We’re here – we finally made it! Last year saw some wonderful ups and downs and a great deal of economic community that made bringing you each monthly issue of NOW a greater challenge than ever before – but the Lord guided us and we are are. One of the longest running publications in Miami and in order to ensure our continued (sweet) success I urge, plead and cajole you – our beloved readers – to pledge to support our advertisers so we can bring you the best our community has to offer.

We have a great cover story which was put together by one of our leading staff writers, Jason Jeffers, it’s an exciting recap of last year’s 2002 music,fashion,movie’s celebrities and more – be sure to read it on page 10and 11. Don’t forget to read Roberto Jose’s 2003 look at the Stars in the Horoscope section on page 16. Also check out our profile on Stephany Greene on page 18

You heard it here first - WEA is moving to New York City! Citing “the evolving recorded music market” and a desire “to best serve its U.S. retail customers, label partners and artists,” WEA CEO Jim Caparro announced a restructuring of Warner Music Group’s U.S. distribution arm. The WEA restructuring includes the following: A transition from 10 branch offices to four regional offices, based in Atlanta, L.A., Minneapolis and N.Y., in response to a shift in WEA’s customer base. Branches in San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit and Dallas will be shuttered, as will marketing offices in Boston and Philly, affecting a total of 30-45 people.

Mariah Carey’s CHARMBRACELET, with a strong debut for IDJ at 235,000 plus, doing considerably better than some were expecting, as single “Through the Rain” continues to stay alive through the holidays. A strong slate of TV appearances, including Dateline and Oprah, said to be creating a favorable impression among consumers and gatekeepers alike. Observers chirping that, while she’s already come back from the GLITTER train wreck, if she were to have a true radio smash now, she could end up selling a lot of records.

Shanti Das “Boot” has been named VP Urban Marketing E.C. for Columbia Records by Exec. VP John Ingrassia. Das will oversee the development and implementation of innovative marketing campaigns and strategies for the label’s Urban artists, work closely with other departments and keep track of all Nas’ feuds with fellow rappers.

Last month, on December 21st at White Horses, St. Thomas, Jamaica four humanitarians were honored for the second annual Upliftment Gala Dinner and Fundraiser. The honorees included Russell Simmons, legendary music producer Kenny Gamble, author and youth advocate Terrie Williams, former NYC council woman, the honorable Una Clarke, and Managing Director of the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited, Aubyn R. Hill. The Keynote speakers at the gala was U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (Los Angeles). A nonprofit organization, Upliftment Jamaica, is committed to the advancement and development of the creative artistic talent of the youth in Jamaica particularly in areas on the island where young people are impoverished and underprivileged. Upliftment Jamaica began in 1999 to bring hope back into the lives of these innocents. The U.S. Board of Directors for Upliftment Jamaica consists of leaders from the entertainment and sports community including Rush Communications President & CEO Russell Simmons, Motown Records CEO Kedar Massenburg, Def Jam Music President Kevin Liles, NBA player Johnny Newman, artist Lenny Kravitz, and others.

Peace and Prayers to everyone for a happy, safe and healthy 2003!

Paul “Hollywood” Williams

Publisher Paul Hollywood

Editor Roberto Burnett

Art Director

The Now Publishing Group

Contributing Writers

Roberto Burnett, Corrie Sommers, Jason Jeffers

Graphics S1Design Studio

Photo Editor Jay Lash

Photography A.J. & Kevin Hicks

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