AOL Music Awards Atlantic Records Demo Deal and Sessions@AOL Appearance in Second Online Talent Search; Members Vote Bronx-Based Hip Hop Duo, SharpShootaz, Winner of First Break 2

Business Wire, Nov 4, 2003

Entertainment Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2003

Member Submissions Begin for First Break 3

America Online, the world's leading interactive services company, today announced that New York hip-hop group SharpShootaz was voted by AOL(R) members as the winner of AOL(R) Music's second First Break contest. The group, made up of two Bronx-based twins, was among the thousands of AOL member entries submitted in the contest to win an Atlantic Records demo recording deal and an appearance on the popular Sessions@AOL. Members then had the exclusive opportunity to cast their votes to determine the winner.

"The outcome of our inaugural First Break was so exciting and successful that we simply had to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to other emerging artists," stated Mike Rich, Executive Director of Programming at AOL Music. "The band that won the last competition has gone on to sign with major management representation, setting the bar for other performers that come up through the First Break program. The SharpShootaz clearly made an impact on our members in this second competition and are determined to take things to the next level. We wish them all the best."

"We were impressed by the results of First Break 1, so we're very happy to have partnered with AOL Music again for this second competition," said Atlantic Records Co-President Craig Kallman. "Having the AOL members choose the winners is great because they create an instant fanbase for the artist and their music. When they say SharpShootaz has what it takes, it's coming right from the consumers themselves, which is the best kind of market research. We're looking forward to hearing what this unique duo creates in the studio."

The Panama-born, Bronx-based SharpShootaz began writing and rapping about their experiences in the inner-city when they were just nine years old. Brothers Romeo and Edwin Skepple, also known as Paw and Pheno, pride themselves on diversity and authenticity, creating a unique style of hip-hop that blends the rugged underground with more mainstream, worldwide flavor. In the final round of First Break 2, SharpShootaz went head-to-head with Rose, a sultry R&B singer from Boston. The twins' song "Relax Me" was the member favorite, and fans can now check out the group's exclusive Sessions@AOL performance of the song's remix at AOL Keyword: First Break.

SharpShootaz said: "We just want to say thanks to AOL and Atlantic Records for giving us this incredible opportunity, and big love to everyone who voted for us. This has been a great experience for us, and we feel blessed to have beaten out some amazing competition. We've been living this music for so long, and it's a dream come true to take our material out of our studio and lay it down with the pros."

AOL Music is currently requesting submissions for First Break 3. The contest calls for any unsigned AOL Member artist to submit two original pieces of music for consideration at AOL Keyword: First Break. From the thousands of original submissions AOL Music receives, an expert panel of judges selects a total of ten finalists based upon song writing, performance and musical ability. For an entire month, AOL members are able to vote for one of five finalists, followed by a second month of voting for the five remaining finalists. The top vote-getters from each month go head-to-head in a final month when AOL members vote for the ultimate winner. Complete contest rules can also be located at KW: First Break.

AOL Music reaches the largest audience of online music fans in the world through a rich array of programming, products and services that make it easy to discover, experience, listen to and buy music online. AOL Music's offerings are available at the number one Internet music destination, the AOL Music Channel, and throughout the AOL service, AOL Broadband Services and AOL's family of Web brands including Netscape, CompuServe, AIM, ICQ, Spinner, Winamp and SHOUTcast.

About America Online, Inc.

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.