Rap Icon Stakes New Territory in the Wild West on BET's New Reality Series, DMX: SOUL OF A MAN

Rap Icon Stakes New Territory in the Wild West on BET's New Reality Series, DMX: SOUL OF A MAN

Original Docu-Drama Tracking Rapper from NYC to Carefree, Arizona Debuts July 12 at 9:30 p.m.

LOS ANGELES, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens when a street-wise rap star from Brooklyn turns in his ghetto pass for the wide open desert ranges of Arizona? You'll find out when BET premieres the six-part reality series DMX: SOUL OF A MAN on Wednesday, July 12 at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT). When a move from the tough, gritty streets of New York to peaceful Carefree, Arizona does not free rap artist Earl Simmons (DMX) of the demons he feels plague him, he realizes his life may warrant more than just a change in geography. Cameras take viewers into the heart and mind of one of today's most successful and notorious hardcore rap artists to find out what really tugs at his soul and inspires his thought-provoking lyrics.

"On SOUL OF A MAN, DMX is more than a rapper, more than a movie star -- he's a human being, with tragic flaws, amazing charisma, undeniable talent, humor, love and street toughness," said Reginald Hudlin, BET President of Entertainment. "If you don't know who DMX is, this series shows you why he's a star. If you're a DMX fan, this series shows you a side of the man you've never seen."

DMX, the legendary hip-hop artist who's sold more than 20 million albums, made his acting debut co-starring with comrade rappers Method Man and Nas in "Belly." He later went on to star in major support roles in the cult classic "Romeo Must Die," as well as Steven Segal's #1 opening weekend blockbuster "Exit Wounds."

But in DMX: SOUL OF A MAN, BET unleashes to the world what lies beneath the rough exterior of the respected, yet controversial rapper and actor. This is the authentic DMX, and viewers discover the harsh realities of his past, the conflicting dualities of his present and his aspirations for the future as he struggles with the notion of leaving his rap persona behind, and whether Carefree is a place where he can actually lead a normal life free from rap battles or legal troubles. Though he feels like a fish out of water at times, here Simmons is known by the locals as 'Earl' -- just one of the guys shooting pool and knocking back beers at the neighborhood saloon.

In this riveting half-hour series, DMX opens up about his parentless childhood, his legal issues, his experience with drugs and how he's trying to be the best father, husband and person he can be. A loving, devoted Dad, viewers watch 'X' spending time with his kids, taking them to school and getting parenting advice from Buddy, his 53-year-old redneck friend and neighbor who Simmons considers "the 'realest' person I know."

Then, we see the other side of 'X' -- he's the renegade and up to his typical high jinks: packing a pistol, reckless driving, and other questionable activities which sometimes land him in the headlines of unflattering news coverage or the courtroom.

"If I wasn't built for this, I'd be dead by now," DMX declares in the opening sequence of the series premiere. "My music is my life." That may be the case, but it doesn't stop the gravelly-voiced lyricist from missing an important recording session for his new album while his producers call incessantly to check on his ETA.

Through his inner circle made up of his wife Tashera, his business associates such as road manager Ali and manager Randy, his homeboy Peezy, and Buddy, viewers will see the man behind the 'X' in this series. In a unique setting, Simmons speaks candidly about his life. Cameras set at various angles catch his facial expressions and emotional swings as he shares what he's done, seen and been through. These unguarded moments give viewers an intimate, personal look into his current state of mind, his nature, inner struggles, and his profound faith in God.

"Many networks have wanted to do a show with 'X,' but he decided to go with us because we have been able to produce a show that exhibits who he really is," explains Tracey Edmonds, executive producer for Edmonds Entertainment. "One thing you'll notice immediately is how 'X' lets you completely into his world in a way that most artists won't. There is no vanity with him, no pretense, no self-editing; which in turn makes for a very entertaining, water cooler show that the viewers will appreciate."

Viewers can catch encore episodes of DMX: SOUL OF A MAN on Wednesdays at 1:00 a.m. ET/PT and Fridays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 80 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.

ABOUT EDMONDS ENTERTAINMENT

Established by producer Tracey E. Edmonds and R&B superstar Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Edmonds Entertainment Group has soared like a shooting star to the ranks of Hollywood's elite entertainment companies. Its major subsidiaries include Edmonds Record Group, creators of many of the world's most-recognized song titles and Edmonds Entertainment, producers of award- winning film and television projects. Some of the company's most noteworthy works include the critically-acclaimed Soul Food feature film, winner of five NAACP Image Awards; the popular Soul Food cable television series, recipient of seven NAACP Image Awards; the reality series COLLEGE HILL which will begin production on a fourth season, LIL KIM: Countdown to Lockdown which became the #1 original cable series in African American households and the upcoming DMX: Soul of a Man in partnership with Bloodline Films.

ABOUT BLOODLINE FILMS

Bloodline Films was founded in 2002 by Earl "DMX" Simmons and has produced the feature film "Never Die Alone" along with various TV and DVD projects including BET's DMX: SOUL OF A MAN (in partnership with Edmonds Entertainment). Bloodline Films is currently in pre-production on two films including the sequel to the 1999 film "Belly."

Source: BET (Black Entertainment Television)

CONTACT: Stephanie Molina of BWR Public Relations, +1-310-248-6125,
smolina@bwr-la.com, for BET; or Tosha Whitten-Griggs, +1-818-655-6712,
Tosha.whitten-griggs@bet.net, Zabrina Horton, +1-818-655-6737,
Zabrina.horton@bet.net, both of BET

Web site: http://www.bet.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Promo Screeners and artwork are available upon request; contact Zabrina Horton, BET Corporate Communications at (818) 655-6737 or zabrina.horton@bet.net

-------
Profile: intent