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Wednesday - May 17, 2006

Eric V., one half of the radio duo Baka Boys, took home the crown of the first ever World Championships for the Hip-Hop Gaming League (HHGL) on Saturday (May 13), beating out the league's all-star roster, which includes B. Real, Method Man, Paul Wall, Just Blaze and Twista among others.

During the championship match -- held at Hollywood's club Element -- Eric V. took on the Wu-Tang's own Method Man, beating the rapper at XBOX 360's "NBA 2K" video game (the official game of the league).

Before the championship match took place, the league commissioner spoke to both Meth and Eric to discuss their strategy. Eric V.'s game plan was simple. "I just got to focus on Dirk Nowitzki," Eric V told the crowd in attendance. And the radio personality did just that.

Eric's plan worked, holding the Meth-controlled Dirk Nowitzki (of the Dallas Mavericks) scoreless in the second quarter and just to 14 points overall. Eric V. rode to victory on the backs of his team's superstars -- Dwayne Wade dumped 27 points on the Mavs and Shaquille O’Neal added 30 to make Eric V. the first ever HHGL World Champion.

Eric V., whose nationally syndicated radio show is based in Miami, took home the grand price -- a customized HHGL chain and medallion (supplied by Paul Wall's partner, TV Johnny) laced with black and white diamonds, containing more than 105 gras of gold and worth an estimated $15,000.

"He whooped everybody's ass. He was a [good player] all season!" remarked Snoop after the game, referring to Eric's championship win over Meth and an undefeated HHGL season.

The Xbox Live and Sprite sponsored event drew a celebrity crowd consisting of professional skateboarder Stevie Williams, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzales, legendary West Coast Hip-Hop artists Defari, Warren G and MC Eiht, among others.

This year's roster included B-Real, Cobi Jones, David Banner, Eric V., Fred Wreck, Jalen Rose, Just Blaze, Kaine (of the Ying Yang Twins), Krayzie Bone, Method Man, Murs, Paul Wall and Twista.

The immediate plans for the next HHGL season was not released as of yet, but Snoop says that he plans to open up the league of gamers to many more people.

"The future HHG, I see more people getting involved," said Snoop during the finals. "We need to open it up and let more people become a part of it because you got a lot of people that's good that ain't a part of it right now, [and] looking like, "How can I get in? Where do I sign up?" So, we're just gonna open it up and make more opportunity for more people to get involved."

For more information on Snoop and his Hip-Hop Gaming league, visit www.HHGL.com.

— Jay Casteel

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