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Etcetera: 05-01-2000

CHUCK D's RAPSTATION.COM AND NAPSTER JOIN FORCES TO HOST SONG CONTEST

Aspiring Songwriters Encouraged To Rap Original Lyrics For Pro-Napster Song "Power
To The People And The Beats"

Chuck D's Rapstation.com and Napster announce a songwriting contest, calling for
original lyrics to support consumer's use of Napster's software. Rapstation.com
founder and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D wrote new music and titled it "Power To
The People And The Beats," (a take on his own "Power to the People") and is
inviting aspiring lyricists to download their original lyrics directly onto the
track (at Rapstation.com). The lyrics should reflect their support of freely
shared music.

The contest rules require that entrants download the music to "Power To The People
And The Beats," rap over the track, and then upload it back onto Rapstation.com. 
The song will then be streamed on the site via RealAudiofor Hip Hop fans to hear. 
All entrants must complete the registration and release information form before
submitting their work.

Contest deadline is May 14, 2000 at 12:00 midnight EST, with the winner announced
on May 26th, with their creation posted for free MP3 download. The winning song is
to be selected by online voting on the site throughout the week of May 15th.

An outspoken proponent of Napster and the benefits it offers musicians, Chuck D
and his team devised the contest utilizing the MP3 technology that has
revolutionized the Internet. Chuck's own songwriting has long advocated
self-empowerment, particularly with hits such as "Louder Than A Bomb" and "Shut Em
Down."

"We want to draw attention to the positive aspects that Napster has to offer
artists," says Chuck D, "They need to realize that they can benefit infinitely
from what it has to offer. The contest is an example of how an independent artist
can be heard and can develop their career all on their own, all through the power
of the Internet. A musical career can now belong to everyone, not just the small
handful of acts that a major label decides to promote."

"We are thrilled to be working with Chuck D on this exciting promotion," said
Shawn Fanning, 19 year old founder of Napster. "He is an innovator in the digital
music arena and one of the first of many artists that are supportive of what we
are doing."

About Rapstation.com

Founded in September 1999 by Chuck D, Rapstation.com is the definitive rap and Hip
Hop culture website, dedicated to enlightening, entertaining and empoweringthe
global Hip Hop community. Rapstation.com features a radio station with original
programming, free MP3 downloads, a television station, celebrity interviews,
information for aspiring artists and a forum for political expression and
discussion. Since its launch, the site has created partnerships with some of the
web's most exciting and innovative businesses, including RealNetworks, House of
Blues Digital, MyPlay, Rioport, MyListen, Tucows, Dimensionmusic, New World
Culture, Allearth and Audiogalaxy.

About Napster

Located in San Mateo, CA, Napster Inc. is the provider of the popular filesharing
technology, which currently enables users to locate, download and play MP3 music
files from one convenient, easy-to-use interface. Napster will, in the future, use
their technology for other filesharing purposes. Napster is also home to the
Internet's largest and most rabid community of music fans. The company is
leveraging the passion for its product to become the most powerful tool to help
others discover new music and artists. Napster's membership is already expanding
faster than such high growth Internet application companies as Hotmail or ICQ.

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