Alley Hoops Jam received a big promotional boost when Time Warner Cable of Charlotte committed its marketing muscle behind the project. “ It was a natural fit for both of us,” said Frank Hosea, Vice President of Marketing at Time Warner Cable Charlotte. “The partnership conveys an added value for our customers who will have a fast and easy way to sign-up and participate. For Alley Hoops Jam, Time Warner Cable will provide a broader distribution and marketing tool to increase participation.”
Time Warner Cable customers will receive a bill insert in their monthly bills that will offer a discount to participate in the Jam, which takes place June 17 and 18, 2006.

The Alley Hoops Jam is a 3-on-3-basketball tournament created by Kimberly Edmonds and Yolanda Webb, owners of Y2 Management, LLC. The Jam’s objective is to spur economic development and education awareness in Charlotte’s urban communities. The tournament, held on “The Square” of Uptown Charlotte, is open to anyone or any group, age eight and older.

Edmonds and Hosea have both experienced successful 3-on-3 basketball events firsthand, Hosea as participant in an annual tournament in Louisville, KY and Edmonds grew up an avid fan in Flint, MI, where 3-on-3 basketball tournaments were highly supported. “3-on-3 Tournament play in Flint was absolutely electrifying!” said Edmonds. “With Alley Hoops Jam, we hope to create a similarly energized atmosphere in uptown Charlotte, NC.” Added Edmonds, “Our aims are to rally people around this event in support of businesses and to help participants reach their highest abilities, all while giving back to the community for the civic pride of the region.”

Time Warner Cable owns and manages cable systems serving 10.9 million subscribers in 27 states, which include some of the most technologically advanced, best-clustered cable systems in the country with more than 75% of the Company's customers in systems of 300,000 subscribers or more. Utilizing a fully upgraded advanced cable network and a steadfast commitment to providing consumers with choice, value and world-class customer service, Time Warner Cable is an industry leader in delivering advanced products and services such as video on demand, high definition television, high-speed data, wireless home networking and digital video recorders. Time Warner Cable is a company of Time Warner Inc.

You heard it here first!

“Bring It”, written and performed exclusively for Alley Hoops Jam, injects a new level of excitement to our event, web site and organization. Recorded at Jam sponsor Patchwerk Recording Studios of Atlanta (www.patchwerk.com), our theme song combines powerful orchestration, a driving beat and strong vocals.

Local recording artist J. Elise of Y2 Management, LLC lends her formidable talents to the music of Parisian composers Jacky "Tydjack" Gallas and Jean-Hugues "MatrX" Plaisir. The result is a fusion of neo-classical and hip-hop styles that is energetic, triumphant and inspirational. Having received critical acclaim, look for this first time collaboration to return to the studio in March for new jams.

Hip-Hop Powerhouses come to Alley Hoops Jam! ::

Charlotte’s summer blockbuster continues to attract the ‘fun and fabulous’ as hip-hop and rap artists sign on for celebrity appearances.

Rapmaster Gotti will fly in from the Windy City to co-host the Saturday afternoon Alley Hoops Jam festivities with local hero, Tone-X. Gotti and co-conspirator, Boo have had their skillful rhymes featured on Jermaine Dupri's album Instructions, Ja Rule's Pain Is Love and the Big Tymers' Hood Rich album. They have worked with R. Kelly extensively and signed with Cash Money Records. Boo & Gotti continue refining their creative vision and forging their meteoric rise to stardom.
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DJ Kay Slay will be one of the judges for the Alley Hoops Jam dunk contest and will host DJ the celebrity after-party on Saturday night, June 17th.

Mix-tape master, DJ Kay Slay has been a best-selling calling card in the hip-hop game for years. His Streetsweepers CD series and other mix-tapes have earned industry acclaim including three Justo MixTape awards. Known for his collaborations with Busta Rhymes, Shaquille O’Neal and rising sensation, Papoose, DJ Kay Slay is one of the most powerful voices in hip-hop. His show, “Double Drama”, airs weekly on Hot 97 New York, the premier hip-hop radio station in the country.
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Hip-hop legend, Doug E. Fresh will co-host Alley Hoops Jam with Tone X from 1-4PM on Sunday, June 18th.

As the originator of the human beat box (vocally simulating the sound of drums and other musical instruments), Fresh spawned an international trend. Throughout his 20-year career, Fresh has collaborated with the world's top artists. He's performed or recorded with fellow rap legends, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Eminem, P. Diddy and Dr. Dre. He was the first rapper to play Africa and the Caribbean. A tireless hip-hop activist, he has fought against racism, drugs, illiteracy, police brutality and homelessness in communities around the world.
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Sunday’s celebrity after-party will be co-hosted by Doug E. Fresh and So So Def mix-tape banger extraordinaire, DJ Nabs who DJs for rap star/songwriter/producer Jermaine Dupri. DEF DJs in da house!...DJ Nabs In The Lab!...Def Since 91'!

Atlanta-based label, So So Def has earned more than 20 gold and platinum certifications. With a steady string of hits, they have established themselves as a musical incubator for many rap, R&B and bass artists seeking the dream.
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Alley Hoops Jam Session with LITTLE BROTHER

Throw together two pounds of A Tribe Called Quest, a pound and a half of De’ La Soul, about eight ounces of The Roots, six ounces of Dead Prez and a pinch of Talib Kweli, and you end up with an intoxicating stew called Little Brother. This Durham- based trio of MC’s Phonte and Big Pooh along with DJ/Producer 9th Wonder uses its rhyme and charisma to offer commentary on African American issues.

As a part of Charlotte’s first annual Alley Hoops Jam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Little Brother will be appearing at The Square for a live performance on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 3:00 pm.

Since the release of their first album, The Listening, Little Brother has re-masked the face of modern day hip-hop by developing satirical alternatives to current issues within African American communities. Their current album, The Minstrel Show, contains “All for You” a song that focuses on an absentee father and “Slow it Down” which discusses the complexity of relationships.  This album is not without its comical moments as Phonte, in the song “Cheatin”, uses his singing alter ego to mock present-day R&B.

Choosing a title such as The Minstrel Show has drawn controversy for Little Brother. Most of us can not imagine growing up in an era when it was entertaining for white men to dress up as plantation slaves and imitate black musical and dance forms. But white culture profited from combining a savage parody of black Americans with a phony fondness for African American cultural forms.  By using powerful metaphors, the ever-evolving Little Brother is providing vivid imagery of a time that needs not be forgotten.

This event is open to the public and all ages are welcome.