About // Contact

• Home
• Interviews
• Music
• Podcast
• Reviews

Hip-Hop

Anybody Checking Up on Global Grind?

So I got an email last week to check up on Global Grind, which describes itself as a “custom web 2.0 home page solution for the hip hop generation.” It’s the creation of 360hiphop/BET networks and it just received 4.5 million dollars in first round funding, though the application is still in beta mode. It’s based the Web 2.0 applications such as iGoogle and Netvibes that allow you to create personalized homepages using RSS feeds, video, and news content. Global Grind goes a bit further, adding news from sources like The Fader, SOHH, and Jossip. You can also add “Grinds” from sites like Nah Right and ESPN. Just like iGoogle or Facebook, you can move and arrange the content boxes as you see fit. The only thing that is “hip-hop” about this site is their fledgling “news” section, that pulls relevant urban news stores from multiple sources as well as give links to related content.

As most of y’all know, I’m a techie at heart, so I had to check this out and see if it’s worthwhile, and right now it’s not. If you already have an account for NetVibes and iGoogle, then there really isn’t much more that Global Grind offers. But I’m sure that since most people haven’t caught onto the Web 2.0 homepage thing, the target market for GG will be people who have no homepage at all, and that is the area which this site will probabaly make some inroads amoung “urban” listeners.

---

iPod

Gear: iPhone drops Today

So if you didn’t know, Apple is releasing their iPhone at 6PM today. Are any of y’all getting it? If so, I’ll be your best friend forever (no Larry Johnson).

Anyway, I’ve been salivating over this thing for months. See…I bought an iPod last year and ever since then I’m in the “whatever Apple touches is gold” camp (Dallas Penn has the best theory about how those dudes at Apple swindle you into loving their ish). The iPhone promises full Internet browsing, intergrated email, visual voicemail, and even Google Maps and YouTube integration in addition to….um, making phone calls. I haven’t gotten my hands on an actual iPhone (a trek out to the Apple Store is in the works), but if this phone does half the things that its promised in the commercials, them I’m sold.

That is, until you look at the price. $599? For a phone? You gots to be kidding me. The other downsides are that you can’t send picture text messages or use MP3s as ringtones. Also, they want you to pay 99 cents to buy a ringtone from their Ringtone store. 99 cents?? Isn’t that the price of a a full song from iTunes? Hmm…ripoff much?

Having that said, the iPhone is probably better than that wack cell phone that you have in your pocket right now, so I can’t hate.

---

Art/Graf Culture, Fashion, Hip-Hop

Fashion: Parish Nation

Parish Nation is the new clothing company started by former Enyce member Chaka Wilson in New York. The fashion is definitely a throwback to the mid to late 80’s era of NYC Hip-Hop. The concept is a mix of high art and fashion: bright colors, flamboyant design, large prints, etc. The influences for the line mix everything from Andy Warhol to Grandmaster Flash.

I was never a big fan of Enyce, but I’m diggin’ the design of P Nation and the non corporate ascetic to what they do. And the artwork is by far some of the best stuff I’ve seen on a T-Shirt design. The dudes were nice enough to send me one of their signature Tees, and people around DC are already starting to ask about it. Right now, I don’t know where you get these styles outside of NYC, but check their website for more details.

Official Website
Parish Nation Interview in FormatMag

---

iPod

New Gear: Microsoft Zune

Microsoft dropped its “iPod killer” this week to mixed reviews. The 30GB Zune has more features than the iPod–a larger screen, FM Radio, Wi-Fi capabilities and a longer, 14 hour battery life. But on the downside, the Zune can’t be used as an external hard drive, and the Wi-Fi will only connect to other Zune devices and not the internet.

The most interesting feature about the Zune is the ability to send pictures and music to other Zune users through its Wi-Fi connection. Of course, thanks to the RIAA, songs that you send can only be played three times and expires in 3 days, but this could open up new avenues for social networking and marketers, which could be good and bad. (Actually, I think it’s bad. I already get hit up by wack rappers trying to give me their CD’s. Now they can send me songs wirelessly? Aww hell naw!)

Most people aren’t counting on Microsoft to take over the iPod market. It’s not going to be easy. The iPod had a 6 year head start, and now there is a booming accessories market. Companies like BMW and Mini already have iPod integration in their cars, and now some major airlines are putting iPod connectors in their planes, which will not only allow you to charge your iPod in flight, but alloy you to view your iPod videos through the plane’s headrest TV. Until the Zune pulls deals like that, its gonna be DOA.

---

iPod

Gear: iFlip

As a former iPod hater, I gotta say that they converted me since I got my video iPod. The 4.3 inch screen is decent enough for me and the fact that iTunes is now fully stocked with TV shows makes it a worthwhile deal for me.

However, for those who want to step their game up, Memorex introduces the iFlip for the 8th generation video iPod. The iFlip features an 8.4 inch screen, dual headphone jacks (so you and your girl can watch a movie at the same time), and s-Video out. Also, the iFlip comes with an integrated lithium-ion battery and built in speakers.

The unit looks like it could be a success. Its a good look for people who travel, but don’t feel like taking along a laptop and a bunch of DVD’s. iFlip should drop in September and retail for around $200. (via iLounge)

---

Sony WTF?

So this isn’t exactly music related, but I thought it might be interesting to point out.

According to the internets there is more to the ad campaign than than the picture above. It’s for the new “white” PSP and it’s supposed to be fighting with the current “black” PSP. The “black” gets to choke the “white” PSP. Woo Hoo?? What do y’all think? (via Digg, PS Forum)

---

Connect

Podcast

Features

Reviews

Events

Quick Hits

Last.FM

Popular Tags