WASHINGTON, DC (Top40 Charts/ Clarke & Associates) - Atonn Muhammad, Founder and CEO of The Real Hip-Hop Network (RHN), is featured on the cover of Billboard Magazine's February 2, 2008 issue. The article focuses on the unique philosophy of RHN's CEO and how the network is different from other channels by building a brand of character, intelligence, and social consciousness in today's tough economic climate.
Mr. Muhammad states, "Gangster-ism, misogyny, and excessive violence have been the negative images that mainstream media outlets have latched onto to define hip-hop.
I connected with something deeper than money. RHN's goal is to bring balance and challenge negative stereotypes pervasive in hip-hop. RHN shows hip-hop's universal appeal and its strength as a global language for young people of all races, ages, and nationalities. RHN's goal is to bring the soul and conscience back to hip-hop through better programming that highlights the music. The music industry is struggling because the ones who currently run it are not the ones who live it and that is not real. Artists who compose music with a message are the ones that last. Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On,' and Mele Mel's 'The Message' is the kind of music that defined a generation and a culture with timeless lyrics. The lyrics make individuals think about their place in the world and how to change it. Having built RHN with this philosophy at its foundation, we too can impact lives and change the world." www.rhn.tv
RHN is the network by the people and for the people, with an extensive original programming line up, in addition to video countdown shows like "VR-20" hosted by Jason Parker and "Hip-Hop Nation," showcasing international hip-hop. Shows like "What's Really Cookin" with Chef Roble, "The World's Greatest DJ" with Kid Capri, and a movie and entertainment critique segment called "The Way We See It with Boogie and Billy" are just a few. As part of their commitment to children, they brought on Kellie Williams (formerly of "Family Matters") as the Vice President of Children's programming. The network will also feature shows on business, education, fitness, celebrity news, and talent competitions. If you don't have RHN in your local market, demand it from your local satellite provider or cable operator.
Real Hip-Hop Cares, a RHN charity, gives back to the youth who fuel the culture. They have also partnered with Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr. MS, the founder and CEO of ROOT (Reaching Out To Others Together) and the Guns Aside program, a DC-based charity that evolved into a powerful community force to address youth violence following the tragic shooting death of the founder's son. www.realhiphopcares.org, www.rootinc.org
