Rap legend LL Cool J has been added to the 2006 Essence Music Festival, which takes place this July. Cedric “The Entertainer” and R&B group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly have also been added to the show, which already counts Mary J. Blige, as one of the headlining acts. The 2006 Essence Music Festival takes place July 1, 2 and 3 at its new interim home, state-of-the-art Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com with prices ranging from $45-$110.
The popular “Beef” trilogy is slated to air on BET starting tonight (Jan. 25) and will air episodes 1-3 over the next three days. The “Beef” series of DVD’s is produced by QD3 Entertainment and focuses on the histories of some of Hip-Hop’s most celebrated rivalries. The series kicks off at 9:00 PM with the next installment broadcasting the following night at the same time. “Beef” part 2 airs Thursday Jan 26 at 9:00 PM and “Beef” part 3 airs Fri. Jan 27 at 9:00 PM.
Marc Ecko and Atari have announced that their new video game, “Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure” will ship gold when it hits stores nationwide on Feb. 14 and on Feb. 17 in Europe. Gamers assume the role of “Trane” and must learn various graffiti skills, as well as fend off rivals crews and an oppressive mayor. Over 65 graffiti artists lent their tags and art to the game’s back drop, while Sean “Diddy” Combs, Talib Kweli, Charlie Murphy, The RZA, M.C. Serch and others lent their voices to the game. The game’s soundtrack also features a collaboration between Rakim and Talib Kweli titled “Getting Up Anthem: Part 1.”
Dem Franchize Boyz announced that their new album On Top of Our Game will hit stores Feb. 7. DFB’s recently released their second single “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” and the group will make their debut appearance on MTV’s Total Request Live on Monday, February 6th. Additionally, DFB will make an appearance on ABC’s late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in Feb.