Grammy Award-Winning Musician Wyclef Jean Writes & Records New Song, 'Venus (I'm Ready),' In Honor of 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Venus Williams

The Haitian-born Grammy Award-winning musician/producer/social activist Wyclef Jean has written and recorded an anthemic new song, "Venus (I'm Ready)," inspired by the spirit, character and prowess of American tennis champion Venus Williams, who recently took home her third Olympic gold medal (with her sister Serena) in the women's doubles match at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

An exuberant celebration of the record-breaking athlete (and the mythological Roman goddess of love and beauty whose name she shares), "Venus (I'm Ready)" is Wyclef's musical fan letter to the 2008 Olympic gold medalist and reigning Wimbledon singles and doubles champion.

"Venus' determination and mental strength inspires me!," exclaimed Wyclef Jean. "Much like Isis, her strength should be celebrated."

"Venus (I'm Ready)" is slated to premiere as Venus Williams' theme music during the 2008 US Open tennis tournament in Flushing, Queens, New York, running from August 25 through September 7.

For more information on the availability of "Venus (I'm Ready)," Wyclef Jean's musical celebration of Venus Williams, please visit www.wyclef.com.

Wyclef Jean met Venus Williams when the two were paired for an upcoming episode of "Iconoclasts," the groundbreaking Sundance Channel original television series, now in its fourth season, which brings together two leading innovators from different fields to discuss their passions and creative processes. The Venus Williams/Wyclef Jean episode of "Iconoclasts" is scheduled to premiere November 13 at 10pm ET/PT on the Sundance Channel (please check your local listings).

"I have been a fan of Wyclef's for many years, from his work with the Fugees to his success as a solo artist," said Venus Williams. "He's a fantastic writer, singer, producer and performer whose music crosses genres and touches people's lives. I am specially impressed by Wyclef's dedication to humanitarian causes and his strong sense of character. I was so happy to meet Wyclef and work with him on our 'Iconoclasts' episode but not even in my wildest imagination, did I expect that such a beautiful song would be one of the outcomes from meeting Wyclef. He is an amazing human being and it is truly an honor for me to be recognized in such a wonderful way by such a gifted musician and exceptional person."

Venus Williams

At the tender age of 14, Venus Williams became a professional athlete, taking the world of tennis by storm. Fiercely determined and wielding an impressive degree of physical skill, she spent the next decade rising to the top-ranked position and winning numerous championships, including the US Open, Wimbledon and doubles at the Australian Open and French Open, as well as two Olympic Gold medals.

In July 2008, she won her fifth Wimbledon Championship in a riveting match against her sister Serena Williams, joining the handful of legendary women's singles tennis champions who have won five or more Wimbledon Championships. A three time US Open winner (Best Singles Performance -- 2000, 2001; Best Doubles Performance -- 1999), Venus holds the record for fastest serve in women's tennis history. She tied her 2007 record-breaking serve of 129 mph, the fastest serve ever recorded in women's tennis history, at Wimbledon in 2008. Venus took home her third Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on August 17, 2008.

Known for her distinctive style, Williams earned a degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Now 28, she is a successful entrepreneur with her own line of sneakers, clothing and accessories, "EleVen"; and an interior design firm, V Starr Interiors. She is the subject of a new coffee-table book, "Venus," with images by world-renowned avant-garde photographer, Koto Bolofo.

Wyclef Jean

Haitian-born Wyclef Jean is a Grammy Award-winning musician/producer and social activist. A founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Fugees and prolific solo artist, Jean has effortlessly crossed genres, generations and geographic boundaries as a musical goodwill ambassador and a diplomat for positive cultural evolution.

His sixth and latest studio solo album, "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant," featured the platinum-selling "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," Wyclef's first Top 10 single as a solo artist. His albums with the Fugees include the platinum-selling 1996 classic "The Score," which reached the #1 slots on Billboard's Top 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums charts and earned two Grammy Awards.

Much in demand as a producer, writer and performer, he has collaborated with artists including Bono, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston and Shakira, with whom he recorded the #1 international smash hit "Hips Don't Lie."

In 2005, Jean created the non-profit foundation Yele Haiti to provide aid and assistance to his native Haiti. The charity links with existing groups and/or starts programs relating to hunger, education, youth rehabilitation, AIDS treatment and prevention, and sustainable development.

   www.wyclef.com

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   www.columbiarecords.com

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SOURCE: Columbia Records

CONTACT: For more information on Wyclef Jean: Yvette Noel-Schure,
Columbia Records, +1-212-833-4483, Yvette.Noel-Schure@sonybmg.com; For more
information on Venus Williams: Lisa Sorensen, President, LSPR & Marketing
Inc., Los Angeles office, +1-323-330-9590, or New York office,
+1-646-330-5458, fax, +1-323-330-9506, cell, +1-818-339-2392,
http://www.ls-pr.com/

Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.wyclef.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wyclefjean
http://www.facebook.com/wyclef