All Access DVD
has partnered with Starz In Black to produce 12 original episodes of All Access
TV, a monthly television show that premiered two weeks ago.The
joint venture calls for Starz to air 12 episodes once a month as a part of the
network’s In Black Original series production.The
first episode, which has been featured in reruns, follows Young Dro on the road
as he promotes his debut album Best Thang Smokin’. The
show also includes segments with Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross."We’re
trying to take what we do on the street level, but increase our production value,"
All Access DVD founder James "Kraze" Billings told AllHipHop.com.
"It’s not totally different than what we do on All Access, but as far as
bringing it to TV for the masses to see, that’s the triumph–to make that appealing
on a commercial level."It’s still raw and gritty as far as environment, but
we have some things that’s gonna make it compete with TV shows," he concluded.Kraze
and his popular DVD series gained notoriety primarily through outlandish interviews
with artist such as Joe Budden, who was paired with former model-girlfriend Gloria
Velez. Based
in part on the DVDs, Kraze envisions the program as "All Access meets 106
& Park.""There
will actually be videos," he explained. "It’s different because the
artists are still in their element, but it’s uncensored. Unlike BET and MTV, they
can really be themselves. With certain cable networks, they give you the polished
version. This is polished, but it still gives you the raw, in your face. It’s
still gritty in terms of where we go, but the production competes with regular
television. You gonna be like, ‘Oh s**t, they definitely stepped up their game.’"Next
for Kraze, who also struck a licensing deal with Starz and owns the show, is plans
for episode two. He recently confirmed Lloyd Banks and Young Buck as participants."I
think the format in particular will keep people interested," Kraze said.
"[For example], when Rick Ross says: ‘All my life I’ve been hustling,’ then
we cut to the video, then it will come back to him talking about how his life
changed. I’m proud of it, I think they’ll respect the value of the production,
but we kept it real to what we do, which is rare."A
new All Access DVD is set drop in November. The
DVD will debut several new segments, including one on popular ‘hoods and interviews
with Gillie Da Kid and Maino.
