PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Loftus Company) - Philadelphia rapper
Beanie Sigel issued a challenge to all musicians and music executives in and out of the R&B Foundation Pioneer Award After Party when he emptied his pockets and contributed $3,200 to the R&B Foundation Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program. Producers Andre Harris and Vidal Davis joined Sigel and threw $6,400 into the hat for a total of $ 9,600.
Siegel stated, "I was humbled by the experience of tonight's Awards Ceremony. I never realized who these artists were or the history and importance of their contributions to music. Tonight also showed everyone the impact the work of the R&B Foundation has on the artists. I could never match anything of the significance of Berry Gordy's donation, but I am moved to do something.
I also issue a challenge to all my musical peers to step up and follow our lead."
Kayte Connelly, executive director of the Foundation, expressed her thanks, "Mr. Sigel's actions were a tremendous surprise! The Foundation is very grateful to Mr. Sigel, Mr. Harris and Mr. Davis for their generosity and the challenge that they issued to their peers. Their donations will go directly into the Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program which provides emergency financial assistance to rhythm & blues artists."
The Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program was named in memory of one of the Foundation's founding directors. The Program provides emergency financial assistance to rhythm and blues artists for medications, wheelchairs, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, housing, food needs, funeral and other expenses. The Doc Pomus Fund is the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's longest running financial assistance program and it uniquely benefits artists of earlier eras. The Foundation's ability to assist these artists depends wholly on the support of those who love and appreciate their music legacies.
Beanie Sigel began a rapidly rising career with his appearance on one of underground rapper/producer DJ Clue's mix tapes, followed by cameos on Jay-Z's "Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life," culminating with a solo deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. His 2000 release, "The Truth," featured contributions from Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, Eve, and Scarface, and production by the Ruff Ryders' Swizz Beatz and Suave House's Tony Draper. His second album, "The Reason," hit the streets in summer 2001, led by the single "Beanie (Mack B****)."
Legal problems plagued the rapper in 2003 when he was arrested on Federal weapon and drug charges stemming from a police chase where Sigel allegedly tossed a loaded handgun. Sigel pled guilty to the Federal weapon charges. Preparing for jail, Sigel went into high gear and completed a movie, an album, and five videos to support the new album. The album, "The B. Coming," hit the shelves in March of 2005 while the movie, "State Property 2," was released in April.
Send all contributions to the Doc Pomus Financial Assistance Program, The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, 100 South Broad Street, Suite 620, Philadelphia, PA 19110. The Rhythm & Blues Foundation is a 501 c 3 and all donations are tax deductable.
