Duck Down Records has joined forces with video game publishers 2K Sports for a contest in anticipation of the upcoming game NBA 2K12. For the second year in a row, up-and-coming rappers and producers will get the once-in-a lifetime chance to have their song appear on the game’s soundtrack.
The contest will be conducted in two phases. For the first, which will last from March 23 until April 5, producers are asked to submit a sample-free beat to Duck Down and 2K Sports’s SoundCloud. After the entry period closes, Duck Down and 2K Sports will choose the top ten submissions. Listeners will then vote on their favorite beats via Facebook until April 13, when a winner will be chosen.
The next stage, which lasts from April 14 until April 27, will allow emcees the chance to record a song over the winning beat that features no cursing and no references to drugs, sex, violence, gangs or money. Like the first stage, contestants can submit their songs to the same SoundCloudaccount, where the best ten will be selected and voted on by Facebook listeners. The winner will be announced May 6.
The grand prize winners will have their song featured in the game as well as an all-expense paid trip to New York City to perform at Duck Down’s CMJ Showcase in October. Runners-up will also receive a premium SoundCloud account. Full details on the contest can be found at the contest website.
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In other news, Soul Rebel NYC has enlisted Pill, Curt@!n$ and new comer Rapsody (with a little help from 9th Wonder) for their upcoming Generation Next showcase. The third annual event, which has brought the likes of Cory Gunz, Skyzoo and CyHi Da Prynce to the stage, is set to be presented by Hot97’s DJ Enuff.
“Pill, Curt@!n$ and Rapsody are perfect examples of Generation Next’s continued efforts to grow as a platform, identify the future of urban music and create unique opportunities that will further their progress,” said Soul Rebel NYC’s Mic Sean.
Also taking the stage are Rugz D. Bewler, Willie the Kid, Action Bronson, Apollo the Great, Mike Jaggerr and Maybach Music Group’s Audra the Rapper. Generation Next will be held on April 16 at 8 PM at Southpaw in Brooklyn.
Finally, Queen Latifah had teamed up with AOL to put together new web-based content. Working with AOL’s BlackVoices.com, she will executive produce and star in an online video series through her Flavor Unit Entertainment group.
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According to BlackvoiceNews.com, the series will feature Latifah covering a variety of topics in a short talk show format. She told the website that she’s extremely excited to partner up with AOL for the opportunity.
“Our production company, Flavor Unit is always in search for a perfect partner when we create original content and with this new web series, AOL is certainly it,” said Queen Latifah. “It’s very exciting to collaborate with them as they are leaders and will help bring our show to the masses.”
