Please, somebody please tell me this is a joke: the Global Gaming League (GGL), in conjunction with Snoop Dogg, has announced the formation of the Hip Hope Gaming League, with Snoop serving as the league’s first commissioner.

The league will consist of prominent hip hope stars such as Proof (D12), Kaine (Ying Yang Twins), Twista, BReal of Cypress Hill and Method Man (Wu Tang Clan), among others. These “playas” have been selected for their video game skills, as well as their distinction in the hip-hop community.

Matches will begin online this March and conclude this May with a live Finals event in Las Vegas. The winner will be given “eternal bragging rights” and a substantial donation will be made to the Snoop Youth Football League on the champion’s behalf.

“I’m an initiator, and this new intersection of hip hop and video gaming is something that’s ready to happen,” said Commissioner Snoop. “Hip hop loves video gaming, and I’ve been watching this develop into the next big sport. The HHGL is my way of taking it to the next level. We’re going to take this thing straight over the stratosphere, and the whole world can watch and participate as people like myself — who hate to lose — put it on the line.”

All HHGL players will have custom Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system’s professionally installed in the location of their choice (crib, tour bus, favorite club, etc), and all competition will take place over the Xbox Live(R) network. Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are the official console and online gaming sponsor of the HHGL inaugural season, joining platinum sponsor Sprite in promoting the league and making exclusive content available to its customers.

All HHGL matches will be officially sanctioned by the GGL meaning that they are guaranteed to have no lag and to be completely fair. The video games selected for the inaugural season were still being reviewed by Commissioner Snoop and the GGL at press time with an announcement expected shortly. It is projected that Xbox 360 sports games will figure prominently in League play.

Interested hip-hoppers can hop on to HHGL’s website for more information of this ludicrous event.

Gamespot has learned from Midway CEO David Zucker that the Snoop Dogg and John Singleton shooter-project Fear & Respect has been cancelled. He doesn’t mention the reason for cancellation, but his statements indicate that the company doesn’t wish to partake in a crowded genre.

The company, however, is working with the duo on another game, though the status of the project is unknown at the moment.