Hudson, Lachey Come Out For Premiere of Jay-Z’s SUV

Jay-Z and General Motors are teaming up to bring a stylish hue to a rugged sport utility vehicle.

The music mogul emerged from a concept GMC Yukon Denali SUV on stage Saturday during a celebrity-filled party thrown by General Motors Corp. on the eve of media previews for the North American International Auto Show.

Painted “Jay-Z Blue,” the SUV was developed through a partnership with the rapper during the past two years. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, worked with the company’s global color studio to create the reflective blue color for the SUV.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to drive one of them out of here tonight,” he said.

The world’s No. 1 automaker invited several celebrities to escort new vehicles down a brightly lit catwalk inside a massive tent along the Detroit River. Posing with the vehicles were Carmen Electra, Jennifer Hudson, Vivica A. Fox, Rosie Perez, Christian Slater, Mario Lopez and Nick Lachey.

When it comes to a first car, the celebrities said they had humble beginnings.

Perez, who helped model a gold Pontiac Solstice Club Sport, said she bought her first car, a Datsun B210, from a college classmate who “had a terrible cocaine and crack habit. She’s was just like `I need money’ and I said, `Give me your car — $150.”’

Apparently Hollywood has been good to Perez, who said she now drives a Volvo and a Range Rover.

Lachey, who gained fame as a member of boy band 98 Degrees, said his first car growing up in Cincinnati was a 1981 Toyota Corolla hatchback “full of rust.” He now has a car and a truck — brands not disclosed.

“I’m lucky to have a little of both worlds and do whatever you feel like driving that day,” Lachey said.