Urban Radio Nation

Kelson, the Urban Informer Exits 92Q, New Music Director at 93.9 WKYS

2012-05-31T07:23:00.001-04:00

Radio One has announced that Vernon Kelson (@UrbanInformer) has accepted the Assistant Program Director/Music Director position at WKYS in Washington, D.C. In a letter to staff, WKYS, PD Neke Howse stated, “Kelson will have big shoes to fill as I was blessed to have Dionne Burkett-Lewis in this position prior to Kelson’s acceptance. I am confident that he is up for the challenge. Kelson definitely has the makings of a future Program Director. I’m very excited to be a part of his growth & promotion within our company and welcome him to the KYS family.”

Kelson, a Balimore native and graduate of Towson University is a 10 year Radio One vet, starting with the company in 2002. Kelson has worked his way up through the ranks from Board-op, part time (On-air), Promotion/Production Assistant, Assistant Music Director and to add to the list he is very social media savvy and manages both theurbaninformer.com and Urban Informer TV.

Kelson’s family in Baltimore is VERY proud of his promotion. Baltimore Operations Manager Al Payne comments, “While we will miss Kelson’s focus, determination, passion for the lifestyle and our brands (as well as his big smile and personality) on a day-to-day basis, we are ELATED to see him grow within the company!”

Payne is now looking for the next rising star to assume the music director duties for 92Q and Spirit 1400 in Baltimore, as well as a programming assistant that lives, eats and breathes media.

WNYC Exposes New York City's Stop and Frisk Policy in News Report [AUDIO]

2012-05-30T04:54:00.006-04:00

From WNYC.ORG 93.9 FM and 820 AM

For City’s Teens, Stop And Frisk Is Black And White

A WNYC analysis of recently released police data reveals that one in five people stopped last year by the NYC Police Department was a teenager between the ages of 14 and 18. Of these, 86 percent were either Black or Latino, most of them boys.

Last year, there were more than 120,000 stops of Black and Latino kids between 14 and 18. The total number of Black and Latino boys that age in the entire city isn’t much more than that – about 177,000 – which strongly suggests that a teen male with dark skin in New York City will probably get stopped and frisked by the time he’s graduated from high school.

For the FULL STORY and a DETAILED, INTERACTIVE MAP of every recorded stop of a teen in 2011, visit http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/may/29/city-teenagers-say-stop-and-frisk-all-about-race-and-class/. It turns out the densest hot spot for stop and frisks of teenagers last year was a four-block section of Brownsville (Brooklyn), next to Teachers Preparatory, near the Marcus Garvey public housing projects.

Reporter Ailsa Chang spoke with junior high and high school students from affluent to low-income neighborhoods and captured very black-and-white experiences of being stopped by a police officer:
[LISTEN to Alisa Chang's report below:]

WNYC journalist Alisa Chang

“I think that’s discrimination, because white kids in Manhattan have no idea cops can frisk you for no reason. Like they walk past the cops and actually say, ‘Good Morning’ to them.”
— Tyari Jenkins, 14, who lives in Brownsville, Brooklyn

“It made me feel, I dunno, retarded. Like a gangbanger. Because only gangbangers get stopped for nothing, just for walking.”
— Anthony Henry, an eighth grader at P.S./I.S. 323, a school that is 99 percent Black and Latino

“We don’t look suspicious. We don’t look like scary criminals or terrorists, or whatever. We’re very unthreatening people. We’re a bunch of, to be honest, skinny white kids.”
— Benedict Bolton, 15, a freshman at Stuyvesant High School, which is 96 percent Asian and white

Ratings Winner WGBZ The Beat Flips from Hip Hop to Classic Rock

2012-05-29T17:25:00.000-04:00

Sounds like the formula for success for any radio station. Get listeners to tune in and advertisers will promote their product by buying ads on the station, and revenues will increase. NOT the case in Alabama. Advertisers shied away from the station that billed itself as "Anniston & Oxford's New Number 1 Station For Hip Hop and R&B. Listen to WGBZ The Beat in Anniston on 104.3 FM, 1490 AM, and in Oxford on 99.1 FM."

At the time of the promising launch, the program director had these words to say: “Basically, our goal is to make radio fun and exciting,” said Justin Simane, WGBZ-The Beat’s programming director. “People don’t want to listen to the same-old, same-old. And until now, the area never had a hip-hop, R&B FM radio station.”

But a little over a year later Simane has this to say: “It wasn’t the fact that people weren’t listening. It was the advertisers,” he said. “If we were in a market like Birmingham or Atlanta, we never would’ve been shut down.”

Read more: Business as Usual: Too few advertising dollars lead to end of hip-hop format at Anniston radio station Anniston Star

Melanie Fiona Performs Intimate Rooftop Session [PHOTOS]

2012-05-29T16:42:00.002-04:00

Melanie Fiona (Credit: Brian Park)
CLICK on photo for larger image

Melanie Fiona Performs Intimate Rooftop Session Presented by Man Made Music, Soho House NY and Universal Music Group

New York, NY- Man Made Music, the top music for media and sonic branding company, along with Universal Music Group and Soho House NY, presented an exclusive Primetime Salon featuring a special performance by R&B star Melanie Fiona.

The intimate television and brand industry event, which took place on Soho House's beautiful rooftop, is one of a series created by Man Made Music to connect great music to media and brands. The intimate event boasted a spectacular starlit performance by Fiona including her Top 10 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Billboard chart hit, "4AM" from her sophomore release, This MF Life, which debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 chart.

From left to right: Man Made Music, GM/SVP of Production, Kim Paster;
Man Made Music, Director of Business Development/Music Strategy,
Natalia Romoszewski; Melanie Fiona; Man Made Music, Founder and
Lead Composer, Joel Beckerman; Man Made Music, VP of Business
Development and Partnerships, Allison Merisonne

"We love Melanie. This woman is a true rising star of tomorrow," said Joel Beckerman, founder, lead composer and sonic strategic for Man Made Music. "She just knocked us all out with the power of her voice, the depth of her expression and passion for the music."

Joel Beckerman's Man Made Music is full service music for media and sonic branding company dedicated to harnessing the emotional power of sound and music to tell great stories across multiple platforms. They have received tremendous industry acclaim; including 5 Promax Gold Muses and The Broadcast Design Association Pinnacle award and were featured in Fast Company's 2010 "50 Most Innovative Companies" as one of the top music companies. Beckerman himself recently received the prestigious ASCAP Most Performed Themes Award for the sixth year in a row. For more information, go to www.manmademusic.com.

VIBE Magazine Cover "Meet Your New Role Models"

2012-05-29T04:30:00.014-04:00

We take a look at a popular topic in urban pop culture in light of last night's premiere of VH1's 'Single Ladies.' Undoubtedly a hot topic of discussion today on the syndicated morning and the local midday shows across the country on Urban and Urban AC radio.

Shows like Single Ladies, Basketball Wives, Real Housewives, and Love and Hip Hop have definitely found its niche within the television world. In the case of Basketball Wives, the show has garnered backlash on facebook, where many feel the show should be taken off the air.

Recently Vibe Magazine sparked its own controversy with its latest issue cover. Demetria L. Lucas who blogs as 'The Belle of Brooklyn' says its really much ado about nothing. "I laughed when I saw the VIBE cover featuring Tamar Braxton, Kandi Buress, Evelyn Lozada, and Chrissy Lampkin all sporting f***-me heels and boobs pushed to gravity defying heights." Read more 'Vibe Throws Shade, Few See Light'

Agree or disagree with Lucas' opinion; these are topics that attract listeners, drives magazine sales, and has become a ratings bonanza for cable TV.

The Belle in Brooklyn @abelleinbk spoke about her book of the same name with V-103 Atlanta's midday radio personality Egypt, then at WBLS in New York.

Nnete Inyangumia Exits 97.9 The Box to Join Sirius XM's Foxxhole Radio

2012-05-26T14:01:00.001-04:00

Radio One's Houston Rhythmic station 97.9 The Box (KBXX) has released Nnete Inyangumia from her co-hosting duties as part of the Madd Hatta Morning Show.

The popular radio personality seals a deal that lands her in Los Angeles alongside Sol-Caritas mega artist and label-mate, Billy Sorrells

HOUSTON, TX— Popular radio personality and noted entertainment correspondent Nnete has joined the Foxxhole team where she will produce and co-host Billy Sorrells’ “Skits and Bits” radio show on Sirius XM©.

Nnete’s legions of fans have flooded the internet and the air-waves expressing disappointment that the beloved radio diva is leaving Houston. She says her valuable experience at 97.9 The Box “Madd Hatta Morning Show” has served her well but she could not pass up this tremendous opportunity to take her career to new heights.

“I’m extremely excited! It was a difficult decision. It feels like yesterday I auditioned for “Diva for a Day”, and that turned into an incredible career that spanned a decade! I was able to rock the mic every morning in my home city for the people I love. It absolutely changed my life.
The ‘Madd Hatta Morning Show’ made radio history by revolutionizing Houston’s ‘Morning Drive’, and I was an integral part of that. They are an elite team and will always be the best at what they do. Meantime, I have the full support of all my morning show brothers and everyone at the Box. That’s truly a blessing.”

The premier voice in entertainment is already in negotiations for various acting projects. She’s been honing her comedy skills and is armed with an electrifying, edgy, gut busting repertoire that has earned her offers to perform at comedy clubs in Houston, Los Angeles and New York. The actress, comedian and celebrated correspondent is also one the most sought after emcees in the state. She maintains her role as the exclusive host for the “Dream Tour”, where she joins NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, on his unprecedented motivational and educational national tour.

For more information or to book Nnete to host an event, speaking engagement or comedy show please contact Carlos Wallace, President/CEO of Sol-Caritas:

The Soul is Gone from Soul 73 KKDA Dallas

2012-05-25T13:23:00.001-04:00

Bobby Patterson formerly
of Soul 73 AM KKDA (Peter Calvin)

KKDA Lays Off Bobby Patterson, Most Of Its On-Air Staff by ERIC GRUBBS
DallasObserver.com- In my ten years of working in radio, I had many conversations with people who were unceremoniously let go. Formats flip, contracts aren't renewed, or a big company gobbles up a small company and puts the long-timers out to pasture. Not really any different from layoffs in most fields, but in radio, it's like the cops showing up and shutting down a party.

From a lot of those long-timers, I heard plenty of "I don't know what to do! This is the only thing I know how to do!" But when I got a call from Bobby Patterson this afternoon, I didn't hear any of that sky-is-falling lingo. Sure, he sounded sad, but there was a sense of relief in his voice in being let go from Soul 73 KKDA-AM today.

Patterson has seen plenty in his time in the music industry, cutting singles in the '60s, working for Jack Ruby, producing artists, being a "record man" for major record labels, as well as being a DJ and a regular performer around Dallas. He's not just a survivor in the industry; he's a survivor of life.

Sure, today wasn't the best day of Bobby's life, as he told me, as well as Robert Wilonsky at the Dallas Morning News. But he's been through enough in his life to see that this is a pit stop instead of a drive off of a cliff. ... Read more

New York Radio Ratings Signals Gains for 107.5 WBLS

2012-05-24T21:26:00.005-04:00

The Steve Harvey Morning heads up the WBLS lineup
Now the only daily syndicated urban radio show in NYC

WBLS is now the Number 3 ranked radio station in New York City according to preliminary Arbitron PPM ratings for May; Full ratings will not be released until June

Despite better ratings, which should mean higher revenues for the station- Urban radio stations still bill less per ad compared to other mainstream formatted radio stations. Fair or unfair- It is what it is...

If 'BLS continues to do well however, at some point a current radio owner may want switch to an Urban Adult Contemporary format in NYC to compete with WBLS for the radio ears of the 25 to 54 African American adults in the city. WBLS hit the airwaves as New York's first Black owned station in 1970 but is now corporately owned. YMF Media, acquired 'BLS from the Sutton family owned Inner City Media Holdings earlier this year. They also purchased the "Kiss FM" intellectual property from Emmis Communications for $10 million. However "KISS FM" imaging is not used on the 107.5 WBLS airwaves. But at that hefty price, it prevents any other owner of reviving or using the "Kiss FM" brand on another station in the tri-state area.

Here's a look inside the numbers...

(From NEW YORK TIMES) Last month, the New York radio market was rocked by a three-way deal that merged two venerable R&B stations, WRKS and WBLS, and brought ESPN to the FM band. It may be too early to get a solid reading on ratings, but preliminary data suggests that the newly changed stations are enjoying better numbers.

Michael Baisden, along with Tom Joyner lost the
New York City market with the demise of 98.7 Kiss FM

Arbitron, the standard radio-ratings service, releases its most thorough audience figures monthly, but its weekly updates give a rough indication of listening habits. In its latest weekly report, covering April 26 to May 2 — which includes only three days under the new formats — WBLS had about 350,000 more listeners than it had on average during the month of April and rose in the rankings.

The rating for WBLS, which absorbed its competitor, WRKS, known as Kiss FM, was a 5.0 share for the first week of May; it had a rank of No. 4 in the market. Those results were up from a 3.5 share and rank of No. 7. Among the station’s most prized audience segment, adults 25 to 54, WBLS was ranked No. 3.

Read more at Media Decoder NYTimes

Hal Jackson, Black Radio Pioneer and Host at 107.5 WBLS, Dies at 96

2012-05-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Jackson broke barriers as he hosted music, talk, sports and live shows; loved to help young people follow their dreams

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Hal Jackson, who once had to sneak in through the back door of radio stations and over 75 years made himself into one of the most dignified and important men in black radio history, died Wednesday. He was 96. The cause of death was not immediately announced. While he had recently been ill, he had remained on the air at WBLS (107.5 FM) doing his “Sunday Classics” show until a few weeks ago. That show capped a professional career that began in the late 1930s on Washington’s WINX, weeks after the station owner told him, “No n----- will ever be on my radio station.” Read More from the David Hinckley article from the New York Daily News

Hal Jackson was born on November 3, 1915. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University. Jackson began his broadcasting career by becoming the first African-American radio sports announcer, broadcasting Howard’s home baseball games and local American Negro Baseball League games over WOOK/Washington Read more at the Radio Hall of Fame website

Check out Hal Jackson and Talented Teen contest winner Michelle Thomas with Don Cornelius on Soul Train [VIDEO] Thomas went on to star on The Cosby Show as Theo's girlfriend and played the role of Myra on Family Matters.

Robin Quivers, Howard Stern's Co-Host, to Undergo Surgery

2012-05-23T07:43:00.000-04:00

This is no laughing matter for Robin Quivers.

Howard Stern's perennial cohost revealed on this morning's Howard Stern Show that she's going to have a major operation to remove what's apparently a sizeable tumor that's pressing on her bladder. No word when it will take place.

But according to a summary of today's show posted by Stern fan site Mark's Friggin, when guest George Takei asked her about her health, the 59-year-old Quivers answered that she has a surgery date scheduled and is seeing a doctor today about it. The newscaster and sometime actor (and strict vegan) was mum on whether the tumor was benign or cancerous. Regardless, the idea of having this kind of procedure makes her shudder. "I still say it's barbaric," she said. Read more

Tavis Smiley Remembers Donna Summer in Radio Interview

2012-05-22T21:02:00.003-04:00

"The Tavis Smiley Show" from PRI remembers the life and legacy of Donna Summer who passed away at the age of 63.

The radio interview that Tavis is playing on his radio show was taken from his PBS TV show. It's a rare glimpse into the life of Summer, who had been living in recent years in Nashville, Tennessee.

[AUDIO]

'Let It Shine' Soundtrack features Coco Jones and Tyler James Williams from Disney Channel Movie

2012-05-22T20:47:00.002-04:00

Tyler James Williams (all grown up from 'Everybody
Hates Chris') and Coco Jones

The Disney Musical Version of Hip Hop is Here!
BURBANK, Calif. (PRN) Taking the hip-hop musical to a whole new level, Walt Disney Records is set to release the soundtrack to the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Let It Shine." Featuring 13 songs -- soulful ballads, funky jams and epic hip hop battles -- performed by the movie's stars including Hollywood Records' artist Coco Jones, Tyler James Williams and Brandon Mychal Smith, the album will be available for pre-order at iTunes beginning today and arrives in stores and online retailers June 12. The "Let It Shine" album also includes videos, special offers and four instrumental tracks that fans can access from their computers and use to create their own rap battles.

Radio Disney has already sampled one track, "Don't Run Away," which is climbing the Top 30 charts based on listener requests. Radio Disney will premiere the full soundtrack on Saturday, June 9 and will have cast members in studio leading up to the Disney Channel premiere of the movie on Friday, June 15. Check out [VIDEO] below:

The tracks were written by top songwriters and producers in contemporary pop/R&B: Antonina Armato & Tim James, David Banner, Andy Dodd, In-Q, J-Doe, Toby Gad, Adam Hicks, Steven Jones, Jay L'Oreal, Justin Mobley, Tocarra Phillips, Lindy Robbins, Thomas Armato Sturges, Dapo Torimiro, Anya Vasilenko, Jon Vella, Lambert "Stereo" Waldrip and Adam Watts. A concept music video for "Guardian Angel" featuring Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones was directed by Chris Applebaum (Rihanna, Selena Gomez & the Scene, Mariah Carey) and will debut on Disney Channel on Friday, June 1. Songs included on "Let It Shine" soundtrack are:

"Don't Run Away" by Tyler James Williams featuring IM5 - a confessional uptempo jam about loving from afar performed by Tyler with up-and-coming teen group, IM5.

"Guardian Angel" by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones - Tyler raps and Coco sings this elegant ballad about finding purpose and heading for the top.

"Me and You" by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones - This edgy duet captures the essence of a young couple trying for one last chance before love slips away.

"What I Said" – Coco Jones throws down as both a singer and rapper on this upbeat R&B track.

"Who I'm Gonna Be" - Coco Jones rocks it old school on this '70s-style funk piece about self-determination.

"You Belong to Me" by Tyler James Williams - a moving love song performed Tyler.

"Tonight's the Night" by Brandon Mychal Smith, Spencer Lee and Tyler James Williams - Pure party music, sung by the "Let It Shine" cast, sets the stage for hi-hop supremacy in the club.

"Around the Block" by cast of "Let It Shine" - One of the film's sensational m.c. battles, where razor-sharp wit and humor trumps all.

"Moment of Truth" by Tyler James Williams and Brandon Mychal Smith - the climactic hip-hop battle, is as funny as it is memorable.

"Joyful Noise" by the cast of "Let It Shine" - This upbeat gospel-flavored track sums up all the positive energy of "Let It Shine."

"Good to Be Home" - Coco Jones sings this upbeat ballad, which is a moving testament to faith and family.

"Let It Shine" by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones - The film's joyous title song borrows from the classic gospel-folk tune.

"Self Defeat" by Tyler James Williams - This bonus track is a one-man rap masterpiece from the talented star of "Let It Shine."

In the story, Cyrus DeBarge is the musical director at his father's Atlanta, Georgia, church, and he's been having some challenges convincing his preacher father that hip-hop is not the devil's music. Cyrus' struggles continue when, for a freestyle rap competition at the local teen club, he writes a song under the name "Truth," which tells his childhood friend and longtime crush, recording artist Roxanne Andrews, how he really feels about her. When it's all said and done, his best friend Kris McDuffy is mistakenly named the author of the rap song and winner of the contest. As Roxanne begins to fall for Kris, it's up to the true poet Cyrus to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal both his talent and his feelings, and pursue his dreams. All the while, Cyrus must convince his preacher father that hip-hop music can convey a positive message despite the rap battle he is about to throw down with his nemesis, "Lord of Da Bling," at the club.

Starring are Tyler James Williams as Cyrus DeBarge, Coco Jones as Roxanne Andrews, Trevor Jackson as Kris McDuffy, Brandon Mychal Smith ("So Random!") as Lord of Da Bling, Nicole Sullivan ("MADtv") as Roxanne's music manager Lyla, Courtney B. Vance ("FlashForward," ABC's "Revenge") as Cyrus' preacher father, Jacob DeBarge, and Dawnn Lewis ("A Different World") as Cyrus' mother, Gail. "Let It Shine" is directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen ("Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," "JONAS"), written by Eric Daniel and Don D. Scott ("Barbershop," "Barbershop 2: Back in Business") and choreographed by Danny Teeson ("American Idol") and associate Brandon Shaw ("So You Think You Can Dance," NAACP Image Awards). A production of G Wave Productions, LLC., the movie was shot on location in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. The Let It Shine soundtrack will be available nationwide on June 12, 2012 wherever music is sold.

The album is available for pre-order at iTunes and Amazon.com:

For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.

Whitney Houston’s last recording "Celebrate" a duet with Jordin Sparks has been Released [AUDIO]

2012-05-21T19:58:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (AP) Whitney Houston’s final recording is being released. The song, “Celebrate,” is a duet with Jordin Sparks from Houston’s last movie, a remake of the film “Sparkle.” The song debuted Monday on Ryan Seacrest’s website and will be available on iTunes June 5. Sparks performed a tribute to Houston Sunday night at the Billboard Music Awards, singing “I Will Always Love You” as Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina wiped away tears.

The Whitney Houston Tribute at 2012 Billboard Music Awards up next

Rocsi Diaz And Terrence J Reportedly Leaving BET's 106 & Park

2012-05-18T03:28:00.001-04:00

The New York Post is reporting that 106 & Park’s hosts, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J, will be leaving the show to pursue acting careers in Hollywood.

From NY POST- “106 & Park” co-host Rocsi Diaz has her sights on Hollywood. Honduran-Chilean beauty is leaving the BET show after nearly seven years and moving to California to pursue acting. Diaz already scored a role in a project starring Lynn Whitfield, we’re told. She joined “106 & Park” in 2006 after working as a radio DJ in Boston and Chicago. Her “106” sidekick, Terrence J, is also said to be leaving the show to pursue acting. Terrence is dating model Selita Ebanks.

A Tribute to Chuck Brown, The Godfather of Go-Go Dies at 75

2012-05-16T23:44:00.008-04:00

The purveyor of the unique Washington, D.C. based R&B, funk, percussion dominated music known as Go-Go has died. To merely say that Chuck Brown is just a legend is an understatement. He was the musical voice of inner city D.C. that not only produced a party groove but also expressed the social frustrations of its citizens. A city that's hardly recognized outside of its political influence.

Brown came to attention to many across the nation when he released the late 70's and early 80's R&B hits "Bustin' Loose" and 'We Need Some Money." However to call those songs true "Go-Go" would be a gross misstatement.

The music never achieved success outside the Metro D.C. and Maryland area. Although Go-Go became late night hits on D.C. radio, its main popularity existed in the clubs of Southeast D.C. The most notable radio hit besides Brown's songs with "Go-Go" sensibilities were the 80's song "Da Butt" from the band E.U. You can also hear "Go-Go" stylings in the Old School Hip Hop releases from Kid n Play, Salt 'n Pepa, and The Real Roxanne.

Here's a portion of a tribute to Chuck Brown from the Washington Post -"A piece of D.C. history, an establishment, a legacy, a godfather and musical impresario passed away Wednesday. Nationally loved, local legend Chuck Brown lost his fight with pneumonia at the age of 75 and with him goes a Washington that will never be the same. My first experience with Chuck Brown was as a third grader but it wouldn’t be my last as he was a constant on an ever-changing landscape. A bridge between: African musical traditions, a D.C. I would never know and one that I grew up in." Read more...

R.I.P. Chuck Brown. You will be missed, but hopefully your influence and genius will last forever...
Check out some true Chuck performances below and more on his life from the Post obit section.

Wendy Williams Ready to Return to Her First Love: Radio

2012-05-16T06:00:00.012-04:00

If you've heard any of Wendy Williams' Monday morning segments on the Tom Joyner Morning Show recently, then you know that she is still an engaging and compelling radio personality. She literally takes over the show during her five minute check in with Tom, Sybil and J. Anthony Brown.

Wendy admitted in a recent TV interview that her first love, radio, is definitely calling her name. She also said that a few conditions need to be met before she gets in the radio studio again. “When I go back to radio it’s going to be on my own terms. I don’t want to play music, I want to talk.”

Since Wendy's recent comedic part in “Think Like a Man” she’s also looking forward to doing more roles in the future, including a sequel to the movie.

Check out the [VIDEO] below from Bravo TV's "Watch What Happens Live" and host Andy Cohen

Jay-Z "Made in America" Press Conference Presents Awkward Moment for Rapper Freeway

2012-05-15T22:31:00.001-04:00

Jay-Z announced a two day "Made In America" festival on September 1st and 2nd over the Labor Day Weekend 2012 in Philadelphia. Check out the video of the press conference and what some are calling a snub of rapper Freeway when Jay-Z whispered and asked the Philly native to step out of the photo op. Whether Freeway was suppose to be on stage or not isn't what's important here. We feel the expression "a picture is worth a thousand words" as it pertains to the above photo has a lot of meaning as a metaphor on the current state of the music industry on multiple levels. (we'll leave it at that...)

V-103 Atlanta's Egypt Sherrod and her 3rd Annual "Mommy Makeovers" Celebration [PHOTOS]

2012-05-14T23:08:00.000-04:00

Egypt Sherrod, Kandi Burruss, Lisa Wu

Celebrities Join V-103 Personality/HGTV Host, Egypt Sherrod, To Pay It Forward For Mother's Day!

On May 10, 2012 Egypt Cares Family Foundation, in partnership with Atlanta's #1 Radio Station, V-103 FM, Black Opal Cosmetics, and Hair Design by Future Vision Salon presented the 3rd Annual "Egypt's Mommy Makeovers" Celebration.

10 deserving women from throughout the Atlanta metropolitan areas were selected to receive a day of pampering and complete transformation from head to toe by some of Atlanta's top hairstylists and make up artists such as: Bridget Criden, Carmen Harris, Tekoa Hash, Nickey Martin, and Trent Simmons.

SEE THE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS BELOW:

While receiving their beauty transformations, the winners enjoyed catering provided by Cake Cafe`. The winners were surprised throughout the day by Atlanta's television stars that include: Kandi Burruss (Real Housewives of Atlanta Co-Star/GRAMMY Award winning Singer/Songwriter/Entrepreneur), Terri J. Vaughn (Actress), Deshawn Snow & Lisa Wu (Formerly of Real Housewives of Atlanta), and Tameka Raymond (Notable Fashion Stylist/Entrepreneur).

As their new looks were revealed through a cat walk strut, the women were the recipients of fabulous gifts that included: an award, roses, a gift basket full of goodies, and a necklace from TIFFANY & CO.

As a keepsake from the celebration, the winners received a custom beauty photoshoot courtesy of JR Photography. Additional photography and videography services were provided by Taren Marsaw of Pure Conceptions Photography.

"Egypt Cares Family Foundation is honored to have bought some joy into the lives of these deserving women. We sincerely appreciate the donation of time and service by our partners to make this a memorable Mother's Day. We look forward to continuing this tradition of impacting lives," says Egypt Sherrod.

For more information on Egypt Cares Family Foundation, please visit www.EgyptCares.org. For more information on Egypt Sherrod, please visit www.EgyptSherrod.com, www.EgyptSaidSo.com, www.facebook.com/EgyptSherrod, and Twitter: @EgyptSaidSo.

Egypt Sherrod & Actress-Terri J. Vaughn

Deshawn Snow

Egypt Sherrod Poses With Mommies Before Makeover

Egypt Sherrod and Tameka Raymond Poses With Mommies After Reveal

Tameka Raymond & Egypt Sherrod

D'Angelo will appear on Steve Harvey Morning Show; takes main stage at the Essence Music Festival

2012-05-14T05:57:00.004-04:00

The R&B/Neo-Soul artist, out of the musical spotlight for over 10 years, will make a much anticipated special appearance on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Tuesday across the nation

The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival is excited to announce the addition of Grammy-Award winning singer D'Angelo as he makes his first US appearance in a decade at the 18th annual event taking place July 6-8 in New Orleans. R&B heartthrob Trey Songz will return to the main stage joining previously announced performers Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Ledisi and more. The official host each night will be Nephew Tommy, comedian and co-host of the long running Steve Harvey Morning Show. Tank, Mary Mary, Marsha Ambrosious, The Pointer Sisters, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Teedra Moses, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas and Rebirth Brass Band are also scheduled to perform. Additional performances will be announced soon.

ESSENCE is also proud to announce the night-by-night line-up for the 2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL with performances and appearances by the top names in entertainment.

The 2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL night-by-night line-up is as follows:
Friday, July 6: Charlie Wilson, D'Angelo, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, The Pointer Sisters, Marsha Ambrosious, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Khris Royal, Kindred The Family Soul, Vivian Green, Stephanie Mills, Gary Clark Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, SWV, Goapele

Saturday, July 7: Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart, Ledisi, Tank, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, The Stylistics, Robert Glasper, Dru Hill, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Big Sam's Funky Nation

Sunday, July 8: Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas, Alex Boyd, Eve, The Stooges Brass Band, Estelle, Luke James, Raheem DeVaughn, Bridget Kelly

Single day tickets go on sale today for the 2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL and are priced from $50 to $300 per person per night. Meanwhile, weekend packages ranging from $150 to $900 per person continue to offer music fans the best way to enjoy a full three days of entertainment, empowerment, community and special offers.

Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age. The ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Al Green, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O'Jays, Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit ESSENCE Music Festival www.essencemusicfestival.com Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival on Facebook.

The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival, in partnership with QuintEvents, has created "ESSENCE VIP Events" to offer fans the ultimate in "insider access", with exclusive VIP ticket, travel and hospitality party venue packages. The Official packages are available now at www.QuintEvents.com and will be featured on the Official website, www.ESSENCEVIPEVENTS.com in early 2012.

The presenting sponsor for the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival is Coca-Cola. Major sponsors include Coors Light, Wal-Mart, McDonald's, Ford, My Black is Beautiful, U.S. Army and Verizon. Official Sponsors are CNN, State Farm, TV-One and Visa Pre-Paid. Superlounge sponsors are Coca-Cola, Ford, McDonald's and Verizon Wireless.

The 2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). GeChar is the executive producer of the 2012 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

The Open Line and other 98.7 Kiss FM shows are now on 107.5 WBLS

2012-05-09T23:56:00.002-04:00

Today the rest of the country got a taste of the New York Tri-State area public affairs show stylings of the "Open Line" with hosts Bob Slade, James Mtume, and Bob Pickett. The trio were guest hosting for Al Sharpton's syndicated program "Keeping It Real." The Open Line, which was a part of the weekend lineup at the former 98.7 Kiss FM, has made the transition over to 107.5 WBLS.

Station VP/general manager Deon Levingston followed through on his promise to bring the Open Line over to WBLS. A statement he made on air during the show's last scheduled broadcast on Kiss FM when many listeners thought as well as the hosts that it would be the end of the line for the Open Line. There was no confirmation at the time that any of the weekend shows from Kiss would be added to the 'BLS lineup. The immediate concern was to lockdown midday host Shaila and night host Lenny Green. As a result of the changes, syndicated personalities Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden were gone from the New York City airwaves.

The New York Daily News reported that "Open Line" would remain in their same 10 a.m.-noon time slot on Sundays. WBLS will also bring in Fred 'Bugsy' Buggs for the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday shift, filling the vacancy left by the sudden death of Brian Carter. The rest of the WBLS Saturday schedule will remain the same. SOURCE Also added is the very popular Kiss program 'Rhythm Revue" with Felix Hernandez. It will now air for only 3 hours from Noon-3p.m. followed by the legendary on-air personality 97 year old Hal Jackson with Sunday Classics.

Bob Slade began doing news radio in 1971 at a Long Island radio station, and then he proceeded to a radio station in Upstate New York. It was in 1980 that Bob joined WRKS-FM (WRKO at the time) and became News Director.

Bob Pickett is an Attorney At Law with 33 years of experience in complex litigation, both civil and criminal, and a former Judge in the Administrative Courts of New Jersey.

James Mtume is the former music producer for Fox Network’s highly rated weekly crime drama New York Undercover. He is the son of the great jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath. Mtume was a conga player and percussionist who recorded and toured with Miles Davis during his funk and electric period of his career in the late 60's and early 70's. He has been featured on albums by the Heath Brothers, Sonny Rollins, and Herbie Hancock as well. His band Mtume, had a number one R&B hit, "Juicy Fruit" for Epic Records in 1983.

VADIO: Now you can watch your favorite stations

2012-05-09T20:22:00.001-04:00

That's right- radio and YouTube's VEVO videos together. This could make listening online a more engaging and interesting experience for listeners.

Vadio is a new technology that gives radio stations the ability to stream their live on-air broadcast to their website along with a video performance from the artist that listeners are currently hearing. Sounds like what MTV (Music Television) was when it first began as a cable channel. So you might be saying, "WHAT took so long?" or "WOW!" or "I just sit back, wait and see on this one..." Whatever comes of this " new internet toy," syncing a live radio broadcast with music videos is not easily done. Will this technology take off? That remains to be seen.

Sacramento radio station KDND 107.9 "The End" lets users watch the videos from their broadcast on the Vadio website. Seattle's STAR 101.5 (KPLZ) unlike "The End" has fully incorporated the technology into their website. They promote it this way: "Welcome to the new STAR 101.5 streaming player! You'll still get the live stream and hear your favorite STAR hosts, but now you'll also see music videos instead of just the audio from the broadcast." Take a listen and see it on the STAR 101.5 website.

Pepsi releases new Nicki Minaj TV Commercial

2012-05-07T17:17:00.002-04:00

Does the Nicki Minaj ad say more about her crossover appeal or does it signal the end of Hip Hop images aimed at mainstream audiences? This ad contains NONE!

Pepsi has released it's Nicki Minaj inspired "Now In A Moment" campaign featuring the rapper/singer's song "Moment For Life." The ad shows a couple moving through a series of still moments, finally ending up at a Nicki Minaj concert.

Watch an extended version and a :60 spot of the commercials below:

Radio vet Tom Kent is Excited About HD Radio; We're Not

2012-05-07T16:25:00.008-04:00

The sound quality might be amazing but where is the content to drive audiences to HD radio?

When radio stations can provide interesting and compelling content on their HD2 and HD3 channels then maybe we'll listen. Right now radio stations are competing against themselves through what you hear on your regular car radio, the radio you might have at home (which includes what is readily available on a mobile device app and over the internet), Sirius XM satellite radio and Pandora. HD Radio broadcasters are not even on the playing field. They're still in the locker room. There's really no reason for anyone to get too excited by HD radio. The older generation that still purposely turns on a radio outside of their commute to work or at work, to let's say listen to a ballgame, to an all news station, their favorite talk show personality, or favorite music personality is slowly disappearing. This is the audience that HD radio manufacturers are attempting to appeal to and there is no market for those consumers. Their last hope is to get HD radios into cars. The consumers with the most disposable income, the iPod/MP3/smartphone generation could care less about where their music comes from or an HD radio.

One of only a few commercial radio station in the country that puts any real effort into programming their HD2 station is 96.3 WHUR World. (You may find efforts in that area from some public radio stations in various markets as well.) However at this point a lot of the programming on "WHUR World" is also available on their H.U.R. Voices Sirius XM channel 141. Getting excited over terrestrial radio broadcast in this era of technology is as Aerosmith says CRAZY to say the least. When the ability to plug your smart phone into your car's audio system is now available or soon will be available for most people.

Here's Tom Kent's letter to the radio industry:

"I recently got a new car with HD radio. My fellow broadcasters, I implore you PLEASE don’t give up on HD radio! This is the most excited I’ve been about radio audio since I worked at WLS in Chicago back in 1980 and I heard AM stereo. Imagine AM stereo in HD! As Steely Dan would sing…”No Static at All”….yes AM that sounds just like FM! I know we’ve all been hearing about it for years but until you’re driving down the road trying to loosen your load with seven women on your mind and listening to “Take it Easy” by the Eagles in FM-HD, well you just haven’t lived. The sound is the best I’ve ever heard coming from any radio EVER!"

"Like many of you I never heard HD in a car so I quickly dismissed the idea. After all, how could we expect our listeners to go out and invest in new gear when they have so many other options. The auto listening experience has got me really geeked on HD radio. My local affiliate WMJI 105.7 FM here in Cleveland sounds amazing in HD 1 and HD 2. The sound quality absolutely blows away satellite radio which I also have in my car. No offense Mel, but every one of your satellite channels sounds like a bad washed out internet stream. HD terrestrial radio sounds even better than a CD and the side by side comparison of satellite vs. HD….well, there is no comparison."

"I’d like to call upon our industry to rally on behalf of HD radio. Yes, right now it’s dead in the water. The only way it’ll take off is if the automotive industry equips their radio platforms with HD radio as standard equipment and even then critical mass would be at least five years away. Five years isn’t that long and if that were to happen, the future of subscription radio would be in serious jeopardy. For me now that I have HD in the car, my free satellite trial will end with no renewal. Terrestrial radio needs to lobby the car makers to step up and give their customers something truly excellent for free!"

Suge Knight NOT arrested for Tupac's Murder: Here's the 93.5 KDAY Interview

2012-05-07T16:13:00.002-04:00

Despite what surfaced on Twitter, Suge Knight was not arrested for the murder of Tupac

ZAP2it.com - Despite a gajillion tweets suggesting otherwise, one-time rap business mogul Suge Knight was not arrested for the murder of Tupac Shakur.

"I don't have any information that he has been arrested," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson officer Laura Meltzer tells Zap2it. "We picked him up on some traffic warrants back in February, but since then, I'm not showing any arrests for him." The rumor appears to have started on Twitter and quickly caught fire with users who were quick to jump on the bandwagon for a guilty Knight, despite the fact that he was spotted out on the town in Los Angeles on Sunday. SOURCE

WHY the sudden interested in Tupac? The recent Tupac hologram concert during April's Coachella Music Festival has sparked interest in the hip hop rapper and activist. Many have suggested that he isn't dead, but in hiding. Also below take a listen to a recent interview Suge Knight gave to Los Angeles Classic Hip Hop station 93.5 KDAY. He also suggested that Tupac is still alive:

Is 102.9 KBLX Setting Itself Up for Its Own Demise?

2012-05-04T00:39:00.001-04:00

KBLX Drops "The Quiet Storm" for The NEW -"R&B 102.9" Imaging

Over the last few years "The Quiet Storm" 102.9 KBLX has played less and less Smooth Jazz- although it has always been an integral part of its music programming over the past 22 years. Now "The Quiet Storm" branding has been replaced by just simply "R&B 102.9 FM KBLX" along with the branding comes the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Obviously a move based solely on corporate research rather than what has worked musically in the past in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and the rest of the Bay Area. Many listeners in the Bay Area are upset about the changes that are coming to KBLX beginning Monday and many have expressed their concern with comments on our website regarding the decisions by new owner Entercom.

Check out an excerpt from a recent online article from BeyondChron.com. It tells the story of a couple of KBLX listeners who proactively started a facebook page to prevent a format change at KBLX back in February when they learned of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of former owner Inner City Broadcasting. The article also discusses the prospect of bringing in Steve Harvey for mornings at the station. "If African American KBLX listeners abandon the station the way African American listeners in the past have rejected other African American tape delayed syndicated programming, the resulting ratings drop could justify Entercom eventually changing the station's format."

Check out the article "What the Sale of KBLX Could Mean" by Harrison Chastang from BeyondChron.com. It hits home to the issue large corporate media companies attempt to do by syndicating radio shows to many markets across the country. In this case a show from the east coast to the west coast markets for listeners who are well aware that what they are listening to is tape delayed and not live!!!