Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Jay-Z Teams With ESPN For Boxing Series, Unofficially Endorses New Champagne

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is teaming with ESPN Original Entertainment to create a scripted boxing series titled Hit Men.
Hit Men will focus on the lives of a multi-cultured group of struggling athletes who work out at The Hit Men Boxing Club, a gym that is run by former boxer Frank Cerrones.
According to ESPN, the series is executive produced by Jay-Z and
Def Jam.
The pilot episode was written by John Eisendrath (Beverly Hills, 90210, Playmakers) and will be shot in Louisiana starting in the first week of December.
In related news, Jay-Z's boycott of Louis Roderer Cristal continues, as the rapper has unofficially endorsed Armand De Brignac, a new brand of bubbly featured in his latest
video, "Show Me What You Got."
In June, Jay-Z announced a boycott of Louis Roderer Cristal, because of negative comments made by managing director Frederic Rouzaud in a special summer edition of The Economist magazine.
Jay-Z also pulled Cristal from his popular 40/40 sports bars.
In addition to name checking Armand De Brignac on "Show Me What You Got," the champagne is prominently showcased in the accompanying video, taken from Jay-Z's forthcoming
album Kingdom Come, which is due in stores Nov. 21.
The video for "Show Me What You Got" premiered last week and features Jay-Z and
Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing a Ferrari against Danica Patrick, before arriving at an exclusive party on a private island with a silver briefcase.
During a
card game in the video, Jay-Z opens the brief case, revealing a bottle Armand de Brignac, known for its solid gold-plated bottle and Ace of Spades shaped label.
The champagne is made at a family estate in the small village of Chigny-les-Roses in the French countryside.
According Armand de Brignac President/CEO Brett Berish, the champagne house has not entered into any agreement with Jay-Z to endorse the brand, but the free exposure is more than welcomed.
"Jay-Z has always demonstrated the highest standards and finest taste, and we're honored to see Armand make an appearance in 'Show Me What You Got,'" Berish said. "Armand's unmatched taste and package are a perfect fit for the video."