Exclusive: Black Press unveils Women of Hip Hop Media Podcast Series
Kim Osorio talks, discusses new book in Black Press interview
Start your own Hip Hop blog or podcast: If more women get involved in writing about hip hop it might change the way Black women are treated and portrayed. Registration is underway for the "Start your own Hip Hop Publication Workshop on January 18, 2008 in New York City. $25.00 per person up to 30 people. Register: https://www.acteva.com/go/blackpress. For one of three free fellowships, send resume, cover letter, samples, links to [email protected] by January 15, 2008. Attend the Black Press/Drahma Magazine VIP Party at the Spy Club in NYC
(BlackPressMagazine.com) – It's the interview most of hip hop America was dreading.
In a no holds barred, unedited podcast interview with Black Press Magazine, KIM OSORIO, a ten-year hip hop media veteran who has written for Billboard, XXL and other high-end magazine imprints, talks about being ousted from her coveted position at The Source magazine, the nation's oldest hip hop publication shortly after she formally alleged sexual harassment and retaliation.
During the unprecedented 20 minute interview, Osorio lets loose and provides never before heard comments on why she went forward with the lawsuit, how she's mending from the fall out and what she's got planned next. Plus, Osorio chooses Black Press Magazine to verbally confirm that she will release her new book that will deeply involved her experiences at The Source.
But there's more to Osorio than meets the eye.
She's not just a busy hip hop media industry executive who enjoyed a successful career as an accomplished publisher, writer and interviewer of some of the most important names hip hop. Osorio also earned a law degree from Fordham University. During the interview, she doesn't flinch when her credibility is put to the test and outlines a resume that showcases her many talents.
The Source responds
In responding to Osorio's shocking victory in late 2006, The Source co-founder David Mays allegedly gave the following statement to AllHipHop.com.
"Neither of those women ever filed any complaints during many years of working at The Source. It raises a lot of questions when these types of charges are made subsequent to valid and legitimate terminations of their employment," Mays said in a statement. "Also, it is a fact that Ms. Osorio had sexual relations with a number of high profile rap artists during her employment as Editor-In-Chief," Mays said.
After the verdict, Julie Als, executive vice president for The Source magazine told reporters,"We are pleased that The Source has been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding sexual harassment and discrimination," Als said. The remaining claims of retaliation and defamation stem strictly from the accusations made against our former owners David Mays and Raymond Scott, who are separated from the company as of nearly a year ago, and [the claims] do not reflect on the current management or any employees of The Source."
Phone calls and emails sent to The Source and Mays and Scott at Hip Hop Weekly were not returned.
The book: Addressing the rumors, unlocking the truth
During her exclusive interview with Black Press Radio.com, Osorio confirmed that she is writing a tell-all book about her experience. She inked a lucrative book deal with publishing heavyweight Pocket Books, which is an imprint of Simon and Schuster for her first book entitled, Hip Hop Diaries: The trials, the tribulations and the truth, which is due out about September 9, 2008.
"I am writing a book, it's a memoir about my own experience and my career. It deals with some of the things that happened at The Source," said Osorio, who is now the Executive Editor at BET.com, a spin off of Black Entertainment Television. "I think it's an exciting story and it's inspiring for women who have found themselves in the same type of situation," she said.
Osorio says the book will also address rumors that were started with her former boss Dave Mays who alleged that she had sexual relations with hip hop stars that she was supposed to interview.
"There were rumors about that but those rumors were untrue. The book will clear all of that up," she said.
Since the verdict, the publication, Mays and Scott have announced that they plan to appeal the jury's verdict and with Osorio's book due out in just a few months, it's clear that Act II in this unfortunate hip hop soap opera may have just begun.
To hear Kim Osorio's exclusive podcast interview, visit http://www.blackpressradio.com and enter keyword: Hip Hop
Be the first to know: Stay tuned to Black Press Magazine for updates on Kim Osorio's career including the release of her new book and appearance schedule. Become a member of the Historical Black Press Foundation or subscribe to our blog to be the first to know what's going on in Black media.
Judges, Sponsors and Panelists wanted for Hip Hop Journalism Summit and Black Press All Star Awards
Black Press will conduct pre-, during and post-event podcast interviews, write articles on the Hip Hop Journalism Summit and Black Press All Star Awards event that will be held on Sept. 19-20, 2008 and help promote the event as part of the media sponsorship commitment. The Hip Hop Journalism Summit and Black Press All Star Awards is currently accepting application for individuals who want to be apart of the panels, sponsorship list or judging selection committee to help determine the winners among the submissions comprised of newspapers, magazines, websites, publicists, authors and others in the Black media industry. To be considered, send your bio, weblink and photo to [email protected] by February 29, 2008.
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To hear the podcast interview with Podcast visit http://www.blackpressradio.com.
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