ADVISORY/Backdraft Chosen as Semifinalist in America Online's 'First Break' Competition.

Entertainment Editors/High-Tech Writers

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Washington, D.C. AOL Members Have Just One Week Left To Vote For Hometown Artist!

WHO: Now that "American Idol" is over, Washington, D.C., AOL members
can continue to lend their votes to support hometown hip-hop artist,
Backdraft, as he has been chosen as a semifinalist in the First Break
competition on AOL Music.

Chris McDonald (aka Backdraft) was born and raised in Prince George's
County Maryland. He became hooked on hip-hop music at an early age
and, by 15, was writing his own lyrics. Since that time, Backdraft has
been writing and producing and has participated in local open mics and
talent shows. Backdraft's influences range from Stevie Wonder to Elton
John to Nas.

WHAT: "First Break" is an AOL Music Programming franchise initiative
in which AOL members have the exclusive opportunity to choose an
unsigned talent and award them a demo deal from Atlantic Records, an
appearance on the popular Sessions@AOL program and a one-year
membership to Tonos (AOL Keyword: First Break).

Thousands of original entries were sent to AOL Music and five June
finalists have now been selected by an AOL Music panel of judges for
their song writing, performance and musical abilities. Backdraft is
one of them! All of the June finalists, including Backdraft, are now
posted at AOL Keyword: First Break and AOL members are invited to vote
for their favorite -- so get your local AOL members online right away!
Tehree, an R&B artist from Durham, NC, has won the May finals round.
Tehree and the winner of the June finals round will go head-to-head
during the first two weeks of July. At that time, AOL members will
vote for the ultimate winner.

WHEN:  AOL's First Break schedule follows:

April 1-15: Entries were accepted for May competition
April 16- May 15: Entries were accepted for June competition
May 1- 29: Online voting completed for May finalist
June 1-29: Online voting to select June finalist
July 1-15: Final voting of top May finalist vs. top June finalist
July 16-31: First Break winner's song will be showcased on AOL Music

Backdraft is available for interviews and AOL Music executives are
available for comments regarding First Break, the selection process
and the AOL member reactions.

If interested, please contact Rachel Lizerbram at 212-484-7784 or
[e-mail].