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11 Oct

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges receives 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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In the spirit of Extraordinary Philanthropy, The Community Voices of the Morehouse School of Medicine presented the 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award to GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges on October 6, 2011 at the swanky St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead (Atlanta), GA. The award compliments special individuals who go above and beyond their civic call of duty to improving health care to the underprivileged globally.

Most people know him as the “Rapper” Ludacris, but to those who depend on a better way of life and building their future he is Chris Bridges. Through his ‘The Ludacris Foundation’, he inspires youth to give their all and he builds confidence in communities all over the world. The Ludacris Foundation was founded by Bridges in 2001; in it’s 10th year, the foundation (spearheaded by his mother, Roberta Shields) aims to strengthen the youth by the importance of Education and following one’s dreams. The foundation’s primary focus is on three key areas (3L’s): Leadership and Education; Living Healthy Lifestyles; and LudaCares. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.

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“Being a local celebrity and going to halfway houses & visiting children in hospitals is probably the best thing that could have ever happened in my life, because I noticed how I affected these young people and how I made a difference in their lives. And; that, is why you know about the Ludacris Foundation today.”
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

The Gala began with a pre-reception where both Soledad O’Brien, as well as Chris “Ludacris” Bridges spoke to the students of the Morehouse School of Medicine to further inspire them on this great night. They also awarded University of Southern California Graduate and President of the Correctional Medicine Interest Group at Morehouse School of Medicine, Sinmi Bamgbose with the first annual Soledad O’Brien Master in Public Health honor scholar Award. What a great night to celebrate Extraordinary Philanthropy.

In closing, Chris thanked his mother for her tireless efforts not only to raise him to be an upstanding member of society, but also in running The Ludacris Foundation.

Previous winners of the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award are: 2009: Malaak Compton-Rock; 2010: Hill Harper; 2010: Kevin Liles.

Take a look at the Live Video Footage of The 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award Gala below:

*video shot/edited by: Timothy “Cutty Shark” Sanders

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20 Aug

DRUMMA BOY CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY…

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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Super Producer Drumma Boy celebrated his birthday at Opera Nightclub in Atlanta. We partied the night away with Drumma; listening to good music, drinking Moet Rose’ and cranking it up with all his celebrity friends. DJ Drama was on the wheels of steel. Some of notables that were in the building were: Trey Songz, Kevin Liles, Two Chainz (Tity Boi), Big Sean, just to name a few. The building was packed out and we really had a great time.

Shout out to Drumma Boy for putting it down hard all the time… ATL/Memphis/Chicago to the World…

All I gotta say is: “I’m ridin’ round and I’m gettin’ it…” Two Chainz

Check out the video highlights of the night:

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02 Nov

SHAREEFA: Disturbing The Streets…

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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It has been a long time since the music industry has seen somebody so real! In fact, the last time was in 2006 when Shareefa dropped her debut, ‘Point of No Return’. Her first single, ‘I Need A Boss’ (produced by Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jenkins) solidified her as one of the realest women in the game. “That’s the biggest thing in this industry: being yourself, staying yourself & being grounded. Because, you can change! They will try to change you – Quick! But… You gotta be in tune with yourself,” Shareefa said. ‘Point of No Return’ peaked at #3 on the Billboard R&B charts.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Shareefa’s professional music career began when she was introduced to Teddy Riley of the famed group Guy. “I was 16 when I met Teddy Riley. He brought it out of me. He pulled me to the corner and said, “God, you are so dope as a singer, but you don’t know how to sing! Meaning, you have such an incredible voice but you don’t know how to use it. Your voice is an instrument and it’s like practicing the Piano or Guitar. You’re learning how to use your instrument.” Shareefa took those words of wisdom and ran like Gail Devers. From that point on, she worked on her already stunning vocals and by 2005 she was signed to Ludacris ‘Disturbing Tha Peace’ imprint. She began writing her own lyrics, and her first single, ‘I Need A Boss’ became a hit record right before her eyes. “I was shocked, because I was a newcomer! I got signed in 2005; my album was out in 2006. That was quick!” Shareefa shared.

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“I just started coming into my own. My sound; I’m just starting to perfect it!”

After a brief hiatus, Shareefa (the First Lady of Disturbing Tha Peace) is prepared to drop her sophomore effort, ‘The Secret’ at the top of 2011. The album boasts soul & true R&B. On the first single, ‘Should I Stay’, Shareefa contemplates leaving the man she’s with for the man that she’s cheating with. She sings, ‘my daughter needs her daddy, but I need my big daddy’. The soulful Shareefa is just bold enough to get away with expressing herself in this way. I personally love it! “That’s taboo! Should I stay or should I go?! A lot of times, females go through that; where we have to decide. My answer to any female would be to follow your heart. Pray about it, then let it go. Let that choice be yours! I thought it was risqué for a female. You always get men talking about having a girl on the side, not a female with a man on the side.” Shareefa explained.

The future looks as bright as a flawless diamond for Shareefa. She is happy, and she is back home: on stage where she belong! “I feel good! I feel rejuvenated! I feel like God brought me through everything I went through for a reason, because now I’m here doing an interview with you! How lovely is that?!” She has fans, she has confidence, she has love, she has life! “I see; in about 5 years, I’m touring all around the world. Just non-stop on the road! Get a couple things under my belt: a store front here & there. A boutique or something, and me just living life to the fullest.” Shareefa ended.

Shareefa just ended a promotional tour with El Debarge on October 31, 2010, and is ready for more! She also recently shot the video for her new single, “Should I Stay” with director Benny Boom in Los Angeles. Her voice is stronger than ever and she knows who she is! Now, why don’t you get to know her too! Follow her on twitter: @GotReefa. Check her out on facebook: Shareefa Cooper.

“Got Reefa?! We do!!!” We got you Reefa…

Check out Shareefa’s Live performance in Atlanta, GA opening for El Debarge on October 28, 2010 (below):

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