Hip-Hop Hold 'em, the TV Texas hold 'em game for hip-hoppers--from the production arm of mega-sports management company IMG--debuted to a .2 national syndicated rating for the week ended Oct. 8, 124th place among the 124 nationally rated syndicated shows.
The caveat is that it is only cleared in 46% of the country, which is a tough river to cross from the get-go. Another caveat is that it could have run up against baseball playoffs, which took a toll on many syndicated shows. It only aired in 17 markets, and many of those in late-night overnight time periods
The show takes the poker game Texas hold 'em, which has gained a following on ESPN, and transplants it to the world of hip-hop, with celebrities hosting games in their homes for friends, including athletes (IMG represents several), musicians and actors.
According to pokerlistings.com, hip-hoppers and others signed up to participate include DJ Clue, DJ Envy, Rhymefest, AZ, Pete Rock, radio personality Big Tigger, and boxer Jab Judah.
