Juelz Santana has
become a financial partner in a new HipHopSodaShop opening on 125th Street in
Santana’s hometown of Harlem, New York.
The rapper is co-owner
of the new franchise, which is licensed by parent company H3Enterprises Inc.
(HTRE), a publicly traded company.
"We’re gonna
rip 125th up," Juelz said in a press release. "It’s great to be able
to enjoy all this in my own backyard with my own people. I’ve hung out with
my boy ‘A Butta’ here since we were little punks and now we’re gonna get a chance
to actually work together for the good of our own hood."
HTRE was founded
by Brian Peters, who was worked with various artists, including Outkast, Nas,
Snoop Dogg and others.
"Juelz is
a true Harlem treasure and we hope to utilize all of his talents to the full
benefit of our shareholders and our communities," said Peters, president
and founder of HTRE.
In November of
2005, HTRE announced it was leasing a large space less than a block from the
legendary Apollo Theater. Other locations are expected to open in Times Square
in Manhattan and Las Vegas’ famous "Strip."
"We’re building
a real home for the Hip Hop generation complete with all the things we love
to do," Juelz continued. "But it’s really about creating educational
opportunity and good jobs and that’s where Team H3 will prove to be unbeatable."
Last month, HTRE
announced a joint venture with Lou Pearlman, who has worked with some of the
most successful artists in the music business, including Justin Timberlake,
N Sync, The Backstreet Boys and others.
HTRE and Pearlman
will jointly develop HipHopSodaShops throughout Orlando and Tampa, Florida.
Pearlman invested an undisclosed amount into the venture and will bring his
entertainment, media, contacts and experience to the company.
"The man [Pearlman]
has proven over and over again that he has his hands firmly on the pulse of
the entertainment industry and always stays ahead of the curve," Peters
said. "We are truly honored that he has chosen to become an integral part
of our Company’s ongoing development."
