As the leading, if not the only, nationally and internationally recognized Hip-Hop convention, "How Can I Be Down?" has been a launching pad for upcoming artists or anyone interested in joining the entertainment business. But since its start in 1998, the event has only been held seven times. Now, Peter Thomas, President and founder of Peter Thomas Entertainment Group, is bringing HCIBD back to Miami Beach.

From July 14th through the 17th, the Shelbourne Hotel will host the 2005 HCIBD Hip-Hop convention, an event which has been in hiatus since its last episode in '98. "We held a well attended conference on the beautiful island of Jamaica, then returned back to America and decided to take a time away" said Peter Thomas, creator of HCIBD? "When we observed that no one attempted to fill the void that we left behind, it became apparent that Hip-Hop, a 5 billion dollar a year industry, needed the resurgence of How Can I Be Down?"

If the past is any indication, the much-anticipated event being held on South Beach this week, will generate a large boost for Miami Beach's economy. 1997's HCIBD conference produced an estimated 14 million dollars for local hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, transportation and entertainment; a financial gain that the city of Miami Beach apparently chose to ignore, since it is reported that the city has asked Thomas not to hold the convention.

This year, Thomas has decided to do the unexpected and defy authority by resurrecting the almost forgotten venue. The 2005 HCIBD, being held at SoBe's own Shelbourne Hotel will host a slew of discussion panels focusing on the Hip-Hop industry and will play center stage to the 4-day event.