Common, Lincoln Promote Rap Competition

Lincoln, the luxury vehicle line is stepping up is starting a “Lincoln Spotlight” music contest in search of talented rappers, to be spearheaded by Common.

The grand prize winner of the contest will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to open for Common during a performance this year.

Aspiring lyricists must create a song that embraces at least one of Lincoln’s four “brand truths”: advancing the American dream, being proud of where you came from, doing more and daring more, and exploring what it means to “reach higher.”

Contestants will have the chance to work it out through an original song and video based on one of several pre-made tracks available through www.lincolnlounge.com.

Contestants will be judged on originality, verbal technique and visual sophistication; songs must be free of profanity and hate language.

Online visitors will be able to vote for their favorite entries, with the grand prize winner determined by Common and a panel of music insiders.

The deadline for entries is March 17, 5 p.m. From there the pack will be reduced to 25, before being narrowed down to the Top 5, until the grand prize winner is announced May 6 at noon.

Is this Really Ne-yo?!?!?

 

 

 

This picture was labeled as “Ne-Yo and Solange” and was taken at the “Ne-Yo, Zune, and Compound Entertainment Pre-Grammy Party” on Feb. 9. I once heard that Ne-yo had a stipulation in his contract stating that he was not allowed to do any public appearances without a hat on. I thought it was stupid until I saw this picture. I’m still not fully conviced that that’s Ne-Yo, it has to be like his little brother or something…. Does anyone know who this is, or can confirm that it’s him? Please comment.

Calling All Dancers and Musicians!

Solange Knowles is going to try her hand at making her own band. The “singer” is reportedly holding auditions for real singers, musicians and bands with a “great look, strong musicianship and stage presence” to become members of Hadley Street Dreams, her band. More specifically, she is looking for: two female background singers, one drummer, one guitar player, two keyboardists, and one bass player (must be able to play uptight as well). All aspirants must be able to dance.

Auditions will take place Thursday, March 6, noon to 6 p.m. at SIR Studios, 6465 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. To RSVP for auditions, send an e-mail to AuditionRSVP@musicworldent.com. If you are unable to make the audition, you may also upload your audition video to the official Hadley Street Dreams Audition Myspace: http://myspace.com/hadleystreetdreams.  

BET’s Rip the Runway Red Carpet Misfits

BET’s Rip the Runway ‘08, hosted by Nelly and Lauren London airs on March 4, 10 p.m. Missy Elliot provided the live music for models strolling down the catwalk rocking pieces from her Addidas line. Pharrell and Team N.E.R.D. including Teyana Taylor performed during the Zac Posen set. Trey Songz performed as well.  Plenty showed up to the red carpet with their A-game but a few noticeably did not, and I’m calling out names!

Rita G. came dressed for a magic show and I guess T-Pain was the magician.

I’m only disappointed because I don’t understand her…. left is Rip the Runway, right is the MTV awards… This ain’t the tents in Bryant Park or a business meeting so why did Lil Mama skip out on her chance to really show us something? I just don’t get it. But then again there are plenty of things about little mama that I don’t get, and probably never will get like, what’s her purpose? and why do we keep her around?  

 

 

 

Jaslene (Cycle 8 winner of America’s Next Top Model), I’m glad to see that you’re eating but WHAT are you wearing? It’s like she took two current fashion trends (the once piece jumper dress and wearing black leggings with everything), mixed in a 2001 trend (those Manolo Blahnik Timb-looking things on her feet), and added a little pink and green make-up to clash with that very unesscessary creme belt and the other 5 color she’s wearing. HI-DE-OUS!

 

2008 Free Law School Admission Prep Courses Announced by Former Dean

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - Sonel Y. Shropshire, J.D., former Dean of Law Admissions at UCLA, Loyola (CA), Stetson and Texas Wesleyan will be conducting free “Law School Admissions Prep Courses” in Miami, Los Angeles and New York City this spring. Mr. Shropshire, who is now president of The Academic Network Inc., a law school admissions counseling service with over 500 clients in the past two years, is offering the free prep courses as a way of guiding applicants through the entire law school application process. The full day program includes sessions on financial aid, career placement and post-admission programs, anchored by a host of guest speakers from across the country. “Admission to law school becomes more intimidating to prospective applicants each year. The prep course is designed to provide real answers to difficult questions,” says Shropshire. In 2006, over 1,700 people attended the seven national workshops he conducted on law school admissions. The full prep course agenda can be viewed at www.theacademicnetwork.org on the “Free 2008 Prep Course” page. Attendees can also register online at www.theacademicnetwork.org on the “Course Registration” page. The prep course is free, but space could be limited in accommodating the capacity of the venue.

American InterContinental University LA Unveils Center for Entrepreneurial Studies

            Dr. James Carroll, Director of The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies business department at American InterContinental University Los Angeles (AIU LA) has created an innovative, personalized solution to support the success of budding entrepreneurs: the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES). The CES is now open at the AIU LA campus, located at 12655 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles.  Transcending businesses and areas of study, the CES bridges resources, ideas and people to start aspiring entrepreneurs on the road to success. The goal of the CES is to help current and future AIU students as well as local professionals and business owners discover their entrepreneurial potential and provide them with the resources to put their plans into action. Everyone from fashion designers with aspirations of starting a clothing line to business students with dreams of being their own boss will benefit from the CES.  The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies will offer classes in entrepreneurship for all AIU LA majors. In addition, the CES will host monthly workshops and seminars, open to both AIU students and the public, to assist in business planning and provide personal business consulting and counseling. The Center fosters an environment of open discussion and participation.  Surrounding community members and businesses are welcome to come in and learn about the center, network with students and other area business professionals, and provide their own insights. 

            The CES also offers one-on-one consultations with qualified professionals who have proven industry success.  CES consulting services meet the needs of small businesses by assisting with business plan development, marketing, public relations, sales, legal questions, financial planning, loan packaging and human resources.  For established businesses, the CES offers strategies for advanced marketing techniques, state and federal contract procurement, building a productive workplace, and attracting the best workforce.

Meeting space also is available at the CES for conferences, seminars and public meetings.  For more information, please contact Jacquie Corvan, CES development manager at jcorvan@la.aiuniv.edu or (310) 302-2444.