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

Sony Movie Channel Presents An August "Friday Features" Lineup Featuring 'Anaconda', 'Boyz N Da Hood', & More....

 

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CULVER CITY, Calif., July 10, 2015  -- Start the weekend with Sony Movie Channel (SMC) as the network presents an all-star lineup of blockbuster hits and fan-favorites, airing throughout the month as part of the primetime Friday Features block. The month opens with a two-pack of "Terror in the Water" thrillers on August 7, starring Jennifer Lopez as the leader of a documentary crew in the Amazon, who is forced to help snake hunter Jon Voight take down a giant—and deadly—serpent in the 1997 cult smash ANACONDA, with Ice Cube, Owen Wilson, Danny Trejo, and Eric Stoltz. And Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset run afoul of vicious treasure hunters while on vacation in Bermuda, in the 1977 Peter Benchley adventure THE DEEP, with Robert Shaw, Eli Wallach, and Louis Gossett Jr.

Tune in for a block of "inner city crime tales" on August 14, as SMC presents John Singleton's powerful 1991 directorial debut BOYZ N THE HOOD, starring Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Morris Chestnut as boyhood friends who come of age in the streets of South Central; Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, and Regina King also star. And the brothers MacManus are forced out of retirement when someone frames them for the murder of a priest, in the fan favorite 2009 action epic THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY, starring Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flannery, and Peter Fonda.

Then, on August 21, it's a night of big hits and bigger laughs with an "Action Comedy" block, starring Owen Wilson as a secret agent who must work with cocky boxing champ Eddie Murphy to take down arms dealer Malcolm McDowell in 2002's I SPY, with Famke Janssen. And the iconic Chris Farley stars in one of his final films as a young shipwreck survivor raised by ninjas, who puts his training to the test to defeat a villainous counterfeiter in the 1997 Kung-Fu farce BEVERLY HILLS NINJA, with Nicollette Sheridan and Chris Rock.

The month comes to a close on August 28, with a pair of critically acclaimed
"Period Pieces," as Gary Busey brings the music and legacy of Rock N' Roll hero Buddy Holly to life in the Oscar®-winning 1978 biopic THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY; followed by Kathleen Turner as a housewife who gets a second chance at life when she's transported back in time at her high school reunion in Francis Ford Coppola's 1986 fantasy PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED, with Joan Allen, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Jim Carrey in one of his earliest film roles.

For a complete schedule of films and times, visit www.Sonymoviechannel.com/schedule
In addition to airing these films on the dates noted above, some of the movies mentioned are scheduled for further broadcasts throughout the month. (See listings for further details.)

About Sony Movie Channel
Sony Movie Channel is the first U.S. multi-platform television network from Sony Pictures Television created specifically for the Hollywood movie fan. Offering theatrical releases in stunning high definition, Sony Movie Channel showcases titles from Sony Pictures' vast library including award-winning features, cult favorites, family comedies and gripping dramas. Sony Movie Channel is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS, CenturyLink and Suddenlink. For more information, visit SonyMovieChannel.comFacebook and/or Twitter @SonyMovieCh.

FLOYD 'MONEY' MAYWEATHER JR. STRIPPED OF TITLE

The undisputed world champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was recently stripped of his WBO (World Boxing Organization) title because he did not pay a sanction fee, which is necessary for that specific belt.  It is a requirement for any boxer fighting for the WBO title belt to pay 3 percent of their purse.  In this case, Mayweather would have had to pay $200,000, which is extremely high for a sanction fee, but his refusal to pay cost him the WBO title belt.  As a result, Welterweight fighter Timothy Bradley is now the WBO champion following his victory June 27th against Jessie Vargas.  It appears that this really doesn't have much of an affect on Mayweather because he is still the undisputed pound-for-pound champion.

2015 NBA FREE AGENCY RECAP

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      All-Star Power Forward, LaMarcus Aldridge, who for all intents and purposes was the biggest free agent on the market this offseason other than Lebron James, had finally settled on signing with the San Antonio Spurs. It was a reported max 4-year, $80 million agreement with a player option following the third year to perhaps take advantage of the new TV money that will substantially escalate player salaries in the near future.

 

With all due respect to the current 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, this seismic signing sets up a very likely 'Clash of the Titans' between the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals. This is based on the assumption that pending free agents SF Lebron James and PF Tristan Thompson's likely stay in Cleveland. 


     Some other notable agreements that have taken place, which involved players changing teams, were DeAndre Jordan surprisingly leaving the Los Angeles Clippers in favor of the Dallas Mavericks for a max 4-year $80 million deal, and Greg Monroe's decision to bypass the New York Knicks to join the Milwaukee Bucks with a 3-year $50 million deal.  Here's a list of other significant agreements accross the league:

C Marc Gasol: 5-year, $100 million deal w/ Memphis Grizzlies
PF Kevin Love: 5-year, $110 million deal w/ Cleveland Cavaliers
SG Dywane Wade: 1-year, $20 million deal w/ Miami Heat
SF Kawhi Leonard: 5-year, $90 million deal w/ San Antonio Spurs
SG Jimmy Butler: 5-year, $90 million deal w/ Chicago Bulls
PF Draymond Green: 5-year, $85 million deal w/ Golden State Warriors
PG Goran Dragic: 5-year, $90 million deal w/ Miami Heat
C Brook Lopez: 3-year, $60 million deal w/ Brooklyn Nets
PF Paul Millsap: 3-year, $60 million deal w/ Atlanta Hawks
SF Demarre Carroll: 4-year, $60 million deal w/ Toronto Raptors
C Tyson Chandler: 4-year, $52 million deal w/ Phoenix Suns
SG Wesley Matthews: 4-year, $60 million deal w/ Dallas Mavericks
C Robin Lopez: 4-year, $54 million deal w/ New York KnicksR

UFC SUPERSTAR FADING FAST AMIDST LEGAL TROUBLES

     Once thought of as unbeatable, untouchable and possibly on track to become the greatest ever in the Octagon, Jon Jones finds himself facing a possible 3-year imprisonment due to his latest blunder of a hit-and-run incident that resulted in a 3-car collision, which took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 26th. The collision involved a pregnant lady named Vanessa Sonnenburg, who suffered a fractured arm. There was also a witness at the sight of the accident that had urged the MMA fighter not to leave the scene, but was unsuccessful, which ultimately led to Jones being arrested a few days later. Several months before in January, it was made public that Jones had tested positive for cocaine use prior to his mega-match with the very outspoken and current Light Heavyweight UFC Champion Daniel Cormier.      

      Apparently, the DA is ready to proceed the hit-and-run case to the grand jury in light of evidence involving the victim's medical records and reports from the Albuquerque Police Department that could possibly result in a 3-year sentencing for the hit-and-run felony charge, which would would be a devastating blow to a once extremely promising MMA career of the former UFC champ. At one point, not only was he unquestionably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game, but a also a hero outside the Octagon from tracking down car thieves hours before a championship bout to providing hotel accommodations for a lady and her child that was abandoned by her boyfriend in South Beach. How quickly his star has fallen from grace and one can only hope that he gets back on the right track to restore both his personal and professional life.

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.

Optimum Amla Legend Announces Partnership with Tracee Ellis Ross....

NEW YORK, July 1, 2015  -- Award winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross has partnered with Optimum Amla Legend, a leader in salon-quality hair products for multicultural women. Currently on ABC's Black-ish, Tracee Ellis Ross is known for her style sensibility, engaging humor and vibrant Instagram account. She will be lending her talents to create style content including interviews, hair tutorials, and more on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter as well as participate in key brand activations and live events.

"I've worked closely with the Optimum Amla Legend brand in the past and my hair truly loves the products. Amla Legend keeps my hair hydrated and healthy-looking. No matter what hair style I choose, Amla Legend leaves my hair with so much movement and bounce. Hydration is the key to gorgeous hair," says Actress Tracee Ellis Ross. "I'm so excited to be part of their family and to help bring Legendary Amla style to the consumer."

"Tracee brings the many dimensions of our consumer to life. As a multicultural brand, Optimum Amla Legend's consumers come from varied backgrounds with varied hair textures, and we are excited to give her the resources and products she craves," says Nicole Fourgoux General Manager, Multicultural Beauty Division, L'Oréal USA. "We are delighted to be working together with Tracee to create meaningful and dynamic content in a way that only she can."

Optimum Amla Legend is a high-performance range of hair care products infused with Amla Oil from the legendary Indian superfruit, which is high in antioxidants, and renowned for its natural rejuvenating properties of intense nourishment and conditioning.  Each product in the line is formulated with the perfect balance of ingredients for high salon-quality performance and results without weighing hair down.  A brand catered to all textured hair types, Amla Legend is known to rejuvenate hair with supreme strength and legendary impeccable shine.

"Amla Legend is all about the Amla; this superfruit has been used for centuries by Indian women for hair as well as overall well-being. We are happy to have Tracee share this secret of healthy, stronger, more nourished hair and its multitude of uses," says Michelle RyanSenior Vice President of Marketing, Multicultural Beauty Division, L'Oréal USA.

Follow @AmlaLegend on FacebookInstagram and Twitter to stay up to date with all Tracee Ellis Ross exclusive Amla Legend content. #AmlaLOVESTracee, #AmlaOil, #LegendaryStyle, #AmlaLegend.

The L'Oréal USA Multicultural Beauty Division is a dynamic portfolio of brands dedicated to serving the growing multicultural market, including Dark and Lovely, Carol's Daughter as well as Optimum Amla Legend.

About Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is the star of the new hit ABC comedy series "Black-ish". For her role, Ross recently won the 2015 NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series". Ross is best known for starring on the hit sitcom "Girlfriends" which ran for eight seasons on The UPN/CW network and garnered her eight NAACP Image Award nominations including two wins in the category of "Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series". Other credits include turns in "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" on stage in New York and LA; guest starring roles on ABC's "Private Practice," CBS' hit crime drama "CSI," and HBO's "LIFE Support" with Queen Latifah; and feature films "Hanging Up" with Jennifer Connelly and Marcia Gay Harden, and Tyler Perry's "Daddy's Little Girls". Outside of her film and television work, Ross is a dedicated and passionate motivational speaker who also boldly utilizes her digital platforms to engage the next generation of women. Through her social media and her official website (Traceeellisross.com), Ross inspires the soul, body and mind of her followers.

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!

 

Christina Milian's "We Are Pop Culture" Opens Its Doors with First Location...

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2015 -- On June 27th, "We Are Pop Culture" will open their first pop-up shop on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Ca. for a press preview.  Melrose is the place to shop in Los Angeles, and the pop-up shop will be right in the center of it all.  On July 6th, doors will open to the public.

We Are Pop Culture is inspired by multi-talented singer, actress and entrepreneur Christina Milian. The line highlights lifestyle, pop culture, and its influences on society today. Their products are visually stimulating and trend-setting that easily fit into the modern day woman's every day life.

Some of the lines most popular products include WCW (Woman Crush Wednesday) and Boy Stop themes. The product line include tees, sweatpants, fleece-lined sweatshirts, bucket hats, skirts, beanies and more. These items and more will be available to purchase at the pop-up shop.

About We Are Pop Culture:  
Launched in 2014 in partner with singer, actress and entrepreneur Christina Milian, We Are Pop Culture is a boutique dedicated to providing the everyday woman with comfy-casual street-wear while still remaining trendy and edgy. The line incorporates wildly known pop-culture phrases into their tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats and accessories.

This content was issued through the press release service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: www.newswire.com

 

SOURCE We Are Pop Culture

BET NETWORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TO BROADCAST 1ST ANNUAL “PLAYERS’ AWARDS”

NEW YORK, NY  – BET Networks announces it will broadcast 1st Annual “Players’ Awards” in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Due to an overwhelming response from its members, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to launch the 1st Annual “Basketball Player Awards” which will tape in Las Vegas, NV in July to air exclusively on BET Networks. In the time honored tradition of identifying excellence through peer review forged by institutions such as the Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards, the “Players’ Awards” are voted on by the NBA’s active players. 

“We at BET pride ourselves on our track record of producing outstanding Awards shows and special events and we are thrilled that we’ll be working with the National Basketball Players Association to bring what will be an incredible night of entertainment”, said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “This will be a unique show and we are looking forward to being the only network to dedicate a night to recognizing and celebrating the league’s most exceptional and rising stars for their extraordinary abilities on the court."

“We are delighted to have BET as our broadcasting partner for the first ever ‘Players’ Awards’ next month," said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “BET is best-in-class when it comes to award shows, and we are happy that they will be producing this event for the best players in the world."

“Players’ Awards” will be presented for the following categories:
• Most Valuable Player
• Best Rookie
• Man of the Year
• Best Defender
• Global Impact Player
• Hardest to Guard
• Clutch Performer
• Coach You Would Want to Play For
• Best Home Court Advantage
• Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team

“We are so excited about the Players’ Awards...first time ever...and will be aired on BET.  It is going to be a GREAT event,” said NBPA President Chris Paul.
“This is a historic moment for us as players, and as a union,” said Roger Mason, NBPA Deputy Executive Director. “For the first time, our voices will be heard. This is our process and our show. We could not be prouder”.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; Centric, the first network dedicated to Black women; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. For more information, go to http://www.nbpa.com


ABOUT PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park is a multi-faceted entertainment company working in music, film and television, and sports.  Along with successful film and television divisions which include breakout network hits “Salem”, “Royal Pains” and “Wilfred,”  the company’s music division boasts such clients as Ice Cube, Azealia Banks, Eden xo, and P.O.D. and the highly successful independent record label, Prospect Park Records.

WHO WILL BE #1 PICK IN 2015 NBA DRAFT? CHECK OUT OUR PREDICTIONS

On the eve of this year's NBA draft, there are amid trade speculations and rumors of players receiving promises from prospective teams.  Will the Lakers make a blockbuster deal for star center Demarcus Cousins? Will the Knicks find another star to pair with Carmelo Anthony? Is foreign player Kristaps Porzingis the real deal?  Here are our predictions on how the draft will go barring any trades, which are likely to take place:

 

1.) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - PF/C Karl Anthony Towns (Kentucky)

2.) LOS ANGELES LAKERS - PG/SG D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State)

3.) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - PF/C  Kristaps Porzingis (Seville - International)

4.) NEW YORK KNICKS - PF/C Jhalil Okafor (Duke)

5.) ORLANDO MAGIC - SF/SG Mario Hezonja (Barcelona - International)

6.) SACRAMENTO KINGS - PG Emmanuel Mundiay (China - International)

7.) DENVER NUGGETS - C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky)

8.) DETROIT PISTONS - SF Justise Winslow (Duke)

9.) CHARLOTTE HORNETS - SG Devin Booker (Kentucky)

10.) MIAMI HEAT - SF Stanley Johnson (Arizona)

11.) INDIANA PACERS - PF Bobby Portis (Arkansas)

12.) UTAH JAZZ - PF/C Myles Turner (Texas)

13.) PHOENIX SUNS - SG R.J. Hunter (Georgia State)

14.) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - PG Cameron Payne (Murray State)

15.) ATLANTA HAWKS - PF/C Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin)

16.) BOSTON CELTICS - PG/SG Jerian Grant (Notre Dame)

17.) MILWAUKEE BUCKS - PF Trey Lyles (Kentucky)

18.) HOUSTON ROCKETS - PG Tyus Jones (Duke)

19.) WASHINGTON WIZARDS - PG Delon Wright (Utah)

20.) TORONTO RAPTORS - PF Kevin Looney (UCLA)

21.) DALLAS MAVERICKS - PG Terry Rozier (Louisville)

22.) CHICAGO BULLS - SF Sam Dekker (Wisconsin)

23.) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - SF Kelly Oubre (Kansas)

24.) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - SF/SG - Justin Anderson (Virginia)

25.) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - PF Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)

26.) SAN ANTONIO SPURS - SG/SF Anthony Brown (Stanford)

27.) LOS ANGELES LAKERS - PF/C Guillermo Hernangomez (Sevilla - International)

28.) BOSTON CELTICS - PF/C Arturas Gudaitis (Zalgiris - International)

29.) BROOKLYN NETS - SG Rashad Vaughn (UNLV)

30.) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - SF/PF Jarrell Martin (LSU)

POP STAR JILLY ANAIS CALLS ON NICKI MINAJ’S COMPOSER IN NEW VIDEO...

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LOS ANGELES, CA – Urban pop music has a new face and a new voice and she goes by the name Jilly Anais. At just nineteen years old, Anais took the music industry by storm in February of 2015 with the release of her debut EP “The Juice”. The project was an instant success on soundcloud and also got the attention of major media outlets and mega music producers all over the world.

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Following the success of the EP Anais released her hit single “Afterparty”. The song has been a fan favorite both on the radio and in the clubs. “Afterparty” combines gritty pop lyrics with a fun upbeat sound and after just a few weeks and thousands and thousands of plays, Jilly Anais has just released a music video for “Afterparty”.

Some of the song’s success is because of the all-star cast that collaborated to make this epic track. 

It was co-written by industry veteran Troi Irons, whose credits include Lupe Fiasco, Timbaland, and Rita Ora. Perhaps the biggest person to mention is the producer of the song, music mogul Irvin Whitlow. He is part of the production duo ThaAristocrats, who are known for their work with Christina Milian and Nicki Minaj.

The “Afterparty” music video dropped June 16th on Anais’ official Vevo channel. For more on Jilly Anais and to listen and download her music visit www.JillyAnais.com

About Jilly Anais

Nineteen-year-old Jillyan Anais Moor is on course to be on top of the pop charts. The Houston, Texas native hung up her cowgirl boots and stepped out in faith to launch an entertainment career in Los Angeles. As a winner of the prestigious Miss Teen Houston Pageant in 2011, Anais’ resume also includes modeling, acting, competitive dance, competitive cheer and she is now carving her own path in the music industry.

 

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.