By Chris Richburg
ESPN The Magazine will have a memorable Super Bowl celebration, as it has recruited former Fugees member Wyclef Jean and Grammy-nominated rap star Lil Wayne for its NEXT Big Weekend.
Jean will take the stage January 30 as the headliner for the publication’s 5th Annual Next party.
The private, V.I.P. event, which kicks off at 9 p.m. Tampa, Florida, is designed to highlight what is next in sports, technology, and lifestyle and from ESPN.
In addition to Jean, celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson and guest DJ/ESPN Analyst Marcellus "Dat Dude" Wiley will be on hand for the festivities.
Although he is not set to perform, Lil Wayne’s presence will be known at the Next party, as he reports from the event’s red carpet for ESPNthemag.com.
The assignment is the latest in ESPN’s relationship with the New Orleans rapper, who serves as a blogger for the publication’s web site and frequently comments about sports on the 24-hour sports network.
Despite appearances from Jean and Lil Wayne, the hitmakers won’t be the only entertainers on hand for the NEXT Big Weekend. Singer Sean Kingston will perform at ESPN The Magazine's Next Day Tailgate.
The event, which is sponsored by Ford’s F-150, and free to the public, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on January 31 and include sets from the University of South Florida Marching Band and Tampa-based reggae band Impulse.
Working the red carpet for ESPNthemag.com is the latest achievement for Lil Wayne, who was nominated for eight Grammy Awards in December.
The recognition stemmed from the rapper’s work on his latest album, Tha Carter III.