The comeback continues for Missy… Since the Super Bowl… she’s been busy… and now the news of her Essence Festival debut when the annual event returns to New Orleans on July 2-5.  The event this year was already set to be spectacular… But… now with Usher and Missy… you better go get that flight booked and hotel reservation held…

Essence is one of the better events the country has to offer… And with a roster that includes… Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Common, Kevin Hart and Erykah Badu…. I’m sure this year will not disappoint…  Hosting the festival weekend will be comedians Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Luenell.

Additional information is available on Essence.com/festival.

CONVERSE Inc. announces the global launch of “Made by you” – a landmark brand campaign celebrating fans of the brand who have been expressing themselves and their creativity in Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers for nearly 100 years. For the Spring 2015 campaign, Converse scoured the globe to collect beloved and distinctly personal Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, each of which tells a story of transformation from blank canvas to self-portrait of their owner.

“‘Made by you’ originated from a simple human truth – we all want to be our true, authentic self in this world,” said Ian Stewart, Vice President of Global Marketing. “Fans of Chuck Taylor are the ones who have made Chuck Taylor an iconic badge of creative self-expression. It’s time we celebrated them.”

“Made by you“ is a global celebration highlighting Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, the only sneaker defined by those who wear them. Converse has curated a collection of Chuck Taylor All Star portraits, showcasing endless diversity and self-expression of individuals past and present who choose to wear Chuck Taylor All Star – from musicians to artists, skaters to fashionistas, the known to the unknown. Their portraits offer a contemporary lens into the distinctly unique worlds they inhabit.

Portraits collected from the likes of international icons like Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, Futura, Jefferson Hack, Sayo Yoshida, Kate Lanphear and Glenn O’Brien will be featured alongside portraits from everyday Chuck Taylor All Star wearers, and used in global exhibitions, which will turn the city streets of New York to Shanghai to Rio into art galleries. Additionally, the “Made by you” campaign seeks to highlight the unique creative spirit of local communities and subcultures with hyper-local portrait exhibitions celebrating the diversity of self-expression inherent in cultural neighborhoods throughout the world.

“Made by you” is a true celebration of creative individuals, their stories and their sneakers. Whether they are hand painted, covered in mud or worn out with holes, each Chuck Taylor All Star portrait tells a deeply personal story of the transformation from a white, black, red or navy sneaker into a remarkable piece of art. However worn, customized, modified or pristine, the portraits demonstrate the vast potential of an ultimate blank canvas.

Since its debut in 1917, the Chuck Taylor All Star has become one of the world’s most legendary and iconic sneakers. Fans, artists and musicians first adopted the ubiquitous Chuck Taylor All Star as a rebellious badge of creativity. “Made by you” not only celebrates the people who have made the Chuck Taylor more than a sneaker, but also seeks to unleash their continued creative expression around the globe.

“Made by you” is a multi-channel global campaign and includes activations from the streets and stores to online and in social media, including launch exhibitions in New York City, London, Beijing, and Mexico City, as well as offering consumers the ability to participate at a host of pop-up portrait studios at Converse retail locations and events around the world.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men’s, women’s and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 87 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.

Breyon Prescott has been named Head of Urban A&R, Epic Records, it was announced by L.A. Reid, Chairman/CEO, Epic Records. In his new role, Mr. Prescott will be responsible for identifying, developing and nurturing new and existing talent for the label in addition to managing the urban A&R team. Under the new partnership, Mr. Prescott will bring his Chameleon Entertainment imprint to the label.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Breyon to Epic Records. His instincts, relationships and ability to deliver the hits are a perfect match for our A&R team,” said Mr. Reid. “I’m especially proud of Breyon for spearheading the revival of iconic R&B group Jodeci… the guys have delivered an incredible album.”

“After 20 years in this industry, I am honored to work with one of the last, true “record men” who undeniably has the best ears in the business,” says Mr. Prescott. “I am continually impressed by LA’s leadership and ability to stay passionate for his craft, in spite of all his groundbreaking success. We have some incredible music on deck for 2015 and I’m looking forward to having many more banner years at Epic.”

Mr. Prescott has had a very successful career in music over the past decade. His credits include numerous #1 and Grammy Award-winning singles as well as serving as A&R executive, producer and executive producer on multi-platinum projects with Jamie Foxx, Drake, Kanye West, D’Angelo, Angie Stone and Brandy to name a few. As President/CEO of Chameleon Entertainment, Mr. Prescott continues to executive produce the latest Jamie Foxx project which is set for a December release, along with managing acts such as Nikki Williams and Brandy. He has held joint ventures with RCA and J Records under the tutelage of Clive Davis and Peter Edge and most recently with Def Jam.

SOURCE Epic Records

According to Billboard… R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn arrives at No. 1 on Top R&B Albums with his latest set, Love Sex Passion. It’s his first effort to top the two-year-old chart, and second charting album on the list, following A Place Called Love Land, which entered at No. 7 in 2013.

Meanwhile, Love Sex Passion enters Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at No. 5 (while also arriving at No. 31 on the Billboard 200).

So, I’m reading the newspaper as I normally do and on page 3 of the NY Daily News is an article of Beyoncé having a near miss of a wardrobe malfunction with a pic as well. Now, I understand the salacious mindset of papers, blogs and magazines in gaining an audience based on what they think we want, but it’s kinda ridiculous that this is not only being reported as news, but at the very beginning of a ‘family’ newspaper!!

They do have an entertainment and gossip section, which this type of ‘news’ is usually displayed, but I can’t believe that this is news nowadays. It’s bad enough that almost daily there is a Kardashian or a Jenner news ‘story’ popping up and it’s more important than, let’s say, education, politics or world news.

Some of the publications I’ve worked at say that you give the people what they want and that’s almost true. But, give your audience an alternative and you create the type of audience that will pick up or view your publication because you are deviating from what’s considered normal these days.

Well, what can you do? You call yourself a business magazine or a news organization and you’re trying to keep up with TMZ and countless other publications that were created for the type of content they report. And then get mad when you can’t even report it correctly or in the time the sites you’re trying to copy, so, you’re still behind…..

Just thinking out loud…… Carry on….

MULTI-PLATINUM SUPERSTAR LUDACRIS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM LUDAVERSAL;

ARRIVING MARCH 31^st ON DTP/DEF JAM RECORDINGS WITH NEW SINGLE, “GOOD LOVIN” FEATURING MIGUEL!

LUDA RETURNS TO MOVIE SCREENS ON APRIL 3^RD IN FURIOUS 7!

LUDACRIS’ EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH GOOGLE PLAY A HUGE SUCCESS WITH BURNING BRIDGES EP
Three-time Grammy Award®-winner and multi-platinum selling artist Ludacris made year-end headlines when he wed his long-time love Eudoxie. Now, he’s kicking off 2015 in grand style, storming the charts with his newest single,“Good Lovin’” featuring Miguel. “Good Lovin,” as part of his December 6-song EP release BURNING BRIDGES, generated massive buzz when it was offered as a Google Play Music Store exclusive. The video for “Good Lovin” was shot last week week; expect news of its premiere in the days ahead.

Anticipation now centers on the release of Luda’s 8^th studio album, LUDAVERSAL, arriving March 31^st on Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings. LUDAVERSAL is the much anticipated follow-up to Luda’s RIAA gold release Battle Of The Sexes, which debuted at #1 on Sound­scan—Luda’s fourth #1 album. Battle Of The Sexes crested on the RIAA double-platinum hit single “How Low” and the RIAA platinum “My Chick Bad” featuring Nicki Minaj, both of which rose to #2 R&B, #2 Rap, and Top 10 pop.

On April 3^rd, three days after the release of LUDAVERSAL, Ludacris –real name Chris Bridges– returns to the big screen in Furious 7. This marks Luda’s fourth turn as Tej Parker in the wildly popular The Fast and the Furious action film series, which has grossed over $2.3 billion worldwide to date, making it the most successful franchise in Universal Pictures history.

Speaking of unprecedented success, Ludacris became the first Def Jam artist ever to partner exclusively with Google Play on a domestic release. The BURNING BRIDGES EP went live on Spotify on January 6^th, and is currently making big moves on the U.S. Viral Chart. In addition to “Good Lovin’,” which is gathering momentum at Urban radio and Rhythm radio formats, Burning Bridges also includes: “New Beginning Intro,” “Money” feat. Rick Ross, “Problems” feat. Cee-Lo, “In My Life” feat. John Legend, and “Burning Bridges” feat. Jason Aldean.

PRNewswire/ — The annual ESSENCE Festival, now among the largest consumer live events in the country with more than 550,000 attendees, today revealed the first round of its all-star line-up of performers for the nighttime concerts at the 21st annual celebration, taking place in New Orleans, LA, from July 2-5.

“On the heels of the ESSENCE Festival’s epic 20th anniversary celebration in 2014, we’re delighted to announce a selection of the best artists and biggest names in entertainment who will take the stage at the Superdome this summer,’ said Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “From first-time Festival performer Kendrick Lamar to return appearances from fan favorites like Kevin Hart, Common and Mary J. Blige, the ESSENCE Festival offers the definitive entertainment and cultural experience for our passionate ESSENCE community every Fourth of July weekend.”

Artists confirmed to perform at the 2015 ESSENCE Festival nighttime concerts at the Superdome include:

Kendrick Lamar, Mary J Blige, India.Arie, Trombone Shorty, Floetry, Common, Erykah Badu, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Mystikal, Slick Rick, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Nico & Vinz, Lianne La Havas, Elle Varner, Esperanza Spalding, SZA, Dee-1, Tonya Bond Cannon, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, Kelly Price, Raheem DeVaughn, Mali Music, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, Avery*Sunshine, Kindred The Family Soul, Goapele, Robert Glasper, Tweet, Jeff Bradshaw, Bilal, Tank & The Bangas and more to be announced soon.
Plus Kevin Hart to headline Essence ‘Now Playing’ Concert, Thursday, July 2. Tickets go on-sale Wednesday, February 25.
Comedians Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Morning Show and Luenell to host Festival weekend.
For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE FESTIVAL, visit ESSENCE Festival www.essencefestival.com, join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2015 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.

The 2015 ESSENCE FESTIVAL™ is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2015 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience and Empower U.

Sponsors of the 2015 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Ford, My Black Is Beautiful, and Verizon.

Often… we hear of the DJ that raps… or the producer that can rock the mic… But how about a world renown illustrator… Recently I caught up with SKAM2? to discuss his upcoming Hip Hop album…

Many know you for your incredible artwork… What would you like fans to know about you as a hip hop artist?
SKAM2? – Hard to say off rip, but I do put a premium on showing my range and versatility.

I have to ask… what is your most popular or recognizable art work?
SKAM2? – More than likely, the screaming vicodin pill from Eminem’s “Slim Shady LP” disc. That album sold well over 12.5 million copies worldwide. Not to mention, I’ve seen a lot of tattoos and other people’s drawings of it online.

Who inspired you mostly in Hip Hop?
SKAM2? – No one person. I draw vibes and ideas from a lot of things. Movies, books, video games, you name it. My music library has a whole lot of everything in it. Seriously.

What can the world expect from the SKAM2? Album?
SKAM2? – Every project will serve a different purpose, so don’t expect anything. Roll the dice and hate me for that 45 minutes of your life that you will never get back.

What did it mean for you representing at J-Dilla weekend in Miami?
SKAM2? – It was definitely good vibes out there. People coming out to just to have a good time and enjoy some music. Ain’t too many things better than getting to rock out with your homies.

How did the title for the album come about?
SKAM2? – Flying Monkey Murder Cirkus came from some lines in a freestyle I had called Super Random. I think I said something like “Them flying monkeys gon’ murk me” and I was trying to design cover art for it and it came to me while going through reference for the cover art.

Why “Definition” for the first single?
SKAM2? – I got a lot of strong reactions on it. I like all the records that I choose to release, so there isn’t much of a struggle for me when it comes to going where the vibe takes me. If that’s what they want, f*ck it, that’s what they get!

Who did you work with from a production standpoint on the album?
SKAM2? – Myself, Produced By Infamous (Lil Wayne, Drake), Kevin Rudolf (Selena Gomez, Timbaland), The Guild, MiamiBeatWave

This is more of a two part question… What is your opinion of the current state of hip hop? and where would you like to see it go from here?
SKAM2? – Current state… meh. I hear good. I hear bad. But in general, on this side of the pond, a lot of things outside of the actual “music” are pretty screwy. I’m so bombarded with what I’m doing that I really have no thoughts on where it should go. But I would like to see more acknowledgement & accolades given to those who show actual aptitude and innovation towards the craft.. but I feel like that about every form of art.

Much respect to SKAM2?

Check out the video for the lead single “Definition” off the upcoming ” Flying Monkey Murder Cirkus”