Kanye West In Partnership With Musicland Joins the Free U. College Giveaway; A Nationwide Campaign That Will Award Funds Toward a Four-Year College Education

MINNEAPOLIS - (Ken Sunshine Consultants) -To encourage students to go to college and further their education, Kanye West Foundation and entertainment retailer Musicland join in the Free U. Giveaway, a nationwide sweepstakes where the prize of $150,000 will be awarded to put toward the cost of a four-year college education. The winner will be drawn in 2006 from all eligible entries, including entry ballots located in Sam Goody, Suncoast and Media Play stores.

Mr. West's brilliant new album Late Registration debuted at No 1 on the charts. It has sold 2 million copies to date, and his smash-hit single, "Gold Digger," sat atop the Billboard Hot 100 for an astounding 10 consecutive weeks. West's classic multi-platinum debut, The College Dropout, was nominated for 10 Grammys and earned him three - including "Best Rap Song' for his anthem "Jesus Walks" anointing him among music's elite.

"I'm excited to have this opportunity to partner with Musicland," West said. "We're not just giving away a significant amount of money; we're sponsoring someone's dreams."

Mr. West is more than just a successful producer, rapper/performer, songwriter and record executive. He has also found a way to give back with his establishing The Kanye West Foundation to support education. The foundation's first program was "Loop Dreams," helping to put music production equipment in schools and establishing an incentive program that appeals to students who, like West in his day, are interested in nontraditional curriculum.