FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2000
Press Contact: Jolyn Matsumuro
(323) 653-4330

RAPSTATION.COM ANNOUNCES NEW HIP HOP INTERNET RADIO STATION;

MULTI-PROGRAM SITE DEBUTS FEBRUARY 17th

Rapstation.com continues to rapidly expand its Internet presence by creating an innovative web radio station, exclusively found at http://www.rapstation.com.The radio station will be accessible beginning on February 17th, streaming the best rap music to fans around the world. It also offers a slew of specialty shows, including one that exclusively focuses on women in the Hip Hop community, another that proffers political expression and social commentary, and others that highlight music from around the world.

Rapstation Radio is designed to give the global Hip Hop community the opportunity to hear music that rarely receives commercial radio airplay. It grew out of Rapstation founder Chuck D's concern that commercial radio brings exposure to only a handful of artists, leaving the bulk of the rap community without a platform for their art. He is also hoping that the radio station's programs will offer insight into some of the societal issues that involve rap artists and fans.

With this in mind, he and Rapstation's producers invited several of today's most talented Hip Hop pioneers to host shows on the site. They include:

THE POETESS - Host of "The G Spot"

Former rap star and current radio host on LA's KKBT 92.3 The Beat, The Poetess hosts "G Spot," focusing on females and their place in the world of Hip Hop. Along with spinning the latest music, she'll interview stars Snoop, D'Angelo, Lady of Rage and Medusa in her first few shows. The "G Spot" will air new shows every Wednesday.

NASTY NES - Program Director of "Planet of the Tapes"

One of Hip Hop's pioneers in rap radio since 1980 and Hits Magazine's Rap Editor, Nasty Nes presents "Planet of the Tapes," his panel of the hottest mix tape DJ's representing the exclusives, freestyles and the old & new school HipHop. With a new show up on the site every day, Nasty Nes will play mix tapes drawn from the most popular and inventive mix DJ's on the circuit.

AWESOME 2 - Host of "The Awesome 2 Radio Show"

Special K and Teddy Tedd, aka the Awesome 2, are perhaps best known for their work with EPMD, Ed OG and Da Bulldogs and Nice-N-Smooth. They've also hosted the longest-running Hip Hop radio show in the world, and are bringing it to Rapstation.com every Tuesday.

PROFESSOR GRIFF - Host of "Poetical Tonguez"

Rapper, college lecturer and record producer, Professor Griff hosts a show that is equal parts spoken word, streams of consciousness and impassioned speech. A new show exclusively found on Rapstation's radio every Friday.

Rapstation Radio will continue to increase and evolve its programming, adding shows on a regular basis. Currently in production, a new program focusing on the digital divide (created by New World Culture) will make it's debut within the next two weeks.

Founded in September by legendary rapper (and Public Enemy frontman) Chuck D Rapstation.com is the definitive rap and Hip Hop culture website, dedicated to enlightening, entertaining and empowering the global Hip Hop community. Since then, the site has created partnerships with some of the web's most exciting and innovative businesses, including RealNetworks, House of Blues Digital, Palace.com, Tucows.com and New World Culture.

Rapstation.com features free MP3 downloads, a television station, celebrity interviews, information for aspiring artists, and a forum for political expression and discussion.