Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records artist Wale has made a stellar chart debut with his highly anticipated new album. “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” which includes the new single, “The Matrimony (Feat. Usher),” makes an overall impressive debut this week at #1 on both Billboard “Top 200 Albums” & “Top Current Albums” charts. What’s more, the acclaimed collection also sits atop Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,” “Current Rap Albums.” This marks the second consecutive chart-topping album for Wale.

“The Album About Nothing’ Is Wale’s Most Personal & Best Work”

– Billboard

“Wale Finds New Meaning in Old Material on ‘The Album About Nothing’”

– XXL

“Wale Puts Out His Most Personal Project to Date With ‘The Album About Nothing’”

– Complex

Wale celebrated the long anticipated arrival of “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” with a wide range of appearances and live events. Highlights included a spectacular performance of the album’s “The Girls On Drugs” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (streaming now at www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/segments/116911) and a free pop-up concert at New York City’s famed S.O.B.’s. The latter event – which included surprise appearances by frequent collaborator J. Cole, as well as his MMG label mate Meek Mill – was met by lines of eager fans surrounding the legendary venue within minutes of Wale’s surprise announcement via Twitter. Adding to his list of appearances, Wale sat for an intimate interview with Larry King and opened up about his relationship with Jerry Seinfeld, Rick Ross, depression and more http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/wale-0_1t7hcwwmo7fj.

As if that wasn’t enough, Wale also headlined an intimate show for select fans at NYC’s iHeart Radio Theatre, presented by P.C. Richard & Son and streamed across all of iHeart Media’s Urban and Rhythmic radio websites. Clips of Wale’s spectacular performance, along with other video-on-demand content, are streaming now at http://www.power1051fm.com/features/iheartradio-live-9/articles/15/489531/watch-wale-performs-at-his-iheartradio-13441918/.

Closing out what was an already incredible week, Wale returned to his hometown of Washington, D.C. to perform as part of the “We DC” celebration. “We DC” is a compilation of D.C.-based artists, tech and business leaders, and residents who influence the world through innovative thinking, design, processes, building, education, and culture. In collaboration with D.C. Events & H Street, a pop up concert transpired bringing out over 2.2 thousand eager fans. Wale’s set lasted about 90 minutes, including songs from the new album, his past projects and some of DC’s gogo favorites. A recap of the event is available online now https://youtu.be/z5b_sqFeY2E.

Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as “a pretty spectacular hip-hop ballad,” “The Matrimony (feat. Usher)” premiered last month via a blockbuster partnership with iHeart Media that saw the song played on all iHeart media Urban Mainstream stations and their websites, every hour on the hour. Rave reviews followed, with Billboard applauding “The Matrimony (Feat. Usher)” as “a gem for the ladies.” “The Matrimony (feat. Usher)” is streaming now at https://youtu.be/A0PUGSh0GUU; a companion video is now in production with a premiere date to be announced soon.

“THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” also includes the powerful track, “The White Shoes,” now accompanied by an equally potent companion video. The clip – directed by Walu premiered exclusively at REVOLT.tv and is streaming now at Wale’s official YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/FMdgPJSlAQ4. In addition, “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” features the recent hit single, “The Body (Feat. Jeremih),” which peaked at #2 on Mediabase’s Urban chart. That song’s companion video clip now has over 4 million individual page views at http://youtu.be/zQMMI8itli8.

Available now with three unique covers (see above), “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” sees Wale continuing his famed “ABOUT NOTHING” mixtape trilogy with his most eclectic, entertaining, and extraordinary album to date. As its title suggests, the album sees the GRAMMY®-nominated rapper continuing to express the inspiration of his favorite TV show, Seinfeld – a relationship that has since blossomed into a real life friendship between Wale and Jerry Seinfeld himself. The legendary comedian is prominently featured on “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” contributing skits and segments which fuel Wale’s one-of-a-kind raps. The two superstars recently sat down at New York City’s Remedy Diner for an exclusive cover feature in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Complex (www.complex.com/covers/wale-seinfeld-interview-2014-cover-story)

* * * * *

Grammy-nominated rapper Wale is one of the most idiosyncratic talents in hip-hop. The Washington, D.C. native began unleashing his distinct mixtapes in 2005, with his debut album, “ATTENTION DEFECIT,” arriving in 2009. After signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group imprint in 2011, he released his breakthrough sophomore album, “AMBITION” – which spawned the Grammy-nominated hit single “Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel)” – followed by 2013’s “THE GIFTED,” which debuted atop Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart. Wale released his highly-anticipated fourth studio album, “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” on March 31, 2015, which is his most eclectic, entertaining and personal album to date, and features the hit single “The Matrimony (feat. Usher).”

The album sees Wale continuing his famed “About Nothing” mixtape trilogy, inspired by his favorite TV show, Seinfeld – a relationship that has since blossomed into a real life friendship between Wale and Jerry Seinfeld himself. The legendary comedian is prominently featured on “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” serving as the album’s conscience, according to Wale. In addition to being one of the most prominent figures in music today, Wale has become a thriving entrepreneur. He serves as the CEO of hat & accessory line, WRKNG TITLE, as well as also recently being named creative ambassador for the Washington Wizards.

For more information on Wale, visit www.walemusic.com, www.facebook.com/waleofficial, https://twitter.com/Wale, www.youtube.com/user/walemusic, & http://instagram.com/wale.

MC Lyte’s “LEGEND” album, her first in over eleven years, merges the classic sound of what made her initially popular together with the new, edgy, compelling sounds of the 21st century. LEGEND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ONE DAY IN VINYL FORMAT ONLY (with digital downloads for album purchasers) at independent record stores nationwide as a part of Record Store Day. Details, online pre-order options, listening parties, shows and appearances are at
www.mclyte.com. Future distribution of the album will be available through select media and brand partners at select hi-profile events worldwide.

Together with the assembly of 10 amazing musicians, this project puts the edge, truth and melody back into Hip Hop. From hard hitting kicks and snares that represent the genre of Hip Hop to the new pad sounds and synths that take the listener beyond this moment and the heavy bass lines that give way for Lyte’s showcase of pure lyricism, LEGEND is a perfect combination of what WAS and what IS and it’s ALL MC Lyte . . . current but still way ahead of her time.

“The comeback in itself is an art. On LEGEND, however, MC Lyte doesn’t appear to have any jet lag,” says THE SOURCE MAGAZINE in its review and exclusive premiere:

http://thesource.com/2015/04/02/mc-lyte-to-release-new-album-legend-avail-for-one-day-only-4-18/

LEGEND PROMO:

WHOA! BLACK ROB MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN WITH NEW ALBUM, GENUINE ARTICLE AND TWO NEW SINGLES
“WELCOME TO MY LIFE” AND “WAVE OF NEW YORK”
TO BE RELEASED ON SLIMSTYLE RECORDS!
Official album release April 21st, Pre-order album now and get “Welcome To My Life” as a bonus track !

With the arrival of spring comes a rebirth of a different sort! Respected for his gritty flow and deeply confessional lyrics, Black Rob, the former Bad Boy artist whose single, “Whoa, “ still nods heads, returns to the spotlight with a new album appropriately titled, Genuine Article, to be released April 21, 2015 via independent record label SlimStyle Records. Guests on Genuine Article include: Sean Price, Tek (Smif-n-Wessun), battle legend Murda Mook, up and comer Quas Amill, Ron Browz (“Arab Money”), former Bad Boy label-mate Q. Parker (112), Harley, Kali Ranks, and Quan with production by Easy Mo Bee (Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Miles Davis), Coptic (Boot Camp Clik, Memphis Bleek), Big French (KRS-One), The BPM Boyz, Numonics, Money L and Bishop.
Black Rob makes a triumphant return with his lead single, “Welcome to My Life“ produced by The BPM Boyz ft. Harley and follow-up single, “Wave Of New York” produced by Money L. “All my fans know me for story telling. So it’s only right I give it to them once again. Welcome To My Life felt like the right song to release first,” explains Rob. “Welcome To My Life,” is re-introduction of sorts for the artist whose last album, Game Tested, Street Approved was released under Duck Down Music in 2010. The 2nd single, “Wave Of New York” embodies all that is authentic in New York hip-hop.
A ‘genuine article’ himself, Black Rob’s (born Robert Ross in Spanish Harlem) life story (chronicled on his debut album, Life Story) includes a spectacular rise from poverty to platinum success of his single “Whoa.” At the height of his popularity, he lost momentum after his career was derailed due to recording industry politics and a four year prison stint.
When asked if he has a favorite track on the album, Rob responds, “To be honest, the whole album is real special to me, but the title track ” Genuine Article” (produced By: Bishop (MakeItKnock Prod.) was penned when I was up North (incarcerated), so I’m really feeling a certain way about that joint there.”
Genuine Article could have only been released by a seasoned street soldier who has seen life’s highs and lows. Some of those high/lows are documented in upcoming reality show,”Come Back Kings” that follows Black Rob, Ed Lover, Mr. Cheeks, Treach, Mario Winans, Calvin Richardson, Misa Hylton-Brim, David “DaVinch” Chance (Ruff Endz), Calvin Richardson, June Balloon, Jeff Redd, Lil’ Cease, and Jameio as they journey from setback to come back.

“Welcome To My Life“

“Wave Of New York”
https://soundcloud.com/blackrobmusic/Wave Of New York
PRE-ORDER GENUINE ARTICLE NOW AND GET “WELCOME TO MY LIFE” AS A BONUS TRACK!!!
Follow Black Rob @therealblackrob

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will host the first multicultural Television & Media Expo to provide broadcasters the opportunity to promote programming and showcase diversity initiatives to more than 7,000 consumers. The ABFF Television & Media Expo will take place in New York City, June 13 and 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The ABFF Television & Media Expo is a unique, two-day promotional event for network, cable, and Internet/digital media broadcasters during the 19th annual ABFF, June 11–14. This expo will provide an open forum for companies to generate awareness and excitement about their brand and to create a word-of-mouth and positive experience with the ABFF consumer.

“The success of today’s multicultural programming, proves that Americans want to see a diverse cross section of our world on television, as well as at the movies. We have found that diverse programming translates into box-office and ratings success and is a true reflection of our nation. We are excited to offer companies the opportunity to connect with multicultural consumers and talent in this unique way,” states Film Life, Inc. CEO Jeff Friday.

Expo participants, to date, include HBO®, Comcast Xfinity, NBCUniversal, TV One, UP TV and Aspire.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, to date, are HBO® (Presenting & Founding); TV One (Presenting); Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier); American Airlines, AMC Theatres and McDonald’s (Signature); Motion Picture Association of America (Supporting); and Uptown Magazine and The YBF (Media Partners).

For festival passes, tickets and film submission information, visit www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry.

Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and black enterprise.

WeMojis is thrilled to announce the keyboard version of Wemojis is now available in the App Store. The launch of the full mobile application pairs with the already popular “Wemojis Lite,” featuring long awaited Black, Hispanic and culturally relevant emoticons for the urban community.

From familiar emoticons to hand signs and hygiene items, WeMojis brings together a comprehensive set of carefully curated images that are not currently represented. Alongside the vivid image library, WeMojis has made the interface of the app extremely user friendly unlike similar mobile applications aimed at the urban audience.

“We are elated to finally introduce this culturally relevant set of emoticons to the world. We spent nearly two years developing a product that accurately reflects a multitude of experiences users could relate to. While others have chased the concept of ‘diverse emoji’s’ we took our time to create a universal model that encompasses not only faces but cultural nuances as well,” said CEO and Co-Founder, Trey Brown. “We knew people would be innately attracted to creating quality images that authentically represent our demographic. Our app is distinguishable not only by the high quality and relatability of the images, but also by the usability. We are extremely excited about the launch and confident in the second to none functionality and usability,” he continues.

Director of Marketing and Co-Founder Donovan Brown noted, “Building this application required very intense research and development along with a long-term commitment to creating the most user friendly experience possible. We focused on building technology people would want to use every day. As already demonstrated by the success of WeMojis Lite, WeMojis is a brand that has vast potential for growth and expansion into other sectors. There are many different ethnic groups and subcultures that have their own unique ‘languages’ – our goal is to translate those languages into digital communication using images.”

The full mobile application is available in the Apple App Store now. The IOS version of WeMojis Lite which can be used to post to Instagram and Twitter is still available for download. The Android version will be available in the coming weeks.

Follow these simple download instructions for Wemojis Keyboard:

Download. Go to general settings. Click Add Keyboard. Allow full access.

Download Link here: http://appst.re/us/4y-z5.i

For more information on WeMojis please visit www.WeMojis.com.

On Saturday, March 21^st Philadelphia’s own returned to his hometown for his biggest show to date – performing his first ever, solo headline arena show to a sold out crowd of nearly 20,000 fans at the city’s Wells Fargo Center. Tickets sold out instantly.

Meek solidified his role as the voice of Philadelphia as he united the entire city to make the two-hour show a monumental, violence-free night to remember. The career defining show kicked off with an incredible video message from Philadelphia icons Dr. Jay, Allen Iverson, The Roots & Kevin Hart, who all expressed their utmost support & love for Meek. Tickets were priced affordably so that every Meek Mill fan could come & enjoy the show. Meek also worked hand-in-hand with the Mayor’s office to provide free tickets to charities benefiting Philadelphia’s youth including Urban Promise, Youth Build, Nemiah Davis Foundation, Unity In The Community Group & Dare 2 Hope Group.

Meek was joined on stage by fellow rap superstars including Rick Ross, Jeezy, Fabolous, French Montana, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti, star of FOX’s hit show Empire Bryshere “Yazz The Greatest” Grey, Beanie Siegel, Lil Durk, DJ Drama, Jadakiss, Young Gunz and basketball legend & fellow Philadelphia native, Allen Iverson.

Saturday night’s show was live streamed exclusively via Revolt TV and was not only a historic show for the rapper, but for the network as well, becoming one of their most successful digital endeavors, since launching in 2013. The stream trended worldwide with fans sharing the link along with #WelcomeBackMeek. Over 125,000 people watched the live stream, netting over 120 million impressions, including 30 million impressions on Instagram.

After releasing several well received songs, including “B-Boy (feat. Big Sean & A$AP Ferg)” and “Monster,” Meek is hard at work putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated new album “DREAMS WORTH MORE THAN MONEY,” slated for release soon.

In addition to solidifying himself as one of the top rappers in the music industry, Meek has also become an in-demand brand ambassador for PUMA. This weekend marked the launch of his newest sneaker with the brand. On top of this, Monster Headphones, whose Meek Mill Edition 24K Gold Over-Ear Headphones are ranked among the industry’s best and Monster Energy, who have partnered with the rapper as a result of his love of dirt bikes, stemming from the Philly bike scene, which he is an integral part of. Meek continues to prove himself as a lucrative businessman, all while expanding his Dream Chasers label imprint.

* * *

For more information on Meek Mill, please visit www.meekmilldreamteam.com, www.twitter.com/MeekMill, www.instagram.com/MeekMill & www.facebook.com/MeekMill.

Multi-platinum G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Recordings artist Big Sean captures the first #1 album of his career as DARK SKY PARADISE (released February 24th) enters Soundscan in the top spot on first week sales of over 172,000 copies.

Critics have hailed DARK SKY PARADISE as Sean’s best album to date. “By many lengths his best album,” said Pitchfork. The New York Times agreed “…on his third and best album, he is more human than ever before.” Billboard raved “with sterling wordplay and a consistent melancholy vibe, the Detroit native took all the tension, the highs and lows, and laid it out on wax, compiling the strongest project of his career.”

“It’s a great day for all of us at Def Jam and G.O.O.D. Music to be able to share in Big Sean’s first #1 album achievement,” said Steve Bartels, CEO, Def Jam Recordings. “Hard work, great artistry and an incredible all-around team effort melded together to bring ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ to the top. Congratulations to the team on all their effort and a special thank you to Big Sean for delivering a great body of work.”

Kanye West forecasted the achievement with a tweet from London to his 10+ million followers as news travelled overseas: “So proud of my family Big Sean for his first number 1 album!!!! #Goodmusic!!!!”

DARK SKY PARADISE achieved maximum thrust in the week leading up to the album release, as Big Sean held an unprecedented four of the Top 10 songs on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap chart: “One Man Can Change The World” (featuring Kanye West and John Legend) and “Win Some, Lose Some”at #1 and #2 respectively, which joined the RIAA platinum certified “I Don’t F**k With You” featuring E-40 (#1 Rap, #1 R&B, Top 10 pop, with over 2.2 million Spotify streams), and “Blessings (Extended)” featuring Drake and Kanye West.

Big Sean celebrated his new album’s arrival with a performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a panel discussion appearance on Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. Last week, Sean and his team chartered a private jet for a whirlwind 24-hour run through New York, Atlanta, his hometown Detroit, and Los Angeles, bringing MTV News and Complex along for the ride:

http://www.mtv.com/news/2088423/big-sean-dark-sky-paradise-private-jet/

http://www.complex.com/music/2015/02/big-sean-dark-sky-paradise-above-the-clouds-documentary

The highly-anticipated video for “Blessings” made its premiere with VEVO: http://vevo.ly/D1VA1C

Later this month, Sean will begin touring in support of DARK SKY PARADISE:

3/22: Tampa, FL/ Firestone

4/3: Providence, RI / Lupos Heartbreak Hotel

4/19: Columbus OH/ Newport Music Hall

4/22: Sayerville, NJ/ Starland

4/30: Richmond, VA: The National

5/6: Clifton Park, NY/ Upstate Concert Hall

5/15: Salt Lake City, UT

5/16: Las Vegas, NV Rock in Rio

5/21: Kansas City, MO

5/23: Milwaukee, WI/ The Eagle Ballroom

Forest Hills Drive Tour with J. Cole:

7/12 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheatre

7/14 – San Francisco, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

7/17 – San Diego, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre

7/19 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center

7/21 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

7/24 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

7/26 – Indianapolis, IN – Klipsch Music Center

7/28 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

7/30 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion

7/31 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center

8/3 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

8/4 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

8/6 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center

8/7 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

8/8 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre

8/9 – Washington DC – Jiffy Lube Live

8/11 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

8/12 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

8/13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach

8/15 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

8/16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

8/18 – West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre

8/21 -Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8/22 – Austin, TX – Austin360 Amphitheater

8/23 – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion

8/25 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

8/29 – Fayetteville, NC – Crown Complex

www.uknowbigsean.com

http://smarturl.it/BigSeanApp

Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records artist Wale eagerly announces details of his highly anticipated new album, “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” which arrives everywhere on March 31st. The album’s new single, “The Matrimony (feat. Usher) – which Entertainment Weekly called “a pretty spectacular hip-hop ballad” – premiered earlier this week via a blockbuster partnership with iHeart Media, where the song was played on all iHeart media urban mainstream stations and their websites, every hour on the hour. “The Matrimony (feat. Usher)” is now available at all DSPs (http://smarturl.it/WMatrimony) & streaming at http://youtu.be/A0PUGSh0GUU. The album also includes the recent hit single, “The Body (feat. Jeremih),” which peaked at #2 on Mediabase’s Urban chart. That song’s companion video clip is fast approaching 3 million individual page views at http://youtu.be/zQMMI8itli8.

Adding to all this, “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” is now available for pre-order via Wale’s official web store by visiting: http://smarturl.it/TAANBundle. Fans who purchase this special pre-order bundle will receive a one-of-a-kind Wale snapback as well as a copy of “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” which will be paired with exclusive artwork, designed by Sue Tsai that is only available online upon purchasing this pre-order bundle. Wale himself will soon unveil two additional album covers, which will be available at physical retailers, when the album is released on March 31st.

“THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING” sees Wale continuing his famed “ABOUT NOTHING” mixtape trilogy with his most eclectic, entertaining, and extraordinary album to date. As its title suggests, the album sees the GRAMMY®-nominated rapper continuing to express the inspiration of his favorite TV show, Seinfeld – a relationship that has since blossomed into a real life friendship between Wale and Jerry Seinfeld himself. The legendary comedian is prominently featured on “THE ALBUM ABOUT NOTHING,” contributing skits and segments which fuel Wale’s one-of-a-kind raps. The two superstars recently sat down at New York City’s Remedy Diner for an exclusive cover feature in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Complex (www.complex.com/covers/wale-seinfeld-interview-2014-cover-story)

* * *

Wale is of course one of the most idiosyncratic talents in hip-hop history. The Washington, DC-based rapper began unleashing his distinctive mixtapes in 2005, ultimately releasing his debut album, “ATTENTION DEFECIT,” in 2009. He signed with Maybach Music Group in 2011 and soon unveiled his breakthrough second album, “AMBITION.” Highlighted by such singles as the RIAA gold certified “Lotus Flower Bomb (Feat. Miguel),” the album debuted at #1 on both Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” and “Top Rap Albums” charts while also entering at #2 on the overall Billboard “Top 200 Albums” chart. High profile appearances on a variety of MMG releases followed, including label founder Rick Ross’ RIAA gold certified, GRAMMY®-nominated “GOD FORGIVE, I DON’T,” as well as all three volumes of the massively popular “MMG PRESENTS: SELF MADE” series.

The rapper’s third studio album, “THE GIFTED,” was released in June 2013 and proved a milestone, exploding to the #1 spot on the Billboard “Top 200 Albums” chart after its first week of release. What’s more, the album’s lead single, “Bad (Feat. Tiara Thomas),” achieved RIAA platinum certification for sales in excess of 1 million after ascending to the upper reaches of Billboard’s “Hot 100” – Wale’s highest charting hit single thus far.

For more information on Wale, visit www.walemusic.com, www.facebook.com/waleofficial, https://twitter.com/Wale, www.youtube.com/user/walemusic, & http://instagram.com/wale.