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Press Releases

MARY J. BLIGE, JAY-Z, SOULJA BOY TELL’EM, T.I., ESTER DEAN, CHRIS BROWN, TANK, TYRESE AND OTHERS ALSO HEARD ON POWERFUL AND UPLIFTING ALBUM FOR FILM DOCUMENTING THE RISE OF NBA STAR LEBRON JAMES

DRAKE, KANYE WEST, LIL WAYNE AND EMINEM PROVIDE COLLABORATION OF A LIFETIME ON “FOREVER” FROM MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM MORE THAN A GAME

MARY J. BLIGE, JAY-Z, SOULJA BOY TELL’EM, T.I., ESTER DEAN, CHRIS BROWN, TANK, TYRESE AND OTHERS ALSO HEARD ON POWERFUL AND UPLIFTING ALBUM FOR FILM DOCUMENTING THE RISE OF NBA STAR LEBRON JAMES

Santa Monica, Ca – Only King James (aka LeBron James) could bring together three kings of hip-hop and one of the hottest new emcees in the game. “Forever,” the new single from the forthcoming album MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM MORE THAN A GAME, headlines rising star Drake and features Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem in a song about endurance and staying power. “Forever,” produced by Boi-1da, will be available at iTunes September 15th. MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE FILM MORE THAN A GAME (Harvey Mason Music/Zone 4/Interscope Records) will be released September 29th.

Earlier issued from the album was the heartfelt, richly textured ballad “Stronger” from Mary J. Blige. Among the other tracks are “History,” produced by Kanye West, from rap giant Jay-Z; “I’m Ballin’” from young sensation Soulja Boy Tell’Em; “King On Set” from T.I. featuring Young Dro; and “Drop It Low,” the debut single from one of today’s most sought after songwriters, Ester Dean (Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Keri Hilson), which features Chris Brown. Also heard are “Top Of The World” (Rich Boy), “We Ready” (Ya Boy), “Go Hard” (Hayes), Frozen (Jared Evans) and “If You Dream,” with its impressive lineup of Tank, Tyrese, Toni Braxton, Jordin Sparks, Omarion, Faith Evans, JoJo, Charlie Wilson, Tamar Braxton and Steven Russel, produced by Harvey Mason Jr. (whose credits include Beyonce, Chris Brown, Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Hudson).

MORE THAN A GAME, from Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records, opens in Los Angeles, New York and Cleveland on October 2nd. Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable true-life coming of age story about friendship and loyalty in the face of great adversity. Coached by a charismatic but inexperienced player’s father, and led by future NBA superstar LeBron James, the Fab Five’s improbable nine-year journey leads them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested — both on and off the court — as pressures within, including James’ exploding worldwide celebrity, threaten to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. MORE THAN A GAME, directed by Kristopher Belman, combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal family photographs to bring this heart-wrenching and wholly American story to life.

‘More Than A Game’ Synopsis:

Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable true-life coming of age story about uncommon friendship in the face all too common adversities. Coached by a charismatic but inexperienced player’s father, and led by future NBA superstar LeBron James, the “Fab Five’s” improbable seven-year journey leads them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested—both on and off the court—as James’ exploding worldwide celebrity threatens to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. MORE THAN A GAME combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal family photographs to bring this heart-warming and wholly American story to life.

Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records present a Harvey Mason Media Production in association with Galley Boy and Spring Hill Productions a film by Kristopher Belman. MORE THAN A GAME is written by Kristopher Belman & Brad Hogan and directed by Kristopher Belman. The film features LeBron James, Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Romeo Travis and Coach Dru Joyce II.

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Press Releases

An Open Letter from Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, and Kevin Liles

An Open Letter from Diddy, Jay Z, Mary J Blige, and Kevin Liles

Dear Young America,

WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008!!!!! We are only 31 days from the most important election of our lifetime. MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE. We are at war, banks are closing, people are losing their jobs and houses every day. It is our responsibility to protect our futures. Time is running out. You must register by Monday October 6th. Barack Obama cannot win this election on his own; he needs our help. This election is about us. This election is about our children’s future. If you have not registered to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed their lives for you to have this right. You are also disrespecting your future.

The time is NOW for us to use the voices with which God has blessed us. We need you to do all you can. Here is what we need to do:

1. Register to vote BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th 2008
2. Get as many people as you can to register with you
3. Go to the poll and vote on November 4th

Barack Obama said it best, “Eight is Enough.” No longer will we stand by and follow leadership with no regard for us and no accountability to us.

We can be the deciding factor in this election, but you must register to vote to make your voice heard. Who are we? We are young America. This is our moment of truth. Are you registered for change? October 6th is only a few days away.

Make sure that on November 4th, we are able to say that we did everything in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. We owe this to our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team Obama. This is the most important election in our lifetime. REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6th and VOTE TO MAKE HISTORY ON NOVEMBER 4th!!!!

Visit www.VoteForChange.com to register to vote TODAY

It is our duty to make our voices heard. STOP what you’re doing right now and lets REGISTER TO VOTE. Time is running out!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter

Mary J. Blige

Kevin Liles

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Press Releases

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy nominated for “Producer of the Year” at Ozone Awards 2008 alongside nominees Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, T.I, Plies, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Jeezy, Soulja Boy & Andre 3000 as the classically trained musical prodigy holds chart topping singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West, “What’s Up” for T.I., “Tomorrow” for Rocko and upcoming tracks for Ludacris, Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Goapele, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy nominated for “Producer of the Year” at Ozone Awards 2008 alongside nominees Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, T.I, Plies, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Jeezy, Soulja Boy & Andre 3000 as the classically trained musical prodigy holds chart topping singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West, “What’s Up” for T.I., “Tomorrow” for Rocko and upcoming tracks for Ludacris, Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Goapele, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

***

Atlanta based producer Drumma Boy merges his unique musical influences ranging from German composer Beethoven to Academy Award winning Three 6 Mafia, combining classical chords with urban street sounds to create an ingenuity worthy enough of receiving a nomination for “Producer of the Year” at the upcoming Ozone Awards 2008. The ceremony will take place on August 11th at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston Texas and will be hosted by comedian DeRay Davis best known from MTV’s Wild n’ Out. Other nominees include an array of the South Eastern region’s hottest talent Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, T.I., Young Jeezy, Andre 3000, Soulja Boy, UGK, Bun B., T-Pain, DJ Khaled, Usher, Scarface, Plies, Gorilla Zoe, Trick Daddy, David Banner, Three 6 Mafia and Jermaine Dupri as well as multi-platinum artists Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Akon, Snoop Dogg and The Game.

The Memphis born Christopher Gholson who goes by the pseudonym Drumma Boy has been the beat maker and production catalyst behind tracks for many of the upcoming Ozone nominees including T.I., Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, Plies, Gorilla Zoe, Kanye West, David Banner, DJ Drama, Gucci Mane and Trey Songz. In the September 2007 issue of Ozone Magazine editors stated, “You can call 2007 a breakout year for producer Drumma Boy. Now that he tastes the sweet victory of mainstream success, this hit-maker from Memphis finds himself one of the game’s most sought after producers.”

The 24-year old rhythm architect and founder of Drum Squad Productions had a destiny solidified as a young child with a mother who was a well known opera singer and a father who was a professional clarinetist and music professor at the University of Memphis, the first African-American man to hold the 1st chair position in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. “My dad taught me everything I know about traditional music and had me playing the clarinet at age 5 but it was my mom that introduced me to Curtis Mayfield and 70’s oldie, so my style now is a reflection of all of that, classical, soul and street music.”

Given his moniker by a close friend for his unique drum patterns he followed in the footsteps of Memphis native Jazze Pha (Ciara, Nelly, Ludacris) and relocated to Atlanta in 2004. Now the highly sought after producer skillfully adds crispy, hard-hitting 808 bass lines with gentle touches of rhythmic change and chord progression to each beat he crafts and gives them to some of today’s hottest artists. He composes thick and textured sounds that take some producers years to perfect. It takes a special kind of artist to rock with him, which explains his impressive roster of hip hop acts that include Young Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Nelly, Ludacris, Scarface, Yo Gotti, Eightball & MJG, Young Joc, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, E-40, Rocko, Paul Wall and Lil’ Jon. Drumma Boy is fresh, as in innovative and expressive but more importantly, he’s admirably great at pushing boundaries; taking the art form into new realms of abstraction.

Currently labeled as one of the “hottest new producers” in the August 2008 issue of Vibe Magazine, Drumma Boy is enjoying credit for new singles including Jeezy’s “Put On” f/ Kanye West which has proven to be one of the summer’s hottest anthems while other recent tracks include “Juice Box” from Gorilla Zoe (Atlantic Records), “Tomorrow” from Rocko (So So Def/Island Records) and “Here I Am” from Rick Ross f/ Nelly (Def Jam Records). This Fall 2008 Drumma will be known as the man responsible for several songs off T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) including the single “What’s Up What’s Happening” as well as three additional tracks from Def Jam and multi-platinum recording artist Jeezy’s The Recession. With a gift to manufacture inimitable sounds the young virtuoso has been recruited into the studio this month with a wide range of artists including Monica, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Akon, Raheem Devaughn, Goapele, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, Rich Boy, Keri Hilson, Plies, Goapele, Dionne Farris and Jagged Edge.

His musicianship is incredible, having the ability to pour passion and conviction into whatever he does. His combination of multi-talent is one of many factors that separate him from the mainstream. His soul is soaked in the eccentricity of vintage Rhythm and Blues and P-Funk. He plays with this dichotomy of yesteryear classics and current trends to concoct sophisticated arrangements that fuse the arrogance of hip-hop with the slickness of R&B. The talented musician has not only fostered relationships with top notch artists such as Outkast, Trick Daddy, Cash Money, Pastor Troy and Killer Mike, but he also understands the importance of connecting with equally gifted writers, instrumentalists and producers like Johnta Austin and Jazze Pha.

Drumma Boy is famous for making diverse beats that range from rap, rock, classical and pop to soulful R&B ballads and gospel-inspired jams. He is as authentic as a creative artist can be, reading music with an educated ear while possessing the ability to instantly recognize the correct key. In addition to a learned knowledge, there is that burning desire he inherently possesses to win and maintain respect.

“Drumma Boy has a signature sound that can make an average artist sound great…truly he has grown into a “real producer” while some just “make beats” he has taken his sounds from the Hood 2 the Executive Suites and that’s the Bizniss” Jazze Pha

“Drumma Boy is up next!” T.I.

“Drumma Boy is the correct spelling for producer” Young Joc

“Because producers like Drumma Boy are making some serious noise. The album’s first single, “Put On,” Featuring Kanye West produced by Drumma Boy – a throbbing, chest-pounding anthem – does what Jeezy’s best songs always do; It furthers his legend with it’s might.” Vibe Magazine

“It’s clear Drumma has risen quickly to distinguish himself among the upper echelon of hip hop producers. His distinction lays with his classically trained ear along with his signature drum rolls and staggering 808’s.” The Source Magazine

“Despite the instrument reference in his name, Drumma Boy actually played the clarinet coming up. Classically trained by his father, the Memphis native upgraded from a woodwind to a Roland XP-50 at the age of 14. Drumma is making even more noise and looking forward to adding his Midas touch to upcoming projects from Jeezy and T.I. Watch him do his thang.” XXL Magazine

“When you hear one of Drumma Boy’s beats, you don’t just listen. You feel the 808 street bass, symphonic influences, horns and stirring string section. Hard knocking tracks like Young Jeezy’s “I Am the Realist” and “Standing Ovation” and Gangsta Boo’s stammering “Stacks on Deck’ and “Queen of the South” are prime examples of Drumma Boy’s limitless musical originality. Drumma’s present and future are as bright as the sun.” Grip Magazine

“With a penchant for chest-beating percussion and attitude-drenched synths, Drumma and his Drum Squad production unit have built a hefty catalog, including Scarface’s “Recognize,” Boyz N Da Hood’s “Trap Niggaz,” Paul Wall’s “Gimmie Dat,” and most recently, Plies & T-Pain’s “Shawty.” But it was really his work on Jeezy’s first album, “Thug Motivation 101”, that got the industry’s attention.” Scratch Magazine

“Atlanta producer Drumma Boy got his start as a producer and beat writer in his early teens. His mother and father both worked in music and gave him a solid grounding in the fundamentals. A few years go he made the move from Memphis to Atlanta where he began to network with the likes of Outkast and Trick Daddy.” Music Connection Magazine

“”Put On” is the first single from the forthcoming Jeezy album, and it’s a Jeezy track through and through up until the end with epically gothic Drumma Boy synth-twinkles.” Village Voice

“Drumma Boy is an exceptional young talent. Rarely is one able to identify producers who are not only able to create a unique sound with Hip Hop, but R&B as well. Drumma represents the grind. He represents the now. He represents…the future!” Johnta Austin

“Drumma Boy has his ear to the street because his sound is just that!! A very versatile producer and business man, he is hip hop’s “go to” man for a gritty visualistic sound. A producer can only dream of a resume like his.” DJ Drama

“Drumma Boy is one of the most driven producers out of Atlanta, with uniquely different beats.” LeToya Luckett

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THE 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA: THE ULTIMATE PARTY WEEKEND WITH HEADLINE PERFORMANCES BY KANYE WEST, MARY J. BLIGE, CHRIS BROWN, CHRIS ROCK, RIHANNA, MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEYSHIA COLE, JILL SCOTT, J. HOLIDAY, LL COOL J, MUSIQ, MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME AND PATTI LABELLE

THE 2008 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA: THE ULTIMATE PARTY WEEKEND WITH HEADLINE PERFORMANCES BY KANYE WEST, MARY J. BLIGE, CHRIS BROWN, CHRIS ROCK, RIHANNA, MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEYSHIA COLE, JILL SCOTT, J. HOLIDAY, LL COOL J, MUSIQ, MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME AND PATTI LABELLE

PLUS, A GROUNDBREAKING ESSENCE PARTNERSHIP WITH CNN TO FILM ONE HOUR TELEVISION SPECIAL, “BLACK IN AMERICA”

the essence empowerment seminar series will feature: tyler perry and friends, soledad o’brien, dr. bill cosby and dr. alvin pouissant, REVEREND AL SHARPTON, MAYOR C. RAY NAGIN, HILL HARPER, bishop t.d. jakes, dr. juanita bynum, TOM JOYNER, tye tribbett and greater anointing and more!

(New York, NY) – The 14th annual Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola will celebrate another momentous year in New Orleans this July 4, 5 and 6 with the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. The Essence Music Festival is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture; featuring an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations and empowerment seminars and three nights of performances by some of today’s greatest African-American artists.

Performing on the mainstage at the Louisiana Superdome: Kanye West; Mary J. Blige; Chris Brown; Rihanna; Chris Rock; Keyshia Cole; Jill Scott; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; Morris Day & The Time; LL Cool J; J. Holiday; Musiq; plus, a star-studded celebration of living legend Patti LaBelle featuring original LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx; Angie Stone; Ledisi; Chrisette Michele; Ruby Amanfu; and more!

It was more than 30 years ago in New Orleans, when Patti Labelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, recorded their famous hit, “Lady Marmalade”, produced by legendary musician Allan Touissant. The trio are set to record a new CD this fall and the Essence Music Festival will be their first performance together before they go on tour in September.

Running concurrently with the mainstage performances in the Superdome’s four Superlounges are shows by some of today’s rising stars, living legends and New Orleans hometown favorites: Bamboula 2000; Big Sam’s Funky Nation and the New Orleans Funk Soul Explosion; Terence Blanchard; Peabo Bryson; Mint Condition; Cupid; Raheem Devaughn; Estelle; Grandmaster Flash; Gil Scott-Heron; Lyfe Jennings; Karina; Kermit Ruffin’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong; Ledisi; Irma Thomas and the Professionals; Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Chrisette Michelle; Nicholas Payton Quintet; Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Gospel Revival; Purple Disrespect; Rebirth Brass Band; Christian Scott; Solange; Angie Stone and Marva Wright.

“The Essence Music Festival is truly the ultimate party weekend this Fourth of July; celebrating Black culture with an unparalleled combination of music, arts, and empowerment,” says Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc.

-more-

“We have an extraordinary line-up of A-List talent in the Louisiana Superdome and the daytime Essence Empowerment Seminars are covering the issues impacting our community with critical examination, motivation and inspiration.”

The 2008 Essence Empowerment Seminars will host three full days of free and open-to-the-public socio-political dialogue, spiritual inspiration and motivation led by dynamic speakers at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Essence Empowerment Seminars will kick off Friday, July 4th, with a celebration of the multi-talented film director, playwright, actor, and New Orleans native, Tyler Perry. This year, ESSENCE has partnered with CNN, the world’s leading news source, for a special presentation themed “Reclaiming the Dream”, led by CNN correspondents Roland S. Martin and Soledad O’Brien. The Seminars will close out Sunday, July 6th, with an afternoon of praise and worship featuring spiritual leaders Dr. Juanita Bynum, Bishop Paul S. Morton and Co-Pastor Debra Morton, Tye Tribbett, Regina Belle and more!

In addition to the Essence Empowerment Seminars, the Festival’s daytime offerings also include the Essence Marketplace, a showcase of quality fine arts & crafts by African-American vendors from all over the world. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will also feature interactive sponsor presentations, celebrity meet-and-greets, Festival souvenirs and a book fair with author book signings.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252. To find performance dates for your favorite artists, hotel accommodations, ticket prices, weekly promotions and volunteer opportunities for the 2008 Essence Music Festival log on to www.essence.com/emf.

Sponsors of the 2008 Essence Music Festival include presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola; major sponsors Chevrolet, CoverGirl Queen Collection, McDonald’s, Pantene, U.S. Army, and Wal-Mart; and official sponsors Budweiser, My Black is Beautiful, Southwest Airlines, TBS, TVOne, Vaseline and VH1 Soul.

The Essence Music Festival started in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. Now the Festival has been heralded as one of the country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand Events” in 2007 by Advertising Age; highlighted prominently among well-known consumer events such as NASCAR and Spring Break. The Essence Music Festival has featured a host of legendary performers over the years, including Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncè, Chaka Khan, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, The O’Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, to name a few.

The 2008 Essence Music Festival is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC and produced by Rehage Entertainment. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI).

About Essence Communications Inc.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the leading media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is “Where Black Women Come First”. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit, Window on Our Women (WOW I, II & III) and Smart Beauty I, II & III consumer insights, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD) via Essence Studios. For 38 years, ESSENCE magazine, which has a readership of 8.5 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.

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Keri Hilson Mary J. Blige Plies Press Releases

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy skillfully adds hard-hitting 808 bass lines explaining his impressive roster of South Eastern hip hop acts Jeezy, T.I. Young Joc, Rick Ross, Paul Wall, Plies, Rocko & Lil’ Jon as well as current hit singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West and beats for T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail as the classically trained musical prodigy also spends studio time with Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy skillfully adds hard-hitting 808 bass lines explaining his impressive roster of South Eastern hip hop acts Jeezy, T.I. Young Joc, Rick Ross, Paul Wall, Plies, Rocko & Lil’ Jon as well as current hit singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West and beats for T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail as the classically trained musical prodigy also spends studio time with Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

***

Talent can be defined in a myriad of ways. It can be an innate gift or a learned proficiency but occasionally, it’s a potent mixture of both, which happens to be the case with Christopher Gholson, the southern-reared producer and visionary who goes by the pseudonym Drumma Boy. Born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, Drumma Boy’s destiny was solidified as a young child with a father who was a professional clarinetist, music professor at the University of Memphis and the first African-American man to hold the 1st chair position in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. “My dad taught me everything I know about traditional music and had me playing the clarinet at age 5 but it was my mom that introduced me to Curtis Mayfield and 70’s oldie, so my style now is a reflection of all of that, classical, soul and street music.”

By college Drumma Boy had solidified a name for himself and was quickly becoming the most sought-after beat banger in Tennessee. Following in the footsteps of Memphis native and super-producer Jazze Pha (Ciara, Nelly, Ludacris, T.I), Drumma Boy relocated to Atlanta a few years ago after having worked with every major name and independent artist in his hometown. Now the 24 year-old musical prodigy skillfully adds crispy, hard-hitting 808 bass lines with gentle touches of rhythmic change and chord progression to each beat he passionately crafts. He composes thick and textured sounds that take some producers years to perfect. It takes a special kind of artist to rock with him, which explains his impressive roster of hip hop acts that include Young Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Nelly, Scarface, Yo Gotti, Eightball & MJG, Young Joc, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, E-40, Rocko, Paul Wall and Lil’ Jon. Drumma Boy is fresh, as in innovative and expressive but more importantly, he’s admirably great at pushing boundaries; taking the art form into new realms of abstraction.

His musicianship is incredible, having the ability to pour passion and conviction into whatever he does. His combination of multi-talent is one of many factors that separate him from the mainstream. His soul is soaked in the eccentricity of vintage Rhythm and Blues and P-Funk. He plays with this dichotomy of yesteryear classics and current trends to concoct sophisticated arrangements that fuse the arrogance of hip-hop with the slickness of R&B. The talented musician has not only fostered relationships with top notch artists such as Outkast, Trick Daddy, Cash Money, Pastor Troy and Killer Mike, but he also understands the importance of connecting with equally gifted writers, instrumentalists and producers like Johnta Austin and Jazze Pha. In 2003, Drumma Boy founded Drum Squad, an umbrella company that encompasses Drum Squad Records & Productions. This businessman on the rise is serious about his craft and professional alliances, forming a powerful movement that is sure to force other producers to step up their game.

The highly sought after rhythm architect is currently enjoying credit for new singles by Young Jeezy’s “Put On” featuring Kanye West which has proven to be one of the summer’s hottest anthems while other recent tracks include “Juice Box” from Gorilla Zoe (Atlantic Records), “Tomorrow” from Rocko (So So Def/Island Records) and “Here I Am” from Rick Ross f/ Nelly (Def Jam Records). This Fall 2008 Drumma will be known as the man responsible for several songs off T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) as well as tracks from Def Jam and multi-platinum recording artist Young Jeezy’s forthcoming album. With a gift to manufacture inimitable sounds the young virtuoso has been recruited into the studio this month with a wide range of artists including Monica, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Akon, Raheem Devaughn, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, Rich Boy, Keri Hilson, Plies, Dionne Farris and Jagged Edge.

Drumma Boy is famous for making diverse beats that range from rap, rock, classical and pop to soulful R&B ballads and gospel-inspired jams. He is as authentic as a creative artist can be, reading music with an educated ear while possessing the ability to instantly recognize the correct key. In addition to a learned knowledge, there is that burning desire he inherently possesses to win and maintain respect.

“Drumma Boy has a signature sound that can make an average artist sound great…truly he has grown into a “real producer” while some just “make beats” he has taken his sounds from the Hood 2 the Executive Suites and that’s the Bizniss” Jazze Pha

“Drumma Boy is up next!” T.I.

“Drumma Boy is the correct spelling for producer” Young Joc

“It’s clear Drumma has risen quickly to distinguish himself among the upper echelon of hip hop producers. His distinction lays with his classically trained ear along with his signature drum rolls and staggering 808’s.” The Source Magazine

“When you hear one of Drumma Boy’s beats, you don’t just listen. You feel the 808 street bass, symphonic influences, horns and stirring string section. Hard knocking tracks like Young Jeezy’s “I Am the Realist” and “Standing Ovation” and Gangsta Boo’s stammering “Stacks on Deck’ and “Queen of the South” are prime examples of Drumma Boy’s limitless musical originality. Drumma’s present and future are as bright as the sun.” Grip Magazine

“With a penchant for chest-beating percussion and attitude-drenched synths, Drumma and his Drum Squad production unit have built a hefty catalog, including Scarface’s “Recognize,” Boyz N Da Hood’s “Trap Niggaz,” Paul Wall’s “Gimmie Dat,” and most recently, Plies & T-Pain’s “Shawty.” But it was really his work on Jeezy’s first album, “Thug Motivation 101”, that got the industry’s attention.” Scratch Magazine

“Atlanta producer Drumma Boy got his start as a producer and beat writer in his early teens. His mother and father both worked in music and gave him a solid grounding in the fundamentals. A few years go he made the move from Memphis to Atlanta where he began to network with the likes of Outkast and Trick Daddy.” Music Connection Magazine

“”Put On” is the first single from the forthcoming Jeezy album, and it’s a Jeezy track through and through up until the end with epically gothic Drumma Boy synth-twinkles.” Village Voice

“Drumma Boy is an exceptional young talent. Rarely is one able to identify producers who are not only able to create a unique sound with Hip Hop, but R&B as well. Drumma represents the grind. He represents the now. He represents…the future!” Johnta Austin

“Drumma Boy has his ear to the street because his sound is just that!! A very versatile producer and business man, he is hip hop’s “go to” man for a gritty visualistic sound. A producer can only dream of a resume like his.” DJ Drama

“Drumma Boy is one of the most driven producers out of Atlanta, with uniquely different beats.” LeToya Luckett

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Jay-Z Mary J. Blige Videos

Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige – You’re All Welcome video

Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige – You’re All Welcome video

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Mary J. Blige Videos

Mary J Blige & Michael Jackson – Just Fine video

Mary J Blige & Michael Jackson – Just Fine video