DR DRE AND JIMMY LOVINE DONATE $75M TO A NEW UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY.

                                     

The AP reports that the new Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy at the University of Southern California will offer a curriculum aimed to help young innovators create the next iPod or Facebook.

The hip-hop mogul best known as Dr. Dre and the co-founder of Interscope Records appeared at a news conference Wednesday alongside USC President C. L. Max Nikias to announce the new program funded by a $70 million donation by the two music superstars.

The university president characterized the donation as the largest gift from the entertainment industry to American higher education.

The Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation will provide a special four-year program for undergraduates whose interests span fields from marketing to computer science to visual design and other arts. It will include one-on-one faculty mentoring with professors from programs around the university and interaction with entertainment industry luminaries.

The academy "will be a new standard in higher education," said its dean and executive director Erica Muhl.

"Somebody is going to design the next iPod, the next Facebook, the next breakthrough in how we live," she said. "We want that to happen at the Iovine-Young Academy."

It will accept its first class of 25 students in the fall of 2014. Full scholarships will be offered.

Iovine and Young have been friends, collaborators and business partners for 20 years. Young is best known as a producer, rapper and co-owner of Death Row records. He later started his own record label, Aftermath Entertainment. Iovine is the co-founder of Interscope Records, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M and a mentor on "American Idol." Together, the two men started Beats Electronics LLC, the parent company of the Beats by Dr. Dre line of popular high-end headphones and other music devices.

HTC Corp. bought a majority share in Beats in 2010, but later sold half of the shares back to the founders. Iovine and Young are now majority owners.

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/dr-dre-iovine-donate-70m-for-new-usc-academy-1.1283512#ixzz2TPS26ATj

LADY GAGA THRILLS KIDS AT THE GANG INFESTED RIO FAVELAS IN BRAZIL.

Lady Gaga played football with children in one of the poorest communities in Rio De Janeiro yesterday (8th November).

The star is currently in South America as part of her 'Born This Way Ball' world tour, and used her time in Rio to visit a favela in Cantagalo.

Lady Gaga was mobbed by fans during the visit to a social project that is underway in the area.

The singer has been in South America for the last week and has spoken passionately about how much she has enjoyed being in the country – particularly her time in Rio.

"I'll never forget Rio, you lit my heart into flames," she wrote on Twitter, before adding: "We even played football, they were SO GOOD IT WAS CRAZY."

Lady Gaga posted a picture of herself playing football with the children on her Little Monsters website: As well as playing football, Lady Gaga spent time speaking to children in the area and was photographed sitting on the back of one child's motorbike.

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' tour is due to continue in Sao Paulo on 11th November.

Source

Rapper Continues to Give Back In Toronto's Toughest Neighborhoods.

TODAY in Toronto!

S/O to DubSea of the rap group TNT who is ALWAYZ giving back to the community and that's what I like!! I need people to start getting out and working together and that's what it's all about when fostering a good T-Dot. In this day and age when the community is lacking so much for the youngsters and the leaders cannot be trusted, community members are now MOBILIZING their own areas. Head out to Kingston road today. R.I.P to all the people we lost in the struggle--MsKemi @HipHossip on Twitter

TODAY IS THE DAY STARTING @ 1 PM BRING THE FAMILY OUT FOR SOME BURGERS MUSIC !! AND FREE CLOTHES !!!!!!!!!! GARBAGE CLEAN UP AS WELL WILL BE HAPPENING AT 5 PM !!!! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !!!!

JAZZ ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE RUSSEL BLAKE PARTNERS WITH THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REGISTRY.

Positioning his Book,

"Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Vol. 1,"

to Elevate the Plight of All Women

When Russel Blake creates, he taps deep into his inner most God source. It is evidenced by music the renowned music producer and jazz bassist has gifted the planet with, including three CD's and over 432 compositions within his repertoire encompassing classical, Spanish classical, traditional jazz, Brazilian, opera, Latin and blues music idioms. It rings apparent in the eloquence he embodies as an author penning"Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Vol. 1," where he communicates the precious and priceless value of all women. His God space shines clear when he speaks, captivating crowds with a wealth of musical knowledge, spiritual resolve and his genuine love for humanity. Russel Blake is indeed the reflection of a man who embodies reverence and grace and the vision is inspiring.

His recently announced partnership with the National Domestic Violence Registry (NDVR) echoes his continued commitment to service, expanding his parameters as a jazz musician, utilizing his talents as a vehicle to help heal the world. As a partner, the musician/producer/author/speaker has positioned himself to enhance the plight of abused women, and women at large, by bringing much need attention to NDVR as a resourceful remedial aid.

The National Domestic Violence Registry works to gather and house the conviction records of offenders, both men and women, who have been found guilty of domestic violence and domestic violence related offenses and provides this information, free of charge, to the general public. A woman can now easily look up the name of a paramour and find out if he has a history of abuse in his past, potentially avoiding explosive circumstances.

"I have always recognized women as a most significant pillar of society. The proliferation of any negative portrayals in music, films or books that both sexually objectifies and perpetuates escalating violence against women, only hinders her perceived rise and deserved progression. My music and books are an ongoing tribute to her existence and her greatness. I offer them as a healing balm," cites Blake.

"I can think of no entity of whom I am both humbled and most proud to vigorously assert my name in endorsement than the National Domestic Violence Registry. NDVR is a preventive cure to the pervasive cancer of domestic violence in our society," adds Russel Blake in an official endorsement statement.

As a musician, Russel Blake proudly continues the musical legacy of his father, Latin musical great Alexander Blake, and his brother, world renowned jazz bassist, Alex Blake. At the foundation of all his artistry lies his impeccable composition, theoretical and musical arrangement skills; all of which are self-taught.

Jazz bassist, Russel Blake

A native New Yorker now residing in Los Angeles, Russel Blake has shared his talents in 65 countries, on five continents, and holds the title of 'Adjunct Professor' at five universities. Besides accompanying and recording with several music giants, such asChaka Kahn, Angie Stone, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins and Harry Belafonte, to name just a few, Russel has also been featured as the exclusive bassist for Broadway productions "The Lion King," and "Dreamgirls."

Among his highest achievements, Blake was appointed by the U.S. State Department to perform as an Ambassador of Goodwill to eight West African nations. He was also contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to lecture on the symbiotic nature of Science and Music for DARPA's (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) International Conference.

Russel's tome "Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Volume 1," written in Psalm format, elevates the image of Black women and counters the negative perception created by media and society, expressing the right for all women to be treated with unwavering respect and dignity. The book has been endorsed by author and poetess emeritus Maya Angelou and political strategist Donna Brazile and is supported by First Lady Michelle Obama. Blake is planning two additional volumes which will embrace women of all hue and nationalities.

Blake's partnership with the National Domestic Violence Registry is a significant alliance as the issue of domestic violence impacts mostly women victims who are abused by men. His leadership as a male role model lends added resonance to his beautiful music and greater impact to his powerful spoken and written word.




This is my FIRST EVER Jazz music post on this blog of 5 years. History is made! As a black woman who went thru domestic violence at one point in my life, I have to say that this is compelling and very interesting. What drives Blake? It's called leadership as a role model. This is a strong man who gives every black woman and as a matter of fact every WOMAN something to look forward to. I plan to interview him early next month. Thank you for this inspiring video Russel--MsKemi @HipHossip


For more information on the National Registry of Domestic Violence go to http://www.domesticviolencedatabase.org/ . For a luscious sampling of Russel Blake's musical genius and written word, go to http://www.russelblake.net .

THE KID REPORTER TO OBSERVE WORLD AUTISM DAY THURSDAY APRIL 2ND 2009.

KJ the Kid Reporter has just made his latest vlog for World Autism Day with respect for his older brother. He will also be speaking on the topic on media interviews all week. Don't cry after watching this video, cos he cried!

KELLY ROWLAND VISITS JASMINA, THE KID DYING FROM CANCER THAT RIHANNA IS TRYING TO HELP GET BONE MARROW.

Photo: Karen Detrick

Jasmina Anema, the spunky New York City girl who desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, loved the girly pink cupcakes and the Hello Kitty bicycle she got on her 6th birthday Wednesday. But she was "over the moon" when Grammy-winning singer Kelly Rowland sang "Happy Birthday" to her in her hospital room at NYU Medical Center.

"Kelly made me feel like a princess," Jasmina told PEOPLE Wednesday. "She made me feel so special."

Rowland had as much fun as Jasmina, who has a rare and deadly form of leukemia. "She made my day, to be quite honest," Rowland told PEOPLE. "It felt like a slumber party. She's so precious. She has such a beautiful spirit."

The former Destiny's Child star spent more than two hours with Jasmina and her best friend, Isabelle Huurman, 5. The trio frosted cupcakes, named Jasmina's new stuffed dog, Jazzilicous, and talked about The Little Mermaid's Ariel. "I'm 28 and I still love mermaids," Rowland told Jasmina, who was dressed in a tutu for her birthday bash. More at PEOPLE...

WEEKEND WRAP UP: BIGGIE'S MOM AND SON RANG OPENING BELL AT NYSE FRIDAY THE 9TH OF JANUARY.

Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late rapper Notorius B.I.G and her grandson Christopher Wallace, Jr rang the NASDAQ opening bell last Friday the 9th in anticipation of the new movie this Friday the 16th titled what else? "Notorious." Change has already come to America like Obama said when the son of a late rapper opens the stock exchange.

KID ROCK ROCK CHALLENGES JUDGE TO VISIT IRAQ.

KID ROCK is still fuming about a court ruling banning him from serving a community service sentence entertaining U.S. troops overseas - he's now urging the judge responsible to spend time in Iraq himself. Rock - real name Robert Ritchie - was handed an 80 hour sentence following a fight in a Waffle House restaurant in Georgia in 2007.

He requested he be able to serve the sentence performing to soldiers stationed in Iraq, but Judge Alvin T. Wong banned him, insisting, "Giving him credit for something he would otherwise love to do in front of a camera completely defeats the punitive purpose of performing community service." Rock was furious and has even posted Judge Wong's contact details online.

And now he's urging the lawman to experience life in a warzone for himself. The star tells TMZ.com, "He said it's not community service. Well I do community service all year long. I help people with autism, Aids, fallen heroes. "If he wanted to punish me, he should have put me in jail, but he didn't. If he loves to practise law, why doesn't he go and practise f**king law in Iraq for a month, if he's so badass. If he wants to prove something to me. "There ain't (sic) no bigger community service than going to play for our soldiers."

That's his son with my black gurlfriend......This is the 1000th time I used this pic.

AC/DC'S BRIAN JOHNSON GETS HOSPITAL HONOUR.

AC/DC frontman BRIAN JOHNSON's charity work has been rewarded - he is having a music therapy room in a Florida hospital dedicated to him. The singer, as well as other rockers, has supported an effort to raise money and buy music equipment and provide music education for children, including those who are in the Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

The music equipment and enhancements to the room are being donated by the John Entwhistle Foundation - named after the late bassist for The Who. And now Johnson is set to have a room in the facility named after him, in tribute to his tireless fundraising efforts. He will be at the hospital for the dedication of the Brian Johnson Music Therapy Room next week (beg22Dec08).

WORLD AIDS DAY: MTV's AIDS awareness campaign turns 10.

MTV marks the 10th anniversary of its AIDS awareness campaign this year with an hour-long documentary by U.S. singer and Destiny's Child founding member Kelly Rowland.

The music channel launched "MTV Staying Alive" in 1998, and has produced films, competitions and celebrity tie-ins to educate young people about the risks of HIV and AIDS and encourage them to talk about it.

The latest initiative is a video diary featuring Rowland, who along with Beyonce Knowles helped launch the successful girl band Destiny's Child in 1990. The group split in 2005.

In "The Diary of Kelly Rowland," the 27-year-old travels to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and the United States and meets young people affected by HIV/AIDS and those trying to educate people about the risks.

"It places HIV/AIDS out in the open, and in doing so creates an openness of dialogue on the 'taboo' subject," MTV said in a statement.

The video can be watched at www.staying-alive.org from Monday, which is World AIDS Day.

MTV also announced that Travis McCoy, lead singer of hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes, will be the Staying Alive Foundation's ambassador in 2009.

Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Justin Timberlake and Sean "Diddy" Combs have also lent their names to the campaign over the last decade.

According to the channel, 33 million people are infected with HIV globally. Nearly 7,500 people were infected every day last year and, despite increased access to treatment, the daily death rate from HIV/AIDS is 6,000 people. Some 45 percent of new infections are among people aged between 15 and 24.

Source: (Writing by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

U2, Coldplay, Killers help launch digital magazine.

Some of the biggest names in music are contributing exclusive songs to RED(WIRE), a digital music magazine that launches on World AIDS Day (December 1).

U2, Coldplay, the Killers, the Dixie Chicks, John Legend, R.E.M. and Bob Dylan are on board for the initiative, which is an outgrowth of the Bono-reared activist organization called (RED). All proceeds from subscriptions will benefit HIV-infected people in Africa; MSN.com will host a kickoff party December 1.

For $5, users will receive a new issue of RED(WIRE) every Wednesday, featuring an exclusive song from a major musician, a song from a performer who (RED) aims to showcase, a multimedia piece that could encompass video or photography and a look at how proceeds are benefiting Africans in need. The materials will be downloaded to a custom player and automatically loaded into iTunes.

Users can send two free issues to friends, and will be rewarded if they join RED(WIRE).

"Artists are already saying, 'I want to give you a track for those people who brought friends in,'" (RED)WIRE founder Don MacKinnon told Billboard.com. "That's the biggest idea: using social networking to actually change the world in a unique way."

Source: Billboard via Yahoo News

WHO'S REALLY IN SYNC WITH THE KIDS?

Janet Jackson and the kids at Tokyo airport 2008

Mario and the kids in hometown Baltimore 2008

50 Cent and the kids from a NY project launching an inner city playground with Bette Midler Oct 2008

I took this picture of Beyonce and the kids in Nigeria, W.Africa in 2006 at a school

Music celebrities often like to get in sync with the kids. It's good for their image and all but with record sales down as hell these days, every bit of PR helps. Now look at the pictures above and vote to tell KJ and I who really loves the kids, Genuine or PR?

ESTELLE PLANS TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA AS HEALTH AMBASSADOR.

R&B darling ESTELLE will visit South Africa in a bid to raise awareness of the spread of HIV and AIDS among children. The British star will visit the nation as an ambassador of the Virgin Unite initiative, which equips young people to help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. The singer will document her trip with a video diary in collaboration with Sky News.

You know ma gurl Estelle has always been very caring about children issues. Remember what the Mayor of London said that got her steaming mad? He called black children "pickaninnies." A derogatory and racist term. She's due here next month and I hope to meet with her.

HIPHOSSIP KING SHAWTY LO LEADS DIABETES WALK IN ATLANTA.

Rapper Shawty Lo lead team Diabetes Destroyers in a Step Out and Walk to Fight Diabetes event in hometown, Atlanta over the weekend. The multiple-date, 200-city walk is the largest fundraising effort organized by the American Diabetes Association. Shawty Lo (born Carlos Walker) was diagnosed with the disease in 2001.

“Anything I can do to help raise awareness about diabetes, I will be there,” he said. “Everybody knows at least one person that has it, so it’s like when we participate in events, walks and things of that nature, we’re really helping somebody we care about, as well as ourselves because you never know when or how it can affect you.”

To help spur fundraising activities (the money goes towards prevention and cure research), the ADA is offering $25 gas cards for every $500 in donations raised. For more information, visit Diabetes.org/StepOut.

THE STAND UP TO CANCER VIDEO WITH FEMALE MUSIC CELEBRITIES.

Standing Video
by geronimos87

Music Stars Join Together For Unprecedented Event With A Single Goal: Beating Cancer.

Television is a very competitive industry. There's an old saying that goes something like this: "CBS doesn't tell NBC what it's up to." The traditional wisdom is that you never mention a competitor's name for fear of giving them free publicity as they vie for your eyes on their screens.

So you can only imagine how unusual it is when all those networks get together and eschew those lessons handed down through 50 years of the medium to collaborate for one remarkable cause: curing cancer.

On Friday night, Citytv will join rivals CTV and Global in Canada and U.S. networks NBC, CBS, ABC will all become one single entity, in an effort called "Stand Up To Cancer."

All those involved have donated a valuable hour of commercial free airtime to the cause of raising money and detailing research efforts and screening techniques designed to beat one of the world's deadliest diseases.

The show airs at 8pm and will feature a host of medical experts, athletes and stars in a jam packed 60 minutes.

Among those taking part and answering phones: Sally Field, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Salma Hayek, Charlize Theron, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Scarlett Johansson, Christina Applegate, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jennifer Aniston and cancer survivor and Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

A special video, called "Just Stand Up", featuring musicians like Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Ashanti and more will be unveiled on the special. Click here to hear it now.

Source: CityNews

RAPPER YOUNG JEEZY DOES BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT!

Atlanta rap star Young Jeezy is personally taking steps to prepare local youth for life in the classroom, with his Back 2 School giveback and bowling event. The rapper, along with Corporate Thugz Entertainment (CTE), the Boys and Girls Club and V-103 DJ Greg Street, will host the event, which will took place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m (August 2) at Metro Lanes & Games in Atlanta.

Free backpacks, clothing, sneakers and school supplies donated by 8732 clothing, Brand Jordan, Nike, Akademiks and Pastry will be given away to kids in need. The Back 2 School give back isn’t the first time Young Jeezy has used his celebrity status to benefit young fans in Atlanta.

Source: AHH

SHAKIRA HOLDS CONCERT TO PROMPT HOSTAGE RELEASE.

Pop superstar SHAKIRA will vocalise her effort to free hostages held by a Colombian rebel group - when she performs in her native country on Sunday (20Jul08). The sexy singer met with recently-released FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) captive Ingrid Betancourt - a former Colombian presidential candidate - on Wednesday (16Jul08) to raise awareness of her plight.

Shakira will join Colombian pop star Carlos Vives for the Independence Day concert.The event is aimed at pressuring FARC - recognised as a terrorist group by the Colombian government - to release its estimated 700 prisoners.

Hear what the kids are saying about theTupac Foundation Arts Camp.

Some of you remember me hosting the 2005 Oscar Red Carpet part for TuPac's nomination for his documentary "Ressurection." I got very close to the Shakur family, Set his sister, Afeni his mom and Tre Maxie the head of the Tupac Foundation. Yvette Bacote , Mrs Shakur's right hand Super Assistant sent me this newly uploaded videos about what the kids are saying about the Camp. Oakland Leadership & Arts Camp was held at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center from June 16th thru June 27th from 1pm - 4pm.

On June 28 showing off all that the students learned during the camp. It was a great success! Family & Friends Day was held at & sponsored by Youth Uprising. There were approximately 100 people in attendance. Guests were served barbeque food and refreshments. $155 was collected in donations. Students performed and received Pac's Kids/Family Tree Certificates of Completion. In addition, Youth Uprising was given a 2Pac Deluxe Plaque on behalf of Mrs. Shakur-Davis and TASF.

These camps began in Atlanta and have moved to other U.S cities. Great job, Afeni, Yvette and Tre. Visit the Tupac Foundation site here.

EJCC TO LAUNCH "GREEN" CAMPAIGN WITH RAPPER COOLIO AND JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JAREZ.

Rapper COOLIO and Jazz Saxophonist, JAREZ, among artists signing on to help engage black youth in the climate change discussion

Rapper/ reality star Coolio and jazz saxophonist, Jarez are among artists recently enlisted as spokespersons for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change's (EJCC) campaign to educate students at Historically Black College and University's (HBCU) about the global warming crisis, EJCC director, Nia Robinson announced today.

"Our goal is to engage a diverse group of African American youth in the fight for climate justice," says Robinson. "Whether they're old school hip-hop fans, jazz enthusiasts, or among the neo-soul crew, we want them focused on climate change. EJCC is pleased to have Coolio and Jarez reaching out to their base to promote environmental sustainability."

The campaign will kickoff July 11, 2008 on "Just Environment," an EJCC sponsored urban talk radio program that will integrate diverse perspectives on environmental issues and underscore EJCC's campaign efforts. Broadcasting weekly at noon on WCLK 91.9, "The Jazz of the City," and live online at www.wclk.com , the the radio show will feature informative discussions of problems and solutions for healthy, sustainable lifestyles. The show is hosted by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks and the jazz stylings of Jarez, from his CD release "To the Top" will provide the musical signature for the show.

The EJCC HBCU Initiative - a partnership with former Vice President Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection's "We" campaign - will use unique voices to encourage black youth to engage in the climate change discussion. EJCC will train and organize students on black college campuses to promote the greening of university grounds, grow support for climate justice, and encourage HBCU presidents to sign on to a Presidents Climate Commitment.

"The effects of climate change fall disproportionately on people of color, Indigenous Peoples, and low-income communities," says Robinson. "Black college students must be on the frontlines educating their communities and contributing their voices to the policy debate."Good Job Coolio! Stay tuned for my interview with him about all his projects including the reality show on Oxygen Channel and also the online cooking show and cookbook.