Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN)
won a victory yesterday (August 18th), when a judge ruled that part of New York’s
lobbying law was unconstitutional. Simmons and Dr. Ben Chavis, were being investigated
over money spent during a 2003 rally against the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The
commission claimed HSAN was acting as a lobby group, while HSAN argued they
were exercising their rights to free speech. The state expects to appeal the
decision.
Malaysian Hip-Hop
Artist Joe Flizzow will make his United States debut at the 3rd Annual Dragon’s
Roar Music and Arts Showcase Festival on Friday September 17. The event is taking
place at one of Hollywood’s well known venues, “The Sunset Room”
“Too Phat offers a very refreshing genre of music which is gradually accepted
by fans. Coupled with their success in Malaysia, we think there is a good potential
for the band here,” Said Valerie Lim, Managing Director, EMI Music Singapore
Mos Def will perform
a unique show next week as part of a concert series being promoted by popular
New York nightspot, Joe’s Pub. Mos Def’s Big Band will play on August
27th at the Delacorte Theatre in New York’s Central Park. Reports said
Mos Def will showcase material from Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Gil-Scott Heron
and his own original compositions. Living Colour’s drummer Will Calhoun
will serve as musical director.
American Eagle Outfitters has hooked up with cutting edge acts from a variety
of genre to support their latest marketing campaign, “AE Jeans Will Rock
You.” The company is auctioning one-of-a-kind Gibson guitars that have
been customized by such artists as D12, N.E.R.D., Danger Mouse, The Black Eyed
Peas, Ima Robot and others. The bidding starts August 24th and ends September
2nd. All proceeds from the auction benefit VH1’s Save the Music Foundation.