Group to Release Third CD Through New Venture on Nov. 17Joseph Smith, CEO of Bluestar Entertainment International, Inc. and Diamond Blue Smith, President of Bluestar and member of R&B group Pretty Ricky, this week announced Bluestar’s newly signed label service and distribution deal with Big Cat/Tommy Boy Entertainment. The first album to be released via this new venture will be Pretty Ricky’s self-titled CD due in stores November 17. The lead single from “Pretty Ricky,” “Tipsy In Dis Club,” continues to heat up radio airwaves nationwide, climbing into the Top 30 on both BDS and Mediabase Urban Airplay Charts. Diamond Blue says, “We appreciate everything Craig Kallman and Atlantic Records did for Bluestar and the Pretty Ricky brand . Tommy Boy has big shoes to fill but we are sure they are the right fit.” Diamond Blue said the venture with Tommy Boy allows Bluestar to more effectively brand itself as a label and market its roster of artists. “Tommy Boy is delighted to be working side by side with Pretty Ricky and Bluestar to help break and distribute their new self-released album. These guys have a female fan base with passion levels beyond anything I have ever witnessed,” said Tom Silverman, chairman of Tommy Boy Entertainment. “With their engaged fan base and their web-smart hard-working ethic, Bluestar Entertainment and Pretty Ricky are poised to become an urban force.” Big Cat President Melvin Breeden echoes Silverman’s enthusiasm. “Making the transition to Pop/R&B was a calculated business move for Big Cat. Partnering with Pretty Ricky and Bluestar was a no-brainer!” Joseph Smith says Bluestar came to Big Cat/Tommy Boy with a well-developed marketing plan for Pretty Ricky’s new release, including an online launch of their “Tipsy In Dis Club” video,directed by Diamond Blue and Yoland e Geralds. Says Diamond Blue, “We’re looking forward to unveiling our new video at www.prettyricky.com on September 7, the birthday of our brother and group member Spectacular.” An appearance on BET’s 106 & Park is being confirmed for September 8. Diamond Blue says Bluestar will announce other upcoming releases in the months ahead.
