Vibe VSessions presents

Rock City, Ray (manager), Denise & friend
Yung LA and Jason Geter
Yung LA and Young Joc with guests
Jay Carter (right)
Slim
DJ Don Cannon keeping it movin'
Yung LA performing, "Aint I"
Julie Dexter rocking
Rudy Clarence (very friendly)

Kalene, Mz.Smith (sweet girls/group) and the host with the most, Kenny Burns

People that know me know that EVEN though i'm a social addict i at times struggle between going to events and being a complete homebody nerd. It's comical really...the battlefield of the mind, the imposing display of the two powers that go on in my brain. Anyway not to bore you with the inner workings of my mental, the moral of the story is that the social addict always over powers the homebody. I guess she is stronger. And that's a GOOD thing.

I'm glad i went to participate in Vibe's VSessions, a concert series featuring several up and coming artists that perform live in front of a sometimes non cooperative audience. It just depends. The popular urban magazine teamed up with Heineken deciding to bring their party to Atlanta's Loft in midtown providing beer for all who were thirsty. Kenny Burns made an impressive host and the fabulous DJ Don Cannon kept everyone on the floor entertained in between sets.

Performing artists to look for: DTP's Rudy Clarence, Julie Dexter, Warner Records’ Teairra Mari, and Grand Hustle’s Yung LA. They all did an impressive job! Rudy and Julie were very soulful, while Yung LA drew the most positive feedback and attention from the crowd. I definitely think he is the break out artist that Grand Hustle NEEDS right now. He's got...IT.

Popular artists like Ludacris, Young Joc, Slim (formerly of 112), and one half of the multi talented duo Rock City came to show support along with label execs and other personalities like, Jason Geter, Chaka Zulu and Jay Carter of Soul Fusion. New artists Mz. Smith and Kalene, teaming up with Diddy & Dawn Richard (formerly of Danity Kane) making the group Dirty Money dropping their 1st album this fall, greeted media and guests in the VIP suite taking pictures and generating the excitement that comes with new talent.

Thank you to 135th Street Agency's Saptosa Foster for the access and of course to Vibe for hosting a great event. I didn't just come to cover the event and take pictures but i had fun. Woohooo!!

Miesha
Social Addict
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

p.s. Yall who know Luda know that your man is in and out. I wouldn't call him a social butterfly by any means...and that's okay. That being said there are some pictures here that are missing however if you look up this event you will be able to see more pictures!

The Frank Ski Kids Foundation takes 10 winners of art contest to Florence Italy!!

Tanya and Frank Ski
Viewing the kids' art
Guest, Jenika, and Tanya
Two of the Italy winners
Another winner, focused, drawing during the contest
The contest in session

Here it is Charles. Let me know if you have any questions.

http://socialaddiction.blogspot.com/search/label/Frank%20Ski%20Kids%20Foundation (that is the actual article link i wrote, below is just a copy of paste of the article part without the pictures.) Thanks!

In May's end this year 20 chosen art students from different middle schools participated in a drawing contest in the grand vaulted area of Atlanta's historical High Museum of Art during the hour challenge. As a result, 10 kids were blessed for their artistic talents with an all expenses paid trip to Florence Italy during the summer!It was a happy environment but slightly tense during the judging process because naturally every child wanted to win. The judges meticulously went over each participants art piece fairly looking at that child's view of the pre chosen piece of flowers on a table to be re-created in their own vision. I love the creativity aspect!At the end all the kids were rewarded because every child got a gift certificate for their family for dinner at the always supportive sponsor for the foundation, Carrabbas Italian Grill as well as a book detailing a past Frank Ski Kids Foundation trip to the beautiful Galapagos Islands.

As many know, The Frank Ski Kids Foundation focuses on educating children and giving them opportunities in the arts, sports and science. Where many art programs are not looked upon as important in certain schools and even taken away, this foundation has a special place for those kids who excel and allows them to dream! An annual fundraiser is held every year in the form of a famed wine tasting as well as a kickoff hyped youth bowl allowing boys and girls to play and cheer their way into money and awards! I had the pleasure to speak with The Ski's about their upcoming trip to Italy with the kids (It's Frank's first time!) , why art is so important to our children and a little about what's coming up with the foundation.

Don't you wish you were a kid again? And if any chaperones are needed to help out during this magnificent Florence education art excursion...i'm just saying! Truly it was just a pleasure to be there. It'll be exciting to follow up with the kids upon their return from their amazing overseas excursion in August. Give it up for the kids in heart and prayer!Thanks to Michelle Marron from 360 Media for the invite and to Frank and Tanya Ski for their time and tireless efforts in encouraging children by educating them and providing incredible opportunities. for more information on the foundation, please visit: http://www.frankskikids.org/

Miesha

Social Addict
http://Twitter.com/SocialAddiction

www.SocialAddiction.net

Leron Rogers gives us the truth on the H.R. 848 bill. Is it fair to radio stations to pay performers when their music is played??

Leron Rogers, partner of Hewitt & Rogers at his Atlata office, gives us the business of this business

When I first heard about the H.R. 848 bill being passed I was perplexed. I didn't understand why an artist should get paid to have their song played on public radio when really the radio did them a favor in a sense by giving artists, some otherwise unknown, free publicity. But for over 50 years the H.R. 848 has been in and out of discussion in the music industry. Should performers get paid? Why and why not? What does that mean money wise and etc. Well finally the pioneers for the financial benefit of the artists such as Q Parker (formerly of 112 & client of Leron Rogers) lobbied enough and H.R. 848 came to pass. I took my questions to 9 year attorney of Atlanta's Hewitt & Rogers, Leron Rogers to better understand what this bill passing would mean for radio stations, performers and the general public...US! Looks like i was very uneducated on the matter from the knowledge i received from Mr.Rogers. I invite you to take a listen to the audio attached here to fully understand how this benefits the artists who up until this act were not getting a dime off of public radio play meaning no royalties. Satellite radio play does pay the artists. But first some facts:

It pays to be a writer: Writers already get paid for songs played on the radio (no wonder if pays to not only perform but write your own music!)

Money talks: If a smaller radio station makes less than $100k a year, the flat fee the station has to pay out to artist for their music is $500/yr which is little more than $40 a month!

So is V103, Star 94 and other radio stations we love going to start charging us to listen: NO! This affects the listener not a bit. The only radio that remains to be paid for is satellite via separate subscription and choice.

Why is this still a battle: Some black radio stations are complaining that that this is going to shut them down however what about the black artists that are not currently getting paid for providing content that keeps most stations alive? In a day and age where music sales have dramatically changed, I say these artists could use this extra money which will not break the bank if you look at the figure example above.

Educate yourself: For more information and to get involved beyond this appreciated information from Counselor Leron Rogers, who is part of People you Need to Know, Who's Who, and frequently is called upon to speak on entertainment and legal related panels, you can attend Atlanta's first town hall meeting regarding the performers royalties on June 25th this summer. Check out: www.MusicFirstCoalition.com

Thank you for your time. Feel free to share your thoughts, no matter what side you're on regarding this hot topic! I'd also like to thank Leron Rogers again for his time & knowledge as well as the wonderful Cherry Banez (PR) for the great opportunity.

Miesha
Social Addict
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/

"She" did it!

Guest and Belle of this ball, Sheree Whitfield!

Being a Hartwell is just so damn sexy! I wanna be like Ed & Lisa when i get married!
Lovin Nene in my fave summer time color
Just CUTE!
MMMHMM...Angie likes them young boys! It's cool... :)
Jazze Pha, Sheree Whitfield, Vawn (acting a lil rude that evening...hmmm, and Jamal King of Steps)
An enseble that i favored
RAWWWL!!
So what's wrong with being slightly naked in blue? LOVED IT!!
Crowd FAVORITE! Not only is the dress out of this world but the model WORKED IT.

Sheree Whitfield hasn't always gotten love from audiences or the media. I think her slightly icy, and my house is bigger than your house facade that she can tend to project tends to rub most sensible people the wrong way. But after the 1st season of the highly rated and entertaining, Real Housewives of Atlanta that made the single mother a Bravo TV superstar I don't think the glamazon much cares. Instead it fueled her to climb higher on the social ladder and create a fashion line that while not innovative, would turn heads and keep people talking...at least for a week. Hell...anything is better than her fashion "viewing" (as she calls that 1st attempt during our talk back stage after the show) that we all saw the 1st season of the show.

Anyway i was there this time around to catch EVERYTHING. All the celebs like the truest diva Angie Stone, and the tiny yet handsome Bobby Valentino, the groupies, the ups, downs, lovers, haters, decadent desserts and oh yeah...the FASHIONS! Except one thing...there really were no downs. Only ups. The show went off without a hitch and the the pieces were delightful! You go Sheree. She by Sheree...I'd totally rock her stuff that falls in the lines of glamorous, eccentric, simple and chic.

As i said before i had a window to talk to the very engaging and successful designer about the show, her inspiration and what to expect on the newest season of Atlanta's favorite gossip fest which Bravo was also taping during the event. She told me to expect, "DRAMA!!". Well Duh! Isn't that what we live for in "reality tv". Anyway audio interview attached. Warning...it was loud as HECK back there...so listen closely.

Here is to Sheree Whitfield's, "She By Sheree" clothing line. There is something for every fashionista on this line. Lets hope after all that work that comes straight from the designers brain as she told me, she will sell some clothes!

Thanks to Cherry Banez of Cherry Publicity PR for the invite and interview spot, also thanks to Michelle from Straight from the A website, I got the great fashion pics from her blog. I was not in a spot to take great runways shots and hers were great!!

Ciao!

The Social Addict (who's been a lil less black hollywood social lately & more involved with her friends...but i'll be back soon!)

Keri Hilson's "Turning them ON!"

A lovely Keri Hilson killin' 'em in that dress, parties w' Johnta Austin & JD (Haha @ JD tryna tall up on the couch)
Rich Boy rocked the mic
Fabulous looked like gumby
Diamond & Scrappy showed up representing "Hood Luv" (and WHAT?!)
T.I. signed off

Baby fans at DTLR signing... :)

DTLR pics from BE Magazine

View TONS more Keri Hilson party photos here in FreddyO's gallery, great pics, you don't wanna miss these!

Critics can say what they want about, Keri Hilson. Like how talentLESS she is, how she's JUST another pretty face, or how she's too arrogant to sell records, but the numbers don't lie and "Miss Keri Babeee" showed out. Keri dropped her first album, "In a perfect world" this past Tuesday, with one day sales hittin' at about ummm...85-90k units sold, HELLO! You may not love her, you aint gotta like her, but you gotta respect the hustle.

Hilson made her small mark from sought after, talented writer to song bird after coming onto the scene with her first single, club banger, "The way i are" with producing music legend, Timberland in later of 2007. Smart move Keri. She then threw the illllllllest birthday party i had been to in 2007. ATL shawty! I can't even talk about it too deep...trust me it was just THAT party. BUT i will tell you, she had major talent rollin' through to show ya girl love that had many people asking the same ol, "Who she (this "one song" unknown singer) effin to bring out all these stars?". But such talk is nothing new in this critical industry. The celebs at Keri's "coming out" party were humble, not stuck in VIP all night but mingling with the fans and media, while Team Keri (Kudos always to Garner Circle PR!) set the whole affair up to resemble your favorite 1980's movie complete with McDonald's happy meals...(yes really), free shots of some tasty madness and gift bags for all guests with things like Hennessy in them. I love a star that's not stingy or at least has pure sponsor power pull. Ummm yeah...memories & good times...aaaaah.

Well Hilson has been on a small tour this week to promote her album across the states making a stop at home in Atlanta yesterday. She packed out clothing store, DTLR last night with a line down the ding dang (thanks Necee) block with fans wanting to get a piece of the tall beauty. Later that evening she had Music Business Politics' Hannh Kang set up club Opera ala Alice in Wonderland style as she partied it up with celeb friends, Polow Da Don (and his bevy of beckies...you will see), Richy Boy, power mover Shocka Zula (DTP), super producer Drumma Boy (doing BIG things & going out of the country in a few days), Fabulous (love him), Diamond (post Crime Mob), Lil Scrappy (newly DTP signed AND Diamond's boo), Jazze Pha and my favorite, T.I. (prayers & respect go out for his year & a day sentencing given today). There were others too but right now i don't feel like saying all the names so view the above lovely pictures taken from my friends over at the phenomenal BE Magazine and celebrity photographer Freddy O and see it you can "name that celeb"...or not. I'm still a lil salty that Keri had us waiting till ummm...almost 1 am to get pictures, etc. But i got over it. The DJ WAS HOTT, there were a couple performances, and the party inside was...aight. I just don't find pleasure in partying with a bunch of silly 21 year olds, who mostly took up the dance floor, these days. Besides my job was not to party but to capture. And i think i did just that. So after i did i was ghost. Ciao!

Team Keri! She is rockin' it. Good voice, great production. GET Keri's album here!

Thanks to, Tahira Wright of Branded PR, Nicole & Garner Circle PR and Hannah Kang of Music Business Politics for that last minute entry.

Miesha

Social Addict...well sometimes. I get sleepy sometimes yall...

p.s. special love to Taylor at In The Know, Jason at BE Magazine, Ryon Horne at the AJC and Gyant & SOHH...always a pleasure!

Gorilla Zoe, "Don't Feed The Animals" movie event

The man of the hour,Gorilla Zoe

Shawty Lo, Drumma Boy (hot producer, interview coming), a cute kid, Greg Street V-103 Radio, and Squeak, my boy! (Drumma's Manager)

Block, Rocco, Raw Report, Zoe, Raw Report

I liked Zoe's sound from, "Hood Ni**er". Unique voice. I dig him. But i never took him serious as an artist/rapper until last night during his, "Don't Feed the Animals" movie premiere at Atlanta's Movie ATL in association with his newly released album from Block Ent. Films, Bad Boy South & The Raw Report. (BTW why is it that Bad Boy suuuuuuuuucks but Bad Boy South continues to thrive...Maybe the Puffster doesn't run that entity so much. Hmmm??! I digress.)

Speaking of "Hood Ni**er", Gorilla Zoe showed his hood side on this project. No i mean REALLY showed his hood side. The movie featuring Zoe, Block, and a full cast may have been GHETTO but it was real. I appreciate Zoe's no holds barred approach to displaying the truth about the struggle of a shadowed past as he tries to change his life for his music. Add a little bit of drama, a not so kid friendly T&A scene (ummm WOW) and lots of HOTT music from his new album (which i will NOW be copping thank u very much!). Zoe did a great job with his character, himself.

View movie trailer here.

Before most the crew ran off to the after party at Tongue & Groove (the rest partied at The Ultimate- thanks Laura!), I got a chance to talk to Zoe last night, who had just gotten off a plane to hit his premiere, and he told me that even though this is his first film (Block's baby with Block Ent. Films) that he plans on doing much more acting. The main motivation for the movie came in from the album of course. Hey yall...wasn't he supposed to be the original "Biggie" in 2008's "Notorious"? Hmmm. Anyway keep an eye out for ya boy, he's definitely an artist worthy of respect for his originality. He pushes the envelope but not in an annoying way or as if in a desperate ploy for attention.

Buy the album out TODAY, you will not be disappointed! Here are two songs off of the record, one also featured on the movie ("Doe Boy") that i REALLY liked & thought you'd like to. I got the clean version but STILL not for kids please.

Gorilla Zoe, "Doe Boy" HOTT!! (have listened to at least 15 times today...i know i am an addict...)
Gorilla Zoe & Rick Ross, "what it is"

Thanks to Tahira Wright from Branded PR for the invite & sending the songs for me. I appreciate you and your hard work. Check out Zoe tonight on BET's 106 & Park!

Be easy...

Miesha
Social Addict

So i got prepared for MLK day's Hosea Feed the Homeless to do media BUT...

Tireless workers
A sponser with heart

I was pretty excited ya know. I had yet to be part of any of the Hosea Feed the Homeless events in Atlanta since i'd been a resident for several years. But i'd always wanted to. I did. I would call and contact but it just didn't seem to pan out anytime. So this year as poppa Martin Luther King's birthday rolled around i got a call from the wonderful Leighala Jiminez (PR/artist management) to do media coverage of the event that takes place yearly on Turner Field. I thought at first very selfishly...hmmm i want to sleep. Just being honest. Great thing is that good prevailed over evil (selfish) and i became enthused about participating in my first HFH event.

So on Monday i show up to the event right, i am pumped. I got to the media table and guess what? Oh press coverage has ended early. GASP, WHAT?! So i'm there, i drove, i've got camera and recorder in hand. What's a girl to do? Well i love lemons and lemonade so i made the best of it and decided to stay and see what else could be done. I got to serve! YIPPIE! I think maybe at first they were like, wait you're media do you really wanna? But to be honest i much more wanted to be with the people (at this event) in need then the media who can at times be pushy and shovey.

I'm not here to pat myself on the back, PLLEEEEEEEEASE, i have a long way to go in my servitude. I am nowhere near Jesus' example which is the ultimate so i will forever keep my mouth on mute on my deeds or how nice they were, seriously. However i wanted to write this to share because it was a fabulous experience. I saw so many men and women, families, yes children who just wanted something to eat. I fret about my car, and shopping for a new place to live, gotta have that guess shirt, and a super meals at a funky restaurants. But the crowd at Turner were just happy to get a little turkey (extra gravy please!) and VERY grateful! If you didn't know Hosea puts on several annual events for the homeless during big holidays. Not only do the people in attendance get to eat but they also are provided with showers, hair cuts/perms, medical attention, back massages (YES yall!), AND Marta cards? How's that! Some even took food with them. Gosh! I was just happy to be there and to see everyone smiling. It made my day even if for one day i knew they would be better.

Providers:
Coca Cola
Honey Baked Ham

I thank them for their generosity. Sometimes we get so used to our sponsors that we barely blink as they continue to give (no matter the financial climate) but i want to let them know that we notice and i'm grateful on the behalf of those that benefited. Also to the volunteers...yall did it! I spoke to a lady who was there helping from 9 am till after 4 pm, on her feet, working quickly and taking loud orders the whole time. Those are the hearts that move this city. A black president can't do it all, but a city can, a nation can. I pray in these coming months we continue to work together and take responsibility for each other. We can make the world a better place, if even in your community alone.

Thanks to PR & media powerhouse A.B.C Associates Entertainment. Dee Dee i'm so glad we finally got to meet. And Crystal B took great care of me. Yall are such a family and i love that! I met great people AND had fun.

Take care,

Miesha
Social Addict
www.FindEntertainmentNow.com

Robert Townsend rolls out the purple carpet for, "Diary of a Single Mom"

"Hollywood Shuffle"
"Meteor Man"
"Carmen" (2002)
"The Parenthood"
And who can forget "Five Heartbeats"? "Night like this....I...wish..." (drunken Eddie...)

Those are all projects that Actor/Director/Producer Robert Townsend has been involved in. Well now he's taking his Hollywood hat and using it to better one of the most influential group of people in our midst; the single moms. Robert allows viewers to take a closer look at these sometimes unsung hero's lives, struggles and victories in his near webisode formatted series.

Mini interview with Robert Townsend about his new series
Mini interview with B5 band member Dustin about the direction of their new album after Bad Boy drop

Yes the internet. "Diary of a Single Mom" is a web tv show with all the fixing of normal tv but available at any time on the web.

I went to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Bishop Eddie Long) last night not knowing what the expect and came out of there excited about Monica Calhoun's incredible acting (GREAT JOB!) and the future of web tv! The 12 (so you can watch it even on a work break) minute per episode series launches on January 29th on www.Pic.TV. PIC founded by Ray Ramsey, allows webshows to air on their network as would a regular tv show. Come on now technology! Anyway thus far Townsend and crew have amassed 8 episodes, the 1st 4 you will be able to see on the date above. So check it out. Single mom or not you will LEARN and be inspired (unless you are "Heartless" as Kanye vocodes)!

Thanks to Leighala Jiminez (PR) for the information as well as Shed Jackson at Franklin Media Group

Miesha
Social Addict
http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/