Showtime and Interscope Records plan to show the world what it takes to rock the mic with a new television show titled “The Next” focusing on a future rising hip-hop star. This six part reality show will appear on Showtime’s cable network and showcase the trials and tribulations of many undiscovered rappers who battle on the mic to become the top MC.
“The show paints a picture of what countless kids across America are trying to do right now – become successful in rap music,” Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M said. “You hear it in hip-hop all the time – lyrics about the way an artist struggles to make it, about the way their lives were before they had a record deal. ‘The Next’ is actually going to show it to you. Every step of the way.” The show is said to be a real life version of the movie the 8 Mile in its showcasing of talent across the country. During the program hip-hop artists such as 50 Cent, Joe Budden, Wyclef, Clipse, Big Tigger, Nate Dogg, Bonecrusher, Gang Starr and Loon will tell the history of hip-hop in different cities.
Contestants on the show were handpicked from local contests in Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Each show will showcase a rap battle in front of an audience with special guest DJ’s and MC’s officiating. The audience will decide on the winner. After five winners are chosen, they will all gather in Los Angeles for a one hour special. The show is currently in production and will be apart of Showtime’s fall lineup.
