Bill Cosby using media outlets

The New York Times reported that Bill Cosby is using media outlets like Facebook and Twitter to promote his new album. Cosby has included 8 outlets on his site billcosby.com. Facebook has an application that allows its users to try Cosby’s familiar sweaters. In his album “Cosnerati state of emergency”, the veteran comedian tries to create a more socially conscious hip-hop. I appreciate what Mr. Cosby is trying to do because hip-hop today isn’t like what it used to be. Back in the late 80s early 90s, music that had a message was a popular thing. Yes, there were some rappers that promoted violence and the use of drugs.
But there were also other artists that portrayed a positive message in their music during those times like Tupac and Public Enemy. These artists provided music that contained a positive message. Tupac created a song called “Dear Momma”, which is considered by many to be Tupac's most emotional and most respected song, and is praised by many artists, (Eminem mentions it as his favorite song) even by many artists who are not into the hip hop business. Public Enemy’s song “Fight the Power” had largely served as the political statement of purpose for the group, and is their biggest single.
I feel that this marketing scheme by Cosby could provide him with a younger fan base that would make his music more popular. Being the fact that people who listen to hip-hop today would rather listen to lyrics from popular artists like 50 Cent and lil Wayne. Using media outlets like Facebook and Twitter would bring younger fans to Cosby’s music.

iPhones taking over the Gaming industry????

Mobile phones are bringing some rapid changes to the gaming industry, there has even been some controversy over which company (Apple, Nintendo and Sony) would bring the best games. Apple has even stated that the iPhone app store has more games than either Sony or Nintendo. Mashable.com conducted a vote that nearly 2000 people participated in, and concluded that more people voted for the iPhone. The iPhone secured 704 votes, Sony’s PSP got 639 voters, and the Nintendo DS received 482 voters.

Gaming for have come a long way since the days of corny cell phone games like Snake and Pacman. I think the only reason why iPhone games are more popular than the regular hand held’s because the iPhone has its own touch screen graphical interface. Also during game play you’re able to turn the phone, and use it as a directional button. This could be a new marketing scheme by Apple because, now their bringing the iPhone into everything. Now that Apple’s gradually taking over the gaming industry, it makes you wonder what will happen next.

The GiO bringing back the idea of home studios?

In 1969, Jimi Hendrix climaxed the Woodstock festival with his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. At Woodstock the audience peaked at over 500,000 people. Hendrix had a wall of amplifiers that blew everyone’s minds with the rocking sounds that emanated from his guitar. Now, Apogee has unleashed a guitar interface called the GiO. According to futuremusic.com, The GiO can provide the same quality sound like what Hendrix did at Woodstock.

Musicians are able to access different sounds and control the recording process from your feet with the GiO. The GiO also gives musicians the chance to be mobile by having the ability to manipulate both the guitar and the computer at the same time. Mac created a program called Logic Studio that gives musicians 25 simulated amplified sounds for $500. With the advent of this new computer software musicians are now able to provide more of a quality sound with the GiO than what Hendrix ever could with regular amplifiers.

This could be a possible trend in the music industry because more artists are starting to produce their own music at home and USA Today also reported that music software sales are booming, according to the National Association of Music Merchants, which represents music shops. Also that their revenue has grown to almost $500 million in 2008, from $140 million in 1999. Guitarists, who do session work or collaborate with others, don't even have to bother re-recording a track later. With the advent of the GiO would the regular recording studios lose money? Tony Berg a veteran music producer believes that the GiO is the future of the recording industry. And with all these attachments for Macs who knows, maybe the next big thing is to connect a pot to the Mac and see if it could cook something. Who knows? The possibilities are endless.