Purple Summer Picks 2010 is jumping with new music.  New and old artist alike are making it their business to create straight summer bangers to make this summer unforgettable. Whether it is an album, mix tape, or just a single- here are the “must haves,” some that may have fallen under the radar, and what I suggest you hear so you won’t be left out!

By Sara Speigner

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PURPLE PICK: This months pick is singer songwriter Mateo. I have been following him since the days of when MySpace was my favorite past time. He is an AMAZING artist that with a growing fan base all over the map. Very seldom do I get excited about new artist but i admit that I was blown away by  Mateo the minute I heard him sing. He has toured with Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Mario. The crooner describes his music as “piano based” and “all about love”, writes all of his songs and plays the piano.  His mixed tape “Under the Sky ” is set to be released later this year, but for know he has blessed our ears with his live album entitled “Get to Know Me” Live from the Swing House. Many may try to pair him with the likes of Alicia Keys or John Legend, simply because he plays the piano (which is not a bad league to be related to!) – But Mateo is definitely in a class of his own. He’s been under the radar for a while, but the Mateo train is in full locomotion, and quickly moving full speed ahead to the top.  His music is available on iTunes and Amazon. Visit Mateo on www.Mateoonline.com for more stories, videos and music.

MATEO -LIVE AT THE SWING HOUSE

PURPLE BOOK PICK: This months pick for a great read is by Russell Simmons called “Do You” , although the book was published in 2007, I just now got my hands on it and ever since then, I cannot put it down. Simmons serves up the most practical 12 laws on how to move forward in life, business, success, and entrepreneurship. Straying from the quintessential “Self Help” book, Simmons delivers a no “BS” type of approach to each chapter. “Do You” is filled with concrete examples and knowledge that is relevant to today’s society, and it keeps you enlightened and on your toes at the same time. What keeps me the most intrigued with the media mogul, is that he continues to reinvent himself in such a genuine and  philanthropic  way that keeps him relevant to our generation, and many more to come. This book has inspired me to continue to reach new heights  as an entrepreneur.  It is an awesome tool to add to any approach towards success. You can find “Do You” on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Director Spike Lee is paying tribute to Michael Jackson by releasing a music video for his posthumous single, “This is It.”

The emotional video shows footage of Michael’s childhood hometown Gary, Indiana and fans mourning his death around the world. In one of the video’s high points, Lee focuses in on a sign that reads “This is it. Stop the Hatin’” perhaps alluding to the controversies surrounding MJ in his later years. The video also features the Jackson brothers and mother, Katherine. It ends on a high note: classic footage of MJ doing the moonwalk.

Read more: http://www.essence.com/entertainment/hot_topics/spike_lee_debuts_video_for_michael_jacks.php#ixzz0b6N6PvTh

After several months on the campaign trail, Kasim Reed, an attorney and former Georgia state senator, will be sworn in as Atlanta’s next mayor after a recount Wednesday confirmed he had won a runoff election. Prior to the election Purple Label PR had the honor of attendending one of his fundraisers held at Uptown Lounge. With celebrity supporters like Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Keri Hilson, and Mary J. Blige in his corner, Reed’s popularity and message was proved effective and relevant, which landed him he title of the next mayor of Atlanta. Read the rest of this entry »

Purple Exclusive: Since his violent February altercation with then “shawty,” Rihanna, Chris Brown has been carrying a 9-month-old profusion of ugly, public-dubbed monikers. But though it’s likely that Chris will have to duck sharp-soaring insults for the bulk of his young career, one positive thing can be said by even the most adamant of haters — Breezy is a striking entertainer. No pun intended. Read the rest of this entry »

Coming out on November 6, 2009 the motion picture “Precious” is a film with sheer audacity and utter authenticity, director Lee Daniels tackles “Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire” and creates an unforgettable film that sets a new standard for cinema of its kind. Precious Jones (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe) is a high-school girl with nothing working in her favor. She is pregnant with her father’s child – for the second time. She can’t read or write, and her schoolmates tease her for being fat. Her home life is a horror, ruled by a mother (Mo’Nique) who keeps her imprisoned both emotionally and physically. Precious’s instincts tell her one thing: if she’s ever going to break from the chains of ignorance, she will have to dig deeply into her own resources. Read the rest of this entry »

As you all have witnessed, 2009 has been a year of many untimely,  and heart wrenching deaths. I am sure more than a few people we have lost this year come to mind as soon as you think about it. The most recent and pointless death we all may be familiar with is the beating death of  a high school student Derrion Albert, who was publicly attacked and beatin on school grounds. Purple Label PR is so honored to represent  Elusion Clothing as a client and a brand that actually stands for something more than just clothes and fashion. The self proclaimed “relatively small brand with a big message “

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PLPR gives Kid Cudi’s album 4 stars hands down. Could our opinion be a bit biased because he is from Ohio? Nah, not at all ! As all purveyors of taste and G.O.O.D. music know, today’s the day Cudi’s album dropped. Man on the Moon has been critically heralded as a classic album of this generation already and from what I’ve heard so far, I would be inclined to agree. I finally got to hear the full version of that song “ALIVE” I was going crazy over a few weeks ago and man it did not disappoint but is probably one of my favorite joints on the album. So make sure to find yourself on the moon sometime this week to get his soundscan poppin’ and while you’re putting on your moonboots be sure to check out that “Alive” track.