From MTV PR.
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VH1 IN SIERRA LEONE THIS WEEK WITH HIP-HOP ARTISTS PAUL WALL, RAEKWON AND TEGO CALDERON FILMING ITS NEWEST ROCK DOC, “BLING: A PLANET ROCK” (tentative title)
SANTA MONICA, CA, July 12, 2006 - VH1 is in Sierra Leone this week with hip-hop artists Paul Wall, Raekwon (of Wu Tang Clan), and reggaeton king Tego Calderon, to begin filming “Bling: A Planet Rock” (tentative title), a new documentary under VH1’s Rock Docs franchise. The film set to air on VH1 in early 2007 will take a hard-hitting look at the diamond trade in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and how “blinging” in the flashy world of commercial hip-hop played a role in the country’s civil war.
The 11-year war was largely perpetuated by genocidal rebels and primarily funded through the illegal trading of conflict or “blood” diamonds. Wall, Raekwon and Calderon will hear first-hand accounts of the atrocities suffered during this time and the role that diamonds played as they visit mining communities and meet with local musicians, government officials and children. Produced by Article 19 Films in association with VH1 and the United Nations Development Program, “Bling: A Planet Rock,” will capture hip-hop’s reaction to the human violations, bring global awareness to this issue, and educate Americans about how they can play a role in eradicating the smuggling of blood diamonds.
Contact: Scott Acord/VH1
310-752-8075
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Lil Kim, Beanie Sigel, Obie Trice, Cam’Ron, BET Uncut and “No Snitching” Movement to be Discussed at Emergency Hip Hop Anti-Violence Townhall Meeting in Baltimore, home of HBO's "The Wire"
Washington, DC–(BlackPressMagazine.com) – A special State of Emergency: Hip Hop Anti-Violence Town Hall Meeting has been scheduled at the Hip Hop Journalism Summit, which takes place during the 2nd Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Baltimore, MD on September 15-16, 2006 at the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.
The list of panelists for the Hip Hop Journalism Summit reads like the who’s who in the Hip Hop business.
Confirmed performers and panelists include Daria Fennell, of VIBE.com, Harold Whitfield, entertainment industry exec, Olivia Fox, a urban radio show host in Tampa, FL, Madarocka, Nigeria’s Queen of Rap, Andrew Ryan, Hip Hop professor, Eric Dolce, author Jesus and Jigga and hip hop journalists.
The controversial “NO SNITCHING” movement which is sweeping the music industry and rap community along with the role of Hip Hop media professionals in the shootings of Obie Trice, Busta Rhymes’ bodyguard and Suge Knight and the repeated violence at urban radio station HOT97 in New York.
“It’s disturbing that someone can let off six shots without being arrested,” said Elliott Wilson of XXL magazine. “The Hip Hop community doesn’t trust the police….and they have done little to make us feel like they [care]….It’s a vicious cycle.”
A special segment called, “BET Uncut Discussion: Hip Hop 1; Women 0” discusses the recent canceling of the controversial show and as well as explores other issues facing Black women in the hip hop industry.
Invited are rapper/author Sister Souljah, Wendy Williams and Michelle Eubanks, who heads Essence Magazine’s crusade against rap lyrics. A Girl Power Empowerment Brunch held on September 17 seeks to empower young women through Hip Hop.
“From video game sex to controversial images of women in music videos and magazines, Hip Hop media violence is off the chain,” said Livers, managing editor for the event. “But is it fair to blame BET and other Hip Hop media or should the blame be shifted elsewhere? Hopefully, we’ll find the answers to during the town hall meeting.” - 30 -
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