Cypress Hill’s B-Real, legendary rapper Kid Frost and Oscar nominated actor Edward James Olmos have teamed up with Snoop Dogg for his new video for “Vato.”Directed by Phillip Atwell, the video casts Snoop Dogg and B-Real as gang members who come together as a show of solidarity. In wake of violence in recent months in L.A., the short cinematic clip also aims to promote a theme of unity between black and Hispanic people. “It’s about time we start to fight for each other rather than fighting against each other,” Snoop Dogg said. “I have homies from all cultural backgrounds and love all of my brothers, black and brown.” “Vato” will make its video debut tonight (Aug. 30) on BET’s Access Granted. The single was produced by Pharrell and is the lead single from Snoop’s highly anticipated eighth LP The Blue Carpet Treatment, which arrives in stores Nov. 21.

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Atlanta Filmmaker Darryl D. Lassiter Directs Two More Music Videos For Vickie Winans, Shirley Caesar, Ami Rushes, Debra Campbell & more

Darryl D. Lassiter, just completed two more music videos for Vickie Winans and is working on a third for Winans this fall titled “Rainbow”. Lassiter, now the producer/director of just over 60 music videos; has been contacted by The First Lady of Gospel, SHIRLEY CAESAR to direct her video “Jailbird”. He is in pre-production on another video for Ami Rushes & Debra Campbell to be filmed in Los Angeles, CA and Jacksonville, FL respectively.
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With as much bravado she has displayed leading up to the release of her
debut album ‘Public Warning’ (October 17 via Def Jam Recordings), it
has come to be expected that things aren’t always done the normal way when it comes to Lady Sovereign. In this case, for her first single, “Love
Me Or Hate Me,” it is set to be a download only release through Verizon
Wireless. The song will also play as the soundtrack of the company’s
campaign to promote the Chocolate LG phone. Sorry Cingular, Nextel and
T-Mobile customers.

Nublu transports the larger part of its Avenue C family to Brooklyn for
an outdoor Labor Day party right on the Gowanus Canal. *Kudu* blows up
the stage with their big bass. *Love Trio* featuring Jesse Murphy from
Brazilian Girls, Ilhan Ersahin from Wax Poetic and Kenny Wollesen power
through driving dance-jazz. *Forro in the Dark*, whose November album
will feature David Byrne, Bebel Gilberto and Miho Hatori (ex-Cibo
Matto), bounces everyone into the water with their modern Brazilian
dance music. *I Led 3 Lives* featuring legendary bass player Juini
Booth obscures everyone with mysterious meanderings, *Karina*, vocalist for Thievery Corporation, turns the whole thing into a Brazilian
playground; and *Butch Morris* leads the *Nublu Orchestra* in a jaw-dropping session of conducted experimentation. *DJs Probus, Justin Carter, Hardedge* and *In Flagranti* drop sounds both hard and soft before after and in between bands.

The following is a personal statement from Russell Simmons issued
August 31, 2006.

Ending Poverty and Ignorance in America and
Throughout the World:
Significance of the Steele for U.S. Senate Campaign in Maryland

By Russell Simmons

Some of my liberal friends and associates are quite upset with me for
personally endorsing Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele for the
United States Senate.  Steele is conservative and a Republican.  I am
an Independent who has, in the past, supported numerous Democratic
candidates with the recent exception of my endorsement of the
re-election of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a moderate
Republican.

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Putting together any type of compilation is always difficult if not a
bit frustrating. But when the task is to put together a 4-disc box set
of funky tunes, leave it to Rhino Records to take on the task to
produce ‘What It Is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves (1967-1977).’ Due out on
October 3rd, this 4-disc box set features 91 tracks taken from the
vaults of Atlantic, Atco, and Warner Bros. Records. Arranged
chronologically, this box set contains more than five hours of music
with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Eddie Harris making an
appearance. And if you are one of those few who still appreciate good packaging, like I do, this is packaging paradise. The 4 discs are nestled in a
hand-assembled clamshell box, with liner notes by Wax Poetics
contributor Oliver Wang, plus detailed track-by-track commentary and
testimonials by Fred Wesley, Howard Tate, Hank Shocklee (Public Enemy)
and others featured in a stunning booklet with rare vintage photos. So
get ready to salivate.

Atlantic Records has announced the release this week of “THE UNDERDOG/EL SUBESTIMADO,” the eagerly anticipated Jiggiri/Atlantic debut from Latin rap superstar Tego Calderón. Calderón celebrated the release of the album with a special midnight in-store performance on Monday night (8/28) in his homeland of Puerto Rico. The free concert, which took place at La Gran Discoteca at Los Colobos in the city of Carolina, was packed with over 1,000 fans. Following his live performance, Calderón stayed at the store until 3 a.m. signing autographs.

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Rapper Common has been tapped to participate in a new ad campaign from the retailing chain the Gap. The Chicago artist will join fellow celebrities Jeremy Piven, Mia Farrow, Aaron Eckhart and Natasha Bedingfield for the store’s ‘T-Shirt Shop’ ad campaign. The recently launched venture will focus on the Gap’s new line of T-shirt’s as the company celebrates its heritage in self-_expression and individuality. Black and white print ads, shot by acclaimed photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, will feature celebrities wearing their favorite Gap T-shirt in a way that expresses their individual style, personality and energy. Other stars participating in the campaign include Fall Out Boy member Pete Wentz, Eva Herzigova, Lou Doillon, Paula Patton, Kristen Stewart, Brice Marden and Yvonne Force. The “T-shirt Shop” print campaign will run in the September issues of magazines, including Vanity Fair, Elle, InStyle, Vogue and GQ.

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NASHVILLE, TN…August 30, 2006…Storming out with their hit release Smile, It’s The End of the World, Hawk Nelson continues to blaze upward with their music video for “The One Thing I Have Left” being added to mtvU as well as being eligible for voting on “The Freshman” show, which introduces new artists through the video countdown format. mtvU is produced exclusively for the college audience on more than 730 universities, reaching over 6.5 million students in dining halls, student lounges, fitness centers, and dorm rooms. To Vote for Hawk Nelson on mtvU go to http://www.mtvu.com/music/freshmen/ next week September 4-8th. Voting begins Monday, September 4 at 11AM EST & ends Friday, September 8 at 11:59AM.
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Spend The Day With The Legendary Caravans On BET’s
“Lift Every Voice” This Sunday, September 3

Instant Classic “Paved The Way” to be Released September 5

Los Angeles–Wednesday, August 30, 2006–On Sunday, September 3, BET Network’s stirring gospel music video show Lift Every Voice will be devoted to the legendary Caravans for the entire hour as the cameras record this very special day in their lives. This show, already home to up-close-and-personal celebrity interviews and the latest inspiring videos by gospel’s most talented artists, takes things to the next level with this fascinating and intimate look at the newly reunited Caravans. So spend a day with the legendary Caravans on BET’s Lift Every Voice this Sunday, September 3, at 11 AM, ET/PT. Please check your local listings.
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