By Sara Speigner

Karaoke

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.

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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. City Councilwoman Mary Norwood sought the recount after coming up 715 votes short in the Dec. 1 balloting, or fewer than 1% of the total cast. Reed’s margin of victory ended up at 714 votes, Fulton County officials said. He is set to take office January 4, 2010. Congratulations to Kasim Reed !

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.

In the music video for his first single off of Graffiti, “I Can Transform Ya,” featuring a rather strapping Swizz Beats and Lil Wayne, Breezy doesn’t look even two steps behind the success of 2007’s Exclusive. Directed by Joseph Kahn (who’s helmed the majority of Chris’ visuals), the video functions on fun, nubile and futuristic metamorphosis, with bounds of impressive choreography the b-boy kid is known for. While the vid is free of argument, one question does remain — can it serve as a publicity blessing good enough to transform Breezy’s tainted image? You be the judge.

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.

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The Super Producer has arrived ladies and gents. PLPR knabbed an interview with Producer Fatboi, to talk about what it takes to get your beats heard. For us, Fatboi was the ideal person to ask such a question since his most recent hit “Wasted” by Gucci Mane Feat Plies, is one of the top 10 hits on the Rap/Hip Hop Billboard Charts. Some of the artists that he has produced for include  Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Yung Ralph, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Camoflauge, and OJ Da Juice Man. Every producer has that one break out hit that puts them on the map, and “Wasted” has done just that.  Fatboi also spoke about the difference between making beats, and being a real producer. After seeing and hearing what he does creatively by playing the keyboard, writing and arranging songs – definately solidifies Fatboi’s place in the industry as a true producer.

Purple Label PR was in attendence of a wonderful event last night. The opening of Carol’s Daughter was an intimate gathering of press, celebrities and patrons, who all came out to support Founder Lisa Price. Her products have been featured on the Tyra Show, HSN, The Today Show,Essence Magazine and many other places. Founded in a kitchen in Brooklyn, New York, creator Lisa Price’s homemade concoctions have become staples on the shelves of celebrity bathrooms. Now thirteen years later, Price continues to deliver down home treatments using wholesome ingredients ranging from luscious mangoes to refreshing peppermint. From head to toe, Carol’s Daughter strives to enhance your life and well being by providing the sweetest and most luxurious products, all made from the heart naturally.With celebrites like Jada Pinkett Smith, and Mary J. Blige endorsing Carol’s Daughter, the sky is certainly the limit for this entire line of products. PLPR had the chance to sample a few of the products perfume, my favorite was the perfume called “The Big Kahuna” ( go figure).  Comedian/ Radio Personality Steve Harvey was in attendence, along with actor Boris Kodjoe,  and Comedian/Actress Monique.