The Lyricist Lounge and Current TV have teamed to present an exclusive performance by legendary rapper Rakim. The legendary lyricist will hit the stage at BB Kings in Times Square, New York on Jan. 30. According to sources, the first show, which also features M-1 of dead prez and Ryan Perfect, is already sold out. A second Rakim date has been scheduled for Feb. 27. Tickets for the second show go on sale Sat. Jan. 28 at 12 pm and are available at bbkingblues.com or ticketmaster.com
Cash Money Records has teamed with Virgin Mobile and Universal Music to offer five exclusive ringtones to Virgin Mobile customers. Lil Wayne’s “Way of Life” and “Where You At,” Mannie Fresh’s “Conversation,” Big Tymers “Beat It Up” and Hot Boyz “Respect My Mind” are being offered through Virgin Mobile’s First Dibs program during the month of Feb. “Cash Money Records represents a group of highly talented hip-hop/rap artists that appeal to Virgin Mobile USA’s core demographic.” said Dominick Tolli, vice president of Product Management and Development for Virgin Mobile USA. “We’re excited that our customers will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy these ringtones from the Cash Money label.” In addition to the five exclusive ringtones, 20 other Cash Money tracks are being offered as ringtones.
Latin Hip-Hop mogul Chingo Bling, famed DJ Tony Touch and Jose Cuervo Tequila, the world’s largest Tequila company, have announced a nationwide search for a new generation of Latino artists. “Cuervotón” is a talent search that will showcase new artists and promote Latinos in the music business. Machete Records and Wu-Tang Latino are also taking part in the event. “There are so many people who are hustling for the American Dream,” said Chingo Bling. “Someone coming from nothing and trying to get something. It’s a universal thing and that’s one thing I represent. Through the “Cuervotón” movement we will be able to give struggling Latino artists an opportunity to showcase their individual talents in this country.” The search for talent will take place in New York, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix. One winner from each city will be selected to perform at a star-studded concert in New York on May 18, 2006. “Cuervotón” will be promoted locally through radio promotions in each market.
The Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim ordered 20 new episodes of the controversial cartoon series, “The Boondocks.” The new episodes of the show, which is nominated for an NAACP Image Award, are slated to run later this year. McGruder is executive producer of the show along with Reginald Hudlin.”The Boondocks” follows the adventures of two boys, Riley and Huey Freeman, who experience a culture clash after moving from Chicago’s Southside, to the suburbs with their grandfather. The cartoon, which airs during the Adult Swim block of programming, came under fire over a recent episode. Civil rights activist leader Al Sharpton is demanding an apology from The Cartoon Network, after a Jan. 15 episode aired featuring slain civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. using the N-word – the day before the United States’ national holiday honoring Dr. King. The episode, titled “The Return of the King,” featured King waking from a coma and using the n-word in an angry speech about his issues with today’s society. “We think Aaron McGruder came up with a thought-provoking way of not only showing Dr. King’s bravery, but also of reminding us of what he stood and fought for and why, even today, it is important for all of us to remember that and to continue to take action,” The Cartoon Network said in defense of the episode.