Heineken Taps Music Industry Icons to Select Heineken Independent Achiever Award Recipients

Heineken Taps Music Industry Icons to Select Heineken Independent Achiever Award Recipients

DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ralph McDaniels, J. Dilla, Gerald Levert, No ID, J. Carter, W. Ellington Felton and Antonio 'AD the Voice' Delgado to be Honored During Heineken Red Star Soul

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Heineken announced today the recipients of the 2007 Heineken Independent Achiever Award, which will be presented during each Heineken Red Star Soul concert event. Heineken created Red Star Soul and the Independent Achiever Award to provide a platform to recognize and celebrate individual achievement in music both on the stage and behind the scenes. The award, established in 2006, honors individuals who demonstrate the hustle, integrity and drive to succeed while inspiring others along the way. Each recipient will be presented with the award at Heineken Red Star Soul concert events headlined by GRAMMY Award winners Alicia Keys, Common, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq.

Award recipients represent a host city of the Heineken Red Star Soul concert series. This year's recipients include:

   -- Antonio "AD the Voice" Delgado - Los Angeles-based Oxford-educated hip      hop artist and Co-CEO of Statik Entertainment.   -- DJ Jazzy Jeff - DJ and producer who achieved acclaim from his work with      the Fresh Prince and has since become synonymous with the soulful      sounds of South Philly through his work with Musiq Soul Child, Jill      Scott and many others.   -- Gerald Levert - the late legendary Cleveland-based R&B artist best      known for his work with the trio LeVert as well as LSG, an R&B group      comprising Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill and Levert.   -- J. Carter - Founder of Atlanta's premier event promotion company, Sol      Fusion.   -- J. Dilla - the late Detroit producer served as an inspiration to a      generation of artists and is considered by many the embodiment of      modern music's soulful sound.   -- No ID - Innovative Chicago producer who introduced Kanye West to the      art of hip-hop production and who himself produced beats for Common and      many others.   -- Ralph McDaniels - New York-based founder of Video Music Box, the first      TV program ever to feature hip-hop videos.   -- W. Ellington Felton - a Modern day Renaissance man, Ellington has      gained a cult-like following on the D.C. live music circuit.   

The award recipients were selected by a distinguished committee featuring three-time Grammy Award winning producer and songwriter, Bryan Michael Cox; Vice President of Writer Publisher Relations at BMI, Catherine Brewton; "industry insider" Kenny Burns; and recipients of the 2006 Heineken Independent Achiever Awards - current musical sensation, Raheem DeVaughn; and founder of Atlanta's FunkJazzKafe, Jason Orr.

"When we met to discuss the nominees for the Heineken Independent Achiever Award, we searched for individuals who have made a significant contribution to music, but who may not have received the public recognition and respect they deserve for their hustle, integrity and dedication," said Cox. "I'm proud to be associated with this program and pleased to be able to recognize guys like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ralph McDaniels and J. Dilla; true pioneers who have inspired generations."

"Through the involvement of our selection committee, we hope to shine an even greater spotlight on the incredible accomplishments of this year's Heineken Independent Achievement Award recipients. We are honored that these five music luminaries believed in the vision of Heineken Red Star Soul and shared our passion for recognizing on-stage and behind the scenes talent that are have long inspired and rewarded music lovers around the world," said Andy Glaser, Heineken Brand Director.

Heineken Red Star Soul

Heineken Red Star Soul is a series of live musical concerts and events created by Heineken to celebrate and recognize emerging and established artists and individuals who have blazed independent paths to success in soul and R&B music. The 2007 Heineken Red Star Soul experience will feature performances by highly regarded artists Alicia Keys, Common, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq.

About Heineken's Support of Music

Heineken Red Star Soul is a proprietary event demonstrating Heineken's continued commitment to bring consumers innovative and electrifying musical experiences. Heineken is deeply committed to bringing its consumers innovative music experiences. In addition to Heineken Red Star Soul, Heineken partnered with NARAS to roll out the "Green Carpet" at the GRAMMY(R) Awards. For years, Heineken has also been involved with Premiere Latin music events, artists and causes including the Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards (7 years), the Latin GRAMMY Awards (7 years), Coachella and Street Scene.

For more information about Heineken Red Star Soul concert dates, locations and performance lineups, as well as information about the Heineken Independent Achiever Award, selection committee members and each recipient, log on to www.heinekenredstarsoul.com.

About Heineken USA Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premiere importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light, the largest- selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

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Source: Heineken USA Inc.

CONTACT: Tamara Moore, Heineken USA, +1-914-681-4153,
tmoore@heinekenusa.com; Chip Scarinzi of Manning, Selvage & Lee,
+1-212-468-3053, chip.scarinzi@mslpr.com, for Heineken USA Inc.

Web site: http://www.enjoyheinekenresponsibly.com/
http://www.heinekenredstarsoul.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment