New York, NY (Top40 Charts / Partnership for a Healthier America) Today marked the debut release of a boisterous new album aimed at amplifying the benefits of healthier child nutritional and exercise choices. The release of Songs for a Healthier
America , co-produced by Hip Hop Public Health and the Partnership for a Healthier America, was celebrated with a special, star-studded live event, presented by WAT-AAH!, premium water for kids and teens. The concert included performances from contributing artists and special guests including Ashanti, Ryan Beatty , Doug E.
Fresh , DMC of Run DMC, Matisyahu, and Nils Lofgren at New York City's Symphony Space.
Songs for a Healthier
America is being offered to children across the U.S. for free. Today's debut marks the first time that iTunes is making an entirely downloadable album featured on its music service available at no charge.
The new album features 19 health-themed songs. Contributing artists include legendary rap icons Doug E.
Fresh , VP of Entertainment for Hip Hop Public Health and DMC of Run DMC. Other artists include Matisyahu,
Travis Barker , Ryan Beatty , Ashanti,
Ariana Grande , Paul Burch and Brady Rymer among others; songs include "You Are What You Eat," "Just Believe," and "Jump Up," among others.
The project is produced by Partnership for a Healthier
America (PHA ), an organization that works with the private sector to help end the childhood obesity epidemic, and Hip Hop Public Health , guided by The Hip Hop Doc and founder Dr. Olajide Williams . It is supported by noted surgeon, author and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz of The Dr. Oz Show.
Artists that performed for an audience of 600 New York City school kids, included Doug E.
Fresh with Dr. Oz, DMC of Run DMC, Ryan Beatty , Ashanti, Matisyahu,
Monifah and J Rome, Brady Rymer , Ashthon Jones, Our Time, Nils Lofgren , Artie Green and The Ailey School Dancers among others.
Presenters and speakers included Sam Kass , Executive
Director of Let's Move! and Senior Policy Advisor on Nutrition; Tina Charles , WNBA's MVP 2012; Rose Cameron CEO/Founder of WAT-AAH!; Inez Dickens , District 9 New York Council Member along with others.
A 10-minute "Instant Recess" style video engaging youth in fun physical activity also debuted. The video, created for the compilation's next single, 'Let's Move,' features talented young dancers from The Ailey School (the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) along with Iman Shumpert from the NY Knicks.
