Noted for bringing on acts like Bow Wow and recording group B2K, this year’s Scream Tour will bring out teen heartthrobs Mindless Behavior & Atlantic Records’ recording artist Diggy, son Hip-Hop icon Rev Run.

Alongside the new generation singers, will be  JIVE recording artist, Jacob Latimore & Atlantic Records’ new R&B quartet Hamilton Park.

T.I.’a wife Tiny will also debut her girl-group, the nationwide the winners of the 2010-2011 “R U The Next Scream Star? Contest, The OMG Girlz.

The SCREAM TOUR, as in times past, will give fans an opportunity to experience their favorite artists in an “Up Close and Personal” setting at one low affordable ticket price as it is presented in theaters across the country.

The tour will travel coast to coast as part of a special “Back To School” Concert Series and will kick off on September 30th in Augusta, GA.

This year’s tour is being produced by Scream Star Entertainment and promoted by AEG Live.

“The label wanted me to do this AC [adult contemporary] record,” Kandi said. “I know I’m in my dirty 30s, but my thing is I still feel just as strong about hip-hop. I feel like I’m in a weird position ’cause I wanted to please the label, but at the same time I want to please myself.”

On songs such as the Ne-Yo written and produced second single, “Me & U,” which samples Outkast’s “Elevators,” and on “I’m Happy,” Kandi found the perfect balance between old school and new. Yet, it was the very non-AC “Lucky” that created the most buzz during the session. On the track, Kandi plays the role of the other woman gloating about having sex with a taken man.

The song may sound familiar to some because it leaked earlier this year, but it was performed by Fantasia Barrino. The demo had many believing that Fannie was singing about her alleged affair with Antwaun Cook. Kandi, who actually co-wrote the song with a production team, let everyone know the truth behind the record.

“We had the song, she [Fantasia] recorded it and also Mya recorded it too,” Kandi clarified. “For whatever reason with her [Fantasia] relationship situation somebody leaked it and tried to make it seem like she wrote that song about that experience. But that song was written before she even met that guy.”

Kandi isn’t afraid of the song reflecting negatively upon her even after Usher’s ex, Tameka Raymond accused her of being promiscuous on Twitter. The bitter tweet came after Kandi stated on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” that if she had a celebrity “crush,” it would be Usher.

“Sometimes people do take lyrics to songs very seriously,” Kandi explained. “I have not knowingly dated a dude in a relationship since I was 21. Any guy who is dating me and ever dated someone else—he was lying to me when we got together and I cut his a** off. So he was cheating, not me.”

Kandi, who has recovered from being on vocal rest, doesn’t have time for rumors as she is focused on a slew of projects. That includes heading back on tour with Fantasia, a series of performances with Tank, and executive producing some top-secret television shows.

With so much in the works, Kandi is flying high above the drama and staying true to her creative ambition.

Although he was only 26 years old at the time of his death, Redding had already released numerous hit songs and albums and become a successful performer, songwriter, producer and businessman. Recorded just three days before the plane crash, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” became his 17^th straight hit and first million-seller and remains one of his most popular songs.

The strong impact that Otis Redding made on popular culture remains evident from the countless films, television shows and commercials that his songs can be heard in and from the major influence he has had on superstar artists such as Rod Stewart who told People magazine, “I always felt Otis was singing just for me. That is a hallmark of a good singer.”

Redding’s legacy continues to grow via numerous honors that have been bestowed upon him posthumously, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an art exhibit entitled Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember that was commissioned in his honor and a documentary, Dreams to Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding, which was released in 2007. 

His memory and contributions are also kept alive through the work of his widow Zelma and their children, who established the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation to empower and educate children through the arts, which was a personal mission of Redding’s.

With an overflow of talent, beauty and determination, Nikki Lyons is as amazing and usntoppable on the track as she is in life.

As a New Look leader, she was a mobilizer of the “I Can’t, But U Can” campaign that led to 126 youth encouraging 4,000 peers to register 17,000 voters for the 2008 election. In addition, she represented Usher’s New Look Foundation at the inaugural festivities for President Barack Obama in 2009.

Ms. Robinson recently was on panel at Spelman College (her alma mater) and inspired youth to make their dreams a reality; she also told them to invest in education and leadership roles.  At 21, Chantia Robinson is the first New Look Foundation Alumna to be recognized with the Global Youth Leadership Award due to the merge of her passion, continuing education, and leadership.

She continues to seek more knowledge of the business side of the entertainment industry, thus explaining her current internship with the Mauldin Brand Agency in Atlanta, Georgia.

To read more about the World Leadership Awards, CLICK HERE.

VENUE INFORMATION:
595 North Event Venue & Lounge is located at 595 North Avenue, Atlanta, Ga 30318 (right off of Northside Drive and North Avenue)

CLICK HERE for Directions: http://tinyurl.com/yzvb94p

HAPPY HOUR!!!
Come early and enjoy $5 drinks and food // 8pm – 9pm
Go to http://www.595north.com/ to view the menu!!

:::::WANT TO PERFORM?? SIGN UP AT 8PM!!:::::
NOW you have an exclusive opportunity to get on stage without having to submit or audition in advance!! Just show-up early, sign-up, and PERFORM in our “new” open mic segment!! Artists that participate in this segment of the show will get 3-minutes on stage or one song (whichever is less) and will be judged on audience response for a chance to win a FULL 10-MINUTE FEATURE PERFORMANCE at the next IdOMusic® Networking Event. (so bring all your friends!!!!!!) $10 to sign-up and your ALL your friends get in FREE before 8:30p! THERE’S ONLY A FEW SLOTS AND THE LIST WILL FILL UP FAST SO GET THERE EARLY!!

Mauldin dreamed of a career in racing. His would be more than just a fast-paced life: It was to be a life with speed just like that of his father Lightning, a truck driver who raced cars at tracks such as Cleveland Speedway around the region.

Michael is there. Finally.

Mauldin, who in 1998 became the first black president of Columbia Records, is working with NASCAR and Atlanta Motor Speedway to expand its reach and connection with younger fans.

Coincidentally, Mauldin got his big break because of a car. Well, it was a van, actually — a Ford Econoline “with a couch in the back.”

After moving to Atlanta in the early 1970s, Mauldin was the lead singer for “The Other Side.” One weekend, members of the group Brick needed help getting equipment to their next gig. Enter Mauldin, who hauled the gear and became a fixture behind the scenes.

“I got 10 or 15 bucks and a cheeseburger,” Mauldin recalled of that first trip to Savannah. “Who knew it would become this?”

He quickly went from transporting equipment to setting up shows and managing acts. He spoke proudly of his ascent and not surprisingly used racing terms to describe it.

“We didn’t have a lot of roadies or people like that,” Mauldin said. “And that was one of the things I took pride in. We were fast. If someone broke a string, we’d have it replaced before the next song. We wore black T-shirts and tried to move from one group to the next faster than anyone.

“We were like a pit crew setting up stages.”

He was managing a Diana Ross show at the Omni in 1982 when a group of kids were invited on stage to dance. Mauldin’s 10-year-old son — Jermaine Dupri — was among the group and stole the spotlight. Dupri followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming one of hip hop’s biggest icons after founding So So Def Records in Atlanta. Between them, Mauldin and Dupri have been instrumental in the careers of some of music’s biggest stars, ranging from Mariah Carey to Usher to Destiny’s Child to Alicia Keys.

“There’s something to be said for that,” Mauldin said about the father-son connection. “Look at the Mannings. Their dad was Archie, and they were a family of quarterbacks. Jermaine and I have been blessed.”

Music success is not the only bond between Michael and Dupri.

“Jermaine definitely loves cars — he has a slew of cars,” Mauldin said. “He’s not really into NASCAR, though. Kids today would rather see the fastest Ferrari than just look at NASCAR. We have to cast a wider net for the youth in a certain way. That’s what I’m trying to do now with the programs I’m doing.

“NASCAR fans are great and they’re young at heart, but the sport needs to embrace new fans and let them grow up with it like I did.”

That early love for cars in general and NASCAR in particular was given to Mauldin by his father.

Lightning Mauldin drove a truck by day and was known on occasion to run moonshine on the weekend, and in Murphy being Lightning Mauldin’s eldest son meant something. Being Lightning’s boy meant speed. It meant a respectful reverence of automobiles. It meant NASCAR.

“I’ve been going to NASCAR races since I was 5 or 6 years old pretty regularly,” Michael said. “If we weren’t at the track, we were listening to it on the radio.

“Considering where we grew up and who my dad was, it didn’t surprise a lot of folks.”

Mauldin has settled into the branding and management side of the entertainment industry. He has a music management company and Mauldin Brand Agency. His latest venture with Atlanta Motor Speedway — which includes a new Web site (www.fastlife360.com) and this summer’s debut of FastLife Fridays at the track that will feature an array of activities and attractions designed for all ages and audiences — is part of his circular journey.

Much like a race track, life is speeding back to the start for Mauldin. He fulfilled his childhood dream and is part of the racing world. He spends a lot of time on his farm back in Murphy — in part to spend time with his dad, who is battling lung cancer — and commutes to Atlanta. He’s still striving to go as fast as possible as his life comes full circle.

This next time around, though, can be at a little slower pace. Call it a victory lap.

- Jay Greeson

Michael Mauldin, president of Mauldin Brand Agency stated that, “MBA & the Urban Speed Association (USA) has created a unique grass roots, urban influenced marketing platform, designed to reach and penetrate teens & young adults; with a particular focus on a multi-cultural audience through music, fashion and custom cars.  We call this urban influenced lifestyle movement, The Fast Life!  “FastLife Fridays” is an extension of this lifestyle. Through this groundbreaking partnership, with Atlanta Motor Speedway and its president Ed Clark, we have committed ourselves to present a first class event, and collectively we will host and grant proper ACCESS for all.”

”FastLife Fridays” will feature full throttle drag racing where the “Celebrity Challenge” will pit one celebrity against another, but it will also allow anyone with a state issued driving license to compete, for a nominal fee of $20.00 (driver’s under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). These evenings of music, drag racing, hot fashions and even hotter cars, will also feature special performances from some of today’s hottest recording artists, as well as the celebrity “Show & Shine” car show for all attendees to enjoy.  Mauldin says; “the goal for these unique, phenomenal events is to bring people of all walks of life together, through a common love of cars, music and all-around fun.  We are providing the access to make it happen and it will be a trend that we plan to spread all across the United States.”

Ed Clark, president of Atlanta Motor Speedway says, “The three “FastLife Fridays” will bring a tremendous new dynamic to our Friday Night Drags season.  We look forward to working with the Mauldin Brand Agency to produce colorful and exciting nights full of drag racing, music and fashion which will attract the in-crowd to witness many of their favorite personalities as they compete and entertain here at Atlanta Motor Speedway.”

“FastLife Fridays” and it’s corporate partners will support this lifestyle movement with community focused initiatives utilizing all forms of media including retail, online, radio and television.  It will also put special emphasis on humanitarian endeavors focused on youth & education related efforts throughout the metro Atlanta area. These philanthropic programs will be guided and directed by Hip Hop 4 Humanity & Speedway Children Charities.  

Designed to have a little something for everybody through music, cars and speed, “FastLife Fridays” will be a must attend event, for the youth, young adults, professionals and the young at heart.

General admission for each event is $7.00.  Atlanta Motor Speedway offers special infield parking for $20.00. Currently, “FastLife Friday’s” at Atlanta Motor Speedway are scheduled for June 11^th, July 9^th & August 13^th, 2010. Starting Friday, March 5, 2010, visit www.fastlife360.com for daily interactive updates, participating celebrity talent, exclusive downloadable content and much more!

About Mauldin Brand Agency
Mauldin Brand Agency (MBA) is your Urban Connection with Access to the FastLife. With more than 30 years experience in entertainment marketing, branding & promotion; MBA creates and enhances branded assets within the consumer marketplace with special focus on teens & young adults (12-32). Through the influence of music and entertainment, MBA maximizes visibility of product, brand and service through increased consumer participation and interaction. For more info, visit us at www.mauldinbrand.com  

About Urban Speed Association
The Urban Speed Association (USA) is a multi-cultural, automotive, social lifestyle powered by motorsports, music, technology and community. A Global movement, driven by an exclusive network of fashionable youth, young adults and the young at heart. For more information, visit us online at www.urbanspeedassociation.com and www.fastlife360.com.

About Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta Motor Speedway is one of the nation’s premier motorsports facilities and is located on nearly 900 acres 30 minutes south of Atlanta. The facility hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends annually, in addition to drag racing, short-track racing and special events. For more information on Friday Night Drags at Atlanta Motor Speedway or the upcoming Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend, contact the Speedway’s Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX, (770) 946-4211, or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

# # #

For Media Inquiries / Press Coverage

Patti Webster / Aliya Crawford / W&W Public Relations, Inc. / 732.469.5955 

Marcy Scott / marcys@atlantamotorspeedway.com/ Atlanta Motor Speedway / 770-946-3951

Team spokesperson Jesse Essex said Friday night that Hendrick loaned two 45-passenger Saab 2000 aircraft, which normally carry crew members during the season and two flight crews with additional support personnel to Missionary Flights International. The first flight is scheduled to leave Fort Pierce, Florida Saturday. The planes will transport both people and supplies directly into Haiti.

Meanwhile, Roush Fenway Racing superstar Carl Edwards has taken to social networking to keep his fans informed and encourage them about ways they can help support the relief efforts.

Carl posted the following on his facebook page: “wanna help in haiti? my friend mike mauldin works with wyclef jean and has relayed the horror in haiti to me. wyclefs charity is an honest, simple way to help. if you can, txt “yele” to 501501 to donate $5 (billed to your phone). mike vouches that this is a way to help that ensures your $ go to the people who need it. thx guys!“