LeBron James Signs Deal with Warner Bros., Sparks Space Jam 2 Rumors
Space Jam may be a flawed film, but it's strengthened by the nostalgia of people in their mid-to-late 20s, an amazing soundtrack, and came directly in the middle of the Chicago Bulls' '90s dynasty. Of course, the Looney Tunes were at an all-time high in popularity, and who didn't love Michael Jordan back then (outside of Detroit)?
Nobody since has been able to capture Jordan's popularity, but many have come close. One such basketball player, LeBron James, may be the closest to Jordan that we've had since he arrived in the NBA. However, he also has faced a ton of criticism, something that Jordan didn't experience at the same level. Nevertheless, if there were to ever be a Space Jam sequel, LeBron James would be the de facto star... for better or worse.
Yesterday, word came out that Warner Bros. inked a deal with LeBron James for the basketball star to appear in various WB projects spanning film, TV, and online digital content. Warner Bros. released a statement with the announcement that reads:
“LeBron James has one of the most powerful, well-known brands in the world and we are excited to be in business with him and his partner, Maverick Carter, and SpringHill Entertainment,” Warner Bros. CEO and Chairman Kevin Tsujihara said. “The combination of LeBron’s global media presence and Warner Bros.’ unmatched production and distribution expertise is a big win for fans everywhere.”
Last month, it was reported that Warner Bros. filed a new trademark on Space Jam, re-sparking rumors from 2014 that also had LBJ attached to star in the sequel. There's nothing concrete, but the new deal could pave the way for LBJ to lace up against the Monstars. Would you be interested in seeing King James team up with Bugs, Daffy, and the other Looney Tunes?
[via /Film]
[Video] Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar & More Perform at 2014 NBA All Star Game
Ever since Michael Jordan retired and the new breed of superstar was established in the NBA (a la Allen Iverson, Dwight Howard), the NBA All-Star game has been much more performance than true sporting event since Tracy McGrady threw himself an alley-oop off the backboard in-game, and this weekend's jam-packed 2014 edition was no less light on the entertainment. Held in New Orleans, the 63rd installment of the annual competition of the league's brightest stars saw performances from the likes of Pharrell, who showed up with both his infamous hat, and former Neptunes/N.E.R.D. partner Chad Hugo in tow, performing a slew of his hits on both the production and singing tips. He did the classic, decade-old song, "Frontin", brought out Nelly for "Hot in Herre", did the hook on Jay Z's "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It to Me)", although Mr. Carter wasn't in attendance, and brought out Busta Rhymes and Diddy for a fresh version of "Pass the Courvoisier Part II". He aldo did "Blurred Lines" for which Robin Thicke was also a no-show and followed it with the cult classic, "Rock Star" with his Hugo, who played the keytar flawlessly. Pharrell finally finished, playing "Beautiful" with Snoop Dogg and, following the Western Conference introductions, did an interpretation of "Get Lucky", again, without Daft Punk, and during "Happy", he popped on the big hat. Kendrick looked as intense as ever, performing "m.A.A.d City" and "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" in an understated black hooded sweatshirt. Janelle Monae continued to prove why she is a favorite for performances like these, tapping none other than Trombone Shorty, Gary Clark Jr., Doctor John and Earth Wind & Fire for a memorable performance that included a rendition of her song, "Electric Lady", before joining Earth, Wind and Fire for "Shining Star". All in all, there was plenty to make up for the mediocre basketball. Watch it all below.
Pharrell:
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Kendrick Lamar
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Janelle Monae & Trombone Shorty
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[Video] Yo Gotti: "Lebron James"
From working in the booth to working in the streets and beyond, Yo Gotti has long been known as "The King of Memphis". On a months-long public relations push in the lead up to his highly-anticipated new album, I Am, Gotti is out to prove he's ahead of the game with his music video for "Lebron James" featuring fan-generated content of the 5-time NBA MVP. Having had a chance to catch Gotti while his I Am tour came through Chicago, I can certainly speak to the hunger the song evokes as his set was tailored from beginning to end and packed with hits new and old, all in front of one of the largest strobe lights I've ever seen. Pick up I Am, due out November 19.
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