Sunday, March 18, 2007

Hip-Hop's DMX Makes SXSW Austin Appearance


DMX, the Austin-based international "sensory design" think-tank that creates brand experiences for commercial environments, is taking over its hometown this week and making a huge splash at SXSW 2007. Included among the week's activities is DMX's sponsorship of the SXSW Registrant's Lounge, executive-level participation in a music conference panel and the launch of a DMX venture for independent and unsigned artists called GETUPLAYED.COM."Being such an integral part of the SXSW experience is truly important to us since we're an Austin company," said Brian McKinley, vice president of marketing at DMX. "The Registrant's Lounge is a great vehicle for us to showcase our core strength of providing an enhanced sensory experience for our clients. Through audio and visual branding, along with scent services, we have created an incredible oasis from the hurried pace that accompanies a festival of this magnitude."The SXSW Registrant's Lounge is open from 4-7pm daily and is located on the corner of 4th St. and Neches, right next to the Austin Convention Center and the Austin Hilton. By being in the thick of it all, DMX has created a lounge where conference attendees can drop in to catch up with friends, have a drink or catch up on email before hitting showcases later in the evening. It's also a great opportunity for SXSW attendees to see the type of environment that DMX creates for its customers, including hip music and graphics, along with their recently launched scent product.In addition to sponsoring the registrant's lounge at SXSW, DMX has also seated their Sr. Vice President of Worldwide Business Affairs, Barry Knittel, on a music conference panel entitled "The Relevance of Retail." The panel takes place Friday, March 16 at 11am in Room 19A of the Austin Convention Center. Mr. Knittel is a former Vice President of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and will bring his expertise in label relationships and licensing to the roundtable discussion. SXSW will also serve as the launch pad for a new DMX venture called GETUPLAYED. Focused on supporting independent and up-and-coming artists, this initiative will provide another avenue by which artists can get their music heard and get paid, even though they may not currently have a recording contract. It also gives artists and bands the chance to get played in environments where they wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity, such as hotels, restaurants and retail stores. For more information, visit the site at http://www.getuplayed.com/.With a background in research, DMX works closely with businesses of all sizes to design and implement sensory branding that is targeted to its clientele and helps create unforgettable experiences. DMX provides its customers extensive operational support, enabling it to efficiently and effectively handle system roll-outs of any size, from a single outlet to a nationwide chain. About DMX Recognized as an international design think-tank that creates brand experiences for commercial environments, DMX uses sight, sound and science as building blocks. The company's services include full motion video, music, messages and environmental scents that provide brand texture for its customers and create integrated, multi-sensory environments that drive repeat business. DMX also provides music for cable television networks worldwide. For over 35 years, DMX's customers have included prominent industry leaders and represent some of the most identifiable international brands such as Nike, Starwood Hotels, 24 Hour Fitness, American Eagle, and many others. For more information please visit us on the Web at http://www.dmx.com/.

Notorious B.I.G. Hip-Hop Album Is Billboard's #1


The Notorious B.I.G.'s "GREATEST HITS," the new Bad Boy Records compilation honoring the extraordinary life and career of the late, great hip-hop legend, has made a triumphant #1 debut on both the Billboard 200 and "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" charts this week, with sales of nearly 100,000 units. This marks B.I.G.'s third #1 album, as well as Bad Boy's third consecutive album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, following "DANITY KANE" and Diddy's "PRESS PLAY.""Everything my Son was a part of has been golden," said Voletta Wallace, mother of Christopher Wallace (aka The Notorious B.I.G.). "For his presence to be felt ten years after his murder, as if he was still here today, is very touching and overwhelming. The fans have really shown their love for my Son throughout the years, and I appreciate each and every one of them for their continued support, love, and respect of his art, music, and life! Blessings!!!""No one expected Biggie to enter at #1 on the Billboard charts this week, not even myself," said Bad Boy CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs. "This is a true testament to the historic impact he has had on the lives of music lovers. Numbers don't lie - Biggie is the greatest and he still has the greatest fans."The Notorious B.I.G.'s "GREATEST HITS" gathers classic tracks spanning the one-and-only Biggie Smalls's prolific, all-too-brief career. The set celebrates what is unquestionably ranked as one of hip-hop's most remarkable bodies of work, gathering together such iconic classics as "Juicy," "One More Chance," "Big Poppa," "Notorious Thugs," "Ten Crack Commandments," "Dead Wrong," and the #1 smash, "Hypnotize." In addition, the album features a pair of never-before-released tracks: "Running Your Mouth" and "Want That Old Thing Back."Biggie was recently honored by The Source with a special commemorative issue, featuring five collectable covers marking the 10th anniversary of the Brooklyn-born-and-bred rapper's untimely passing on March 9, 1997. The feature took an in-depth look at B.I.G.'s life and legacy, noting that "a decade later, he is still a leader to follow."The Notorious B.I.G.'s "GREATEST HITS" follows the RIAA platinum-certified "DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER," which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 upon its December 2005 release. Hailed by many as the greatest MC of all time, the Notorious B.I.G. was Bad Boy's flagship artist. From his early verses on Craig Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)" and "Real Love" by Mary J. Blige, it was clear to the hip-hop world that a new king had been crowned. Biggie solidified his position with his classic 1994 debut album, "READY TO DIE." Through the combination of Sean Combs' powerful production and B.I.G.'s vivid rhymes, the disc brought Bad Boy Records to the forefront of East Coast hip-hop and went to sell over four million copies.Tragically, this superstar's life was cut short on March 9, 1997, when he fell victim to a shooting. Released just two weeks later, the double album "LIFE AFTER DEATH" instantly confirmed Biggie's status as a modern musical giant. Universally considered to be among the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, "LIFE AFTER DEATH" went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide, fueled by B.I.G.'s timeless lyricism and such chart-topping singles as the classic "Mo Money, Mo Problems." Since his passing, B.I.G.'s legacy has been kept alive via such posthumous releases as 1999's double platinum "BORN AGAIN" and 2005's "DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER." More significantly, he lives on through his profound influence on modern hip-hop. A prolific poet of the streets, a charismatic performer, and an honest, impassioned storyteller, the Notorious B.I.G. remains a true superstar to this very day.



Music Blogs -  Blog Catalog Blog Directory Subscribe to RSS Feed Blogarama - The Blog Directory