BV Entertainment Newswire March 17: Russell Simmons, Chris Rock, Vagina Monologues, VH1

Hip-Hop Hooray

Russell Simmons is leading the charge of hip-hop humanitarianism. The Def Jam Records founder graces the cover of the April issue of 'Worth' magazine, which arrived on newsstands on March 14. The 2.5 million dollars his 11-year-old Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation has raised within the past two years is the focus of the feature, which also examines not-for-profit efforts of other hip-hop personalities like Diddy, Jay Z, Chingy, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Nelly and Ludacris.

“(Our goal is to have an) impact on policy…whether or not you call it philanthropy," Simmons explains. "In other words, when we get people to be better citizens by voting, or money in the education budget by rallying as we did with New York Mayor Bloomberg, that’s the same thing to me. I’ve got a blurred line between the social and philanthropic stuff.”

Simmons, with business interests in film, television, fashion, music and merchandising, has created an undeniably personal style of giving, one that is now commonplace in the rap community. He and his wife, Kimora Lee Simmons , will host the second annual Art For Life Palm Beach gala on April 8 at Donald Trump’s exclusive Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. The event benefits the foundation’s continuing efforts to provide disadvantaged youth with access to the arts.

"Coming from the streets, these individuals often have a profound insight into the impact their philanthropy can have, and so they return to the streets, devoting their time, as well as money, to urban charities that are often overlooked by traditional philanthropists," explains 'Worth's' contributing writer Catherine Curan. "Moreover, hip-hop’s leaders are wielding their fame to transform little-known, grassroots charities into a cause of celebration and influence legions of young fans to think philanthropically."

Simmons' Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) will embark on a national financial empowerment tour on March 25 in Detroit, MI at Wayne State University. According to a spokesperson, Three 6 Mafia, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Obie Trice and former Detroit Piston Derrick Coleman will participate in the summit aimed teaching an audience of 18-35 year olds on the importance of financial literacy, the basics of banking, home ownership, repairing bad credit and understanding credit scores, entrepreneurship, vehicle financing and more. Presented by Chrysler Financial and Anheuser-Busch, Inc, the jaunt will visit major cities throughout the fall. A bi-lingual workbook 'Get Your Money Right' has been unveiled as a tool to be utilized through out the tour.

Kids WannaBe Like Rock

Funnyman Chris Rock will be honored with the 'Wannabe Award,' a coveted trophy for the celebrity role model kids most want to be like at Nickelodeon’s 19th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, on April 1. The live telecast will be hosted by 'King Kong' star Jack Black from Pauley Pavilion. According to a rep, Bruce Willis, Cameron Diaz, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Wilmer Valderrama, Hilary Duff, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Hugh Jackman, Eve, Lindsay Lohan, Romeo, Ludacris, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Jon Heder, Avril Lavigne and Nick Cannon will participate in the show. Chart-topping recording artists Pink, Chris Brown and Bow Wow are scheduled to perform.

'Vagina' In Harlem

A special presentation of Eve Ensler's critically acclaimed play 'The Vagina Mongologues' will take place at the Apollo Theater on March 27. Actresses Kerry Washington, Amanda Peete, Alysia Reiner and music personalities Angie Martinez and Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams will participate in the benefit for GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services) which provides services to young women, ages 13-21 years, who are at risk for or involved in sexual exploitation and violence. According to a publicist, newly signed Def am vocalist Chrisette Michele will also perform.

Really Big 'Love'

VH1's 'Flavor of Love'' drew 5.88 million total viewers for the season finale of the 'unscripted’ series. The hip-hop take-off of ABC's 'The Bachelor' starring Public Enemy hypeman Flavor Flav -- which aspiring actress Nicole 'Hoopz' Alexander won -- has become the highest rated show in VH1's history. In addition, the show was successful on other VH1 platforms (mobile content, broadband channel). "The success of 'Flavor of Love' … points to how well VH1 integrates its programming across all platforms," said Tina Imm, Vice President, VH1 Digital Media. "In addition to extending our on-air programming with on-demand VSPOT coverage, we create exclusive broadband 'extras' for all of our programming, giving viewers more of the shows they love before and after they air on TV." While there are talks of a spin-off (which will be the fourth series starring the rap pioneer), a 'Jerry Springer'-esque reunion special will air on April 2 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).