FIRST ON-DEMAND HIP HOP CHANNEL TO DEBUT:

Simmons Lathan Media Group behind pioneering effort.

*DoD, the first-ever all video-on-demand virtual channel targeting the hip-hop and urban market, will launch as a free service on Comcast's On Demand service on Friday (Nov. 11).


DoD is the new grassroots brand and VOD subsidiary of Simmons Lathan Media Group, founded by Media Entrepreneur Will Griffin, in partnership with Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons and Television Pioneer Stan Lathan.


The channel will feature fresh content with monthly themes hosted by their own VJ personalities. Programming will include mix tapes and video mix shows; music- and sports-celebrity-driven documentary series; local market content; short- and feature-length films; "old school" classics; fashion and comedy specials.

The month of November is dedicated to "Mixtapes, the Lifeblood of Hip- Hop." DoD's schedule will debut exclusive bios on 50 Cent and Eminem, who began their careers featured on mix tapes. The channel will have RBK-produced content from Jay-Z, Allen Iverson and G-Unit.

Also available on DoD are mix tape sessions with Clinton Sparks, Eminem's DJ; video mix shows that combine mix tapes remixed with music videos and dance battles featuring street style dancing. Additionally, DoD has teamed with Allhiphop.com to broadcast conversations with Damon Dash, Paul Wall, Nas, 50 Cent, Beanie Siegel and Juelz Santana.

The sponsorship-supported lifestyle channel, featuring original and acquired content, will be available in all Comcast On Demand markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia/New Jersey, San Francisco/Oakland, Seattle and Washington, DC, plus suburban metros.

Comcast Digital Cable customers will be able to select the "Urban Beat" option on the On Demand main menu and then choose DoD.


DoD is hosting invitation-only VIP launch events and sneak preview screenings in the following markets:

Chicago: Nov, 4th

Where: Harold Washington

Cultural Center

4701 S. King Drive .

Chicago, IL 60653

7:00pm - 8:00pm (reception)

8:00pm - 9:00pm (screening)


Philadelphia: Nov. 11th

Independence Seaport

Museum Concert Hall

211 S. Columbus Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19106

7:00pm - 8:00pm (reception)

8:00pm - 9:00pm (screening)


Washington, DC: Nov. 13th

Where: THE ARC

1901 Mississippi Ave. S.E

Washington D.C., 20020

6:30pm - 7:30pm (reception)

7:30pm - 9:00pm (screening)