Award-winning hip-hop artist Derek Minor debuted the video for his new single “Free” via his blog, www.derekminor.com/blog. The recent murders of several African-Americans by law enforcement including the killing of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, struck a deep chord inside of Minor. This motivated him to write and produce “Free,” which addresses the violence and disparities in our culture based on race.“Free,” written, produced, and mastered by Minor within just three hours, conveys the anguish he feels inside, pondering the pain and fear of these experiences and troubling times. The music video for “Free,” which was conceptualized by Minor and directed by Patrick Tohill, was filmed a few days later.Minor is inspired by his audience to bring about change. He writes music for people and for God and strives to be as authentic as he can and believes that’s how change can start. When talking about the inspiration for “Free,” he says, “We’ve been too occupied with ourselves to be “united”. We need real reform and real solutions and it starts with ALL of us. I wanted to bring that idea to life in the video for my song “Free”. We may not have all of the answers, but if there’s going to be change, I’m convinced we have to do it together.” All proceeds and contributions will be made to our friends at The Expectations Project to help end education inequality for students. Go to to get involved in creating positive change in our nation.A chart-topping artist, producer, writer, and entrepreneur, Derek Minor, is no stranger to success, creating music that makes a powerful impact across a wide range of audiences. Minor’s past five solo albums include his 2015 hit album Empire, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums and #6 on Billboard’s Rap Albums charts, the 2013 chart-topper Minorville, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums, #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums, and #6 on Billboard’s Rap Albums charts, and the hit albums Dying to Live, Redemption, and The Blackout, as well as prior releases in the hip-hop groups R.M.G. and 116 Clique, and seven solo mixtapes. Additionally, he is a co-founder of the hip-hop record label Reflection Music Group (RMG).https://youtu.be/2LEAKTCN2ik
DEREK MINOR PREMIERES A NEW POWERFUL VIDEO “FREE”
ESPN Films Presents DOC & DARRYL 30 for 30 Premiere
With the official red carpet premiere of ESPN Films Presents Doc & Darryl going down June 29th at the Joseph Urban Theater in New York, fans won’t have to wait too long to see this masterpiece. The actual film will be available for fans to watch on ESPN July 14th. This one should be a classic.Directors Judd Apatow (“Trainwreck,” “This Is 40”) and Michael Bonfiglio (“You Don’t Know Bo”) will explore the lives and careers of former New York Mets superstars, the young flame thrower, Dwight “Doc” Gooden and feared power hitter Darryl Strawberry.When they were good, they were great; the biggest stars on a team that captured the imagination of New York City and won the 1986 World Series. But when life spiraled out of control for both men, Gooden and Strawberry inadvertently broke the hearts of Mets fans. “They were going to be our guys for years,” laments Jon Stewart in this evocative yet searing 30 for 30 documentary.Reunited at a diner in Queens, the pitcher and the power hitter look back on the glory days of the mid-80s and the harrowing nights that turned them from surefire Hall of Famers into prisoners of their own addictions. Listening to Doc talk about missing the World Series parade down the Canyon of Heroes, or Darryl counseling others at his ministry, you can only wish that these two very different men had not followed the same destructive path.https://youtu.be/bohuS2CZJys
“It Got Better” Documentary Series Returns for Third Season
The third season of docuseries “It Got Better,” a collaboration between the creative team of Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky’s Is Or Isn’t Entertainment (“The Comeback”; “Web Therapy”; “Who Do You Think You Are?”) and Dan Savage (“Savage Love”) and the It Gets Better Project, premieres today on Lexus’ digital content channel L/Studio (LStudio.com).
With the series’ third season debut, L/Studio demonstrates its continued support of this passion project from Kudrow/Bucatinsky, who produced the channel’s Emmy-nominated and Webby award-winning “Web Therapy” series.
“We recognize how important it is to host the inspirational stories shared in the ‘It Got Better’ series to reach a diverse community through our content channel,” said Andrea Lim, Lexus digital communications manager who oversees L/Studio. “We’re honored to work with talented luminaries, such as the creative team behind this series, and equally proud to offer artists a forum to convey their unique perspectives.
“Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning It Gets Better Project and the Emmy-nominated “Who Do You Think You Are?”, the series shares LGBT celebrities’ personal stories of overcoming obstacles while putting their struggles and successes in historical context.
Each of six episodes chronicles the life of a star with a focus on how and when “it got better” for them. All six videos are now available on LStudio.com and YouTube. This season’s episodes feature actor Sir Ian McKellen; singer/songwriter Adam Lambert; actress and talk show host Raven-Symoné; comedian Wanda Sykes; actress Candis Cayne; and reality TV star EJ Johnson.
‘It Got Better’ grew out of our desire to create an original series with personal and inspirational messages by a diverse range of successful LGBT celebrities sharing their emotional experiences of overcoming obstacles,” saidDan Bucatinsky, producer of “It Got Better.”
“This season more than any other includes such a wide range of stories from racially diverse women and men, aged 20s to 70s, Trans and gay. We’re grateful to L/Studio, a platform that encourages that kind of diversity of storytelling.””Each season, I feel like I learn so much about people I’ve admired for a long time, like Ian McKellen,” said Dan Savage, co-founder of the It Gets Better Project (www.itgetsbetter.org).
“But I, and our whole “It Got Better” team, also learn about people we hardly knew anything about, which is a credit to the diversity of subjects we’ve been fortunate to be able to deliver year after year.”
Currently in its seventh year, L/Studio hosts an eclectic collection of programming designed to engage audiences outside of the traditional automotive encounter. Some notable recent projects include the mockumentary live-action series “Cop Show” starring Colin Quinn with a third season debuting later this summer and comedic series “Hudson Valley Ballers.”
The Lexus-owned digital content channel also has archived original work from the worlds of art, fashion, science, architecture and beyond.”It Got Better” and other entertaining content is available for viewing at LStudio.com and the L/Studio YouTube page.
The series will also be syndicated across Here Media channels. Stay tuned for more L/Studio content this summer. About LexusLexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers.
Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance.
With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.
Pandora’s Board Reinstates Founder Tim Westergren as CEO in Hopes of Greater Profit Margin
As streaming continues to make a huge impact on the music industry, Pandora has not been as fortunate as companies like Spotify. The board thinks former Chief Executive Brian McAndrews, with no music industry experience, was not effective in securing deals with the labels even garnering some criticism from label execs for an offer that he made last year that paid far less than the labels are getting from the other major streaming services. Pandora currently has 80 million subscribers but has been unable to expand the services because it needs to secure licenses from the major labels. The company is betting on Westergren’s charisma and music industry experience as the new CEO to woo the labels.
DEITRICK HADDON MAKES GUEST STAR APPEARANCE ON BOUNCE TV’S SAINTS & SINNERS
DEITRICK HADDON MAKES GUEST STAR APPEARANCE ON BOUNCE TV’S SAINTS & SINNERS, AND MUSIC VIDEO WITH BIG BOI FOR “SINNERS (SAVED BY GRACE) REMIX” PREMIERES ON THE SHOWDeitrick Haddon & Big Boi “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” theme song available now on Saints & Sinners: Original Soundtrack From Season 1
Nashville, TN – (March 21, 2016) Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) celebrates the release of the hot new video, “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” from GRAMMY® nominated, multiple Stellar and Dove Award-winning Inspirational Artist, Songwriter, Producer Deitrick Haddon, and GRAMMY® Award Winning Rap Legend, Big Boi. Originally a solo song from Haddon’s 2015 buzzworthy album release, Masterpiece, the new collaboration between Haddon and Big Boi on “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” serves as the theme song for the popular Bounce TV hit show Saints & Sinners.Deitrick Haddon and Big Boi’s “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” music video made its world premiere this past Sunday, March 20, 2016, airing on Bounce TV at 8:55 PM (ET), just prior to an all-new episode of Saint & Sinners. Haddon also guest-starred on the latest Saints & Sinners episode, which aired at 9:00 PM (ET). Directed by Paul Coy Allen and shot in Atlanta, check out the links below for the new music video, and behind the scenes on the set, as Haddon and Big Boi discuss the collaboration.”Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” is featured on the forthcoming Saints & Sinners: Original Soundtrack From Season 1, releasing on March 25, 2016, available for pre-order now via all digital retailers. Deitrick Haddon’s critically acclaimed album, Masterpiece, can also be purchased in stores and through all digital retailers.Check out the new music video for Deitrick Haddon & Big Boi’s “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix”:https://youtu.be/p_ipcfMii-cCheck out the behind the scenes video of Deitrick Haddon & Big Boi’s “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix” music video shoot:https://youtu.be/IYU7VygnDsMListen to the Saints & Sinners theme song, Deitrick Haddon & Big Boi’s “Sinners (Saved By Grace) Remix”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgXjRw16xmcTo connect with Deitrick Haddon, visit:Website: www.DeitrickHaddon.comFacebook / Twitter: @DeitrickHaddonInstagram: @dhaddyPeriscope: @DeitrickHaddonAbout Deitrick Haddon:Deitrick Haddon is a multi-faceted, award winning, creative juggernaut. As a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer, the Detroit native’s inspirational musical ministry has touched souls globally. The star of oxygen network’s popular reality series “Preachers of L.A.” also serves as executive producer of the Preachers franchise, and with the formation of DHVisions, a new partnership with Entertainment One Music, this son of a preacher is delving further into developing television and film projects while still delivering progressive gospel music that feeds the soul. Masterpiece, Deitrick’s latest contemporary, uplifting and inspired body of work reflects his self-professed maturation toward his destiny of greatness. “I’m very clear on my past and I’m clear on where I am going in the future. I cannot afford but to walk in my truth. I was born in the church and groomed for the world and this generation.”
Big Sean Announces “Grammy Amplifier” Program Winners
GRAMMY®-nominated hip-hop artist Big Sean, GRAMMY® winner Lzzy Hale, lead singer and guitarist of hard-rock band Halestorm, and rising country superstar and GRAMMY® nominee Sam Hunt today announced the winners of Hyundai and The Recording Academy® fourth annual grammy Amplifier® program.
Chosen from about 4,000 entrants, hard rockers American Bombthree prize packages: a studio recording session with a Recording Academy producer, a live performance showcase series opening for a noted artist; or the filming of a music video with a celebrated director.
“It takes a whole lot of passion, commitment and conviction to put yourself out there, to enter a competition and to be judged,” said (Sam) Hunt. “There is no formula for making it in this business, but American Bombgrammy Amplifier® program, that gives these aspiring talents opportunities that will help them to develop their crafts.””It’s a privilege to be a part of a program that at its core provides young artists the opportunity to develop their artistry and share their passion with others,” said Dean Evans, CMO Hyundai Motor America.
“grammy Amplifier is a platform of discovery and mentorship, powering the creative genius within new artists to help them feel inspired, activated and focused on making their musical dreams a reality.”Kirby Maurier has been a musician since age 11. She played the clarinet throughout middle school, high school and college and began writing songs in 10th grade.
Though growing up in a rough neighborhood, Kirby looked to music to inspire others and It was one of the highest selling indie R&B albums in the South Atlantic Region for 2015.American Bomb recently released the official video for “No Regrets” from their upcoming full length of the same name. Adley Stump got her start in country music by auditioning for season 2 of The Voice on a dare and securing a spot on Blake Shelton’s team. Her latest two musical releases have been in the iTunes Top 40 Country Chart and The fourth annual grammy Amplifier program launched last November when program hopefuls were asked to upload their song on the grammy Amplifier website and drive friends, family and fans to listen and “amplify” their track. Based on total track plays and social media “amplifications,” a top 25 list of semifinalists were selected after which point accumulations for the semifinalist group continued. A group of 10 finalists were selected and submitted to the grammy Amplifier curators who then chose the winners. All the finalists were given the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles where they participated in a Music Business Immersion Day with the goal of educating them on social media promotion, copyrights, and publishing, among other topics. Since its inception, videos featuring grammy Amplifier winners have exceeded 11 million views on YouTube. Over the past three years thousands have submitted their music to grammy Amplifier ambassadors, including grammy winners Mark Ronson and Mike Shinoda, as well as grammyAmplifier curators such as Ariana Grande and Allen Stone and GRAMMY winners the Band Perry, Robert Glasper, Kendrick Lamar, and Ziggy Marley. Winners have received prizes that afforded them the opportunity to record music with a GRAMMY- winning producer, film professional-caliber music videos and perform onstage at numerous live music festivals, including The Billboard Hot 100 Festival, Rolling Stone Live Presents and Bro-Am.
A Surprise Guest Shows Up to “Defend” Erykah Badu During Her Breakfast Club Interview
Erykah Badu made her way to Power 105.1 for an interview with the infamous Breakfast Club. Charlamagne Tha God was put on notice from the jump by DJ Envy as Envy let Charlamagne Tha God know that if he disrespected Erykah Badu in any way, shape, form, or fashion, he would have to deal with the father of one of Erykah’s children. The interview went very well for the most part as Erykah talked about maintaining her values in the industry, being ‘earthy,” and hosting the Soul Train Awards. When Charlamagne Tha God started to ask her about the power former lovers, things got really interested but it was all in fun. The surprise guest did in fact show up and the fun insued from there. Check out the clip below to see who showed up to the studio to “defend” Erykah.https://youtu.be/MlS7fWKBGK8
CBS CEO to Keynote Variety’s DealMakers Breakfast
CBS Corporation President and CEO, Leslie Moonves, will be the keynote speaker at Variety’s invite-only Dealmakers’ breakfast feting the powerbrokers and kingmakers of the entertainment industry on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 in Beverly Hills. Variety’s Co-Editor-in-Chief, Claudia Eller, will host the keynote conversation in partnership with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Hub International and BMW. Executives from leading talent agencies, law firms, banks and production companies will gather to hear Moonves talk about CBS and the state of the television industry.Moonves joins past keynote speakers including The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO, Bob Iger, and Chairman and CEO of The Chernin Group, Peter Chernin. With hit shows such as NCIS, Survivor, The Big Bang Theory, and SuperGirl, Moonves will discuss how to stay nimble in a constantly changing industry and the type of entertainment programming CBS will bring to its audience across multiple platforms.”Les Moonves is one of the savviest dealmakers and sharpest executives in the industry, deeply immersed in every level of the business,” says Eller. “His decades at the top are a testament to his commitment and passion for television. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to learn the secrets of his success — and share them with our audience.”The breakfast coincides with Variety’s annual Dealmakers Impact Report, focusing on key players driving the entertainment industry’s most significant deals.
A & T and A+E’s New Deal
AT&T and A+E Networks® released the following statements after reaching a distribution agreement to continue providing A+E Networks to both AT&T’s U-verse TV and DIRECTV’s national subscriber base.AT&T said in a statement: “AT&T and A+E Networks have signed a long-term, multi-platform distribution agreement, continuing their long-standing relationship. The new agreement delivers to AT&T terms that reflect its new scale and status as the largest pay TV provider in the world.”The renewal includes a comprehensive deal that includes linear, TVE, VOD and mobility for the suite of A+E Networks’ channels, among the top brands in the media landscape, including: A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, LMN®, FYI™ and HISTORY en Espanol™. In addition, AT&T will launch VICELAND, replacing H2®, as part of the A+E Networks’ portfolio.A+E Networks said in a statement: “We have worked together with AT&T for many years and we are delighted that this renewal will allow us to do so well into the future. We are thrilled that AT&T’s valued customers will be able to enjoy A+E Networks’ award-winning portfolio of brands- including A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, LMN®, FYI™ and HISTORY en Espanol™ – across their multiple platforms, and that VICELAND’s new 24-hour channel will be part of that offering.”VICELAND is a brand new entertainment channel featuring an all new line up of shows to be led by Oscar-winning writer/director Spike Jonze.
Bobby Brown Explains Why He Isn’t a Part of the New Edition Movie
The living legend known to the world as bad boy Bobby Brown made his way on Sway in the Morning and the R&B singer opened up on quite a few topics. Bobby spoke in depth on the tragedy surrounding his daughter, Bobbi Kristina’s deat. Bobby also talks about writing a book, managing new groups, and still hitting the stage himself. He also talks about his most embarrassing moment on stage. Bobby also talked about not being a part of the upcoming New Edition biopic and why he chose to not sign on for the television biopic.For a man that has been through so much pain, Brown actually seems happy in this interview. I actually saw him perform not too long ago and I will say that Bobby still has it for the most part. Check out the clip below to see what else Bobby Brown had to say about his life and career.https://youtu.be/eadvMI7J70M
Billionaires, CEO’s, and Mayors Come Together for Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit
BLACK ENTERPRISE will present the inaugural Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit on Monday, Oct. 12 through Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, in Santa Clara, California, with host sponsors AT&T, Capital One, EMC and Intel Corp. The Summit will bring together today’s forward-thinking leaders and a talent pool of extraordinary tech innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs, executives, and educators in one room.The Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit will present a unique and unparalleled opportunity–bringing together the best and brightest of the tech community to Silicon Valley. The Summit will help our attendees make the connections that matter by providing them with access to angel investors and venture capitalists that will be in attendance.Attendees at the Summit will hear from serial tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Jon Gosier, who has developed technologies for institutions such as the U.S. Army, the United Nations, Red Cross, and FEMA. Billionaire tech venture capitalist Timothy Draper, founder of Draper University, will speak on one of our six BE Tech Talk fireside chats where he will provide insights about his ABC Family reality TV show Startup U and how he identifies millennial tech stars.The Summit will also present the Trailblazer Award to Silicon Valley pioneers Kenneth and Caretha Coleman and the godfather of Silicon Valley, Roy Clay, all of whom continue to make significant contributions to the quality of life of the people who live in Silicon Valley. Clay was a key figure in the development of Hewlett-Packard’s computer division and in the 1970s served on the Palo Alto City Council, two of those years as vice mayor.The 2015 Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit will feature nationally recognized speakers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders. Sessions will include One-on-One conversation with Google’s David Drummond, Ascending to the C-Suite in Silicon Valley, Diversity in Silicon Valley, Spotting the Next Big Tech Trend, Succeeding in Silicon Valley, Opportunities in Gaming & Apps and a lot more. AT&T will also host a tour of the AT&T Foundry for top engineering students from across the country; the Foundry is one of four AT&T innovation centers, where developers and technology teams create the ideas and apps of tomorrow.The Summit will also feature a live hackathon to create an app, with the winner receiving a special prize, hosted by Capital One. AT&T will host a Tech Talk session with Grammy nominated audio engineer Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton who will discuss the Intersection of Music and Technology. For the aspiring entrepreneur, How to Deliver a Powerful Pitch to Investors offers practical advice and insights from angel and venture investors and more than 20 other interactive sessions and tracks will be discussed.
Apple Music’s Ava Durvernay Directed Commercial Featuring Mary, Taraji, and Kerry is Pretty Dope
A new Apple Music commercial featuring Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson joining Mary J. Blige at her house for a little girl’s day action is causing quite a stir. Directed by Selma director, Ava Duvernay the commercial blends of a bit of nostalgia with the use of mixtapes but then takes it modern with of course the use of Apple Music. Ava let the cat out of the bag with a tweet letting us know we can expect two more commercials. For now this one is pretty damn dope. I personally like because I remember making mixtapes for young ladies I was interested in back in the day. Ava Duvernay, Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, and Apple Music did their thing with this one.
Playlists, the new mixtapes.Go ahead ladies!@maryjblige @kerrywashington @TherealTarajihttps://t.co/cctGZAhwuPhttps://t.co/VTnkmeEr4E
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 21, 2015
Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos Partners with RDIO to Launch New Station
Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos – the global hotel brand committed to offering authentic experiences that rock – has partnered with Rdio, a leading global music streaming service available in 85 countries, to become the first brand to unveil a branded station on Rdio’s platform through the company’s newly launched Promoted Music Experience (PME). August 24, 2015 fans around the world were able to engage with the brand through Hard Rock’s exclusive profile and expertly curated radio station available at Rdio. com/HardRock.
With a catalog of more than 35 million songs, the partnership with Rdio will allow Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos to use the power of music to connect with fans around the globe by launching a central music hub that will feature a variety of listening experiences. From playlists featuring hand-selected tracks to highlight emerging artists and tunes that reflect different destinations, to unique sounds from around the globe and exclusive artist interviews, the Hard Rock branded station on Rdio will feature exclusive content not available anywhere else.
“The ways that music consumers are listening to music is completely different than it was just a years ago, and Hard Rock is thrilled to partner with Rdio to embrace new technologies in the streaming music space, and further showcase how prevalent music is in our DNA,” says Matt Watts, director of music and marketing, Hotels & Casinos, Hard Rock International.
“It’s exciting to be able to share our brand voice through music and to have that available for guests and music consumers anywhere and at any time. ”In addition to the Hard Rock branded station and profile, listeners will also be kept updated on all things Hard Rock through tailored Rdio home stories, featuring the latest on new hotel openings, artists appearances, live music events and other exclusive fan opportunities. The Rdio and Hard Rock Promoted Music Experiences partnership is part of a yearlong agreement between the two brands with additional corporate partners to be announced.
“We are dedicated to providing advertising solutions that help brands expand their reach without detracting from the Rdio user experience. ” said Jared Heiman, Head of Global Ad Sales, Rdio. “With PME, brands now have the unique opportunity to use music streaming and music discovery to connect with consumers.
”The growing collection of hotels applaud rock-n-roll through brand wide programs, from the interactive amenity “Sound Of Your Stay,” where guests jam out with hands-on music experiences, to the on-site VIBE managers, who keep a pulse on the feeling, atmosphere and energy at each hotel.
In addition, Hard Rock boasts the world’s greatest rock memorabilia collection, kicked off with a Fender Lead II from Eric Clapton and a Les Paul from rival Pete Town Celebrate Bob Marley’s 70th Birthday with Two Vinyl Box Set Releases
Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year-long celebration (2015) continues with the release of two new box sets, The Complete Island Recordings and The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition. These two stunning vinyl collection sets will release September 25th, 2015, and feature 11 albums on 180-gram vinyl spanning a decade’s worth of Bob Marley & The Wailers releases on Island Records. The Complete Island Recordings will include 11-LPs packaged in a rigid card box with lift top lid, and wrapped in silver paper that simulates the brugold metallic jacket with embossed lettering. The “Babylon By Bus” album will feature the die-cut cover with the color printed inner sleeves showing through.
HBO Releases Trailer for “Ballers” Series Starring The Rock
Cable Networks have pretty much dominated television with dynamics series, documentaries, and films that feature compelling stories, original content, and in most cases stellar acting. Ballers is HBO’s newest attempt at creating an award-winning television series.Ballers, a new HBO original series starring Dwayne Johnson, premieres Sunday, June 21st at 10 PM. Peep the trailer below.https://youtu.be/EpkxL9hb1Pw
