After months of searching for the hottest beats in the land, KFC has selected an Atlanta-based artist as its 2008 “Hitmaker.” The Hitmaker song contest winner, Sorrow’s Child, wins a home recording studio and his song will be among those available for download on iTunes.

Launched in June to celebrate Black Music Month, the Hitmaker song contest invited aspiring musicians to submit original songs that included the key words Individual, Family, Community and Heritage. Sorrow’s Child’s song, “Do What KFC,” will be featured on the Pride 360 CD along with songs from 11 other contest entrants. KFC and music industry veteran Bryant Reid, president and CEO of B Street Entertainment and the former vice president of A&R for LaFace Records and Atlantic Records, selected the 12 winning songs.

Born Wayne Williams in London, England, Sorrow’s Child will now receive a new audience for his music.

KFC executives said the second Hitmaker contest was even more successful than last year’s version as it attracted 300 percent more song entries. It also helped to raise donations for Little Kids Rock, a national non-profit organization that supports music in the academic lives of public school children by providing instrument instruction, free instruments and trained mentors.

“This year’s KFC Hitmaker song contest was an unprecedented success because we received more songs, we raised money for school kids and we’re introducing hot, fresh talent to the music world,” says KFC’s Jermaine Higgins, Multicultural Marketing Manager. “We are pleased to congratulate Sorrow’s Child and we’re grateful to have the involvement of Bryant Reid. He helped us pick songs that really express the call to action of KFC’s Pride 360.”