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Looks okay but am I the only one thinking 'War of the Worlds'?

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis rapper Nelly is used to having DJs play his music on the radio. Now, he's the one spinning tunes.

Program director Mickey Johnson says the rapper has joined St. Louis urban station Hot 104.1 (WHHL-FM) as the afternoon drive-time host. He is filling in on the 3-7 p.m. shift for Staci Static, who is on maternity leave.

Station executives expect Nelly's on-air stint to last for about a month.

Johnson says the station wanted someone with star power. In addition to playing music, Nelly will conduct interviews.

New and rising indie hip-hop artist Sonny Black, born and raised in St. Louis, a city with a rich music history which ranges from blues to rock & roll, is gearing up to release his third record to radio, simply called “Toast”. His first two radio releases have charted…can he go 3-for-3?

(PRWEB) August 10, 2010 -- Sonny released “Still Water” to radio in late 2009. Sonny released “Still Water” to radio in late 2009. This record is a Four Tops inspired look at urban realities through the eyes of this insightful artist. Still Water” charted Top-10 on Radiowave tracked satellite and online stations, the same week it was released, alongside such names as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Eminem and 50 Cent. The record was spun at more than 20 FM stations in the US as well as FM, satellite and online station overseas in the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

In early 2010, Sonny released “Party Girl”, a hip-hop club record that gets the ladies out their seats and on the dance floor. This record managed to get rotations at FM in the US, which allowed Sonny to chart on the Mediabase Indie Urban Chart in the 1st week of its release, and for several consecutive weeks thereafter...racking up hundreds of FM spins. With FM airplay still so vital to the success of major labels, this is a huge accomplishment for an indie artist.

Sonny’s latest radio release, “Toast”, a Cab Calloway inspired hip-hop gem with grinding horns and a witty vocal delivery, really displays the personality and charisma of this very talented artist. It will be released to satellite and online radio in mid August, and promoted to FM soon after.

With his diverse creative range, and the image to compliment, Sonny has the potential for appeal across urban, rhythmic and pop genres. As evidence of his range, Sonny recently performed commercial voice-over work for a national toy company’s latest marketing campaign.

When asked what separates him from other artists in a crowded hip-hop market, Sonny…in his Tommy Bahama button down and canvas sandals, peacefully set down his Jack Daniels snifter and responded “…hip-hop is going through period of renaissance, with artists like Drake, Kid Cudi and J Cole; and as a renaissance man, I believe I have the music and the charisma to potentially fill a void in hip-hop and create a lane for myself that hasn’t yet been taken.”

For Booking:

Bill Ray (314) 718-0377

Artist Info:

Sonny Black VPK: www.mcma.com/officialsonny

About the Company

We are a full service concert and event booking agency. We book major artists, some indie artists, event hosts, etc. No event is too large or too small...whether you want an Old School R&B band for a wedding or you need a major artist to fill a 60,000 seat arena...we're happy to assist first time event coordinators as well as seasoned promoters. Inquire about special rates for College sponsored events.

Contact Person – Bill Ray Company Name – The Pandora Agency Telephone Number – (314) 718-0377 Fax Number – (314) 721-5133 Web site address – www.pandoraagency.com

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino overdosed on aspirin and sleeping pills after finding herself in the middle of an ugly divorce involving a married man, celebrity website TMZ reported on Tuesday.

Fantasia, 26, a single mom who won the popular TV singing contest in 2004, was hospitalized in North Carolina on Monday but is stable and is expected to be released soon, her manager said in a statement to TMZ.

The R&B singer was named earlier this week in divorce papers filed by the wife of her long-time boyfriend. Paula Cook also said she believed her husband Antwuan and Fantasia had made a sex tape.

"Yesterday, she was totally overwhelmed by the lawsuit and the media attention. Last night, Fantasia was hospitalized. She took an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid," the statement to TMZ said.

"Fantasia is heartbroken and is sorry for any pain she may have caused," it added, calling her a "fighter and a survivor."

Fantasia failed to find the success enjoyed by the likes of fellow "American Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, but she won critical acclaim on Broadway in 2007 playing the lead in the musical "The Color Purple."

Her third album, "Back to Me", debuts on August 24 and a second season of her reality TV show "Fantasia for Real", about her career and her personal life, kicks off later this year.

(Reporting by Carolina Madrid;Editing by Jill Serjeant)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Britney Spears is set to play a cameo role in an episode of TV musical comedy "Glee" that will be devoted to the pop star's music, the show's creator Ryan Murphy said on Tuesday.

But the episode in the upcoming second season of the hit television show will not poke fun at the former pop princess and her meltdown three years ago, Murphy said.

"Britney, I think 100 percent, is going to be on the episode. She is going to join us for a couple of scenes," Murphy said in an interview with Los Angeles DJ Ryan Seacrest.

Murphy did not say what character Spears, 28, would play in the episode, which he described as "reverential...and so kind...We are handling Britney with kid gloves".

The Britney Spears-themed episode follows "Glee" tributes to the music of Madonna and Lady Gaga earlier this year, although neither of the pop singers appeared in the show.

Murphy said the music of Spears -- who became a worldwide phenomenon 10 years ago with hits like "Oops..I Did it Again" -- would play out as fantasy sequences. Some of the "Glee" high school show choir characters will be in the dentist's chair and will hallucinate about being like the singer.

Spears, whose life spiraled out of control in 2007 and 2008 after a short-lived marriage and two children, made her comeback with the 2008 album "Circus" and a successful world tour. She has since adopted a much lower public profile.

"I really admire what she's done with her life and how she's turned herself around," Murphy said. "Britney Spears is pop culture, and I think she's been through a lot."

"Glee" features a misfit bunch of high school kids in a choir show that sings versions of pop, hip-hop and Broadway songs. It has been nominated for 19 Emmy awards and returns to U.S. television in September. No date has yet been announced for the Britney Spears episode.

Murphy also sought to quash widespread rumors that he is working on a Michael Jackson-themed episode in February that will be broadcast immediately after the 2011 Super Bowl -- the biggest annual TV event in the United States.

He told Seacrest he would like to do a Jackson episode, but said "I don't have the rights to that, and at this point it is really hard to clear Michael Jackson music." Rights to Jackson's work and image are strictly controlled by the executors of the late singer's estate.

Murphy said he would alternatively love to use the music of Prince or The Beatles for the post-Super Bowl episode.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

LONDON (Reuters) – Canadian rock band Arcade Fire notched up their first UK number one album on Sunday when their latest release debuted at the top of the charts, the Official Charts Company said.

"The Suburbs," the band's first album for three years, went one better than their last release "Neon Bible" which reached number two.

U.S. rapper Eminem's "Recovery" dropped to second from the top spot, while London musician Plan B's "The Defamation of Strickland Banks" stayed in third.

In the singles chart, R&B singer Ne-Yo went straight in at number one with "Beautiful Monster."

It was his third UK chart-topper and means he has now sold more than 2 million singles in Britain.

"Club can't handle me" by Flo Rida featuring David Guetta climbed to second, while former number one "We No Speak Americano" by Australian dance act Yolanda Be Cool and producer DCUP falling to third place.

(Reporting by Michael Holden)

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) – When the September issues of fashion magazines -- typically their biggest of the year, ad-wise -- hit newsstands this month, the three most prestigious ones will feature actresses in their 40s on the cover.

Vogue has booked Halle Berry, who turns 44 on Saturday; Harper's Bazaar will have 41-year-old Jennifer Aniston, promoting "The Switch"; and Elle has landed 42-year-old Julia Roberts, promoting her new film, "Eat Pray Love."

Putting these actresses on the cover of arguably the most important issue of the year sends a message that though we live in a youth-obsessed culture, there's still something to be said for the enduring appeal of women who have been in the public eye for nearly 20 years.

Laura Brown, projects/features director at Harper's Bazaar, pointed out that the average reader of the magazine is in their late 30s -- and that the readers view women like Aniston as "aspirational."

"They're cool, fashionable, interesting, compelling -- they have something to say," Brown said. "I love that they've grown into their style. One of the things about getting older is you do grow into your sense of self. You don't look victim-y anymore."

Lesley Jane Seymour, editor of More magazine, which is targeted to women in their 40s and older, echoed that sentiment.

"They're the ones with real style, real staying power, real beauty," said Seymour, who previously edited Marie Claire. "As the American population continues to grow older, everyone can relate better to a woman with a little wear on her tires."

Plus, she added, "Who is there with any kind of real style or longevity in their 30s or 20s right now? Britney Spears? Kim Kardashian? These are flashes in the pan. Many are shallow reality stars like Snooki. Style icon? Um, talk to me in a year. Frankly, it's here today, gone tomorrow. Lindsay Lohan? What's to look up to?"

The statistics for several magazines bear her out. The average age of Vogue cover models in the past year is 34.5; Harper's Bazaar, 32.5; Elle, 31.6; InStyle, 34.2; and W, 34.9. Harper's had the biggest range, putting 17-year-old Miley Cyrus on its February cover and 47-year-old Demi Moore out front in April. (Moore also graced the cover of the December issue of W; she is the oldest cover model for those five magazines.)

Data released Monday by the Audit Bureau of Circulations showed that single-copy sales of magazines dropped by 5.6% in the most recent six-month period measured. So it's ever more important for editors to select cover models who will appeal to people buying mags at newsstands, grocery stores and airports, where, of course, they pay full price. And in that context, older women can seem a safer bet, appealing to a wider audience -- and a wider magazine-buying audience -- than, say, a younger reality show star, singer or actress.

Indeed, it might seem as if the "Twilight" films have taken over the zeitgeist, but those movies' twentysomething stars don't come close to the star power of older actresses. At 46, Sandra Bullock is now the highest-earning woman in Hollywood, according to Forbes; she made $56 million last year with "The Proposal" and "The Blind Side." Rounding out the top five were two actresse

New Songs of today's generation rarely highlight the beautiful girls of the world doing good things. One music artist took it upon himself to celebrate girls striving with songs "Wonderful Girl" and "Sour Sugar." Launching new album "Black Box Dreams 3" on iTunes today, the anticipation is high as he closes in on 4 million Youtube plays and passes 260,000 ringtone downloads for new songs. Celebrate the new music of C.KhiD and watch him grow across the UK, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, US, Mexico, and more.

(PRWEB) August 10, 2010 -- New Songs of today’s generations typically speak about the flaws of girls’ character and habit. New Hip Hop 2010 freshmen C.KhiD says he wants to be known different for his music however. Releasing new songs “Wonderful Girl” and “Sour Sugar” on iTunes, the Hip Hop, Pop, and Rock music songs inspired rapper celebrates beautiful girls everywhere.

“Being different is important. Everybody talks the same monotonous stories. Does not matter if it’s rap, Rock, or pop just listen to lyrics...they’re usually the same from the US to the UK music. The only stuff I look forward to is New Kanye West. My songs are different. They motivate and speak to people who live life never settling,” says the youthful rapper of his new songs.

Launching music videos for each single, fans of the new songs can watch all releases on C.KhiD's official Youtube. With nearly 4 million views and 4,000 subscribers, the rapper’s innovative decisions have been received well by many.

Currently involved in various projects within the Hip Hop music and entertainment scene, C.KhiD has definitely proven he knows how to find success. Moving past old habits to buy LRG clothing and shop for matching sneakers, he’s now more mature and meticulous in character and message. Writing those experiences in new songs, C.KhiD gives listeners experiences of touching success and motivation to use your creativity.

“I’m an extreme hustler and love making new songs. Once in a popular position, I know exactly what to do. I wont be a rapper than spends everything just to Buy G-Shock watches and look cool. Life’s all about having fun but I plan to own a piece of Hip Hop history,” continued C.khiD on his newest songs from the Black Box Dreams 3 album.

A very driven individual, rapper C.KhiD was born on the southern side of the Carolina states. Finding independence at an early age, hustling music, school fund raisers, and gambling is what he credits to some of his business sense. By the time C.KhiD turned 18, he used those developed senses to force his way into the Hip Hop entertainment industry founding the first Hip Hop clothing website, Sojones.

Learning the industry thanks to his new found media power, C.KhiD moved to New York to pursue the Hip Hop entertainment industry around age 18. Finding ways to enter 21 and up parties to accomplish networking goals, he would exit after that was accomplished and return back home to work on his craft. Exhausted by some industry practices, he almost gave up on working with industry professionals but credits a few individuals with keeping his head straight.

Now Launching a web campaign, C.KhiD plans to be a major figure in Hip Hop 2011. Looking to have a hand on what new songs get buzz in late Hip Hop 2010, he is busy hiring writers and launching new urban web sites for future plans. Organizing a network of blogs with content ranging from Nicki Minaj to Lebron James High School sports career, the artist refuses to lose control of his career.

Hoping to reach an audience of millions with his new songs, C.KhiD is an artis

ATLANTA – Everything seems to be falling back into place for T.I. since the rapper ended a 10-month term inside a federal prison and a halfway house earlier this year.

He's got a movie, "Takers," coming out on Aug. 27 and a new album, "King Uncaged," due in late September. But more importantly, the Grammy-winner is putting a stronger focus on his family. The father of five recently demonstrated that commitment by getting married to his longtime girlfriend, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, late last month.

"Right now, it's all about moving forward and just acknowledging the blessing that are here today. ... Just moving past the regrets of yesterday — the things that could've been done better," said T.I. in an interview last month.

The 29-year-old served seven months in an Arkansas federal prison and three months in a Georgia halfway house on federal weapons charges and was released in March. He said he's been able to relieve the lingering guilt of being unable to protect his best friend Philant Johnson, who was killed following his post-performance party in Cincinnati in 2006.

"I got so down on myself about the loss of his life that I did not acknowledge the fact that I still had mine," he said.

Jason Geter, co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, T.I.'s label, said T.I. has made more of a conscious effort to spend more time with his family.

"He's not taking things for granted as far as wasting time," Geter said. "He realizes things aren't guaranteed."

T.I. says he's also determined to pick up where he left off after the success of his last album "Paper Trail." It was released in October 2008 and sold over two million copies and charted three No. 1 songs. He's already released singles, "I'm Back" and "Got Your Back," featuring Keri Hilson.

"I just want to make sure that I came back the same way I left," he says. "I left relatively strong. I just wanted to make sure I came back in a way that would support my exit."

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Online:

http://www.trapmuzik.com

The interactive music video website for rapper Riz MC's new album 'MICroscope' (http://www.rizmc.com/lab) has been acknowledged for its excellence (and strangeness) with an FWA (Favorite Website Award), considered by most within the interactive industry as the gold standard for online creative work (http://thefwa.com/site/riz-mc-microscope-lab).

(PRWEB) August 10, 2010 -- If Blade Runner and the Rocky Horror Picture Show fathered a love child, this would be its website.

The interactive music video website for rapper Riz MC’s new album ‘MICroscope’ has been acknowledged for its excellence (and strangeness) with an FWA (Favorite Website Award), considered by most within the interactive industry as the gold standard for online creative work.

With the album’s stage show – which revolves around a live, interactive, sci-fi music experience – currently on early tour in the UK, Riz MC (also known as actor Riz Ahmed) launched the site to allow visitors to download free album tracks as they are exposed to cryptic pieces of narrative, allowing them to get a flavour of the live show if they haven’t attended, and to continue their involvement in the story world if they have.

Ahmed welcomed the FWA accolade: “I think it’s important for independent artists to be innovative and take risks, rather than to try and emulate mainstream artists in our music or how we showcase it. Too often underground just means ‘haven’t blown up yet’ as opposed to an ethos of trying to be subversive in how you create and present stuff. There are easier ways to build a fan base than to build an insane transmedia story world with an immersive live show and full-on web-game, but this struck me as something that hadn’t been done before, and I’m glad all our hard work, and the insanely talented people at Swarm Entertainment and Rival Schools are getting recognized for this.”

Interactive story company Swarm Entertainment (http://www.swarment.com) worked with Ahmed, in cooperation with Rival Schools (http://www.rivalschools.tv), DNR Films (http://www.dnrfilms.net), and Between the Eyes / Pulse (http://www.betweentheeyes.co.uk) to produce an online extension that could fit with the playful oddity of the live story, which introduces the concept of a sonic war, where corporations and government use the viral power of music and the physical force of sound vibrations to control our minds. As the Guardian puts it, “This ain’t no sit down, shut up and enjoy the hors d’oeuvres listening party… ”

Swarm Entertainment Interactive Producer Todd M Denis agrees: “As a story company, we’re aware that an all-powerful government force controlling things isn’t new, but Riz’s ideas for tackling those now common themes were juicy entertainment from the start… very strange, very independent and super ambitious.”

Indie, yes. Strange, for sure. Ambitious… you better believe it.

The website alone required coordination over several months between companies in Toronto, Vancouver and London. And, of course, linking with Ahmed, whose availability and location are as schedule-able as vapor. (Hope you enjoy late night and early morning phone calls.)

Swarm Entertainment (based in Toronto, Canada) was responsible for overall concept, management and producing directly with Ahmed. Rival Schools (Vancouver, Canada) dealt with visual and interactive production. DNR Films (London, UK) created live visuals for the show and handled much of Ahmed’s music video content, both of which were incorporated into the site. And music promo outfit Between the Eyes / Pulse (London,UK), chippe