BET NETWORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TO BROADCAST 1ST ANNUAL “PLAYERS’ AWARDS”

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NEW YORK, NY  – BET Networks announces it will broadcast 1st Annual “Players’ Awards” in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Due to an overwhelming response from its members, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to launch the 1st Annual “Basketball Player Awards” which will tape in Las Vegas, NV in July to air exclusively on BET Networks. In the time honored tradition of identifying excellence through peer review forged by institutions such as the Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards, the “Players’ Awards” are voted on by the NBA’s active players. 

“We at BET pride ourselves on our track record of producing outstanding Awards shows and special events and we are thrilled that we’ll be working with the National Basketball Players Association to bring what will be an incredible night of entertainment”, said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “This will be a unique show and we are looking forward to being the only network to dedicate a night to recognizing and celebrating the league’s most exceptional and rising stars for their extraordinary abilities on the court."

“We are delighted to have BET as our broadcasting partner for the first ever ‘Players’ Awards’ next month," said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “BET is best-in-class when it comes to award shows, and we are happy that they will be producing this event for the best players in the world."

“Players’ Awards” will be presented for the following categories:
• Most Valuable Player
• Best Rookie
• Man of the Year
• Best Defender
• Global Impact Player
• Hardest to Guard
• Clutch Performer
• Coach You Would Want to Play For
• Best Home Court Advantage
• Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team

“We are so excited about the Players’ Awards...first time ever...and will be aired on BET.  It is going to be a GREAT event,” said NBPA President Chris Paul.
“This is a historic moment for us as players, and as a union,” said Roger Mason, NBPA Deputy Executive Director. “For the first time, our voices will be heard. This is our process and our show. We could not be prouder”.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; Centric, the first network dedicated to Black women; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. For more information, go to http://www.nbpa.com

ABOUT PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park is a multi-faceted entertainment company working in music, film and television, and sports.  Along with successful film and television divisions which include breakout network hits “Salem”, “Royal Pains” and “Wilfred,”  the company’s music division boasts such clients as Ice Cube, Azealia Banks, Eden xo, and P.O.D. and the highly successful independent record label, Prospect Park Records.

CHRIS BROWN, KENDRICK LAMAR, MICHAEL B. JORDAN AND MORE – “BET AWARDS” 2015 IS PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT

New York, NY - BET Networks has revealed some of the industry’s most influential names in entertainment who are set to appear at the 15th annual “BET Awards” 2015 on Sunday, June 28, 2015.   Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the “BET Awards” will include a performance by Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar. The star power continues as the network also announced that actor Michael B. Jordan and entertainer Zendaya will take the stage as presenters during the 15th Anniversary of the annual highly-anticipated televised event. Additional names to be announced.  

A full list of the “BET Awards” 2015 nominations is now available at http://www.bet.com/awards

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Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” 2015 will air LIVE on Sunday, June 28, 2015 on BET and will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings). 

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015.  BET.com/Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show.  All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com.  The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest.  For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.

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ABOUT BET NETWORKS

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”

The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT

Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins is an executive producer of Real Husbands of Hollywood, (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®

BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 - 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®.   This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances.  The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

ANTHONY ANDERSON AND TRACEE ELLIS ROSS TO HOST “BET AWARDS” 2015

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New York, NY (June 4, 2015) – BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), today revealed Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as hosts for this year’s "BET Awards" 2015 airing live on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm/ET on BET from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA.

“I look forward to the BET Awards every year! Tracee and I are going to have so much fun this year celebrating 15 years in black entertainment television,” said Anthony Anderson. “I can’t wait to see all of my peers and the amazing performances that evening.  We may even have a few surprises up our sleeves!”

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the 15th annual BET Awards alongside my on-screen husband Anthony, and am so honored to also be a nominee!  The BET Awards always deliver an epic evening with the best of the best across movies, sports, TV and music,” said Tracee Ellis Ross.

“We can’t think of a better way to ring in 15 years of BET Awards than with the talented on-screen duo of Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as our hosts,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Programming. “They are both comedic geniuses and we are ready for them to unleash the laughter and good times on June 28. It will be a night to remember!”

Actor, writer and Los Angeles native, Anthony Anderson is currently starring and Executive Producer of ABC's new comedy Black-ish alongside actress Tracee Ellis Ross and host on Food Network's Eating America.  He is known for leading roles on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning drama Law & Order where he played Detective Kevin Bernard opposite Jeremy Sisto as Detective Cyrus Lupo, as well as the shows K-Ville and The Shield. Anderson also brought his talent and humor to the small screen in his own WB sitcom All About the Andersons, which was loosely based on his life. Anderson has appeared in over 20 films, and his performance on Law & Order earned him his second consecutive NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for the 2008 season. He also displayed his bountiful talent in the DreamWorks’ blockbuster Transformers directed by Michael Bay; as well as in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar winning feature, The Departed, alongside a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson. Anderson first gained attention as one of Jim Carrey’s sons in Me, Myself, and Irene, and has subsequently appeared in such films as Scary Movie 3, Barbershop, Kangaroo Jack, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, Two Can Play That Game, and Malibu’s Most Wanted.
Actress, model, comedian, producer and television host, Tracee Ellis Ross began her career acting in independent films, variety series and hosted the pop-culture magazine The Dish on Lifetime. She is best known for her lead role as Joan Clayton on the UPN/CW comedy series, Girlfriends. She starred in the show from 2000 to 2008. In 2007, Ross also starred with her brother Evan Ross and Queen Latifah in the HBO film Life Support. That same year, she appeared in the Tyler Perry theatrical movie,Daddy's Little Girls and in 2011 had a leading role as Dr. Carla Reed on the BET sitcom Reed Between the Lines. She won a third NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series in 2012 for her performance in the series. In 2012, the fashion influencer expanded her vast digital influence by launching her official website Traceeellisross.com. The lifestyle site utilizes Ross' unique cross-cultural and joyful point of view to inspire the soul, body and mind of her followers. In 2014, Ross began starring as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the hit ABC comedy series, Black-ish, which will return in September 2015. For her role, Ross won the 2015 NAACP Image Award for “Best Actress in a Comedy Series”. This past April, Ross returned to the BET Network to co-host the popular award show, “Black Girls Rock,” with Regina King for the fourth televised installment. In May, Ross was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine art (honoris causa) by Brown University. She is nominated in the Best Actress category for the “BET Awards” 2015.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 20 categories with the "BET Awards" 2015 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards: ticket, great seats to 3 nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to events at the free Fan Fest. For more information, including exclusive hotel rates, and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX.

The list of nominees are as follows:

BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
CIARA
JANELLE MONÁE
JHENÉ AIKO
K. MICHELLE
RIHANNA

BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
AUGUST ALSINA
CHRIS BROWN
JOHN LEGEND
THE WEEKND
TREY SONGZ
USHER

BEST GROUP
A$AP MOB
JODECI
MIGOS
RAE SREMMURD
RICH GANG
YOUNG MONEY

BEST COLLABORATION
AUGUST ALSINA F/ NICKI MINAJ – NO LOVE (REMIX)
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK

BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
BIG SEAN
COMMON
DRAKE
J. COLE
KENDRICK LAMAR
WALE

BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
AZEALIA BANKS
DEJ LOAF
IGGY AZALEA
NICKI MINAJ
TINK
TRINA

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - 7/11
BIG SEAN F/ E-40 - IDFWU
CHRIS BROWN F/ LIL WAYNE & TYGA - LOYAL
CHRIS BROWN F/ USHER & RICK ROSS - NEW FLAME
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - GLORY (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "SELMA")
NICKI MINAJ - ANACONDA

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BENNY BOOM
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
CHRIS ROBINSON
FATIMA ROBINSON
HYPE WILLIAMS

BEST NEW ARTIST
BOBBY SHMURDA
DEJ LOAF
FETTY WAP
RAE SREMMURD
SAM SMITH
TINASHE

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
DEITRICK HADDON
ERICA CAMPBELL
FRED HAMMOND
LECRAE
MALI MUSIC
MICHELLE WILLIAMS

BEST ACTRESS
GABRIELLE UNION
KERRY WASHINGTON
TARAJI P. HENSON
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS
VIOLA DAVIS

BEST ACTOR
ANTHONY ANDERSON
IDRIS ELBA
JUSSIE SMOLLETT
KEVIN HART
TERRENCE HOWARD

YOUNGSTARS AWARD
JACOB LATIMORE
JADEN SMITH
MO'NE DAVIS
QUVENZHANÉ WALLIS
ZENDAYA

BEST MOVIE
ANNIE
BEYOND THE LIGHTS
SELMA
THINK LIKE A MAN TOO
TOP FIVE

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
BRITTNEY GRINER
CANDACE PARKER
SERENA WILLIAMS
SKYLAR DIGGINS
VENUS WILLIAMS

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
CHRIS PAUL
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, JR.
LEBRON JAMES
MARSHAWN LYNCH
STEPHEN CURRY

COCA-COLA VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
BEYONCÉ – 7/11
DEJ LOAF – TRY ME
KENDRICK LAMAR – i
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN - ONLY
RAE SREMMURD F/ NICKI MINAJ & YOUNG THUG – THROW SUM MO
THE WEEKND – EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

CENTRIC AWARD
AVERY SUNSHINE – CALL MY NAME
JAZMINE SULLIVAN F/ MEEK MILL – DUMB
MARK RONSON F/ BRUNO MARS – UPTOWN FUNK
SAM SMITH F/ MARY J. BLIGE – STAY WITH ME
THE WEEKND - EARNED IT (FROM THE “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” SOUNDTRACK)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: AFRICA
AKA (SOUTH AFRICA)
FALLY IPUPA (DR CONGO)
SARKODIE (GHANA)
SAUTI SOL (KENYA)
STONEBWOY (GHANA)
THE SOIL (SOUTH AFRICA)
WIZKID (NIGERIA)
YEMI ALADE (NIGERIA)
         
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
FKA TWIGS
FUSE ODG
LETHAL BIZZLE
LITTLE SIMZ
MNEK
STORMZY

The “BET Awards” 2015 will premiere around the world on BET’s international network at 8:00pm GMT (check local listings)

Atlanta Rapper Young Dro Preps New Album, 'Da Reality Show', and Releases New Video for single, 'We In Da City'...

Rapper, Young Dro

New York- (April 27th, 2015) Hustle Gang's street general Young Dro just dropped the visual for the first single "We In Da City."  Set in his hometown of Atlanta, GA, "We In Da City" is already a local smash hit. Shot by Risk Takerz Video, Dro takes a ride around the city to show exactly what ATL looks from a trapstar's point of view. The single can be heard here and is available on iTunes.  His new album, Da Reality Show, is slated for a late summer release. 

Young Dro, We In Da City

Watch Video for "We Da City" here

Dro says, "My life is a reality show, with the ups and the downs. This record 'We In Da City' is my reality coming up in my city. My new album will be filled with twists and turns!"

Young Dro’s debut album, Best Thang Smokin’, debuted at #1 on the U.S. R&B and U.S. Rap Charts, and #3 on the Billboard 200. The hit single off of the album was the 2x platinum “Shoulder Lean,” featuring label mate T.I.  Dro followed with his sophomore effort High Tymes which featured the hit single you "FDB."  In addition to releasing these official albums, Dro has released numerous mixtapes and has kept a loyal fanbase with his featured appearances.

A Night at the Improv with Jay Phillips...

Tonight's show at the Cleveland Improv was definitely one to remember.  The show featured comedians Rob Ward, Patrick Melton, and headliner Jay Phillips. Phillips is no newcomer to comedy, having been all over HBO comedy specials and Def Comedy Jam. He also carried a leading role in the 2008 film Semi Pro alongside Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, and Outkast's Andre Benjamin. He's now a part of the new BET sketch series The Xperiment! 

Rob Ward emcee'd the show, offering his own unique brand of comedy that had the audience at ease. Ward often emcees a number of shows here at the Improv, and continues to build his following with each show. He always does a fantastic job with warming the crowd up. 

Patrick Melton followed Ward with a hilarious set that had the audience laughing energetically from the start. There wasn't necessarily one thing that Melton focus on. He talked about a variety of topics, but it was more conversational. That's what made him easily relate with the crowd, ultimately wining them over, Both Ward and Melton were the added bonus of the night, as with the Improv, only the headliner is advertised. You don't necessarily know who you're getting with the openers, so being completely honest, the show could go one of two ways. Tonight was definitely one of those nights where each comedian rocked hard.

Following the trend of the night, Jay Phillips commandeered the crowd with no trouble whatsoever. His often animated delivery made for a fun time, and his style, also conversational, definitely won the audience immediately. It was basically like he was spending the night talking with friends, and nothing was off limits. One of the things that stood out for me was his impression of President Barack Obama. Anyone in the audience would say he was "spot on" with the President's dialect. We definitely can't give too much away in reference to what he joked about, but we emphatically say that Phillips is absolutely hilarious, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not going out to see him, wherever the is.

Phillips will be here in Cleveland throughout the remainder of the weekend performing with both Patrick Melton and Rob Ward at the Cleveland Improv. For more info or to purchase tickets, contact 216-696-4977, or visit www.clevelandimprov.com

Jay Phillips can be found on both Twitter and Instagram with the handle: @jayphillipslive

Patrick Melton can be found on both Twitter and Instagram with the handle: @pmelt

Rob Ward can be found on Instagram with the handle: @robwardcomedy