BET URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NYC

BET URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NYCTHE URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY BET NETWORKS WITH FOUNDING SPONSOR HBO ANNOUNCES 2015 FESTIVAL SLATE

THE URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY BET NETWORKS WITH FOUNDING SPONSOR HBO ANNOUNCES 2015 FESTIVAL SLATEFESTIVAL RUNS SEPTEMBER 23rd-27th IN NEW YORK

Urbanworld Film Festival to Open with Muhammad Ali, Close with Misty Copeland

Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ and Misty Copeland’s A Ballerina’s Tale to be featured

Urbanworld Film Festival to Open with Muhammad Ali, Close with Misty Copeland The 19th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival (http://www.urbanworld.org), presented by BET Networks (BET) with founding sponsor HBO, today announced all of the films that will be showcased. The nation’s largest competitive multicultural film festival will screen over 80 films and will take place September 23-27, 2015 at Manhattan’s AMC Empire 25 on 234 West 42nd Street.

BET’s Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ will serve as the opening night film at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23rd. The biographical tribute to the former heavyweight champion, directed and executive produced by Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah, will connect the fighter’s boxing prowess as well as his social media activism, to the millennial audience to reveal Ali’s meaning in the world today.

Premiering on BET Wednesday, September 23rd at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, the special features exclusive interviews with family, friends and admirers including Muhammad Ali’s daughter and niece Laila Ali and Shaya Ali, LL Cool J, Ludacris, T.I., Nas, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray Lewis, Tyrese, Rosie Perez, David Banner, Michael Eric Dyson, Billie Jean King, Walt Frazier, Jim Brown, Ronnie Essett, Sway Calloway, Wood Harris, Jeffrey T. Sammons, Godfrey C. Danchimah, Richard Sherman, J. Ivy and Common. A Q&A with filmmakers will follow.

“BET is honored to return as presenting sponsor of the 2015 Urbanworld Film Festival, an important platform for diverse content makers and film lovers alike,” said Constance Orlando, Senior Vice President of Music, Specials and News for BET Networks. “We are also excited to launch BET’s original news documentary series with the film, “Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ,” during the festival’s opening night.

A Ballerina’s Tale will close the festival on Saturday, September 26 at 8:30pm. The film is an intimate look at a crucial period in the career of principal dancer Misty Copeland of American Ballet Theatre (ABT). It follows Misty from her triumphant lead performance in Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center through her painful injury and recovery that followed, to her return to ABT and subsequent pop cultural icon status.

The documentary, directed by Nelson George, also examines issues of race and body image in the elite ballet world. Sundance Selects will release the film theatrically and on VOD on October 14th. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with Copeland and George.

“With BET and HBO as our returning partners for the festival, we continue to highlight important stories that the world needs to see,” said Gabrielle Glore, Festival Director for Urbanworld Film Festival. “This year’s festival slate features a diverse collection of films representing culture from across the globe, allowing us to deliver Urbanworld’s most internationally curated content to date. We are proud that Urbanworld continues to be ‘THE’ destination for both filmmakers, studios and networks to connect with multicultural audiences.”

In addition to BET Networks and HBO, the festival proudly partners with brands who are committed to Urbanworld’s mission. Comcast NBC Universal Telemundo and Time Warner serve as Premiere sponsors. Industry Circle sponsors include Fox Audience Strategy, Fox Global Directors Initiative, Interactive One, VH1, UMC, The Swirl Group, MoviePass, The Directors Guild of America, and AMC. Uptown, Hello Beautiful, Global Grind, NewsOne, TheUrbanDaily and Power 105 are media sponsors.

For additional announcements in September, go to http://www.urbanworld.org

URBANWORLD 2015 FILM SLATE

OPENING NIGHT FILM
Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ – Directed by Clarence “Coodie” Simmons & Chike Ozah (USA) – Presented by BET Networks

CLOSING NIGHT FILM
A Ballerina’s Tale – Directed by Nelson George (USA) – Presented by Sundance Selects

SPOTLIGHT FILMS3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets – Directed by Marc Silver (USA) – Presented by HBO
Stretch & Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives – Directed by Bobbito Garcia (USA)
The Man In 3B – Directed by Trey Haley (USA) – East Coast Premiere

NARRATIVE FEATURE FILMS

After School – Directed by Carlos Melendez & Mauricio Mendoza (USA) – New York Premiere
A Girl Like Grace – Directed by Ty Hodges (USA) – New York Premiere
Breaking Through – Directed by John Swetnam (USA) – US Premiere
Carmin Tropical – Directed by Rigoberto Perezcano (Mexico) – New York Premiere – Presented by NewFest in Partnership with Outfest
Chapter & Verse – Directed by Jamal Joseph (USA) – World Premiere
Flow – Directed by Fenar Ahmad (Denmark) – US Premiere
Honeytrap – Directed Rebecca Johnson (UK) – New York Premiere
Knucklehead – Directed by Ben Bowman (USA)
Last Night – Directed by Harold Jackson III (USA)
Pocha – Directed by Michael Dwyer (USA) – New York Premiere
Primero De Enero (January 1st) – Directed by Erika Bagnarello (Dominican Republic) – New York Premiere
Riding 79 – Directed by Karola Hawk Gonzalez (Puerto Rico) – New York Premiere
Somewhere In The Middle – Directed by Lanre Olabisi (USA) – New York Premiere
The Stockroom – Directed by Victor Cruz (USA) – World Premiere
The Two Of Us – Directed by Ernest Nkosi (South Africa) – New York Premiere

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS
Anatomy of a Dress – Directed by Flora Pérez-Garay (Puerto Rico) – New York Premiere
Can You Dig This – Directed by Delila Vallot (USA) – New York Premiere
Dramatic Escape – Directed by Nick Quested (USA) – World Premiere
Hate Crimes in the Heartland – Directed by Rachel Lyon (USA)
In Football We Trust – Co-Directed by Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn (USA) – New York Premiere
Romeo is Bleeding – Directed by Jason Zeldes (USA)
Tap World – Directed by Dean Hargrove (USA)
We Like It Like That – Directed by Mathew Ramirez Warren (USA) – New York Premiere

DOCUMENTARY SHORTSBy Jamal Joseph: A Life Transformed by the Arts – Directed by Mike De Caro (USA) – World Premiere
Looking at the Stars – Directed by Alexandre Peralta (Brazil) – New York Premiere
Quest for Cuba: Questlove Brings the Funk to Havana – Directed by Jauretsi & Daniel Petruzzi (USA) – Presented by Okayplayer Films & Jill Newman Productions

NARRATIVE SHORT FILMS
#American – Directed by Nate Parker (USA) – New York Premiere
1440 & Counting – Directed by Tony Gapastione (USA) – New York Premiere
2nd Life – Directed by Jake Alexander McAfee (USA) – New York Premiere
Ackee & Saltfish – Directed by Cecile Meke (UK)
About That… – Directed by Damien Smith (USA) – New York Premiere
Amishi – Directed by Malinda Kaur (UK)
Ana – Directed by Renee Marie Petropoulos (USA) – New York Premiere
Bad Hunter – Directed by Sahim Omar Kalifa (Belgium) – New York Premiere
Beyond The Passage – Directed by Terrence Jones (USA) – New York Premiere
Blackcard – Directed by Pete Chatmon (USA)
Boxed In – Directed by Tasha Smith (USA) – New York Premiere
Charlotte – Directed by Angel Kristi Williams (USA) – New York Premiere
Clean – Directed by Gabriel Wilson (USA) – World Premiere
Debt to Society – Directed by Tristan Daley (USA) – New York Premiere
Dream – Directed by Nijla Mu’min (USA) – New York Premiere
Dubois – Directed by Kaz Ové (Trinidad & Tobago) – New York Premiere
Fanta Face – Directed by Yaa Boaa Aning (USA) – World Premiere
Forgiving Chris Brown – Directed by Marquette Jones (USA) – World Premiere
Gang – Directed by Clayton Vomero (USA) – US Premiere
Human Behavior – Directed by Carey WIlliams – New York Premiere
In the Clouds – Directed by Marcelo Mitnik (Argentina) – New York Premiere
King of Guangzhou – Directed by Quester Hannah (China)
Late Expectations – Directed by Laurie Arakaki (USA) – World Premiere
Lia – Directed by Ethosheia Hylton (UK) – World Premiere
Love for Passion – Directed by Nathan Hale Williams (USA)
Mandala – Directed by Guan Xi (China) – New York Premiere
Marianne – Directed by Tomisin Adepeju (UK) – New York Premiere
Only Light – Directed by Evita Castine (USA)
Roubado – Directed by Erica A. Watson (USA) – New York Premiere
Since I Laid Eyes – Directed by Adel Morales
South Arcadia Street – Directed by Melanie D’Andrea (USA) – New York Premiere
Standing8 – Directed by Michael Molina Minard (USA)
Stanhope – Directed by Solvan Naim (USA) – New York Premiere
Stomach – Directed by Javier Kühn (UK/Spain) – World Premiere
Taking Chance – Directed by Jerry Lamothe (USA) – World Premiere
Tap Shoes & Violins – Directed by Dax Brooks (USA) – New York Premiere
The Call – Directed by Zamo Mkhwanazi (USA) – New York Premiere
The Cycle – Directed by Michael Marantz (USA) – New York Premiere
The Loyalist – Directed by Minji Kang (South Korea)
The Reunion – Directed by Carmen Elly Wilkerson (USA) – New York Premiere
The Trade – Directed by Michael A. Pinckney (USA) – World Premiere
The Trophy Thief – Directed by Dave Edwardz (USA) – New York Premiere
The Walk – Directed by Alonso Alvarez Barreda (Mexico) – New York Premiere
The Waltz – Directed by Trevor Zhou (USA) – World Premiere
Times of Competition – Directed by Toti Loureiro & Ruy Prado (Brazil) – New York Premiere
Tough – Directed by Alfonso Johnson (USA) – New York Premiere
Wait Till the Wolves Make Nice – Directed by Jess dela Merced (USA) – New York Premiere
Wayward – Directed by Kira Richards Hansen (Denmark) – New York Premiere
Welcoming Arms – Directed by Roseanne Ma (USA) – New York Premiere
When Fragile Things Break – Directed by Shanika Warren-Markland (USA) – New York Premiere

BET URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL 2015 NYC

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OSCARS 2015 GOVERNORS AWARDS

OSCARS 2015 GOVERNORS AWARDS spike-lee-gena-rowlands-debbie-reynolds

SPIKE LEE, DEBBIE REYNOLDS AND GENA ROWLANDS TO RECEIVE ACADEMY’S 2015 GOVERNORS AWARDS

SPIKE LEE, DEBBIE REYNOLDS AND GENA ROWLANDS TO RECEIVE ACADEMY’S 2015 GOVERNORS AWARDS

 

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.

All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14th, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”

Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his NYU thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won a Student Academy Award® in 1983.

He proceeded to blaze a distinctive trail with such features as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing,” which earned him a 1989 Oscar® nomination for Original Screenplay. His work as a director ranges from the Oscar-nominated documentary feature “4 Little Girls” to such mainstream successes as “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man.”

Lee’s other feature credits include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Jungle Fever,” “Crooklyn,” “He Got Game,” “25th Hour,” “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Red Hook Summer.” He currently serves as the artistic director of the graduate film program at NYU.

Rowlands, an original talent whose devotion to her craft has earned her worldwide recognition as an independent film icon, received Academy Award nominations for her lead performances in “A Woman under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980), both directed by her husband and frequent collaborator, John Cassavetes.

She got her start on the New York stage and in live television in the 1950s and has appeared in 40 feature films to date, from “The High Cost of Loving” in 1958 to “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” which she starred in earlier this year.

Her other notable films include “Lonely Are the Brave,” “Faces,” “Minnie and Moskowitz,” “Opening Night,” “Another Woman,” “Unhook the Stars,” “Hope Floats,” “Playing by Heart,” “The Notebook” and “Broken English.”

Reynolds, a Hollywood icon since she won hearts with her buoyant performance in “Singin’ in the Rain,” embarked on the role of a lifetime as a founding member of the Thalians, a charitable organization conceived and sustained by entertainers to promote awareness and treatment of mental health issues.

She served as the group’s president almost continuously from 1957 to 2011, adding numerous terms as board chair and frequently presiding over its annual fundraising gala. Her tireless efforts have enabled the Thalians to contribute millions to the Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai and to UCLA’s Operation Mend, which helps military veterans recover from the physical and psychological wounds of war.

Reynolds has appeared in more than 40 feature films, including “The Tender Trap,” “A Catered Affair” and “Mother,” and received a 1964 Oscar nomination for her lead performance in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

Governors Awards Wiki

OSCARS 2015 GOVERNORS AWARDS

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A3C Music Festival 2015 Lineup Atlanta

A3C Music Festival 2015 Atlanta Date A3C Music Festival 2015 Atlanta

First of three line-up announcements including artists and speakers to participate at the 11th annual A3C Festival & Conference. The internationally recognized five-day festival and conference will feature hip-hop icons: De La Soul, Rakim, Cam’ron, Dame Dash, Just Blaze, Curren$y & Jet Life, Jean Grae, Cyhi the Prynce Pharoahe Monch, Soulection Executive Team, Kool Keith, PNB Rock & The Difference Machine.

A3C Music Festival 2015 Lineup Atlanta (1)

Second of three installments of A3C artists and speakers to participate at this years events, include: Taylor Gang & Wiz Khalifa, Pete Rock, Jungle Brothers, Beanie Sigel, Peter Rosenberg & Cipha Sounds, Joe Budden, Awful Records & Father, Marc Lamont Hill, Karen Civil, Combat Jack, Sonny Digital, Sha Money XL, Tha Alkaholiks, Scotty ATL, Johnny Cinco, Tsu Surf, Silkk The Shocker, Mike Zombie, DC Young Fly & Stic of Dead Prez.

2015 A3C will take place October 7th-11th, 2015, in Atlanta’s eclectic Old 4th Ward, along Edgewood Ave, and East Atlanta Village. A3C has moved the Conference Center to The Loudermilk Center, and the host hotel to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.

The A3C Pro-Audio Conference Center will remain at the SAE Institute of Atlanta, and A3C has partnered with the Atlanta Streetcars to move A3C attendees around Atlanta for free.

A3C artist submissions are open through September 19th. Submissions are free through September 1st for artists with a Sonicbids account. To date YCDon, Buggs Tha Rocka, Shope’, Young Chizz, Triune and nearly a dozen other artists have been selected to perform at this years A3C Festival & Conference. Past Sonicbids selections include: Young Thug, Trinidad James, Rhymefest, Ca$h Out, Que, Black Sheep, Tanya Morgan, CJ Fly of Pro Era, & Propaganda.

Submit here: http://www.sonicbids.com/find-gigs/2015-a3c-hip-hop-festival

The A3C Festival features 500+ performances over 5 days, while the Hip-Hop community ascends on Atlanta to experience, celebrate and discover the most legendary, talented and promising artists from across the US, and abroad. Artists are continuously added to A3C Festival line-up and every night features surprise performances. In other words, the A3C Festival is an amazing Hip-Hop experience like no other.I love the team at A3C for giving artists a platform to be heard and build their craft!”, states Sean “Diddy” Combs.”

The A3C Conference is an incomparable platform for the Hip-Hop industry, academics, creatives, companies and organizations to connect, learn and build. A3C Conference includes keynote speakers, panels, workshops, demos, interviews, screenings, mixers and exhibits featuring over 150 Hip-Hop industry experts, academics and influencers “I really love what this conference represents. I love that most of the people that you see are business minded, it’s inspiring.” states Bun B.

2015 A3C Festival & Conference presenting partners currently include: MyMixtapez, Monster Energy, SAE Institute of Atlanta, Morehouse College, Mail Chimp, Tunecore and Sonicdbids.

A3C is very proud to announce the launch of The Formula: An Academic Symposium with Morehouse College at the 11th annual A3C Festival & Conference. The Formula will take place at the A3C Conference Center on Thursday, October 9th and is accessible with a VIP, All-Access, or Conference Pass.

LABELS & ARTISTS….NEED PROMOTION
RAWDOGGTV (PR & Global Publicity) Viral Marketing | APP Promo
Contact: ☎ 305-490-2182 gerald@rawdoggtv.com

For more information about the A3C Festival & Conference, taking place in Atlanta on October 7th-11th, 2015, visit www.a3cfestival.com. Follow A3C on Facebook.com/A3Cfestival and Twitter – @A3C and Instagram – @A3CFestival and the hashtag is #A3C2015.

A3C Music Festival 2015 Lineup Atlanta

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Romeo Santos Tops Taylor Swift YouTube Views

Romeo Santos Tops Taylor Swift YouTube ViewsTaylor Swift may be the most famous singer living in New York City at the moment, but she can’t compete with native New Yorker Romeo Santos on YouTube.

The Latin music super star surpassed her in worldwide YouTube views with over 5 billion views to her 4.3 billion.

When you break down that figure by city, Santos’ 57 million views in New York City surpass Swift’s 32 million, despite the fact that Swift has been named the city’s “global welcome ambassador.”

While Swift is a pop music queen, Santos is the “King of Bachata,” a lively genre of Latin music. His biggest hit, “Propuesta Indecente,” has garnered around 700 million views on YouTube.

Last year, the Bronx-born singer sold out Yankee Stadium two nights in a row. Santos joined Paul McCartney and Madonna as one of a handful of artists who have sold out the stadium, which has a capacity of roughly 50,000.

Música Romeo Santos

Romeo Santos Tops Taylor Swift YouTube Views Ref: http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/13/media/romeo-santos-five-billion-youtube/index.html

wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_Santos Anthony Santos (born July 21, 1981), known professionally as Romeo Santos, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, featured composer and former lead singer of the Bachata group Aventura. He became The King of Bachata, and while he was with Aventura, they were known as The Kings of Bachata. As a member of Aventura, Santos has been a key figure in popularizing Bachata, with hits reaching near the top of the Billboard Latin charts and the top of charts in Europe. In 2002

romeo santos nuevo disco

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Romeo Santos Tops Taylor Swift YouTube Vistas

Taylor Swift puede ser el más famoso cantante que vive en la ciudad de Nueva York en el momento, pero ella no puede competir con neoyorquino Romeo Santos en YouTube.

La super estrella de la música latina le superó en visitas internacionales de YouTube con más de 5000000000 vistas a su 4.3 mil millones.

Cuando usted analiza esa cifra por la ciudad, Santos 57 millones de visitas en la ciudad de Nueva York superan los 32 millones de Swift, a pesar de que Swift ha sido nombrada la ciudad de “embajador de bienvenida global”.

Mientras que Swift es una música reina del pop, Santos es el “Rey de la Bachata”, un género animado de la música latina. Su mayor éxito, “Propuesta Indecente”, ha ganado alrededor de 700 millones de visitas en YouTube.

El año pasado, la cantante nacida en el Bronx se agotó el Yankee Stadium dos noches seguidas. Santos se unió a Paul McCartney y Madonna como una de un puñado de artistas que han vendido el estadio, que tiene una capacidad de alrededor de 50.000.

Música Romeo Santos

Romeo Santos Tops Taylor Swift YouTube Vistas Ref: http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/13/media/romeo-santos-five-billion-youtube/index.html

wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_Santos Anthony Santos (nacido el 21 de julio 1981), conocida profesionalmente como Romeo Santos, es una cantante, compositora, productora musical, actor, compositor ofrecido y el ex vocalista de la Bachata grupo Aventura . Se convirtió en el rey de la bachata , y mientras él estaba con Aventura, que eran conocidos como Los reyes de la bachata. Como miembro de Aventura, Santos ha sido una figura clave en la popularización de la bachata, con éxitos que alcanzan cerca de la cima de los Billboard latinos gráficos y la parte superior de las cartas en Europa. En 2002

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FACEBOOK CANNOT DEMAND REAL NAMES SAYS GERMAN COURT

Facebook Cannot Demand Real Names, Says German CourtAn arm of the German government has ruled that Facebook may not change users’ screen names to their real names. They may no longer demand identification of the users. This is in direct opposition to recent moves by the company to rid itself of non-real or non-confirmed identities. The company used to identify certain last names as fakes and force the users to identify themselves. This is now illegal in Germany.

German regulator orders Facebook to allow pseudonyms

Such a move could set a precedent by which users in other countries could create similar lawsuits. Simply defy Facebook’s directives that are in violation of the rules, and then sue them, and point to the ruling. A chain reaction may not be hard to imagine, but it is also not necessarily imminent.

Facebook HQ is in Ireland

Facebook continues to maintain that its headquarters are in Ireland and that it should only have to abide by Irish law. Increasingly its monitoring and tracking of user activities could place it at odds with European civil rights and freedom advocates.

The German government has an issue with the website not allowing users to sign up with false credentials. It is a violation of privacy, they feel, for Facebook to demand real, identifiable people. The question will be whether Facebook will react by rescinding its policy in places where it will not be tolerated, or will other social networks

ref: https://hacked.com/facebook-cannot-demand-real-names-says-german-court/

Facebook Cannot Demand Real Names Says German Court

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MTV VMA AWARDS 2015 Nominations Tickets

VMA AWARDS 2015 Nominations Tickets WinnersTHE 2015 “MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS” NOMINATIONS LIVE AF

Miley Cyrus to Host

The 2015 “MTV Video Music Awards” to Air LIVE on Sunday, August 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT

2015 VMA Nominations: Get The Full List Now

The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards nominations are here — so get voting!

The list for the show, airing Sunday, August 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT — and hosted by Miley Cyrus — is lead by Taylor Swift, who is up for nine Moonmen. Following Taylor, pal Ed Sheeran has six noms and is competing against her for the coveted Video of the Year category. We doubt there will be any bad blood, though.

The nominations were announced on Apple’s Beats 1 radio show today. Check out the full list below and start voting now.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

BEST MALE VIDEO
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
The Weeknd – “Earned It”
Nick Jonas – “Chains”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Taylor Swift – “Blank Space”
Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
Sia – “Elastic Heart”
Ellie Goulding – “Love Me Like You Do”

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”
Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”
Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t F–k With You”

BEST POP VIDEO
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Taylor Swift – “Blank Space”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Maroon 5 – “Sugar”

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Hozier – “Take Me To Church”
Fall Out Boy – “Uma Thurman”
Florence + the Machine – “Ship To Wreck”
Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance”
Arctic Monkeys – “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

ARTIST TO WATCH
Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”
Vance Joy – “Riptide”
George Ezra – “Budapest”
James Bay – “Hold Back The River”
FKA Twigs – “Pendulum”

BEST COLLABORATION
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”
Ariana Grande & The Weeknd – “Love Me Harder”
Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj – “Bang Bang”

VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE
Jennifer Hudson – “I Still Love You”
Colbie Caillat – “Try”
Big Sean ft. Kanye West and John Legend – “One Man Can Change the World”
Rihanna – “American Oxygen”
Wale – “The White Shoes”

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

BEST ART DIRECTION
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Charles Infante)
Snoop Dogg – “So Many Pros” (Jason Fijal)
Jack White – “Would You Fight For My Love” (Jeff Peterson)
The Chemical Brothers – “Go” (Michel Gondry)
Skrillex & Diplo – “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyoncé – “7/11″ (Beyoncé, Chris Grant, Additional choreography: Gabriel Valenciano)
OK Go – “I Won’t Let You Down” (OK Go, air:man and Mori Harano)
Chet Faker – “Gold” (Ryan Heffington)
Ed Sheeran – “Don’t” (Nappy Tabs)
Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Never Catch Me” (Keone and Mari Madrid)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Never Catch Me” (Larkin Sieple)
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud” (Daniel Pearl)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Christopher Probst)
FKA Twigs – “Two Weeks” (Justin Brown)
Alt-J – “Left Hand Free” (Mike Simpson)

BEST DIRECTION
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Joseph Kahn)
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars and Cameron Duddy)
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright” (Colin Tilley & The Little Homies)
Hozier – “Take Me To Church” (Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson of Feel Good Lost)
Childish Gambino – “Sober” (Hiro Murai)

BEST EDITING
Beyoncé – “7/11″ (Beyoncé, Ed Burke, Jonathan Wing)
Ed Sheeran – “Don’t” (Jacquelyn London)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Chancler Haynes at Cosmo Street)
A$AP Rocky – “L$D” (Dexter Navy)
Skrillex & Diplo “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Ingenuity Studios)
FKA Twigs – “Two Weeks” (Gloria FX, Tomash Kuzmytskyi, and Max Chyzhevskyy)
Childish Gambino – “Telegraph Ave.” (Gloria FX)
Skrillex & Diplo “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer)
Tyler, The Creator – “F****** Young/Death Camp” (Gloria FX)

MTV VMA AWARDS 2015 Nominations Tickets

The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from L.A.’s Microsoft Theater at 9 p.m. ET, on Sunday, August 30th

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POP STARS Using Dating Apps To Promote Their Music

Pop Stars Using Dating Apps To Promote Their MusicPop Stars Like Madonna, Zedd and Jason Derulo Now Using Tinder, Match And Other Dating Apps To Promote Their Music

Dating apps have become a popular outlet for artist promotion, Mariah Carey created a Match.com profile to premiere the music video for her single “Infinity,” and Zedd and Jason Derulo utilized Tinder’s swipe right function to promote an album and a video. With the influence of commercial radio on the decline and the Internet and mobile technology providing a myriad ways for listeners to listen to and discover new music, record labels and their artists are getting more creative in their efforts to promote their latest offerings. PlentyOfFish has taken a different approach to the trend by actually marketing the app itself by featuring it in various music videos. The dating service has shown up in videos by Britney Spears, Kesha, Lady Gaga and Flo Rida. The service also worked with Gaga in promoting her concert tour.

Nicki Minaj Is Using Grindr to Promote The Pinkprint Tour

The North American Pinkprint Tour runs from July 17 to Aug. 19, hitting 19 cities and featuring Meek Mill, Tinashe, Rae Sremmurd, and DeJ Loaf as supporting acts. Following the tour, Minaj plays at Billboard’s inaugural Hot 100 Music Fest at Jones Beach. Tickets are available at www.livenation.com. Head here to see the full lineup. Pop Stars Using Dating Apps To Promote Their Music organicbodycleanse.com

Hollywood Is Hooking Up With Tinder, Grindr for Movie, TV Projects

Earlier this month, Twentieth Century Fox hooked up with Tinder to market the comedy “Spy,” starring Melissa McCarthy and Jude Law, which opens later this week. Instead of a date, users were given the chance to “swipe right” (Tinder-speak for you’re interested) for free tickets to special screenings of the movie around the country. “It completely sold out in every market,” Fox Studios president of marketing Marc Weinstock told TheWrap. “Tinder was a perfect match for our audience. They’re very strong in the 17-34 [demographic]. What could be better for a first date than a hilarious comedy?” Film Makers, Labels & Artist….NEED APP PROMO@ RAWDOGGTV Viral Marketing | APP Promo Contact: ☎ 305-490-2182 gerald@rawdoggtv.com

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ROC NATION VIC MENSA TOUR DATES 2015

VIC MENSA ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO DATES ON TRAFFIC TOUR PART I

Vic Mensa is a 22-year-old artist and producer from Chicago and founding member of the Savemoney collective; is now signed with the Roc Nation family.

Vic Mensaextends his headlining Traffic Tour Part I performing at summer festivals nationwide. Check out exclusive video content from sold out shows in Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Ana and more.

All tickets will be available for purchase on Friday July 17th HERE. Show dates include:

Tuesday, August 11th DC** U Street Music Hall

Thursday, August 13th Boston Brighton Music Hall

Sunday, August 16th Toronto The Hoxton

Tuesday, August 18h Detroit Populux

Tuesday August 25th Seattle Neptune Theatre

Thursday August 27th Portland Wonder Ballroom

**Ticket sales for U Street Music Hall in Washington DC will be available for purchase Thursday July 16th In addition, catch Vic Mensa performing summer festivals nationwide including:

Saturday, July 18th Chicago, IL Pitchfork Festival

Saturday August 8th Brooklyn, NY
Mad Decent Block Party

Saturday, August 15th Montreal Illsonic Festival

September 5th & September 6th Philadelphia, PA
Made in America Festival

Sunday September 13th Miami, FL Fool’s Gold Presents Day Off

Saturday September 19th Asbury Park, NJ Shadow Of The City Festival

Sunday September 27th Tempe, AZ Summer Ends Festival

ROC NATION VIC MENSA TOUR DATES 2015

Follow Vic:
http://vicmensa.com
https://instagram.com/vicmensa
https://twitter.com/vicmensa

ROC NATION VIC MENSA TOUR DATES 2015

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BILLBOARD HOT 100 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 NY

Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber & More Headlining Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival

Announcing the First-Ever Billboard Hot 100 Festival! 40+ Artists, 3 main Stages, 2 Days, August 22nd-23rd, 2015 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater 1000 Ocean Parkway Wantagh, New York 11793 | Showtime 3PM-11PM #hot100fest

BILLBOARD HOT 100 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 NY

BILLBOARD HOT 100 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 NY

The concert series, which is being produced in a joint partnership between Billboard and LiveNation, will feature three separate stages over the course of the jam-packed two days. Resale begins on July 13, and you can get your tickets right here Live Nation

“With this first-of-its-kind festival on the beach just outside New York City, Billboard is officially expanding its live event footprint,” Billboard president John Amato said in a statement. “The iconic Jones Beach will be fully transformed into a true festival experience with multiple stages and a festival village.”

Live Nation’s President and CEO Michael Rapino also commented on the festival, saying, “The Hot 100 Music Festival will be one of those truly memorable summer concert events. We are very excited to bring fans some of summer 2015’s chart toppers in a venue that will showcase the best these artists have to offer.”

Tickets for the festival go on sale to the general public on Live Nation on July 16th at 10AM EST.

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BET PLAYERS AWARDS 2015 LAS VEGAS

BET PLAYERS AWARDS 2015BET NETWORKS ANNOUNCES THE 1st ANNUAL “PLAYERS’ AWARDS” PREMIERE JULY 21st, 8:00 pm

BET NETWORKS ANNOUNCES THE 1ST ANNUAL “PLAYERS’ AWARDS” PREMIERE DATE TUESDAY, JULY 21ST AT 8:00 P.M.*

“THE PLAYERS’ AWARDS” WILL TAPE SUNDAY, JULY 19TH IN THE PENN & TELLER THEATER AT THE RIO LAS VEGAS HOTEL AND CASINO

NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (NBPA) ANNOUNCES “TOP VOTED PLAYERS” AND NBA PLAYERS CONFIRMED TO ATTEND

MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST AND 4 TIME GRAMMY WINNER LIL WAYNE CONFIRMED TO PERFORM

BET Networks in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announces Tuesday, July 21st as the premiere date for the 1st Annual “Players’ Awards”. The first inaugural show will tape at the historic Penn & Teller Theater in the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on Sunday, July 19th.

The star-studded event will feature appearances by top NBA players including members on the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Executive Committee – Chris Paul, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala and Anthony Tolliver. Not only will the show have NBA star power, but will also feature performances by the hottest musical artists including renowned sports enthusiast and multi-platinum recording artist Lil Wayne.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to launch the 1st Annual “Players’ Awards” due to the overwhelming response from its members and all categories have been voted by the NBA’s active players.

BET PLAYERS AWARDS 2015 LAS VEGAS

The complete list of the “Top Voted Players” for the “Players’ Awards” are (names are listed in alphabetical order):
Best Rookie
Jordan Clarkson
Zach LaVine
Elfrid Payton
Andrew Wiggins

Best Defender
Tony Allen
Jimmy Butler
Anthony Davis
DeAndre Jordan

Global Impact Player
Pau Gasol
Kyrie Irving
Dirk Nowitzki
Tony Parker

Clutch Performer:
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook

Coach You Most Want to Play For
Mike Budenholzer
Rick Carlisle
Steve Kerr
Greg Popovich

Hardest to Guard
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook

Best Home Court Advantage
AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City)
Moda Center (Portland)
Oracle Arena (Golden State)

Player You Secretly Wish was On Your Team:
Stephen Curry
Anthony Davis
Tim Duncan
LeBron James

Most Valuable Player:
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, and Don Mischer Productions will serve as Executive Producers for the “Players’ Awards”. Serving as Executive Producers from the National Basketball Players Association are Chris Paul, NBPA President, Roger Mason Jr., NBPA Deputy Executive Director, and Jordan Schlachter, NBPA Chief Marketing Officer along with Prospect Park.Lose Weight Naturally

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BET Awards 2015 Experience Winners

NEARLY 12 MILLION VIEWERS TUNED FOR THE BET AWARDS 2015 LIVE PREMIERE

BET Awards 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30th at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

JANET JACKSON RECEIVES INAUGURAL ULTIMATE ICON: MUSIC DANCE VISUAL AWARD

EPIC EVENING FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY, KENDRICK LAMAR, ALICIA KEYS, CHRIS BROWN, BIG SEAN,
MEEK MILL, NE-YO, NICKI MINAJ, THE WEEKND, TINASHE, TYGA AND MORE

BET NETWORKS ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL NOMINEES FOR THE BET AWARDS 2015JANET JACKSON and PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY to SMOKEY ROBINSON and KENDRICK LAMAR, it was a night full of electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches and unforgettable moments at the 15th annual “BET AWARDS” hosted by ANTHONY ANDERSON and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, which aired live from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Sunday, June 28th, 2015.

Hosts ANTHONY ANDERSON and TRACEE ELLIS ROSS surprised the audience with a hilarious original opening song complete with Tracee flying over the stage in a money suit. The two captivated the crowd the entire night, thanks to their riffs on a range of hot topics, from Rachel Dolezal to Tyler Perry and impersonating celebrities from Sam Smith to Cookie and Lucius from “Empire.”

KENDRICK LAMAR kicked off the show with an explosive performance of his latest single “Alright” and graced the stage again after winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist. BEYONCÉ and CHRIS BROWN tied with 3 awards, followed by Oscar-winning film “Selma” and FOX’s “Empire,” which each took home two awards.

One of the most attention-grabbing moments of the evening was JANET JACKSON taking the stage to receive the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award, presented by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

The pop icon was honored with a tantalizing, high-energy dance tribute highlighting a mix of some of the most memorable and successful performances of her storied career, as told by a star-studded roster of a few of the hottest names in the 2015 class of pop music.

It included a pulsating rendition of “Pleasure Principle” by TINASHE, followed by “All for You” by JASON DERULO and CIARA’s hard-hitting delivery of “If.” All three stars joined forces for an unforgettable dance-off to “Rhythm Nation,” which had the entire crowd on their feet and cheering. A humbled Jackson shyly thanked God and her fans for her 25 plus year career, along with BET for the honor, all while smiling brightly and clutching her trophy in hand.

ALICIA KEYS made a surprise appearance joining THE WEEKND on the “BET AWARDS” stage for a stunning performance of “Earned It” that drew a standing ovation. The ultra-talented JANELLE MONAE delivered an incredible performance of Yoga,” which was amped up even more with an appearance by JIDENNA, who took over the stage to perform his own hit “Classic Man.”

NICKI MINAJ got the crowd popping when she joined MEEK MILL on stage with CHRIS BROWN to perform their brand new single “All Eyes on Us.” Then, today’s hottest rising stars, AVERY WILSON and ANDRA DAY both had impressive performances during the evening as a part of Music Matters presented by Nissan.

Earlier in the night CHRIS BROWN had the audience moving to his latest hit with TYGA “Ayo,” then the crowd got on their feet when OMARION joined the stage to jump on “Post To Be” for a hot dance routine with Brown.

YAZZ, JUSSIE SMOLLETT and SERAYAH from the cast of “Empire” had the entire room dancing to “No Apologies,” “You’re So Beautiful,” and “Drip Drop,” which JUICY J joined for on stage.

BIG SEAN got the crowd on its feet to “One Man Can Change the World,” “Blessings,” and “IDFWU” with special guest E-40.

Presenter LAVERNE COX got in on the night’s fun with co-presenter GABRIELLE UNION, who played a round of “hip-hop trivia” to determine who would have to change after wearing matching dresses.

One of the nights top highlights was a surprise reunion performance from PUFF DADDY & THE FAMILY who brought out original members of Bad Boy Records including LIL’ KIM, MA$E, FAITH EVANS, THE LOX, 112 and a projection of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. as well as special guests FRENCH MONTANA and PHARRELL to perform classic records including “Peaches & Cream,””Feel So Good,” “Hypnotize,’” and “All About The Benjamins” as well as Diddy and Pharrell’s newest collaboration “Finna Get Loose.”

Following the performance, Diddy presented legendary recording artist and Motown executive SMOKEY ROBINSON with the Lifetime Achievement Award. TORI KELLY blew the audience away during the tribute performance for Robinson with her powerful vocals to a rendition of “Who’s Loving You,” followed by soulful performances from ROBIN THICKE and NE-YO, before Smokey himself took the stage to perform “Tracks of My Tears,” “Cruisin’,” and a crowd sing-along to “My Girl,” for which Kelly, Thicke and Ne-Yo returned to the stage.

PATTI LABELLE proved she hasn’t missed a beat joining TAMAR BRAXTON and K.MICHELLE who put their differences aside as they performed “If Only You Knew.”

FETTY WAP capped the epic night with smash hit “Trap Queen”, which delivered on its promise to be the hottest ticket in town. The “BET AWARDS” 2015 drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, with appearances by Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Janet Jackson, Brandy, DeSean Jackson, Donald Glover, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Rowland, Laverne Cox, Michael B Jordan, Michael Ealy, Nicole Ari Parker, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard, Tia Mowry-Hardict and Zendaya.

NICOLE ARI PARKER and BORIS KODJOE presented Bivian “Sonny” Lee lll (Founder and President of Son of a Saint) as a recipient of the 2015 Shine-A-Light. Michael B. Jordan also presented the honor to the #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement.

RIHANNA made an appearance to give BET the first look at her music video for “Bitch Better Have My Money” before its Thursday, July 2 release, which had the audience yelling “give her her money.”

In addition to all of these incredible moments, the complete list of “BET AWARDS” 2015 winners is:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown

Best Group
Rae Sremmurd

Best Collaboration
Common & John Legend, “Glory” from the Motion Picture Selma

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Video of the Year
Beyoncé, “7/11”

Video Director of the Year
Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Todd Tourso

Best New Artist
Sam Smith

Best Gospel Artist
Lecrae

Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson, “No Good Deed/Think Like a Man Too/From the Rough”

Best Actor
Terrence Howard, “St. Vincent/Lullaby/Sabotage”

YoungStars Award
Mo’ne Davis

Best Movie
Selma

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Stephen Curry

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Nicki Minaj ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown “Only”

McDonald’s I’m Lovin’ It Award
Nicki Minaj

Fandemonium Award
Chris Brown

Centric Award
The Weeknd

Best International Act: Africa
Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Best International Act: UK
Stormzy

For performance clips of the “BET AWARDS” 2015, please visit:

For photos of the red carpet, backstage and performances go to the BET dedicated
BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET AWARDS” 2015, and features all the incredible content from this year’s show. Join the conversation on social media by following BET’s multiple social media platforms dedicated to the BET Awards:

  • On Twitter & Instagram: @BETAwards, Use hashtag: #BETAwards
  • On Facebook: facebook.com/TheBETAwards
  • On Tumblr: betawards.tumblr.com

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

Encore viewings of the show will air on BET on:BET Networks
· Monday, June 29 at 8 p.m. EST*
· Tuesday, June 30 at 4 p.m. EST
· Sunday, July 5 at 7 p.m. EST

CENTRIC
· Wednesday, July 7 at p.m. EST
· Friday, July 10 at 6 p.m. EST

BET AWARDS 2015 EXPERIENCE WINNERS

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BET AWARDS 2015 to honor Janet Jackson June 28th LA

JANET JACKSON TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL ULTIMATE ICON: MUSIC DANCE VISUAL AWARD AT THE BET AWARDS 2015

Janet Jackson is suddenly everywhere again, with a new single out, a new album due and now a new award.

TINASHE, JASON DERULO AND CIARA TO PERFORM SPECIAL DANCE TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN OF POP AND “NO SLEEEP” ARTIST

HOSTED BY ANTHONY ANDERSON AND TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, BET AWARDS 2015 WILL AIR LIVE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28th, 2015 ON BET FROM MICROSOFT THEATER IN LOS ANGELES.

BET Awards 2015 to honor Janet JacksonJanet Jackson, one of the world’s most influential entertainers, will be receiving the inaugural ULTIMATE ICON: Music Dance Visual award at the 15th annual “BET Awards” 2015 on Sunday, June 28, 2015, it was announced by Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming.

Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe are slated to perform a special dance tribute to the iconic entertainer, which is set to include her just released single, “No Sleeep.” The entertainer sent her fans into social media frenzy when she recently announced her upcoming first studio album in seven years and the first leg of her highly anticipated UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR, a 37-date tour starting August 31st in Vancouver, BC.

“No Sleeep,” the first single from the yet untitled album, debuted on Ms. Jackson’s Twitter and website on Monday (June 22nd) and immediately reached the top spot on Billboard Trending 140. Currently, “No Sleeep” is trending at #1 and is one of the most highly requested singles on the radio.

BET is excited beyond belief to present Janet with our inaugural ULTIMATE ICON: Music Dance Visual award and we are thrilled that she chose the BET Awards as the first step on her new road,” said Mr. Hill. “An inspiration to many other artists, “Ms. Jackson” blends music, dance and visuals in unique and groundbreaking ways and we look forward to celebrating her storied history…as well as giving The BET Awards audience a peek into her Unbreakable future.”

Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the first Urban American female artist to have hit singles in each of the last four decades. Her music has won her 6 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actor as well, including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a New York Times Number One Best Selling Author, choreographer, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist, and with sales of over 160 million records worldwide is one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. Her music and artistry has opened doors through which other top artists have followed, while acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the “BET Awards” will also include previously announced performances by Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill. Michael Ealy, Sanaa Lathan, Laverne Cox, Michael B. Jordan and Zendaya, who were also previously announced as presenters for the 15th Anniversary of the year’s biggest night in music. In addition, Smokey Robinson has been announced to perform and receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Tom Joyner the Humanitarian Award at this year’s ceremony. Additional names to be announced.

A full list of the BET Awards 2015 nominations is now available at http://www.bet.com/awards
. Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” 2015 will air LIVE on Sunday, June 28, 2015 on BET and will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

BET Awards 2015 to honor Janet Jackson June 28th LA

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com. The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 – 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®. This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28th, 2015 at Microsoft Theater.

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Taylor Swift pulls 1989 album from Apples Music Streaming: Update

Taylor Swift pulls 1989 album from Apples Music Streaming UPDATESwift In an open letter to Apple, said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the Three-Month Free Trial offered to subscribers.

“We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”

“I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months,” she wrote.

“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much,” she continued.

“We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period – even if it is free for the fans trying it out.

“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.”

This is not the first time Swift has spoken out against streaming music – she pulled her entire catalogue from Spotify last November and had refused to offer 1989 on streaming services, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.

Taylor Swift pulls 1989 album from Apples Music Streaming UPDATE

1989 went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of 2014 and has sold more than 4.9 million copies in the US alone. Ref: BBC http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-33216778

===============================================================================

UPDATE:

Taylor Swift appears to have prompted a policy change at Apple, after threatening to withhold her album “1989” from the company’s streaming music service over royalty payments.

Apple responded to Swift late Sunday night in a series of tweets from Eddy Cue, a key lieutenant of CEO Tim Cook.

#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period,” Cue tweeted, adding that “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”

Swift quickly acknowledged the change. “I am elated and relieved,” she tweeted. “Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.”

Swift said she’s been discussing the Apple policy with others: “These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call.”

Swift previously removed her albums from Spotify in a dispute over compensation for streaming music. She explained her decision about Apple in a Tumblr blog post on Sunday morning, several days after her music label confirmed that “1989” wouldn’t be available on the service at launch.

The blog post, “To Apple, Love Taylor,” was immediately shared tens of thousands of times, showing the power of the artist’s megaphone and potentially creating a publicity nightmare for Apple.

Apple announced its Apple Music streaming service earlier this month. The free trial period is seen as a crucial part of the company’s strategy to attract paying subscribers.

Ref: CNN MONEY http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/21/media/taylor-swift-1989-apple-music/

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N.W.A Will Reunite for BET Experience 2015 Show June 27th

Ice Cube Will Reunite N.W.A for BET Experience 2015 Show June 27thThe reunion comes before the release of Straight Outta Compton, the N.W.A biopic Ice Cube co-produced with Dr. Dre and Eazy-E’s widow Tomica Woods-Wright.

The movie based on their true story, which comes out August 14th, covers the 10-year span between the group’s formation in the mid-Eighties through Eazy-E’s death in 1995.

N.W.A. Reunion Show Will Feature Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar And Schoolboy Q At 2015 BET Experience. The Music of NWA will be performed for the FIRST time in 15 years in anticipation of the new Movie based on their true story

ANTHONY ANDERSON AND TRACEE ELLIS ROSS TO HOST BET AWARDS 2015

“BET AWARDS” TO AIR LIVE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28 FROM NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, CA AT 8 P.M. ET

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA TAKES PLACE JUNE 25th-28th, 2015

Saturday’s concert at STAPLES Center during BET Networks’ BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola is all about West Coast Hip Hop. As a part of Ice Cube’s performance, will surprise fans with special guests for an exclusive set of tracks from the seminal rap group; NWA. Selling over 10 million albums in the US alone, NWA is considered one of the earliest and most influential West Coast rap groups of all time. This will be the first time in 15 years since the groups split that these songs will be performed.

The BET Experience at L.A. LIVE will take place in Los Angeles on June 25-28 and will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center. Limited number of tickets are still available at axs.com/betexperience.

Tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola are on sale now. Single day STAPLES Center show tickets are priced as low as $59.50, while 3-day STAPLES Center concert ticket packages start at $169.50.

The BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola takes place June 25 – 28, 2015. Teaming up with AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE and STAPLES Center, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola will feature some of today’s hottest artists including Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar. The four day event will showcase the best in music, comedy concerts, entertaining and interactive activations at the FREE fan festival, “106 & PARK” tapings, seminars and celebrity appearances.

N.W.A Will Reunite for BET Experience 2015 Show June 27th

 Ice Cube To Reunite N.W.A for BET Experience 2015 Show June 27th

Tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola are on sale now. Single day STAPLES Center show tickets are priced as low as $59.50, while 3-day STAPLES Center concert ticket packages start at $169.50. For fans looking to roll like a VIP throughout the biggest summer weekend in entertainment, the VIP packages are the only way to purchase “BET AWARDS” tickets, get great seats to the STAPLES Center shows, and exclusive access, Quantities are limited, so order now at http://www.axs.com/betexperience Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.

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MTV TO GIVE FANS AN ALL ACCESS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS PASS

MTV TO GIVE FANS AN ALL ACCESS MUSIC FESTIVALS PASS-680

MTV, VH1 and CMT today announced that they will take over the summer music festival scene giving fans an all access pass to the hottest music, artists, fashion, food and trends in pop culture today with MTV’s “Summer Pass,” VH1’s “Best of the Fest” and CMT’s “Hot Summer of Country.” Music lovers will get a front row seat to Bonnaroo, Mysteryland USA, Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, CMA Music Festival and Oregon Jamboree through interviews from some of music’s biggest artists and behind-the-scenes coverage.

MTV’s “Summer Pass:”

“Summer Pass” will take fans on a musical voyage to some of the most popular festivals this summer including Bonnaroo, Mysteryland USA and Lollapalooza. Viewers will receive unparalleled access to festival life from all vantage points and on multiple screens.

Kicking off on Memorial Day weekend with electronic dance festival Mysteryland USA in the lush woods of Bethel Woods, NY, MTV “Girl Code’s” Awkwafina and MTV2’s “Joking Off” and “Guy Code” host Matteo Lane will provide fans with exclusive on-the-ground coverage and insider interviews with the likes of A-Trak, Porter Robinson, Kygo, Empire of the Sun, Bro Safari, GTA, Bob Moses, Sweater Beats and more. Joining Awkwafina and Matteo, will be Vine star Liza “Lizzza” Koshy who will take over @MTV’s social platforms to bring fans a unique take on the festival from her perspective.

Viewers will take center stage in the midst of all of the action during live on-air hits on MTV throughout the weekend that will capture the true essence of what’s happening.

Additionally, MTV Clubland will give music lovers an in-depth look into the festival with social and on-air coverage right from the festival grounds.

VH1’s “Best of the Fest:”

This summer, VH1 will bring you unlimited coverage from three of the biggest festivals of the season – setting up camp at Governors Ball, Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. To take VH1 viewers on this epic musical journey, everyone’s favorite VH1 personality Ellie Lee will bring you all of the highlights in live on-air segments throughout each weekend. Ellie will also talk about this summer’s festivals on VH1’s weekly countdown show “The 20” and ask fans to send in photos from the festivals via Instagram.

Ellie will have VIP access to the “Best of the Fest,” taking a look at the fashion, food, fans and of course, the music. Fans will get up close and personal with their favorite artists like Charli XCX and Tove Lo.

CMT’s “Hot Summer of Country:”

Coming to you from country music’s biggest festival straight out of Nashville, CMT will bring fans unprecedented coverage from CMA Music Festival in June. Beginning June 12, the network will feature live break-ins with coverage from the festival, which includes four days of music from hundreds of artists through live concerts, celebrity events and more. As summer heats up, CMT will hit the other side of the country with full coverage from the Oregon Jamboree starting July 31. The festival combines camping and country music from the scenic Cascade Mountains, with music from some of the genre’s biggest names including headliners Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Lee Brice and Thomas Rhett.

CMT personality Cody Alan will report live from both events with full recaps on the weekly series, “CMT Hot 20 Countdown.”

MTV TO GIVE FANS AN ALL ACCESS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS PASS

MTV, VH1 and CMT’s “Summer Pass,” “Best of the Fest” and “Hot Summer of Country” coverage is sponsored by SONIC.

About MTV: MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

MTV TO GIVE FANS AN ALL ACCESS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS PASS
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BET Experience 2015 Genius Talks Series adds Floyd Mayweather JR

BET Experience 2015 Genius Talks Series adds Floyd MayweatherFLOYD MAYWEATHER, KOBE BRYANT, JANELLE MONAE, GEORGE CLINTON AND MORE JOIN THE 2015 BET EXPERIENCE @ L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA FOR “GENIUS TALKS” SERIES SPONSORED BY AT&T

BET NETWORKS and AEG announced panelists for the 2015 “Genius Talks” series sponsored by AT&T taking place at the BET Experience @ L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola®. Top industry icons including Floyd Mayweather, Kobe Bryant, Janelle Monae, George Clinton and more will take part in the series of thought provoking discussions on successes, personal challenges and top world issues on Saturday, June 27, 2015.

The day will kick off as Floyd Mayweather sits down to discuss the media frenzy surrounding his recent May 2015 defeat of Manny Pacquiao. That afternoon, actresses Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, Beyond The Lights), Mona Scott Young (Love & Hip-Hop Series), Nicole Beharie (42, Sleepy Hollow), and Mara Brock-Akil (The Game, Being Mary Jane) will join comedian and host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show, Larry Wilmore for a look at the powerhouse role of Black women in Hollywood, while fellow singer/songwriters Janelle Monae and George Clinton join to explore musicianship with industry executive Reggie Osse.

To conclude the program, NBA star Kobe Bryant will sit down for an intimate conversation with ESPN’s Jemele Hill to reveal his successes, goals and future in Kobe Unplugged.

The BET “Genius Talks” series sponsored by AT&T will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, adjacent to L.A. Live, on Saturday, June 27, from 3:00 p.m. PST – 7:00 p.m. PST.

Detailed schedule for BET’s “Genius Talks” series is as follows:
3:00 p.m. PST: In Focus: Fab & Fierce Women in Hollywood

Join this dynamic group of powerhouse women who are redefining what it means to be a Urban woman in Hollywood – in front of and behind the camera. Featuring Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, Beyond The Lights), Mona Scott Young (Love & Hip-Hop Series), Nicole Beharie (42, Sleepy Hollow), and Mara Brock-Akil (The Game, Being Mary Jane). Moderated by comedian and host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show, Larry Wilmore.

4:00 p.m. PST: FREE TO BE: Janelle Monae & George Clinton In Conversation with Reggie Ossé
Don’t miss this celebration of two game-changing artists that revel in their unique style and individuality. Featuring the Godfather of Funk, George Clinton and the Electric Lady, Janelle Monáe as they talk musicianship, responsibility, and life outside of the ordinary – interviewed by music writer, and founder of the COMBAT JACK SHOW, Reggie Ossé.

5:00 p.m. PST: Floyd Mayweather’s Most Difficult Bout Part II
Reigning champion, Floyd Mayweather, discusses defeating Pacquio, a pending retirement, and his interests outside of the ring.

6:00 p.m. PST Kobe Unplugged: Kobe Bryant In Conversation with Jemele Hill
Superstar athlete and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant sits down with ESPN’s His & Hers co-host, Jemele Hill for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation about his professional and personal journey.

As previously announced, BET Networks will make its return to Los Angeles for the weekend long music festival, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola®, June 25 – 28, 2015. Teaming up with AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE and STAPLES Center, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® will feature some of today’s hottest artists including Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar. The four day event will showcase the best in music, comedy concerts, entertaining and interactive activations at the FREE fan festival, “106 & PARK” tapings, seminars and celebrity appearances.

Tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® are on sale now. Single day STAPLES Center show tickets are priced as low as $59.50, while 3-day STAPLES Center concert ticket packages start at $169.50. For fans looking to roll like a VIP throughout the biggest summer weekend in entertainment, the VIP packages are the only way to purchase “BET AWARDS” tickets, get great seats to the STAPLES Center shows, and exclusive access your friends will envy. Quantities are limited, so order now at http://www.axs.com/betexperience

BET Experience 2015 Genius Talks Series adds Floyd Mayweather JR

Follow BET Experience on Twitter @betexperience for the latest and greatest and join the conversation by using #BETX. Feel free to also check us out online at http://www.betexperience.com

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BET Awards 2015 Nicki Minaj Chris Brown lead with 6 Nominations

CHRIS BROWN AND NICKI MINAJ LEAD WITH SIX NOMINATIONS FOLLOWED BY BEYONCÉ AND LIL WAYNE WITH FOUR SAM SMITH RECEIVES TWO NODS, AND NEWCOMER FKA TWIGS IS NOMINATED FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST: UK

“BET AWARDS” TO AIR LIVE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28 FROM NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, CA AT 8 P.M. ET

BET NETWORKS ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL NOMINEES FOR THE BET AWARDS 2015BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), today announced the nominations for the “BET Awards” 2015. Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lead with an impressive six nominations.

Chris Brown is nominated for ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ two separate nods in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category, two nominations in the ‘Video of the Year’ category and the ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’

Nicki Minaj is nominated ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ two nominations for ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money. Beyoncé and Lil Wayne round it out with four nominations each. Beyoncé is nominated for ‘Best Female R&B / Pop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Video Director of the Year,’ and the coveted ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award.’ Lil Wayne is nominated for ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Coca-Cola® Viewers’ Choice Award,’ and ‘Best Group’ as a member of Young Money.

This year also marks a special milestone for the “BET Awards” as it celebrates its 15th anniversary live from the Nokia Theatre, Sunday, June 28th, 2015.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the “BET Awards” 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

“This year’s nominees showcase a diverse group of talent that includes longstanding entertainers, breakout performers, and outstanding athletes,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “We congratulate all of the talent on their remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment and look forward to them joining us in celebrating 15 years of the BET Awards.”

The complete list of nominees for the “BET Awards”2015 are:

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
CIARA
JANELLE MONÁE
JHENÉ AIKO
K. MICHELLE
RIHANNA

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
AUGUST ALSINA
CHRIS BROWN
JOHN LEGEND
THE WEEKND
TREY SONGZ
USHER

BEST GROUP
A$AP MOB
JODECI
MIGOS
RAE SREMMURD
RICH GANG
YOUNG MONEY

BEST COLLABORATION
AUGUST ALSINA F/ NICKI MINAJ – NO LOVE (REMIX)
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 – IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA – LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS – NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND – GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE “SELMA”)
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
BIG SEAN
COMMON
DRAKE
J. COLE
KENDRICK LAMAR
WALE

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
AZEALIA BANKS
DEJ LOAF
IGGY AZALEA
NICKI MINAJ
TINK
TRINA

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ – 7/11
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 – IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA – LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS – NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND – GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE “SELMA”)
NICKI MINAJ – ANACONDA
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
CHRIS ROBINSON
FATIMA ROBINSON
HYPE WILLIAMS

BEST NEW ARTIST
BOBBY SHMURDA
DEJ LOAF
FETTY WAP
RAE SREMMURD
SAM SMITH
TINASHE

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
DEITRICK HADDON
ERICA CAMPBELL
FRED HAMMOND
LECRAE
MALI MUSIC
MICHELLE WILLIAMS

BEST ACTRESS
GABRIELLE UNION
KERRY WASHINGTON
TARAJI P. HENSON
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
VIOLA DAVIS

BEST ACTOR
ANTHONY ANDERSON
IDRIS ELBA
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
KEVIN HART
TERRENCE HOWARD

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
JACOB LATIMORE
JADEN SMITH
MO’NE DAVIS
QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
ZENDAYA

BEST MOVIE
ANNIE
BEYOND THE LIGHTS
SELMA
THINK LIKE A MAN TOO
TOP FIVE

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
BRITTNEY GRINER
CANDACE PARKER
SERENA WILLIAMS
SKYLAR DIGGINS
VENUS WILLIAMS

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
CHRIS PAUL
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR.
LEBRON JAMES
MARSHAWN LYNCH
STEPHEN CURRY

COCA-COLA VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
BEYONCÉ – 7/11
DEJ LOAF – TRY ME
KENDRICK LAMAR – i
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN – ONLY
RAE SREMMURD F/ NICKI MINAJ & YOUNG THUG – THROW SUM MO
THE WEEKND – EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

CENTRIC AWARD
AVERY SUNSHINE – CALL MY NAME
JAZMINE SULLIVAN F/ MEEK MILL – DUMB
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK
SAM SMITH F/ MARY J. BLIGE – STAY WITH ME
THE WEEKND – EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: AFRICA
AKA (SOUTH AFRICA)
FALLY IPUPA (DR CONGO)
SARKODIE (GHANA)
SAUTI SOL (KENYA)
STONEBWOY (GHANA)
THE SOIL (SOUTH AFRICA)
WIZKID (NIGERIA)
YEMI ALADE (NIGERIA)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
FKA TWIGS
FUSE ODG
LETHAL BIZZLE
LITTLE SIMZ
MNEK
STORMZY

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network at 8:00pm GMT (check local listings).

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com. The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter

BET Awards 2015 Nicki Minaj Chris Brown lead with 6 Nominations

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BET AWARDS 2015 EXPERIENCE TICKETS PERFORMER LINEUP

FRENCH MONTANA, SNOOP DOGG, NICK CANNON, WALE AND TYRESE AMONG TALENT HEADED TO THE BET EXPERIENCE @ L.A. LIVE FAN FEST PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA

BET AWARDS 2015 EXPERIENCE TICKETS PERFORMER LINEUPJANELLE MONAE, TERRELL OWENS, OMARION, KERI HILSON, TOO SHORT AND MORE LEAD ALL-STAR LINEUP OF TALENT CONFIRMED FOR SPRITE® CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME AND FAN FEST MAIN STAGE

THE FREE BET FAN FEST TAKES PLACE AT THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE TAKES PLACE JUNE 25th-28th, 2015

BET NETWORKS and AEG announced a star studded lineup for the highly anticipated Sprite® Celebrity Basketball Game and BETX Stage appearances at the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola®. Fan Fest is free for attendees and has fun activations and engaging activities for all ages at the Los Angeles Convention Center Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. PST.

Participants in Saturday’s hot ticket Sprite® celebrity basketball game include Snoop Dogg, Nick Cannon, French Montana, Terrell Owens, Omarion, Keri Hilson, Wale, and Soulja Boy alongside guest announcers, former NBA All Star Baron Davis and ESPN’s Jemele Hill. Additionally, retired NBA player and current NBA analyst, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, will guest judge the annual celebrity Slam Dunk Contest along with Washington Wizards’ John Wall, who will also coach the game along with Tyrese, recently named the first-ever “Mayor” of BET Experience. Tip off for the Sprite® celebrity basketball game is at 1:00 p.m. PST and will be streamed LIVE to fans at home on http://www.bet.com

BET AWARDS 2015 EXPERIENCE TICKETS PERFORMER LINEUP

On Saturday, June 27, fans will also be able to attend free concerts all afternoon, including an “LA to the BAY” set with performances by Too Short, Cypress Hill and Vince Staples; and an electrifying performance by Wondaland presented by Janelle Monae in honor of her joint venture with Epic Records. The free concerts continue Sunday with “Inspiration Nation” featuring spiritual artists Lecrae and Dee-1; Latin Stage with Los Rakas; and Carnival with Machel Montano and more!

As previously announced, BET Networks will make its return to Los Angeles for the weekend long music festival, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola®, June 25 – 28, 2015. Teaming up with AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE and STAPLES Center, the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® will feature some of today’s hottest artists including Kevin Hart, Nicki Minaj, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar. The four day event will showcase the best in music, comedy concerts, entertaining and interactive activations at the FREE fan festival, “106 & PARK” tapings, seminars and celebrity appearances.

Tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® are on sale now. Single day STAPLES Center show tickets are priced as low as $59.50, while 3-day STAPLES Center concert ticket packages start at $169.50. For fans looking to roll like a VIP throughout the biggest summer weekend in entertainment, the VIP packages are the only way to purchase “BET AWARDS” tickets, get great seats to the STAPLES Center shows, and exclusive access your friends will envy. Quantities are limited, so order now at http://www.axs.com/betexperience

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P2P lending Clubs Funding Investing Sites

P2P lending Club Social Funding Investing SitesPeer-to-peer lending platforms such as Prosper and Lending Club have been in connecting wholesale numbers of individual lenders and borrowers.

Those earning little-to-nothing on their cash can more easily be connected to people who are willing to give them an above-market rate of return for capital, with no intermediary bank needed. “It’s absolutely the perfect arbitrage between countless frustrated low-yield investors and countless desperate small business owners hungry for financial survival and growth.

Brief History of P2P Lending Online

It was not until well after the new millennium started that for-profit p2p lending started to arise on the web. In 2005,Zopa started up in the UK as the world’s first online p2p lending service, and they are still going strong nowadays as the #1 p2p lending firm in the U.K. marketplace. In the United States of America, Prosper Marketplace started operations in Feb 2006 and within 9 weeks they’d received 100,000 members and serviced $20 million in loans.

peer-to-peer lending sites

They had the P2P loans marketplace to themselves until Lending Club started up in 2007. Within a year’s time of Prosper launching, Lending Club sprang up to contend straight against Prosper head-to-head.

But these successful, venture capital-backed startups also offer portfolios of loans that have quietly registered four to six years of solid returns with low defaults

P2P Lending Site Funding Circle Raises $150M Led By DST At A $1B+ Valuation

There are a number of other online lending platforms in the market today — Lending Club, Prosper, Zopa and Smava (which raised money today too) being a just a handful of the others out there working specifically in the area of P2P loans.

Samir Desai, the co-founder and CEO of Funding Circle, tells me that the company was not actively looking to raise the money and doesn’t even actually need it at the moment (sound familiar?). Of the $65 million it raised last summer, the “vast majority is still on the balance sheet,” he said in an interview.

P2P lending Clubs Funding Investing Sites

Because of this low awareness that Desai thinks the big competition for Funding Circle remains to be more traditional banks, which still account for most of the loans that small businesses get today.

Launched in 2010, Desai says that Funding Circle currently has around 40,000 investors putting money up for loans on its platform, with lenders ranging from individuals through to large institutions like the UK government.

The key characteristics of peer-to-peer lending are:

  • it is conducted for profit;
  • no necessary common bond or prior relationship between lenders and borrowers;
  • intermediation by a peer-to-peer lending company;
  • transactions take place on-line;
  • lenders may choose which borrowers to invest in;
  • the loans are unsecured and are not protected by government insurance;
  • loans are securities that can be sold to other lenders.

 

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BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2015 Tickets Vote Date

Billboard Music Awards 2015Taylor Swift‘s 1989 has dominated the charts since its October release, so it’s no surprise that she also leads the just-announced finalists for the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.

Finalists were revealed Tuesday (April 7), starting with the first five categories announced by returning BBMA host Ludacris and Fall Out Boy‘s Pete Wentz on ABC’s Good Morning America. Then Luda’s first-time co-host Chrissy Teigen and Empire star Jussie Smollett unveiled the remaining finalists during a Twitter press conference and Q&A.

Ludacris & Chrissy Teigen to Host 2015 Billboard Music Awards

Following Swift — who racked up 14 entries in 13 categories — is Sam Smith (13), Iggy Azalea (12) and Meghan Trainor (nine). Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social-media interactions — measurements that are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 10, 2014, through March 8, 2015.

In addition to this year’s 40 chart-specific categories, fans will choose who gets the Billboard chart achievement award by voting on Billboard.com, BillboardMusicAwards.com and on Twitter; Swift, Azalea and Trainor are up for the only fan-voted prize.

The Billboard Music Awards — produced by Dick Clark Productions — will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 17, from 8-11 p.m. ET on ABC.

See the full list of finalists below:

TOP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP NEW ARTIST
5 Seconds of Summer
Iggy Azalea
Hozier
Sam Smith
Meghan Trainor

TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Justin Timberlake

TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP DUO/GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP HOT 100 ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP TOURING ARTIST
Lady Gaga
One Direction
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake

TOP SOCIAL ARTIST
Justin Bieber
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift

TOP STREAMING ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP R&B ARTIST
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams

TOP RAP ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd

TOP COUNTRY ARTIST
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton

TOP ROCK ARTIST
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier
Lorde

TOP LATIN ARTIST
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris
Lindsey Stirling

TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That’s Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, x
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989

TOP SOUNDTRACK
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey

Frozen
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods

TOP R&B ALBUM
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L

TOP RAP ALBUM
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

TOP COUNTRY ALBUM
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum

TOP ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine

TOP LATIN ALBUM
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me

TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Lecrae, Anomaly
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red

TOP HOT 100 SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

TOP DIGITAL SONG
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy

TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, “All of Me”
MAGIC!, “Rude”
Nico & Vinz, “Am I Wrong”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy

TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
Hozier, “Take Me to Church”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Tove Lo, “Habits (Stay High)”

TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO)
Idina Menzel, “Let It Go”
Bobby Shmurda, “Hot Boy”
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

TOP R&B SONG
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, “Loyal”
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, “Talk Dirty”
Jeremih feat. YG, “Don’t Tell ‘Em”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy”

TOP RAP SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, “Black Widow”
Big Sean feat. E-40, “I Don’t F— With You”
Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”
Bobby Shmurda, “Hot Boy”

TOP COUNTRY SONG
Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”
Luke Bryan, “Play It Again”
Sam Hunt, “Leave the Night On”
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, “This Is How We Roll”
Florida Georgia Line, “Dirt”

TOP ROCK SONG
Bastille, “Pompeii”
Coldplay, “A Sky Full of Stars”
Fall Out Boy, “Centuries”
Hozier, “Take Me to Church”
Paramore, “Ain’t It Fun”

TOP LATIN SONG
J Balvin feat. Farruko, “6 AM”
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, “Bailando”
Romeo Santos, “Eres Mía”
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, “Odio”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, “Rather Be”
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, “Latch”
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down For What”
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, “Break Free”
Calvin Harris, “Summer”

TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Francesca Battistelli, “He Knows My Name”
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
MercyMe, “Greater”
Newsboys, “We Believe”
Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

BILLBOARD CHART ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY (FAN-VOTED)
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2015 Tickets Vote Date

Wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Billboard_Music_Awards

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