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RUSSELL SIMMONS, DR. BENJAMIN CHAVIS AND THE HIP-HOP SUMMIT ACTION NETWORK ISSUE URGENT APPEAL TO THE MEDIA

NOVEMBER 4TH 2003 NATIONAL TV AND RADIO BROADCAST: 50 CENT AND JA RULE BEEF MEDIATION WITH MINISTER FARRAKHAN

NEW YORK, N.Y. – OCTOBER 31, 2003 – The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network today appealed to all media outlets across the United States and throughout the world to support and be sensitive to upcoming November 4th, 2003 television and radio simulcasts of the dialogue between Ja Rule and Minister Louis Farrakhan, concerning an effort to mediate and resolve the beef between 50 Cent and Ja Rule.

“We are especially calling upon all of those in the media who make money off of hip-hop, such as The Source, XXL, Vibe and other hip-hop publications, as well as Clear Channel Radio, Radio One Network, Emmis Broadcasting and Infinity Broadcasting, together with all program directors, dj’s, managers and members of hip-hop crews,” emphasized Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. “This is an opportunity to save the lives of two of the greatest giants in hip-hop and we must help them choose life over death.”

MTV and BET television networks, along with more than 100 r&b and hip-hop radio stations will simultaneously broadcast the dialogue at 8pm est. Russell Simmons Chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, called on the entertainment and media industries, “to exercise care and to be responsible in helping to promote a positive reception of the dialogue.” Simmons further stated, “This is a blessed opportunity for 50 Cent and Ja Rule to take good steps toward peace and mutual respect. Millions of young people will be listening and watching and the example that will be set should be uplifting and empowering.”

***** NOTE: A change in the 50 Cent & Ja Rule with mediation Min. Louis Farrakhan is now scheduled to broadcast for Monday Nov. 3rd, 2003 on BET’s 106 & Park.  It will also air on MTV at 7pm on Nov 3rd. The Clear Channel national radio broadcasts are still Scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 4th, 2003 at 8pm.

Dr. Chavis concluded, “We all must hold each other and everyone involved accountable on how the issue is peacefully resolved. Both 50 Cent and Ja Rule are important to the future of hip-hop and their lives are precious and we must not allow hype of any kind to prevent a healing and peace. People in the media should be careful, sensitive, and respectful in reporting on this matter.”

For more information on the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, go to www.hsan.org.

Ellen Zoe Golden
[email protected]
JLM PR
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