Houston rap group the G.R.i.T. Boys (Ghetto Reality in Texas) are the focus of the new mobile reality show “NEXXT: The Hip Hop Mobile Series.” The series of 52 two-three minute episodes about the lives and burgeoning career of the group is due to premiere this summer via mobile carriers.
“The G.R.i.T. Boys are a reality rap group,” says Wall, who is producing, developing and promoting the foursome — Poppy, Scooby, Unique and Yung Red. “They talk about real life situations, no exaggerations. They are something that the Houston rap scene really needs right now.”
Several hip-hop artists will make surprise appearances on the series, which is produced by the Nickels Group for Mobile Streams Inc. Exclusive “NEXXT” ringtones and wallpaper will also be available to mobile users for download.
— Clover Hope, N.Y.
In a move echoing the near-simultaneous release of the film “Bubble” in theaters, on DVD and on cable, 2929 Entertainment’s Magnolia Pictures arm is ready to do it again with the music documentary “Herbie Hancock: Possibilities.” the feature will become available on all three platforms next month: opening April 14 in theaters in Los Angeles and New York, arriving April 18 on DVD and airing April 23 on the HDNet cable channel.
The documentary chronicles the production of last year’s Hancock album “Possibilities,” in which the jazz icon collaborates with a diverse roster of musicians, including Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox and Sting. It also delves into Hancock’s life, with archival footage including rare shots of the Miles Davis Quintet.
“Possibilities” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and No. 22 on The Billboard 200. The set has sold 321,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
— Thomas K. Arnold, The Hollywood Reporter
David Ford’s debut “I Sincerely Apologise for All the Trouble I’ve Caused” will be released April 25 in the U.S. via Independiente/Columbia. Released in the U.K. in late 2005, the disc was written and produced by the singer/songwriter, who performed almost everything that’s heard on the disc himself at his home in Eastbourne and Lewes, Sussex, England.
Taking the do-it-yourself ethic further, Ford created the original artwork that accompanies the disc and self-directed two videos. The inventive clips for “I Don’t Care What You Call Me” and the title track can be seen at the artist’s official Web site.
Ford will support the U.S. release of “I Sincerely Apologise…” with performances beginning March 27-28 in New York supporting Gomez, and has solo shows and dates with Richard Ashcroft and KT Tunstall planned through mid-April.
— Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.