THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Slim of 112 gives us crazy love with debut solo CD release: and, Urbanworld Film Festival founder and BET Networks are in search of the next big indie film

Slim of 112 brings you crazy love with debut solo CD release

   *The slightly high pitched Urban/R&B lead vocalist of the multi-platinum group 112 is still riding high from the release of his solo debut CD on his independent label M3 (distributed by Asylum Records). The CD, “Love's Crazy,” is so hot, that I believe its success even surprised Slim (Marvin Scandrick) who couldn't help giving God credit without the interview.

   “(Let's just say) Sales are in the six figures and thats not the ringtones sales,” Slim pointed out when I asked how his sales numbers were for this “Love's Crazy” release. “I give all praises to Him. Whatever His will is.”

   Slim is already working on promoting the third single off the album, “Heels On.” The single's video features M3 artist Ron Browz and Deezo. The first two singles “Good Lovin'” featuring Fabolous and Ryan Leslie and “So Fly” featuring Yung Joc are still hot on Urban/R&B/Hip-Hop charts and radio spins, which has made it one of the top five albums in the U.S.

   “I learned from the best when we were assigned to Bad Boy,” Slim reflected. “I really paid attention. Puffy (Diddy) had his own plan...his own vision. He wasn't afraid to go against the grain.”

   Slim said he wanted to go against the grain and form his own label. Even when major labels were coming at him, he was determined to do it himself.

   “Why not look out for the artist. When you get out here (as an indie label) you don't grind no different. It's the same grind,” Slim points out about owning a label so he can uplift other artists. “ If I knew then what I know now! Right now I know what they know. How to get spins....if they (major labels) were wise they'd talk to M3.  Everything is in steps. Like building the structure of a house.”

   Slim built a house of stone with M3 and this release, it is evident because he is working on the third single and the CD is still going strong. The “Love's Crazy” CD also features former label mate Faith Evans and Big Boi.

   Aside from “So Fly” and “Good Lovin'” my favorite cuts on the “Love Crazy” album include “She Got That,” “Bedtime Stories,” the Pop flavored “Leave U Alone,” the heart-felt “Apologize,” the title track “Love's Crazy,” which has a nice drum beat, and the interlude “More” with Slim singing to a classical guitar.

   To learn more on Slim's music log on to www.myspace.com/slimof112. 

Urbanworld Film Festival and BET Network are looking for the next big independent film

   “It goes back to our partnership with MTV,” said Stacy Spikes, founder of the Urbanworld Film Festival, about the point where his festival jumped to the ultimate status of being world-wide. “MTV had a partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival but those demographics weren't really fitting and we had a younger demographic.”

   Spikes goes on to say that during that MTV partnership with Urbanworld Film Festival they showcased and help launched such films as “Soul Food,” “How Stella got her groove back,” “The original kings of comedy” and “In too deep.” As life would have it, changes came to MTV and that ended the partnership. But lady luck was on his side for BET Networks came to the rescue.

   This is the second year that BET has partnered with the Urbanworld Film Festival. Last year they showcased the independent film “The Secret Life of Bees.” This year it may be your film. The 13 year-old festival is to be held this year from September 23-27 in New York City.

   “It's $40,” Stacy offered when asked about the fee amount to submit a film. “And that is only because we pay the screeners who go through the films. Not everything gets to me and there's a certain number of slots in the film festival.”

   The guidelines are that someone of color either has to be behind the scenes (director, producer, etc) or have the subject matter be about someone of color. The categories are narrative feature or short, documentary feature or short, screenplay, new director and audience award.

   Stacy started his career in the music business at Motown Records in 1989 as director of marketing and moved on to film working with Miramax Films as vice president of marketing, The marketing campaigns that he worked on during this time has grossed over $3 billion dollars worldwide.

      Instructions on how to submit your independent film can be obtained at www.urbanworld.org. Deadline is June 26, 2009.