Turning Up the Volume: LeBron James and Dr. Dre Rock the Cover of ESPN The Magazine’s First-Ever Music Issue

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Turning Up the Volume: LeBron James and Dr. Dre Rock the Cover of ESPN The Magazine’s First-Ever Music Issue

–Pages Pay Tribute to Converging Worlds of Sport and Song–

In 1992 Michael Jackson asked Michael Jordan if they could try on each other’s shoes for his “Jam” video. The problem was, the King of Pop couldn’t ball, His Airness couldn’t dance, and both looked ridiculous for trying, setting back jock-musician relations for the next decade.  But all is forgiven now.  Just in time for the Grammys, ESPN The Magazine introduces its first-ever “Music Issue,” examining the new blueprint that rules the converging worlds of sports and entertainment.

Hitting newsstands Friday, February 8, LeBron James and Dr. Dre grace the cover of the current issue, while in the accompanying feature, “Speakerheads,” J. Freedom du Lac traces the phenomenon that is Beats By Dr. Dre—the duo’s burgeoning headphone brand rocked by athletes ranging from Michael Phelps and Cam Newton to King James himself.

“The Music Issue” also features “Cover Acts,” where The Mag asked 14 noteworthy athletes including Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Lochte, Alex Morgan, Josh Freeman and others to recreate some of the most iconic album covers of all time.  Throughout the issue and online at www.espn.com/musicissue, those same athletes and artists—along with a few other online exclusive stars— share the playlists that make them want to turn up the volume and get moving.  Fans can also listen to these playlists at www.espn.com/sounds, which will be updated regularly throughout the issue’s run.

Also in the “Music Issue” – “The Crossover to End All Crossovers,” an in-depth examination of how LeBron and Jay-Z used their swagger to become cultural icons; “Game Love,” chronicling Mackelmore’s surprising rise; and “Bass Baller,” where Kenny Mayne sits down with Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, who jams on hoops and Bieber.

“The Music Issue” Features:

He Can Run a Route But Can He Rock a Rhyme?                                                                                           

Like so many two-way artists before him, DeSean Jackson is ignoring his critics. By Carmen R. Thompson

Sit Happens

Our intrepid reporter competed in the Musical Chairs World Championship to see if he could beat the music. By David Fleming

Cue La Musica

 For Latino ballplayers, walk-up songs are a link to the culture they’ve left miles behind.

Brooklyn State of Mind

 Since the Nets moved to Barclays, every game has featured a unique score. By Jared Zwerling

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Media Contact: Carrie Kreiswirth – 860-766-6042

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