Guest Stars and Performers for New Season Also Include Ne-Yo, Fabolous, Pete Wentz, Fetty Wap, T-Pain, A$AP Ferg, Nick Young, French Montana, Fat Joe, Rae Sremmurd and Ty Dolla $ign

MTV2 Launches #BestofWNO Social Voting Competition to Determine Fans’ Favorite Moments from 10 Years of “Wild ‘N Out”

New York, NY (April 30, 2015) – MTV2 today announced that its highest-rated series ever, “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out,” will return to the network for a seventh season summer run with 12 all-new episodes beginning Wednesday, June 10 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The season seven premiere night will feature two all-new episodes, as a new slate of special guests and performers will take the stage for the hit series that mixes lightning fast comedic improv, head-to head competition and cutting edge entertainment where only the funniest survive. Four additional episodes of the seventh season will air later in 2015.

“Everybody needs to get ready for what is without a doubt the best, wildest, and funniest season in ‘Wild ‘N Out’ history,” said Nick Cannon. “When we taped the new season, the studio audience in New York went crazy and I know the fans at home watching will feel the same. As we celebrate 10 years of ‘Wild ‘N Out’ this year, we’ll continue to add to the show’s immense legacy with the biggest names in comedy and music.”

The incredible roster of celebrity guests and performers for season seven includes Kevin Hart, Jordin Sparks, Shaquille O’Neal, Snoop Dogg, Ne-Yo, Zendaya, Fabolous, Pete Wentz, Fetty Wap, T-Pain, A$AP Ferg, Nick Young, French Montana, Fat Joe, Rae Sremmurd, Ty Dolla $ign, Migos, Mack Wilds, DJ Drama, Ray J, Lil Duval, O.T. Genasis, Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Dej Loaf, K Camp and the hosts of Power 105’s The Breakfast Club.

2015 also marks the 10th anniversary of the first “Wild ‘N Out” premiere in 2005. In order to celebrate the milestone, MTV2 today is launching #BestofWNO, a social voting competition across several platforms to determine fans’ favorite moments from the first six seasons of the show. From April 30 through May 6, seven different categories will be voted on by fans: “Favorite All-Star” (showcased via GIFs on MTV2 Twitter); “Favorite Game” (showcased via video on MTV2 Instagram); “Favorite Wildstyle Moment” (showcased via video on MTV2 YouTube); “Favorite Wild ‘N Out Girl” (showcased via photos on MTV2 Instagram); “Favorite Wild ‘N Out Song” (showcased via video on MTV2 Tumblr); “Favorite Cast Member” (showcased via photos on “Wild ‘N Out” Facebook); and “Wildest Moment” (showcased via video on MTV2 Vine). The winners of each competition will be featured on MTV2 in the days leading up to the season seven premiere.

“Wild ‘N Out” is hosted by Nick Cannon, who is head of the highly successful multi-media company NCredible Entertainment, which produces a myriad of TV and film projects. In addition to “Wild ‘N Out,” Cannon also stars in NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood.”

MTV2 achieved its highest-rated quarter in its nearly 20-year history during Q1 of 2015, extending its streak of seven consecutive quarters of year over year growth. MTV2’s first quarter success was driven by original hit series “Guy Code” and “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out,” each of which was watched by more than 15 million viewers. Showing no signs of slowing down, the network kicked off Q2 with new improv comedy series “MTV2’s Joking Off,” which ranks as one of the top shows in its time period for Teens and Male Teens since its April 1 premiere.

“Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out” is Executive Produced by Nick Cannon and Michael Goldman for NCredible Entertainment. Nile Evans serves as Show Runner and Executive Producer. Chris McCarthy, Paul Ricci and Candida Boyette-Clemons are Executive Producers for MTV2.

For more information, visit MTV2.com ​

About MTV2

MTV2 is a leading male-minded lifestyle brand for the Millennial generation. Distributed in more than 80 million homes, it’s the No. 1 channel for males 12-34 among networks available in under 90 million homes. MTV2’s programming is fueled by comedic originals, music and cultural commentary that is curated with its audience. As a sibling network of MTV, MTV2 is an incubator and proving ground for rising young comedians, musicians and entertainers. MTV2 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

“Make Room” Features Killer Versus From Sheek Louch And Joell Ortiz

Legendary artist and producer Erick Sermon, from the iconic Hip Hop group EPMD, has released the first single from his upcoming solo album, E.S.P. (Erick Sermon Perception). The new single, “Make Room,” features New York spitters, Sheek Louch and Joell Ortiz over a hard-hitting beat produced by Sermon.

“I felt that Hip Hop was making a come back. Hip Hop was in a bad place for a while, and even though NY was making records, the records were not New York, at least to me it wasn’t,” said Erick Sermon. “I made this record when I was in Berlin and I had it for a minute and then I thought we need a rally like this now; I made the phone call to Sheek Louch and Joell Ortiz.”

“Out of all the celebrities that I know, as far as an immediate response, Sheek and Joell Ortiz are always there,” explained Sermon. “I worked with them before on the Hard Knock Life album. For “Make Room,” I wanted emcees that were going to represent. Sheek Louch did one of the best verses of his career. It showcases them and it showcases NY and it’s a big record. You can’t front on this. The beats, the rhymes the chorus, its a NY Hip Hop record.”

“Make Room” is available on the iTunes music store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-room-feat.-sheek-louch/id985849630

“Cosmic Slop is a beat I made that gave me a feeling of cruising down the highway on a very nice day or night in the summertime seeing all kinda people outside enjoying themselves. The video just gives you a lil knowledge on the vibes I was feeling when i was making the track“- Pete Rock

Today, we get a rare glimpse into the world of Pete Rock in his new video for the song Cosmic Slop. Secluded in a room, alone with his MPC, Pete sits down and does what he does best, what he has earned his reputation as a legend from, what he loves: making beats. The new video premiered today at Rolling Stone (here). Pete captures the signature swing and sway that came to be the standard for hiphop production for a generation. Don’t mistake the style for simple. The meticulousness of Pete Rock’s craft can be heard in the nuances of the production- the elegant, tactile side of production.The new album comes out June 23rd on Mello Music Group

The Documentary/Screening:

Til Infinity is an in-depth documentary on the legendary Bay Area hip-hop group Souls of Mischief, featuring the crew’s journey to their landmark ’93 Til Infinity album. Til Infinity will be making its New York screening debut at the New York City International Film Festival on Friday, May 1, having been previously screened at events such as the Pan-African Film Fest, while being the winner of Best Local Film at the San Francisco Black Film Festival last year.

Directed by Oakland filmmaker/life-long Souls of Mischief fan Shomari Smith, Til Infinity celebrates the 20-year anniversary of ’93 Til Infinity, offering a retrospective look at the famed project with commentary from hip-hop notables such as A Tribe Called Quest‘s Phife Dawg, Dilated People‘s Rakaa Iriscience, Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Robert Bobbito Garcia, award-winning writer Thembisa S. Mshaka, Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), A&R rep Dante Ross, radio and television icon DJ Sway, and more. Til Infinity shows Souls of Mischief in a way never seen before, with the members discussing their early creative process and sharing personal stories about each track on the album, as well as the decision to go independent as one of the only hip-hop groups to walk away from a major record label while owning their publishing rights.

“I have spent a great amount of my life following hip-hop culture as a fan and supporter of the music,” says director Shomari Smith. “It only made sense to feel a connection to the music of a group of guys who grew up in my neighborhood in East Oakland, California and attended my same schools. This group was the Souls Of Mischief.” As part of the larger collective of MC’s, producers, and DJ’s known as Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief continue making strides in the Bay Area hip-hop scene with a style and energy all their own. Their story is one of brotherhood, loyalty, perseverance, and innovation. Til Infinity captures that essence, inspiring audiences to stay course and follow their passions. Catch the New York screening debut on Friday, May 1 at Helen Mills Theater.

Watch the Til Infinity trailer: https://vimeo.com/82755755

The Background:

Founded in 1997 in Oakland, California, Hiero Imperium Records was founded by artists Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the group Souls of Mischief, consisting of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. After releasing albums on several major labels, the collective established their own independent Hieroglyphics Imperium label, website, and merch company in 1997, and are credited as creating the blueprint for independent rap labels. Few other rap collectives have withstood the test of time and are still considered as vibrant, respected, and talented as when they first stepped on the scene 20+ years ago. They are also credited as being one of the first hip hop groups to work with skate, snow, and surf companies . Created by Del the Funky Homosapien, their “third eye logo” is considered the third most recognized music logo according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and has been seen tattooed on dozens of fans all over the world.

The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” Returns to ABC Sunday, May 17^th at 8pm ET Live From The MGM Grand Garden Arena

Billboard and dick clark productions announced today that “Empire” recording artists Jussie Smollett and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray will perform at this year’s award show for an “Empire” themed performance featuring Grammy Award-winning British songstress Estelle, singing a medley of the show’s biggest hits, “Conqueror” and “You’re So Beautiful.” These stars join previously announced musical performers Iggy Azalea, Fall Out Boy featuring Wiz Khalifa, Kelly Clarkson, Hozier, Nick Jonas, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Britney Spears and Meghan Trainor. The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” will be hosted by Ludacris and Chrissy Teigen and broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, on ABC from 8:00 PM–11:00 PM ET.”There’s no way I could possibly love music more than I already do. The Billboard Music Awards has been the epitome of celebrating some of the best of the best in music,” stated Smollett. “To be included as a performer on this year’s celebration is a huge honor.”

“I’m still living in a dream – the success of Empire and now getting the honor to perform at the Billboard Music Awards. It’s truly a blessing,” said Yazz.

“My hope is that ‘Conqueror’ will continue to inspire people as much as possible. It’s such a powerful message! I cannot wait to perform it at the Billboard Music Awards with Jussie!” said Estelle.

Fun performer facts include:

• The Empire TV soundtrack — which features Smollett and Yazz on 12 of its 18 songs — debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. It’s the first TV series soundtrack to hit No. 1 in the history of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Combined, all of the released songs from the TV series have sold 1.5 million downloads in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music.
• Combined, Smollett’s songs have sold more than a million downloads, and he’s earned six hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart — all from the Empire TV series. Those include three top 40 hits: “Good Enough,” “You’re So Beautiful” (with Yazz) and “Conqueror,” with the latter song being his highest peaking (No. 15)

BOOSIE BADAZZ RETURNS WITH LONG AWAITED NEW ALBUM

“TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL”;

LEGENDARY RAPPER HERALDS FIRST FULL-LENGTH RELEASE IN FOUR YEARS

WITH NEW TRACK, “RETALIATION”

AND STREET TRACK, “ON THAT LEVEL (FEAT. WEBBIE)”;

“TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL” OFFICIALLY DROPS MAY 26^TH

Trill Entertainment and Atlantic Records have announced the long awaited release of the new album from legendary Baton Rouge rapper Boosie BadAzz. “TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL” drops everywhere on May 26^th.

“TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL” is preceded by the new tracks, “Retaliation” https://youtu.be/K86fdjt8fns and “Like A Man (Feat. Rich Homie Quan)” https://youtu.be/MFh2WIIh1OQ. The massively anticipated album – which also includes the street single, “On That Level (Feat. Webbie)” – is further heralded by Boosie’s “TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL” documentary trailer, now streaming at https://youtu.be/4kBTEi2PD_0.

Boosie BadAzz – until recently known worldwide as Lil’ Boosie – is among the most celebrated rappers of his generation. The Baton Rouge native first lit up the hip hop underground at just 17 and soon teamed with the renowned label Trill Entertainment to unleash a series of undisputed classics, including 2003’s “GHETTO STORIES” and 2004’s “GANGSTA MUSIK” (both with longtime collaborator Webbie), and 2009’s top 10 breakthrough, “SUPERBAD: THE RETURN OF BOOSIE BADAZZ.” His fifth and most recent solo album, 2010’s “INCARCERATED,” was recorded and released while serving a 96-month prison sentence at Angola Louisiana State Penitentiary. The album earned widespread acclaim, with SPIN hailing it as “an enormously heartfelt album that makes his legal plight even more of a feel-bad story.”

Released in March 2014 after serving a reduced sentence of 52 months, Boosie made his first public statements at the #BOOSIESPEAKS press conference, streamed live from New Orleans to his global fan following. The event proved one of the largest urban streams in Atlantic Records history with 40K people logged on and 177K overall viewers.

Since then, Boosie has been among this year’s most active and in demand rappers, with appearances on such tracks as 2 Chainz “Wuda Cuda Shuda (Feat. Lil Boosie),” Dorrough Music’s “Beat Up The Block (Feat. Lil Boosie),” DJ Mustard’s “Face Down (Feat. Lil Wayne, Big Sean, YG & Lil Boosie),” Jeezy’s “Beez Like (Feat. Lil Boosie),” and T.I.’s “Jet Fuel (Feat. Boosie Badazz).”

For more information, please log on to http://www.officialboosie.com/, twitter.com/lilboosie_ (@lilboosie_), www.trillent.com, and www.atlanticrecords.com.

Release Date: May 26^th

TRACKLISTING

1. Intro
2. Windows of My Eyes
3. Retaliation
4. Like A Man ft. Rich Homie Quan
5. No Juice
6. Don Da Da
7. Mr. Miyagi
8. On Deck
9. Hip Hop Hooray
10. On That Level ft. Webbie
11. She Don’t Love Me ft. Chris Brown
12. Drop Top Music ft. Rick Ross
13. How She Got Her Name
14. Spoil You ft. T.I
15. Black Heaven ft. Keyshia Cole
16. Kicking Clouds
17. Hands Up

VALLEJO, CA (Apr. 24, 2015) – Hip-Hop icon E-40 announced today he will headline his national “Choices” Tour starting in May, with rising stars Stevie Stone, Nessasary and Cool Nutz as opening acts. The 39-city tour kicks off on May 5th in San Diego and wraps up in Tempe, Arizona on June 17th. After dropping his triple album “Sharp on All 4 Corners” late last year, E-40 continues to set the bar high for fellow artists in the rap game, and shows no signs of slowing down.

“This is the first tour I’m headlining of this magnitude and I’m just excited to continue giving my fans and people who love my music, a chance to come rock with me up close and personal,” the Bay Area trailblazer says.

With a solid career that has lasted longer than most, E-40’s new tour is yet another testament to how he’s been able to remain relevant in today’s rap game. Titled after his hit record “Choices,” the move validates him as a thriving artist in an ever-evolving industry. With a current feature on Big Sean’s smash hit “I Don’t Fuck With You,” and Big Krit’s “Mind Control” with Wiz Khalifa last year, E-40 ingeniously maintains his star power with today’s hottest new artists.

With no major label backing, E-40 is bringing this indie tour to the masses entirely on his own accord to show his appreciation to his massive fan base. As a successful businessman in the beverage industry with his line of Earl Stevens Selections wines and “Slurricane” cocktails, E-40 has successfully transitioned from rapper to brand-builder.

With state-of-the-art production by Tech N9ne’s Strange Music in association with Sick Wit It Records, the Choices Tour is slated to bring a solid night of entertainment for Hip-Hop lovers across the nation.

Keep up with E-40 on Twitter and Instagram: @E40

See link below for “Choices” Tour Dates:

http://www.mtv.com/artists/e-40/tourdates/

BET Networks is pleased to announce that it is stepping into the ring with Roc Nation Sports as their exclusive broadcast partner to air live throne boxing events on the network. The partnership between BET Networks and Roc Nation Sports is the first of its kind for the network and includes airing up to nine live, two-hour telecasts of Roc Nation Sports throne boxing events over the next 18 months. The first main event fight to air on BET Networks will feature WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) facing former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the telecast will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that offer an unprecedented fan experience, including a live musical performance and a name DJ to keep the energy at a high level throughout the night. Fans can catch the action live on BET in the United States and globally on TIDAL.com, the newly launched music streaming service that combines the best high fidelity sound quality, high definition music videos and expertly curated editorial.

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10:00 AM PT and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

“BET is constantly searching for ways to expand its portfolio of content with the sole goal of satisfying our audiences,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “Roc Nation is doing very exciting things in the entertainment space and we are excited to partner with them on this groundbreaking deal positioning BET Networks as a go-to destination for premier live boxing events. Together, we’ll provide unique entertainment.”

“We’re thrilled to not only be introducing our newest broadcast partnership with BET Networks, but also to use this new platform to telecast Andre Ward’s highly anticipated return to the ring,” said David Itskowitch, COO – Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “On June 20, we will once again provide fans a night of exciting throne boxing fights, live musical entertainment and an unprecedented fan experience.”

“I’m very excited to be coming back on June 20 at Oracle Arena in my hometown of Oakland which has been a long time coming,” said Ward. “I’m equally excited to be fighting on BET in front of a potential viewership of over 90 million homes. As a fighter, this diversifies my portfolio and puts me in front of a whole different audience. I have an extremely tough fighter in front of me in Paul Smith who’s looking to pull the upset, but I can’t let that happen. I have to be on my best game to turn Smith away and beat him the way I want to beat him. As always, I’m ready to put on a tremendous performance in front of my hometown fans and those watching on BET. This is a fight you don’t want to miss.”

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring and test myself against a class act like Andre Ward. I proved that I belong at the top level with my performances against Arthur Abraham and this is a challenge that I am relishing,” said Smith. “Andre is a top pound-for-pound fighter and someone I respect a lot, but he has only boxed once in almost three years and I will give it everything I have got. I am fresh and confident going into this fight. It’s a massive opportunity for me and one that I took with both hands when it was offered. I have spent a lot of time boxing in the United States and I look forward to returning for this fight.”

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his killer instinct inside it, Andre Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 26 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. Now the Bay Area product is ready to return to the ring on June 20 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California.

Paul “Real Gone Kid” Smith enters his fight against pound-for-pound star Ward coming off of two heroic performances against WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Arthur Abraham. Smith challenged the Armenian-German for his title in Kiel, Germany in September 2014 and put on the performance of his career in his world title first shot. The 32-year-old native of Liverpool was the clear winner of large parts of the fight and celebrated at the bell in front of a hushed partisan crowd that thought that Abraham had been dethroned. Smith was not expecting the wide scorecards that were read out in favor of the hometown fighter and, judging by the far-reaching outrage at the lopsided numbers, neither were the majority of the boxing world and beyond, with Smith receiving support from some of Britain’s biggest sports stars on social media. A rematch was the only possible scenario and, like a true champion, Abraham duly obliged. Smith returned to Germany in February of this year to face Abraham again, this time in Berlin, but Abraham was a different fighter the night of their second fight, successfully defending his belt against a brave challenge from Smith. Once again the judges’ were forced to give a verdict and this time a decision win by Abraham was met with no outcry of controversy. On June 20, “Real Gone Kid” will return to the ring and once again venture into hostile territory to take on one of boxing’s best, looking to silence the crowd.

Ward vs. Smith, presented by Roc Nation Sports, takes place Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS:

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), 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.

ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS:

Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports lead to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, helping athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been helping artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents world champions Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar and Frances Tiafoe. For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

ABOUT ORACLE ARENA & O.co COLISEUM:

Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum, managed by AEG Facilities, are the premiere sports and entertainment complexes in Northern California. Home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the NFL’s Oakland Raiders and MLB’s Oakland Athletics as well as host to concerts, family shows and special events. Additional information on Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum, including a complete schedule of events can be found online at www.coliseum.com. Follow Oracle Arena on Twitter, Instagram, Vine and Snapchat @OracleArena and on Facebook www.faecbook.com/OracleArenaO.coColiseum.

Source: BET Networks

Universal Music Group (UMG), on behalf of UMG Recordings Inc. and Capitol Records LLC, and plaintiffs’ attorneys representing clients in class action lawsuits regarding digital download royalties today submitted a settlement for preliminary court approval.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs (including the estate of Rick James, Chuck D of Public Enemy, and others) alleged that UMG failed to pay proper royalties to certain artists when consumers bought MP3 files from digital music retailers.

Under the proposed terms, UMG will contribute a maximum of $11.5 million to supplement payments to class members for past digital download activity, cover attorneys’ fees and administrative costs, and also increase digital download royalties by approximately 10% going forward to class members who submit a claim. Class members can learn more about the settlement, including how to submit claims, at www.umgsettlement.com.

In the settlement agreement, UMG specifically denies the plaintiffs’ claims, and states that it agreed to settle the claims rather than continue to litigate the matter to avoid the associated legal expenses.

In a statement, UMG commented, “Although we are confident we appropriately paid royalties on digital downloads and adhered to the terms of contracts, we are pleased to amicably resolve this matter and avoid continued legal costs.”

Len Simon, one of the lead plaintiffs’ attorneys, said, “This settlement is a fair resolution of this controversy over how to compensate artists for their valuable work in a new medium which we believe was not contemplated by their contracts, many drafted in the 1970s or 1980s. And it compensates these artists now, rather than after additional years of litigation and uncertainty.”

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the global music leader, with wholly owned operations in 60 territories. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the industry’s premier music publishing operations worldwide.

Universal Music Group’s labels include A&M Records, Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note Records, Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol Records, Capitol Records Nashville, Caroline, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, EMI Records Nashville, Fonovisa, Geffen Records, Harvest, Interscope Records, Island Records, Machete Music, Manhattan, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Republic Records, Universal Music Latino, Verve Music Group, Virgin Records, Virgin EMI Records, as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalogue of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world’s most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalogue is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes Global Digital Business, its new media and technologies division and Bravado, its merchandising company.

Universal Music Group is a fully owned subsidiary of Vivendi.

After the tragic murder of homicide victim, Walter Scott, by an alleged racist act from South Carolina police officer, Michael T. Slager, the Scott family stated they didn’t want Rev. Al Sharpton involved in their quest for justice for Walter Scott. A source close to the family stated “We don’t want another Ferguson type of circus here.” This brings to mind something I’ve stated previously in years past. Whenever there is an injustice to a Black person in America, it seems as if Sharpton (According to the general media) is the automatic go-to person and maybe Jesse Jackson is the runner-up. It’s as if they are the ONLY Black people who fight for the rights of our people. Of course, they are widely respected for the work and time put in over the years, to make sure that the equal rights that we purportedly have, are, somewhat met. I respect all that they have done and will continue to do, no doubt.

But, my issue isn’t with them at all, it’s the perception that out of millions of Black people in this country, the reliance, specifically, on Al Sharpton, to be the voice of Black people and the one who has all the solutions, is not only, unfair, but, just plain dumb! It’s as if we, as a race, have all the same views, opinions and viewpoints of one or two of our ‘leaders.’ It also places a very broad stroke of the ‘racial paintbrush’ that white America has of us, based on anything Sharpton says or does.

In their eyes, we, as Black people, are all the same. We eat the same food, watch the exact same shows, listen to Hip-Hop and we aren’t really educated and all come from a single family home. Ok, I may be exaggerating a little, but, not really. I have to say that based on my experience of dealing with Black people, we are probably the MOST diverse race as we are even in conflict with ourselves at times, because of, not only outside perception, but, inner ones as well.

I write all this to say that we need new Black voices to speak for us, not that we need someone to speak for us, but, in the bigger picture, the representation, no, the perception from the outside is that there are only a few voices/faces that know what we want and/or need as Black people. Now, we, as Black people KNOW that that is the farthest from the truth, but, I know I am sick of hearing the same voices and/or seeing the same faces because, although I may agree with the work they are doing, it doesn’t mean I always agree with them. Example? Protesting. I honestly feel like doing so in these days and times is actually a waste of time as, recent history shows, it doesn’t change the perception of the racists people out here who are causing and committing the injustices Blacks suffer often. If it were solely up to me, I would encourage more Black people to become involved in politics and in other decision-making roles to have a say in how, not only the law is interpreted, but, in the passing of legislation and anything that continues to keep the power in the hands of people who have no inclination to see us succeed.

But, I also have to say that, we, as Black media, have to give the voices we need, the forum we have, so this way, we can be truly represented. As in the tag line of FUBU, For Us, By Us.

(CEDitor’s Note: I used Talib Kweli‘s photo because he is one of the new Black voices I feel represents me more than the current voices allowed to speak for us.)