Rihanna Announced as a Contributing Creative Director and Punk & Poet for Stance...

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SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 15, 2015  -- Today Stance announced that Rihanna has joined the brand as a contributing Creative Director and named as a Punk & Poet brand ambassador. As a creative partner, Rihanna will design multiple seasons of her signature women's collection throughout a multi-year partnership with Stance. 

"I've had a great relationship with Stance for a long time and ‎I am happy to be working with them on such a fun and creative project," said Rihanna. "This is an exciting new venture."

To celebrate the kick-off of the relationship, Stance has released two limited edition styles in a print called Murder Rih Wrote. Both styles are 3-of-a-kind sets, meaning there are 3 socks in the set, each with slightly different graphics that make for a mix and match collection. 

The first limited edition style, in which Rihanna is pictured, is a combed cotton over-the-knee silhouette. The second is the Murder Rih Wrote crew sock which is available in both men's and women's sizes. Each crew set is individually numbered, making it a true collector's piece, with only 1,500 sets produced. Both styles are available now exclusively at Stance.com. 

"Rihanna epitomizes what it means to dress by your own rules. She is a fashion pioneer and we are excited that she has made Stance her next canvas," said Candy Harris, SVP of Stance's Women's Division. "This is a seminal moment for the sock category because together Rihanna and Stance have the ability to take an accessory you've never thought about and transform it into one you can't live without." 

Rihanna's first complete Stance sock collection will be unveiled this fall and will be available globally. As a contributing Creative Director, Rihanna will also work on various creative projects with Stance throughout the life of the partnership. 

To get exclusive updates on Rihanna's creative contributions to Stance, follow @stancemuse on Instagram and Twitter, and Stance Muse on Facebook.

ABOUT STANCE

Embracing "The Uncommon Thread" as its mantra, Stance turned socks into one of the world's most exciting categories in less than five years. Stance's founders saw a category that had been ignored, taken for granted, and dismissed. By breathing life into something that had been overlooked, Stance ignited a movement of art and self-expression that has drawn athletes, performers and iconic cultural influencers to the brand – a group they call the Punks & Poets. And by underpinning its creative roots with a relentless focus on technical innovation, Stance is now found in over 40 countries on the feet of those who dare to be different. Stance was named the official sock of the NBA starting in the 2015-2016 season, and will be launching its first underwear line later this year.


GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER/SONGWRITER KENNY LATTIMORE BEGINS U.S. SUMMER TOUR WITH DAVE KOZ...

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(New York, NY – July 15, 2015) -- Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kenny Lattimore announces tour dates this summer.  As a result of the success of his new album, Anatomy of a Love Song, Lattimore was asked by jazz favorite Dave Koz to join his Summer Tour as a special guest, alongside Rick Braun.  Full dates are below.
 

Watch Kenny Lattimore, Dave Koz & Rick Braun here

Lattimore’s current single, “Love Me Back” has reached top 10 at Urban AC radio. Listen to the track here and watch the video here. "Love Me Back" is featured on Anatomy of a Love Song, which can be purchased here

Additionally, Kenny will be signing copies of his album at the Best Buy Wedding Registry Blogger event tomorrow, where he will be the featured Celebrity Guest. The event is the single largest annual gathering of female bloggers and social media influencers in America.  For more details, click here.  Lattimore’s music reflects the best of all worlds as it combines the timeless sounds of traditional R&B with a unique contemporary flair to create a universal sound that transcends boundaries and appeals to audiences of all ages, races and genres. His body of work, which includes hits such as “Never Too Busy” and the Grammy nominated “For You,” has garnered two Gold-selling albums, the NAACP Image Award for Best New Artist, and nominations for Soul Train Awards and Stellar Awards.
 
In addition to Kanye West sampling Lattimore’s “Lately” in his song “I’m In It,” from his #1 album Yeezus, a diverse array of artists including Musiq Soulchild, Rachelle Ferrell, Ray J, Nancy Wilson, Heather B, Michael Lington and Brian Culbertson, have sought out his talents for their own projects. He performed the duet “Love Will Find A Way” with Heather Headley for Disney’s The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. He and singer Chante Moore recorded the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet “You’re All I Need To Get By,” which was selected as the theme song for the BET show The Family Crews.
  

Summer Tour with Dave Koz:

July 18 -  Apple Valley, MN - Zoo Amp

July 19 - Winter Park, CO - Winter Park Jazz Festival

July 24 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy PAC

July 25 - Hammond, IN - Horseshoe Casino

August 5 - New York, NY - Infinity Cruise

August 7 - Kansas City, MO - Music Hall

August 8 Kettering, OH - Fraze Pavillion

August 15 - Sparks, NV - John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel & Casino

August 21 - Sacramento, CA - Red Lion Hotel

August 22 - Las Vegas, NV - Alliante Casino

August 23 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

August 28 - Austin, TX - One World Theater

August 29 - Hoston, TX - Bayou Music Theater

August 30 - Dallas, TX - Music Hall

September 5 - Cancun, MX - Cancun Jazz Festival 

September 11 - Saratoga, CA - Villa Montalvo

September 12 - Guerneville, CA - Johnson's Beach

September 18 - Seattle, WA - Redhook Concert For Cancer (solo date)

September 25 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey's

Lil' Wayne Releases 'Free Weezy Album" Via Tidal....

Lil' Wayne has resurfaced from a short obscurity to release "Free Weezy Album" via the Tidal streaming service. Check out our review of the album by clicking here!

 

Dr. Dre Launches 'The Pharmacy' on Beats 1 Radio via Apple Music...

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As one who has continuously defied the odds and pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, music mogul Dr. Dre continues to change the game in ways unseen. Dre has launched a new radio show called "The Pharmacy", and will debut on Beats Radio via the new Apple Music format today. 

The bi-weekly show will focus primarily on West Coast hip-hop. It's is the second exclusive from Dr. Dre this week. Just days ago, he made his debut album, The Chronic, available for streaming via Apple Music. At this point, there's no confirmation whether The Pharmacy will be a full station, or if it is just to be a standalone show. 

For more information, visit www.beats1radio.com, and be sure to tune in at 6pm EST. 

@BounceTV Posts its Most-Watched Quarter Ever in Second Quarter 2015.....

ATLANTA, July 1, 2015  -- Bounce TV -- the nation's first-ever and fast-growing broadcast television network designed for African American audiences – continued its ratings surge in the just-completed second quarter of 2015, setting network records for viewership and the delivery of key targeted demographic audiences in both Primetime and Total Day with June becoming the network's most-watched month ever.

In the new record-setting quarter, Bounce TV posted double-digit Primetime gains of:

  • +17% in Households (179K vs. 153K) 
  • +14% in A18-49 (90K vs. 79K) 
  • +11% in A25-54 (98K vs. 88K) 
  • +14% in Persons 2+ (246K vs. 216K)

The network also racked up increases in Total Day among HHs (+12%, 140K vs. 125K) and P2+ (+8%, 192K vs. 178K.)

June 2015 is now the network's most-watched ever, with Prime increases of +32% in HHs (208K vs. 158K), 38% in A18-49 (106K vs. 77K), +39% in A25-54 (117K vs. 84K) and 34% in P2+ (294K vs. 220K.) Double-digit Total Day increases for June 2015 were led by +24% in HHs (157K vs. 127K) and +26% in P2 (223K vs. 177K.) 

Helping fuel the network's strong performance was the first season of the original series Mann & Wife starring David and Tamela Mann. The show was a smash hit, delivering more than 6.2 million viewers and 4.0 million homes across all plays in its first season on the air.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and has become the #2 most-watched among all AA networks.  The network airs on the digital broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 85 million homes across 90 markets, 90% of African American television homes -- including all of the top AA television markets -- and three quarters of the total television homes in the United States.

SHADY RECORDS TO RELEASE SOUNDTRACK FOR "SOUTHPAW"...

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July 1, 2015 -- Southpaw (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture), the soundtrack to The Weinstein Company motion picture Southpaw, will be released on July 24th -- the same day the film hits theaters -- via Shady Records/Interscope Records. Eminem serves as Executive Producer of the album, which includes two tracks from the multi-platinum rapper: the first single, "Phenomenal," and "Kings Never Die," featuring Gwen Stefani.  Eminem also appears on two songs from his side project with Royce Da 5'9", Bad Meets Evil. In addition, the soundtrack includes music from 50 Cent, The Weeknd, Action Bronson & Joey Bada$$, Slaughterhouse and more. In addition, the soundtrack includes two arrangements from the late James Horner, the Academy Award-winning composer (TitanicAvatar) who scored the film and tragically passed away earlier this week.  The complete track-listing for the soundtrack is below.

The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and written by Kurt Sutter (Sons of AnarchyThe Shield), is the riveting story of Billy "The Great" Hope, the reigning light heavyweight boxing champion of the world (played by Academy Award nominee Gyllenhaal). Hope seemingly has it all, with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle.  When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits bottom, and turns to an unlikely savior at a local gym, Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick's guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.

Check out the Southpaw trailer HERE
Check out the Beats By Dr. Dre spot featuring "Phenomenal" HERE

The track-listing for Southpaw (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) is as follows: 

"Cry For Help (Part 1)" — James Horner 
"Kings Never Die" — Eminem feat. Gwen Stefani 
"Beast (Southpaw Remix)" — Rob Bailey & The Hustle Standard feat. Busta Rhymes, KXNG Crooked & Tech N9ne 
"This Corner" — Denaun 
"What About The Rest Of Us" — Action Bronson & Joey Bada$$ feat. Rico Love 
"Raw" — Bad Meets Evil 
"R.N.S." — "Slaughterhouse" 
"Wicked Games" — The Weeknd 
"All I Think About" — Bad Meets Evil 
"Mode" — Prhyme feat. Logic 
"Notorious Thugs" — The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Bone Thugs N Harmony 
"Phenomenal" — Eminem 
"Cry For Help (Part 2)" — James Horner

 

Source: Interscope Records


@BILAL PREMIERES MUSIC VIDEO "MONEY OVER LOVE" FT. KENDRICK LAMAR, NEW ALBUM IN STORES NOW...

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(July 1, 2015 - New York, NY) --Today, Grammy-nominated artist BILAL premiered his long anticipated music video, "Money Over Love" featuring Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar on TheFader.comWith BILAL's soulful voice, Adrian Younge's vintage production, and Lamar's explosive verse, "Money Over Love" becomes one of the most thrilling records on BILAL's new album, In Another Life, available now. 

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Prior to the album's release, BILAL spoke with several outlets including NPR, NYLON, Ebony, and Mass Appeal about the new direction of his album and how the music is a reflection of someone else's life. The Hans Elder-directed video depicts a disturbing interracial love story that is tarnished by poverty and greed. "Money Over Love" is the record that breathes a new feeling into In Another Life.

Receiving rave reviews from Pitchfork, YouKnowIGot Soul, Soul Tracks and more, In Another Life is yet another reminder of BILAL's undeniable talent and standing in soul alternative music. 

Take a peek at Bilal's new video below!​

Bilal's will also be embarking on A small tour in select U.S. markets before heading to Europe.   Dates are listed below:  

July 1 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom

July 2 - Baltimore, MD - Jazzy Summer Nights @ Horse Shoe Casino

July 3 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere

July 4 - New Orleans, CA - Essence Festival

July 18 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Theater

July 21 - London, UK - Under The Bridge

July 23 - Dublin, Ireland - The Sugar Club

July 28 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - North Sea Jazz Club

July 30 - Paris, France - New Morning

July 31 - Stockholm, Sweden - Club Fasching

September 12 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Opera House

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@BILAL PREMIERES MUSIC VIDEO "MONEY OVER LOVE" FT. KENDRICK LAMAR, NEW ALBUM IN STORES NOW...

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(July 1, 2015 - New York, NY) --Today, Grammy-nominated artist BILAL premiered his long anticipated music video, "Money Over Love" featuring Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar on TheFader.comWith BILAL's soulful voice, Adrian Younge's vintage production, and Lamar's explosive verse, "Money Over Love" becomes one of the most thrilling records on BILAL's new album, In Another Life, available now. 


Prior to the album's release, BILAL spoke with several outlets including NPR, NYLON, Ebony, and Mass Appeal about the new direction of his album and how the music is a reflection of someone else's life. The Hans Elder-directed video depicts a disturbing interracial love story that is tarnished by poverty and greed. "Money Over Love" is the record that breathes a new feeling into In Another Life.

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Receiving rave reviews from Pitchfork, YouKnowIGot Soul, Soul Tracks and more, In Another Life is yet another reminder of BILAL's undeniable talent and standing in soul alternative music. 

Take a peek at Bilal's new video below!​

Bilal's will also be embarking on A small tour in select U.S. markets before heading to Europe.   Dates are listed below:  

July 1 - New York, NY - Highline Ballroom

July 2 - Baltimore, MD - Jazzy Summer Nights @ Horse Shoe Casino

July 3 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere

July 4 - New Orleans, CA - Essence Festival

July 18 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage Theater

July 21 - London, UK - Under The Bridge

July 23 - Dublin, Ireland - The Sugar Club

July 28 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - North Sea Jazz Club

July 30 - Paris, France - New Morning

July 31 - Stockholm, Sweden - Club Fasching

September 12 - Detroit, MI - Detroit Opera House

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VIDEO: @BigSean : Play No Games feat. @ChrisBrown & @tydollasign

The latest single from Big Sean, Play No Games, which features Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign, has been trending all over the Internet! We've got the video for your viewing pleasure, right here at Urban Grandstand Digital! 

 

Check it out below!

 

BOUNCE TV SERIES "MANN & WIFE" RENEWED FOR SECOND SEASON, RETURNING IN 2016...

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Following a record breaking season on Bounce TV, the new and original series Mann & Wife has been renewed for a second season. The show will return spring 2016. 

David Mann, Tamela Mann

David Mann, Tamela Mann

Starring David and Tamela Mann, the series follows the newlywed, second-chance sweethearts as they laugh and love their way through the ups and downs of life as a blended family, each with two children from previous marriages. Mann & Wife features a vibrant supporting cast: Vivica A. Fox, portraying Daniel's ex-wife; Tony Rock, playing Daniel's new partner on the police force and JoMarie Payton as Lorraine, Daniel's overbearing mother. Series co-creator Roger Bobb (The Rickey Smiley Show, House of Payne) serves as executive producer and director. 

Mann & Wife Cast

Mann & Wife Cast

The series premiere of Mann & Wife bowed on April 7and quickly became the network's most-watched original series ever.  The following week, Mann & Wife joined Empire in the rare company of television series that increased ratings from week one to week two when the second episode increased viewership over the series premiere episode to become Bounce TV's most-watched original to date. 

Real-life husband and wife team David Mann (House of Payne, Meet The Browns) and Tamela Mann (Madea's Big Happy Family, Sparkle) star and serve as executive producers of Mann & Wife.

About Bounce TV

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Bounce TV is the nation's first-ever and fastest-growing broadcast television network designed for African-American audiences.  It airs on the digital signals of local television stations with corresponding cable carriage and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, documentaries, specials, live sports and more. The rapidly-expanding Bounce TV is the number two most-watched African-American network on television. 

JUSSIE SMOLLETT AMONG THREE TO BE HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS...

 

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Actor and recording artist Jussie Smollett stands among three courageous individuals who have given tireless in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. The 2015 Heroes in the Struggle Gala reception and awards presentation at the Director's Guild of America will honor Smollett, star of FOX's hit TV show Empire, Vanessa Mills, Executive Director of Empower U Inc. in Miami, Florida, Gregorio Millett, Vice President and Director of Public Policy for amfAR, and Janssen Therapeutics, a leading virology company focusing on HIV and Hepatitis CThe evening will include a special tribute to Jussie Smollett by fellow Empire cast members Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Gabourey Sidibe, and producer, director Lee Daniels.

"We are honoring three remarkable individuals and an exceptional corporation who have made heroic contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. This year's event will focus on Family and Black Lives Matter.

"We seem to have an epidemic of unarmed young Black men and boys being killed by police," says Wilson.  "The bar for killing a Black male in America has gotten tragically low.  Our righteous indignation over the complete disregard for Black lives cannot begin when we are dead in the streets.  Black Lives have to matter when we notice the achievement gap between Black boys and other racial ethnic groups that start as early as the sixth grade.  Black Lives have to matter when the unemployment rate for Black teenage boys in Chicago is over 50%.  Black lives have to matter when nearly half of the new HIV cases in America are Black.  30% of Black gay and bisexual men in America are already infected with HIV and 60% of them don't know it.  AIDS in America today is a Black disease.  You can't believe Black lives matter and not be concerned about the HIV/AIDS pandemic in America.  The Black AIDS Institute exists because Black Lives matter!"

The star studded event will be hosted by Brian J. White, who just completed a season on Scandal with Kerry Washington.  Other presenters scheduled to appear are Jurnee Smollett-Bell (The Great Debaters), Elvis Nolasco (ABC's American Crime), Nelson Ellis (True Blood), TV and film director Anthony Hemmingway (The Newsroom, Shameless), Shanola Hampton (Showtime's Shameless), and Tracie Thoms (Annie, Veep).  Musical guests include Angie Fisher, Mervyn Warren, and B. Slade. Others scheduled to attend include Vanessa Williams, Anna Maria Horsford, Rockmond Dunbar, Lamman Rucker, and Tasha Smith.

This year's Gala will be followed by an after party sponsored by Merck featuring The Charlene Moore Project in a tribute to Sylvester, with Lynn Fiddmont and Kim Yarbrough, hosted by Jackée.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the event. To order tickets go to BlackAIDS.org or www.HITS2015.EventBrite.com.  Tickets start at $75.00.

 

Sean "Diddy" Combs To Be Joined By All-Star Lineup Of Industry Innovators At 2015 REVOLT Music Conference Including Scooter Braun, Vania Schlogel, NO I.D., Troy Carter, Jay Brown, And More....

 

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NEW YORK, June 8, 2015 -- Today, REVOLT announced the return of the highly anticipated, one-of-a-kind, second annual REVOLT Music Conference (RMC) to the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, October 15–18, 2015. Themed, "The Merging of Music, Technology and Innovation", RMC 2015 will provide attendees with an interactive experience that explores how technology influences the music industry, executives, recording artists, and fans. Returning to Miami, after an extremely successful inaugural year, event planners are taking the 2015 REVOLT Music Conference to the next level with more music, more stages and heightened new experiences.

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"REVOLT is leading a revolution. Last year, RMC brought together the hottest acts and the most influential leaders and speakers in entertainment, media, and digital to start a new conversation about the future of music," said REVOLT Chairman Sean "Diddy" Combs. "This year with the new lineup of speakers we will bring the conversation to the next level, as we explore new ideas and important innovations that will further engage new audiences and open up new frontiers of success."

The three day event will provide attendees with the opportunity to personally interact with leaders from both the music and technology industry, hear keynotes from industry trailblazers, and enjoy exclusive performances from some of the largest names in music.  Andre Harrell, REVOLT Music Conference Chair, tapped the following industry innovators to join Sean "Diddy" Combs, REVOLT Chairman, for this year's conference as panelist:  Scooter Braun, Founder and CEO of SB Projects; Jay Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Roc Nation; Abe Burns, Digital Operations at Maverick; Troy Carter, Chairman and CEO of Atom Factory; Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and EVP, N. America; NO I.D., EVP of Def Jam; Charles King, CEO and Founder of Macro; Anthony Saleh, CEO at Emagen Entertainment; Vania Schlogel, CIO of TIDAL; and Sickamore, Vice President, A&R and Creative Development at Epic Records; with additional names to be announced. 

"The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is delighted to welcome the return of REVOLT Music Conference to Greater Miami and The Beaches," said GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME.  "Our dynamic and diverse multicultural community looks forward to sharing our spectacular state of the art music venues, beautiful beaches and world-class amenities with the many fans of this extraordinary event."

"As the music business continues to evolve, technology and innovation are at the forefront of how we listen to music, stream content, and do business. RMC will focus on the intersection of music with the business of content while building brands, creating culture, and inspiring the next generation of leaders," added REVOLT CEO Keith Clinkscales. "After an incredible inaugural year, we couldn't be more excited to bring this unique conference back to Miami Beach to focus on the power of music and to experience the true power of innovation and collaboration."

For more on the 2015 REVOLT Music Conference and to purchase early-bird ticket packages, available for a limited time and starting at $199.00, visit WWW.REVOLT.tv/RMC. Join the #RMC2015 conversation on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @REVOLTtv. 

ABOUT REVOLT MEDIA & TV  
REVOLT is the new #1 name in music. Focused on expertly curating the best of the best in music and engaging youth in social conversation, the multi-genre, multi-platform network offers breaking music news, videos, artist interviews, exclusive performances, and original programming. Attracting over 50 million young adults through television, digital properties, social and mobile, REVOLT is accessible 24/7 – anytime, anywhere, any screen. Launched in broadcast on October 2013, REVOLT is available on Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Verizon FiOS, CenturyLink and Suddenlink in 46 of the top 50 U.S. markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, and DC.  

Tyler Perry's "Madea on the Run" Added to MegaFest Lineup...

 

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DALLAS, June 8, 2015  -- MegaFest, the nation's largest inspirational family festival, today announced Tyler Perry's new stage play, "Madea on the Run," will make a tour stop in Dallas during the five-day experience slated for August 19-23. The play will be in the arena at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Friday, August 21 at 7 p.m.  Tickets go on sale today via Ticketmaster.

"Madea always makes us all laugh while teaching valuable lessons that we remember long afterwards," Bishop T.D. Jakes said. "We are excited to welcome Tyler Perry back to MegaFest. Tyler is a friend and constant supporter of ours. We are happy to extend this platform to his fan base knowing that MegaFest attendees will enjoy this hilarious play."

"Madea on the Run," which began touring in March, will be the first Tyler Perry play ever staged at MegaFest. The play's plot follows Madea, played by Perry, as she goes on the lam from local authorities and is forced to hide with her friend, Aunt Bam, played by Cassi Davis. The play's brand new score, written by Perry, promises audiences a night of laughter and inspiration.

Tickets for "Madea on the Run" are available for purchase individually, separate from MegaFest ticketing packages. Additional MegaFest event and speaker updates will be announced throughout the summer, and the public is encouraged to check www.mega-fest.comfor news on speakers, schedules and other exciting announcements. 

About MegaFest

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Since its inception in 2004, MegaFest has been a meeting place for diverse audiences from Atlanta, Ga., to Johannesburg, South Africa, and has reached nearly 1 million people. Visit www.mega-fest.com for more confirmed talent and special event updates, and stay connected via Twitter by following @tdjmegafest@wtalconf, and @mpconf. This year's list of events includes Woman Thou Are Loosed, ManPower, MegaYouth presents Fire Code, and MegaKidz presents Destiny World.  General admission tickets for all events can be purchased by visiting www.mega-fest.com. (#MegaFest2015)

 

Source: MegaFest

Voice Contestant Anthony Riley Dead at 28

In shocking news, The Voice contestant Anthony Riley has passed away from what is being reported as being reported as a suspected suicide. He was 28.

Riley immediately wowed judges, becoming known for having all 4 judges turn their chairs around the fastest. His blind audition featured his rendition of the James Brown classic "I Got You (I Feel Good)". That audition can be seen below. 

Without hesitation, he selected Pharrell Williams as his coach. After winning his first round, he abruptly left the show, initially citing "personal" issues. It was later revealed through an interview with Philly.com that he was battling substance abuse addiction, and had left to enter a rehabilitation facility. He was quoted as saying "The Voice wasn't working for me, and I felt like I needed to go, instead of taking on more responsibility than I can handle". 

Report suggest that Riley passed away Tuesday, but was not found until Friday. Continue to check back for additional details as the story develops.

 

Anthony Riley strikes pay dirt in his blind audition with his take on James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)."