Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter Picks Winner of Nets Theme Song Contest
"Going Hard" to be performed at Nets game and to be recorded
at Manhattan recording studio
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Nets part-owner and President & CEO of Def Jam Recordings Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has selected "Going Hard" as the winner of the Nets theme song contest for amateur performers, which he launched last month with HOT 97 FM, the Nets and Sprite.
The rap song, written and performed by Michael Barnes, 22, of Manhattan, beat out over 700 entries. As the winner, Barnes -- AKA M Bars -- will have the opportunity to perform his song live on the court during halftime of the Nets final regular season home game against the Knicks on April 19 at the Continental Airlines Arena. M Bars will also get to meet Carter.
In addition, M Bars will have the chance to record the song at Baseline Studios II, a professional recording studio in Manhattan. The recording will also be posted on www.HOT97.com, the website of the Official #1 Station for Hip-Hop and R&B in the United States and www.njnets.com.
"In 'Going Hard' M Bars completely captured the intensity of Nets Basketball and the flavor of our game experience," Carter said. "He obviously put a lot of time into the song and demonstrated a lot of talent. We're a hot team and this song best matches our passion and energy."
"I'm a huge Nets fan and Jay-Z is my idol so I wanted to make this song really stand out," said M Bars. "It's such an honor to be recognized by Jay-Z and I can't wait to perform at the game."
The following is a verse from Going Hard
We brought Kidd from the Suns
Vince from the Raptors
Elite in East
Since Erving was in the rafters
Check the skybox
Blackberry active
Making transactions
Its Bruce Ratner!!
Date by date
Different state
Curfew applied by Coach Lawrence Frank
But wait
Introducing the brand new don its
Jay-Z courtside with S dots on
Rocawear shirt/
Along with a roc charm/
Roc Jeans And of course he got rocks on
And when his diamonds hit the light its
Looks similar to sprite when it hits the ice
so Obey your thirst
Drink sprite
Cause he might
Not wanna sign autographs tonight
But might
Wanna watch the game enjoy sites
Nets Win!!!
Drive safely
Goodnight!! (see ya)
Hook:
The NETS!!!
-Go N E .T S
The Nets!!!!
-Go N E .T S
The Nets!!!!
-Go N E .T S
The Nets!!!!
-Go N E .T S