FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2000

Chuck D To Testify Before Congress:

Hearing On Small Business Seeks Rapper’s Opinion On Music And The Internet And It’s Effect On His Own Business, Rapstation.Com

Chuck D, influential rapper and founder of Rapstation.com, will testify before Congress on Wednesday, May 24th. He takes on the role as “star witness” at the House Committee on Small Business hearing, held to examine the new market possibilities for entrepeneurs created by the Internet. As a businessman directly affected by the opportunities the Internet has offered, Chuck D will speak about music on the Internet and his company, Rapstation.com, as well as several other Internet ventures he is affiliated with. The event will take place at 10:00am in 2360 Rayburn House Office Building.

Chuck D will be joined by Peter Harter, Vice President, Global Public Policy and Standards, Emusic.com, and several other music industry and small business experts. During the hearing, members of the panel will testify about the prospects of small record labels and lesser-known musical acts using the Internet and downloadable music as tools to gain market share. The House Committee on Small Business will then discuss whether these emerging technologies afford emerging companies in the music industry competitive advantages or disadvantages.

Founded in September 1999 by Chuck D, Rapstation.com is the definitive rap and hip hop culture website, dedicated to enlightening, entertaining and empowering the global hip hop community. Rapstation.com features a radio station with original programming, free MP3 downloads, a television station, celebrity interviews and news, information for aspiring artists and a forum for political expression and discussion. Since its launch, the site has created partnerships with some of the web’s most exciting and innovative businesses, including RealNetworks, House of Blues Digital, MyPlay, Rioport, Listen, Tucows, Dimensionmusic, New World Culture, Allearth, Songboy and Audiogalaxy.

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