Suite 411

Rapper Lupe Fiasco is climbing the highest peak in Africa as part of a journey to focus attention on the need for clean water in developing nations.

 ”Summit on Summit” bring scientists and well known stars like Jessica Biel and Santigold together for a 50-mile route to the 19,340-foot peak Mt. Kilimanjaro.  The trek, which began Thursday, can be followed on SummitontheSummit.com where participants will tweet and upload video and photos.

MTV will also air the journey in a 90-minute documentary March 14.

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The Simmons family came out last night for the tenth annual holiday party for the RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation in New York.  The charity organization was created by the Simmons brothers (Russell, Rev. Run and Danny) to aid underserved New York youth in showcasing their talents in art, spoken word, rap  and dance.

“As we all know to be true, the cultivation of creativity in our youth is crucial to their growth. To withhold art education is to deprive them of full development,” said Russell Simmons. “The Rush Philanthropic annual holiday event continues to harvest the important seeds planted in the talented youth across New York City while celebrating their creative expression.”

Rapper Nelly hosted his fourth annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis Sunday night.  The black tie event provides scholarships to local residents.  Hip hop producer Jermaine Dupri, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee,  the Isley Brothers and comedian Bill Bellamy were some of the guests.

Nelly’s daughter Chanell Haynes was there.

Nelly’s mom Rhonda was there as well.

R&B singer Mario was the featured performer.

Mary J. Blige and Usher are some of the performers scheduled to join President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle at the annual “Christmas in Washington” celebration Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m central time on the TNT network.  The event will benefit the National Children’s Medical Center.  Host George Lopez, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Justin Bieber and Rob Thomas will also be there to ring in the holidays.  The show will be taped Sunday, Dec. 13 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

“We take pride in presenting CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON each year as we bring together musical artists from a variety of genres for a fantastic holiday concert,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president/head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM. “This year, we’re especially thrilled to welcome a lineup of top-name performers and an equally amazing host, George Lopez. Together, they will make this a holiday celebration to remember.”

The National Christmas Tree will be lit Thursday night in front of the White House.  American Idol judge Randy Jackson will host the lighting ceremony.  Performers such as Jordin Sparks and Common will also join the First Family at the annual holiday event.

Viewers can watch the event live at 4 p.m. central time at www.thenationaltree.org.  The event will also be broadcast nationwide Dec. 4 on local public television stations.