BET and Wal-Mart announced
a marketing alliance today (August 30) that will put BET branded DVD releases
in Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the United States. Under terms of
the deal, BET will provide Wal-Mart with exclusive BET programming and other
content related urban music and movies under the brand name “BET Official.”
The first release
to hits stores under the BET Official brand is a CD/DVD combo featuring Kanye
West. The DVD will come with a copy of West’s sophomore album Late
Registration, which also hit stores today.
The DVD will contain
behind-the-scenes footage, West’s Access Granted episode on the set of
his video “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” West on 106 & Park &
several videos, including an unreleased video version of West’s#### “Jesus
Walks.”
"This marketing
and promotion alliance with Wal-Mart pairs BET’s powerful brand and stellar
content with trend-setting, urban-oriented music and movies to enhance Wal-Mart’s
appeal in urban entertainment product," said BET President and CEO Debra
Lee. "Over the years, we’ve sought creative ways to deliver more BET programming
content through retail channels. And what better way than combining the ultimate
retailer with the greatest Black consumer brand on the planet."
The CD/DVD package
will retail for $13.88 and is in stores now.
In related Kanye West news, the rapper is suing a rapper and a record label
in Chicago.
West is suing Chicago
DJ Eric "E-Smoove" Miller and Focus Music in Chicago Federal Court
for attempting to sell recordings West produced before he was 18.
West claims Miller
and the label made up phony documents, forged his signature and tried to sell
nine songs to a publisher for almost $500,000.
