Shawn "Jay-Z"
Carter is teaming with ESPN Original Entertainment to create a scripted boxing
series titled Hit Men. Hit
Men will focus on the lives of a multi-cultured group of struggling athletes
who work out at The Hit Men Boxing Club, a gym that is run by former boxer Frank
Cerrones. According
to ESPN, the series is executive produced by Jay-Z and Def Jam. The
pilot episode was written by John Eisendrath (Beverly Hills, 90210, Playmakers)
and will be shot in Louisiana starting in the first week of December.In
related news, Jay-Z’s boycott of Louis Roderer Cristal continues, as the rapper
has unofficially endorsed Armand De Brignac, a new brand of bubbly featured in
his latest video, "Show Me What You Got."In
June, Jay-Z announced a boycott of Louis Roderer Cristal, because of negative
comments made by managing director Frederic Rouzaud in a special summer edition
of The Economist magazine. Jay-Z
also pulled Cristal from his popular 40/40 sports bars. In
addition to name checking Armand De Brignac on "Show Me What You Got,"
the champagne is prominently showcased in the accompanying video, taken from Jay-Z’s
forthcoming album Kingdom Come, which is due in stores Nov. 21.The
video for "Show Me What You Got" premiered last week and features Jay-Z
and Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing a Ferrari against Danica Patrick, before arriving
at an exclusive party on a private island with a silver briefcase.During
a card game in the video, Jay-Z opens the brief case, revealing a bottle Armand
de Brignac, known for its solid gold-plated bottle and Ace of Spades shaped label.The
champagne is made at a family estate in the small village of Chigny-les-Roses
in the French countryside. According
Armand de Brignac President/CEO Brett Berish, the champagne house has not entered
into any agreement with Jay-Z to endorse the brand, but the free exposure is more
than welcomed. "Jay-Z
has always demonstrated the highest standards and finest taste, and we’re honored
to see Armand make an appearance in ‘Show Me What You Got,’" Berish said.
"Armand’s unmatched taste and package are a perfect fit for the video."