Will.i.am Talks Brands, Tech And The Future In Video Interview

(via Signal L.A.)

Dr. Dre HP Beats Audio Laptop Commercial

Dr. Dre's latest commercial immortalizing himself for his latest creation HP Beats Laptops. Also, the good Doctor gives us a taste of the maligned 'Under Pressure.'

For more info:
HP Laptops

Dr. Dre: Hewlett-Packard “Beats” HP Envy Laptop Part Of 'Let's Do Amazing' Campaign

via the press release

LOS ANGELES, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- HP has tapped 72andSunny for a new brand campaign, launching March 13, 2010.

The campaign introduces the new company tagline, "Let's Do Amazing" and includes seven television spots, digital media and significant employee engagement efforts. The campaign showcases stories that span the breadth of its product and service portfolio, ranging from customer partnerships to employee innovation.

"At 72andSunny our wheelhouse is amplifying our clients' brands in culture and helping them navigate the modern media marketplace. 'Let's Do Amazing' is not just a rallying cry for HP, but something we expect will resonate emotionally with people," said Matt Jarvis, Chief Strategist, 72andSunny.



The effort uses Rhys Darby, of "Flight of the Conchords," to shine a light on all the amazing things people are already doing with HP products and services and to celebrate the "Revolution of Doing" that is underway. The spots feature companies and celebrities ranging from UPS and the Venetian Hotel to Dr. Dre and Annie Leibovitz.

HP selected 72andSunny in a competitive pitch that started with an initial consideration of over 20 agencies.

"HP has expanded significantly over the past five years to become the largest technology company in the world and yet most customers do not see the breadth and depth of what we do. 'Let's Do Amazing' celebrates HP's roll-up-your-sleeves culture of do-ers who don't just talk and don't just think – and will stop at nothing short of amazing to innovate and deliver for customers," said Glenna Patton, vice president of Brand Strategy and Experience Design for HP.

Related:
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine Take Over The Audio Spectrum With New HP Envy PCs

Snoop Dogg & Stormtroopers Take Over Times Square For Addias Star Wars Sportswear

via ITN

Snoop was speaking as he launched a new range of Star Wars sportswear in New York which saw him march through Times Square with Darth Vader and his army of Stormtroopers.

Hip-hop megastar Snoop Dogg says being a part of the all-star group to re-record charity single We Are the World was an honour.

The rapper said: "To be there with so many big names, celebrities and singers, entertainers, it was a treat for me."

More than 70 artists including Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and Kanye West were invited to sing on the record which was organised by legendary producer Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie.

The group got together at the same Hollywood studio as the 1985 original was recorded. The track is to raise cash for the victims of the Haitian earthquake.

Photos links from the event:
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo
Globe Photos

Theophilus London - 'Humdrum Town' Video Play Widget + Free Download Now Available

from press release

Brooklyn rapper, songwriter and producer Theophilus London today releases the new video for his debut single "Humdrum Town." Available as a free download exclusively on Green Label Sound, "Humdrum Town" showcases London's signature blend of electro, hip-hop, soul and pop.

"I was watching and listening to a lot of melancholy Marvin Gaye songs and videos," commented Theophilus London about the video concept. "A lot of inspiration came from there. I always thought of what my first video would be like when I got started into music and I feel really good about this one."

Directed by Ben Fries, who also directed the "I Will Come Back" video for fellow Brooklynites Holy Ghost!, "Humdrum Town" is a unique story split between two parallel narratives. Shot in various locations throughout New York City, narrative one is a traditional story that follows the journey of our main character Theophilus through cityscapes to an unknown bar and narrative two is a traditional "videoke" film also set to "Humdrum Town". Over the course of the video, both stories merge to bring the two moments in time together.

"We based the look of the karaoke bar on the bar from Scorsese's Mean Streets and lit it hard red," said director Ben Fries about the shoot. "Most of the karaoke extras in the video where people that we met while scouting karaoke bar locations. We had a really early call for the karaoke shoot and we got the sloppy late night karaoke vibe going at 5am. There was a really good vibe on set."

The FREE download of 'Humdrum Town' here:
Theophilus London - 'Humdrum Town'

Nelly Gets 2011 Ford Mustang Customized By DUB Magazine Featured In Upcoming Album Artwork

via the press release

The 2011 Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming album's artwork. The album, set to launch this spring, will feature a tricked-out 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine.

The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul, who was most recently ranked third on Billboard Magazine's "Artist of the Decade List," says the Mustang is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the streets.

"I don't care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you've had a conversation about a Mustang – and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one," says Nelly. "I've always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can't help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style."

Nelly's tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford's design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Ford's design team and DUB's customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.

Crystal Worthem, Ford's Multicultural Marketing communications manager, says Nelly is an amazing partner for Ford: Nelly has an impressive history within the entertainment world, just as the Mustang has a strong history within the automotive world.

"Nelly is a true car guy, there's no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit," said Worthem.

"The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films," Worthem added. "This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we're excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010."

The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a one off custom wide body Street Scene body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch TIS Modular wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, Eibach springs, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust.

In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers.

Nelly says he can't wait to hit the streets in his 2011 Mustang GT.

"I'm itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting," said Nelly.

Photos from Nelly's appearance in Detroit at the 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards in conjunction with the recent 2010 Detroit auto show here:
Wire Image

Steve Soute: Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige And Hip Hop Brand Matcher Pt. 2

Related:
Steve Soute: Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige And Hip Hop Brand Matcher Pt. 1

Ludacris: Learn More About Conjure Cognac

Learn more about Ludacris' Conjure Cognac here:
Conjure Cognac website

And please drink responsibly!

Steve Soute: Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige And Hip Hop Brand Matcher Pt. 1

Blakroc: Get Your Very Own Blakroc Custom Car Edition

Girl not included.

as seen on Pitchfork

Here's what it comes with...



"the BlakRoc Camaro has been equipped with sleek, stylish accents that tie in with the BlakRoc brand." Considering all the flash and talk of "branding," we get a feeling Blakroc guru Damon Dash may be behind this glossy bit of synergy. And why not?! For those interested in buying one of these sleek vehicles-- USB port included!-- they're only on sale at Carl Black (!) Chevrolet in Atlanta and Nashville.

Learn more about the Blakroc Custom Chevy Camero Edition here:
Blakroc Camero

Related:
Blakroc: Pre Order The Album

Snoop Talks Brand Identity On CNBC With Maria Bartiromo

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The interview will run the week of Snoop's release 'Malice N Wonderland' on December 8.

Snoop Mentors During Global Entrepreneurship Week

As reported by Vivek Wadhwa at Tech Crunch.

You are probably asking yourself, what the heck does the controversial and highly successful rapper have to do with entrepreneurship? Snoop has graciously agreed to serve on a Nov. 16 mentoring panel that features high-powered entrepreneurs handing out sage advice on how they launched and grew their businesses and brands. No doubt, Snoop has built one of the most durable brands in the notoriously volatile world of hip-hop. In fact, I’d wager that Snoop could give some solid lessons to some of the top decision makers and brand masters on a global basis. The panel is but one of a huge slate of events arranged by the Kauffman Foundation for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Those events span the globe, running in 85 countries and hundreds of venues all with a singular goal—to spur innovative thinkers to do innovative things. The emphasis of many of the events, not surprisingly, is technology. The events are designed to teach, inspire, and foster collaboration among entrepreneurs (many of whom may not even know they are entrepreneurs yet). Aside from getting some sage advice from the original Snoop, the week is also chock full of opportunities for entrepreneurs of every type.

Read more of the article here:
Tech Crunch - Snoop Dogg, Entrepreneurship and Rajasthan

About the mentoring panel:

Mentoring Madness offers aspiring entrepreneurs a change to get advice that makes a difference. This year’s panel of experts includes rapper Snoop Dogg, Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes; Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital; and, Stephen P. Hanson, founder and president of B.R. Guest Restaurants.

The panel will offer advice to a group of university students gathered at the New York Stock Exchange November 16, which will be available for Webcast during Global Entrepreneurship Week events around the world.

The event will also feature three finalists from Movers & Changers, a nationwide business plan competition run by mtvU and NYSE Euronext to uncover creative capitalists who will do create a profitable and sustainable venture that also provides something positive for a community, the country, or the world. These finalists will give their business pitches to the panel, with the top idea awarded $25,000 in startup funds.

To participate in the event, Partners can host their own mentoring event by inviting successful entrepreneurs from their local community to talk with students and incorporate the NYSE Euronext feed of Mentoring Madness.
(source)

Devyne Stephens: Music Industry Artist Manager Video Profile and Interview

In this day and age, stars are not necessarily born. The ones who have the talent, drive, crafty viral campaigns, songwriting abilities, exude "Star Quality", a little luck and of course making good music, have a chance to make it as an artist in the music business. Devyne Stephens is one person who recognizes all these qualities and understands how each artist he works with fits in today's music market place. As CEO of Upfront Megatainment management company and Vice President of Konvict Music, Devyne Stephens currently works with the likes of Akon, T-Pain and Lady Gaga and earlier in his career at LaFace Records helped guide the careers of Usher and TLC.



Also a recent BallerStatus interview with Devyne Stephens:

BallerStatus.com: I know that you have been a big part of Akon's career. Tell me a little bit about your relationship with him?

Devyne Stephens: Me and Akon started out as friends and I would advise him on his career before we even got into the business. Before I actually signed him to my production company, I took him through the whole regimen of artist development. His development took a little bit longer because he had a very unique and diverse sound. It took a minute for people to gravitate to his style of writing and his sound. We became partners after the success and here we are.

BallerStatus.com: What is that you look for to develop an artist into a megastar like Akon or T-Pain? What does that process look like?

Devyne Stephens: Actually it's not just developing the art, but developing the human being. [We teach] them about life and different things, not just style and imaging and A&R and how to make records, but the overall makeover. Just really look for their drive and passion.

Read more of the interview here:
BallerStatus.com - Devyne Stephens

Learn more about Upfront Megatainment here:
Upfront Megatainment

(video courtesy of rollingoutTELEVISION)

Fabolous Reebok Classic Remix Concert And NYC In Store Video, Photos Posted

Fabolous LIVE @ Santo's Party House, NYC from reebokclassicremix on Vimeo.

Last night at Santos Party House in New York City for the Reebok Remix Classic Show hosted by Reebok and Hot 97.

Photos posted:
Wire Image - Show
Wire Image - In Store

Fabolous "Loso’s Way" on IDJ/Desert Storm out now.

(video courtesy of Reebok, djtommygunz, Hot97NY and TheFaderTeam)

Addias Originals And Def Jam 25th Anniversary Shoe Line

(article courtesy of Freshnessmag)

Two of the best in the respective sneaker and music industry, Adidas and Def Jam, had come together this year to collaborate on a collection of sneakers to celebrate Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary.

Amongst this collection are cool renditions of the signature Forum Mid and Stan Smith II in red, black and gold. The special edition Stan Smith II features a plush black suede upper highlighted with red accents. Both Def Jam and Adidas logos are incorporated into the kicks for some major brand recognition. The Def Jam logo is printed in white on the side heel panel and it also shares a spot with the Adidas Originals logo on the tongue and heel. A thoughtful design detail to note would be a small turntable graphic that is printed on the opposite side of the heel panel, a fitting motif for Def Jam in the music business.

Read and see more here