Tyler Perry’s latest film GOOD DEEDS has announced Good Deeds:Great Needs, an initiative to support Covenant House, a non-profit organization that provides support for homeless youth. Through GiftCardGiver.com, Good Deeds:Great Needs will be collecting unused gift cards and donating all collected to the organization. In addition, Lionsgate will make a financial donation to Covenant House every time the GOOD DEEDS trailer is shared. The goal for this initiative is to galvanize communities to share the news and submit gift cards, to provide hearty meals, warm beds and shelter for the homeless youth served by Covenant House.

GOOD DEEDS also presents fans the opportunity to win a Valentine’s Date Night! Just head over to the GOOD DEEDS Facebook page and submit your “love story” for the chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card! The contest can be found here.

TYLER PERRY’S GOOD DEEDS opens in theaters everywhere on February 24, 2012. The film is a moving, uplifting drama about coincidence, courage, and the defining choices we make on our paths to happiness.
To learn more and share Good Deeds:Great Needs, visit www.gooddeedsgreatneeds.com.

After receiving an abundance of gifts for their newborn, Blue Ivy Carter, Jay-Z and Beyonce are giving back.

The newly parented-couple received hundreds of gifts from celebrity friends, such as: Oprah Winfrey, Kanye West, Rihanna, P. Diddy, and Mariah Carey. It has been reported that the couple donated several gifts to local charities for young mothers.

NEW YORK – Actor Tray Chaney who appeared on the HBO program The Wire as “Poot Carr” has released a highly anticipated music video entitled “Fatherhood.” Directed by Lamar Tyler and produced by Don Cox, the video kicks off the year by promoting the critical importance of responsible fatherhood and mentoring. “I went into this project with the hopes of addressing the challenges of fathers, including myself. It’s important to remember our responsibilities towards our children and ourselves,” says Chaney.

The Ties Never Broken campaign caught the eye of Chaney after he and Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated, spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus. Chaney’s excitement in writing the lyrics and producing the video in such a short time was incredible. So much so, he included his own father and son. “Working with my own father and son in the video was one of the greatest gifts I have had in my career. That is something that some young men have not experienced. I want them to know what a blessing it is to have their father and children in their lives and be the example we want them to be as well.” Chaney also is the author of his self-published book entitled ‘The Truth You Can’t be Betray.’

The release of the video falls on the heels of the campaign’s national spokesperson Chris Broussard, wearing the Ties Never Broken trademark blue bowtie pin as he debuted in his new position as a NBA analyst for ESPN. “Chris’s support of the campaign is incredible. His support helps the agency continue to effectively encourage the conversation and raise awareness of the issues and concerns created by fatherlessness,” says Braswell.

The Ties Never Broken campaign has also garnered support from former New York Knicks forward Allan Houston and Miami Heat’s Dywane Wade (Wade’s World Foundation). On January 25th, Fathers Incorporated is hosting its annual dinner at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. For more information on the event, visit our Upcoming Events page HERE.

View the fatherhood video HERE.

Radio personality Ryan Cameron and nationwide insurance State Farm have recently teamed up to encourage safe driving among teenagers.

The Ryan Cameron Foundation and State Farm Insurance are looking to give one teenager free driving lessons at 1st Atlanta Area Driving School. This will include 40 hours of defense driving; 30 in-class and 10 on the open road. To enter the contest, the teen or teen’s parent must first like “RCF” on Facebook and leave a brief comment stating why you like the foundation or how RCF has impacted you or your community. After you have submitted your comment, have your family and friends like RCF on Facebook and like your comment; to keep the contest far.

Best wishes to all you entering this great cause to safe driving.

Former Bad Boy Records rapper Shyne tells Time’s Global Spin “I don’t even want to be a rapper.” in today’s exclusive interview.

Back in 1999, Shyne also accompanied by Sean Combs and then girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were involved in a nightclub shooting in Manhattan. As a result of the incident, the rapper was sentenced to ten years in June 2001. While incarcerated at the Clinton Correctional Facility in New York, Shyne changed his name to recently known as Moshe Michael Levi.

Today,  Levi explained to Global Spin why he no long wants to be recognized as a rapper.

“I don’t even want to be a rapper. I don’t listen to that music. I’m a musician. I’d rather be like Bob Marley or Leonard Cohen, one of those guys.”

He calls his latest work “philosophical and sophisticated.”

Moshe currently resides in Jerusalem, studies Torah, and raps at local fundraisers. He is also seeking approval from the U.S. Department of State to start a college tour and perform his motivational music.

Atlanta rapper Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges recently launched an educational site dedicated to his daughter, Karma Bridges.

Karmasworld.com was first introduced to the father as his daughter wanted to create a website filled with fun learning. She believes kids learn faster through music and games; resulting in the debut of Karma’s World. The site teaches children grades 1-6 with educational lyrics and interactive games. Not only do children learn Math, Science, and English, the site also teaches manners. There is also a special section for parents and teachers on tips to keep their children/students interesting in learning.

The atmosphere is fun, academic, and children will enjoy having fun with games and learning at the same time. Make sure you check out Karma’s World.

Life in the ghetto, pimps, prostuities, junkies, and drugs led to Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five to their classic single “The Message”. Recently, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five “The Message” became the first hip-hop single to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. A song with an impact of cultural understanding has led to a special performance during the Grammy Nomination Concert on November 30th. Taking the stage, along side Furious Five members Melle Mel and Scorpio, will be Common, LL Cool J, Rick Ross, and Lupe Fiasco performing “The Message”.

After years in the hip-hop game, rapper/producer Dr. Dre is ready for a break from the industry.

Today, Fader TV held an interview with the rapper/producer discussing future plans.  Dre decided after he finishes working with Kendrick Lamar and Slim Da Mobster, he will take a vacation to spend time with family. Working in the rap industry for over 25 years, Dr. Dre feels the need for a break but will never quit; “It’s my air.” [Fader TV]

Although Dre will be away from the studio, he will continue to work on Beats By Dre. The Doc is extremley is pleased with his sales and will no stop until they become second [or first] to Apple. “I’m shocked myself as to how well they’re doing. We’re gonna keep new and exciting product coming. We’re trying to eventually be second to Apple. And I don’t think that’s a bad position,” said Dr. Dre.

You can expect more items from Beats By Dre including speakers and microphones.

Any amount of volunteering makes an impact in ways that we can’t even imagine. Today, HoodRich’s DJ Scream and Hot 107.9′s Stuey Rock began the holiday season with raising canned goods and non-perishable items for youth shelters, low-income families, and senior citizens residents of the Carver Homes community.

The Big Giveback was held at 1600 Pryor Street in Atlanta, Ga, in the Carver Villages community YMCA from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Throughout the day, various organizations and local artist brought in donations to support the cause of feeding families this Thanksgiving season. DJ Scream re-tweeted myself  via Twitter to saying “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing their community.”

This event could not be possible without DJ Scream, Hot 107.9, Stuey Rock, and Kimberly Wilson. Big shout out to all the donors from A.B.C. Elite Youth, Hoodrich Ent, 2 Tears Ent, WSB-TV Radio, DTP Radio, Signature Elite, and many others who contributed goods to families this holiday season.

The Universal Zulu Nation calls on the nation to recognize the entire month of November as Hip-Hop History.

Born on November 12, 1974, Hip-Hop was introduced as rhythmic beats and expression of poetry through MCing. Hip-Hop introduced more than a fresh rhyme and developed forms of dance, art, and DJing. To many, today’s Hip-Hop is lacking the knowledge and empowerment of what it truly stands for. Today’s youth is misrepresented by the money, jewelry, women, and drugs, which is considered to be “Hip-Hop”. Legendary Hip-Hop pioneer, Afrika Bambaataa, encourages people to do their research on hip-hop and the true meaning behind its’ meaning.

In New York, where Hip-Hop originated, the states senate will recognize November as Hip-Hop History Month.