Don & J Money are more than confident that they are going to a major force in the rap game.

Cadillac Don and J Money
Peanut Butter & Jelly VIDEO

Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, 16-year-old Paula DeAnda is part of the groundswell of rhythmic radio performers based in that region. Her first single "Doing Too Much" was co-written with Baby Bash who appears on the track with Paula. It's enjoying tremendous rotation on Rhythm and Top 40 stations across the country. She was signed to Arista Records within a day of her audition after performing for Clive Davis. This young, talented singer/songwriter is on the rise with her soulful voice and R&B sensibility.

"Walk Away" Audio - Full Version (4:25)
Windows Media
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmhi.aspx
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmmed.aspx
http://www2.fanscape.com/pauladeanda/3p/audio/walkaway_wmlo.aspx

Therupy is the debut CD from Kottak. The CD would be classified as rock and has a total of 12 tracks. To listen to a few tracks prior to purchasing, visit their website: http://krunkland.com.

Track Listings:
1. Money Changes Everything
2. Ripped
3. Song That Won't Go Away
4. Do You Want to Play
5. I Miss You
6. Pink/Soft
7. Funday
8. Life Support
9. High (In My Little Room)
10. Generation X
11. Anti
12. Holiday

Silk is back on the music scene with a new CD "Always & Forever." It contains classic hits that were originally song by other artists. It's hard to re-do someone else's songs, but these four guys didn't miss a note. Older audiences will appreciate a good harmony. The younger audience will be introduced to love songs that tell a story instead of the normal bump and grind. This is the perfect date CD. It will definately set a romantic mood.

Tracks listing: Adore, Secret Garden, Always & Forever, Don't Disturb This Groove, Night and Day, Sideshow, Lady In My Life, A Night To Remember, Secret GArden (Sweet Seduction Suite) and Two Occasions

Review by Shelia M Goss, entertainment editor for e-Spire and BellaOnline Women in Music (www.myspace.com/espire).

What do you have when you mix hip-hop with rock? Lexicon. Lexicon is a cross between the BlackEyed Peas and The Beastie Boys. The Rapstars E.P. will make you want to get out of your seat. "Big Money" and "Rock" are energetic tracks. The Rapstars E.P. is definately something you should check out. Lexicon is on myspace, so check them out there to hear a sample.

GLADYS KNIGHT SHINES WITH HEARTFELT BEFORE ME

Peerless performer makes Verve Records debut with an homage to the great legends of song who came before her
AUDIO- God Bless The Child
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/verve/gladys_knight/god_bless.wax
http://boss.streamos.com/real/verve/gladys_knight/god_bless_the_child.smi

On Tuesday, October 10, 2006, the one-and-only Gladys Knight will release Before Me, her debut recording on the venerable Verve Records label. The album is a heartfelt homage to the great legends of song who paved the way for her to become a legendary performer in her own right. Many of these artists, including the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne, were friends, mentors, colleagues, of Knight since the beginning of her career, and all gave her immeasurable inspiration, courage, and strength.

When a woman like Gladys Knight turns her attention to the classics that inspired her, the listener is in for a once in a lifetime experience. Recorded in New York and Los Angeles and helmed by Grammy winning master producers Tommy LiPuma (Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, George Benson) and Phil Ramone (Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett), Before Me finds Knight interpreting timeless material. From the righteous blues of "God Bless the Child" and a bossa nova-kissed "The Man I Love" to the spirit-sending "Come Sunday" and brassy "I've Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)," it’s clear that Knight's voice is as clear, strong, and expressive as ever. It's also clear how near and dear to her heart this project has been.

"As I was getting this music together," Ms Knight reflects, "the title, Before Me, just rang in my head. I was impressed to make a reference to those glorious performers that set the pace for me to be a part of this industry— from the great ladies of song Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone and Mahalia Jackson to supremely talented gentlemen such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Sammy Davis, Jr. These people made great strides not just with their music, but because of who they were as people. I salute these wonderful artists that set it up for me to do the extraordinary music that makes up Before Me."

LiPuma and Ramone surrounded Knight with the cream of the jazz universe, including the renowned Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for this special recording, plus musicians such as saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, peerless keyboardist Joe Sample, trumpeters Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti, and guitarists Russell Malone and Anthony Wilson.

The impeccable production and masterful arrangements by John Clayton and Billy Childs help craft a record that can truly be called a revelation. Knight comes out swinging on a grand version of "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" and then softens the mood with a tender rendition of "The Man I Love," an intimate "Good Morning Heartache," and a gentle "Since I Fell for You."

One of the album's highlights is a powerful, bluesy interpretation of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." Other standout tracks on the album include a cinematic telling of "Someone To Watch Over Me" and an unforgettable "Stormy Weather" punctuated by incredible horn arrangements.

Some of the other classic tunes treated to Knight's golden voice include "This Bitter Earth, a lesser known song by Dinah Washington" "I'll Be Seeing You," and "But Not For Me." The record closes with the Duke Ellington-penned "Come Sunday," a poignant and inspirational song of faith.

Gladys Knight is a true living legend of modern music. She is a six-time GRAMMY winner who has had number one hits in a wide variety of musical genres including pop, R&B, and adult contemporary, performed on Broadway, appeared in films, and is a member of the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. While this is not her first foray into the world of the classic American song repertoire (she studied and performed in a jazz band in Atlanta as a youngster), she is taking a strong new step with Before Me, as she pays her respects to those who inspired, challenged, and supported her along the way.

Gladys Knight's Before Me available on CD October 10, 2006.

Before Me - Tracklist
1. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me (Ellington–Russell) Produced by Tommy LiPuma
2. The Man I Love (Gershwin–Gershwin) Produced by Phil Ramone
3. Good Morning Heartache (Drake–Fisher–Higginbotham) Produced by Tommy LiPuma
4. Since I Fell For You (Johnson) Produced by Tommy LiPuma
5. God Bless the Child (Hertzog–Holiday) Produced by Phil Ramone
6. This Bitter Earth (Otis) Produced by Tommy LiPuma
7. I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good (Ellington–Webster) Produced by Phil Ramone
8. Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin–Gershwin) Produced by Phil Ramone
9. But Not For Me (Gershwin–Gershwin) Produced by Phil Ramone
10. I’ll Be Seeing You (Fain–Kahal) Produced by Phil Ramone
11. Stormy Weather (Arlen–Koehler) Produced by Tommy LiPuma
12. Come Sunday (Ellington) Produced by Tommy LiPuma

###

NATALIE COLE TO RELEASE FIRST ALBUM IN NEARLY 4 YEARS

MARKS 20TH STUDIO ALBUM RELEASE LEAVIN' TO HIT STORES ON SEPTEMBER 26



Artist site: http://www.nataliecole.com/

AUDIO - Day Dreaming
http://boss.streamos.com/real/verve/natalie/day_dreaming.smi
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/verve/natalie/day_dreamin.wax

Eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole is poised to release her 20th studio album on September 26th, marking an impressive milestone that speaks to her musicianship, her critically acclaimed abilities as a vocalist and her connection to her fans. Leavin' also marks her first album of new material in nearly four years, a recording that returns Natalie to her musical roots as one of our time's best r&b/pop vocalists. The Verve Records release finds the acclaimed chanteuse, who has sold more than 30 million albums, working with Grammy Award winning producer Dallas Austin, a combination which has produced one of Natalie's most dynamic recordings to date.

An eclectic mix of classic pop, r&b and rock tracks, the 12-song album mixes Natalie's stunning vocals with a list of classic songs from the likes of Fiona Apple, Aretha Franklin, Kate Bush, Sting, Shelby Lynne and others, as well as a new song, "5 Minutes Away," a writing collaboration between Cole, Austin and keyboardist Chanz Parkman.

"Leavin' represents a musical freedom that has given me the opportunity to explore the greatness in the songs of some of our most talented and gifted songwriters," said Natalie. "It was a lot of fun to be able to put our spin on these songs and I thoroughly enjoyed interpreting them. Dallas was absolutely brilliant in the studio and together I think we were able to present a fresh new twist on some great music. I can’t wait for our fans to hear the album."

The launch of the CD will be led by a remake of the 1972 number 1 Billboard R&B single, the Aretha Franklin smash "Day Dreaming." Updated with a bit of hip-hop flavor, the song is the first single from the album and marks the release of Natalie's first urban/pop single in nearly 16 years. Ironically, Natalie spent much of the early part of her career being compared to Franklin.

Natalie took some unexpected creative turns on Leavin.' The title track is a soulful recast of the Shelby Lynne song from her Grammy winning 2000 release I Am Shelby Lynne. She also tackles a rock standard by taking on Neil Young's "Old Man," an eloquent compliment to the original that shows the warmth and subtlety of Natalie's voice.

Then there's the Fiona Apple hit "Criminal," which Natalie and Austin gave a bluesy feel, as well as "The More You Do It," a track that pays homage to her first husband and musical collaborator, the late producer Marvin Yancy. The track completes a trio of more soulful cuts including the Isley Brothers "Don't Say Goodnight" and the Etta James inspired "Lovin' Arms," each of which grants Natalie the opportunity to move back to her 70's roots with rich, shimmering vocals. Other highlights include remakes of songs written and made famous by Sting and Kate Bush.

The record is set to be launched with performances on a number of major morning and late night television programs and Natalie is expected to introduce the record via several intimate showcases. These outings are expected to be followed by a theater tour planned for late fall.

###

On his new album Duets: An American Classic Tony is joined by pop music legends Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Bono, Elvis Costello, Elton John and other favorite performers for exclusive duets of American standards. The new EPK footage features clips of sit-down conversations between Tony Bennett and his guests as well as distinctive in the studio performance footage. It's an exclusive insight into this tribute to some of the best loved songs from the past five decades.

Columbia Records will release this newest addition to the Tony Bennett discography will be released in honor of his 80th birthday. Duets: An American Classic will be available in stores and online on September 26th.

Tony Bennett - Duets EPK
Windows Media (Hi): http://www2.fanscape.com/tonybennett/video/duets_epk_wmhi.aspx
Windows Media (Med): http://www2.fanscape.com/tonybennett/video/duets_epk_wmmed.aspx
Windows Media (Lo): http://www2.fanscape.com/tonybennett/video/duets_epk_wmlo.aspx
Real Media: http://www2.fanscape.com/tonybennett/video/duets_epk_rm.aspx
QuickTime: http://www2.fanscape.com/tonybennett/video/duets_epk_qt.aspx

Life of the Infamous: The Best of Mobb Deep features the best moments from a group that defined the Queensbridge sound including the hits "Survival Of The Fittest," "Shook Ones Pt. II," "Hey Luv (Anything)" featuring 112 and the "Quiet Storm" remix featuring Lil' Kim. Life Of The Infamous also includes "Keep It Thoro" from Prodigy's solo album H.N.I.C. and two brand new tracks, "Blood Money" and "Go Head," recorded this year, exclusively for this collection.

Life Of The Infamous: The Best Of Mobb Deep is the definitive collection for any true fan to have.

CD TRACK LIST
1. Hit It From The Back
2. Survival Of the Fittest
3. Shook Ones Pt.II
4. Temperature's Rising
5. Get Deal With
6. Quiet Storm (remix Featuring Lil' Kim)
7. Keep It Thoro
8. G.O.D Part III
9. Hell On Earth (Front Lines)
10. Hey Luv (Anything) - featuring 112
11. Get Away
12. The Learning (Burn) - featuring Big Noyd
13. Got It Twisted
14. Real Gangstarz - featuring Lil' Jon
15. Win Or Lose

BONUS CUTS
16. Blood Money (previously unreleased bonus track)
17. Go Head (previously unreleased bonus track)

Official Website: http://www.mobbdeep.net/

Official site:
http://http://www.georgeharrison.com

MTV2 $2BILL PRESENTS WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSE FEATURING 30 SECONDS TO MARS

Presenting a series of inexpensive concerts for music fans around the country, MTV2's $2Bill has attracted a diverse mix of music acts. Now the biggest MTV2 $2Bill tour ever hits 30 cities beginning October 17 and ends on November 25. This is an all-ages tour and a limited amount of tickets per city will be made available for $2 each while they last in a special internet pre-sale sponsored by MTV2 and 30 Seconds to Mars beginning at noon ET/PT on Sept 16 at Ticketmaster.com. There will be a 4 ticket limit per order for the pre-sale. Sales for General Tickets will begin the following week on September 23.

30 Seconds to Mars will headline the tour with Head Automatica and Cobra Starship as the opening acts. In addition, Pink Spiders, Rock Kills Kid, The Receiving End of Sirens, Envy on the Coast and Men, Women and Children will be joining the tour for select tour dates.

Said singer Jared Leto, "This is an amazing time of celebration for us all and we are very excited to join forces with the unique and creative individuals at MTV2 to present what we hope will be one of the most exciting tours of the fall."

Starting September 18 at 6pm ET/PT, MTV will premiere a brand new series -- “Little Talent Show.” MTV has put out the call for people who believe they have what it takes to be considered a ‘triple threat:’ the performer who can master the art of singing, dancing and acting.
Each episode begins with seven performers who demonstrate their skills in three rounds of the competition, including singing, dancing and acting. The series will utilize a rotating panel of celebrity judges including stars from MTV’s “Making The Band,” “American Idol,” the world of soap operas, and more, who will critique the contestant’s performances and ultimately decide which two are most qualified to face-off in the “Triple Threat Round.” This final round is the ultimate challenge where all three skills are combined and where only one performer will emerge victorious – winning $500 and the chance to be named that day's most talented performer.

E-Card:
http://www.rhino.com/flashcards/Queensryche/q2k

Listening Party:
http://www.rhino.com/fun/listeningparties/74076_PartyPlayer.lasso
http://streamos.rhino.com/real/rhino/listeningparties/74076/74076_album.smi
http://streamos.rhino.com/wmedia/rhino/listeningparties/74076/74076_album_56.wax
http://streamos.rhino.com/wmedia/rhino/listeningparties/74076/74076_album_100.wax

Official sites:
http://www.gigantour.com/
http://www.megadeth.com/

Official Myspace pages:
www.myspace.com/gigantour2006
www.myspace.com/megadeth

Look who has an interview on the Jus' Writin' Life Blog:
http://www.juswritinlife.com. While there take a look around.

One of my articles (Press Releases: Can You Write One Yourself) is in this month's Romance Divas "The Diva Dish" newsletter:
http://www.romancedivas.com/newsletterSept.html

I'm a guest blogger at Savvy Miss...check it out when you get a chance:
http://www.savvymiss.com/your-blogs/your-blogs-archive/article/will-the-independent-women-please-stand-up-431.html. Dont' forget to voice your opinions.

Chingy feat. Jermaine Dupri "Dem Jeans" Audio Streams



REAL PLAYER

Windows

CHINGY OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
http://www.chingy.com

CHINGY ON MYSPACE:
http://www.myspace.com/chingy

KT TUNSTALL HEADLINE LIVE SHOWS, FALL 2006

Tue 9/12/2006 The Ritz Raleigh , NC
Wed 9/13/2006 Center Stage/Earthlink Live Atlanta , GA
Fri 9/15/2006 House of Blues New Orleans , LA
Sat 9/16/2006 Liberty Hall Lawrence , KS
Fri 9/22/2006 Riviera Theatre Chicago , IL
Mon 9/25/2006 Barrymore Theatre Madison , WI
Tue 9/26/2006 Egyptian Room Indianapolis , IN
Wed 9/27/2006 Bogart's Cincinnati , OH
Mon 10/2/2006 City Hall Nashville , TN
Tue 10/3/2006 Newport Music Hall Columbus , OH
Wed 10/4/2006 Mr. Small's Theater Millvale , PA
Fri 10/6/2006 Webster Hall New York, NY
Sat 10/7/2006 Webster Hall New York, NY
Tue 10/10/2006 Toad's Place New Haven , CT
Wed 10/11/2006 Lupo's Heartbreak Providence , RI

Watch “Suddenly I See” Video:
http://www2.fanscape.com/kttunstall/redirects/suddenlywinhi.aspx Windows
http://www2.fanscape.com/kttunstall/redirects/suddenlyquickhi.aspx Quicktime
http://www2.fanscape.com/kttunstall/redirects/suddenlyrealhi.aspx Real

TOMMY BOY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS
2XL



Bennett "Laze" and Justin "Royal" Talmadge Armstrong (2XL) strengthened their bond through their common love for music and have used rap as their salvation. Their father abandoned them. Their mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They were kicked out of school. They were forced to essentially raise themselves. With only each other to rely on, Royal and Laze poured their heartache and struggle into their moving work, showcased on their stunningly diverse and sonically powerful debut album, Neighborhood Rapstar.

On the somber "The Chapters, 2XL chronicles their tumultuous lives over a chilling piano- and drum-driven beat. The album's most personal song is "Mama of Mine." Royal and Laze's mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, was determined to have another tumor in 2004 and, in early 2006, doctors detected a third brain tumor. While in an Atlanta studio working on material, the duo started telling a producer their life story.

"As we got to the part about our mom, he was like, 'Hold on. Stop,'" Royal recalls. "He turned on this beat and he was like, 'Ya'll have to do this joint about your mom.' As soon as we started, it almost felt like magic. We get a lot of e-mails and comments from females and DJs about how so many people can relate to it. It's our struggle, but yet people are like, 'My grandpa just died,' or 'My mom just got cancer.' It was the first song where we were like, 'OK. This is on the album.'"

"Our connection outside of being brothers is that we have respect for each other on the work level and for each other's talents and abilities," Royal says. "We have little arguments, but we honestly don't fight. We're fulfilling our dreams through each other. I need him to succeed and he needs me to succeed -- and we both know that."

Despite their struggle, 2XL's music also focuses on life's enjoyable pursuits. In fact, when they sent their feel-good "Kissing Game" single to a few select radio stations, they were confident that it would be well received. But the avalanche of enthusiasm -- from fans and radio DJs alike -- caused the duo to put the song out as a single, one that was added to heavy rotation in Detroit and Minneapolis, among other cities.

Impressed by 2XL's self-generated buzz and independent hit, major labels soon came courting. They signed with seminal rap indie Tommy Boy Entertainment (De La Soul, Digital Underground, Naughty By Nature, House of Pain, Coolio, Everlast). Neighborhood Rapstar showcases their wide-ranging talent and pays homage to their rabid online fans, who have helped make the duo legends in their home base of North Hollywood, a Los Angeles suburb.

"We've had a pretty cool following for the past two years through the Internet and the mixtape circuit, so in our neighborhood in North Hollywood we've already been established," Royal explains. "We'll be walking down the street and there will be little kids on bikes coming out the candy store like, 'Sign something for me.' We took that and made it a national thing because there's a lot of cats who are really on the grind and doing their thing independently. In their neighborhood, they're superstars. Like Slim Thug, before anybody knew who he was nationally, he was a millionaire Down South."

Even though Royal and Laze are only 16, they've been working toward Neighborhood Rapstar for six years. They started making music when they were 10, inspired by their mother, who filled their place with the soulful music of Al Green and others. When her young sons showed an interest in making music, she bought them equipment, even though it struck a blow to their finances. Laze recalls "When we first got interested in making music we asked our mom for a microphone. Things were financially really bad for us and with only so much money to cover what we needed she had to decide whether to buy us the mic or pay the electric bill. She decided to buy us the mic and it sat in the middle of our living room for a few weeks since our electric got cut off – but we learned how much she believed in us." Indeed, because of a variety of circumstances, 2XL and their mother moved more than 15 times during their childhood.

Today, 2XL realizes that music can help them get past the struggle they have already endured. "We were at a point in our lives where we had two paths," Laze says. "You can go the right way or the wrong way, but right now we’re being home-schooled and getting straight A's, and we have our mom. We're not looking to go the wrong way - we're obligated to take care of her. That makes us work twice as hard."

GLUE (with Sol Illaquist of Sound and Prolyphic)

Sept. 12 @ 8:30 PM- Great Scott- Allston, MA
Sept. 13 @ 8:00 PM- The Space Gallery, Portland, ME
Sept. 14 @ 8:00 PM- Higher Ground- Burlington, VT
Sept. 16 @ 8:00 PM- Daily Double- Akron, OH
Sept. 18 @ 8:00 PM- Little Brother’s- Columbus, OH
Sept. 19 @ 8:00 PM- Magic Stick- Detroit, MI
Sept. 21 @ 8:00 PM- Rhino's- Bloomington, IN
Sept. 22 @ 8:00 PM- Abbey Pub- Chicago, IL
Sept. 23 @ Annex- Madison, WI*
Sept 28 @ 8:00 PM- Belly Up- Aspen, CO
Sept. 29 @ 8:00 PM- Larimer Lounge- Denver, CO
Sept. 30 @ 8:00 PM- Black Sheep- Colorado Springs, CO
Oct. 01 @ 8:00 PM- In The Venue- Salt Lake City, UT
Oct. 05 @ 8:00 PM- Chop Suey- Seattle, WA
Oct. 06 @ 8:00 PM- Holocene- Portland, OR
Oct. 07 @ 8:00 PM- WOW Hall- Eugene, OR
Oct. 09 @ 8:00 PM- Bottom of the Hill- San Francisco, CA
Oct. 10 @ 8:00 PM- The Knitting Factory- Hollywood, CA
Oct. 11 @ 8:00 PM- The Glass House- Pomona, CA
Oct. 12 @ 8:00 PM- Hollywood Alley- Mesa, AZ*
Oct. 13 @ 8:00 PM- Big Fish Pub- Tempe, AZ
Oct. 13 @ 8:00 PM- Solar Culture- Tucson, AZ
Oct. 14 @ 8:00 PM- LaunchPad- Albuquerque, NM
Oct. 16 @ 8:00 PM-Hailey’s Club-Denton, TX
Oct. 17 @ 8:00 PM-Emo’s-Austin, TX
Oct. 18 @ 8:00 PM-The Spanish Moon- Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 19 @ 8:00 PM- Beta Bar- Tallahassee, FL
Oct. 20 @ Common Grounds-Gainesville- Gainesville, FL

A Lot To Say http://www.fatbeats.com/press/glue/mp3/ALotToSay.mp3
Glupies http://www.fatbeats.com/press/glue/mp3/Glupies.mp3

One Time For Your Mind - http://www.odinwadleigh.com/unotime.mov

Megalomaniac - http://www.odinwadleigh.com/megaloFaster.mov

Pull Up
Windows Media: http://audibletreats.com/download/Jair/jair_dynast_pull_up_dirty_192.asx
Real Audio: http://audibletreats.com/download/Jair/Pull_Up_(Album_Version)_Jair_Dynast_128kbps.ram

Vicious
Windows Media: http://audibletreats.com/download/Jair/jair_dynast_vicious_dirty_192.asx
Real Audio: http://audibletreats.com/download/Jair/Vicious_(Album_Version)_Jair_Dynast_128kbps.ram

Black Ice E-card:
http://www.audibletreats.com/black_ice.html

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony E-card:
http://www.audibletreats.com/bone_thugs.html

"No Matter What They Say" feat Mya
Windows Media: http://audibletreats.com/download/PenelopeJones/Penelope_Jones-Dont_Matter.asx
Real Audio : http://audibletreats.com/download/PenelopeJones/Penelope_Jones-Dont_Matter.ram

"Miss Me With That Foolishness" feat Lil' Wayne
Windows Media; http://audibletreats.com/download/PenelopeJones/Penelope_Jones-Miss_Me_Lil_Wayne.asx
Real Audio: http://audibletreats.com/download/PenelopeJones/Penelope_Jones-Miss_Me_feat_Lil_Wayne.ram

Sugar & Playboy Mommy Streaming Audio:
QT: http://streamos.rhino.com/qtime/rhino/listeningparties/77775/sugar_playboy.mov
Real: http://streamos.rhino.com/real/rhino/listeningparties/77775/sugar_playboy.smi
Windows Media: http://streamos.rhino.com/wmedia/rhino/listeningparties/77775/sugar_playboy_56.wax http://streamos.rhino.com/wmedia/rhino/listeningparties/77775/sugar_playboy_100.wax

At the time of her debut in 1992, Tori Amos' captivating storytelling and quirky yet sublime mix of piano, pop, rock, and classical music were as conspicuous as her flaming-red ringlets among the dark-haired pop divas who ruled the charts. Since then, Amos' uncompromising studio albums and cathartic concerts have earned her recognition as one of the most influential artists of the past two decades while inspiring a legion of devoted fans. Rhino Records brings together Amos' classics, rarities, remixes, and previously unreleased music for A Piano: The Collection. Presented in deluxe packaging that resembles a piano's keyboard, this five-disc boxed set will be available on September 26.

Goldfrapp “Fly Me Away” Audio:
Win
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/mute/goldfrapp.fly_me_away_32k.wax
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/mute/goldfrapp.fly_me_away_128k.wax

Real
http://boss.streamos.com/real/mute/goldfrapp.fly_me_away_32k.ram
http://boss.streamos.com/real/mute/goldfrapp.fly_me_away_128k.ram

Official Goldfrapp Site:
http://www.goldfrapp.co.uk/poochandtuck

With the anticipated release of The Pack's national debut - the self titled full-length cd featuring Too $hort, Keak da Sneak, Mr. F.A.B., Jody Breeze of Boyz N Da Hood, and The Team, on Too $hort's new Up All Nite Music label - the prolific young East Bay rap quartet (Lil Uno, Young L, Lil B, & Stunna whose ages range from 16 to 18) look destined to take the hip-hop nation by storm and further elevate the Bay Area's 'hyphy' movement firmly into the national spotlight. Complete with wall-to-wall 'slumpers' (hits) such as "Vans" (already creating a strong buzz on the Left Coast with stations in California, Portland, and Washington all following the Bay Area's KMEL lead and quickly expanding to Miami and Atlanta), "Ice Cream”, " Dum Diddy Dum " and "Booty Bounce Bopper" - "Vans" showcases the fierce, hypnotic flow of the four teen-aged emcees who perfectly play off each other with a nearly matching deep bass vocal assault and a unique group style - all delivered over The Pack's rich anthemic tracks.

http://www.myspace.com/upallnitemusic

LEXICON. The Rapstars E.P. (B.E.A.R./Alpha Pup Records)
iTUNES EXCLUSIVE
DIGITAL EP - 10/3/06

After releasing two successful indy hiphop albums and becoming one of the bigger names in the LA underground hiphop scene, Lexicon was frustrated. They felt they weren't expressing themselves creatively how they wanted to, so instead of building on the props they'd achieved in the underground scene, they tore it all down, to build it up again. And in the process, they committed an underground hiphop cardinal sin -- they added live instruments to their music. Lexicon began to grow weary of the un-originality that is pervading hiphop, in both the mainstream and the underground . They wanted to seperate themselves from the muck and break through the ceiling they felt was put on top of the type of music they were making. And most importantly, they wanted to make the kind of music they always wanted to make! Risky decision yes, but what's more gratifying than doing exactly what you want to do? They spanned their influences from dance- rock to modern rock to the raw drums and stabs of classic hiphop, until they found a perfect mesh. And the thread that ties them together are that Oak and Nick are better MC's than ever, and C-Minus is still providing neck breaking beats for every song. With C-Minus manning the beats, Oak and Nick doing what they do best, and bassist Alex Pauley and guitarist Jason "Metal 24/7" Zimmerman adding what Lexicon felt was always missing, this is truly like nothing you have ever seen or heard before. Will the risk pay off? We'll begin to see as Lexicon now unveils what they've been working on locked away in the studio for the past 2 years. Ladies and gentlemen, Lexicon presents to you THE RAPSTARS E.P, available exclusively on iTunes through B.E.A.R/Alpha Pup.

www.myspace.com/lexicon http://www.lexiconmusic.com/

"Need a Boss" is the first single off Shareefa's new CD "Point of No Return." It's been getting a lot of radio play across the nation. The Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam artist plans on making her mark in R & B with what I hear is one of the hottest CDs to be released this fall.

Shelia Goss: How has your experience been with Disturbing Tha Peace?
Shareefa: It's been great...indescribable...definitely a blessing.

Shelia: How did you, an R & B singer, end up on the label?
Shareefa: About two years ago I put together a 12 song demo. A friend of mine had a copy and gave it to Jeff Dixon, one of the CEO's of DTP. I met him in Harlem, sang for him and then I met with Ludacris and was signed.

Shelia: What other DTP projects have you worked on?
Shareefa: I sang on the compilation CD "Ludacris Presents Disturbing Tha Peace."

Shelia: You mentioned that you did your own demo. Doing a demo can be expensive right?
Shareefa: It can be but I had some people on my side. It wasn't too bad.

Shelia: I like "Need a Boss." It's the only song I've heard from your CD so far.
Shareefa: I can't wait for you to hear it. If you like that single, girl please, that's only the beginning.

Shelia: Did you write all the songs?
Shareefa: I wrote 95 percent of them.

Shelia: Who all are you working with on the CD?
Shareefa: Bobby Valentino is featured on the CD, but I wanted to keep the features to a minimum because I wanted to show people I can stand on my own.

Shelia: If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?
Shareefa: Acting.

Shelia: Do you have any upcoming movie roles at this point?
Shareefa: No, but I've been reading scripts.

Shelia: Who do you listen to?
Shareefa: Lauryn Hill...The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.

Shelia: How does it feel to perform on stage?
Shareefa: It's cool. I absolutely love it.

Shelia: Some people get nervous, forget words or get stage fright. Does that happen to you?
Shareefa: No.

Shelia: How does your family feel about your success?
Shareefa: They're excited. Before, I could go to my grandma's house and relax, but not anymore. They want to show me off to everybody. She's like, "I want you to meet my grandbaby, she's with Ludacris."

Shelia: So what about your friends, how do they feel?
Shareefa: I don't have friends…My circle is based around my sister, my mother and brother. They are my friends (my best friends). They are the people closest to me because you can't trust everybody.

Shelia: What advice would you give other people interested in a music career?
Shareefa: Stay focused. Never let anyone tell you, you can't do it. Anything is possible as long as you have God in your life.

Shelia: Did you have a rough time starting off?
Shareefa: No, not really.

Shelia: If your life were a reality TV show, what would it be called?
Shareefa: Point of No Return...the name of my album.

Shelia: What's the next single?
Shareefa: Not sure yet, but crossing my finger. I think it's going to be "Cry No More."

Shelia: What do you like to do in your downtime?
Shareefa: I like to watch movies...horror, action or a good drama...also like a good comedy.

Shelia: Anything else you want to say to your fans?
Shareefa: Go cop the album...Keep requesting Need a Boss...Thank you for all the love and support.

Visit Shareefa's website or myspace page to keep updated on her CD releases and tour: Shareefa's Website or http://www.myspace.com/shareefadtp.

Bobby Valentino is no stranger to the R & B scene. When he was younger, he was a member of the group Mista. If you don't remember the group, you might recall the hit song, "Blackberry Molasses." Valentino is back with his second Disturbing tha Peace solo release "Special Occasion."

Shelia Goss: How did you end up on Disturbing Tha Peace?
Bobby Valentino: When I got out of college (Clark Atlanta University), I had two or three albums completed. DTP heard it and they loved it, so they signed me.

Shelia: Are you from Atlanta?
Bobby V: Yes.

Shelia: You were in another group when you were younger. Why did you decide to go solo?
Bobby V: We had a lot of things going on within the group so everybody just decided to go their separate ways.

Shelia: What kind of experiences have you had since your last album?
Bobby V: The experience of having money in the bank, having my own things, a house/condo...being able to do some things I've always wanted to do and not have to worry about money no more and being able to buy my mama the car she's always wanted.

Shelia: What feeling would you like listeners to feel when they hear your new CD "Special Occasion"?
Bobby V: I want them to feel good...feel the soul...feel the goodness of R & B.

Shelia: What challenges, if any, did you face putting the album together?
Bobby V: The challenge to try to outdo my first album, which I feel is an R & B classic album. I ended up recording sixty or seventy songs. The first album was so good. With this one, I'm really trying to top it.

Shelia: What producers did you work with?
Bobby V: I worked with some of the hottest producers like Rodney Jerkins, Bryan Cox, Sean Garrett, Dre & Vidal...I did my research on them and wanted to put them all together on one CD.

Shelia: Sounds like you had a hands on approach.
Bobby V: Oh yeah, always. I am the executive producer on the album.

Shelia: Any duets on the CD?
Bobby V: No. I did a duet with Shareefa, but it didn't make the album, but it was a really hot song.

Shelia: I haven't seen a video. Are you working on a new video y et?
Bobby V: I'll be shooting one in the next couple of weeks.

Shelia: According to some of the websites out there, some folks are comparing you to Ray J. Why do you think they compare you to him?
Bobby V: I never heard that comparison.

Shelia: How do you juggle your personal life with your career?
Bobby V: Doing music is my job and it's what I want to do so if I don't have a personal life that's alright with me right now.

Shelia: Is there anyone special in your life right now?
Bobby V: No, I'm a single man.

Keep updated with what's going on with Bobby Valentino by visiting one of his websites: http://www.justbobby.com/ or www.myspace.com/bobbyvalentino.



7 Random thoughts with Bobby Valentino:

1. Besides your own CDs, what CDs do you play to set a romantic mood? Jodeci (Diary of a Mad Band)
2. What's your favorite color to see on a woman? Any color. I like a woman with pretty feet.
3. Do you prefer a woman to wear heels or flats? I like seeing a woman in stilettos.
4. Her hair pinned up or hanging down? Either way
5. Dress or Jeans? I think a dress looks better.
6. Makeup or no makeup? No makeup. I want to see the real woman. Maybe a little lipstick or mascara, but a natural beauty.
7. Do you prefer a long romantic drive or walk? A romantic drive.

Defari has a new release "Street Music." With 16 tracks, listeners should find several songs on the CD to ride to. This west coast rapper seems to have a laid back personality.

What's the concept behind your name?
Defari: Basically it's a way to say Def-ar-I or I'm Def. It also means the kingly one.

You grew up on the West coast right?
Defari: Born and raised in LA.

How long have you been rapping?
Defari: Professionally, I've been rapping for ten years.

So you're a veteran?
Defari: Yes. When it comes to LA, definitely that.

Who are some of the people you've work with?
Defari: I've worked with a lot of people. Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill and the list goes on & on.

Who all did you work with on Street Music?
Defari: Mike City, Alchemist, B Real, E-Swift, Evidence, J Ro, Dilated Peoples, etc.

How long did it take to put together?
Defari: A good ten months.

Do you listen to the beats first before you write your lyrics or do you already have your lyrics written when you go into the studio?
Defari: Most songs I write to the beat, but I always stay on deck with a full clip of lyrics. I'm always prepared.

Who are some of the people you listen to? When you're just chilling?
Defari: I'm a real music guy. I don't listen to the same stuff every day. It depends on what mood I'm in. I can put on Maze or have a playlist with Phyllis Hyman or Patrice Rushen and later put on some Black Mike.

What do you want people to walk away with after they listen to Street Music?
Defari: My album is custom built for car stereos that are super so basically I want them to walk away with the fact that my album knocks the whole way through.

Which songs on the CD sums up the whole theme?
Defari: People Trip and Don't Be Mad at Me.

Do you plan on going on tour?
Defari: I just got off tour with Dilated People and I did Europe two weeks after that.

How do your family/friends feel about your success?
Defari: Nothing but love and a lot of support. I'm extremely thankful.

How do you keep your composure? You seem so laidback.
Defari: I've been doing this for a minute and I also had a long night last night. So I'm just chilling.

Defari's Street Music is available now.


To learn more about Defari, check out one of his websites: http://www.defari.net or http://www.myspace.com/defari.

Marques Houston is back with a new CD. Veteran will be in stores on 11/14/06. Hear the new single "Favorite Girl" here:

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/labels/universalmotown/tug/
marqueshouston/audio/01_favorite_girl_1.asx

http://boss.streamos.com/real/labels/universalmotown/tug/
marqueshouston/audio/01_favorite_girl_1.ram

http://boss.streamos.com/qtime/labels/universalmotown/tug/
marqueshouston/audio/01_favorite_girl.mov

'HALF THE PERFECT WORLD' RELEASE IS SET FOR SEPTMEBER 12 ON ROUNDER RECORDS



Cambridge, MA - Madeleine Peyroux, the smoky voiced singer whose remarkable recent success made her one of the major surprise hit stories of last year, has completed work on her new album titled 'Half the Perfect World', set for release September 12 on Rounder Records. Peyroux spent the month of April in Los Angeles recording with producer Larry Klein, who also worked with the singer on her worldwide million selling smash Careless Love. Klein recently told the Wall St. Journal that Peyroux is working with an "expanded palette," while the newspaper predicted the new album "may expand...her audience."

Besides landing on top ten album of the year lists in Newsweek and the Wall St. Journal among many other critical coups, Careless Love is nearing Gold in the US with another 600,000 for the rest of the world. It’s Gold in the UK, France and Australia.

Plans are in the works for major touring in the Fall. For more information on 'Half the Perfect World' and the Madeleine Peyroux tour visit http://www.rounder.com/?id=artistHome.php.

Founded in 1970, Rounder Records is America's premier independent label. Rounder and its Zoe, Heartbeat, Philo and Bullseye Blues imprints have a catalog of over 3000 albums, representing a wide variety of folk, roots, rock, blues, and reggae music.

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Shelia Goss: Where are you located?
Jeff Sheppard: Melbourne, Australia

Shelia: How long have you been singing?
Jeff: Singing for me has really been more of an extension of my songwriting. The first song I wrote was in 1990, so I guess you could say I have been shaping my vocal style for 16 years.

Shelia: Tell me about your CD.
Jeff: The concept I had for “Take it with you” or rather what it evolved into, was learning how to accept change. Our lives are shaped by everything we go through, good, bad and beautiful. I think to make the most out of your life you need to use all of these experiences to make you better. “Take it with you” captures how I want to grow as a person by using every experience to define who I am. It became the theme throughout the writing of this album and the perfect title.
Shelia: How long does it take you to compose a song?
Jeff: Some of my favorite songs have come in a few hours, and some of my most meaningful have come over many, many hours of writing and re working until they are just what I wish them to be. Some have been a work in progress over a few years because songwriting is more to me than just a capture of time or a way of expression. The words and music will be listened to and affect people more than we know so I always make sure I am thoughtful of this.

Shelia: What can listeners expect when they hear your music?
Jeff: I have been told my music is very relaxing yet thought provoking. One of my friends once told me it made her slow down while driving. I have since been told it has a calming effect. I hope that listeners can hear that I cherish life. I face what is happening in my life through my writing so you will hear honest emotional thoughts with positive messages. This is how I approach both the music and lyric in my songwriting. Surprisingly displaying this through the music is easier than through the lyric, because music is the best way to communicate emotions that can’t find words. It is New Soul with a difference.


Shelia: What makes your CD different than some of the others in your genre?
Jeff: I think we all have our unique touch in this world. I am, and will be the only one of me ever. I also think my approach to my writing is what makes me different. I take time to make sure that no matter what it is I am writing about, that it is positive. It might be sad or moving sometimes but my goal is to make a difference not just express what I have gone through. I want my words to help make the world a better place. I believe we all shape this world and I want my music to be where I can make a difference and make it a little bit better.

Shelia: When did you decide to pursue a music career?
Jeff: It has just always been a part of my being. Ever since I can remember I have had a desire to make music a part of my life. Every decision or choice is an extension of my love for music and these choices have shaped my path. It has been the foundation of learning all that I love in creating music from writing and producing, to learning to sing and play the piano. The career side was something I always knew would eventuate, it has been a long time coming. But it has only been this last year that I have made it my full time career. It has before then always been my absolute passion, but not my full time job.

Shelia: What advice do you give others interested in following your path?
Jeff: One of the things that helped get me to a point of releasing my music independently, was making sure I still had money coming in. While I was working towards making a living off music, I always kept working full time which allowed me to slowly build my studio. It was also great in helping me develop my songwriting skills until I felt ready to take new steps with my music.
This allowed me to have control over what I wanted to achieve and enjoy every step because they were steps I had chosen. My advice is to enjoy what you are doing, for each step in the journey is as important as the destination. And NEVER give up.

Shelia: How would you describe your sound?
Jeff: My musical description has best been put into these words: “Sounds like Seal with Maxwell's smooth vocals and a John Mayer feel to it.”

I love blending my favorite music styles together which is also why I have such a hard time trying to place it in any one genre. My love of soul music has definitely shaped my vocal and musical style. And my love for so many of the different musical instruments means I will use anything from orchestral tones (string sections etc) to Congas, electric or acoustic Guitars,
Piano or Synths. I like to keep my albums interesting. Almost like a compilation of artists, though still holding a strong link to the theme and sound I create. It all comes back to what each song needs.

Shelia: Besides singing, what's something you enjoy doing?
Jeff: There are so many things that I enjoy in life. Music is always what wins my time, but I love photography also. I have a passion for a lot of the arts.

Shelia: How can readers get a copy of your CD?
Jeff: My CDs are available through CDBaby
www.cdbaby.com/jeffsheppard
www.cdbaby.com/jeffsheppard2

They are also available in digital format through itunes
All of these links can be found on www.myspace.com/jeffsheppard.

SOUNDTRACK OF DEBUT SONY PICTURES ANIMATION FILM
FEATURES 10 NEW SONGS FROM WESTERBERG

Taking His Prison Sentence To Heart, Sadat Faces His Demons With Introspect and Contemplation



Harlem, USA - Sadat X is on fire. After a whirlwind year that included the release of his critically acclaimed 3rd album Experience & Education, the passing of his father, the bankruptcy of his record distributor, and highly storied arrest and subsequent incarceration set for this October, Sadat X is gearing up to release what many are claiming to be his best effort yet, Black October. The Great Dot X has stood strong in the face of adversity to deliver yet another soul-spilling, undeniably classic hip-hop masterpiece.

Backed by the likes of Brand Nubian, Greg Nice (Nice & Smooth), & Money Boss Players atop a bed of unforgettable production by Diamond D, Da Beatminerz, DJ Spinna, J-Zone, Ayatollah, dj paWL (Def Jux) and a host of impressive new-comers (Spencer Doran, Scotty Blanco, The Asmatik, Gensu Dean) the album is sure to turn heads. The opening and title track "Black October" (produced by longtime collaborator, DJ Spinna) finds Sadat over a raucous guitar stab-track running down the swirl of emotions he's battled over the course of this past year. Far from glamorizing this, Sadat takes a contemplative, regretful tone. One more, to hopefully teach the young people of today lead astray, that crime is really real and jail is nothing to glamorize. While he touches on the topic throughout, Sadat breaks free of his frustrations to ruminate on the positive on tracks like the lead single "Million Dolla Deal", the funky BBQ-anthem "Throw Tha Ball", a Def Jux style club-smasher in the dj paWL produced "Who", "My Mind" (featuring Greg Nice) and the Brand Nubian group effort "Chosen Few".

Released on Female Fun Records/Riverside Drive Records (an ode to Sadat's turf in the Riverside section of West Harlem), the album is another notch in the label's roster of material that has included full-lengths from the likes of MF Doom, Prince Paul, DJ Spinna, Ge-ology and others. Label owner Peter Agoston says of Black October, "This is the most important album we've ever released." Black October is to be released on October 17th, 2006.


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