Hip Hop News
Hip-Hop producer Swizz Beatz was honored by Russell Simmons and the Foundation For Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) last night (October 27).
The non-profit foundation was started by Rabbi Marc Schneier as a way to strengthening relations between ethnic community through face-to-face dialog.
Simmons currently serves as chairman of the organization, which has been in existence for over 20 years. Swizz, born Kaseem Dean, is a Muslim.
He told those in attendance that he was frequently profiled by police and security while traveling through airports.
FFEU has recognized other rappers in the past, including LL Cool J, who received the organizations Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award last April at Simmons’ home.
According to reports, Swizz has offered to produce a record that Simmons, Nas and the FFEU are backing in support of Queens activist Erica Ford and her program “Bury Da Beef,” which aims to curb youth violence.
Kanye West and a number celebrity songwriters and artists are featured in the upcoming book Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind The Song.
Chicken Soup for the Soul partnered with Hollywood publicist/manager Jo-Ann Geffen for the book, which analyzes 101 popular songs.
The book is the first all-celebrity release for the popular brand, which has released Chicken Soup titles focused on a variety of subjects, including breast cancer, teenagers, sports, fitness, entertainment and other interesting topics.
The brand has sold over 112 million copies of various titles, which have been translated into over 40 languages.
Other songwriters featured in the book include Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Smokey Robinson and numerous others.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind The Song is due in stores November 10 and will retail for $14.95.
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