Kenya Moore produces new film starring David Banner & Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe and David Banner land starring roles in the upcoming independent feature film, "The Confidant". Production is slated to begin in Los Angeles on May 13th. This will be the first, of many, feature films from Actress, Producer and former Miss USA, Kenya Moore's "Moore Vision Media, Inc.".

"The Confidant" is a tantalizing suspense thriller, written and directed by award winning writer Alton Glass. The movie is an intricately woven tale about childhood best friends that have an unusually strong bond and an even more intriguing secret.
In the film, both Kodjoe and Banners characters are on the path to promising futures, one as a first round NFL draft pick, and the other a talented artist. A complicated web of lies, gambling, murder, and a pact between friends, sends one to prison and the other to fame. After eleven years locked away, the innocent (Banner) comes to collect on the debt, and is determined to have the life that was taken away from him…by any means necessary!

The film is scheduled to be released Fall 2009.

Fan's can get behind the scenes "tidbits and chances to visit the set, directly from David Banner, by following him on Twitter.com/THEREALBANNER.

Hip Hop Mogul 50 Cent promotes new video game

Multi-platinum selling rap artist 50 Cent made an appearance at the Manhattan Play N Trade store on April 30, 2009. to promote his new video game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.

Play N Trade of Manhattan, located at 137 E. 13 Street, hosted the event which featured Blood on the Sand playing on one of three demo station game consoles as well as customer meet and greet with 50 Cent.

Roger Lloyd, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Play N Trade, said it's an honor to have such a famous New York City icon in the store."50 Cent is well-known, not only as a rap music icon but also as a gamer," Lloyd said. "We are excited to have him here and can't wait for this exciting event."

www.playntrade.com

Swizz Beatz helps Hennessy Launch 'Hennessy Black'

Hennessy, the number one cognac in the world, announced the limited launch of Hennessy Black in 10 markets throughout the US including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York City, Ohio, Washington DC and Massachusetts.
Packaged in a sleek, bold black bottle, Hennessy Black is a versatile blend of 35 to 45 unique, pale and gold colored eaux-de-vie selected for their elegant floral characteristics.

The launch is being supported by traditional and non traditional advertising including out of home media and digital initiatives all communicating the key "Done Different" strapline. To showcase the full versatility and "mixability" of the new blend, Hennessy Black has collaborated with an eclectic mix of performers on projects ranging from dance, music and video that reflect the premium mixability of the product. This includes a collaboration with legendary music artist and producer Swizz Beatz that resulted in an original song, "When I Step Into the Club". "It all came together so quickly and organically," said Swizz Beatz. "Everyone that hears this song can't get the hook out of their heads. It's contagious!" With a distinct contrast of high and low tones, the Swizz Beatz-produced song will also be featured in an original video from renowned director Hype Williams.

The JabbaWockeeZ of "America's Best Dance Crew" fame will perform live at a star-studded black carpet launch event in New York City on May 5, where Swizz Beatz will join on stage to perform the original song for the first time.

This new cognac-done-differently is now available in 1.0L bottles exclusively in the on-trade in 10 markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix and Washington DC. The 750ml bottle will be available in liquor stores from September.

For more information on Hennessy Black, go to WWW.HENNESSYBLACK.COM

Russell Simmons and the ISB Join Forces in Exclusive Marketing Alliance

International Speakers Bureau (iSB) www.internationalspeakers.com, a leading global speakers bureau offering unparalleled access to the world's top keynote speakers and acclaimed entertainment personalities, announced that it has signed an exclusive marketing alliance with Russell Simmons. As part of this alliance, iSB will provide exclusive representation as Mr. Simmons' booking agent in the United States and international markets relative to public/private speaking engagements and related requests.

"We at iSB are extremely excited to enter into this partnership with Russell Simmons," said Michelle Lemmons-Poscente, iSB Founder and Chairman. "Russell is a visionary and cultural icon, whose impact can be felt around the globe. His entrepreneurial success is equally matched by his philanthropic spirit and endeavors to serve the under-served."

Russell Simmons emphasized, "I believe that this agreement with iSB will give me the platform and resources necessary to promote a new way of thinking in the business community that can affect and leverage positive social change." He continued, "I feel strongly there needs to be a paradigm shift to keep pace with today's evolving socio-economic climate."

Source: International Speakers Bureau
Web Site: http://www.internationalspeakers.com/

Irv Gotti's BACK ON VH1

"Gotti's Way 2" Premieres Monday, May 4 on VH1 at 10:30 PM ET/PT

Irv Gotti and his family are back, and this time around it's all about "breaking the cycle." The first season of "Gotti's Way" followed music mogul Irv Gotti in his efforts to resurrect his record label after being acquitted of money laundering charges in 2004. Now back for its second season, "Gotti's Way 2" finds Irv still trying to breathe new life into his label, The Inc., as well as also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father of three.

Premiering on Monday, May 4 at 10:30 PM ET/PT, "Gotti's Way 2" provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Irv's company and the music machine that he is, working with artists such as Ashanti, Lloyd, Ja Rule and more. Convinced that that hip-hop needs a shot in the arm and thinks he's found what he's looking for in his latest artist, Newz. The hip-hop mogul will pull out all of the stops to break Newz and halt the freefall of the suffering record industry.

"Gotti's Way 2" will also continue to follow the tumultuous relationship between Irv and his estranged wife, Deb, by exposing their struggle to mend a severed relationship and make it functional for the sake of their family.

"Gotti's Way 2" is a 51Pictures Production; created by and executive produced by Cris Abrego. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly serve as Executive Producers for VH1.

Universal Motown Signs Grammy Winner Ne-Yo's Protégé Jadyn Maria

Universal Motown Records announces the signing of Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo's protégé Jadyn Maria. The gifted singer-songwriter prepares to introduce herself to the world with her debut single, "Good Girls Like Bad Boys," featuring Flo-Rida. The infectious pulsing electronic track will soon heat up Top 40 and Crossover radio airwaves.
Born in Puerto Rico but raised in Nashville, the 24-year-old songbird began developing her strong vocals skills in the church choir at the age of two. As a teenager, Jadyn Maria realized that music is her calling, and decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Soon after, she inked a songwriting deal with Universal Music Publishing.

A fateful meeting with Tango, co-founder of Ne-Yo's Compound Entertainment management company, led Jadyn Maria to Atlanta, where she was immediately put to work in the recording studio with producer Chuck Harmony (Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo and Celine Dion). Days later, Jadyn Maria received the call that changed her life: "Hi Jadyn, this is Ne-Yo. I just wanted to let you know I heard the songs you just recorded and I would like to sign you as an artist." It was an offer she couldn't refuse.
In 2008, Jadyn Maria moved to Atlanta, signed to Compound Entertainment, and began working on her debut album. Says Ne-Yo: "A sweet tone, a gorgeous smile, a bubbly yet strong persona—not to mention a rather strong pen game—made Jadyn Maria just what I was looking for. It's these attributes that will also make her a name you will remember."

Check out and enjoy "Good Girls Like Bad Boys" now streaming on Jadyn Maria's MySpace.com page.

http://www.myspace.com/officialjadynmaria

USHER tells kids to BE ICONIC

MTV Shows

As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) new advocacy campaign -- BE GREAT -- five-time Grammy award winner, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus Usher today unveiled a new billboard featuring his childhood picture and a call-to-action -- BE ICONIC. Usher joins some 25 prominent alumni in the new advocacy campaign to help increase public awareness and understanding about the positive impact of Clubs.

Other Club alumni joining Usher in the BE GREAT advocacy campaign include: Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA -- Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O'Neal, Smokey Robinson, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

On May 14, Usher will be inducted into BGCA's prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) at the organization's 103rd National Conference in Atlanta.


Source:MTV.com