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2nd Annual Rollin' 24 Deep: GM ALL-CAR SHOWDOWN: GM Uses "Diesel" To Fuel The Showdown! Eric Elston, 07.14.05 The “Showdown” is an invitation-only, “Red Carpet” affair glorifying the hottest modified GM vehicles, both vintage and present-day, along with world-class athletes and celebrities. Yet, the Red Carpet is reserved for the rides, not the celebs. As many auto companies try to touch the urban market, the dynamic duo of General Motors and Shaq “Diesel” show us why they have the keys in hand to start the engines of the urban elite. It’s showtime in LA, the City of Angels, the revered town built on Hollywood dreams. But for now, the dream is to become the “King of Bling,” a self-proclaimed title from GM that sways celebrities and professional athletes to travel miles on 24s to compete for the prestigious trophy of glamour. This dream definitely came true for a few at t he 2 nd annual Rollin’ 24 Deep: GM All-Car Showdown, which was hosted by Shaquille O’Neal. LA, LA. I heard the wonderful stories of Tinsel Town from Automotive Rhythms cohorts’ G-Joe and his Red Carpet Diaries to C. Amos’ Image is Everything. But for some reason, I felt my west coast journey was going to be unique in its own Essence. My big secret? I was a rookie to the legendary strips of Melrose Avenue and Rodeo Drive. However, I still jumped off the plane from Vegas with a relentless swagger as if I held Shaq to a donut in the playoffs (that’s no points for you non-sports buffs). Ok, back to action. After watching my homeboy, Chicago Bulls’ new edition Eddie Basden dominate the Reebok Summer League, I realized I had to bring my “A” game to the “Big Showdown” in LA. Down Melrose we go! Even though I brushed my shoulders off several times (Jigga would have been proud) before entering Paramount Studios to put my footprint in the Red Carpet, I was suddenly caught in the Matrix! Oh Wow! This was not your ordinary car show. The venue was impeccably designed, even down to the red velvet asphalt for the fashion models that uniquely displayed the creative craftsmanship of sheet medal, audio, style and horsepower. Twelve athletes and twelve celebrities put their GM rides on the runway to raise money for charity. The elaborate evening benefited various national and local children’s charities including the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Clubs supported by Shaq himself. The competition allowed the contestants to show-off their flipped GM whips including the host of the event, Shaq, DJ Funkmaster Flex, NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody, boxer James “Lights Out” Tony, actor Orlando Jones , Miami Heat baller Dwayne Wade, and many more. The heat really turned up when I started to get intense after my intimate conversation with Vida Guerra about getting some accurate digits (prices on customization packages that is). Then Macy Gray literally moved the crowd with her black, oversized 2003 HUMMER with Jurassic Park lights, roll bars and dinosaur-sized tires. Evidently, she took home the “Best Exterior” award. Shanna Moakler (Meet the Barkers) had us all talking by nabbing the “Best Classic Car” honors with her 1953 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. To cap the evening, Corey Maggette cleared the judges’ booth by winning the highly contested competition with the “Bling of All Bling,” a purple 2003 Escalade ESV. He instantly captured the title for “Best Bling” and “Best Interior” with Louis Vuitton upholstery and glass seats. The LA Clipper was crowned with the big trophy and a diamond studded GM car key designed by Jacob the Jeweler. After the bling, I was able to show off my two-step with the entertainment of Fat Joe, Kiesha Cole and Ciera. Automotive Rhythms has been to a lot of sick parties and VIP affairs, and this one definitely ranks in the upper echelon of the summer’s finest. So you can’t help but ask, “mirror mirror on the wall, who has next years’ most “bling-bling” ride of all? Stay tuned to AR for the answer! Actor Orlando Jones and his 1962 Chevy Belair!! Adrien Brody & Shaq Ashton and John Sigleton talk about who drives faster Automotive Rhythms' Eric Elston and Actress Stacy Ford Vida Guerra rips everyone's attention Ciara whinds it up Corey Maggette gets ready to take the crown Corey Maggette, Michael Clarke Duncan and others Corey's ESV wheel Corey's ESV audio Corey's ESV exterior Corey's ESV with glass interior Dwayne Wade and his HUMMER Fat Joe & Keyshia Cole perform together Funkmaster Flex, Macy Gray & Shaq Let's get ready to Rumble!! Macy Gray's Adventurous HUMMER H2 Maria Menounos and her Caddy Michelle Rodriquez and her SSR Shanna Moakler and Frankie Muniz Terrell Owens and his classic The Queen of Bling Mrs. O'Neal Willie McGinest and his classic Winners Take All