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Star Bust... Raid!
Second Atlanta-based Label Raided By Authorities
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) reportedly arrested 30 members of the self-named Black Mafia Family (BMF, a
record label based in Atlanta, and seized more than $3 million in money, assets, cocaine and weapons.
DEA officials labeled BMF a large-scale cocaine and money laundering operation operating in Detroit, Columbus, GA and
Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, St. Louis, Greenville, S. C. and Louisville.
This is the second hip hop label in Atlanta raided in the last few months. Big Cat Records has been raided twice and its
lead artist, Gucci Mane, is currently awaiting trial on murder charges.
According to allhiphop.com, the DEA officials say brothers Terry and Demetrius Flenory founded BMF, when they started
selling crack during their high school years in the 1980s. The group expanded to other cities in the 1990s and turned their
organization into a multi-million dollar criminal enterprise, which operated in numerous cities.
"The BMF was a sophisticated drug smuggling and money laundering organization, led by brothers that operated in 11
U.S. states and had direct links to Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations," said DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy.
The DEA said BMF allegedly distributed thousands of kilos of cocaine and dealt at least 2,500 kilos out of Atlanta, BMF's
home base.
"For too many years, these drug dealers have poisoned our streets and cast shadows of fear across our communities.
Today's arrests dismantle this drug mob and should significantly impact drug-related crime in the communities where the BMF
operated," Tandy added.
DEA agents said BMF used hidden compartments in stretched limousines to transport drugs and money and some of their vehicles
were equipped with special devices to produce air that would throw off drug-sniffing dogs.
The investigation started in October of 2003 and culminated with today's arrests.
"The proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics are funneled through the underground, untaxed economy. This impacts
every law abiding, taxpaying citizen," stated Nancy J. Jardini, IRS Chief of Criminal Investigation. "In this investigation,
the IRS Criminal Investigators analyzed the monetary transactions to track the illegal proceeds of this drug trafficking organization,
and the money trail lead to the individuals indicted today. When law enforcement agencies combine resources and expertise,
we create a formidable force-the result of which you see today with the announcement of these indictments."
BMF Entertainment was working with Bleu DaVinci, a new and coming rapper, who released an album titled "World Is
BMF," which was nominated for a Source Award in 2004.
Heather Headley To Perform At Living Legends Dinner
Doc Wynter, Doug Banks Being Honored
The Living Legends Foundation (LLF) will honor two radio legends this year: Clear Channel programming guru Doc Wynter
and ABC Radio personality Doug Banks. The 12th annual Living Legends Dinner Gala will be held on November 17 at the Westin
Hotel in New York City.
Entertainment will be provided by RCA/J Records R&B artist Heather Headley.
This year's fundraiser for the non-profit organization will enable LLF to continue its support of those in need in the
entertainment community. A portion of this year's proceeds will go to assist those from the music and radio industries recently
displaced by Hurricane Katrina's devastation.
As VP of urban programming for Clear Channel Radio, Doc Wynter is one of the most respected members of the radio community.
He proves that with hard work and dedication one can rise to the top. Wynter began his radio career while at Trinity College,
doing overnights at WKND-FM in Hartford, CT. Working his way through a variety of markets from New Haven to St. Louis to Jacksonville
and positions that included production, on-air stints and programming, Wynter now oversees more than 70 urban and Black gospel
stations nationwide as part of the Clear Channel Radio network of more than 1,200 stations. Known as a "player-coach,"
Wynter has proven leadership qualities and is an admirable selection as a Living Legend.
The inimitable personality of Doug Banks wakes up urban American households nationwide as part of the ABC Radio Network
syndicated top rated morning show, "The Doug Banks Show." And like Doc Wynter, Banks also began his radio career
very early. In fact, he was an on-air personality for his high school radio station in Detroit, when local station WDRQ hired
him to do nights as the youngest air talent at the station. Banks proved a hit all over the country - Los Angeles, Las Vegas,
San Francisco, Chicago. Going nationwide in 1995 with ABC Radio Networks, "The Doug Banks Show" continues to deliver
one of the most creative and innovative morning shows for urban audiences in that coveted 18-49 year old demographic.
Trinidad-born musical prodigy Heather Headley is a classically trained musician and artist whose stellar performances
on Broadway in "Lion King" and Tony-Award winning performance in the Elton John-Tim Rice musical "Aida"
brought her to the attention of the RCA Music Group. Currently captivating audiences with her new single "In My Mind,"
the RCA/J Records songbird will be releasing her sophomore album in November.
Past Living Legends honorees have included other radio legends like Frankie Crocker, E. Rodney Jones, Sid McCoy, Magnificent
Montague, Mary Mason, Georgie Woods, Elroy Smith and Tom Joyner as well as music executives such as Al Bell, Kenny Gamble,
Leon Huff, Ewart Abner and Henry Allen. Record retailers include such pioneers as Royce Fortune, King James, George Daniel
and Ted Hudson.
For further information, contact CeCe Evans at (818) 695-3627.
About Living Legends
The Living Legends Foundation (LLF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1991 by veteran radio and music
industry executives Jerry Boulding and Ray Harris. The purpose of the organization is to recognize and honor members of the
entertainment community, especially in radio, retail and recorded music, for their achievements and contributions as trailblazers.
Additionally, LLF provides financial assistance to industry members who are in need having provided more than $100,000 over
the years.
******* More news after Dominoe Tourney info below *******
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Harvey Does Dominoes
Saturday, November 12, marks the day the City of Atlanta hosts The Steve and Mary L. Harvey Foundation for a table top
games tournament, "The Steve Harvey Table Classic Tournament."
Steve Harvey is bringing the love of Dominoes,Spades and Bid Whist with the event, presented by Up Top Entertainment,
WVEE-FM (V-103), Littel Concepts and Starpoynt.
Already a favorite in cities such as Los Angeles and Dallas, Harvey is hosting the tournament event in Atlanta featuring
live entertainment, prizes, games and the "Pretty Face Thick Waist" model contest. Atlanta Mayor Shirley
Franklin and the City of Atlanta are rolling out the red carpet for this special event by hosting a private VIP reception
on Friday, November 11. The intent is to present a stellar event - anticipated to be one of the biggest events for Atlanta
this year.
Since 1997 the Steve & Mary L. Harvey Foundation has been uplifting, empowering, enriching and motivating future leaders.
The mission of the foundation is to coordinate and facilitate the needs of the educationally and environmentally deprived.
The foundation is also dedicated to consistent, efficient and effective objectives that ensure everyone identified will benefit
from the foundation for many years to come.
FUBU, Montel Williams Pair To Distribute Clothing
FUBU owners and designers Daymond John and Keith Perrin went to Baton Rouge Louisiana with Montel Williams and "The
Montel Williams Show" earlier this month to distribute clothing to displaced students and families from Hurricane Katrina
and Rita.
This was William' second trip to the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina hit. The ex-Marine talk-show host and his television
crew spent several days throughoutt he Gulf Coast, gathering first person stories from survivors of the Hurricane, visiting
homes, meeting with state officials, visiting shelters and medical centers.
This trip, Williams and his crew paired with FUBU to distribute approximately $1 million in clothing, including men's,
ladies' and children's clothing, as well as footwear. Distribution was aided by World Vision, which is a Christian relief
and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling
the causes of poverty.
Photo below left - Daymond and Keith distributing clothing in Louisiana
Photo below right - a displaced child is happy to receive a new pair of sneakers
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