SoCal residents are finalists in Lincoln hip hop contest

LINCOLN, HIP HOP SUPERSTAR COMMON ANNOUNCE
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CULVER CITY RESIDENTS AS FINALIST IN MUSIC CONTEST


WHAT:
Lincoln, the fastest growing luxury brand in America last year, and Grammy Award-winner Common today announced the five finalists in the Lincoln Spotlight online music contest. The contest, which debuted in February, was a nation-wide search for the best and brightest aspiring lyricists. The Grand Champion will be selected on May 6 and will win $10,000 and the opportunity to open for hip hop superstar Common at one of his 2008 performances.

West Hollywood native Jael Gadsen, and Culver City native Sincere were named as two of the top five finalists. Lincoln Spotlight was open to the public and invited aspiring lyricists to create an original song and video articulating one of Lincoln’s brand truths, such as advancing the American dream, exploring what it means to reach higher, daring to do more and pride in one’s history. Videos were posted at www.lincoln.unboundsound.com and online voting determined the five finalists.

On May 6 at noon EST, the Lincoln Spotlight Grand Champion winner will be announced, following a review by a panel of music industry experts that include hip hop superstar Common, famed music producer Bryan Michael Cox, VIBE magazine’s Editor and Chief Danyel Smith, music executive Derek Dudley and renowned DJ Tony Touch. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, verbal technique and visual sophistication.

In fall of 2007, Lincoln and rising star and Grammy Award-winning performer Common announced a multifaceted marketing alliance to promote the 2008 Lincoln Navigator and other brand initiatives. The exclusive partnership includes Common’s appearances in national television broadcasts, radio and print advertisements that debuted in 2007. Lincoln will additionally work with Common in developing other on-line and off-line cross-promotional and marketing programs, and Common will perform and make personal appearances on behalf of Lincoln at auto shows and dealer events, and will be an integral component of other Lincoln events.