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BLACK UNIVERSITY RADIO NETWORK HONORS POSITIVE RAP WITH NEW NATIONAL AWARD

The Black University Radio Network (or B.U.R.N.) is very proud to announce that they have named Marcus “M-Positive” Parker as the first-ever winner of the “Mandela of Rap” award.

B.U.R.N. has created the “Mandela of Rap’ award in an effort to promote musicians who seek to inspire today’s youth through positive messages in their music. The award was created as an answer to the cries of many African-Americans who feel that the overall vibe of today’s rap music is having a negative impact on today’s youth, particularly minorities.

Winners of the “Mandela of Rap” award will not necessarily be artists with the most material success, but rather artists who are giving back to the world by making music to influence positive change. While there has been plenty of attention focused on the negative impact of rap music, B.U.R.N. seeks to take a stand by promoting the artists who are dedicating themselves towards motivating young people in society.

B.U.R.N. will recognize artists on a national level who use their music to promote education and positive growth. The award will be presented annually during Black History month. In addition to the tremendous national exposure that accompanies the award, winners of the “Mandela of Rap” receive an HBCU marketing package worth over $5,000, and a tour/ meet-and-greet on over 40 university campuses.

The official announcement will broadcast on the Direct EFX college radio program on February 18, 2014. Other artists to be spotlighted include Skipp Coon, Dead Prez, and Asheru. “These artists have also gone above and beyond to wave the flag of consciousness in hip hop music,” stated B.U.R.N. CEO LaMarr Blackmon.

Parker is a fitting choice for the award after setting the bar for motivation in rap music. He has performed his motivational rap tunes at schools, churches, and youth events across the country. Parker started his relationship with B.U.R.N. back in 2005 with the release of his first motivational rap song called “Product Of Adversity”, an uplifting ballad which paid tribute to the unsung heros of our society; single mothers, fathers, teachers and grandparents. You can preview M-Positive’s latest album at the following link:www.marcusparker.bandcamp.com

B.U.R.N. is a collection of over 75 different HBCU radio stations. B.U.R.N. also powers the radio component of HBCU Connect, a popular social network for HBCU students, alumni and staff. To nominate someone for the next “ Nelson Mandela of Rap” simply email their information to: blackcollegeradio@gmail.com