Mogul Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Valeisha Butterfield and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) have partnered with Heineken and Myspace Music to sponsor the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball.
Simmons’ HSAN is hosting the star-studded black tie gala, in honor of President-elect Barack Obama’s historic inauguration.
Superstars T.I., Young Jeezy, and LL Cool J will co-host the event with Russell Simmons, who emphasized the importance of young adults’ voting power in Obama’s 2008 run.
“The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will be a fantastic gala and upscale party in celebration of Barack Obama being inaugurated President of the United States,” Simmons explained to AllHipHop.com. “We are also recognizing the outstanding contributions of T.I., LL Cool J, and Young Jeezy in helping turn out the largest young adult vote in history.”
While liquor brands always taken an interest in cross-marketing with Hip-Hop artists, Heineken looks to champion the contributions to political consciousness many artists have reflected in their art this past year.
"Heineken is proud to be part of the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, celebrating the drive and passion of artists who were instrumental in mobilizing voter turnout in this year's election," stated Filip Wouters, Vice President of Marketing for the Heineken Brand Equity. "
While all of these artists have achieved tremendous success through their music, Heineken further applauds their efforts to empower and encourage voters to take an active role in their futures by casting their votes in this historic election."
With social networking giant Myspace now making larger inroads in the field of music, Myspace Political Director Lee Banner felt it was given that the site would do all it could to promote the ball.
“It's a great honor to be part of this momentous occasion and to be partnering with the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network for this celebration of positive change,” Banner told AllHipHop.com. “As the biggest online community for Hip-Hop music, we feel that it is a privilege to help spread the word about the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball and all that it stands for."
The Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball will take place on January 19 at The Harman Center for the Arts, located on 610 F. Street, NW in Washington, DC.
A red carpet kicks off at 8PM, followed by an awards presentation and VIP black tie gala on all of the venue’s four levels.
Completing DJ duties for the night will be D-Nice.
Tickets for the fundraiser event can be purchased through www.Hiphopinaugural.org or www.HSAN.org.
