Langfield Entertainment
424 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto, ON M5B 2H3
(416) 677-5883
langfieldent@rogers.com
www.langfieldentertainment.com

NEWSLETTER

Updated: August 28, 2003

The Toronto International Film Festival descends upon Toronto – check out the Planet Africa listings below! Be on the lookout for the many film celebs around town this week and next. Speaking of celebs, the person that was the initial inspiration for my business, Vondie Curtis Hall is in town filming the movie Redemption and I’m dedicating this issue to him. See a related story under Film News.

This newsletter is designed to give you some updated entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming event listings.   Welcome to those who are new members.  Want your events listed by date?  Check out EVENTS.  Want to be removed from this distriution? CLICK HERE!

PROFILE

Interview with Nate Skinner

Nate Skeezy (aka Nate Skinner) is a 17-year old rapper with street credibility. He has won many battles in his hood of Mimico/Lakeshore. One particular heated battle took place after school with a huge crowd forming that eventually attracted the attention of the police. The cops asked who was rapping and everyone was pointing to Nate, although he tried to deny it in order to stay out of trouble. Nate even got on his cell and called his parents to let them know that they might have to go to the police station to pick him up but that all he had done was rap. The cops pulled Nate aside and – wait for it – smiled and handed him their car radio to continue the battle!

I first met Nate at Toronto’s Nu Vintage studios. Lyriq Bent and Mark Poyser (Little Engine Productions), directors of a short film entitled Aces Down, had asked Kayte Burgess to do the hook for a hip hop track that was being written by Nate. The report from Carl Allen is that the track is bumping hard in the clubs! Request it at FLOW 93.5 – it’s called Aces Down by Nate Skeezy and Kayte Burgess.

On that day, all Nate and Kayte had to work with was the premise of the movie and a beat created by J Diggs, (Iced Down/Royal Family). All in all, the entire track took just over a couple of hours to write, perform and produce. And it also marks the first time that Nate has written in collaboration with another artist. An impressive day! Not to mention that the track is red hot!

Nate originally hooked up with producer J Diggs when he was 12. They played some ball together and then challenged each other to a battle. Nate “kicked his ass” and gained the respect of not only J Diggs but also the crew in his hood. Nate especially liked the beats and production of Iced Down as he feels it represents an authentic side of street beats – not the “backpack” brand that he feels is represented by many Toronto rappers. Nate speaks like a veteran of the music industry and has already seen the highs and lows of it.

Nate’s relationship with Mark Poyser (Little Engine Entertainment) began as Mark was Nate’s 7^th and 8^th grade school teacher and basketball coach at John English Junior Middle School. He saw amazing potential in his young student. Once Nate heard that Mark also acted and worked in music, their relationship became solidified on common ground and they now consider each other family.

One thing kept recurring throughout the interview with Nate – his relationship with his father, mother and stepdad. Their relationships are impenetrable and Nate credits much of his discipline and values to them. Nate speaks highly of them and with affection – rare for such a young man. If you’re not cool with Nate’s dad, then it’s just not going to happen!

Oh, and did I mention that Nate is also one of the most heavily recruited high school basketball players in Canada? This past weekend, the 6’ 5”, 201 lb. Nate moved to Brooklyn, New York to finish his high school years there – for which he was recruited for as well. He hopes to get better exposure for U.S. universities by making this move, although he has already received many offers from basketball universities including Florida, Arizona and Michigan (see pic with his boxful of offers).

So, what about the ladies? How does he handle all that attention? I mean, he is a young, handsome, skilled, athletic man, right? While he loves the attention, Nate says he tries not to give it too much validity. He wants to remain focussed on his basketball career and continue to work on his rap skills. Besides, his father would kill him! Sorry girls!

Nate is a finely tuned athlete with a very strong work ethic and focus, who also happens to have strong rap skills. He is an impressive, dedicated and handsome guy that you will definitely be hearing from – either on TSN or the Grammys, or perhaps both! A role model not just for his generation but for those that went before him and those that will come after him.

HOT EVENTS

International Poetry Slam – Sunday, August 31

On Sunday August 31st, Up From The Roots presents the first Toronto International Poetry Slam inside of the Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas St. W), where thirty-six artists will compete against one another for $1000 US in prize money. This marks the first time that such an event will be occurring on Canadian soil, and we are proud to add this to our annual roster of events.

Doors for the show will open at 7pm, and round one of the competition begins at 8pm. The show will be hosted by Dwayne Morgan, 2003 Urban Music Award Winner for Best Canadian Spoken Word Recording. After their humble beginnings at the Green Mill in Chicago, poetry slams have steadily been gaining in popularity, as they bridge the gap between the artist and audience; making the latter an integral part of the evening.

Up From The Roots has been producing slams and spoken word concerts for the past nine years, and this venture marks the first collaboration with the Toronto Urban Music Festival. The first edition of the International slam will include competitors from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington DC, New York, Pittsburgh, London England, and Vancouver, who will be represented by three artists, including Shane Koyczan, the only Canadian to win the U.S. National Poetry Slam competition.

Tickets for the slam are on sale now for $15 in advance @ A Different Booklist, 746 Bathurst St, just south of Bloor, Sim and Jones, 388 College St, Knowledge Bookstore, 177 Queen St W in Brampton, and The One Clothing at the Scarborough Town Centre. For further inquires, or if you would like to cover the event, please contact event producer and media rep, Dwayne Morgan at info@upfromtheroots.ca, visit www.lula.ca or 416.822.1465

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
INTERNATIONAL POETRY SLAM
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas Street W.
Doors open: 7:00 pm
Show: 8:00 pm
$15 advance (info above)

Mondays at Irie Food Joint!

Be sure to check it out this Monday! You don’t know what you’re missing! If you love good food, good music and good people – then you should be here. Sample some yummy Irie treats from their cocktail menu – an excellent deal at $7-$9!! Don't miss the Monday night party with the DJ stylings of Carl Allen!  Check them out at www.iriefoodjoint.com. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 25
Irie Food Joint Patio Mondays
745 Queen Street W.
8:00 pm

Fresh: August 29 through September 1

FRESH = Exchange. Free. Passion. FRESH is a snap shot of the contemporary artists exploring and creating emerging cultures. FRESH 2003 has three distinct parts –performance and exhibitions, a music summit, and a media confab-that dance and intermingles with one another. Isn’t modern living shaped by the way independent units shift and mutate?

Think of the creative soul trapped in a 9 to 5, wanting to bust free. Think of the ex-Pac Man addict who stays on the wagon by writing the generation of video games. Or better yet, imagine where underground music would be today without videos, the Internet or the digital revolution?

FRESH 2003 celebrates the ways in which music and new media technologies help us to find innovative ways of working-and playing-together.

Activities to include poetry slams, Hip-hop and breakdance workshops, theatre, digital filmmaking and computer graphic arts. On all Harbourfront Centre Summer Festival weekend’s visitors can enjoy shopping at the International Marketplace and at the new Home Zone in addition to the Bounty Contemporary Canadian Craft Shop. Specialty food from around the world is available at the World Café as well as more pedestrian fare at Lakeside Eats.

Planet Africa - Toronto International Film Festival - September 7 - 13 2003

Weaving together universal themes of identity, diversity and history, Planet Africa is a vibrant collection of films from around the world. From the gentle forest habitats of the Babingas Pygmies to the urban wonderland of the afropunk, this year brings an unparalleled glimpse into hidden worlds. Planet Africa celebrates the African experience and brings a wonderful array of films to the big screen.

OPENING NIGHT FILM
Sunday 7th September, 7:15pm - Varsity Cinemas

World Premiere - How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass
Mario Van Peebles and Melvin Van Peebles will be introducing the film

Second screening: Tuesday 9th September, 3pm - Varsity 8

Directed by and starring Mario Van Peebles
And co-starring Nia Long, Joy Bryant and Ossie Davies
With special appearances by Bill Cosby and Melvin Van Peebles

When Melvin Van Peebles began to ponder on the subject for his second feature, he hit upon the idea of a movie based around a black street hustler turned revolutionary who exposes America's institutional racism by kicking some major butt, in the process debunking the myth that only white folks needs big screen heroes. His young afro-ed son, Mario, was confused. How can a black screen character survive until the end of the movie?

So begins a son's dramatic eulogy to his father's pioneering independent efforts that almost left the latter blind, broke and ostracized by his family. The resulting Sweet Sweetback's Badaaas Song eventually paved the way for a groundbreaking cinematic tradition featuring the black ghetto hero, legions away from the soft-shoe shuffling black cinematic characters of Melvin's youth.

Stepping into his father's shoes, Mario plays Melvin Van Peebles in a dramatic reconstruction of the making of the seminal film Sweet Sweetback Badaaas Song, drumming up the revolutionary fire that gave birth to a new black cinematic aesthetic.

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AfroPunk: The Rock N Roll Nigger Experience, James Spooner, USA - Documentary

Thursday 11 September 10:15pm - Cumberland
Saturday 13 September 9:15am - Cumberland


Tracing the sporadic link between black punk rockers across America, this rock 'n roll documentary captures the style and verve of an underground music movement and the poignant reflections from a young black post-revolutionary generation in America.

With: Outcry, Destau Damtu, Israel - Short Fiction
Yocatan contemplates recent events while staring at his handgun...two of his friends lie dead alongside the bodies of two Israeli policeman – a fascinating insight into the Ethiopian Jewish minority living in Israel.

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Cry No More, Narjiss Nejjar, Morocco – Feature

Wednesday 10 September 10pm - Varsity
Friday 12 September 6pm - Varsity

In the mountains of Morocco, there is a village only occupied by women. The only men who enter are those who are able to pay. When a young bus driver turns up, Hala, the madame, is finally forced to reflect on her tradition.

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Dark, D.A. Bullock, USA – Feature

Friday 12 September 6.30pm -
Saturday 13 September 12pm - Cumberland

Caught between two women and tortured by dark recurring memories from his childhood, a young man spirals into mental confusion. An unusual, intimate debut feature about one man's journey toward redemption.

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Mille Mois, Faouzi Bensaidi, Morocco – Feature

Wednesday 10 September 6pm - Varsity
Friday 12 September 9:30pm - Varsity

Its Ramadan and the members of a village in the Moroccan mountains pray for rain. This beautifully composed first feature is a gentle observation of a boy, his chair and the way in which a community can simultaneously support and alienate.

Wednesday 10 September 6pm - Varsity
Friday 12 September 9:30pm - Varsity

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Moi et mon blanc, S. Pierre Yameogo, Burkina Faso - Feature

Monday 8 September 10:15pm - Varsity
Thursday 11 September 9am - Cumberland

Mamadi is a young African student living in the seedy side of Paris and Frank is his white sidekick. Stumbling across a stash of illegal drug money sets off a comedic jaunt across two continents. A funny contemporary view of immigrant realities.

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One Love, Don Letts, Rick Elgood, Jamaica – Feature

Monday 8 September, 9:30pm - Isabel Bader Theatre
Thursday 11 September, 9am - Uptown

Set against the backdrop of Jamaica's rich musical heritage, a Romeo and Juliet love story develops between Kassa, a songwriting rastafarian and the strictly-gospel Serena. Starring Kymani Marley and multi-talented newcomer, Cherine Anderson, this light-hearted romantic tale marks a sharp diversion from Jamaica's usual violent image.

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The Silence of the Forest, Bassek Ba Kobhio and Dider Ouénangaré, Cameroon/Gabon/Central African Republic – Feature

Thursday 11 September, 7pm - Varsity
Saturday 13 September, 7pm - Uptown

Gonaba, (Eriq "Lumumba" Ebouaney) a political dissident, disappears into the jungles of the equatorial forest. There he is rescued by the Babingas Pygmies and so begins a strange education into the lives and mythologies of the Forest People. A beautiful and rare glimpse into a hidden world.

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Soldiers of the Rock, Norman Maake, South Africa – Feature

Tuesday 9 September, 6:15pm - Varsity
Friday 12 September, 10 am - Uptown

In order to rest his father's spirit, business student Vuyo follows in the deceased's footsteps and enters the ancient, macho world of the goldmine. Will his presence summon the vengeful ghost of the mine? Mythical and political this tight dramatic, action-packed story recreates the lives and dreams of South Africa's indentured male labour force.


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Valley of the Innocent, Branwen Okpako, Germany – Feature

Tuesday 9 September 7pm - Varsity
Thursday 11 Sept 2pm – Uptown

A dark story of loss and remembering, of confused identities and the desperate need to unravel them, Okpako's directorial debut tells of a lonely mixed-race woman, returning to her German hometown seeking a reunification of her own. A siren song to many of our colonial experiences in the West.

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PLANET AFRICA WOMEN'S SHORTS PROGRAMME

Thursday 11 September 3pm - Varsity
Friday 12 September 1.45pm - ROM

Love, loss and good hair days - a collection of short films from Africa to America from this years most stylish female filmmakers.

How to Festival:

Box Office: 416 968 FILM
College Park, Market Level, 444 Yonge St.
August 25 - September 14, 2003
(9am to 7pm, 7 days/week)

Advance tickets: $14.50
Same-day tickets: $15.50 (based on availability. On sale from September 4th)
Website: www.bell.ca/filmfest Planet Africa is made possible through the generous sponsorship of HMV Canada Inc. The Toronto International Film Festival is generously supported by AGF, Bell Canada, VISA, and Volkswagen. The Toronto International Film Festival takes place between the 4th and the 13th September

Gaylene Gould
Planet Africa Programmer
Toronto International Film Festival
T: 416 934 3249
E: ggould@torfilmfest.ca

Akhaji Zakiya
Planet Africa Co-ordinator
T: 416 934 3249
E: azakiya@torfilmfest.ca

Reelworld Teams With Kodak To Present Indie Film Lounge - September 8 and 9, 2003

Two exciting panels have just been added to the lineup of the second annual indie film lounge at Saigon Sister (774 Yonge Street), a stylish, comfortable destination right in the heart of the film festival action. Also on the agenda: video presentations, a pitch session, cocktail receptions, prizes, giveaways and more. Through the generous support of Kodak Entertainment Imaging, ReelWorld Foundation is pleased to present these FREE events. Simply register at info@reelworld.ca to reserve a seat.

Panel 1: I Got It Made: The Super 16mm Renaissance
Monday, September 8, 2:00pm

Independent filmmakers have always revered the Super16 format. To their delight, technological breakthroughs are spurring its renaissance. In this panel, filmmakers will share experiences, tips and tricks about using Super 16 as well as offer insight into the creative and cost benefits of Super 16. They will also discuss options in digital intermediate technology to produce high-quality release prints.

Panel 2: See It Through: From Inspiration To Realization
Tuesday, September 9, 2:00pm

Every film has a distinct visual language created through nuances in colour, contrast and texture. It is the poetry of cinematographers to create each story. In this panel, renowned cinematographers will explore their role in the filmmaking process from beginning to end. Advances in film and hybrid technology may be powerful tools, but they will never replace the artistry and skill of these authors.

Bob Fisher, a veteran journalist specializing in the art and craft of filmmaking, will moderate both panels. His work has appeared in American Cinematographer, ICG and other magazines. Fisher is one of only 15 people recognized as an honorary member of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Coinciding with Toronto International Film Festival, indie film lounge provides a casual environment where young professionals can interact with seasoned veterans. It is designed to unite producers, directors and writers with government funders, broadcasters, distributors and programmers from Canada and the world in a comfortable space where they can network and learn. ReelWorld Foundation aims to nurture the development of Canadian film professionals through year-round initiatives by opening doors for culturally and racially diverse artists, markets and audiences in Canada. The indie film lounge is a concrete step toward helping the country’s emerging and professional talent reach artistic and commercial success while promoting a key message of diversity.

For more information or to register, please email Kirk Cooper at info@reelworld.ca.

THOUGHT

MOTIVATIONAL NOTE: The stress of working, raising a family, paying bills and going to school will exhaust you

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - www.DoNotGiveUp.net e-mail - Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net

The stress of working, raising a family, paying bills and going to school will exhaust you. If it ain't one thing, it's another! Make sure you don't find yourself burned out, stressed out or laying in the hospital sick. When you can't sleep, eat, think and lost your sense of humour and faith, you're stressed out. Worry, drinking, over eating, anger and isolating from your loved ones can't solve anything. Find ways to cope and let go the people, attitudes and habits that are draining you of energy and peace. Nothing and no one is worth you losing your sanity and joy! Do the best you can with what you have where you are and let go of the rest.

MUSIC NEWS

Opportunity For Music Artists - navigatemediawerkz

navigatemediawerkz is now accepting CD submissions for their newest CD compilation mixed and arranged by Toronto's premier (up and coming) female DJ - dj_navigate. Read on for details... Our objective is to support and encourage independent artists in the hip hop and r&b genre and at all levels of experience by placing your song on a mixed CD Sampler and giving the CD's away in the Greater Toronto Area and on a first come first serve basis via street promotion and dj navigate's website - www.djnavigate.com <http://www.djnavigate.com> .

What We Require:

MC's, Vocalists, Lyricists
Excellent Quality Recording on CD
Labeled with Artist's name and Producer's name - if an original piece
YES MC's you can Freestyle or submit an Original Piece
YES vocalists you can sing over an accapella
Original lyrics ONLY please
$10 (non refundable) per submission

If it's hot, we contact you, we meet and you are put on. It can really help you as an artist increase maximum exposure as an artist and establish and/or increase your fan base. For more information contact:
Melissa Noel (pictured right)
416.707.9094
e. djnavigate@djnavigate.com

Something About Jody

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Karu F. Daniels (New York, NY)

In 1987, Jody Watley was the be-it-all-end-it-all of pop music stardom. She hit the number one spot on the pop charts with, “Looking For A New Love,” an undeniable dance ditty about self-awareness and getting a new lease on life and love, and won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Her break-out solo self-titled debut album landed in the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B Albums chart, and yielded a string of singles including “Still A Thrill,” “Some Kind Of Lover” and my personal favourite “Don’t You Want Me?” Then, the Chicago-born beauty was onto her third incarnation in an illustrious showbiz career -- former “Soul Train” dancer turned lead female vocalist of the popular Los Angeles-based R&B outfit Shalamar turned trend-setting, solo pop icon. It was a success story that would make any music enthusiast proud. Sixteen years later, the 44-year-old singer/songwriter –affectionately known as The Madame-- is still going strong. And she’s just as gorgeous as ever.

A mother of two (a college-aged daughter and a teenage son), Ms. Watley is taking music matters into her own hands. Recently, she released an independent album, “Midnight Lounge” (Avitone Recordings/Shinbone Alley/Shanachie), which has already become an underground hit amongst her cult following -- affording her to mount a national club tour. For the past few years, she has been the toast of European and Asian territories – not feeding into what major media companies dictate to be ‘hot’ they tend to me more loyal fans. All summer, Ms. Watley has been performing non-stop at intimate venues around the country -- it was at New York’s neo-lounge-like hot-spot Joe’s Pub where we first caught up to the feisty, fashionable and fabulous femme fatale, who worked the sold-out, downtown crowd into a frenzy -- showing the masses that she still had what it took to remain the versatile, resilient and omnipresent music force she is known as. In our trademark fashion, The RU Report encouraged the living legend to shoot the stuff --off the cuff-- about a few worthwhile subjects:

Records & Retail… “My first independent endeavour was "Affection" in 1995/96. This was the first release on my Avitone imprint. The distributor at that time was Bellmark. I was inspired by Prince, who had released "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" single on his NPG imprint, with Bellmark as distributor. I love the whole idea of new frontiers, and entrepreneurial spirit. People get so locked in and afraid to step out of the routine. I have been stepping out of routine for a long time. It keeps me fresh. I can draw upon so many lessons I've learned and things I've seen working with a small independent like Solar in the beginning, though they were initially distributed by Capitol, I believe and MCA, prior to being bought by larger corporation, and of course my brief stint at Atlantic. The music business changed immensely once companies merged with corporations with concerns more related to fiscal quarters, stock rankings, and profit more so than artist growth or longevity. It's up to you as an artist to build your career, beyond hit singles. I've been blessed to have a long career. With small independent labels, it's more personal. The expectations and approach are totally different, just like with indie films. The entire process is more grass roots.”

Total Independence… “The advantages of doing this without a major label are artistic freedom and knowing that in the long run you can make more of the profits, if there are any to be made. In addition, you are in a position to place and license/lease the masters around the world, doing different deals for each territory, if you choose to, among other ventures you can become involved in. It's no secret though, that only a handful people in the know, are aware of the quality and availability of great independently released music. At times it would be great to have a huge promotional and marketing budget. But even when I was on a major label, I never got the massive zillion-dollar push. I am cool either way. It takes a lot of work and involvement."
“I get people all the time that want to know if I'm still singing. But I understand why they ask, because having been a mainstream and commercially viable artist, there are those who don't look beyond radio and MTV and I'm way under the radar these days but people that have my new music thinks it just gets better. I'm like an eclectic boutique off the beaten path in the middle of mega mall.

Family Affair… “Midori and I are the usual big sister, little sister stuff. My family was initially very upset about her work because she is the baby in the family but I'm always the first person to say you have to live your life, your own way... I love her. We have an older brother who lives in Japan. He appeared in a few of my classic videos. My sister has also been in one as well as our mother, my son and my daughter.”
[My daughter] is gorgeous. I don't want to say too much because my kids are my private life but she is an incredible young lady and we are very close. I managed to raise her to be a non-show business obnoxious child, though she has traveled around the world and been exposed to a lot of glamour. She's a college student in New York and she's incredibly smart, compassionate about people, polite, interested in global culture and makes very cool experimental instrumental electronic music and amazing video graphics. She has a project called ‘cenetaur,’ and music is one of her hobbies. She went to Kenya this summer to help with a school...I always tell her she's my idol.

“My kids don't think of me as "Jody Watley --the singer.” I'm just Mommy. I admire the way Diana Ross seems to have had an incredible public life and career and yet managed to raise very unaffected bright beautiful and grounded young ladies. That's what it's all about at the end of the day: you want to make sure your kids are going out to the world with something positive to give. Now that's a great legacy.”

Shalamar (and not the fragrance)… “I threw in "A Night To Remember" at the "Celebrate Brooklyn" show. I hadn't done that in years. I figured there'd be a few old school people in the park so I thought it would be fun and a nice surprise as well. I did three shows that weekend, at different venues, and they were all a bit different. I incorporated a DJ onstage at "Celebrate,” and I've wanted to do that for ages so it was like playing classic records.
“Honestly, once I left the group in 1984 that was it. I'm not one to hold on to negative energy, you can't move forward that way. People assume things about my feelings for all the wrong reasons. For instance, I don't do Shalamar songs because I have so many of my own songs that were big hits. It's impossible to sing everything, unless I'm onstage for two hours. I'm also not big on looking back so I prefer to focus on what I'm doing not what I did, people take that like I'm trying to not acknowledge my past, which is ridiculous. Shalamar was a blessing, but I have never tried to ride those coat tails. People can get stuck on the past, and because I'm not, it's assumed that it's still some bad blood. That’s not true. “I co-wrote most all of my solo records so as a writer I want to always promote my solo catalogue first because I get royalties on Jody Watley records. As great as they were, I don't get Shalamar royalty money. We had horrible record contracts.”

Love and Happiness… “I just try to have fun. I like that my voice can sound really teen and pop or sultry and warm, depending on the vibe and physically I take care of myself all the way around. I want people to know, always, that I have been so blessed over the years. I have also put raising my children first, ahead of aggressively always pursuing my career, though I obviously am the person that takes care of us all, so I work just enough. I also have the luxury of being home. I have managed to have balance for the most part and that makes me happy.

The Next Generation… “I love Beyonce, and was very happy that Destiny's Child recorded a song I wrote called "Sweet Sixteen" on their "Writings On The Wall" CD. She works very hard, she writes, she 's bringing it! As a songwriter I also really like India Arie, her lyrics are very thoughtful. I just wonder if many of the tons of artists that are out will really be in the trenches for the inevitable ups and downs, continuing to build a career that lasts beyond hit records. “The funny thing is being so involved in fashion and my image, I wanted a clothing line, since so many people were copying my styles but at the time there wasn't one executive who got it, they would look at me as if I were insane. Now everyone and their mom are coming out with a clothing line.”

Being Buff… “I didn't do [“Playboy”] to be advantageous, other than celebrating being a great looking woman over 35. I think I was reacting to ageism. There are a lot of old looking twenty-somethings -- yet great looking women at 35, 40, etc. are looked at as old in the industry. I approached it like a fashion shoot, and pretended to be Miss Naomi Campbell. We flew to the most beautiful location in Kauai, and I met with the photographer to talk creatively. I refused to show my muffin, or do total nudity, that's why I wasn't on the cover. I discussed it with my teenaged daughter for her thoughts and opinions, and she gave me her permission -- as long as I wasn't showing everything.”

Herstory… “It's best to live in the moment. I will always be a part of the Grammy history, which I am so proud of, and of course my hit records will always be found in books with chart history, etc. But seriously, I don't think about things like that. It's too superficial. At the end of the day, life isn't about your career or financial success or fame. Though it means a lot to me that people say my music makes them happy or makes them dance or get through tough times or any of that, it's not my life. “It goes back to what I said earlier; my legacy is that I am a great Mom to my kids, when they tell me I'm the greatest Mom in the whole wide world, that's the best! So I will be thought of as, great mom and one of these days I'm sure I'll be a sexy Grandma, like Goldie Hawn and I hope to be great at that. “A good daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. That's the chain of remembrance that will matter most.”

Hitting The Road… “It's important to make my music visible by performing it live, that's why I've done more shows recently. People have a great time and so do I. Up Next… “San Diego on August 22. Reality TV, maybe. Who knows? My boutique will open very soon at my website (www.jodywatley.net). I'll have a revolving small quantity of items. The first from the "Jody Watley Collection" will be caps and hats. I will also feature other designers from time to time. My hats were recently sold in Fred Segal. I'll be doing other things as well. I've always loved hats...and caps are very popular right now! I've got some cool T-shirts as well, they have a very soft, worn vintage feel. I may have a few more surprises up my sleeve.”

Bow Wow: The Bark Gets Bigger

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Kenya Yarbrough

He’s dropped the “Lil’” from his moniker, but is making moves in a big way. After two hot albums and a feature film debut, Bow Wow (né Shad Moss) says he is growing up. But even if you liked his lollipop hip-hop of yesteryear, Bow Wow assures that you’ll still like his maturing music. His new disc “Unleashed” has hit music store shelves and fans have found that Bow Wow has a new bark. The 16-year-old rapper says he’s grown up and so has his music. But he promises that he’ll always have a soft spot for the young fans. “I’m getting older so therefore my music has to grow up as well. It’s still clean for the kids, but I’m not talking about the things that I was talking about two years ago,” he says.

As a matter of fact, the album title says it all. While his first two albums stayed in the canine theme – “Beware of Dog” and “Doggy Bag” – this one has a double entendre. “You think of dog when you hear Bow Wow, so we just wanted to keep that alive. It just goes along with the theme. It just matches. But this album is the only album title that really has a meaning to it. I mean, it goes along with the dog theme, but it has a deeper meaning to it. 'Unleashed' means more than just dogs. It’s just a process of growing. People try to keep me tied up. Having a leash forever for me, keeping me a little kid, sing bounce-with-me songs. And it’s kind of like I can’t do that no more. I’m unleashed.” Bow Wow explains that he’s moved on and that this project is really a transition. He says although he changed his name a while back, music fans still haven’t been able to separate the rapper they see now from the tyke who started spitting lyrics over hot beats at age 6 when he was featured on Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle” album. “I’m unleashed from the image … just growing,” he says. The change is a slow process, however. Bow Wow says that he still performs the “old” songs in his shows, knowing that his loyal fans are looking forward to the Bow Wow classics. But he does sprinkle the show with a few of the new tracks.

"I still do the old songs. People look forward to hearing some of their favourite songs from the first two albums I still perform big singles that happened. They know it. It’s nothing [that my voice] has changed. Everybody knows I’m growing up. Doing the songs – it’s no different.” But what about the fans, parents, and critics that want to hold on to the “Lil’” of Bow Wow? To them, the little rapper with the big voice doesn’t have much to say. “I don’t care what they think. I’m making music for my people – people that want to buy my music. It’s like I said, I can’t do those little kid records no more. That’s done. It’s over for that. It’s a new day, and people have to deal with it. I’m reaching a new audience. I don’t know why people are bugging over the song [‘Let’s Get Down’] I did with Baby. What do they want me to do a song with Aaron Carter or somebody? I still have my itty bitty fans, I still have my teenage fans – I love them, that’s my fan base, those are the people who brought Bow Wow on the scene. I love my fans to death. But also, I’m reaching for more. I want everyone to enjoy Bow Wow music.”

Nonetheless, Bow Wow isn’t just relying on his music these days. After starring in the kiddie flick “Like Mike,” Bow Wow has found himself flipping through a good handful of scripts and new projects. Next up, he’s starring in the film “The Johnson Family Vacation” with Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa Williams, and Solange Knowles, which is expected in theaters in April 2004. “It’s about a dysfunctional family trying to get down to their family reunion without any problems. But everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. It’s a family comedy, it’s hilarious, and it’s definitely a must-see,” he describes. Interestingly enough, Bow Wow says that while he doesn’t enjoy the downtime so much on a video set, he looks forward to it on the movie set. “Shooting movies are fun,” he says. “I don’t have to look fly to go on the set. And I could care less how long the process is. I travel so much, being on the set is like being on vacation ‘cause you’re in one spot for a while – like three or four months. That’s like heaven to me.”

Soul Sisters Honoured: Floetry big winners at Lady of Soul

Two ladies took over the Lady of Soul Awards. Snagging best single for “Say Yes” and best group album for “Floetic,” neo-soul duo Floetry took home statues from the awards ceremony Saturday night. Award veteran Missy Elliott was awarded best song of the year and music video for “Work It.” Newcomer Heather Headley took home honours for “He Is” and her album “This is Who I Am” snagged the best solo album award. Other winners included Dorinda Clark-Cole, Erykah Badu for both the solo single “Love of My Life” and the Aretha Franklin, Entertainer of the Year award. Vivica A. Fox was awarded the 2003 Lena Horn Award. Here's a complete list of winners:

1. Best R & B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo: "Say Yes" - Floetry
2. Best R & B/Soul or Rap, New Artist, Solo: Heather Headley - "He Is"
3. R & B/Soul or Rap, Song of the Year: "Work It" - Missy Elliott
4. Best Gospel Album: "Dorinda Clark-Cole" - Dorinda Clark-Cole
5. Best R & B/Soul or Rap, New Artist, Group, Band or Duo: Floetry - "Say Yes"
6. Best R & B/Soul Single Solo:  "Love Of My Life" - Erykah Badu featuring Common
7. Best R & B/Soul or Rap, Music Video: "Work It" - Missy Elliott
8. R & B/Soul Album Of The Year, Group, Band or Duo: "Floetic" - Floetry
9.R & B/Soul Album Of The Year, Solo: "This Is Who I Am" - Heather Headley

Ja Is Staying Alive: The Murderous one ain't dead yet

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com

Well it looks like there's some lyrical life left in Ja Rule after all. It seems Ja is planning on releasing another EP before releasing Venni Vetti Vecci part two. That set will reportedly be a double album. "The new EP is called Blood In My Eye," Ja-Rule told AllHipHop.com. "Hip-Hop is at a fast and feverish pace right now with all the beefs and all the dramas and I'm at the helm of all of it."  According to Rule, the new EP was not recorded with album sales in mind, but will address the various beef's that the Queen's bred rapper is caught in. "You aint gonna go no where without hearing my name and you aint gonna speak to 50 or Em without hollerin' at them about what I'm doing and it's the same with me. I gotta address certain subjects and there's not a better way to do it than with a rough crazy EP. Just throw it out there. It's just rugged and raw and saying what I wanna say."

Funny, She Doesn't Look Like A Country Singer

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Angela Spann

Female country music artists have traditionally kept close to the fringed-shirt, cowboy hat image set in motion by such pioneers as Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. That is, until Shania Twain came along and blew the collective roofs off of Nashville and its Grand Ol’ Opry. Well, there’s a new belle of the ball in town and she’s anything but traditional. Vicki Vann, who resembles a bronzed Halle Berry, may very well become to country music what Beyonce is to Pop and R&B. If you don’t recognize her name, don’t worry, in time you will. Ms. Vann, who has all the makings of a country music star, recently sat down with Lee Bailey at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in LA to discuss her love of country music, her album, and her acceptance into the mainstream country industry. When asked how she came to love country music, Vicki states that it isn’t as far fetched as one might think.

Growing up in a rural section of Altadena, California, she was no stranger to horses, chickens, and chores. As a young girl, she was exposed to various types of music, such as gospel, jazz, and country. However, her love for country music grew very strong, despite the fact that her father, a Baptist minister, was a member of the world famous gospel group, Mighty Clouds of Joy. Recognizing his daughter’s talent, he wanted Vicki to be the next Aretha Franklin, but the talented beauty had other plans. “I fell in love with country music because most country songs have a story. They have a beginning, middle, and an end. I’m a storyteller and it fits. I really get into the lyrics,” explained Vicki. “It makes me laugh and cry.” Admittedly, Vicki is a rare gem in the genre and has large shoes to fill in her quest to gain crossover appeal and acceptance. There haven’t been many successful African -American country artists since the legendary Charlie Pride, but that doesn’t discourage the singer at all.

Although most of the local country music fans that she’s sung for are usually shocked when they see her, they change their tunes once they hear her sing. “They seem to love it,” stated Vicki. “They’ve been wonderfully receptive.” She’s also finding international acceptance, as well. A recent performance in Switzerland was met with warm reception by the fans. Vicki seems to be taking this challenging endeavour all in stride. She explained this phenomenal challenge to Bailey. “Someone has to step over the line and do something. It hasn’t been done. It’s a risky thing. A lot of people are afraid of not being received. It’s been a while. Someone just needs to say what about me. Listen to me.”

Our prediction is that fans will not only be listening, but watching as well. This natural beauty is bringing her personal style to the stage. Although she doesn’t wear the traditional cowboy hats on stage (only to avoid hat hair), she does wear them occasionally when riding horses. Instead, Vicki prefers to dress classy, sophisticated, sexy, and glamorous when performing. Her self-entitled album has eleven songs and one traditional inspirational bonus track at the end. Vicki’s record label is in the initial stages of releasing her first single “Wednesday Kisses,” which is a song about a gal not interested in bling-bling, but simply wants a kiss, perhaps on Wednesday. This song seems to be a self-portrait of Vicki, who claims that she’s not a bling-bling, marbled-floor kind of girl. “I like horses, family, cats, and God,” explained Vicki.

After discussing her album, Bailey asked about the music that rotates in her stereo and she responded that, although R&B and Pop is not her style of choice to sing, she does have favourites. She mentioned Celine Dion, Christina Aquilera, and Beyonce as some of her favourite artists. We suspect that with the release of her first album and her successful introduction to the music industry, her name will soon be added to that illustrious list. For additional information on Vicki Vann, visit her at www.vickivann.com. The website has a photo gallery, headshots, merchandise, and a guest book. Fans can also purchase her CD on the site. Fans who choose to drop Vicki a message are assured that she will write back. In closing, Vicki gives Bailey her last words of encouragement. “I think that country music is great for a lot of people to listen to even if they think they don’t like it. Give it a shot. They will be pleased. Stay prayerful, peaceful, and close to God.” Spoken like a true star.

Searchlight Finds DMX: X Brings The Drama

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com

From "Cradle 2 the Grave" to his latest film, "Never Die Alone," DMX is becoming a bona fide movie star. Fox Searchlight has officially landed the rights to the new DMX flick, "Never Die Alone," which is currently in post-production. The urban thriller based on the life of a gangster (we're sure DMX can handle that) is directed by Ernest Dickerson and also stars David Arquette, Michael Ealy, and Reagan Preston-Gomez. Dickerson is best known for his work on "Krush Groove," "Do The Right Thing," "Mo' Better Blues," "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," and "Juice." According to Fox's Executive Vice President of Production, "'Never Die Alone' is the kind of edgy and provocative filmmaking that Fox Searchlight is constantly seeking, and DMX is a charismatic star in a surprisingly complex role."

Cece Never Ceases

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com

If I kept count, I would know that it seems that gospel music superstar CeCe Winans seem to put out a record every year. On September 8, the Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award-winning diva will release what her record company handlers are considering “her finest CD of her career.” Titled “Throne Room,” the new disc follows in the same vein as her break-out 1995 solo outing, “Alone In His Presence.” For the new worship project, Ms. Winans re-teamed with renowned producers Cedric and Victor Caldwell to produce the 16-track set, which she co-wrote six songs for. The album is divided into two parts: the first eight songs are “Songs of Worship and Reflection;” and the last eight songs are “Songs of Praise and Adoration.” “Throne Room is a concept I believe the Lord put in my heart,” offered Ms. Winans. “This is the seed He planted in me to produce songs that would usher His people into the throne room of god… a lot of people don’t know how to worship and I believe this album will teach people how to worship in song.”

Gospel music maestro Andrae Crouch co-penned the title track with Ms. Winans. To support her latest project, she is embarking on a multi-city church tour and on September 12 will headline a Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) worship television special featuring gospel artists Vicki Yohe and the Born Again Church Choir. According to a spokesperson, Ms. Winans will follow the Epic Records-distributed “Throne Room,” with a multi-format pop disc next spring.

FILM NEWS

Jamie To Play Role Of Gang Founder/Peace Activist

Funnyman Jamie Foxx is in Toronto to film the television movie "Redemption: The Stan 'Tookie' Williams Story," on the FX Network. The made-for-TV movie directed by Vondie Curtis Hall is about the founder of the Crips gang and chronicles his life, his time as a death row inmate, and his work to end gang violence -- which brought him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2001. Lynn Whitfield will play Barbara Becnel, a writer who helps Williams (Foxx) pen children's books. Maestro tells me that he also has a role in the movie as Tony Bogard.

Chris Rock’s Sick Day

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com

Chris Rock's got another assignment. He's been signed star in the comedy "Sick Day." The Hollywood Reporter says the project is about a man who phones in sick to skip work only to see his plans for the day go awry as he proceeds to get involved in numerous destructive misunderstandings with his neighbours, nearly scotching his affectionate wife's chances at a job promotion in the process. A start date hasn't been determined.

Beauty Shop Drama

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Karu F. Daniels (New York, NY)

With the success of last year’s sleeper hit, “Barbershop,” there has been a rush to get a vehicle that can follow in its footsteps – this time catering to an urban female demographic. As of lately, four projects have been bandied about in Tinsel Town, with A-list names like Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Beyonce and Spike Lee attached. But only one vehicle may see the light of day – in the very near future. “Beauty Shop,” starring multimedia maven Mo’Nique just finished filming in and around Los Angeles and is seeking major distribution from a studio. The low-budget, independent feature film, directed by first time feature film director Leslie Small, is in post-production stages.

The early word on the vehicle –which stars the plus-sized comedienne as the lead character who flees her hometown of Baltimore and finds herself trying to earn a living in the upscale Beverly Hills beauty salon of her estranged sister, played by Kellita Smith (of “The Bernie Mac Show”)— have been great, even ripe for circulation on the festival circuit.

The cast also includes Taraji Henson, Bryce Wilson, Keiko Agano, Andre Blake and Joe Torry, with appearances by Vivica A. Fox, Serena Williams, Gerald LeVert, John Salley and Tiny Lister. “The goal was to assemble the best cast possible,” Mo’Nique tells The RU Report. “Our casting agent, Monica Swann, did a wonderful job. I sat in on some casting sessions, but overall, I trusted her to do her thing.” “Beauty Shop” was shot within a four-week period spanning from June to July. The project landed in “The Parkers’” star hands in January and the scriptwriting began almost immediately, with Mo’Nique’s biographer and production associate Sherri McGee helming the process with Andrea Wiley and Devon Greggory contributing. “We only had about three months to get the movie in the can, while I was on hiatus from “The Parkers,” because I had another film [“Soul Plane”] to do after this one,” offers Mo’Nique. “We really didn’t have any idea that there were so many other beauty shop projects in the works when we decided to do ours. But we soon found out there were a number of others. My schedule is tight for the next two years, so it was either now or maybe never.”

With Ice Cube’s “Barbershop” raking in more than $75 million at the box-office, it’s apparent that filmgoers are not just interested in sitting in a comfy chair to get coiffed. Funny-woman Jenifer Lewis has been making her rounds on the talk show circuit gabbing it up about “Norah’s Beauty Salon,” which also stars Tamala Jones, and Bobby Brown with an appearance by rap vixen Lil’ Kim. Ms. Houston, who produced “The Princess Diaries” and “The Cheetah Girls,” is rumored to be helming the production of this particular vehicle, which may be released next summer. Beyonce Knowles, fastly becoming a Hollywood hot commodity (with roles in last year’s “Austin Powers In Goldmember” and this year’s “The Fighting Temptations,” was said to have been approached by Spike Lee to star in a separate beauty shop project, but turned it down because of a conflict of interests. MGM, who distributed the Tim Story-direct “Barbershop,” has already green-lit their very own “Beauty Shop” vehicle with Queen Latifah as the lead. The Oscar-nominated rap superstar – fresh off the heels of a box-office success story (“Bringing Down The House”)—is currently in Chicago making cameos in “Barbershop 2,” which will set up her spin-off. According to a spokesperson at MGM, Latifah’s film is on schedule for November 2004. “I think it’s wonderful,” Mo’Nique adds about the beauty shop film frenzy. “It’s definitely a hot project. Baby, Black women and hair is a serious issue. I’m sure every sister in America has some kind of horror story about something that’s happened to her in a beauty salon. I think that each project out there is diverse and there’s room for everyone. I wish them all good luck.”
Well, let’s hope the powers-that-be understand that.

Magic Johnson serves as an executive producer of “Beauty Shop,” along with Urbanworks Entertainment CEO Jeff Clannaghan, who is eager to break into feature films. “The reason we shot it as an independent feature is because we didn't want it to get caught up in all the studio red-tape,” adds Ms. McGee – who co-wrote “The New York Times” best-seller “Skinny Woman Are Evil” (Atria) and serves as executive assistant to “The Parkers’” creator Sara Finney-Johnson. “This is a hot project and we wanted to tell the story our own way without studio execs telling us to make a lot of changes...so, we've shot it ourselves and are now going to them for distribution only.” According to insiders, the crew from “The Parkers” pitched in their talents in hair, make-up, transportation and craft-services, to help bring this project to fruition, during their break in production. Seems as someone found out away to circumvent the rigid Hollywood system.

“Frankly, I think this is a great way for Black filmmakers to operate because then we control our images,” Ms. McGee continues. “We have strong interests from several companies based on our cast and our association with Magic Johnson. The advantage to our film is that we are already shot and if we do not find major studio distribution, Magic has committed to placing the film in all of his theaters. So, we'll still get the audience we set out to get.” Revlon Cosmetics and Bronner Brothers hair care products also lent a helping hand to really bring the project together. An extravagant hair show will also serve as the centerpiece for the movie’s storyline. “We’re not stereotypical with our characters or storylines,” Ms. McGee concludes, about the movie, which plans to be released to the masses by next spring. “At the end of the day, this is about business and I hope we’re able to get our story in theaters first. Hell, if we do it right there won’t be a need for a second or third project,” says Mo’Nique.

Universally Speaking

Excerpt from www.eurweb.com

Universal Pictures is doing some brisk business in this soft economy. According to a spokesperson, the studio set a new studio record for domestic summer box office, passing its previous summer record of $665.9 million from 2001. With three summer box office weekends still to come, Universal has already earned a total of $667.8 million this summer and $693.1 million this year. Universal already made box-office history this summer with three consecutive openings of more than $50 million: "Bruce Almighty," which set a new record for a non-sequel comedy with $85.7 million over Memorial Day weekend and has taken in $239.5 million to date at the domestic box office; "2 Fast 2 Furious," which opened to $50.5 million and has grossed $126.0 million to date; and "The Hulk," which set a new June record with its opening weekend of $62.0 million, and has taken in $130.9 at the domestic box office. Prior to this, no other studio had ever had even two $50 million openings in a row. In addition to these three number one openings, Universal had its fourth summer release to open to number one at the domestic box office with "American Wedding," which took in $33.4 million in its first three days and has grossed $71.1 million to date. "Seabiscuit," which opened July 25th in a smaller number of theaters nationwide, has taken in $73.8 million date. Their fall schedule kicks off on September 26 with "The Rundown," a funny and rollicking action-adventure starring The Rock, Seann William Scott, Rosario Dawson and Christopher Walken, directed by Peter Berg… Meanwhile, the music arm of Universal, Universal Music Group (UMG) – consisting of record labels Decca Record Company, Deutsche Grammophon, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, MCA Nashville, Mercury Records, Mercury Nashville, Philips, Polydor, Universal Music Latino, Universal Motown Records Group, and Verve Music Group-- have signed an agreement with Sprint that will bring new ringer choices from some of the world's most renowned artists to mobile music fans nationwide. Sprint and UMG plan to offer a wide variety of downloadable ringers in the music tone category, which are ringers of clips from the actual recorded song, to PCS Vision customers. Sprint was the first U.S. carrier to launch ringers from actual songs and currently offers nearly 1000 ringers and screen savers in categories that include urban, rock, pop, country, TV/Movie themes, music tones, animated ringers and voice ringers in both English and Spanish. Maybe L.L. Cool J can do a remake of his classic “Radio” and use the word ‘cellphone’ instead…because the music is everywhere.

TV NEWS

Fox Pulls Into The Docks: Comic strip gets TV deal

"The Boondocks," which has been seen in 350 newspapers nationwide since 1999, will soon be seen on a Fox station near you. The comic strip was created by Aaron McGruder and is based on the junior revolutionary Huey and his thug-in-training brother Riley, who move to the suburbs from the inner city. Known mostly for it's controversial, in-your-face racial humour, "Boondocks" will join other Fox animated series, like "The Simpsons" and "King of the Hill." McGruder, along with partner Reggie Hudlin, is slated to write the pilot and executive produce it for Sony Pictures Television. If the pilot is successful, the series will launch in the 2004-05 midseason.

OTHER NEWS

Who's Pimping Who?

by Erin Patton

Dear Nelly: As a marketer, I must admit I was rather pleased when I first heard about last week's announcement that you were launching a new energy drink product. When I first heard the news through the grapevine, I smiled because it was further evidence of a paradigm shift that I and many other advertising and marketing executives representing the Hip-Hop generation and urban mindset have been forewarning corporate America about. The paradigm shift I'm speaking of is not a revolution, but an evolution that is being televised to a LIVE, global audience which stars the urban market as a global economic force driven by street-bred Hip-Hopreneurs who no longer have to simply lend their names and images to build existing brands and products, they can create their own!

It all started with what Hip-Hop and urban consumers know best…fashion. Since Tommy didn't want to actively court urban consumers, Russell, Puff and Jay-Z all turned rags into riches with their own brands while the established mainstream apparel brands were caught with their pants down (pun intended). We all knew it was only a matter of time before Hip-Hop expanded its consumer product portfolio. Now, Hip-Hop impresarios have their own alcoholic beverages, cell phones, whips, debit cards and a host of other consumer products. Granted they, like you, are still in partnership with a mainstream concern for distribution, financing, etc. but the notion itself is still one of great progress.

It's also indicative of the lofty ambitions that are now within reach for those who, as Wu-Tang said, can now get a clutch of what they previously could not touch. "Word of mouf" says Ludacris even toyed with the idea of introducing his own soft drink in the aftermath of his Pepsi deal which fizzled with the O'Reilly controversy. I was more encouraged when I logged onto my computer and pulled up the article to see your own words: "there may be several drinks out there claiming to boost liveliness, but the energy drink market still provides many untapped marketing opportunities." Yes! Spoken like a true, savvy urban marketer.

Somewhere along the line, though, Nelly you must have received some really bad counsel. You see, when I read further and learned that the actual name of your product was “Pimp Juice,” I immediately thought that it was an internet hoax or, at best, some skit you were working on with your St. Louis homeboy Cedric The Entertainer. You wouldn’t possibly launch a product that glorifies and breathes life into one of the most demeaning images so many have worked tirelessly to erase from the annals of Black America’s history. But when I turned on the TV in my office and saw the MTV News anchor giggling though the report, I knew it was true. How could this happen I asked myself? I immediately thought about a segment I saw on BET’s NYLA a few months back when one of your representatives was interviewed for a story on urban marketing and addressed their marketing strategy for you and it began to make sense.

I say that because, although he seemed to be a fairly smart guy, he clearly wasn’t a product of the core urban culture or the negative byproducts of the “blaxsploitation” era years ago. I realize that you were also probably too young at the time to remember but Hollywood had a good time portraying black folks as “Pimps and Ho’s.” And there were many blacks who were bamboozled into projecting that stereotype for the dough (by the way, if you haven’t seen the Spike Lee joint Bamboozled, now might be a good time).

What’s the big deal you ask? After all, urban culture is pretty pimped out right now with 50 Cent, David Banner, Lil’ Flip and Snoop all hollering P.I.M.P. while Bishop Don Juan has somehow emerged as an icon for our youth to aspire to. Well, dirty, while starting an energy drink with the name of “Pimp Juice” may sound like a good idea given your hit single by that name and the current pimping of the urban culture by the mainstream, this is a case where a good idea is meeting terrible execution. The problem is, while you and your partners may make some ends off of this deal for the Nelly “brand,” your “Pimp Juice” product is producing a damaging effect on the overall urban and African-American brands that will ultimately pay the price on its image. You see, I don’t know if your marketing strategists explained this to you or not, but all brands have what is known as core values and perceptions.

In fact, the impact of the “blaxsploitation” era was so severe, that we’re still trying to untangle the knots of negative perception that mainstream society places upon us as a result. You may have even experienced some of this yourself when people make certain negative assumptions about you for no apparent reason. It could be in the course of conducting business, applying for a loan, getting on an elevator, driving down the highway or shopping at the mall for a pair of Air Force Ones at Champs. Or, in the case of a young woman, being degraded and called a “Ho” by cats on the block that think it’s cool to be a pimp. Reinforcing this negative stereotype in the minds of impressionable youth is like releasing the “SoBig” virus that infiltrated computers nationwide last week. Once damaging information is opened on the hard drive (mind), it wreaks irrevocable damage. There is also a small factor called timing when launching a new product and the timing on this one is also pretty bad, Nelly. You see, this week marks the 40-year anniversary of Dr. King’s March On Washington. This is not what Dr. King had in mind when he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech. In fact, this would be more like his worst nightmare as well as for those who labored in the civil rights movement.

Speaking of which, I’m also wondering where Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are on this issue. Have you heard from them? In fact, where is the drop squad when you need them? Clearly, if Eminem introduced an energy drink called “Pimp Juice,” it would get really hot in herrre as the black community would be up in arms, Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley would be buzzing and the nationwide boycott would be in full effect. So far, the voices of dissent have been silent. In fact, I’ve mostly heard laughter in response to your announcement. I guess that is an equally sad sign of the times. That being said, I sincerely wish you would reconsider this one, Nelly. You’ve built a good career for yourself and have some pretty reputable corporate partners you don’t want to jeopardize. Most of all, like many hard-working Black Americans trying to make forward progress, I was hoping my young son and daughter would never have to revisit that dark chapter in our history under the new header of “urbansploitation.” In the future, you should also have your management and marketing team do a little more homework before launching products that are culturally insensitive. Otherwise, the next time you are in one of your marketing meetings to discuss strategies for the launch of “Pimp Juice,” take a look around and ask yourself who’s pimping who?

As a wise man once said, those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.

Brian McKnight Becomes An Internet Provider To His Fans On The Heels Of Grove Appearance

[Note from LE: I LOVE artists that branch out into many areas of business!] In a move unprecedented in today's market, soul crooner Brian McKnight will launch his own full service ISP on August 27, 2003.  "Technology is advancing at a rate that requires artists to keep up, because we already know the fans will," says MCKNIGHT.  "This is just another avenue to give the fans what they want, when they want it".  He continues; "We collaborated with a Los Angeles based company called VSI, who specialize in providing the technology backbone for Private Label Internet services, and worked diligently to assure that not only the content would be exciting, but the features and technology are unmatched". The site, www.Bmcknight.net , offers a host of  benefits that will please fans and teckkies alike.  At only $14.95 per month for the full service internet service package, MCKNIGHT'S service is not only very competitively priced when compared to AOL or Earthlink's equivalent service, but includes many standard features that the major ISP's don't offer. The service includes:

* Free online support
* Customized homepage
* Full Function Email (fans get their own email address at yourname@bmcknight.net.)
* Pop Up Blockers
* Spam Control
* Customized toolbar, with one touch access to fan site and members only club
* 2 options; Full service or BYOA (Bring Your Own Access)
* Award Winning Free customer support

The first official ISP launch party will be at The Grove in LA on August 27.  MCKNIGHT'S company; McKnight Entertainment is hosting "Wayne Brady and Friends" that night.  This free outdoor concert will feature performances by all of the artists on Brian's new record label Fortress of Solitude, which includes actor / singer Wayne Brady.  Brian will be giving a brief guest appearance, and will announcing the launch of the ISP that night.

MCKNIGHT  is also preparing his new members only club "The Backseat" for launch in August. Says Brian; " We already know the fans want to feel connected to artists, and have 24hr/day content and access."  "To stay in the game, you have to keep your finger on the pulse of where the industry is going, and what the fans are expecting."  The Backseat will offer live chats, ticket presales, and member only music and videos. "It has been a busy 6 months, with a tour in the fall and all of these projects in development, but I feel very strongly that you don't stay in this industry as long as I have with a "business as usual" attitude."  "The Backseat and the ISP are my attempts to keep up with the technology and the changing tide of the industry in general." On September 3rd, MCKNIGHT kicks off his Up Close and Personal Tour in Minneapolis. The tour will feature Mya and Vivian Green alternating as opening acts. Flyers offering free month trials for the ISP will be distributed at each venue.  For more information, visit www.bmcknight.net or www.velocityisp.com

Best and Worst Personal Brands of 2003 Announced by Personal Branding Magazine

Source: PRNewswire

[Note from LE: Branding and reputation is all important – read this!] Peter Montoya Inc, publishers of Personal Branding magazine, announced that its current issue includes, forthe first time, the top five best and worst personal brands of 2003, so far. According to Montoya, the five best personal brands are: 1) President George W. Bush, 2) Michael Moore, 3) Dr. Robert Atkins, 4) Eminem, and 5) Barry Bonds. The five worst are: 1) President George W. Bush, 2) Martha Stewart, 3) Mike Tyson, 4) Anna Nicole Smith, and 5) Jayson Blair.

Personal branding is the process of taking one's skills, personality, and unique characteristics and packaging them into a powerful identity. Used properly, it creates a clear, positive image that comes to mind when other people think of someone. An effective personal brand positions one as a leader in their field, helping to build one's reputation and influence. However, by defying the laws of personal branding, for example, by behaving in a way that contradicts a carefully cultivated image, one can cause irreparable damage to their personal brand. Martha Stewart is a perfect case in point.
"I know it seems ironic to have President Bush on the top of both lists, but he truly exemplifies how you can harness the power of your personal brand and also how you can damage it," said Peter Montoya, president of the only agency specializing in personal branding and the author of three books on the subject, including the recently published The Brand Called You. "As a personal brand, the President performed masterfully, creating expectations far in advance of the war in Iraq, then backing them up at every turn. Love him or hate him, you have to admit that the President never changed his colors to match the week's news or opinion polls, and his message -- national security, Iraqi accountability, American righteousness -- remained consistent.
"On the other hand, as much as he did to bolster his brand through consistency of message, he did as much damage to his brand for a large segment of the population, namely political progressives and liberals, as well as anyone anti-war. The same certainty of purpose that served his personal brand well for his core audience has made him a liar, warmonger and would-be dictator to many others," added Montoya.
Not surprisingly, Martha Stewart's legal troubles and her response -- or lack thereof -- to them, have easily placed her in the number two spot for worst brands. At the other end of the spectrum, diet guru Dr. Robert Atkins, who passed away this past May, represented a picture-perfect use of personal branding. By putting his name on his famous weight-loss plan, he staked his reputation on its success. The brand recently received a major boost from a Duke University study that showed that a low-carbohydrate diet can indeed help you lose substantially more weight than other regimens. There is no doubt that despite his death, Dr. Atkins' brand will live on.
What landed others on the worst list? Former New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, recently fired for plagiarism and lying, destroyed his personal brand as a journalist by losing all credibility. Mike Tyson and Anna Nicole Smith have made themselves so unappealing, that it is hard to envision either of them making a return to good favor.
As for the best ... Filmmaker, author and left-wing provocateur Michael Moore, solidified his personal brand during his politically-charged Oscar acceptance speech, and although no specific event is tied to rapper Eminem, he has managed to consistently raise his prominence as an international multi- media star. Once known for his grumpiness and antisocial behavior, Giants slugger Barry Bonds has transformed his personal brand, cultivating a softer, friendlier persona while maintaining his fantastic baseball skills.
"Every professional and entrepreneur can learn something from each of the celebrities on these lists," says Montoya. "Used correctly, a personal brand can lead to greater success in whatever field you are in. But, when you depart from the basic branding principles by alienating people, losing your credibility, or changing your core message, professional disaster can ensue."

CD RELEASES

Tuesday August 26, 2003

ASHANTI, TBA (Universal)
JESSICA SIMPSON In This Skin (Sony)
MARY J. BLIGE Love & Life (MCA)
SIMPLY RED Home (Universal)
VARIOUS ARTISTS, Martin Scorsese Presents: The Best Of The Blues (Universal)

Tuesday, September 2, 2003

112, Na Na Na Na CD-Single (Universal)
TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY, Wild Card CD (Universal)

EVENTS –AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 7, 2003

AUGUST 29 - 31, 2003
FRESH FESTIVAL
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
Info:  416-973-4000 or visit online at www.harbourfront.on.ca/summerfestivals

EVENT PROFILE: FRESH is a snap shot of the contemporary artists exploring and creating emerging cultures. FRESH 2003 has three distinct parts –performance and exhibitions, a music summit, and a media confab-that dance and intermingle with one another. Isn’t modern living shaped by the way independent units shift and mutate? Activities to include poetry slams, Hip-hop and breakdance workshops, theatre, digital filmmaking and computer graphic arts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
INTERNATIONAL POETRY SLAM
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas Street W.
Doors open: 7:00 pm
Show: 8:00 pm
$15 advance (info above)

EVENT PROFILE: Up From The Roots presents the first Toronto International Poetry Slam where thirty-six artists will compete against one another for $1000 US in prize money. This marks the first time that such an event will be occurring on Canadian soil, and we are proud to add this to our annual roster of events.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00

EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Irie Food Joint Patio Mondays
745 Queen Street W.
8:00 pm

EVENT PROFILE: Be sure to check it out this Monday! You don’t know what you’re missing! If you love good food, good music and good people – then you should be here. Sample some yummy Irie treats from their cocktail menu – an excellent deal at $7-$9!! Don't miss the Monday night party with the DJ stylings of Carl Allen!  Check them out at www.iriefoodjoint.com. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER

EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich Brown, Joel Joseph and Shamakah Ali with various local artists.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
ACOUSTIC SOUL MONDAYS
Spaha Bistro
66 Harbord St. (at Spadina)
10:00 pm
NO COVER

EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Syreeta Neal and Adrian Eccleston. We are still doin' it at Spaha so maybe a good Monday plan would be to stop by, have some drinks on the patio, then cool down with us downstairs and here some soul music. We've had alot of amazing guest performances and promise that you'll have a great time hearing some of Syreeta's new tunes!!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER

EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Divine Earth Essence, Calvin Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds and various local artists.

SEPTEMBER 7 – 13, 2003
PLANET AFRICA - TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
VARIOUS LOCATIONS

EVENT PROFILE: Weaving together universal themes of identity, diversity and history, Planet Africa is a vibrant collection of films from around the world. From the gentle forest habitats of the Babingas Pygmies to the urban wonderland of the afropunk, this year brings an unparalleled glimpse into hidden worlds. Planet Africa celebrates the African experience and brings a wonderful array of films to the big screen.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00

EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.

SEPTEMBER 8 AND 9, 2003
INDIE FILM LOUNGE
Saigon Sister
774 Yonge Street
2:00 pm

EVENT PROFILE: Two exciting panels have just been added to the lineup of the second annual indie film lounge right in the heart of the film festival action. Also on the agenda: video presentations, a pitch session, cocktail receptions, prizes, giveaways and more. Through the generous support of Kodak Entertainment Imaging, ReelWorld Foundation is pleased to present these FREE events. Simply register at info@reelworld.ca to reserve a seat.

Have a great week!

Dawn Langfield
Langfield Entertainment