GREY GOOSE(R) Entertainment Presents 'RISING ICONS'

GREY GOOSE(R) Entertainment Presents 'RISING ICONS'

A NEW TV SERIES ABOUT INNOVATORS IN MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT Will Feature: Chrisette Michele, Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream and Wale Premieres Mon., July 27 at 10:30 pm ET on BET

MIAMI, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- GREY GOOSE Entertainment presents "RISING ICONS," a new television series honoring the spirit of musical excellence by recognizing eight of the world's most influential newfound artists. Appearing on BET Networks, each 30-minute episode of the eight-part series will take viewers on an up close and personal journey behind the scenes with the artists, giving viewers a glimpse into their road to stardom and revealing what it takes to be successful in music and entertainment today. "RISING ICONS" will make its television debut on Mon., July 27 at 10:30 PM ET/PT on BET.

Created by GREY GOOSE Entertainment and produced by BET Networks, the show highlights some of the world's best and brightest artists. Talent for the series includes: Chrisette Michele, Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream, and Wale. Each episode chronicles the artists' lives both at home and on the road with candid commentary capturing their passions, motivation and inspiration.

"This groundbreaking series is a testament to the sophisticated quality and innovation that our discerning audience has come to expect from GREY GOOSE," said Shane M. Graber, vice president and managing director, GREY GOOSE Vodka. "The RISING ICONS program will connect with our audience by creating a unique, exclusive association with an ever growing list of today's talented newcomers and tomorrow's icons."

The TV series will run concurrent with the GREY GOOSE Entertainment presents "RISING ICONS" Concert Tour, which spotlights local talent in cities across America. Concert information can be found at Complex.com, the digital media partner for the "RISING ICON" Tour.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with GREY GOOSE Entertainment on this new, exciting program for our core audience," said Alvin Bowles, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, BET Networks. "BET is committed to providing our viewers with innovative and unique branded entertainment options which are reflective of our urban influencer audience. The RISING ICONS multi-platform opportunity is an ideal way to showcase music in a new an engaging format and we're proud to partner with a premium brand like Grey Goose."

For more information visit www.BET.com/risingicons for air times and Complex.com for tour dates, artist downloads and more.

Current broadcast schedule (subject to change) is as follows:
Show premiere on Monday, July 27 at 10:30 PM ET/PT

SUBJECT BIOGRAPHIES
The-Dream

Tarius Youngdell-Nash, "The-Dream," is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter and producer. His music has been described as a sonic gauntlet, rising above the other cookie-cutter music being produced today. Many A-list music collaborations have garnered The-Dream the reputation for being a hit-maker, especially his contributions to Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body," Ciara's "High Price," Mary J. Blige's "Growing Pains," Beyonce's "Single Ladies," Young Joc's "Coffee Shop," and Jesse McCartney's "Leavin." The-Dream has also had a very successful solo career including a record deal with Def Jam Records in 2007 through which he has produced two records and plans to produce a third this December. The-Dream has won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album for his work on Mary J. Blige's "Growing Pains" album, as well as a BET Award in 2008 for Best New Artist.

Chrisette Michele

Chrisette Michele Payne, know to the music world as Chrisette Michele, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter on the Island Def Jam Music Group. Growing up with a strong gospel background from her parents has influenced her to sing in a jazz style, reminiscent of icons such as, Sarah Vaughn, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu and Ella Fitzgerald. Michele's solo accomplishments include her debut album "I Am," lead single "If I Have My Way," which charted number four on Billboard's Hot Adult R&B Airplay, and sophomore album "Epiphany." Michele embarked on a nationwide co-headlining tour during summer 2008 with fellow soul-singer, Raheem DeVaughn, called "The Art of Love Tour." In addition, Michele's performance of the song "Be OK" from her first album garnered a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009.

Ryan Leslie

Ryan Leslie is an American record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper and singer who graduated from Harvard University at the young age of 19. He founded the marketing and media company NextSelection Lifestyle Group, and is known for his production work with NextSelection/Bad Boy/Atlantic recording artist Cassie and her single "Me & U." After years of producing music, Leslie became a singer in 2004 and has since produced two records under the label Universal Records. His most popular single "Addiction" featured pop singer and prot g Cassie. Leslie earned two BET Awards in 2009 for Best Male R&B Artist and Best New Artist.

Keri Hilson

Keri Hilson, part of a collective of writers and producers known as "The Clutch," is known for her songwriting and production skills as well as for the strong emotional quality in her voice. Signed under the label Zone 4/ Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records, she has produced her first solo album titled "In a Perfect World. . ." which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums. Her collaborations, beginning in 2001, include co-writing songs for multiple rappers and singers including, Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher and Ludacris. She has also made cameos in music videos for Usher's "Love in This Club," Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent," and guest performed on Timbaland's hit "The Way I Are." Hilson was nominated at the 2009 BET Awards for Best New Artist, Viewer's Choice for "Turnin' Me On," Best Collaboration for "Turnin' Me On," and Best Female R&B Artist.

Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona is a Canadian singer/songwriter who blends the sounds of pop and soul by crossing the barriers between ethnicities, genres, age groups and genders. She has made such an impact in the music world that she opened for Kanye West during his European Tour in 2008, which is a notable accomplishment since her debut album "The Bridge" will be released in spring 2009. Her debut single "Give It to Me Right" was released on radio stations in February 2009, and has since peaked at number 39 on Billboard's Canadian Hot 100.

Hal Linton

Hal Linton is a Barbadian-born Soul and R&B singer, songwriter and producer with an exceptionally dynamic voice comparable to that of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Al Green and D'Angelo. Linton's creativity excelled during his internship at CRS Music Studio in 2005, which lead him into the production of his self-produced, independent album Spirit: Life: Love" in 2006. His first single "Cardiac Arrest" garnered Linton the title "soul prince of the Caribbean." In September 2007 the Government of Barbados made a large financial commitment to help Linton secure a record deal and realize his full potential. It was through this ground-breaking commitment that Linton was able to showcase his talents around the U.S. and work with various producers and music executives. By 2008, Linton had captured the interest of Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone and signed a record deal following in the footsteps of Barbadian international recording artist Rihanna. Since then, Hal Linton has been working on the production of his debut album "Return from the Future" with the SRP Records team and other producers. Linton won four awards at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards including, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, R&B Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi is an American hip-hop performer who fuses alternative rock, hip-hop and occasionally R&B to form feel-good, emotionally conscious records. His content is full of witty anecdotes of his journeys and personal life. He released his first mixtape, "A Kid Named Cudi" in collaboration with the New York street wear brand 10 Deep as a free download. The mixtape quickly caught the attention of Kanye West, which resulted in his signing with GOOD Music. In 2008, Cudi performed at the Video Music Awards alongside Travis Barker and DJ AM, and was also featured on Kanye West's 2008 album "808s & Heartbreak" singing with West on the track "Welcome to Heartbreak." Cudi made his TV debut performing "Day 'n' Nite" on the MTV show "Dogg After Dark," BET's "106 & Park" with Kanye West, and performed on mtvU's 2009 Spring Break Special. Cudi is finishing up his first solo album and an album with Chip Tha Ripper titled "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" which is set to release in August 2009. Cudi's single "Day 'n' Nite" was nominated for Urban Music Award's Best Single of 2009 and he was also nominated for Best New Artist at the 2009 BET Awards.

Wale

As an American hip-hop performer born and raised in D.C., Wale is been bringing new life to the genre with his dazzling wordplay and captivating on-stage energy. Through a fusion of alternative hip-hop and Go-Go Funk Wale has created a lot of buzz. In 2006 Wale's song "Dig Dug (Shake It)" became the most requested song by a local artist in D.C. radio history, and was included in Wale's first mixtape, Paint a Picture. In early December 2006, Wale won the award for "D.C. Metro Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at the WKYS' Go-Go Awards. With heavy radio rotation in DC, Maryland and Virginia, along with mixshow spins on both coasts, Wale has sold out shows in LA, New York, San Francisco, Philly and Atlanta. In March 2008 Wale signed a joint venture deal with Mark Ronson's Allido Records and Interscope. With over two million plays on myspace, Wale is becoming a hip-hop phenomenon. The release of his third and most widely-distributed mixtape, 100 Miles and Running has brought his popularity and praise to new heights. Industry experts have had nothing but positive reactions to Wale, including XXL, who are calling the rapper "The Future."

GREY GOOSE Entertainment

Founded in April 2005, GREY GOOSE Entertainment is dedicated to producing original and unique content for television, music, and film. Each innovative project reflects the spirit of GREY GOOSE Vodka and celebrates the interests of the consumer. In addition to "RISING ICONS," GREY GOOSE Entertainment produces "Iconoclasts," the groundbreaking television series where each episode features two leading innovators from different fields who come together to discuss their passions and creative processes. In addition to "Iconoclasts," GREY GOOSE Entertainment supports The Artists' Den, an innovative enterprise that curates the best new music from around the globe, which it showcases in unique and intimate venues.

GREY GOOSE Vodka

Blended and bottled in the celebrated Cognac region of Western France, GREY GOOSE Vodka is truly a unique offering. Every element that goes into its production ensures that GREY GOOSE Vodka stands alone as the "World's Best Tasting Vodka." The 80 proof super-premium spirit is packaged in beautiful frosted glass bottles, with a clear window in the shape of a Grey Goose silhouette that allows a peek at the flight of the Grey Goose across the majestic Massif Central Mountains. Each bottle is sealed with a cork stopper and an elegant foil closure. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L'Orange, and GREY GOOSE Le Citron flavored vodkas.

BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE: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 98 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 businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, 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 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.

Source: GREY GOOSE

CONTACT: Tre Miller-Rodriguez, of Harrison & Shriftman for GREY GOOSE
Entertainment, +1-917-351-8687, TMiller@hs-pr.com; or Marcy Polanco,
+1-212-975-3327, Marcy.Polanco@bet.net, or Lyntina Townsend, +1-202-608-2745,
Lyntina.Townsend@bet.net, both of BET Networks

Web Site: http://www.bet.com/risingicons

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