Friday, February 15, 2008

Common Confirms Justice League Involvement


From the first time Clark Kent walked into a phone booth mild mannered and walked out able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, the concept of superheroes having dual identities has been almost as important to the genre as the superpowers themselves. Not so for John Stewart, Earth’s fourth Green Lantern and sometimes member of the “Justice League of America” — one of the more prominent heroes to choose not to wear a mask.

Now the actor who was cast to play him is pulling back his.

Long rumored to be in contention for the role, Common confirmed to MTV News for the first time publically that he was cast in the now dormant film, calling being picked for the role “an honor.”

“It’s a blessing really, to know that I could potentially be this superhero,” he enthused. “Justice League itself is an honor, and Green Lantern is an incredible character to play. It’s a blessing to be associated with it.”

In particular, Common felt it was a special privilege to be the cast’s only black super.

“Just being a black person, a black man, playing a superhero is an honor in itself,” he smiled.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice: Last month the superhero tag team fell to a foe even greater than Lex Luther or Darkseid, the villainous organization known simply as the WGA. But while the film may have been momentarily shelved, Common still sees it moving forward relatively soon, declining to discuss plot details since it was still “in progress.”

Source: MTV Movies



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Saturday, February 9, 2008

NIKE's ''Better Than I've Ever Been'' Featuring Kanye West, Nas and KRS-One Nominated for Grammy

February 7, 2008 3:45 PM EST

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The much talked about collaboration for the NIKE (NYSE: NKE) commissioned hip hop track, "Better Than I've Ever Been," which was executive produced by Cornerstone, has been nominated for the 2008 Grammy Awards for "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group." Featuring Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and produced by Rick Rubin, the song was created to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of Nike's iconic shoe, the Air Force 1. In addition, a remix version of the track featuring hip hop veteran Rakim which was produced by DJ Premier was recorded as part of the campaign.

"Better Than I've Ever Been" marks the first time Nike has ever commissioned a Grammy-nominated song in the company's 35-year history.

Spearheaded by Cornerstone, the music collaboration included everything from concept to execution, such as securing the talent, overseeing production of the track and music video, releasing the song, and securing digital placements and radio airplay. The partnership was led by Cornerstone's music supervision and lifestyle departments which were also responsible for coordinating previous music projects for Nike on iTunes, including securing exclusive workout tracks from some of today's most well respected artists for the Nike + initiative.

"From the great talent to Nike's commitment to the idea, everything aligned perfectly for us," said Rob Stone, Co-President and Founder of Cornerstone. "To top it off with a Grammy nomination is an incredible honor. This campaign exemplifies how a creative idea successfully executed can have a much greater impact on the culture as compared to a traditional advertising campaign. This is a pure example of organic marketing -- growing a brand through channels in a way that truly connects with the consumer."

Twenty-five years ago Nike introduced the Air Force 1 performance shoe to satisfy the demands of the most uncompromising and forceful players in the game of basketball. In 1982, the Air Force 1 became the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology. The comfort and protective qualities of the Air Force 1 changed the game forever and created a platform that launched Nike's long-running legacy in performance basketball. During the past 25 years the Air Force 1 evolved from a performance breakthrough on the court to an icon of the street.

All Nike and artists' proceeds from the sale of the original Air Force 1 song "Better Than I've Ever Been" will go to the Nike Youth Sport for Change Fund to support two chapters of Baltimore's Boys & Girls Club of America -- Jackson Unit Boys & Girls Club of America and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of America.

About Cornerstone

Based in New York City and helmed by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen, Cornerstone is a full-service marketing firm that builds emerging brands and reenergizes established ones. Representing Fortune 500 clients across multiple disciplines -- with an emphasis on consumer products and services and entertainment industries -- Cornerstone designs and executes customized and innovative brand strategies that target and effectively reach the elusive market of 15-34 year olds.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear. For further information about Nike visit www.nikebiz.com.

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Recording Artists T-Weaponz and Mighty Mystic Lend Talent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amalia Martino/BlueShoes Media (425) 361-2754 / amalia@blueshoesmedia.com


 

Recording Artists T-Weaponz and Mighty Mystic Lend Talent to I LOVE DR Concert to Benefit Victims of Hurricane Olga

New York, NY / February 4, 2008 – Hip Hop and Reggae recording artists join for a benefit concert hosted by ilovedr.org on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Bruckner Bar and Grill in New York City. Hurricane Olga hit the Dominican Republic on December 11, 2007. Over 60,000 people were affected and many were left without homes, food, or basic necessities. All proceeds from The I LOVE DR benefit concert will go to the Sur Futuro Foundation to benefit the victims. T-Weaponz, Mighty Mystic, Rebel Diaz, Lokixximo, Lee Wilson and El Principe will provide live entertainment. When: Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Where: Bruckner Bar & Grill 1 Bruckner Blvd. Bronx, New York 718-665-2001 Cost: $10.00 This is an all ages event, sponsored by Dominican Times Magazine and Harrell Co. Productions. For more information, please visit ilovedr.org and surfuturo.org


 

### About T-Weaponz T-Weaponz is a hip-hop trio from Brooklyn, East New York. They have been called "the most anticipated independent artists of the year" by Allhiphop.com and released their debut digital album "Just Begun…" in late 2007. The album features the hit single "Dem Boyz" which skyrocketed to #6 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Singles Sales and #44 on the Hot Singles Sales charts. The album consists of 12 tracks including the smash hit "Mira Mira" featuring Notch. About Mighty Mystic Recipient of the Boston Music Award's Artist of the Year in 2006 and the Joe Higgs' Rising Star Award in 2007, Mighty Mystic is set to release his debut album (Wake Up the World, Split2nd Entertainment) later this year. His first single "Riding on the Clouds" (2005) was a Top Ten Radio Single in Jamaica and locally raised to the #1 spot on WERS 88.9 and won consecutive Battle of Beats on WJMN 94.5. ### For a media pass or more information, please contact: Amalia Martino Amalia@blueshoesmedia.com (425) 361-2754