Released on = August 21, 2006, 5:10 pm

Press Release Author = A. J. Woodson/ Big Mouth Ntertainment

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = As Hip Hop journalism grows, there becomes a growing need
for quality control. With that mission in mind, the Hip Hop Journalism Association
(HHJA) was formed.

Press Release Body = Hip Hop's presence in popular culture has increased
dramatically since its inception in the 1970s. In recent years, the global media has
caught on, and there are now multiple outlets dedicated to reporting on Hip-Hop
culture and its music. As Hip Hop journalism grows, there becomes a growing need for
quality control. With that mission in mind, the Hip Hop Journalism Association
(HHJA) was formed. This newly formed amalgamation aims to ensure that those who
write and report on Hip Hop music and culture maintain integrity and accuracy within
their writings.

With a constantly growing market of magazines and websites, blogs and books about
hip hop culture, it is inevitable that more and more writers will find themselves
immersed in Hip Hop journalism. Therefore, HHJA is a subscription-based organization
open to journalists, students and media professionals across the United States, as
well as overseas. HHJA welcomes individuals from minor and major press outlets, and
offers discounted fees for students. The benefits of joining HHJA are innumerable
and of paramount importance. Those hoping to secure a position in this aspect of
media, as well as those already firmly situated, will find opportunities for
advancement through HHJA. The Association allows members to network freely and
positively with other journalists from all over the country, plus exclusive access
to jobs, scholarship opportunities and intern opportunities.

HHJA has garnered attention from several poignant personalities within Hip Hop
journalism who have now come together to make up the organizing committee. The
committee is made up of individuals with extensive credentials in all aspects of
journalism, and who represent websites such as Allhiphop.com, HipHopdx.com, and
SoundSlam.com, and have contributed to magazines such as XXL, The Source, Elemental
and The Ave. Organizing committee members have opted to take it upon themselves to
encourage the longevity and creativity of Hip Hop Journalism. The
committee's current task is to elect a President, and will soon be conducting a
national
presidential search.
For a complete list of the organizing committee Please visit
www.hhja.org/organizingcommittee.html.

Along with publication, networking, and job opportunities, HHJA will also be
sponsoring events examining Hip Hop journalism. The First Annual HHJA Conference and
Exhibition is scheduled to take place in Miami, FL July 26th-29th, 2007, and will
focus on 'The Integrity of Hip Hop Journalism.'

To join and learn more about this new and extremely critical organization geared toward
maintaining high standards for Hip Hop journalists, please go to www.hhja.org.
HHJA founder and executive director Dr. Brian Sims is currently taking interview
requests.





Web Site = http://www.hhja.org

Contact Details = Please direct all Press inquiries and requests for information to:

Melanie J. Cornish
HHJA Publicity Chair

Alex Fruchter
HHJA Publicity Committee
fruchter@HHJA.org