Via: Hiphopwired.com
Oprah’s OWN network channel has now been unleashed as of January 1, 2011! The Oprah Winfrey Network also known as “OWN” had its countdown earlier in the day until it started showing its first official programming. One of its first original TV series is called “Master Class” and featured an inside look at the upbringing and rise to fame of rap star Jay-Z.
According to the OWN website, “Oprah Presents Master Class” officially debuts on January 2nd, so viewers got a sneak peek a day earlier. Rapper Jay-Z talked about his up-and-down life, which included success and failure. Jay-Z talked about his rough upbringing in the Marcy projects of Brooklyn, New York, without a father. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, spoke of writing rhymes all day long and receiving early words of wisdom from his loving mother.
Most importantly, Jay-Z talked about staying true to self, and also noted that his failures taught him more than success, including the failure to get signed to a record label deal. That particular downfall ultimately brought Jay-Z to create his own label instead. The rest is history, as Jay-Z is now world famous for his rhymes and has become his own brand, spawning new ventures in many different businesses. This was truly an insightful look at Jay-Z and how he gained success.
This new “Master Class” series may be a true gem among the great programming that Oprah plans to offer on her network. Other celebs shown in the intro included Diane Sawyer, Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier. Each of these people has risen to prominence in their own ways and can offer important lessons to inspire others, much like Oprah Winfrey can. Oprah is now a multimedia mogul, just like her first spotlighted celeb, Jay-Z.
It seems Oprah will have a real hit on her hands with the OWN network channel. Then again, everything she touches turns to gold. Other programs will include “The Gayle King Show,” “Dr. Phil,” and “Ask Oprah’s All Stars.” Many of the programs air multiple times during the day. On January 1, 2011, the first day of programming, Oprah will also have “Season 25: Oprah Behind The Scenes” which will be a look at Winfrey’s life as she works on the final season of her daytime talk show.
