Annually, Bryan-Michael Cox recognizes a leading business executive’s commitment to music, business and service. The brunch was well attended by a mix of music and corporate executives, friends and family. Bryan opened the brunch with heartfelt words about the impact that “Puff”, as he referred to him during his speech, had on him. "When you’re around Puff, you just want to be better," Cox told guests. "Puff challenged me early on by asking, Son, do you know how hot you really are? I walked away wanting to make even greater music.” Bryan credited Combs as a mentor that offered him an opportunity to be greater. Sean “Diddy” Combs continued the message of mentorship and opportunity with his acceptance speech and accredited his success to being given an opportunity by mentors like Quincy Jones, LA Reid and Andre Harrell. Bryan-Michael Cox recognized the founders of 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, Magnus Greaves, Lucas Riggins and Dan Carriere and illustrated to the audience the value and impact of the organization. “Minorities are fundamentally at a disadvantage because many lack the access to financial resources and mentoring opportunities to start sustainable businesses.”
In a special presentation honoring Combs, Damone Franklin and Charlie Fyffe owners of Charlies Brownies, a 100 Urban Entrepreneur funded business, announced the establishment of the “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs” Entrepreneurial Fund. Moved by the founders’ commitment to urban entrepreneurship and the stories of those currently served by the foundation, Sean “Diddy” Combs personally committed $100,000.00 to The 100 Urban Entrepreneurs Foundation. The donation will be used to fund 10 startup businesses and provide entry into the 100 Urban Entrepreneur Mentor Program.
“I almost didn’t make the record. Big called me at the last minute, and said, ’Get me a track,’ and I told him, ’I don’t have time to make one.’ I had other deadlines to meet at the time. He was on his way to blow up, and I loved him, and I wanted to help, but I really just didn’t have the time. I used to see Big in the area all the time. Just to hang. Mister Cee put me on to Big, and we would go down to the store where we used to buy 40s. We’ll see Big, and he’ll be like, ’Yo, what do I got to do to get put on?’ And I said, ’Well, you messing with Puff.’ And he’s like, ’Yeah, but he’s taking too long.’ And I would be like, ’Nah, stay with him. He’s going to help you get rich.’ He was just impatient like all artists, but it’s a process.
Garnier Fructis shot some footage with Janelle Monae during the 2010 Voodoo Experience Music Festival in New Orleans, LA, where she performed. They chat about her style and hair and it is mixed with some "Cold War" performance footage.
According to a press release, Ciroc vodka has joined with National Basketball Association franchise the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center, where they play their games, to promote social responsibility.
The effort will include in-game promotions, public service announcements (PSA) and social responsibility programming at the Verizon Center. Two "Safe Rides" PSAs have already been unveiled, including Wizards player JaVale McGee and the team's DJ, DJ Big Tigger.
"In the last three years, Ciroc has taken great strides to help New Yorkers adopt responsible celebratory habits through our annual New Year's Eve 'Safe Rides' program," said Randy Carlson, Brand Director for CIROC at Diageo North America, in the release. "We are thrilled to partner with the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center to help us spread this message to our nation's capitol and to the entire sports community."
"Together with E! network, Ciroc has distributed pre-paid debit cards in and around Times Square on New Year's Eve to ensure partygoers have access to free, safe rides home," added Dia Simms, EVP, General Manager of The Blue Flame Agency, Bad Boy's in-house marketing agency. "We are excited to extend this program to the DC Metro area in the near future."
From the red carpet at the GRAMMY Awards, Janelle Monae chatted with MTV and Fuse about her next album. Watch below for the Fuse clip.
"I'm working on new music now and as soon as the music is done, an album will be submitted, but we're already like, 'Let's go,'" she a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1658136/janelle-monae.jhtml">told MTV. "I'm in a very creative space right now, just came off tour with Amy Winehouse, Prince, Stevie Wonder. ... I'm in a really good, creative space."
Here are a couple of clips with Janelle Monae from the red carpet at the GRAMMYs. The first is a short interview with CBS while the second is a funny clip for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" (Monae is at the 1:34 mark).
Before she performed at Clive Davis' gala before the GRAMMYs, Janelle Monae was interviewed from the red carpet by - who else - the GRAMMYs themselves. Watch below for the interview, where Monae reflects on her participation in the awards, technology and music and more.
Clinton Sparks has just released a new record, "Rockin' With the Best," borrowing Diddy's often used catchphrase and featuring the Bad Boy CEO. My ear tells me that most, if not all of Diddy's vocals on the track, were taken from previously released songs. "Rockin' With the Best" was produced by Sparks and DJ Snake.
You can check out the cover, listen to it and download it for free below (by clicking the little downward facing arrow in the player below).
