G-Unit Artists "Score" Freestyle B-Ball Game

FreeStyle Street Basketball is melting screens across Asia, now heading straight for America. At presstime, the new online game created by Sierra Online (a division of Vivendi Games) announced that there are 30 million players registered on the Asian Continent alone.

FreeStyle Street Basketball is a fast paced multiplayer online PC basketball game where players meet on virtual courts to challenge each other in a pick-up game environment. Designed for easy learning, it allows players to master every move from crazy alley hoop dunks to basic moves. Gamers can play 1-on-1, 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 street b-ball online and against people from around the country.

In order to make the game truly authentic, Sierra Online partnered with Rapper 50 Cent's G-Unit to create the sound/music for the game. According to G- Unit Star Lloyd Banks, " Hip Hop has always been relevant in the street basketball culture." With that in mind, it was no surprise that Sha Money XL who has produced 50 Cent, Tupac and Lloyd Banks , would be tapped to create seven exclusive beats for FreeStyle Street Basketball. As Sha Money prepares for the exciting US launch of the game, he gave me a chance to bounce around a few questions and to talk about the his game plan for FreeStyle Street Basketball.

So, chill-out, grab a courtside seat (courtesy of AC) and learn about this exciting new venture and how G-UNIT is keepin' it real on the streets and online.

Saba,Ink: Hey Sha Money. Whats good?

ShaMoney: It's all good.

Saba,Ink: Thanks for talking to us today. I'd like to hear about how you got involved with this project.

Sha Money: This was a new venture in online video game. I jumped at the chance to be a part of making it happen. I came in, sat with them, saw the game, the scenery and locations and then picked the music that fit the vibe. It was like scoring a movie.

Saba,Ink: Sounds like a whole new direction and opportunity for the music.

Sha Money: Well in Asia, they are one step ahead and the geniuses at Sierra knew it was time to bring it over here. There is even an item shop where you can dress the ballers up in ECKO Clothing.

Saba,Ink: How is the game going to be marketed? I notice that y'all have a co-promotion with the NBA where people can have a chance to win a trip to the NBA finals if registered by today.

Sha Money: We are going to be marketing through Hip Hop, Gamers, Retail, Online and the NBA will probably continue to be part of the plan.

Saba,Ink: So, can we expect to see some NBA Players show up on the game?

Sha Money: Hey, you never know. You might even see Sha Money or Lloyd Banks on there.

Saba,Ink: Considering that music is meeting gaming, are you all planning on a Tour of sorts.

Sha Money: (laughs) Nah..not really. I am looking to get over to Japan soon.

Saba,Ink: So what does 50 think about all this?

Sha Money: "50" is so busy, he doesn't even get time to go online. G- Unit's involved 'cause I'm involved (laughing). I'm looking to move in all directions ....Hip Hop is not going nowhere!

Sha Money: We are reaching the 13 - 24 year old demographic and I think even younger because me and my 8 year old son play it.

Saba, Ink: Ok, so which retail stores can we pick the game up from?

Sha Money: The usual like Gamestop, Best Buy....all the big ones......

(We had to cut our interview a little short due to Sha Money's tight schedule. I thanked him for his time and wished him success with this and his other projects.)

In the meantime, FreeStyle Street Basketball will be available via digital distribution and on retail shelves
May 15, 2007. If you're like me and want to check it out and hear some of the exciting new songs like "Go Hard or Go Home," explaining the ideology of street basketball......head over to www.freestylebasketball.com.

Until next time, remember to always keep your game "tight!"