Recording artist Sean Kingston has announced a sneaker and apparel deal with Yum Shoes. Under the agreement, Kingston will partner with Yums Designer Tex to release an exclusive shoe that is representative of his Jamaican heritage. This is the sneaker brand’s second signing of a recording artist, following the exclusive deal made with rap artist Soulja Boy Tell’em.

Tex says of the deal between Kingston and Yums, “I’m excited to work with him. Sean is kinda like a Pop Star with a definite street edge to him. He’s a great fit for us.” JP McDade, CEO of Yums Shoes, adds: “We could not have signed a better artist to compliment Yums and our current deal with Sean Kingston’s personal friend Soulja Boy Tell’em. Yums now has two of the most influential teens in the music game and on the internet.”

Kingston and Soulja Boy Tellem also collaborated on a new single, “Yamaha Mama,” that will be included on Soulja Boy Tellem’s sophomore album “iSouljaBoyTellem,” scheduled for release on December 16, 2008.

On June 10, 2008, New York City’s premier music showcase, R&B Live, celebrated its one-year anniversary at its regular Times Square habitat of Spotlight Live. The featured guest on hand to help commemorate the special night was Akon and his roster of Kon Live artists.

Produced by 1st Class Entertainment co-founders and music executives Shanti Das (Executive VP of Urban Marketing and Artist Development for Universal Motown) and Eric Nicks (former SVP of A&R for Universal Motown and current manager of the Trackmasters); Lenny “The Barber” Hansen (LTB Entertainment), and DSA Media, the show’s existence is resonating throughout the industry. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Shanti Das stated: “I think it’s really a monumental day for us because I can remember when my partner and I first started talking about this concept about three—three and a half years ago, and now I feel like R&B Live is the staple for the music industry; and in New York it’s very exciting for us because we were able to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in a very long time.”

This exclusive, invite-only event has become a haven for music executives, recording artists, actors, and other notable entertainment personalities. A major attraction of the event is the venue’s supper club style seating, which enables patrons to dine and watch urban music’s top performers of past and present showcase their talent, creating a casual atmosphere for members of the music community to relax, socialize amongst peers, and be fans on the night.

There were a number celebrities in attendance to observe the milestone, including: Ne-Yo, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Michelle Williams, Nina Sky, Yung Berg, DJ Clue, DJ Scratch, The DJ Twinz, Monami Entertainment’s Mona Scott, Czar Entertainment’s Jimmy Henchmen, Imani Entertainment Group’s Manny Haley, Upfront Entertainment’s Devyne Stephens, Hot 97 Program Director Ebro Darden, Hot 97’s Asst Program Director/Music Director Jill Strada, MTV Director of Music & Talent Buttahman, VH1’s Sr. Director of Music Programming Breeze, VH1’s Music & Talent Relations Manager Angela Fisher, BET producer Candida Boyette, actor/comedian Tony Rock, and choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson.

Comedian and host, Drew Fraser, warmed up the audience with an assortment of jokes, establishing the mood before the start the show. The first act to hit the stage was new artist Colby O’Donis, performing his debut single, “What You Got” featuring label boss Akon. Next up was Ray Lavender singing his hit record “My Girl Gotta Girlfriend,” much to the delight of the female patrons. While the first two acts fit nicely into the R&B theme, the night was sparked by the hip-hop acts in Akon’s camp. Brooklyn MC Red Café set the tone for the rest of the evening when he performed his street anthem, “Paper Touchin’,” causing the VIPs to bob their heads and mimic the rhymes in excitement.

Following the great performances by the artists from the States, R&B Live went international, bringing the Caribbean to 49th Street and Broadway. Performing for the first time in New York City was Akon’s group from Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands—Rock City. In opening their set, the brothers showed their appreciation for hip-hop by playing a medley of classic rap songs: “Eric B. Is President,” “Luchini aka This Is It,” and “Hip-Hop Hooray,” immediately winning the support of the crowd. After performing their catchy debut single “Losin’ It,” Rock City elevated the energy level in the building to high, turning the showcase into Carnival with a Calypso inspired routine that forced celebrity guests like Busta Rhymes, Mona Scott and other notable attendees to participate in the revelry by merrily waving their table napkins in the air.

Anchoring R&B Live’s lineup of Kon Live acts was the touted Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall. The artist of Jamaican heritage started things off with his rendition of “The Tide is High” featuring Rihanna (she wasn’t in attendance), originally made by rocksteady group The Paragons, and later remade by Blondie during the ‘80s. For the finale, Akon joined him onstage, lending his voice to Kardinal Offishall’s single “Dangerous,” before the CEO closed the show with his Kon Live family in tow, serenading Spotlight Live with a few of his featured hits including, “We Takin’ Over,” “I Wanna Love You,” and “Soul Survivor.”