Marshawn Lynch’s BEASTMODE® Gets in Bed With PSD

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BEASTMODE®, the apparel & lifestyle brand of NFL star, Marshawn Lynch, has entered into a partnership with high-end underwear company, PSD, to develop a collection of co-branded products initially designed for men.

“I got some PSD underwear and I liked how they fit. I decided to co-create the BEASTMODE® x PSD line so my fans can look good and be comfortable in any situation,” said Lynch.

Lynch and his design team worked closely with PSD to develop his own hard-hitting take on men’s boxer briefs. The co-branded BEASTMODE® x PSD line will be launching in time for the holiday 2015 season worldwide and can be found in national retailers such as Champs, Footaction along with specialty retailers like Dr. Jays and Shoe Palace.

“Marshawn only puts BEASTMODE® and his name on brands that he likes. We are honored to have him and his BEASTMODE® team as collaborators. PSD is known for celebrating authenticity and great design,” explains PSD Founder and President, Curtis Flaitz. “We are looking forward to unveiling the BEASTMODE® line in stores this holiday season.”

PSD has established significant credibility with top professional athletes and tastemakers as a comfort brand that innovates through contemporary patterns and fabrics. With a unique take on athleisure, PSD helps their loyal fans wear their life.

About PSD:

The signature PSD woven waistband is the telltale sign that defines the premium brand. Kyrie Irving will lead an influential group of professional athletes including; NBA player Chandler Parsons, NFL wide-receiver and fashion icon, Stevie Johnson, and BeastMode proprietor, Marshawn Lynch, as endorsers of PSD luxury briefs and undergarments in 2015/2016. PSD, founded by brothers Curtis and Ryan Flaitz in 2008, has quickly evolved into a notable lifestyle accessory brand adopted by many professional and influential entertainers. PSD is focused on on-trend prints, comfort and performance. Wear Your Life means everything to this family business that has achieved industry wide recognition. For more on PSD and the brands grassroots story visit psdunderwear.com

About BEASTMODE:

BEASTMODE is the lifestyle and apparel brand of NFL star running back, Marshawn Lynch. Growing up in Oakland, California, Marshawn Lynch was a four-sport high school star excelling in football, basketball, track and wrestling. His talent led him to the University of California where he became the school’s second all-time career rusher. The NFL took notice and the Buffalo Bills drafted Lynch in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In the 2013 season, Lynch was a large factor in bringing the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl victory. More recently, Lynch and the Seahawks agreed to a 2-year contract extension, where Lynch will remain for the upcoming seasons. For more information, please visit beastmodeonline.com

SOURCE PSD Underwear

 

Tweet Making a Return with “Won’t Hurt Me”

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ACCLAIMED SONGSTRESS TWEET TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE “WON’T HURT ME” AND UPCOMING ALBUM, JOINING WITH ENTERTAINMENT ONE MUSIC

Video to premiere and digital single to be released on iTunes the week of September 21st

Nashville, TN (September 14, 2015) – Acclaimed songstress and songwriter Tweet kicks off a soaring return to deliver new R&B favorites to fans with the release of her new single “Won’t Hurt Me,” bringing her celebrated vocal talents and soulful presence to the acoustic guitar-driven track. Just released to Urban AC radio and available for pre-order on iTunes, Tweet’s “Won’t Hurt Me” will also follow with a music video premiering the week of September 21st.

The single will be digitally released via iTunes on Monday September 21, 2015. Signing to Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), Tweet is releasing “Won’t Hurt Me” as the first single from her upcoming new album. Born Charlene Keys, Tweet’s new album is named Charlene, and is scheduled for release in early 2016.

Following a sizzling live performance set at the Essence Festival this summer, the hit powerful voice behind the albums Southern Hummingbird, It’s Me Again, and Simply Tweet showcases new candor, empowerment and her signature warm artistry on “Won’t Hurt Me” – paving the way to invite listeners into the intimate, soulful music experience they’ll hear on Charlene. Tweet teamed up with longtime collaborators and producers Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, John “Jubu” Smith, and Charlie Bereal to record the album, along with an appearance from Missy Elliott.

Tweet says: “I am beyond excited that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to team up with eOne and release the first single “WON’T HURT ME” from my new album CHARLENE. I can’t wait for my supporters to hear this project and take them along this new chapter of self-discovery.”

Phil Thornton, eOne Music’s Vice President and General Manager of Urban Inspirational, says: “In Tweet’s live performances, there is no mistaking the sheer force of her voice, the passion and the poetry she delivers as an artist and songwriter in her music. She continues to be a world-class talent, and eOne is thrilled to unveil this new single and album for fans everywhere!”

Pre-Order Tweet’s new single “Won’t Hurt Me” on iTunes now, to be released on September 21, 2015:

http://smarturl.it/TweetNewSingle

For more information and the latest updates on Tweet, visit:

Website: www.iamtweet.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWEETSPAGE

Twitter: @MS_HUMMINGBIRD

Instagram: @tweet_

About Entertainment One

Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea. Through established Film and Television divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 40,000 film and television titles, 4,500 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.

 

Aaliyah by Xyrena Released by Late Singer’s Estate

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Xyrena announced today that it is releasing Aaliyah by Xyrena, a fragrance tribute to the late performer, who was known as the “The Princess of R&B.” This first and only official Aaliyah fragrance was developed in close collaboration with Diane & Rashad Haughton, the singer and actress’s mother and brother. It comes 14 years after her tragic passing.

“I grew up with Aaliyah’s music,” said Killian Wells, CEO of Xyrena. “As a huge fan, this is a very personal release for me and my company. We set out to create a fragrance to be cherished by Aaliyah’s fans and also introduce her to a new generation.”

By consulting with both her mother and brother, Xyrena was able craft a true aromatic tribute inspired by actual fragrances Aaliyah wore. The resulting fragrance is unisex but leans masculine, as Aaliyah favored traditional men’s scents in line with her signature, sexy tomboy image. The formula is also a hue of black, which was Aaliyah’s favorite color. Aaliyah by Xyrena has base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, amber, and jasmine; middle notes of black pepper, violet and leather; with top notes of mint, lavender and mandarin.

“It has been wonderful working with Xyrena to create an incredible fragrance that embodies the beauty, mystery, and creativity that my sister infused into every aspect of her life,” said Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah’s brother.

Aaliyah by Xyrena is a luxury Extrait de Parfum and is available for pre-order (at Xyrena.com/Aaliyah) starting today for $64. Shipments will begin in mid-October. Xyrena will donate 5% of the gross sales from the fragrance to The Aaliyah Memorial Fund.

Xyrena has released an official commercial spot, which can be viewed at Vimeo.com/Xyrena/Aaliyah. The high-energy spot features a group of talented young dancers including popular Vine stars Joey Arias and Fiña DuBois.

ABOUT XYRENA:
Based in Los Angeles, Xyrena is the world’s first celebrity-partnered on-demand perfumery. Xyrena was founded by Killian Wells, who coined the name as a compound of two terms, XY for Male and Female chromosomes (echoed by the brand’s unisex fragrances and cosmetics) and RENA, from the Latin word renascor, which means “to be renewed or reborn.” Certified 100% vegan and cruelty-free by PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Vegan Action, Xyrena offers fragrances that fuse the upscale quality of niche cosmetic brands with the added personality of celebrity curation.

T.I. Releases Da’ Nic EP

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Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, and reality star T.I. announced via Twitter that he’s released a surprise EP, Da’ Nic, via his Grand Hustle Records label via Empire Distribution today, marking this the first independent release. The five-track project includes features from Young Thug and Young Dro, as well as production from Jazz Feezy, Sho Nuff, League of Starz, London On The Track, and Mars. Named after the slang term for a nickel bag, the five song EP, Da’ Nic, serves as the precursor for the forthcoming 10-track full album, The Dime Trap.

T.I. also declared that he’s returning to his old nickname Tip, to mark his return to making trap muzik. T.I. has released nine studio albums (I’m Serious, Trap Muzik, Urban Legend, King, T.I. vs. T.I.P., Paper Trail, No Mercy, Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head, and Paperwork) throughout his career, along with several highly successful singles such as “Bring Em Out,” “Whatever You Like,” “Live Your Life,” “Ball,” and more.

T.I. began to gain major recognition in 2003, after he was featured on fellow Atlanta-based rapper Bone Crusher‘s hit single, “Never Scared.” He began to gain more prominence with the release of Trap Muzik (2003), which includes the Top 40 hits, “Rubber Band Man” and “Let’s Get Away“. In 2004, T.I. appeared on Destiny’s Child‘s international hit, “Soldier“, alongside Lil Wayne. His sixth album, Paper Trail (2008), became his most successful album to date, with first-week sales of 568,000 copies in the United States, making it T.I.’s third chart topping album in a row. It included three international hit singles, “Whatever You Like”, “Live Your Life” and “Dead and Gone”. In 2013, he was featured on Robin Thicke‘s hit single “Blurred Lines“, alongside Pharrell Williams, which peaked at number one on several major music charts. In November 2013, T.I. announced that he had signed with Columbia Records, to release his ninth album, Paperwork (2014).

Da’ Nic Tracklist:
1. Broadcast Live
2. Ain’t Gonna See It
3. Check, Run It
4. Peanut Butter Jelly (ft. Young Thug & Young Dro)
5. Project Steps

Listen to Da’ Nic:
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/3xIOxSe4aJ52HMzjuhlnf3

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/da-nic-ep/id1038302466?ls=1

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tiofficial/sets/da-nic

Audiomack: https://www.audiomack.com/playlist/grandhustlegang/da-nic

VEVO stream: https://www.youtube.com/tivevo

The 11th MIBFF: Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF)

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Complete program and tickets: www.montrealblackfilm.com

11th Montreal International Black Film Festival
presented by Global News Montreal – September 29 to October 4, 2015

MONTREAL, Sept. 9, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ – At the Former NFB Theatre, programming for the 11th edition of the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) was announced. The MIBFF, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by Global News Montreal, will take place from September 29 to October 4, 2015 with a variety of memorable events that will leave a mark in the Festival’s history.

Canada’s biggest black film festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, is returning with a rich and bold programming honouring Afro-American History. The programming includes the “Black Market”, exciting special events, the “Cinema Without Borders” professional development activities program for the youth from the South, tributes, attendance of international guests and much more. In addition, the MIBFF will debut an exhibition and after parties. Moviegoers will get the chance to watch uncut, quality films; feature-length, mid-length, shorts, documentaries and narrative films will all be presented, most making their Canadian debut! Festivalgoers will also get the chance to see actors and directors from all corners of the globe sharing their passions. And there’s something for everyone!

Some of the highlights include: Sweet Mickey for President, The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, Selma, Breathe Umphefumlo, Dennis Rodman’s Big Bang in Pyongyang, Dry, Terrible love, Manos sucias (Dirty Hands), White water, En quête d’identité, Thina Sobali (The two of us), Una vida: Of Mind and Music, 3 ½ minutes – ten bullets, Game Face, O KA (notre maison), My father’s land, La belle vie, Imperial dreams, Battle dream chronicle many more! Productions are divided into several categories: drama; art, poetry, and music; comedy; accomplishment or portrait; Haitian films; identity, history, and traditions; immigration and segregation; bullying; and the human condition.

After the success of its 10th anniversary edition, the MIBFF continues its innovation with a variety of entertaining events that transcends borders, where the past meets the present.

A SYMBOLIC CONTEXT: SPECIAL AMERICAN PROGRAM
With the generous support of the Consulate general of the United States in Montreal

2015 is a symbolic year of many ground-breaking anniversaries in American history: 50 years since the historic march from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; 60 years since Rosa Parks’ refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, initiating a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality; and 50 years since the assassination of human rights activist Malcolm X. The 11th MIBFF is proud and honoured to be featuring a strong and significant Special American Program that will give Montrealers access to more independent films, actors, speakers and American directors. This Program includes tributes, screening of 20 films which include the festival’s opening and closing films, an exhibition on 25 trailblazing Afro-American women, movie discussion on the power of non-violence and the Festival’s Kick-off Party.

2015 also marks the 5th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. To commemorate this event, the festival chose to open with an excellent film that unveils an important chapter in Haiti’s political history.

TRIBUTES AND HONORARY AWARDS

TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING III
Tuesday, September 29, 7PM, Imperial Theatre | $25
Presented by Global News Montreal

“THE BET LIFE OF…” Premieres September 8th

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BET Networks Original Docu-Series “THE BET LIFE OF…” is an Exclusive Look at the Musical Careers of Beyonce, Chris Brown, Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz

“THE BET LIFE OF…” Is a One-of-a-Kind Journey Through These Superstars’ Careers with Interviews, Appearances and Performances from Your Favorite BET Shows of All Time: “Video Soul”, “BET Awards”, “106&Park”, “Hip Hop Awards, “Rap City” and More

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– BET Networks announces its new original, one-hour docu-series featuring the careers and evolution of Beyonce, Chris Brown, Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz through BET’s camera lens including exclusive on-air interviews, phenomenal televised performances and unforgettable moments only captured by BET. Each episode also features commentary and one-on-one interviews with some of the industry’s most influential entertainers, television and movie stars, former BET hosts, music executives and the people who worked behind the scenes to create the featured artists best and most memorable on-air moments. “THE BET LIFE OF…” premieres Tuesday, September 8th at 9:00 P.M.

The premiere episode features international superstar Chris Brown and the evolution of the artist and performer we know him as today. From his humble beginnings as a young man from Virginia with hit song “Run It” to an international superstar performing a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the late Michael Jackson to facing his fans in an exclusive 106&Park sit-down interview where he discussed his personal challenges, trials, and path to retribution as well as Chris Brown the “street art” artist, skilled basketball player and all-around extraordinary performer.

“BET is so fortunate to have been there since the beginning with these amazing artists. It’s been fun looking back at the early years of these superstars; many of whom have their very first look on BET. Through this show you’ll get nostalgic, but also realize the work, dedication and growth to today of your favorite performers.” – Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming.

The full season of “THE BET LIFE OF…” will feature the following (Schedule subject to change):

  • Chris Brown (Tuesday, September 8th at 9pm)
  • Trey Songz (Tuesday, September 15th at 9pm)
  • Nicki Minaj (Tuesday, September 22nd at 9pm)
  • Janet Jackson (Tuesday, September 29th at 9pm)
  • Beyonce (Tuesday, October 6th at 9pm)

For video sneak peeks and first looks of “The BET Life Of…” visit BET.com

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, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; 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.

The 2015 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion® Takes Place Labor Day Weekend

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Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show®, along with Allstate Insurance Company, is celebrating family, fun and excitement with the 2015 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion®. Labor Day weekend, September 3rd – 7th, families from all over the country will join Joyner and his celebrity friends for a weekend filled with stellar concerts, interaction with celebrities and leaders, enlightening seminars, and endless activities for people of all ages inside the free expo which is open to the public. Guests can also enjoy passes to theme parks. The family event, held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL, generally attracts more than 20,000.

This year the family event features concerts from Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teddy Riley, Yolanda Adams, Deitrick Haddon, Willie Moore Jr. and Kirk Franklin; plus a huge “fam” fest with the castmembers from Black-ish, Good Times, Living Single, basketball legend Dominique Wilkins, and a special book club hosted by Sybil Wilkes with Taelor and Sydni Scott – the daughters of the late, longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott.

“The Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion creates an atmosphere of one true family that celebrates people and what we love,” says Tom Joyner, whose radio show airs in markets all over the country.

Since 2003 Joyner’s annual “Party with a Purpose®” for families has featured a stellar lineup of today’s hottest entertainers and the most popular names in classic and contemporary R&B, hip-hop, soul, and blues.

“Allstate continues the long-standing partnership with Tom Joyner as a sponsor of this year’s Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion,” said Cheryl Harris, senior vice president at Allstate, and Allstate executive spokesperson on-site at the Reunion. “We’re excited for this year’s event which continues the tradition of bringing families together to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend, and enjoy the many positive activities available for all ages.”

For more information about the 2015 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion® please visit BlackAmericaWeb.com.

About the Tom Joyner Morning Show
The nation’s #1 syndicated urban morning show has distinguished itself over the years as continuously giving back to its audience with quality programming, highly popular promotions, special events and philanthropy.

About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In the 20 years since Allstate became a fully independent public company, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners have donated more than $405 million to support local communities.

SOURCE Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion

RELATED LINKS
http://www.BlackAmericaWeb.com

“KEVIN HART PRESENTS: LIL REL HOWERY: RELEVANT” ON COMEDY CENTRAL® SEPTEMBER 5

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Introducing a very RELevant friend of Kevin Hart’s! Lil Rel Howery’s first one-hour stand-up special, “Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel Howery: RELevant,” premieres on Comedy Central on Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The special showcases Rel’s captivating storytelling style and his uncanny ability to transport audiences into his hilarious world of loveable, outrageous characters. Filmed at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, the special includes stories from Rel’s time in Chicago getting roasted by high school students, the ridiculousness of hoodrat conversations, the time he got an unexpected whooping from a Chicago cab driver, how his son, Judah, has gotten him into trouble by not having a filter yet and how grateful he is that he’ll have a daughter to take care of him when he gets old.

Leading up to the on-air premiere, Comedy Central Stand-Up will feature preview clips from the special. Fans can follow Lil Rel on Twitter at @LilRel4 and tweet using the hashtag #RELevant.

“Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel Howery: RELevant” will be available on September 6 on the Comedy Central App to fans that sign in via their cable or satellite provider. The Comedy Central App is available for iPad and iPhone on the App Store, Android on Google Play, Roku, Xbox One and Chromecast.

This summer, Lil Rel can be seen on the much buzzed about comedy series “The Carmichael Show,” which premieres on NBC on Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and also stars Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier. Also this summer, Rel can be seen in season two of the “gleefully absurd” (Chicago Sun Times) weekly sketch comedy show “Friends of the People” airing on TruTV; Rel stars in, writes, and executive produces the series.

In addition to his comedy series and specials, Rel was a semi-finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” followed by show-stopping performances on Comedy Central’s “Comedy Underground with Dave Attell” and “The Half Hour,” BET’s “Comic View,” HBO’s “Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy,” Showtime’s “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” Comedy Central’s “Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at The El Rey,” and “The Arsenio Hall Show.” He has appeared on Nickelodeon’s “NickMom Night Out,” E!’s “Chelsea Lately,” and he has lent his voice to the popular FXX animated series “The Lucas Bros Moving Co.” Rel was listed as one of Variety’s 10 Comics To Watch at the 2012 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.

Earlier this year, Kevin Hart starred on the silver screen in “The Wedding Ringer” and “Get Hard,” opposite Will Farrell. Hart can also be seen on the road for his “What Now” Comedy tour, and in 2016, Hart will star in “Ride Along 2.” Previously he has starred in “Think Like a Man,” “Think Like a Man Too,” “Ride Along,” “Grudge Match” opposite Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro, and “About Last Night.” Hart also had a supporting role in the Nick Stoller comedy “Five Year Engagement,” produced by Judd Apatow. He is a force in television too, executive producing the hit BET show, “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” In 2009, Hart’s one-hour Comedy Central special “I’m A Grown Little Man” became one of the highest rated specials for the network, and in 2010, Hart’s DVD “Seriously…Funny” was one of the fastest selling DVDs, going triple Platinum, aided by the Comedy Central special of the same name. In September 2011, Hart released “Laugh At My Pain,” the feature film version of his comedy tour.

“Kevin Hart Presents: Lil Rel Howery: RELevant” is executive produced by Hart, Brian Volk-Weiss, Dave Becky, Mike Berkowitz, Cisco Henson and Avi Gilbert.

Comedy Central, the #1 brand in comedy, is the home for the biggest names in stand-up including recent one-hour specials from Daniel Tosh, Kevin Hart, Gabriel Iglesias, Amy Schumer,
Anthony Jeselnik, Aziz Ansari, Chris Hardwick, Hannibal Buress, John Mulaney, Pete Holmes, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Jim Gaffigan, David Spade, Tracy Morgan, and more.

Comedy Central stand-up series include “Adam Devine’s House Party,” “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail,” “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution,” “The Half Hour,” “Comedy Underground with Dave Attell“ and “This is Not Happening.”

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 165 countries and territories. Viacom’s media networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT, TV Land,Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., Channel 5 (UK), Logo, Nicktoons, TeenNick and Paramount Channel, reach a cumulative 3.2 billion television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

Ja Rule Collaborates With Steve Madden

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Leading fashion footwear designer, Steve Madden, joins forces with Grammy nominated rap artist, Ja Rule, to launch an exclusive collection for Steve Madden Mens. The Pre-Fall ’15 collaboration includes bold sneakers, dress shoes and motorcycle-style kicks in soft nappa, nubuck leather and suede. Metallic ornamentation and detailing, such as handcuff eyelets and skeleton keys, are integrated throughout the collection to symbolize the obstacles both Ja Rule and Steve Madden have overcome, and their success through hard work and dedication.

Steve Madden always has his finger on the pulse, and together with Ja Rule’s sense of style, this duo has designed a must see collection. “He came to the table with all of these ideas,” said Steve Madden. “He’s an awesome guy, we click. It’s been fun to collaborate with artists. I enjoy it. I enjoy the creative spark.”

“I wanted to partner with Steve to create a line that was both stylish and affordable,” said Ja Rule. “I love all the styles, but my favorites, I would have to say, are the high-top nubuck sneaker, the brush-off chelsea boot. The Maven motorcycle-style boot is something different from anything out there.”

The Maven x Madden collection will be available Pre-Fall 2015. The collection is priced from $145 to $195 and will be available at select Steve Madden stores, SteveMadden.com, Macy’s, Dillard’s and other specialty retailers.

About Steve Madden:
Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its owned brands including Steve Madden®, Steven by Steve Madden®, Madden Girl®, Freebird by Steven®, Stevies®, Betsey Johnson®, Dolce Vita®, DV by Dolce Vita®, Brian Atwood®, B Brian Atwood®, Report Signature®, Report®, Big Buddha®, Wild Pair®, Cejon® and Mad Love®, the Company is the licensee of various brands, including Olsenboye® for footwear, handbags and belts and Superga® and l.e.i.® for footwear. The Company also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. The Company’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. The Company also operates 133 retail stores (including the Company’s 4 Internet stores). The Company licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including for ready-to-wear, outerwear, intimate apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products. For local store information and the latest Steve Madden booties, pumps, men’s and women’s boots, dress shoes, sandals and more, visit http://www.stevemadden.com/.

About Steve Madden Music:
Steve Madden Music is an integrated marketing platform that promotes today’s hottest emerging artists through a multitude of media and consumer channels at Steve Madden. Music has inspired Steve Madden’s designs since he launched the brand in 1990. Today, music is still one of his muses and Steve Madden Music is a natural extension of this inspiration. Steve built his brand around making fashion forward footwear accessible to all people. By launching a music initiative, Steve takes this design philosophy to a new realm. Steve Madden Music plays a role in bringing music to the forefront for consumers – telling them what’s hot, what’s new and what they should be listening to now. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding, Neon Trees, Kimbra, The Pretty Reckless (Taylor Momsen of Gossip Girl) Jason Derulo & Paloma Faith, are a few of many notable artists that have partnered with the brand and its program.

For 2015, Steve Madden Music will continue to collaborate with today’s hottest emerging talent, including New Zealand duo Broods in March followed by Lucius, a five piece indie pop band from Brooklyn in April as well as other exciting yet-to-be announced artists in the coming months. Steve Madden Music has once again teamed up with The Bowery Presents – NYC’s premier concert promoter – to host their concerts in Brooklyn’s 650-seat capacity Music Hall of Williamsburg.

SOURCE Steve Madden

PIMP C Biography “Sweet Jones: PIMP C’s Trill Life Story” Hits #1 On Amazon’s Rap Biography List

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Orlando, FL ~ In the three weeks since its release, “Sweet Jones: Pimp C’s Trill Life Story” has already become a favorite with rap fans and historians alike. In addition to the stellar reviews the book is receiving, the comprehensive 726-page work already finds itself atop Amazon’s rap biography chart. Penned by founder and Editor-In-Chief of esteemed Southern rap publication, OZONE, Julia Beverly, with a foreword from longtime friend and collaborator of Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler, Too Short, the book is an in-depth journey into the complicated world and mind of one of rap’s most colorful and controversial figures. It was compiled from interviews with Pimp C himself, his late mother and manager Weslyn “Mama Wes” Monroe, UGK rap partner Bun B, and hundreds of friends, family members, and collaborators like Snoop Dogg, Scarface, Too $hort, 8Ball & MJG, Jazze Pha, David Banner, Mannie Fresh, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Trae Tha Truth, and Willie D of the Geto Boys.

With a host of a-list media already in the bag in support of her work, Julia Beverly has a nationwide book tour in the works that will include book signings, radio appearances and press interviews in each market.

Copies can be purchased on Amazon here- http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Jones-Pimp-Trill-Story/dp/0692461272