American Idol Ruben and Rising Superstar Ashanti Featured on the Cover of August Sister 2 Sister Magazine.

Entertainment Editors

BOWIE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2003

Ruben Talks about Life as an American Idol, Women and Dieting;

Ashanti Speaks Candidly about Being a Star on the Rise and Life at

Murder Inc.

If you ever wondered what kind of women American Idol star Ruben Studdard finds attractive; or what it is like to be the mother of tennis dynamos, Venus and Serena; or what singer Ashanti thinks of turmoil at Murder Inc., the August edition of Sister 2 Sister (S2S) magazine has answers.

Sister 2 Sister publisher, "the Barbara Walters of Print," Jamie Foster Brown sat down for separate, revealing conversations with Ashanti, Ruben (both featured in exclusive cover stories) and Oracene Price for the August edition of Sister 2 Sister magazine.

For Ruben, winning American Idol seemed like something he could do after he got involved, but the whole idea of being in the contest actually wasn't his idea. He's always wanted to sing opera.

"One of my friends that sang background in my band wanted to go, but she didn't want to sleep outside by herself," Studdard said. "I just didn't want to go because I thought the show was cheesy."

The crooner also revealed that he's comfortable in his own skin. When asked if he were dieting, Ruben replied, "No. I'm myself."

Ruben expressed his love for his family by including his brother in the interview with publisher. Ruben fans can catch portions of the interview as well as Jamie and Ruben singing opera together on the S2S website (http://www.s2smagazine.com).

Speaking of celebrity siblings, another sister of Venus and Serena chimed in on an interview with their mother Oracene Price. Recently divorced, Ms. Price talks about her independence, empowerment, her unique relationship with her daughters and her views on male-female relationships. Collectively, the women have a "system" for screening the men in their lives.

"It's a certain criterion for what you want in a man," Ms. Price said. "You want a man that's considerate, who'll think of you like he thinks of himself...if he's not thinking of you, don't waste your time."

Venus and Serena fans can catch portions of the Oracene Price interview in the video section of the S2S website http://www.s2smagazine.com.

Singing hooks behind Ja Rule and Fat Joe has paid off mightily for sultry singer Ashanti. Now she finds herself the "princess" of embattled Murder Inc. Hard to believe that Ashanti has become so hot that she became the first artist since the Beatles to have three singles simultaneously in the top 10.

Of course getting to this point wasn't easy for the 21 year old songstress, and she says she understands that moving forward from here probably won't be easy either, but she's up for the challenge.

"The worst thing that has happened career-wise would be the Aretha Franklin thing," Ashanti said. "...which in all honesty, it wasn't as bad as it seemed. It honestly hurt."

In addition to clearing the hurdle of two early record deals going bust, she's also currently navigating drama at Murder Inc. In addition to ongoing rivalries between Ja Rule, who's noticeably absent from her current album, and other rappers like 50 Cent, the label was raided by federal investigators in January for suspicion of money laundering and connections with a notorious drug ring.

"I will say that all of the guys are really good people," she said. "They all have huge hearts and I hope that all of this stuff just passes, honestly."

Also within the pages of the August S2S, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child talks about taking it all off on film. New York radio personality Wendy Williams talks about her reputation for no-holds-barred interviews with celebrities. And "The Parkers'" Mo'Nique hosts a party to celebrate her newly found independence--from her ex-boyfriend and reported husband-to-be.

Jamie Foster Brown is available for interviews on all of these topics and more. For insights, reactions and opinions on the latest topics including Kobe Bryant, Beanie Siegel, Barry White, Brandy's split with her husband and more contact Michelle Starr at 469-948-0119 for booking.

Sister 2 Sister (S2S) is the fastest growing audited entertainment and lifestyle magazine for African American women. It has been in existence for 15 years and is wholly owned by Jamie Foster Brown, "The Barbara Walters of Print," who built her career in the entertainment industry. Since its modest beginnings as a newsletter for women in the entertainment industry back in 1988, the magazine has developed into one of the most powerful and respected voices in entertainment, focusing on Black celebrity news. Currently distributed in the U.S. and abroad, S2S has achieved phenomenal growth, nearly quadrupling circulation in the last five years. For more information on Sister 2 Sister, log on to http://www.s2smagazine.com.