As America's first black presidential nominee was celebrated at the Democratic National Convention this week, the thoughts of many African Americans turned toward deceased loved ones who did not live to witness it happen.
"It's an incredible time to be around. I wish my momma could have seen this day," said Kanye West to the Associated Press early Thursday before his performance at Bono's ONE campaign party.
West, whose set included "Touch the Sky," "Home" and "Stronger," was also joined on stage by Jamie Foxx to sing "Gold Digger," which the Oscar winner preceded with a shout out to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
"We make history, man," Foxx told the crowd. "With Obama, we make history. If you ready for Obama, make some noise. Yo man, let's do this for Obama."
West was backed by a band clad in black outfits that were described by the Associated Press as Mad Max-meets-DNC riot police. The Chicago-born artist also sang two new songs he said he'd written in the past several days – both more focused on relationships and heartbreak than politics.
The ONE party also drew such celebs as Forest Whitaker and Ashley Judd, who arrived with Foxx waving an American flag, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle.
Story pulled from http://www.eurweb.com/
Showing posts with label Kanye West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kanye West. Show all posts
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
BLUEPRINT 3!!! Jay-Z's Grand Finale on Def Jam
Jay-Z Announces Blueprint 3
We reported earlier that Jay-Z was speaking about the Blueprint 3! Well, here is a little update.
Jay-Z has announced he is working on his 11th and final Def Jam album, "The Blueprint 3."
The rapper made the announcement August 6, 2008 during a guest appearance on highly requested Kanye West’s Glow In The Dark tour in Madison Square Garden, New York.
During the set West asked the crowd if he could play them a few new beats he had recently recorded in Hawaii, including a track called "Jockin’ Jay-Z."
For all the questioned the opening lyrics of the song- here you go!
"That bloke from Oasis said I couldn’t play guitar
somebody shoulda told him I’m a BLEEP'n rock star.
Today is gonna be the day that I’m gonna throw it back to you," he rapped about Oasis’ Noel Gallagher, who recently slammed the organisers of the Glastonbury festival for booking Jay-Z as a headline act. Jay allows no one to question his talent!
"The Blueprint 3" is also set to feature another track produced by Kanye West entitled "Brooklyn."
We reported earlier that Jay-Z was speaking about the Blueprint 3! Well, here is a little update.
Jay-Z has announced he is working on his 11th and final Def Jam album, "The Blueprint 3."
The rapper made the announcement August 6, 2008 during a guest appearance on highly requested Kanye West’s Glow In The Dark tour in Madison Square Garden, New York.
During the set West asked the crowd if he could play them a few new beats he had recently recorded in Hawaii, including a track called "Jockin’ Jay-Z."
For all the questioned the opening lyrics of the song- here you go!
"That bloke from Oasis said I couldn’t play guitar
somebody shoulda told him I’m a BLEEP'n rock star.
Today is gonna be the day that I’m gonna throw it back to you," he rapped about Oasis’ Noel Gallagher, who recently slammed the organisers of the Glastonbury festival for booking Jay-Z as a headline act. Jay allows no one to question his talent!
"The Blueprint 3" is also set to feature another track produced by Kanye West entitled "Brooklyn."
Monday, August 18, 2008
NIKE+ HUMAN RACE! KANYE PERFORMING!!
Kanye West Announced As Grand Finale Performance For The Nike+ Human Race - The World's Largest One Day Running Event
Moby Confirmed To Play London as Online Registration Opens Globally
Music takes center stage on the heels of the official registration opening for the Nike+ Human Race, the world's biggest one-day running event taking place on August 31, 2008. The race brings together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet. Participants in this unprecedented event will experience an exclusive music performance by some of today's top artists in each of the 25 designated race cities.
In Los Angeles, nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Kanye West will headline the run's post race concert for the grand finale of the 25-city Nike+ Human Race. Runners will take to the streets passing the city's most famous landmarks before ending at the LA Coliseum to see West take the stage.
"I'm hitting the stage in Los Angeles for the Nike+ Human Race, Nike's dopest 10k run ever. This race is bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to run and listen to some great music while serving a higher cause, and I'm excited to perform in L.A. as part of the grand finale."
West's performance will bring to a close, an unprecedented day of races and activities around the globe starting in Taipei , ending in LA and including cities across Europe, Asia and North and South America.
In London, runners will be treated to an exclusive performance by world-renowned American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer Moby in the city's famed Wembley Stadium. Other all-star artists confirmed to play at the Nike+ Human Race include chart-topping rock band All-American Rejects in NY; hometown favorite Fall Out Boy in Chicago; R&B songstress Kelly Rowland in Paris; dance-electro-pop duo The Pinker Tones in Madrid, Turkish pop sensation Kenan Dogulu in Istanbul; the Fantastic Four in Munich; Beijing-based singing duo Yu Quan in Shanghai and American rock band Boy Likes Girl in Singapore.
Beyond running and music, the Nike+ Human Race is also an opportunity to give back. Participants will be able to run for a worthy cause and support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation – uniting people in the fight against cancer; WWF - the global conservation organization addressing the causes and impacts of climate change; and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign – bringing sport and education to refugee youth. Together, Nike and runners will raise funds to donate at least USD $3 million to the Nike+ Human Race charities. Money will be raised via givebacks from registration fees, a percentage of Nike+ Human Race t-shirt sales and a donation of USD $1 million from Nike.
The Nike+ Human Race will also feature an online pledge tool so individual runners can donate additional funds to the cause of their choice and invite friends and family to contribute on their behalf.
"As a committed runner and a cancer survivor, I'm proud to be participating in the Nike+ Human Race," Lance Armstrong said. "The race offers the best of both worlds by bringing together a global community to run together and support worthy causes like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org and WWF in our combined efforts to have a positive impact on the world."
Other Nike athletes will also be joining the movement to run with the world and for a cause. Like Lance Armstrong, they will serve as honorary athlete ambassadors for the charities and join in Human Race activities. Six-time marathon winner and current NY Marathon Champion, Paula Radcliffe and middle distance runner Kara Goucher will be running to support WWF, while marathoner Meb Keflezighi will be representing ninemillion.org.
Nikeplus.com will be the official destination for the Nike+ Human Race and for all pre-race training needs. Here, runners can create a personal profile page or stay motivated by sampling and downloading the latest in Nike+ Sport Music offerings. Sport Music offers runners the best in original Training Run and Coaching Mixes designed specifically for treadmill and road runs. Beginning June 15, runners will also be able to visit Race City pages covering local race info and news, Training pages for information and links to in-city training runs, events with official race partners including 24Hour Fitness and Starbucks and Nike+ Coach training. Gear pages covering the latest in Nike performance training gear and Nike+ product will also be offered.
For more information on the Nike+ Human Race and a complete listing of race cities visit nikeplus.com.
Moby Confirmed To Play London as Online Registration Opens Globally
Music takes center stage on the heels of the official registration opening for the Nike+ Human Race, the world's biggest one-day running event taking place on August 31, 2008. The race brings together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet. Participants in this unprecedented event will experience an exclusive music performance by some of today's top artists in each of the 25 designated race cities.
In Los Angeles, nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Kanye West will headline the run's post race concert for the grand finale of the 25-city Nike+ Human Race. Runners will take to the streets passing the city's most famous landmarks before ending at the LA Coliseum to see West take the stage.
"I'm hitting the stage in Los Angeles for the Nike+ Human Race, Nike's dopest 10k run ever. This race is bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to run and listen to some great music while serving a higher cause, and I'm excited to perform in L.A. as part of the grand finale."
West's performance will bring to a close, an unprecedented day of races and activities around the globe starting in Taipei , ending in LA and including cities across Europe, Asia and North and South America.
In London, runners will be treated to an exclusive performance by world-renowned American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer Moby in the city's famed Wembley Stadium. Other all-star artists confirmed to play at the Nike+ Human Race include chart-topping rock band All-American Rejects in NY; hometown favorite Fall Out Boy in Chicago; R&B songstress Kelly Rowland in Paris; dance-electro-pop duo The Pinker Tones in Madrid, Turkish pop sensation Kenan Dogulu in Istanbul; the Fantastic Four in Munich; Beijing-based singing duo Yu Quan in Shanghai and American rock band Boy Likes Girl in Singapore.
Beyond running and music, the Nike+ Human Race is also an opportunity to give back. Participants will be able to run for a worthy cause and support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation – uniting people in the fight against cancer; WWF - the global conservation organization addressing the causes and impacts of climate change; and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign – bringing sport and education to refugee youth. Together, Nike and runners will raise funds to donate at least USD $3 million to the Nike+ Human Race charities. Money will be raised via givebacks from registration fees, a percentage of Nike+ Human Race t-shirt sales and a donation of USD $1 million from Nike.
The Nike+ Human Race will also feature an online pledge tool so individual runners can donate additional funds to the cause of their choice and invite friends and family to contribute on their behalf.
"As a committed runner and a cancer survivor, I'm proud to be participating in the Nike+ Human Race," Lance Armstrong said. "The race offers the best of both worlds by bringing together a global community to run together and support worthy causes like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org and WWF in our combined efforts to have a positive impact on the world."
Other Nike athletes will also be joining the movement to run with the world and for a cause. Like Lance Armstrong, they will serve as honorary athlete ambassadors for the charities and join in Human Race activities. Six-time marathon winner and current NY Marathon Champion, Paula Radcliffe and middle distance runner Kara Goucher will be running to support WWF, while marathoner Meb Keflezighi will be representing ninemillion.org.
Nikeplus.com will be the official destination for the Nike+ Human Race and for all pre-race training needs. Here, runners can create a personal profile page or stay motivated by sampling and downloading the latest in Nike+ Sport Music offerings. Sport Music offers runners the best in original Training Run and Coaching Mixes designed specifically for treadmill and road runs. Beginning June 15, runners will also be able to visit Race City pages covering local race info and news, Training pages for information and links to in-city training runs, events with official race partners including 24Hour Fitness and Starbucks and Nike+ Coach training. Gear pages covering the latest in Nike performance training gear and Nike+ product will also be offered.
For more information on the Nike+ Human Race and a complete listing of race cities visit nikeplus.com.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Kanye West To Open Restaurant Chain
Kanye West has a treat for all the West Coasters in Chicago: The rapper’s KW Foods LLC got a license to open 10 Fatburger restaurants in his hometown, Chicago Business reported.
According to a spokesperson of Fatburger Corp., Kanye West’s KW Foods LLC, has the rights to develop 10 Fatburgers in Chicago area!
The first burger joint is set to open up in September (date to be determined) at 15110 S. La Grange Road- Orland Park. The 2,353-square-foot fast-food will feature 74seats. He hopes to open a second Fatburger in January 95th and Western Avenue- Evergreen Park in Beverly neighborhood. He also has a spot picked for the third location, but the lease has yet to be finalized. A spokesperson for the burger chain confirmed Kanye’s plans. Kanye West’s 10 restaurants will join the 93 Fatburger outlets that already exist across the US and Canada.
The restaurants maintain that old-fashioned atmosphere, with three jukeboxes (will they all play hip-hop music?) and the famous slogan “The Last Great Hamburger Stand.”
Fatburger is a California burger institution and is In-N-Out Burger’s biggest competition. And, well, we all know how much Kanye likes a little competition.
Fatburger, which primarily calls California home, is a popular fast-food chain. This will be the first restaurant in Chicago.
It appears that hip hop and Fatburger have a longer history together, which goes beyond West entrepreneurial approach. Notorious BIG and Ice Cube had their rhymes, rapping about the burgers, moreover, Beastie Boys had their own lyrics dedicated to the tasty food. Also, it is rumored that Queen Latifah and E-40 own franchises as well, while Pharrell Williams’ outlet competes with the Chinese gastronomic tradition in nowhere else but China.
In the meantime, Kanye West is reportedly going back in the studio to prepare some new material. His last released album is called “Graduation.” Reports state that the rapper is currently working with Jay-Z, preparing the release of his forthcoming album, “Blueprint 3.” Leaks on the internet revealed that one of the tracks on the album is titled “Jockin' Jay-Z.” Although the media rumored that Kanye West is to produce the greatest part of Jay-Z’s album, neither part has confirmed or denied the allegations.
Friday, August 8, 2008
BLUEPRINT 3!!!
NEW YORK — Kanye West closed his Glow in the Dark show at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night with a major announcement: He's producing tracks for Jay-Z's next album, Blueprint 3. And Hova just so happened to be on hand to premiere one of the album's tracks.
After the last song of his performance, Kanye told the crowd that 20 years from now, they would be recognizing him and some of his peers, such as Glow in the Dark tourmate Pharrell Williams, as some of the all-time greats. Acknowledging his great success and loss in the past year, he told the audience — which included Q-Tip and Andre 3000 — that he was evolving and not going to be as selfish as he was in the past. ('Ye gave another reflective speech during Tuesday's MSG show.)
A story followed of how when he's in the studio producing tracks, he'll usually snatch the beat for himself, unless his friend and G.O.O.D. Music act Common is there. But on a recent trip to Hawaii, West said he changed his M.O. While in the studio in paradise, he told himself, "Every beat I do is for this person."
He promised to play a track for the concertgoers, but didn't tell them he had a bonus. As the bass kicked in for a song that is sure to heat up the clubs and streets before the summer is done, Jay-Z walked out and started to rap. (Kanye has posted video of the song on his blog.)
You would have needed the computer-chip-enhanced hearing of the Bionic Woman to make out everything the Brooklyn native was saying over the roar of the crowd. But his rap started off with a reference to his recent verbal dust-up with Oasis leader Noel Gallagher, who objected to a hip-hop artist (Jay) headlining England's traditionally rock-oriented Glastonbury festival earlier this summer: "That bloke from Oasis said I couldn't play guitar / Somebody shoulda told him I'm a f---in' rock star." He went on to rap about his female fans, including the line, "I'm like, 'Life ain't fair/ Chill, baby girl, my girl is here.' "
Kanye kept yelling a chorus that sounded like "Jockin' Jay-Z, jockin' Jay-Z." And there was no mistaking Jigga's call of "Blueprint 3," getting the crowd excited for the second sequel to one of the cornerstones of his lauded catalog of classics. Rumors of the album began this January, when a track called "Ain't I" leaked, but Jay's reps denied that the song was new.
Jay and Kanye gave no other details about the project before exiting. The spectators mixed chants of "Kaaan-yaaaay!" and "Hov-vvvvvaaaaah!" well after the house lights came on.
"I really went to see the show," Jay explained to Angela Yee and Elliott Wilson on Sirius radio's Shade 45 morning show Thursday. "I walk into the dressing room, and [Kanye's] like, 'Let's do a record. Let's do this.' I'm like, 'C'mon, man.' But you know, I couldn't tell him no. It's his show. That was the idea; he wanted to [perform] a new record."
Hov said he didn't know if the Blueprint 3 would be coming out this year, but there are tracks for it in the can. He also acknowledged a recent MTV News article in which Timbaland said the two of them had talked about making an entire album together.
"We spoke about doing an album; it just was premature," Jay explained.
When the first Blueprint came out in 2001, some critics and fans said it was as good or even better than his discography's crown jewel, Reasonable Doubt. West's production on Blueprint, for records such as "Never Change," "The Takeover" and lead cut "Izzo," was his conduit to eventual superstardom. Oddly enough, Jay premiered the first record from that LP while performing onstage as well, at the 2001 BET Awards.
[This story was originally published at 9:00 a.m. ET on 08.07.2007]
This report is provided by MTV News!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
"CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING"
Jul 21, 2008
MTV'S CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST GIVE BACK TO IRAQ WAR VETERANS WITH THE POWERFUL MTV NEWS DOCUMENTARY
"CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING"
MONDAY, JULY 28TH AT 10PM ET/PT
New York, NY (July 21, 2008) – In this next installment of "Choose or Lose," MTV's ongoing campaign to bring awareness to young veterans issues, MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" set to air on Monday, July 28 at 10pm ET/PT. In this one hour special, Kanye West, along with MTV's Sway Calloway, give recently returned Iraq war veterans the surprise of their lives by unexpectedly visiting their homes. Viewers will see first-hand the d if ficult and often painful challenges young vets face when they return home. In order to make sure that the stories are heard Sway and Kanye traveled to the homes of veterans, heard their stories and expressed gratitude for their service. But it didn't end there…On behalf of MTV and the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Sway and Kanye gave each veteran a life changing gift. Debts were paid off, rents were taken care of and tuitions were funded.
"There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacr if ices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about" said Kanye West. "I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their first hand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories."
"The stories of the veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are important and worth telling." said Dave Sirulnick, Executive Vice President for MTV News and Production. "In conversations with veterans over the last year, it became clear that Kanye's music is used by soldiers in Iraq as a way of connecting to home. Once these veterans return home, their stories are so moving that you can't help but want to do the right thing and help them out."
The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America 's returning armed forces. The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan . The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through Chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation.
Viewers can go to Chooseorlose.com and interact with the show and the veterans, find ways to take action on these issues and share their own thoughts on the subject. They can also get more information on the veterans featured by clicking on the following profile links also available on chooseorlose.com: Tirann Lewis, Shameeka Gray and Lorenzo Zarate.
Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq . Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.
The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will also be available on MTV Mobile through all of its wireless carrier distribution partners. To receive regular alerts on their mobile phone, viewers will be able to text ST to 84465 from MTV's 51 "Street Team '08" members, specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington , D.C. , covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. There will also be weekly MTV News stories on issues that affect young veterans. Online viewers will be able to get a sneak peek of the special on Friday, July 25th when the first act will be featured on the home page of AOL and within AOL Music's The Boombox (http://www.theboombox.com/) and PopEater (http://www.popeater.com/) sections, as well as AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/) and AOL News (http://news.aol.com/entertainment).
"Choose or Lose '08" (http://www.ChooseorLose.com) is MTV's Emmy-Award winning campaign to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. First launched in 1992, the campaign has helped fuel several of the largest youth voter turnouts in US history, including in 2004, when it helped inspire nearly 22 million 18-30 year olds to register and vote. Other elements of "Choose or Lose '08" include the pioneering MTV / MySpace Presidential Dialogue Series, which has featured Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Governor Huckabee and Representative Paul taking unfiltered questions – in person and online, in real time – from youth nationwide; "Choose or Lose Presents Clinton & Obama Answer Young Veterans"; and MTV "Street Team '08," 51 specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington, D.C., covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. "Street Team" members file weekly multi-media reports, tailor their coverage for mobile devices and focus on the political issues that most impact young people in their respective states. On July 4th Choose or Lose presented exclusive 60-second video messages on MTV2 from presumptive Presidential candidates, republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama. These messages paid tribute to the young men and women who have served in the nation's armed forces. All "Choose or Lose" content – plus more information on the candidates, issues, registering to vote and a spirited debate – can be found on http://www.ChooseorLose.com.
Think MTV (Think.MTV.com) is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions – via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs – and connect with others to make a d if ference. The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more. For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com.
About The Dr. Donda West Foundation
The mission of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, formerly known as the Kanye West Foundation, is to help combat the severe dropout problem in schools across the United States by partnering with community organizations to provide underserved youth access to music production programs that will enable them to unleash their creative ability and reach their full potential. Kanye's vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, is its inaugural program, "Loop Dreams", a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate. Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum. Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success. Dr. Donda West Foundation is committed to providing high quality programs in partnership with community organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California where Loop Dreams is currently implemented.
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries—giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… http://www.mtvpress.com.
# # #
MTV'S CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST GIVE BACK TO IRAQ WAR VETERANS WITH THE POWERFUL MTV NEWS DOCUMENTARY
"CHOOSE OR LOSE & KANYE WEST PRESENT: HOMECOMING"
MONDAY, JULY 28TH AT 10PM ET/PT
New York, NY (July 21, 2008) – In this next installment of "Choose or Lose," MTV's ongoing campaign to bring awareness to young veterans issues, MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" set to air on Monday, July 28 at 10pm ET/PT. In this one hour special, Kanye West, along with MTV's Sway Calloway, give recently returned Iraq war veterans the surprise of their lives by unexpectedly visiting their homes. Viewers will see first-hand the d if ficult and often painful challenges young vets face when they return home. In order to make sure that the stories are heard Sway and Kanye traveled to the homes of veterans, heard their stories and expressed gratitude for their service. But it didn't end there…On behalf of MTV and the Dr. Donda West Foundation, Sway and Kanye gave each veteran a life changing gift. Debts were paid off, rents were taken care of and tuitions were funded.
"There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacr if ices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about" said Kanye West. "I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their first hand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories."
"The stories of the veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are important and worth telling." said Dave Sirulnick, Executive Vice President for MTV News and Production. "In conversations with veterans over the last year, it became clear that Kanye's music is used by soldiers in Iraq as a way of connecting to home. Once these veterans return home, their stories are so moving that you can't help but want to do the right thing and help them out."
The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America 's returning armed forces. The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan . The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through Chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation.
Viewers can go to Chooseorlose.com and interact with the show and the veterans, find ways to take action on these issues and share their own thoughts on the subject. They can also get more information on the veterans featured by clicking on the following profile links also available on chooseorlose.com: Tirann Lewis, Shameeka Gray and Lorenzo Zarate.
Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq . Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.
The "Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming" special will also be available on MTV Mobile through all of its wireless carrier distribution partners. To receive regular alerts on their mobile phone, viewers will be able to text ST to 84465 from MTV's 51 "Street Team '08" members, specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington , D.C. , covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. There will also be weekly MTV News stories on issues that affect young veterans. Online viewers will be able to get a sneak peek of the special on Friday, July 25th when the first act will be featured on the home page of AOL and within AOL Music's The Boombox (http://www.theboombox.com/) and PopEater (http://www.popeater.com/) sections, as well as AOL Video (http://video.aol.com/) and AOL News (http://news.aol.com/entertainment).
"Choose or Lose '08" (http://www.ChooseorLose.com) is MTV's Emmy-Award winning campaign to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. First launched in 1992, the campaign has helped fuel several of the largest youth voter turnouts in US history, including in 2004, when it helped inspire nearly 22 million 18-30 year olds to register and vote. Other elements of "Choose or Lose '08" include the pioneering MTV / MySpace Presidential Dialogue Series, which has featured Senators McCain, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Governor Huckabee and Representative Paul taking unfiltered questions – in person and online, in real time – from youth nationwide; "Choose or Lose Presents Clinton & Obama Answer Young Veterans"; and MTV "Street Team '08," 51 specially-recruited citizen journalists, one in each state and Washington, D.C., covering the 2008 elections from a youth perspective. "Street Team" members file weekly multi-media reports, tailor their coverage for mobile devices and focus on the political issues that most impact young people in their respective states. On July 4th Choose or Lose presented exclusive 60-second video messages on MTV2 from presumptive Presidential candidates, republican Senator John McCain and Democratic Senator Barack Obama. These messages paid tribute to the young men and women who have served in the nation's armed forces. All "Choose or Lose" content – plus more information on the candidates, issues, registering to vote and a spirited debate – can be found on http://www.ChooseorLose.com.
Think MTV (Think.MTV.com) is dynamic, multimedia-driven and enables youth to easily learn more about the issues that matter to them most, share their opinions – via uploaded online videos, podcasts and blogs – and connect with others to make a d if ference. The site is one of the only to reward members for positive actions taken online or off, serving up chances to hang out with socially conscious celebs, access to exclusive MTV events, exposure on MTV and other national media outlets, as well as grants, scholarships and more. For more information or to build a profile and become involved, visit Think.MTV.com.
About The Dr. Donda West Foundation
The mission of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, formerly known as the Kanye West Foundation, is to help combat the severe dropout problem in schools across the United States by partnering with community organizations to provide underserved youth access to music production programs that will enable them to unleash their creative ability and reach their full potential. Kanye's vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation, is its inaugural program, "Loop Dreams", a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate. Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum. Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success. Dr. Donda West Foundation is committed to providing high quality programs in partnership with community organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California where Loop Dreams is currently implemented.
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries—giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… http://www.mtvpress.com.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Kanye West Announced As Grand Finale Performance For The Nike+ Human Race - The World's Largest One Day Running Event
Kanye West Announced As Grand Finale Performance For The Nike+ Human Race - The World's Largest One Day Running Event
Moby Confirmed To Play London as Online Registration Opens Globally
BEAVERTON, Ore., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Music takes center stage on the heels of the official registration opening for the Nike+ Human Race, the world's biggest one-day running event taking place on August 31, 2008. The race brings together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet. Participants in this unprecedented event will experience an exclusive music performance by some of today's top artists in each of the 25 designated race cities.
In Los Angeles, nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Kanye West will headline the run's post race concert for the grand finale of the 25-city Nike+ Human Race. Runners will take to the streets passing the city's most famous landmarks before ending at the LA Coliseum to see West take the stage.
"I'm hitting the stage in Los Angeles for the Nike+ Human Race, Nike's dopest 10k run ever. This race is bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to run and listen to some great music while serving a higher cause, and I'm excited to perform in L.A. as part of the grand finale," said West.
West's performance will bring to a close, an unprecedented day of races and activities around the globe starting in Taipei, ending in LA and including cities across Europe, Asia and North and South America.
In London, runners will be treated to an exclusive performance by world-renowned American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer Moby in the city's famed Wembley Stadium. Other all-star artists confirmed to play at the Nike+ Human Race include chart-topping rock band All-American Rejects in NY; hometown favorite Fall Out Boy in Chicago; R&B songstress Kelly Rowland in Paris; dance-electro-pop duo The Pinker Tones in Madrid, Turkish pop sensation Kenan Dogulu in Istanbul; the Fantastic Four in Munich; Beijing-based singing duo Yu Quan in Shanghai and American rock band Boy Likes Girl in Singapore.
Beyond running and music, the Nike+ Human Race is also an opportunity to give back. Participants will be able to run for a worthy cause and support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- uniting people in the fight against cancer; WWF -- the global conservation organization addressing the causes and impacts of climate change; and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign -- bringing sport and education to refugee youth. Together, Nike and runners will raise funds to donate at least USD $3 million to the Nike+ Human Race charities. Money will be raised via givebacks from registration fees, a percentage of Nike+ Human Race t-shirt sales and a donation of USD $1 million from Nike.
The Nike+ Human Race will also feature an online pledge tool so individual runners can donate additional funds to the cause of their choice and invite friends and family to contribute on their behalf.
"As a committed runner and a cancer survivor, I'm proud to be participating in the Nike+ Human Race," Lance Armstrong said. "The race offers the best of both worlds by bringing together a global community to run together and support worthy causes like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org and WWF in our combined efforts to have a positive impact on the world."
Other Nike athletes will also be joining the movement to run with the world and for a cause. Like Lance Armstrong, they will serve as honorary athlete ambassadors for the charities and join in Human Race activities. Six-time marathon winner and current NY Marathon Champion, Paula Radcliffe and middle distance runner Kara Goucher will be running to support WWF, while marathoner Meb Keflezighi will be representing ninemillion.org.
Nikeplus.com will be the official destination for the Nike+ Human Race and for all pre-race training needs. Here, runners can create a personal profile page or stay motivated by sampling and downloading the latest in Nike+ Sport Music offerings. Sport Music offers runners the best in original Training Run and Coaching Mixes designed specifically for treadmill and road runs. Beginning June 15, runners will also be able to visit Race City pages covering local race info and news, Training pages for information and links to in-city training runs, events with official race partners including 24Hour Fitness and Starbucks and Nike+ Coach training. Gear pages covering the latest in Nike performance training gear and Nike+ product will also be offered.
For more information on the Nike+ Human Race and a complete listing of race cities visit nikeplus.com.
About Nike+ Human Race
On 08.31.08, Nike hosts a run like no other before with the Nike+ Human Race -- the World's Largest One Day Running Event. Nike's first global race will take place over the course of one day, with a goal of one million runners, across 25 cities and featuring 25 top musical acts. The 10k event celebrates runners and their sport, offering participants across the globe the chance to run and compete together in an unprecedented race experience. Spanning multiple continents, Nike+ Human Race cities will include LA, New York, London, Madrid, Paris, Istanbul, Melbourne, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and Vancouver among others. Following races in each city, participants will be treated to an exclusive music concert featuring one of today's top artists. Participants will be able to run for a cause as a portion of funds raised will be donated to three Nike+ Human Race beneficiaries: WWF, the global conservation organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation and UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign. The race will be open to anyone, anywhere. Runners outside of the 25 race day cities can join by logging into nikeplus.com. With the help of Nike+ and the Nike+ SportBand, every city and every road can become a race-day course. For more information, visit nikeplus.com.
About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit http://www.nikebiz.com/.
Source: Nike
Web site: http://www.nikeplus.com/
http://www.nikebiz.com/
Moby Confirmed To Play London as Online Registration Opens Globally
BEAVERTON, Ore., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Music takes center stage on the heels of the official registration opening for the Nike+ Human Race, the world's biggest one-day running event taking place on August 31, 2008. The race brings together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet. Participants in this unprecedented event will experience an exclusive music performance by some of today's top artists in each of the 25 designated race cities.
In Los Angeles, nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Kanye West will headline the run's post race concert for the grand finale of the 25-city Nike+ Human Race. Runners will take to the streets passing the city's most famous landmarks before ending at the LA Coliseum to see West take the stage.
"I'm hitting the stage in Los Angeles for the Nike+ Human Race, Nike's dopest 10k run ever. This race is bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to run and listen to some great music while serving a higher cause, and I'm excited to perform in L.A. as part of the grand finale," said West.
West's performance will bring to a close, an unprecedented day of races and activities around the globe starting in Taipei, ending in LA and including cities across Europe, Asia and North and South America.
In London, runners will be treated to an exclusive performance by world-renowned American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer Moby in the city's famed Wembley Stadium. Other all-star artists confirmed to play at the Nike+ Human Race include chart-topping rock band All-American Rejects in NY; hometown favorite Fall Out Boy in Chicago; R&B songstress Kelly Rowland in Paris; dance-electro-pop duo The Pinker Tones in Madrid, Turkish pop sensation Kenan Dogulu in Istanbul; the Fantastic Four in Munich; Beijing-based singing duo Yu Quan in Shanghai and American rock band Boy Likes Girl in Singapore.
Beyond running and music, the Nike+ Human Race is also an opportunity to give back. Participants will be able to run for a worthy cause and support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- uniting people in the fight against cancer; WWF -- the global conservation organization addressing the causes and impacts of climate change; and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign -- bringing sport and education to refugee youth. Together, Nike and runners will raise funds to donate at least USD $3 million to the Nike+ Human Race charities. Money will be raised via givebacks from registration fees, a percentage of Nike+ Human Race t-shirt sales and a donation of USD $1 million from Nike.
The Nike+ Human Race will also feature an online pledge tool so individual runners can donate additional funds to the cause of their choice and invite friends and family to contribute on their behalf.
"As a committed runner and a cancer survivor, I'm proud to be participating in the Nike+ Human Race," Lance Armstrong said. "The race offers the best of both worlds by bringing together a global community to run together and support worthy causes like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org and WWF in our combined efforts to have a positive impact on the world."
Other Nike athletes will also be joining the movement to run with the world and for a cause. Like Lance Armstrong, they will serve as honorary athlete ambassadors for the charities and join in Human Race activities. Six-time marathon winner and current NY Marathon Champion, Paula Radcliffe and middle distance runner Kara Goucher will be running to support WWF, while marathoner Meb Keflezighi will be representing ninemillion.org.
Nikeplus.com will be the official destination for the Nike+ Human Race and for all pre-race training needs. Here, runners can create a personal profile page or stay motivated by sampling and downloading the latest in Nike+ Sport Music offerings. Sport Music offers runners the best in original Training Run and Coaching Mixes designed specifically for treadmill and road runs. Beginning June 15, runners will also be able to visit Race City pages covering local race info and news, Training pages for information and links to in-city training runs, events with official race partners including 24Hour Fitness and Starbucks and Nike+ Coach training. Gear pages covering the latest in Nike performance training gear and Nike+ product will also be offered.
For more information on the Nike+ Human Race and a complete listing of race cities visit nikeplus.com.
About Nike+ Human Race
On 08.31.08, Nike hosts a run like no other before with the Nike+ Human Race -- the World's Largest One Day Running Event. Nike's first global race will take place over the course of one day, with a goal of one million runners, across 25 cities and featuring 25 top musical acts. The 10k event celebrates runners and their sport, offering participants across the globe the chance to run and compete together in an unprecedented race experience. Spanning multiple continents, Nike+ Human Race cities will include LA, New York, London, Madrid, Paris, Istanbul, Melbourne, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and Vancouver among others. Following races in each city, participants will be treated to an exclusive music concert featuring one of today's top artists. Participants will be able to run for a cause as a portion of funds raised will be donated to three Nike+ Human Race beneficiaries: WWF, the global conservation organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation and UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign. The race will be open to anyone, anywhere. Runners outside of the 25 race day cities can join by logging into nikeplus.com. With the help of Nike+ and the Nike+ SportBand, every city and every road can become a race-day course. For more information, visit nikeplus.com.
About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit http://www.nikebiz.com/.
Source: Nike
Web site: http://www.nikeplus.com/
http://www.nikebiz.com/
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