TUNE IN ALERT: TRAILER PREMIERE TODAY AT 3PM EST HUSTLES WITH RUSSELLS' ON GLOBALGRIND.COM

Eight-Week Parody Series Airing Wednesdays on GlobalGrind.com
Will Parody Russell Simmons' Day-to-Day Life and Dealings with his Clone


Hustles with Russells' is a non-scripted online comedy series starring Russell Simmons and actor, comedian impressionist Affion Crockett. Being the innovator that he is, Russell decides to use his Rushcard to buy himself a clone and be in even more places at once!

The eight-week series, airing on GlobalGrind.com and Affion Crockett's YouTube Channel, will consist of eight one to three minute vignette's that chronicle the trials, tribulations and mishaps Simmons gets himself into when he decides to clone himself (Affion Crockett) to accomplish all he needs to do in a day. Every Wednesday at 3pm EST throughout the months of March and April a new episode will air on GlobalGrind.com and Affion Crockett's YouTube Channel, providing viewers a rare comical take on Russell's day-to-day business dealings.

Find out what happens when Russell's clone takes things too far and wrecks havoc on his businesses!

Affion Crockett is a sketch comedian who honed his skills on MTV'S Wild'N Out with Nick Cannon. He co-starred in the films Soul Men (Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson), Dance Flick (Wayans Bros.), and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (Martin Lawrence).

EPISODE LIST:

EPISODE 1- "RUSH CARD"
The Clone decides to shoot his own version of the Rush Card commercial, without Russell's permission. A startled Russell comes in at the end and spoils the fun!

EPISODE 2- "CLONES?"
News media gets the word of Russell's cloning and blasts a 'breaking news' report. An interview is planned with the two "Russells", but it turns into an argument about who the clone is.

EPISODE 3- "JEWELERS"
Russell gives his jewelry designers a hard time about their 'urban' creations. When he leaves the meeting to take a call, his clone comes out of the bathroom making matters worse for the designers. He continues the meeting in true 'Russell' fashion!

EPISODE 4- "MAYBACH"
The clone tries to sneak off in Russell's luxurious Maybach. He almost succeeds until Russell exits the building and chases the car down. Once inside, Russell tries to give the clone some advice on living a wholesome life... and makes a plea for the clone to stop having sex with his woman!

EPISODE 5- "24 SHIRTS"
The clone visits Russell's favorite clothing store, Jeremy's Argyle. He sends Jeremy on an unusual mission and he returns to find the real Russell. Russell has no idea what Jeremy is talking about and continues shopping.

EPISODE 6- "DRESSING ROOM"
Russell and the clone exit adjacent dressing rooms in yet another matching outfit. The clone tries to persuade Russell to join him on his hunt for ladies, drinks, and fun! Russell begins to question his choice to clone himself.

EPISODE 7- "TIGHT SHIRT"
Russell encourages Jeremy to make his shirts in bigger sizes, to increase mobility. Out of nowhere, the clone puts on an amazing display of athleticism and negates everything Russell just said.

EPISODE 8- "THE ACQUISITION"
Russell returns to Jeremy's Argyle only to find the clone has taken over the store. With Jeremy missing and the clone out of control, Russell calls the clone factory! Something is definitely wrong...



Click HERE to watch at Global Grind.com

THE BLUEPRINT A Plan for Overcoming Life's Obstacles By Kirk Franklin

(New York, NY -- March 10, 2010) -- For some people, obstacles are minor bumps in the road on the way to success. For others, obstacles represent a major catastrophe of epic proportions threatening to disrupt any chance of success they may have otherwise had. But for seven-time GRAMMY® award winner Kirk Franklin, obstacles represent the challenges needed to propel you through life. In THE BLUEPRINT: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms (Gotham Books; May 18, 2010; $25.00), Franklin reveals how he turned negative aspects from his own life-drugs, an absent father, teenage parenthood, poverty, etc.-into blessings by learning from them and moving forward. The beauty of THE BLUEPRINT is that Franklin by no way claims to be perfect or have insider knowledge of how to live your life wisely, but rather puts his setbacks and faults on full blast and suggests that oftentimes people, like Franklin at one point, go through life without a plan for success, simply living purposelessly, and without a person to show them the right way. THE BLUEPRINT fills the void of not knowing which way to turn and arms you the necessary tools to succeed.

By the time Franklin was just fifteen years old, he was a young father, without an encouraging figure in his life, and just another statistic on the street. As he explains in THE BLUEPRINT, "The street corner was my classroom. The 'hood was my Harvard." He went through life thinking he knew it all, and blamed the fact that he didn't have a role model for not being able to achieve his dreams, until the day he realized he had to turn his life around and become the man he needed to be on his own. That is what Franklin has outlined in THE BLUEPRINT-a chance for young people to become the person they need to be, no matter what the situation, or where they come from.

Today, Franklin is the proud father of four and devoted husband of fourteen years, as well as one of the biggest multiplatinum-selling gospel artists of all time. He credits his faith in God and a very close mentor he found later in his life for his success.

Whether you're down and out, misguided, or simply need a boost to push forward, THE BLUEPRINT is the essential guide to creating a better you, one day at a time. Success doesn't come easy, but it will come with a helping hand. Follow THE BLUEPRINT and start living the life you were always meant to live.

THE BLUEPRINT:

A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms

Gotham Books | May 18, 2010 | $25.00 | ISBN: 978-1-59240547-3

www.kirkfranklin.com

LUDACRIS SLATED TO INTERVIEW QUINCY JONES AT ASCAP “I CREATE MUSIC” EXPO IN APRIL

                                        

 

Jason Mraz, Toby Gad, Linda Perry, Chuck Harmony, Kuk Harrell, Andreas Carlsson and Loudon Wainwright III join stellar lineup of John Mayer, Bill Withers and others at 5th annual Music Creator Conference

 

Los Angeles / New York , March 3, 2010: Multi-talented rapper and actor Ludacris will interview music legend Quincy Jones about his prolific career during the ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, it was announced today by ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).  The three-day EXPO will take place at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, April 22-24, 2010 in Los Angeles , CA .

 

Ludacris is the highest-selling Southern hip-hop solo artist of all time, with over 24 million records sold worldwide, as well as an award-winning actor who has forged a successful career spanning the studio, the stage and the screen.  He will interview one of music’s greatest living legends, Quincy Jones, about his prolific career as a musician, composer, producer, arranger and conductor and his work with such entertainment giants as Count Basie, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin and many others.  Ludacris will also explore Jones’s pioneering fusions of pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical and other forms of music across all mediums that have left his indelible mark on American popular music and culture.

 

Ludacris’s interview with Jones is part of a series of key features at this year’s EXPO, which includes an interview with John Mayer and a conversation with Bill Withers.  Also confirmed to participate are Jessi Alexander, Billy Austin, Aureo Baqueiro, Dave Bassett, Derek Bermel, Ken Burgomaster, Andreas Carlsson, Ramin Djawadi, Avner Dorman, Dot Da Genius, Mike Elizondo, Toby Gad, Chuck Harmony, Thaddis "Kuk" Harrell, Chris "Deep" Henderson, Wayland Holyfield, Jason Mraz, Jean-Baptiste, Rob Knox, Jon Lind, Mateo Messina, Gary Nicholson, Linda Perry, Jane't A. Sewell, Skillz, Alex Shapiro, Kubilay Uner, Loudon Wainwright III, Nate Walka, Doug Wood and Yo Gabba Gabba's Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz.  They will join a stellar lineup of songwriters and composers already confirmed for the 5th annual music creator conference, including ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, Louis Biancaniello, Kenny Burrell, Desmond Child, Dre & Vidal, Steve Diamond, John Forté, Ashley Gorley, Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, Ron Jones, Just Blaze, Bear McCreary, Robert Ellis Orrall, Don Schlitz, Brian Tyler, Sam Watters, Greg Wells, Wendy & Lisa, and Phil Vassar.

 

For a regularly updated list of panelists, please visit www.ascap.com/expo.

 

The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO is the premier conference for songwriters, composers and producers. It covers all genres of music and includes panels, workshops, master classes, keynotes, One-on-One sessions, song critiquing, networking events, product displays, state-of-the-art technology demonstrations, performances, and more. All music creators, producers, publishers and executives - regardless of their performing rights organization affiliation - will benefit from this unique creative event, which is designed around personal interaction, education and networking.  For more information, and to register, please visit www.ascap.com/expo.

 

Members of the press may apply for credentials at www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/expo/.

 

About ASCAP

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 370,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members.  ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists.  ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances.  ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members.  www.ascap.com

SOI 56 Sets Trend In Dining By Pete Allman

If you haven’t traveled to Bangkok and explored their cuisine, now
is the time. However, if you’re unable to do this, the next best thing
is to visit SOI 56 Bangkok. Located between Selma and Sunset, this
quaint and contemporary eatery is an experience you’ll be pleased with.
Amanda Kutee and Kary Noochia-or, are the owners who are exceptional
hosts and very attractive. It’s always nice to have guests when you’re
dining out. Joseph Collins, the CEO of Punch Television and his guest,
along with my guest, Valerie McConnell had some great conversations
while indulging in some of the finest Thai cuisine I’ve had in a long
time.

One of the reasons is the family legacy. Amanda and Kary’s
parents opened their first restaurant in Hollywood 35 years ago. So,
what’s not to like about SOI 56 Bangkok. Here’s what we shared- family
style. Starting with the appetizers, Chile Garden Shrimp, Tangy Sticky
Ribs, Spicy Roasted Green Peas, and Wanton Rapped Shrimp served with a
Mango Coconut dip. That in-it is a meal- and all for $5.00 to $10.00 an
appetizer. At times my eyes are bigger than my stomach. We’ll I
couldn’t resist the Piquanrimpt, pronounced ”Tan yo um koong”.This soup
consists of prawns, lemongrass and Thai vegetables. We also shared the
Coconut soup with glaze and squash. The soups can be ordered mild or
hot. With all these delectable dishes, there were two main dishes which
included Pad Thai fried noodles, Green curry salmon with wild rice and
barbecue pork and beef ribs.

These dishes are priced from $9.00 to $15.00 each. They’re all
delicious and also served mild or hot. Finally, there’s just enough
room in our tummies for the traditional deserts of Thailand- Sticky
chocolate rice pudding. Wow. This is a great way to enjoy eating out
and at a moderate price for $90.00. Also, on the weekends there’s live
Thai music. C.S.N. rates SOI 56 Bangkok a 9.

Past Winners Bates, Streisand, Theron Plus Former Nominees Downey, Jackson, Queen Latifah and Travolta Join 82nd Oscar® Show

Beverly Hills, CA — Past Oscar winners Kathy Bates, Barbra Streisand and Charlize Theron will join former Oscar nominees Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah and John Travolta as presenters at the 82nd Academy Awards®, telecast producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic announced today. Collectively the group has earned 16 nominations and won four Academy Awards.
Bates won an Academy Award® for her lead performance in “Misery” (1990). Streisand won Oscars® in 1968 for her lead performance in “Funny Girl” and in 1976 for the Original Song “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born).” In 2003 Theron received an Academy Award for her lead role in “Monster.”
Downey earned Oscar nominations for his lead performance in “Chaplin” (1992) and his supporting role in “Tropic Thunder (2008). Both Jackson and Queen Latifah received nominations for their supporting roles in “Pulp Fiction” (1994) and “Chicago” (2002), respectively. Travolta earned nominations in the lead acting category for both “Saturday Night Fever” (1977) and “Pulp Fiction” (1994).
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

RAPPER YA BOY SIGNS TO AKON'S KON LIVE RECORD LABEL

YA BOY THE FIRST WEST COAST AMONGST LABEL MATES LADY GAGA, T-PAIN, ROCK CITY AND MORE!

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 1, 2010) –  With over 45 million  Myspace views, 37 million plays, dominating  Southern California radio stations Power 106, KIIS FM, AMP with over 3,000 spins of hit single “We Run LA”, opening up for artists such as Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Sean Kingston and more serve as a brief rap-sheet for newly signed Kon-Live artist, Ya Boy.  The record label is lead by internationally acclaimed artist and entrepreneur Akon. Ya Boy joins label mates Lady Gaga, T-Pain, Colby O’Donis, Kardinal Official and dynamic duo Rock City as the first artist from the west coast signed to Kon-Live.  “Ya Boy is one of the hardest workers today…He’s an amazing artist that never got a chance to shine.  He never gave up and now he has a chance to shine not only on the West Coast but internationally,” says Akon.

Catchy punch lines, versatility, eyebrow raising topics, witty wordplay combined with his no-color lines policy have helped garner Ya Boy aka YB The Rock Star widespread appeal. In 2002, he further gained notoriety from his song "100 Bars of Crack" where he rapped a 100 bars over Dr. Dre's "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang" also featured on The Black Wall Street Journal Vol. 1. In the summer of 2005 Ya Boy released his first solo mixtape, “Future of the Franchise” followed by the 2006 release of his debut album “Rookie of the Year .” The album featured collaborations with his Bay Area rap neighbors E-40, Turf Talk, Clyde Carson of The Team, San Quinn and more. The album’s first single, "Step Ya Game Up", was produced by musical architect, Rick Rock.  That same year, Ya Boy wrote and appeared on the Kevin Federline’s rap album Playing With Fire allowing him to expand his horizon. 

Seamlessly pounding the music industry’s pavement YB The Rock Star secured his position on the West Coast in 2008,  when he released the single "Holla at Ya Boy" (Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_sJdFZ9Ukk) produced by Cool & Dre. Successfully saturating the web with viral videos and music on hundreds if not thousands of multi-media stations across the globe.

Meanwhile, The Source Magazine featured him in the Unsigned Hype section,  BET’s Rap City awarded Ya Boy the mixtape of the week title, while XXL Magazine, Ozone and Hip Hop Weekly all co-signed him as the “Next To Blow.” In 2009 Ya Boy released hit single  “We Run LA” feat.  Dr. Hollywood, the song is currently spinning on multiple radio stations throughout Los Angeles. “Ya Boy truly deserves this moment…We felt there’s no one on an international level bigger than Akon. We’re excited and happy to join the Kon-Live family,” says Manager Mike G, Nitevision Management.

With multiple Ya Boy videos and mixtapes saturating the web, a total seven years of paying dues, Ya Boy will finally reap the benefits of his labor. Now that his path has been paved and recognized “It will impact music with a breath of fresh air,” says Ya Boy.  Please visit www.myspace.com/yaboy, www.yaboytv.com and follow him @ybtherockstar.

Trio of Hosts Set for “Oscars® Red Carpet…2010”

Beverly Hills, CA — Jess Cagle, Kathy Ireland and Sherri Shepherd will serve as hosts for the 82nd Academy Awards® pre-show “Oscars Red Carpet… 2010,” telecast producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic announced today. This will be Ireland’s and Shepherd’s first time hosting the Oscar® pre-show and Cagle’s second consecutive year as a host.
Cagle became the managing editor of Entertainment Weekly in 2009. He is the former executive editor of People and previously served as West Coast senior editor for Time. Over his career, Cagle has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.
Ireland is chief designer and CEO of kathy ireland Worldwide, which, in concert with its brand partners, designs furniture, home office and entertainment furnishings, bedding, jewelry, apparel, skincare products and more. Over the years, the model-turned-mogul has become one of the most influential women in home and fashion design with an annual sales reported by Forbes to be $1.4 billion.
Sherri Shepherd, the Emmy® award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View” is also the star of her own Lifetime original comedy series, “Sherri.” The comedienne-actress-author also appears in the Oscar nominated-film “Precious,” and has a recurring role on the Emmy award-winning sitcom “30 Rock.”
“Oscars Red Carpet… 2010,” executive produced by Jeff Margolis, will air on the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the Oscar telecast.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.