Rapper’s
Eve and Lil’ Eazy E, son of the legendary Eric “Eazy E” Wright
have joined with BET and Rap City host Mad Linx for an hour long special program
on BET. “Open Mic: My Thing” is part of BET’s Rap-It-Up Campaign
designed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The show takes viewers across the
U.S. and features stories about how young people are getting the word out about
the importance of HIV/AIDS education. “Open Mic: My Thing” debuts
on June 26.
Nelly has launched
a new diet version of his energy drink Pimp Juice, called PJ Light. The new
drink is holding a contest to find a theme song for the drink that could wind
up in commercials. The winner of the contest will also win an audition with
Nelly’s record label, Derrty Ent. According to rep’s, PJ Tight is
looking for rhymes that focus on the diet version of the energy drink. Fans
will be able to submit their songs via a deal with LG Mobile Phones, which will
traverse the country in a bus equipped with a studio to lay down the best verse.
Additionally, hopefuls can download existing music and send it via email or
snail mail. No original music will be accepted for the contest. For more information
about the Bus schedule, visit http://www.lifewithlg.com.
Rules for the contest can be viewed at http://www.letitloose.com.
A new, previously
unreleased DVD from Tupac Shakur is on the way, titled Tupac Shakur: Live
at the House of Blues
. The new DVD comes on the heels of a deal Death Rowstruck with Eagle Rock Entertainment, which gives Eagle Rock worldwide rights
to the DVD. Eagle Rock also represents Death Row’s audio catalog outside
of North America and Canada. The show took place on July 4, 1996, shortly before
Shakur was gunned down in Las Vegas, Nevada. The DVD will feature several videos
by Shakur as well as an exclusive interview with Marion “Suge” Knight.
Tupac Shakur: Live at the House of Blues is scheduled for a September
2005 release.
DJ Muggs and rap duo Self-Scientific have formed Angeles Records and have secured
a deal with Fontana Distribution an independent distribution arm of Universal
Music Group. The first release from Angeles will be collaboration between Muggs
and Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA titled DJ Muggs vs. GZA. The next release
will be Change, from Self Scientific. “The industry has changed
profoundly over the past decade,” said Chace of Self-Scientific. “The
majors aren’t interested in –or prepared to– deal with developing acts
anymore.” Both albums are slated for an October release.