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Promotions
Jul
3
Gladwell, Anderson, Godin, and Bad Brains
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For fans of best selling authors Malcolm Gladwell (“Tipping Point”) and Chris Anderson (“The Long Tail”), what’s one to do when you find that the authors of your favorite books are at odds over the future of “free” (also the title of Anderson’s new book)? The answer- look to another best seller, Seth Godin (”Tribes”). On his new blog post, he defends Anderson’s point of view also found in his book.
After reading Gladwell’s review of Free in The New Yorker, I concur that there are indeed significant costs associated with the development of the …
Jul
2
On the night of Michael Jackson’s death iTunes had banners already up that allowed visitors to click and buy his music. Just days after his death, his father was on the carpet of the BET Awards pitching his new label. There are unconfirmed reports that one of his alleged child victims is recanting his story and saying it was all done for money. The Staple Center is reportedly hosting Jackson’s memorial service, and initially they were reportedly going to charge $25 for the public to attend, but apparently changed plans according to Radaronline. It’d be interesting to know how much …
Jun
26
Upon a visit to iTunes on the day of his death at the top display spot was Michael Jackson. Unlike most of the artists who fill that spot for a limited time, Michael’s name will forever have a place on top of anything music related. The world fell in love with him as a child, and our fascination with him never waned. 
Regardless of whether the accusations off the stage were true or not, the reality is that on stage, Michael Jackson was not only an icon, but also the world’s greatest entertainer. The industry is …
Jun
23
INTERVIEW BY KHALID STRICKLAND a.k.a. BLACK PACINO
Last week I attended a media luncheon for State Property’s Freeway and his young protege, Bizz a.k.a. The Prince of Jersey. The event went down at one of my favorite places to handle business, Hawaiian Tropic Zone in Times Square. HTZ’s bikini-clad waitresses, colorful alcoholic beverages and pleasant climate-control makes it one of my go-to meeting spots. Many members of the press were in the house including Angela Yee of the Shade 45 Morning Show, with …
Jun
22
By combining the elements of Jazz, Soul, and Punk aesthetics, and traditional Hip Hop, Shinobi Stalin’s debut full-length shines forth with a lyrical prowess that many would agree is missing in today’s hip hop shuffle. In other words, the music (lyrically and production-wise) takes on a style of its own. “Zombie School” strikes a balance between light and dark, happiness and misery, content and discontent. Built around a wide array of samples, the album is aesthetically based in mid-90s hip hop production without falling to the boredom that comes with most “throw back” rap music. Shunning the …
Jun
19
Artist Spotlight: The Council
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Members of Bay area’s The Council, Keeloz and Smokadoshes, step to the hip hop game with a brand new flair and sound. They focus on a direction not currently seen in this genre- a mesh of hard rap, electronic, club, and crossover music that is nothing short of eclectic and exciting . It’s a refreshing foray that shouldn’t be passed up by fans of quality new hip hop. Check out their sound on their site.
Jun
19
WORDS BY KHALID STRICKLAND a.k.a. BLACK PACINO
Although they come standard with every album release, all music videos are not created equal. Many are cranked out with soulless, re-hashed ideas scooped from a can. Other videos, like those directed by Yolande Geralds, stand alone as works of visual art and coherent storytelling. Geralds sharpened her chops while paying dues in the film industry, developing skills that now serve her well as a director. She worked in Casting for films like New Jersey Drive and The Daytrippers, among other …
Jun
19
Artist Spotlight: MC Astro
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MC Astro is currently promoting his full-length debut “I’m Not You.” He’s been a key player in the Texas underground hip hop and electronic scene for over a decade. His new album showcases artists & producers from his home town of Dallas and features collaboration with the Ingenious Music NYC family. MC Astro satisfies a wide spectrum of musical tastes including, intelligent hip hop, dirty south, and east to west coast styles - all tied together with groovin’ drum & bass rhythms. Check him out at Poor Vida Productions site.
Jun
19
Acknowledge the Power of Soul
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Naomi Shelton brings the soul that lacking in 99% of R&B today.
Jun
19
Biz Markie Beat Boxes on Nick Show
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