By Tai Saint Louis
Producer Just Blaze and Hip-Hop icon Chuck D have been tapped to play a major role in the latest installment of Midway Games’ NBA Ballers franchise, it was announced today (Feb 4).
Midway Games hired Just Blaze to produce the entire score for the new NBA Ballers: Chosen One instead of using licensed tracks from various artists.
The resulting effect will be much like a movie score for NBA Ballers, which is due out in Spring of 2008.
Rap legend Chuck D will lend his voice to the game, providing play-by-play commentary throughout the game.
He will also serve as the game’s announcer and studio host for the Chosen One Tournament, a portion of the game where players compete "live" from the most exotic courts around the world.
"Chuck D is one of the most recognizable voices in music history, while Just Blaze has produced multiple chart-topping hits." said executive producer George Gomez. "[Their] talents will greatly enhance the NBA Ballers: Chosen One experience as players live the fantasy lifestyle of an NBA Superstar. Together they’ll ensure that [the game] will feature a sound to match [its] amazing graphics and gameplay."
The third edition in the NBA Ballers series, Chosen One features more than 5 top NBA superstars and provides gamers the opportunity to live out the lives of their favorite players.
The game, which will be released simultaneously for Playstation 3 and Xbox, also features one-on-one and two-on-two action.
Continuing his active life outside of the studio, Just Blaze will also be hosting the premier of a new seminar series called "Elements of Mixing," in association with grassroots producer organization Dynamic Producer.
The seminars will be taught by "Bassy" Bob Brockman and Ryan West, who have worked with the likes of Sean "Diddy" Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Brian McKnight and Antonio "LA Reid" Reid.
The first seminar will take place at Blaze’s Baseline Studios on March 29 and is open to the first 40 registrants.
The sign up form is available online at www.dynamicproducer.com.
