ESPN 2013 NFL Draft Opener feat. Russell Wilson & 50 Cent [Video]
The NFL draft kicked off yesterday and 50 Cent led the ESPN’s show opener with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and The heavy.
50 Cent and English rock band The Heavy recently collaborated on the music for ESPN’s three-day presentation of the 2013 NFL Draft from Radio City Music Hall in New York, April 25-27.
50 Cent’s “New Day” and “We Up” from Shady/Aftermath/Interscope , as well as The Heavy’s “How You Like Me Now?” and “What Makes a Good Man” from British Independent label Ninja Tune, are being used coming in and out of commercial breaks and in highlight packages of this year’s NFL Draft prospects.
Both artists recorded customized lyrics that embody the theme of athletic success and of players achieving their goal of playing professional football. The Heavy’s 2009 hit single “How You Like Me Now?”, featuring both artists, was used in the NFL Draft telecast opener yesterday.
“The songs we’ve selected from 50 Cent and The Heavy have a unique vibe that speaks to the experience of the NFL Draft and of being in the spotlight of New York for this unique event,” said ESPN music director Kevin Wilson.
“This project has been a great collaboration and we are thrilled to expand our relationship with such talented artists.”
ESPN has worked with both 50 Cent and The Heavy on previous occasions. 50 Cent performed at the 2010 Winter X Games in Aspen and he will again be a featured performer at X Games Barcelona next month. He also recently worked with ESPN’s Friday Night Fightsboxing series. The Heavy’s music has been used in ESPN’s college football coverage.
“I have a great working relationship with ESPN and was excited to participate. I can’t wait to see the draft,” said 50 Cent.
Added lead singer Kelvin Swaby of The Heavy: “It’s truly an honour to be associated with the NFL Draft. The event speaks volumes to our band. As all of the players selected for this event will know, the hours of practice, honing your craft, the discipline to take you to the next level, are all factors that get you to the professional ranks.”
In related 50 news, the Queens MC also struck a new deal with cable network E! for a new special.
“50 Hours With 50 Cent” will showcase the Hip-Hop mogul interacting with one lucky fan for exactly 50 hours as the G-Unit general native prepares to release his comeback album Street King Immortal.
Viewers will get to see all the work that goes into promoting a new project and behind-the-scenes footage of two days in the life of 50 Cent.
Peep 50’s ESPN spot below:
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