Ludacris’ latest hit, the Mary J. Blige assisted “Runaway Love” has proven to be more than just a commercial success, it’s helped a one outreach organization reach more kids in need of help.
National Runaway Switchboard’s number,1-800-RUNAWAY is displayed during the video for the track. The organization has seen an increase in calls each time the video airs.
“You’ll hear the phones ringing all around the office,”Amanda Hetherington told the Chicago Tribune. “Sometimes they’ll just be kids asking if we have his number. But that can lead to conversations about someone who has thoughts about running away.”
The exact number of calls generated as a result of the video cannot be determined, but Cris is credited by NRS executive director Maureen Blaha for making the organization more of a household name.
“That’s one of our goals, to make the NRS a household name,” she says of the partnership with the DTP emcee. “So when families and kids are in a crisis they know where to call. Ludacris is certainly helping us do that.”
Singer Brandy finds herself in more hot water this week as the fall out from her deadly automobile accident has birthed a lawsuit.
The children of Awatef Aboudihaj, who died after being rear ended by the singer have filed a second lawsuit.
Paul Philips, the children’s lawyer (both are minors) issued a statement on his client’s behalf, accusing Brandy of “operating her vehicle in a reckless manner during the fatal collision last Dec. 30, and that her conduct caused the death of their mother.”
The first lawsuit concerning this matter was filed by the victim’s parents. Philips will not disclose how much the children are seeking.
Rawkus Records has developed their Rawkus 50 program designed to aid the 50 best underground rappers in jump-starting their career. Rawkus will provide extensive marketing for each artist throughout magazines and the Internet as well as sponsor showcases in NY and LA. Artists will remain independent throughout the promotion and may be given the opportunity to sign with Rawkus Records. Candidates are required to have active myspace accounts, video links, and 10 mastered tracks. “Non prolific” emcees need not apply!
Reported By: A-Plus and Kendra Desrosiers
