Russell Simmons and Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Holding Closed Door Meeting, Press Conference

Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network have announced a closed-door meeting of some of the hip-hop industry’s biggest executives to be held this afternoon (April 18). The purpose of the sit down is to discuss challenges facing the hip-hop industry in the wake of recent events such as the Imus controversy and the resulting criticism of rap music. At a subsequent press conference, initiatives agreed upon during the meeting will be announced.

Expected attendees include:

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network; Lyor Cohen, Chairman and CEO of US Recorded Music, Warner Music Group; Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO of the RIAA; Kevin Liles, Executive Vice President, Warner Music Group; LA Reid, Chairman Island Def Jam; Craig Kallman, Co-Chairman Atlantic Records; Jimmy Iovine, President, Interscope Records; Steve Bartels, COO and President, Def Jam Recordings; Steve Rifkind, CEO, Universal Music Group; Julie Greenwald, President, Atlantic Records; Sylvia Rhone, President, Motown Records/Executive Vice President Universal Music Group; Lisa Ellis, Executive Vice President, Sony Music; Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks; Peter LoFrumento, Senior Vice President, Universal Music Group and Chief of Staff for Doug Morris (representing Doug Morris); TI, Atlantic Records recording artist; Stephen Hill, Executive Vice President, BET Networks; Chris Lighty, CEO, Violator Management; Damon Dash, CEO, Damon Dash Enterprises; Steve Stoute, Creative Director and CEO, Translation Marketing; Derek Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer, Bad Boy Entertainment; Chaka Zulu, President, Disturbing Tha Peace; Jeff Dixon, Disturbing Tha Peace; Big John, EMI and Managing Director of The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, Valeisha Butterfield