Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Big Boi, CCC Club Facing Closure, Russell Simmons, Guru

Virgin Mobile USA and Virgin Records announced today (April 18) that four ringtones from Big Boi will be made available exclusively to members of Virgin Mobile's "First Dibs" program. The ringtones are "Body Rock" and "808," as well as two exclusive alternate ringtones of the hit single "Kryptonite." Each song is taken from the Big Boi's compilation album Big Boi Presents... Purple Ribbon - Got Purp? Vol. 2, which was released in November 2005. "Big Boi's music appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners," said Dominick Tolli, vice president of Product Management and Development for Virgin Mobile USA. "He joins a long line of marquee artists who have chosen Virgin Mobile USA as a launch device for their music." Wayne County prosecutors in Detroit are attempting to shut down the C.C.C. nightclub on Eight Mile Road, where D12 member Proof was shot and killed. A civil lawsuit was filed against the owners of the club, claiming they were selling liquor after 2:00 am. Police also said the club was the scene of multiple shootings. Police stated 18 incident reports have been filed involving problems at the club since 1996. Prosecutors could order the property vacated or sold. The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and Chrysler Financial have teamed to present the "Get Your Money Right" tour at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York this Saturday (April 22) from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The national tour will make a stop in New York to teach fiscal responsibility to young people, aged 18-35. Nas, Fabolous, DJ Marley Marl, Ed Lover, Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis will be among the stars attending the convention, which will feature experts explaining the importance of financial literacy. "Hip-Hop is about improving the quality of life for all people, HSAN's Founder, Russell Simmons said. "It is our mission to raise the level of consciousness among young adults about the importance of financial literacy and empowerment. We are committed to helping people get themselves out of poverty. We are thankful to Nas for co-hosting the New York Hip-Hop Summit and for supporting our mission." The "Get Your Money Right" tour will travel to Miami (May 20), Atlanta (September 16), Los Angeles (September 30) and Dallas (October 14). Gangstarr member Guru is working on the fourth installment of his Jazzmatazz series. The original Jazzmatazz was released in 1993. The albums pair Guru and other guest MC's alongside legendary Jazz musicians and singers. Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 will be a dual-disc release that will be enterily produced by Solor and co-produced by Guru. According to Guru, Vol. 4 is the best in the long running series, which has featured such legends as Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Chaka Khan, Issac Hayes and others. "The tracks Solar and I have laid down are incredible and it's going to be the best Jazzmatazz yet," the rapper boasted. Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 hits stores in 2007 and features appearances by Common, David Sanborn, Ronny Laws, Raheem Devaughn, Natasha Benningfield and others.