Andre “3000” Benjamin’s new cartoon series Class of 3000 is slated to debut in Nov. 2006 on the Cartoon Network. The show features Sunny Bridges, a superstar who left behind a career that included 27 Grammys and a Nobel Prize. After giving up the life of a superstar, Bridges returns to the Westley School for the Performing Arts in Atlanta to be a music teacher. There, he changes the lives of musical prodigies Lil’ D, Tamika, Philly Phil, Madison, Eddie, and twins Kim and Kam. Each episode of Class of 3000 will feature a new original song recorded by Benjamin. Each of the songs will come with an animated music video. Guests that produced the animated music videos include Overton Loyd, who is renowned for his work on album covers by Parliament, Peter Chung ( Aeon Flux ), Alan Bodner ( Iron Giant, The Life & Times of Juniper Lee ) and others. Class of 3000 is produced in conjunction with Benjamin’s Atlanta-based production company Moxie.
Mobb Deep’s biggest hits have been compiled for the upcoming CD/DVD Life of the Infamous: The Best of Mobb Deep. The album features songs such as “Survival of the Fittest,” “Quiet Storm” featuring Lil’ Kim and “Shook Ones Pt. II,” as well as two brand new tracks–“Blood Money” and “Go Ahead,” which the duo recorded exclusively for Life of the Infamous. The DVD portion of the release features all of Mobb Deep’s videos, including bonus videos for “Back At You,” from the 1996 movie Sunset Park, Prodigy’s “Y.B.E.” and the video to “L.A., LA,” the answer record to Tha Dogg Pound’s “New York, New York.” Life of the Infamous: The Best of Mobb Deep hits stores on Oct. 31.
Big Tigger has announced his upcoming plans, now that he has left BET’s 106 & Park, BET Style and his temporary post at New York’s Power 105 FM. The nationally syndicated radio show host is currently in talks to develop new projects with BET and will serve as host of the upcoming Kings of the Courts ‘3 on 3’ tour, presented by Burger King. Tigger is also developing BT Wheels, his nationally marketed line of automotive rims and accessories. In addition, he serves as host to XXL’s new DVD/Magazine release, XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1, which features artists such as Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Ice Cube, Slim Thug, Raekwon, and 50 Cent. A special segment featuring New Orleans rapper B.G. commenting on the effects of Hurricane Katrina is also included on the 90-minute DVD, which is only available in magazine outlets, as opposed to traditional music stores. The disc also comes with a 32-page print component, featuring interviews with most of the artists featured on the DVD. XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1 is currently in stores for $9.95.