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  • 2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

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    2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

    As previously reported by BV Newswire, the 2009 Soul Train Awards is scheduled to tape at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on Nov. 3. In addition to Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard hosting this year’s annual event, some of today’s most prominent music stars are scheduled to perform.

    Network producers decided to assemble an all-star lineup including Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill among others.

    The two-hour ceremony will also honor the late, great Michael Jackson, who holds the record for most Soul Train awards won, with the special Entertainer of the Year Award.

    As for this year’s nominations, pop superstar Beyonce alongside Keri Hilson, and Maxwell lead the pack with four nominations each.

    In addition, this year’s show will honor the illustrious careers and musical influences of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds.

    Officially titled, ‘Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards Show,’ the event will premiere simultaneously on the new BET spin-off channel Centric and BET on Nov. 29 at 9 pm ET. Centric went live on air Sept. 28 via digital cable and satellite cable carriers.

    Below is a complete list of nominees and categories.

    BEST NEW ARTIST

    o. Drake
    o. Jazmine Sullivan
    o. Keri Hilson
    o. Ryan Leslie
    o. Solange

    BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE

    o. Beyonce
    o. Chrisette Michele
    o. Jennifer Hudson
    o. Ledisi
    o. Whitney Houston

    BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE

    o. Charlie Wilson
    o. Maxwell
    o. Musiq Soulchild
    o. Raphael Saadiq
    o. Robin Thicke

    SONG OF THE YEAR

    o. “God in Me” – Mary Mary
    o. “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell
    o. “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)” – Beyonce
    o. “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson
    o. “Turnin Me On” – Keri Hilson/ ft Lil Wayne

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR

    o. Beyonce – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
    o. Jamie Foxx – Intuition (Platinum) J Records
    o. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (Platinum) Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
    o. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night (Gold) Sony Music
    o. Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman

    RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)

    o. Beyonce – “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)”
    o. Drake – “Best I ever had”
    o. Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – “Blame it”
    o. Keri Hilson – “Knock You Down”
    o. Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

    BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD

    o. Movado
    o. Sean Paul
    o. Serani
    o. Taurus Riley
    o. Ziggy Marley

    CENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND

    o. Corneille
    o. Eric Roberson
    o. Laura Izibor
    o. Maysa
    o. The Knux

    BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP

    o. BeBe and CeCe Winans – “Close To You”
    o. Fred Hammond f/John P Kee – “They That Wait”
    o. Marvin Sapp – “Praise Him in Advance”
    o. Mary Mary – “God In Me”
    o. Smokie Norful – “Justified”

    BEST COLLABORATION

    o. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock you Down”
    o. Keyshia Cole featuring Monica – “Trust”
    o. Mario featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett – “Break up”
    o. Mary Mary featuring Kierra (KiKi) Sheard – “God In Me”
    o. Trey Songz featuring Drake – “Successful”

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    o. Michael Jackson

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    Black Music Notes Oct. 7

      10/7/09: Mariah Carey
      Mariah Carey‘s new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ debuted in #3 position on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling only 167, 912 copies in its first week of release. Surprisingly, 67-year-old Barbra Streisand bagged the top spot — selling 180,415 copies of her latest covers collection, ‘Love is the Answer.’ Also keeping Carey away from being numero uno; rock band Paramore, which opened at #2 with their new album ‘Brand New Eyes,’ with sales of 175,112.

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      10/5/09: Meshell Ndegeocello
      This week, Meshell Ndegeocelloreleases her latest album, ‘Devil’s Halo,’ and officially kicks off a promotional tour at New York City hot-spot, Highline Balroom. The three week club tour will have the rock & soul wunderkind performing in major cities across the country — including Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis — before her final show Oct. 28 in Bellingham, Washington. All tour dates will include Meshell’s full band, featuring guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks.

      Mark Seliger for Downtown Music

      10/2/09: Mary J, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson:
      Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson are among the artists featured on Rod Stewart‘s forthcoming project titled ‘Soulbook.’ The J Records release captures the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer covering a collection of classic soul favorites, including the Stylistics timeless classic ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New.’ “This is the album I’ve waited my whole lifetime to record,” Stewart stated. ‘Soulbook’ hits stores and digital retailers Oct. 27.

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      10/2/09: 50 Cent/T.I.:
      To capitalize off of its recent batch of ‘Behind the Music’ segments, VH1 has finally decided to take an introspective look at the careers of 50 Cent and T.I. The two multi-platinum rappers will be showcased in the network’s long running series in the coming weeks, which will cover their rise to fame. From T.I. describing the pros and cons of being a hip-hop superstar to Fifty detailing his success as an international mogul. ‘Behind the Music: T.I.’ premieres Oct. 8 at 10 pm/et, while ‘Behind the Music: 50 Cent’ airs Oct. 13 at 8 pm/et.

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      10/2/09: Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie:
      Beginning Nov. 1, TV One returns with all new episodes of their critically-acclaimed original biography series, ‘Unsung.’ The Gary Anthony Williams-narrated show, which examines and celebrates talented artists who are under-appreciated, will showcase Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Roger Troutman & Zapp, and Klymaxx in its third installment. ‘Unsung: Teena Marie’ premieres Nov. 1 at 8 pm/et followed by an encore at 11 pm/et.

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      10/2/09: Akon:
      International superstar Akon is showing support for breast cancer awareness month this weekend with his headlining performance at the Think Pink Rocks concert on Oct. 3. Hosted by BET’s Terrence and Rocsi, the star-studded charity benefit will also include performances by Canadian R&B songstress Melanie Fiona, Shontelle, and pop reggae trio American Yard. According to an event spokesperson, all proceeds will go to breast cancer charities and research.

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      10/2/09: Pretty Ricky:
      Following a controversial viral video clip from one of its most known members earlier this year, R&B group Pretty Ricky will finally release their third album, aptly titled ‘Pretty Ricky.’ The chart-topping group, which features Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick’Em, and their newest buddy/addition Lingerie, feels their Nov. 17 release is too good to explain. “The songs are too sensual to describe in words,” says Diamond. “You have to hear it to fully grasp the erotic experience of the records.” The group’s new lead single, ‘Tipsy In This Club,’ received a mixed response over the summer when Spectacular debuted the track via his eye-brow raising YouTube clip.

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      9/28/09: Tupac Shakur/Martin Luther King Jr.
      Late rap legend Tupac Shakur may be deceased, but he’s still in great company. His mother Afeni Shakur has donated a collection of his writing to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center. The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. More than 150 of his personal items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge Knight and Death Row Records were given. The records are expected to be available for research in the fall of 2010.

      Getty Images, Corbis

      9/28/09: Ruben Studdard
      Former ‘American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard is heating up the airwaves with his latest single, ‘Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More.’ The single, which is described as a “sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone’s special someone,” is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated crooner’s current album, ‘Love Is.’ In addition, Studdard will join Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Deborah Cox, among others, on Oct. 21 for the “David Foster and Friends Tour.” The trek kicks off in Chicago and concludes on Nov. 8 in Vancouver.

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      9/28/09: Angie Stone
      R&B diva Angie Stone is ready to hit fans with some surprising stuff! On Nov. 24, the brown-skin soul sister will release her second project, titled ‘Unexpected,’ on legendary label Stax Records. According to Stone, the album’s title is a reflection of the direction that she took in recording the opus. “This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me,” she said. “My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.” ‘Unexpected’ features the lead single ‘I Ain’t Hearin’ U’ and the poignant ballad ‘Think Sometimes.’

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  • Five Things You Might Not Know About The Black American Worker

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    Black American WorkerIt’s no secret that the recession is hitting African-Americans especially hard. Last month black unemployment stood at 14.5 percent, vs. 8.6 percent for whites. However, nearly 18 million blacks are still toiling in the civilian labor force, representing over 11 percent of America’s 155 million workers. As the country enjoys a day of rest on Monday to celebrate all working Americans, Black Voices is taking time to shine a much-deserved spotlight on the black worker with five facts you might not know…

    working black women1) She Brings Home The Bacon
    The black worker is more likely to be female; but then again, there are simply more black females. Fifty-three percent of black workers age 20 and over are women, while 47 percent are men – commensurate with their representation in the overall population.

    2) The Tax Collector in the Mirror
    It’s not surprising that a black person is more likely than a white one to be a bus driver or a health care aide. But did you know that blacks are also more likely to be tax examiners or collectors; dietician or nutritionists; crossing guards; bill collectors; and telemarketers?

    3) On The Government Payroll
    Who says big government is a terrible thing? While facing discrimination in many sectors, blacks are more likely to work for the federal government than other Americans. We represented 17.8 percent of the federal workforce in 2007 compared to 10.1 percent of the general population

    4) Bearing the Union Label
    For years blacks have been more likely to work in a union, bringing them 12 percent higher wages than their non-union counterparts. However, black union participation has been falling for years, from nearly 32 percent in 1983 to less than half that today. In 2008, 14.5 percent black workers were union members vs. 12.2 percent of white workers. It’s no wonder that on average blacks are….

    In More News About Black Workers:

    +NAAIA is Recruiting Black Insurance Professionals

    +Dr. Boyce and Michel Martin on NPR Discuss the Minimum Wage

    +Dr Boyce Money: First Black Female to Run Fortune 500 Company

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    Before These Stars Quit Their Day Jobs…
    Mary J. Blige and other stars had important jobs before they were famous, even if they may have been low-income. What are the most underpaid and underappreciated professions?
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    Before They Were Famous

      Mary J. Blige is known for her creatively coiffed crown of hair for good reason…

      Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

      Mary J. Blige:
      At-Home Hairdresser
      From Starpulse.com: “Blige spent the first few years of her life in Savannah, GA, before moving with her mother and older sister to the Schlobam housing projects in Yonkers, NY. Her rough life there produced more than a few scars, physical and otherwise, and Blige dropped out of high school her junior year, instead spending time doing her friends’ hair in her mother’s apartment and hanging out.”

      Mary started to make her own way in the world in a profession that many take for granted. The at-home hairdresser is a very important staple of many communities, as she uses her skills to help women who can’t afford a professional salon to stay pampered and beautiful. We salute you!

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      Denzel Washington is no stranger to the hair business himself…

      John Shearer, WireImage

      Denzel Washington: Barber
      From Tiscali: “It’s often been said that the boy picked up his desire to act from the flamboyant communication that went on around him at this time. He certainly picked up a desire to work – the family ethic was very strong – and young Denzel found himself labouring in barber shops and beauty parlours from the age of 11.”

      The neighborhood barber is an important institution in many communities. Even though they don’t get paid much, men’s salons are like private social clubs that allow them to relax and connect at an affordable price. Workers in these establishments not only groom the body — they soothe the soul.

      WireImage

      Ellen is known for her dancing, but she used to be a different kind of mover back in the day…

      Jordan Strauss, WireImage

      Ellen Degenres: Car Wash Driver
      From CareerBuilder.com: “I actually liked my first job. I was driving cars out of a car wash, you know, once the car comes out, you get in and you wipe it. That was exciting to me to drive the nice cars and wipe down the [dashboard] with Emerald.”

      We often take for granted all the folks at the local war wash. They may be working for little more than tips, but they keep our cars clean and fresh, making a huge positive impact on our daily lives.

      WireImage

      Jennifer Lopez has displayed a high level of discipline and organization in plotting her megastar career. She must have learned those skills during one of her first jobs…

      Steve Granitz, Getty Images

      Jennifer Lopez: Legal Assistant
      From 2spare.com: “Long before Jennifer Lopez sang, danced and acted her way to superstardom, she briefly traded in her velour tracksuit for a suit of the pin-striped variety while working at a law office.”

      It’s hard to imagine someone as driven as Jennifer Lopez being an assistant, but J.Lo paid her dues by helping her bosses meet their goals. It’s hard for anybody to put others first, but that’s what assistants do in every field. They deserve to be appreciated for this.

      WireImage / Getty Images

      Before Angela Bassett became a huge star in front of the camera, she earned her living doing business on the other side of the lens…

      Michael Tullberg, Getty Images

      Angela Bassett:
      Photo Researcher
      From Yuddy.com: “After working as a beauty salon receptionist and photo researcher, Bassett got started with her acting career in New York Theater, after which she landed her first role-as a prostitute-in the 1985 TV movie ‘Doubletake,’ starring Richard Crenna and Beverly D’Angelo. The following year she landed her first official film role as a TV reporter in ‘F/X.’”

      Whenever we look at a magazine, or in a book with pictures, we are seeing the work of some one like Bassett in her early career. We never think of the faceless, nameless men and women who look for all the photos that illustrate concepts, news and ideas in every facet of our daily lives, ranging from Web sites to education. But every one of those photos was hand-selected by someone, most often an anonymous, but dedicated and not-too-well-paid pro. What would life be like without all the hundreds of pictures we enjoy every day?

      Getty Images

     

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