4th Annual Comics Rock! Convention Hits LA

Hollywood, CA - What do you get when you mix a room full of comedic talent? Comedians that rock, that's what! Funny lady Hope Flood is taking over the stage once again with her 4th Annual Comics Rock! Convention, April 23 through 26, 2015, in the comedy capital, Los Angeles! The Comics Rock! Convention (CRC) will gather a diverse group of professional talent, from up and comers to veteran stand ups, with the intent of discoursing all things related to the industry of funny and beyond. Workshops and seminars will be held at comedian/radio personality J. Anthony Brown's JSpot Comedy Club, located 5581 W Manchester Boulevard in Westchester, CA. Master comic, social/civil rights activist and humanitarian Dick Gregory will be the keynote speaker at the convention on Saturday, April 25, during a luncheon held at The Mavericks Flat Bar & Grill on 4225 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. A legendary octogenarian, Gregory was recently feted with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.   Industry experts such as Kym Whitley (OWN TV's "Raising Whitley"), Luenell ("Katt Williams: American Hustle"), Mother Love (LA Talk Radio's "The Mother Love Show"), Rodney Perry (BET's "The Mo'Nique Show"), Shang Forbes (BET's "Comic View"), Joe Torry ("Def Comedy Jam") and The Mooney Twins (sons of comedy legend Paul Mooney) are only a sampling of the talent slated to conduct workshops and seminars over the course of the four days. Workshops including "Social Media & More," "The Art of Stand-Up Comedy," and "Intro to Voiceovers" will assist comedians with conquering every aspect of the business. On Saturday, April 25, KJLH radio host Tammi Mac will also lend her comedic flair with her "On the Radio" workshop.   "Comics On the Catwalk 4a Cause Fashion & Comedy Show," featuring a special musical guest and after party, promises to be an added event highlight. A co-production with Los Angeles' premier event host, Kevin Rouse of Rouse House Entertainment, comedienne Cocoa Brown (Tyler Perry's "For Better or Worse") and comic and New York's KISS-FM morning show host, Talent Harris, will preside as comedians temporarily forfeit stand-up for fashion on the runway. The affair will benefit The American Diabetes Association and A Nickel of Hope, Inc., a non-profit founded by Hope Flood that helps mentor at-risk girls in the inner cities ( www.anickelofhope.org ). "Comics On the Catwalk 4a Cause Fashion & Comedy Show," will take place Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. at OHM Nightclub, 6801 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. Tickets for this fundraising event are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comics-on-the-catwalk-for-a-cause-2015-tickets-16368124501 .     Comics Rock! founder, comedienne Hope Flood As the founder of Females in Comedy Association (FICA), Flood originally launched her comedy convention a few years ago as the "Females in Comedy Convention," but has since expanded her vision to embrace both genders. With FICA however, she continues to offer female comedians tools for networking, mentoring, and collaborating as well as fueling awareness for comediennes in the entertainment industry. Comics Rock! will honor females in comedy with a special day of gifting and pampering.   "Comedy on stage and in life is a crucial component for happiness," cites Flood. "This year's convention is particularly special as we acknowledge all things funny but also all things crucial to survival in this ever changing business. It is especially heart warming for me to pay tribute to pioneer and icon, Dick Gregory. As a guide and mentor, it is his work and dedication that drives me to continue to present this convention year after year."   Hope Flood has always made waves with her humor, reaching beyond the stage to influence and motivate.  Early on in her career she was not only producing weekly showcases that served to propel the career of many comedians, but also publishing her own magazine, "Comedy the Magazine," the first nationally distributed comedy magazine. She has served as an on-air radio personality on Dallas' KRNB 105.7 radio with BJ & The Morning Show and has appeared on the Russell Simmon's HBO All-Star Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central's "Comic Groove" hosted by Tracy Morgan, and "Comics Unleashed Hot Chocolate with Byron Allen," to name a few. Hope has been a semi-finalist in the Old English 800 Women's Comedy Crunch and a two-time semi-finalist in the Bay Area Black Comedy Competition.    For registration and more information regarding sponsorship, vendors or attendance, go to www.comicsrockconvention.com. The Comics Rock! Convention is going to seriously shake up the funny.

Will Downing Teases Fans With 'Chocolate Drops'

To some, Will Downing is known as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul.” He could also go by the alias, WD Chocolate.  It’s no small coincidence that you can use the same words describing the taste of chocolate to define the “Will Downing sound”?  Don’t believe it? Let’s test it.   Rich…Smooth…Silky…Irresistible…Addictive.  If you share cravings for both, you can get your fix when you unwrap the sweet poetic symbolism of his 18^th studio release…wait for it…Chocolate Drops.

Chocolate Drops is Will Downing’s heart-shaped music sampler for the many fans that have followed his incredible 27 year career.  Like any good sampler, it’s a pleasing mix of the things you love and expect along with a few tasty surprises.  What should be correctly expected is the classy high-quality vocals, songwriting and production that has been increasingly handled by Downing himself over the last decade.  The surprises come in the form of some bold and daring interpretative/remake choices. 

So let’s dig into this ear-candy!  Can’t start without first appreciating the wrapper, which for the second release in a row, features “Ohio Players-esque” cover art showcasing the sensual female form in lieu of the slick shots of Downing we’ve seen over the years.  The release kicks off in fine fashion with the uplifting message and Stepper’s tempo of “This Song Is For You”, sure to touch anyone needing an extra kick of motivation just to make it through the day.  Immediately following is the album’s first single, “I Could Never Say No To You”, a mid-tempo expression of the sometimes crazy desire to always please and never disappoint the ones we love.  Rounding out this opening trio of songs co-written and co-produced by Downing and Grammy Nominated keyboardist Chris “Big Dog” Davis, is a slight departure from the norm, “Till U Come Back”…(this is that chocolate drop with the cream filling in the middle that you didn’t see coming)!  You might not be use to hearing Will Downing like this, but you’ll hope you get a chance to in the future.

The Atlantic Starr gem, “Let’s Get Closer”, is the first of the three interpreted classics on Chocolate Drops, which is no easy feat considering how well engrained the original has been in the collective music memory of the listening public all these years.  Downing manages to put his unique production stamp on it and yet retain that familiar Quiet-Storm vibe.  Another trio of originals cue up next with, singer-songwriter Gordon Chambers and band member Mike Logan teaming up with Downing on one of the more Urban Jazz formatted songs on the album, “Deep As The Ocean”, which contains a beautiful break from the expert bow of violinist Regina Carter.   New collaborators Aaron Marcellus and Producer Shedrick Mitchell penned the final two new songs, “Run Away, Fall In Love” and “It’s Real” and show a true gift for writing catchy hooks that linger on the palate long after the last note fades.

Chocolate Drops is far from done at this point…we’re just getting to the “daring” part!  Will Downing loves to re-imagine songs made famous by female vocalists and put a male point of view of them.  This time he chose one of the biggest hits by arguably the most iconic female voice of this generation…the late great Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You”!  You read that right!  I’m not personally familiar with anyone touching this…male or female…in the 30 years since it’s release, and there couldn’t be a greater natural vocal range difference between the two artists…but somehow (after the initial shock) you won’t find it strange at all.  In fact it’s a fitting tribute to the fallen songbird.  But as they say, wait…that’s not all!  Downing shocks us with one more ace up his sleeve with the late 60’s definitive send up on interracial dating, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouver’s “Does Your Momma Know About Me”.  I think it says a great deal about racial progress in this country that in this day and age you can now simply enjoy the beauty of this song without getting lost in the social statement originally intended.

Will Downing seems to be having so much fun in the studio these days with very little left to prove and the freedom to take all the chances. Downing is the CEO of  Sophisticated Soul Records label imprint and his latest album release, Chocolate Drops is another Prince Of Sophisticated Soul sensational musical gift for all with a  brand new flavor for  your senses!

Downing scheduled two important performance dates in April. For more performances  cities locations, go to www.willdowning.com and tweet Downing
@WILLDOWNING3

04/12/15 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre

04/11/15 New York, NY B.B King Blues Club & Grill

MTV Unveils 'Straight Outta Compton' Posters

Yesterday was the official unveiling of the STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON character posters! Gearing up for the August 14 debut, MTV gave the world a first look at the new faces playing the most notorious group in hip hop. The cast breakdown is as follows:

·         Eazy-E played by Jason Mitchell

·         Ice Cube played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.

·         Dr. Dre played by Corey Hawkins.

·         MC Ren played by Aldis Hodge.

·         DJ Yella played by Neil Brown Jr.

Golub's Friends Finish His 13th Album, 'The Vault'

 

New single from the late guitarist Jeff Golub 

debuts in the Billboard Top 20

New York City (31 March 2015): A few days prior to New Year’s Day, the day guitarist Jeff Golub passed away at age 59, his frequent collaborators Steven Miller, Rick Braun and Bud Harner put the finishing touches on Golub’s 13^th solo album, “The Vault,” a collection of previously unreleased songs and reimagined early career gems that were redecorated with the assistance of some of the artist’s high-profile musician friends. Everyone involved with creating the album that was released today by eOne Music - musicians, producers, songwriters, engineers, mixers, mastering, graphic artists, etc. - donated their time to the project so that all of the money generated by record sales can go to Golub’s family.

One of the new cuts, “Open Up,” featuring the soulful Golub boisterously shredding over a trademark jazzy blues-rock groove produced by Jeff Lorber, debuted last week in the Top 20 of Billboard’s smooth jazz singles chart boding to become the next addition to the artist’s catalogue of No. 1 singles.   

“The Vault” is just the latest rallying of the music community to aid Golub, who succumbed to complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, incurable and aggressive brain disease. Although he wasn’t officially diagnosed until last November, PSP stole his vision in the spring and summer of 2011. An all-star contingent played a sold-out benefit concert that autumn in Southern California to raise money to cover medical expenses. Golub’s motor skills rapidly began to deteriorate while touring in 2013 in support of his final set of all new material, “Train Keeps A Rolling,” and eventually left him unable to play his beloved instrument. After his passing, nearly two dozen prominent recording artists gathered January 21 near the guitarist’s New York City home to play a sold-out tribute benefit concert at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Many of the musicians who appeared on that high-wattage bill perform on “The Vault,” including Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Bill Evans, Philippe Saisse, Steve Ferrone and Braun. Additional album contributors were hitmen Gerald Albright, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Boney James and Peter White.  

The ten-track “The Vault” consists of vastly different versions of seven Golub songs harvested from seminal album releases that were given a fresh twist by the guest artists personally selected by Golub; a soul-stirring live version of the Golub classic “Naked City”; and two previously unreleased selections, “Open Up” and the Saisse-produced “Swagster,” a sweltering swing sparked by Golub’s scalding guitar and Whalum’s impassioned sax wails.           

To help set the stage for “The Vault,” SmoothJazz.com hosted the world premiere of the record on March 28 along with interviews with the guest artists and producers. Last Sunday’s (March 29) episode of Koz’s radio show that airs nationally on SiriusXM’s Watercolors was devoted to the album spotlighted by interview segments with Abair and Braun, and played multiple tunes from the disc. On April 15, SiriusXM’s Watercolors will broadcast the entire Golub all-star tribute concert.

Golub began his career as an ace guitar slinger alongside superstars Rod Stewart, Billy Squier, Peter Wolf and Tina Turner before launching his own chart-topping band, Avenue Blue, leading to his star-making solo career. The Akron, Ohio native is survived by his wife Audrey Stafford Golub, and sons Matthew (14) and Chris (12).

“The Vault” contains the following songs:

“Funky Is As Funky Does”

“One More Excuse To Play The Blues”

“Open Up”

“Gimmie Some”
“Swagster”

“Keep The Ball Rolling”

“Jeff’s Blues (Mama Didn’t)”

“Groanin”

“Atlanta Nights”

“Naked City” (Live)

For additional information about Golub, go to http://jeffgolub.com.

Winners Announced At 30th Stella Awards Show

 ERICA CAMPBELL WALKS AWAY WITH SIX TROPHIES FOR NEW ALBUM "HELP," FOLLOWED BY RICKY DILLARD AND NEW G WITH THREE AWARDS AND DEITRICK HADDON TIED WITH THE WALLS GROUP 

FOR TWO WINS EACH

Tune in to the Stellar Awards premiere on TV One, Easter Sunday 

April 5 at 9pm ET/8pm CT; Will also air in syndication April 6 through May 10 on 150 stations in over 125 markets. 

The Stellar Awards opening performance featured Michelle Williams and a surprise reunion  with Beyonce and Kelly Rowland singing her nominated single, "Say Yes." The Stellar Awards will premiere on TV One Easter Sunday, April 5 @ 9pm ET/8pm CT

Rickey Smiley, Tamela Mann and David Mann

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 29, 2015) - Dubbed the greatest night in Gospel music, the 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas turned "Sin City" into "Salvation City." Celebrating 30 years, the Stellar Awards was co-hosted with comedic flare by  David Mann ("Mann & Wife), Tamela Mann ("Sparkle") and Ricky Smiley ("Dish Nation") during the 2-hour taped telecast premiering Easter Sunday, April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on TV One. The Stellar Awards r ecognizes the year's best performances in the genre, honors Gospel music icons and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the industry.

 

The big surprise of the evening came at the top of the show, when opening act Michelle Williams was joined by former bandmates Beyonce and Kelly Rowland in a show-stopping reunion that brought the audience to its feet singing her song, "Say Yes," a winner for "Best Music Video of the Year."  

Ten-time nominee Erica Campbell took top honors, winning six awards including Artist of the Year, The Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year.  She acknowledged her sister, the other half of award-winning duo Mary Mary in her heartfelt remarks.

"Thank you Tina for saying that you needed a break," said Erica. "...Cause I wouldn't have done it ("Help") if you didn't say that."

Ricky Dillard and New G followed Campbell with three wins, and Deitrick Haddon tied with The Walls Group for two trophies apiece.  On stage after winning the Male Vocalist of the Year award, Haddon expressed gratitude for being recognized following a difficult time in his life. 

 "A couple of years ago I messed up so bad I thought I could never inspire anyone again," he shared. "I was ready to quit and God spoke to me - He said, if you humble yourself I'll lift you up to places you're never seen. This award is for people who think it's over for them."  

 Haddon later brought the house down with a star-studded rendition of "My City" collaborating with Dorinda Clark-Cole, Clareta Haddon, Kierra Sheard, J. Moss, 21:03 and Shelby Five. 

The New Artist of the Year award was presented to Tasha Page-Lockhart, making her first Stellar Awards appearance, performing "Great Is Your Love" and "Faith Come Alive," with fellow first-timers The Walls Group.

Other masterful performances included Smokie Norful, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell and Pastor Beverly Crawford who all delivered passionate hand-clapping and foot-stomping presentations to the delight of the filled-to-capacity crowd.  The Stellar Awards signature is its powerful collaborations, and this year was no exception with Rance Allen Group, Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, as well as Uncle Reece, Willie Moore, Jr. and Canton Jones teaming up to deliver amazing musical numbers.

Bishop Paul Morton received the Allstate James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments and was honored in song by Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr Singers with Zarcadi & Crystal singing a medley of "I'm Still Standing". Al "The Bishop" Hobbs, received the Chevrolet Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award for his career accomplishments on Capitol Hill.  

Yolanda Adams and Israel Houghton performed "How Awesome Is Our God" celebrating the life of Andrae Crouch which set the tone for one of the most moving speeches of the night from his twin sister, Sandra Crouch. Speaking from the heart on behalf of her legendary sibling, Crouch was honored posthumously with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his lifelong contributions to Gospel that have influenced artists from every genre and around the globe. 

"When the storms come and when there are no trophies, no Grammys and there's no light shining," she proclaimed, "...you still say to God be the glory."

This year, award show founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson, implemented a new tradition celebrating the extraordinary achievements in Gospel by presenting the inaugural Stellar Honors Club. In the tradition of the Kennedy Center Honors, The Stellars Honors inductees received a medallion to commemorate excellence in their respective fields. The inaugural awards were conferred upon  Pastor Shirley Ceasar, Byron Cage, Clifton Davis, Ricky Dillard, Kirk Franklin, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Dottie Peoples and  Vickie Winans.

Prior to the show, this year's celebration began with Tye Tribbett hosting a live stream on the star-studded red carpet featuring Gospel greats, television, film and political luminaries such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Gary Dourdan, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Marvin Sapp, Adrienne Baillon, Amber Riley, Denise Boutte, Rev. Clifton Davis, DeVon Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful, Hezekiah Walker, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Dottie Peoples, Loretta Devine, Ben and Jewel Tankard, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones, William McDowell, The Williams Brothers, Miss Robbie Montgomery and Tim Norman, Chante Moore, Earnest Pugh, and Kirk Franklin to list a few.

As a part of the pre-show activities, additional awards were announced during ceremonies held on Friday. All of the Stellar winners are selected by online voters. Following the April 5 premiere on TV One, the 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air in nationwide syndication from April 5 through May 10, 2015.

Don Jackson, CEO and Executive Producer of the show was humbled by the industry's support and the celebratory mood. 

"It's so kind for people to just show up. We appreciate it. We definitely feel the love here in Las Vegas and we're looking at coming back."

*** THE 2015 AWARD WINNERS *** ARTIST OF THE YEAR IS ERICA CAMPBELL  - HELP, MY BLOCK/EONE MUSIC SONG OF THE YEAR WINNER IS TIFFANY JOY MCGHEE, AMAZING - AMAZING (RICKY DILLARD & NEW G), LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR WINNER IS DEITRICK HADDON - DEITRICK HADDON'S LXW, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR WINNER IS ERICA CAMPBELL - "HELP" GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR WINNER IS THE WALLS GROUP - "FAST FORWARD"                                                                         NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR WINNER IS TASHA PAGE-LOCKHART - "HERE RIGHT NOW", FO YO SOUL RECORDINGS/RCA

*** STARS SHINE AT THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY STELLAR AWARDS *** 2015 STELLAR AWARDS PHOTO ALBUM Top Winner of the Evening, Erica Campbell   Kelly Rowland, Michellle Williams and Beyonce New Artist of the Year, Tasha-Page Lockhart Yolanda Adams Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.    Dr. Bobby Jones, Erma Gray-Davis and Don Jackson   Michelle Williams Tye Tribbett Loretta Devine Tim Norman and Miss Robbie

Oxygen Media Increases Original Programming

Oxygen and Esquire Network Greenlight First Ever 

Co-Production With Companion Series 

“Living With Funny” And “Comedians of L.A.” 

 

Network Lands Exclusive Cable Rights To NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution’s Daily Syndicated Comedic Program “Crazy Talk”

NEW YORK, NY – March 30, 2015 – The youngest skewing women’s network in prime, Oxygen Media continues its commitment to increase original programming by 25 percent with eight new series targeting millennial women. Reinforcing the network’s new programming filter, these vibrant and bold series include “Douglas Family Gold,” “The Hustle,” “Pretty. Strong,” “Player Gets Played,” “Boss Nails” and the third installment of the popular franchise, “Preachers of Atlanta.”

The network secured the exclusive cable distribution for the half-hour syndicated daily comedic show, “Crazy Talk,” debuting this fall from NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. As part of NBCUniversal Lifestyle Networks, the announcements were made today at the Bravo Media, Esquire Network and Oxygen Upfront Press Presentation. 

An unprecedented co-production, Oxygen and Esquire Network have greenlit companion docu-series featuring talented and successful comedians, but with an emphasis on different aspects of their lives and told from different viewpoints. The Oxygen series, “Living With Funny,” follows their personal lives and relationships, while the Esquire series, “Comedians of L.A.,” focuses on the working life of a stand-up comedian onstage, backstage, and offstage. The series will air during the same period on each network so fans can follow both shows seamlessly.  

After becoming the network’s highest-rated freshman series premiere among all key demos in 2014, “Sisterhood of Hip Hop” has been picked up for season two with all five cast members returning. In addition, successful business mavens Randi Zuckerberg, Ido Leffler, Sarah Prevette and Lauren Maillian will serve as mentors and investors on “Time to Quit Your Day Job.” Previously announced as “The Investment Club,” this risk-taking new series brings passionate young hopefuls together to pitch their innovative new products and make their mark as successful entrepreneurs. 

“Oxygen is unveiling our most ambitious slate, embracing the new brand filter with bold and optimistic programming for young multicultural women,” said Frances Berwick, President, Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.  “We are excited to be partnering with leading producers to create content that cuts through the clutter, connects our millennial viewers to the things that matter to them, with depictions of real people living life on their own terms.”

Oxygen was a top 25 ad-supported primetime cable entertainment network among F18-34 and F18-49 and the #3 most social cable reality network in 2014. Among the Top 10 most social cable reality networks, Oxygen reached viewers with the greatest number of followers – helping to drive show and advertiser buzz faster and further. Additionally in 2014, Oxygen was the youngest skewing women’s network in primetime by over nine years. Post rebrand (4Q 2014), viewers of Oxygen’s original series are younger and more likely to be early adopters, influential and receptive to advertising.

“With its dynamic slate of programming, Oxygen continues to strengthen its position as the youngest women’s network in prime while providing creative opportunities to seamlessly weave in marketing messages across platforms to reach this unique and coveted millennial audience,” Laura Molen, Executive Vice President, Lifestyle Advertising Sales Group, NBCUniversal.

NEW SERIES:

“Living with Funny” (working title)
Produced by L. Plummer Media with Lemuel Plummer serving as Executive Producer.

This companion docu-series showcases the personal lives behind the curtain of rising comedians in Hollywood and the women in their lives.  Cameras will follow the howling tale of what happens when they drop the mic and come home to their family, friends and significant others. Because when you are a comedian, the jokes don’t stop just because the show does. Brandon T. Jackson is the first comedian to commit to both series.  Additional cast will be announced at later date. 

“Crazy Talk”

Produced and distributed in the U.S. by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution with Paul Faulhaber serving as Executive Producer. 

Hosted by Tanisha Thomas (“Bad Girls Club”) and Ben Aaron (WNBC’s “New York Live”), the fast-paced, laugh-out-loud first-run comedic syndicated daily program raises an eyebrow on the most outlandish and sometimes bizarre moments on reality television. Taped in front of a live studio audience, this half-hour series filled with raw and hilarious banter also invites reality stars to rehash their “15 minutes of fame” and provide insight behind their most-watched clips.

“Pretty. Strong.”
Produced by Relativity Television and Ellen Rakieten Entertainment with Tom Forman, Brad Bishop and Ellen Rakieten serving as Executive Producers.

It is football like you have never seen it before as fierce, young women engage in one of the roughest, yet fastest growing sports in the country— the Legends Football League. This is full contact, hard tackle football with two-time reigning champions the Chicago Bliss going for the coveted three-peat. These athletes are juggling careers as dentists, lawyers, and receptionists, but come game time, they are on a girl power-fueled mission to inspire, blaze trails and defy the odds. 

“The Hustle” (working title)

Produced by NCredible Entertainment with Nick Cannon and Michael Goldman serving as Executive Producers in association with Evolution Media with Douglas Ross, Alex Baskin and Greg Stewart serving as Executive Producers.

Being a boss is tough, but being an assistant is impossible. This coming-of-age series follows the dynamic and hard-working assistants to successful entrepreneurs and entertainers. With blood, sweat and tears, these ambitious 20-somethings are willing to do whatever it takes to learn the ropes one step at a time so they can climb the ranks. These assistants are exposed to a life of privilege at work, traveling on private jets and attending lavish red carpet events, however, at the end of the day, they struggle just to pay rent and find time for their own personal lives.

“Player Gets Played”
Produced by DiGA with Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley and Cheryl Horner Sirulnick serving as Executive Producers.

In each episode, one woman with a lurking suspicion will uncover a heartbreaking truth with the help of social media and friends when it’s revealed she is not the only woman in her boyfriend’s life. These young women are given the ultimate opportunity to change the game without letting him in on the plan. The newly empowered women will join together and plot a surprising confrontation to give the player a taste of his own medicine.

“Douglas Family Gold” (working title)

Produced by WV Enterprises in association with Lionsgate TV and Televisa USA with Wilmer Valderrama, Jessica Acevedo, Natalie Hawkins and Gabrielle Douglas serving as Executive Producers.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas stunned the world in 2012 by becoming the first African American in history to win the individual all-around gold medal at the Summer Olympics.  Behind her meteoric rise was a supportive family willing to sacrifice everything for years to help her dream. Now 19, Gabby is ready to do it all over again in hopes of making it back to the medal podium in 2016. The bi-coastal Douglas family shuttles between California and Ohio to support Gabby’s training regimen while also juggling their own lives.  Her brother John is the family's second Olympic hopeful in track and field, while devoted sisters Arie and Joy are eager to blaze their own paths. “Momager” Natalie keeps this tight-knit family in-check, knowing regardless of what happens, “Team Douglas” has already won gold. 

“Boss Nails”

Produced by Jarrett Creative, with Julie Jarrett, Seth Jarrett and Carmen Mitcho serving as Executive Producers and Rock Shrimp Productions NYC with Bobby Flay and Kim Martin serving as Executive Producers.

Welcome to Tippie Toes Nail & Beauty Salon where Miami’s fashionistas come for one-of-a-kind pop-culture nail designs. This series centers on 26-year-old burgeoning business owner Dana Cody, known for her signature crystal embellished manicures that cost upwards of $10,000, as she juggles managing her boisterous staff, expanding her salon empire, and living up to the legacy her late mother left behind.

“Preachers of Atlanta”
Produced by L. Plummer Media in association with Relevé Entertainment with Lemuel Plummer, Holly Carter, Chris Costine and Mark Scheibal serving as Executive Producers.

Atlanta is not only the home to fast cars, sprawling mansions and the southern elite, but a new generation of up-and-coming preachers who are superstars of the pulpit. The third installation from the popular franchise, “Preachers of Atlanta” documents the lives of the city’s young elite mega-pastors as they focus on the daily struggles and triumphs as husbands, wives, fathers, mothers and friends, while also maintaining their duties as men and women of God.

“Time To Quit Your Day Job” (working title)

Produced by Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company with Phillip D. Segal, Jeff Conroy and Kevin Williams serving as Executive Producers.

Aspiring millennials will have the unique opportunity to pitch themselves and their innovative ideas to Randi Zuckerberg, Ido Leffler, Sarah Prevette and Lauren Maillian, who will also serve as mentors to the young professionals. These hopefuls will have to win the confidence of these four investors and prove they have what it takes to turn their concept into a viable business. 

RETURNING SERIES:

“Sisterhood of Hip Hop” Season Two

Produced by 51 Minds with Christian Sarabia, T.I. and Greg Johnston serving as Executive Producers.

 

With Grammy-Award winning recording artist T.I. as Executive Producer, season two of this powerful and uplifting series will continue to follow the next generation of female MCs on their journey to become the next breakout star with some new twists, more celebrity mentors and break out music.  Navigating the Los Angeles hip-hop scene, these five up-and-coming, ambitious artists— Siya, Nyemiah Supreme, Diamond, Brianna Perry and Bia— are breaking boundaries and rewriting the rules of the male dominated music industry.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, 2014 L7.  Cable ranks includes ad supported cable entertainment networks in M-sun 8pm-11pm primetime, and excludes non-ad supported networks (e.g., pay cable, Disney), sports, news channels and networks that air in less than 50% of the daypart.  Women’s networks = OXY, LIF, WE, OWN, LMN. Social Guide Intelligence; Cable reality networks only, Primetime 8pm-10:59pm, New or Live Episodes. Social ranking based on number of Tweets . Post rebrand = Nielsen Fusion 4Q14 F18-34 (used Apr14-Sep14 study) vs. 4Q13 (used Oct13-Mar14 study).  MS 8p-11p, premieres only.  Influential: People ask my advice before purchasing.  Early Adopter: I’m one of the first to try new products or services.  Ad Receptive: Adv Att: Advertising keeps me up-to-date of products/services that I need/like to have-Describes.  Top Box. Median age of premieres –  4Q14 vs 4Q13, prime MS 8p-11p, premieres only, based on P2+.

About Oxygen Media

Oxygen Media is a multiplatform entertainment brand that targets young, multicultural women.  The network’s relevant and engaging content reflects how real women with real stories see the world – vibrant, optimistic and bold.  Oxygen is the destination where women can come together across multiple platforms to have fun and encourage each other through their individual and collective journeys.  The growing network’s unscripted original programming includes “Sisterhood of Hip Hop,” “The Prancing Elites Project,” “Funny Girls” and the popular “Preachers” franchise.  Available in over 77 million homes, Oxygen is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

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DudeTheArtist Premieres 'Swagg So Loud' Video

(Los Angeles, CA) – After Yahoo Music’s premier of his first music video, “Swagg So Loud” ft. Jemere Morgan, new Hip Hop artist DUDEtheARTIST or “DTA” is releasing the song on all digital platforms. DudeTheArtist has tapped Jemere Morgan, son of reggae legend Roy “Gramps” Morgan, to deliver the infectious chorus “I bet that you can see me now/My swag is so loud/Their screams so loud.”- The overwhelming response from the video has forced Keynote Records to move the availability of the song up a week to capitalize on the momentum. http://youtu.be/KkdoAIOe_Dg

About DudeTheArtist (DTA)

DTA reigns from Palm Beach, FL and is undoubtedly charming, undeniably gifted, wickedly witty and slightly gritty. A part of the college scene, he represents a small breed of college-educated rappers, flowing from Palm Beach State College. His freshman project, Figure of Speech from Keynote Records will certainly make you a fan! The first single, coupled with the music video leaves no explanation as to why he is a guaranteed artist to watch.

DTA’s Figure of Speech EP, highlights his foray onto the music scene. The eight-song collection includes the title track “Figure of Speech,” “Right Now,” “Summer,” “Diss Love Song,” “Side Chick,” “She Got it All” and “Ode to the Legends.” The songs which were produced by DuBloise of Keynote Records showcases DTA’s clever word play and masterful delivery. His songwriting and lyrical display is skillfully intertwined among pulsating beats. For example, “Diss Love Song” is an artful response to a heartbreak from a failed relationship, while “Summer” and “She Got it All” are both fun loving renditions that complements the lead single “Swagg So Loud”. These help to prepare the listener for the grit and street credible “Right Now,” as well as “Ode to the Legends;” both of which DTA uses to pay homage to Hip-Hop industry’s heavy weights that he has tapped into.

DTA’s goal is to not just create music for audiences to hear and forget, he wants to create “mood music” that audiences will listen to and feel, even 10 years down the line. Dude confidently states, “There is a connection between my subject matter, delivery and the public. If I can provoke emotions and thoughts, then I’ve done my job.” With his effervescent charm and confidence beyond his years, he continues stating that in the future he sees himself “making hit music and expanding my brand into other ventures. I see myself on every top ten list with number one hits.” With his talent, level-head and drive, there is no doubt that this will come to fruition.

www.dudetheartist.com

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