Think Group Media Newsletter

By A.Evans
http://twitter.com/AdotEVANS

Since the beginning of time people have always documented their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. The memoirs that were written by soldiers, philosopher, and others are in essence the earliest version of blogs, without the label of course. The diaries of slaves and holocaust prisoners are definitely blogs as well as historic pieces of writing. The blog itself appears to be a simple documentation of life; in theory living is a blog, verbal or written.

Blogs as Marketing/Entertainment

In today's society, blogs are everything especially for marketing an artist and keeping fans interested. Everyone blogs, NBA players, Recording artist, even the average high school student blogs. Social sites like Myspace and face book enable its entire community to blog and forward their posts to other members to read and follow. The follow feature is the most important part of the blog, without followers it is merely a dairy. Twitter.com has taken the concept of blogs and condensed it to "What are you doing". This concept is a mini blog that can be written every five minutes keeping followers updated on your every move.

Aside from the physical written blog, verbal blogs are now the number one way to gain and keep followers. One of the first verbal bloggers was Muhammad Ali. The legendary boxer used the television as a means of marketing through excessive trash talking and rhymes. This art became the signature for wrestlers in the WWF during the 80's and 90's and found its way in Hip Hop, in fact, the rants, predictions and mini segments that Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior and others used is no different than a segment on a smack DVD, Joe Budden TV or the intro to a song when the artist signs on with cocky boasts.

Video Blogs

From the smack DVD interviews to the World's Largest Skateboard post almost every website has video blogs these days. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers recently made a video blog re-enacting a popular Heineken commercial. It appears this dynamic way to share with the entire world is all about documentation, and creativity. If the camera is rolling and creative people are using their gifts chances are a video blog is on the way. The "Youtube" phenomenon has trickled down to every hip hop website, everyday footage is submitted illustrating comedic scenarios, altercations, talent etc...It appears that in order to be a relevant artist or to make a name for yourself you must submit at least one video blog a week and circulate it everywhere, the more views and downloads you get the larger your stock. If video blogs can have this effect and is accessible at the push of a button, one must wonder what if video blogs become the way to apply for jobs and conduct interviews...

What Do You Think?

Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max Rivers
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers

Teens, Too, Are Tightening Budgets

Demo Is Cutting Back on Food and Excursions, Still Spending on DVDs and Music in Recession

In a recession, one group can usually be counted on to keep spending: teens. Their parents often pick up the tab for necessities, leaving them free to spend the income they earn from part-time jobs and birthday money from grandma on themselves. But in this downturn, a rather surprising phenomenon is emerging: tight fisted teens. Teens generally have about $5,000 a year burning a hole in their pockets, but they are spending about 14% less this spring than in spring '08.

So what are they spending it on? According to Piper Jaffray, they are cutting back on apparel, beauty and food, and excursions to movies, concerts and sporting events. Of course, there are limits: Teens are not willing to live without things such as music, DVDs, video games and video-game systems, and spending in those areas has been less affected.

Apple, Xbox and Electronic Arts can rest easy -- as can Nike and Starbucks.

Though apparel has seen one of the most dramatic declines in spending, slumping 22% year over year, teen spending on accessories is flat, and outlays on shoes have increased 4%. The beauty category has seen a 12% decrease year over year.

What we may be seeing is the creation of a new generation of spenders who look more like their depression-era raised grandparents. they're forming a permanent predisposition to frugality.

Brand marketers must understand this new mentality and make adjustments in their entire marketing mix--not just price and promotion--to be relevant.

Real Talk: Don't Believe The Hype
By Cedric D. Shine
http://twitter.com/NativeNotes

Headlines read; Sen. Arlen Specter helps the Dems reach a fillibuster vote in Congress. Now all of the sudden people who have never heard of Arlen Specter or his voting record are championing him as the key to getting President Obama's policies passed through Congress. As the great philosophers of Public Enemy warned some 20 years ago, "don't believe the hype!"

Arlen Specter is a moderate Republican, and has been one since 1966. What we are witnessing is not some huge philosophical shift where Specter no longer agrees with the fundamentals and the politics of the Republican party. No, what we are seeing is 'politics as usual'. Sen. Specter made the choice to switch parties this weekend after seeing that he was 20 points behind Pat Toomey and to save himself, he sold out his party. If he stayed a Republican, he would have lost in the closed Pennsylvania Republican primaries so he made a power move to the Democratic Party, where he is sure to win in the next election cycle.

What does this all mean? Don't believe the hype, Specter hasn't voted with Dems in overwhelming numbers before and he won't now. He will however walk a fine line between his moral compass and his newly formed political alliance because remember his true goal is to be re-elected to his Senate seat as a Democrat so he will have to play with the Dems a little more than usual. The Dems might have hit the magic number 60 but they don't necessarily have 60 votes.

During the 2008 election Barack Obama urged his supporters to become familiar with the political system so that they could be the vehicle to help change it. That can not happen if we allow mainstream media pundits to shape our understanding of the politics of the day. These pundits are more concerned with T.V. ratings rather than inspiring real hope and change in the people. Your community is desperate for your leadership, in order for you to lead you must first be informed, start by finding out for yourself. Don't waste ink.... think... for yourself and then Make It Happen.


Artist of the Month: Frankie Needles

For more information and bookings visit www.frankieneedles.com and www.frankieneedles.tv

Charismatic, energetic, with a million dollar smile and a voice reminiscent of a finely tuned bass instrument, Manhattan born Frankie Needles started his career as a mobile disc jockey at the age of sixteen. He studied percussion and music theory at The Third Street Music School on New York's Lower East Side and later nurtured his love of music with his first set of turntables in 1986. It wasn't long before he went from bringing down the house at apartment parties in Washington Heights to stirring crowds at many of the hottest clubs on Miami's South Beach; Opium, Mansion and Amnesia just to name a few.

The innovative Master of Ceremonies landed several high-profile DJ sets including a birthday party for Russell Simmons, an NFL Super Bowl 'Super Ballers Weekend' party for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, and a New Year's Eve party for producer Jermaine Dupree. In addition, he hosted the "Frankie Needles Radio Show" on Miami's Mix 96.1 which later landed him an on air mixer position alongside DJ Khaled & DJ Irie on 99 Jamz. His multi-ethnic Latin flavor soon attracted the producers of a cutting edge show "The Roof", after being introduced by world renowned artist Fat Joe. Frankie was quickly invited as a guest DJ and immediately become host and DJ on "The Roof". His creative flair and talent created a unique and diverse fan base for the groundbreaking show featuring Spanish and English programming and for the first time ever, brought national attention to the Latin-Urban movement. The syndicated radio show "The Top 20 Latin Urban Countdown hosted by Frankie Needles" premiered in the summer of 2005 in collaboration with LBC and Westwood One. The weekly, two-hour program features a mix of the hottest Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae music. As a pioneer of the Latin Urban genre Frankie continues to use his influence to help break some of the music industry's well known artists and garnish them increased exposure and promotion. The show has been creating serious noise since hitting the airwaves and continues to enthrall and entertain its listeners throughout the nation. Most recently Frankie Needles served as Music Supervisor and showcased his resonant voice in the film Illegal Tender, directed by John Singleton. He was also invited to appear in "Podemos Con OBAMA" a music video featuring key influential Latin artists in support of Barack Obama during his presidential campaign. The video aired across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Frankie is the official DJ of the Latin Grammys and DJ/host of the McDonalds Latin Grammy Street Parties Tour and he is honored to participate as a panelist on the Latin Grammy in the Schools program to motivate and educate students. Concurrent with his soulful message, "Latinos Stand Up!"™, Frankie Needles is standing up and paving the way for an entire generation, a whole new genre and an exciting new cultural movement! Stay tuned! For more information and bookings visit www.frankieneedles.com, www.frankieneedles.tv or click on photo.

The Studio: Digital Hip-Hop and R&B Show Premiere

Read more...

By A.Evans
http://twitter.com/AdotEVANS

The internet appears to be the best and worst medium ever. At the click of a button you can order a new living room TV, design the layout of an apartment you wish to rent, watch a movie while it is still theaters and even order a spouse from another countries (lol). In fact, the internet has become a Jetson's robot that can do anything. The internet is a master chef, a DJ, the newest record label, the best model agency etc. The internet has killed or diminished physical products and has led to a reduction in newspaper and magazines printed. This convenient method of material gratification has definitely impacted how we shop for items and has affected sales in all types of stores. This is the digital age people and it is here to stay. So when an artist says "Hip Hop isn't dead... its gone digital", they were right on point in fact I think it's safe to say this game we called Life has gone digital. In the words of Dead Prez "It's Bigger than Hip Hop" or as Rick Ross would say it's more than music.

Have you noticed?

Is it me or does it seem like people don't' buy CDs anymore? I mean I remember a time when people would line up outside of Virgin Megastore to copp the new Jigga during the Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 days. The internet has completely taken over in the music industry. Not only can consumer legally or illegally download an album before it comes out, labels now offer the option to sample the album before downloading it fully, that used to be a sampler CD or tape, but is now available online. With multiple platforms like Rhapsody, Limewire, and of course iTunes consumers no longer have to hike to the Virgin Mega Stores, Sam Goody's or Best Buy to get the new latest and greatest albums. The internet has the music industry in such a chokehold you don't even have to go your local hood spot to get your Mix-tapes and promo CD's thanks to websites like "Dat Piff and Get Right Music" to name a few. The impact that the internet has in the music industry is leading to rumors of digital record labels being started which would completely eliminate the physical CD once and for good. It makes me wonder if we went from 45's to 8tracks, to cassette tapes to CDs, to Mp3s; what could possibly be next.

Pros & Cons: Sales & Exposure

There seems to be numerous advantages and disadvantages in the music industry because of the internet especially when it comes to sales. Hip Hop success is based on numbers these days, and how many records you can sell. "Men Lie Women Lie numbers don't" Unfortunately the internet has definitely proven to be a disadvantage for artists that are signed to major labels. The problem lies with albums being leaked and illegally downloaded before the release date. Once the album is downloaded no one attempts to buy an album they already have for free. On the flip side the internet is perfect for the up and coming artists or underground artists to gain exposure and market themselves virally. One mans trash is another mans treasure I guess life is just a double edge sword.

What's next?

Remember when portable CD players came out and you saw someone with a cassette player you laughed or looked at the cassette player like it was a dinosaur? Fast forward to the internet and iTunes era where Mp3 players make CD players look ancient. All you have to do is hook up your device to your computer download your songs, click and drag and you're good. If we are always evolving and moving forward I have to ask what is next. We can already download music to our phones, so what will come after that? Is there gonna be like a micro chip we can place in our ear? What lies ahead for the musical industry in this ever changing digital era will the sales and download epidemic be resolved or will it get worse?

What do you think?

Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max Rivers
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers

The Rise of the C-Tweet

Social media has obviously given voice to employees in ways that never existed before. Early corporate bloggers were often brand enthusiasts themselves and tended to "get" the brand a gut level; soon enough, voice and tone guidelines became more actively put in play to govern blog writing. But Twitter is different. C-level execs are part-lead ambassador, part-celebrity. Twitter accounts can build a cult of personality and extend a dynamic that has long existed for top CEOs into a broader set of C-level executives.

1.The objective
An executive's objectives for a Twitter account are likely a mix of the brand's interest and self-interest. A simple rule of thumb here: If it is conspicuously endorsed by the brand (via the account name or use of the logo, for example), then the objectives should directly align with the vision and mission of the brand. If the brand is merely a description of the executive's occupation, there is more room for flexibility. And, with an endorsed account in particular, have a discussion with internal counsel to set up some basic legal guardrails before you jump in.

2. The commitment
Twitter is a hungry beast. If you're truly in it, you've got to tweet. Conventional wisdom seems to have it at somewhere between five to 10 tweets per day as the minimum for an active account with a healthy following. Generating 30 to 50 compelling, pithy statements (or links or retweets) each week may sound simple, but it can easily turn into a chore. Carve out time in the day to address this need -- to feed the beast without turning this into a distraction.

3. The exit strategy
Admittedly, this is a tough one -- considering the lifespan of Twitter itself and the questions that may exist around its own future. At the end of the day, an executive's account will be more of a reflection on him or her than it is on the brand. Executive impermanence is a fact of life -- and while creating deeper connections between a brand and its key executives can have tremendous value for partners, customers, analysts, employees and investors, an executive's inevitable departure along with several hundred thousand Twitter followers is likely to sting a bit. A strong Twitter following is becoming a brand asset -- and succession planning for the future of this asset is an important consideration. It may be worthwhile to try to mirror an executive's Twitter following within a more overtly corporate account. Or perhaps encourage junior executives to build their own followings, assuming this does not conflict with the points above.

Twitter is yet another example of where brands have to accept a loss of control. In this case, it is not about putting the brand in the hands of the market but in the hands of the people for whom the brand is their livelihood. A certain amount of letting go is a necessity. We will undoubtedly see a few missteps in C-tweets, and we'll learn and move on. Ultimately, the medium may change but basics of branding still apply -- both for the brands themselves and for their executive stewards: Be true, be relevant, be transparent, respect your brand and your customers, don't make a promise you can't keep.

Real Talk: Misunderstood "A Hustler's Tale" By Cedric D. Shine http://twitter.com/NativeNotes

Driven by dreams of material things,Can't blame em; on TV that's all he seen.Takes more than a reckless spirit,To build a crack empire.Learn the ways of the street fast,Or your life will soon expire.Fiends is clickin' to what they got on 43rd,So you set up shop next to the woods on 45th,House in the cut you don't want no ish. Takes more than a reckless spirit to do what your doing.More like economics and trade agreements,In that language you're fluent.If only Columbia or Harvard came to the hood,Maybe this young man wouldn't be misunderstood.With these practices You'd be a top CEO, But instead we're relegated to the streets.It ain't fun out here,Everybody's packing heat. So you wholesale your product,So all the abusers come to you.Now their consumers,Are your customers,And everybody knows you.Business is good, assets and such.Be careful brother, don't press ya luck.You got big dreams,To get ya family out the hood.Never was too flashy,But now your rims are what make you look good.Just some more attention,Before they wave ya goodbye.Coppers watching, enemies plottin', snitches will end ya life. He coulda been bigger than John Rockefeller.Coulda taken his charisma and used it for something better.The world judges you for serving with hope with despair.The streets is watching,You cant sleep,This lovely crack house is surrounded by fiends.Your enemies creep with guns,With ambitions to blow holes in your dreams.Yet the cops pick you up,Putting football numbers behind this big dream.Too many keys to count,You're on your way to the bing. Don't get me wrong, they crooked too.You ain't got no boats to get all these drugs through.All them drugs they caught you with didn't even make it to the precinct.They supply your competition and our communities are still bleeding.Only if Penn State and Temple came to the hood,Maybe this young mans life wouldn't be so misunderstood!

Artist of the Month: Frankie Needles

For more information and bookings visit www.frankieneedles.com and www.frankieneedles.tv

Charismatic, energetic, with a million dollar smile and a voice reminiscent of a finely tuned bass instrument, Manhattan born Frankie Needles started his career as a mobile disc jockey at the age of sixteen. He studied percussion and music theory at The Third Street Music School on New York's Lower East Side and later nurtured his love of music with his first set of turntables in 1986. It wasn't long before he went from bringing down the house at apartment parties in Washington Heights to stirring crowds at many of the hottest clubs on Miami's South Beach; Opium, Mansion and Amnesia just to name a few.

The innovative Master of Ceremonies landed several high-profile DJ sets including a birthday party for Russell Simmons, an NFL Super Bowl 'Super Ballers Weekend' party for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, and a New Year's Eve party for producer Jermaine Dupree. In addition, he hosted the "Frankie Needles Radio Show" on Miami's Mix 96.1 which later landed him an on air mixer position alongside DJ Khaled & DJ Irie on 99 Jamz. His multi-ethnic Latin flavor soon attracted the producers of a cutting edge show "The Roof", after being introduced by world renowned artist Fat Joe. Frankie was quickly invited as a guest DJ and immediately become host and DJ on "The Roof". His creative flair and talent created a unique and diverse fan base for the groundbreaking show featuring Spanish and English programming and for the first time ever, brought national attention to the Latin-Urban movement. The syndicated radio show "The Top 20 Latin Urban Countdown hosted by Frankie Needles" premiered in the summer of 2005 in collaboration with LBC and Westwood One. The weekly, two-hour program features a mix of the hottest Reggaeton, Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae music. As a pioneer of the Latin Urban genre Frankie continues to use his influence to help break some of the music industry's well known artists and garnish them increased exposure and promotion. The show has been creating serious noise since hitting the airwaves and continues to enthrall and entertain its listeners throughout the nation. Most recently Frankie Needles served as Music Supervisor and showcased his resonant voice in the film Illegal Tender, directed by John Singleton. He was also invited to appear in "Podemos Con OBAMA" a music video featuring key influential Latin artists in support of Barack Obama during his presidential campaign. The video aired across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Frankie is the official DJ of the Latin Grammys and DJ/host of the McDonalds Latin Grammy Street Parties Tour and he is honored to participate as a panelist on the Latin Grammy in the Schools program to motivate and educate students. Concurrent with his soulful message, "Latinos Stand Up!"™, Frankie Needles is standing up and paving the way for an entire generation, a whole new genre and an exciting new cultural movement! Stay tuned! For more information and bookings visit www.frankieneedles.com, www.frankieneedles.tv or click on photo.

Don't Waste Ink...Think

Sincerely,

Steve Canal
CEO
Think Group Media, Inc.
www.ThinkGroupMedia.com

Read more...

Classic R&B vs. R&B Today
By A.Evans
http://twitter.com/AdotEVANS

So I decided to watch 106 and park today, as well as listen to the radio and I find myself not moved or touched by the R&B artist of today. It appears something is missing from the R&B music these days...maybe its soul.

Have you noticed?

The better the R&B artist the least amount of exposure they get in this new era of R&B music. Does more soul equate less exposure? If any of you are familiar with Teedra Moses or Amerie have you ever found yourself asking why don't they receive the amount of exposure that let's say a Beyonce or Alicia Keys receives. What does it take to be considered a successful R&B artist these days? It's obvious the artist has to be marketable or easy on the eye, but what happened to the overwhelming amount of TALENT? The Curtis Mayfeilds, Donny Hathaways, where are the artist who remind us of them? Luther Vandros did not appear to be marketable he was just an amazing talent, his music was amazing and is still relevant today, the SOUL in his music still outweighs the music R&B artist make today. I would throw Stevie Wonder into this discussion but he's such a genius we shouldn't expect to find someone who compares to him. So I ask where is the new Marvin, Donny, AL and Luther? Ruben Studdard was considered to be that, yet it seems his appearance wasn't up to the standard of today's criteria. The dude won American idol and a runner up received more exposure than Ruben. How is that? We have John Legend, Musiq Soul Child, and Raheem Devaugh but are they marketed the way Justin or Robin Thicke is? And if not...Why?

Why?

Why does the criterion for success in the R&B game require appeal as oppose to superior talent. If you look like a playboy bunny and can sing "Mary Had a Little Lamb", congrats you're a star...I'm sure there is tons of talent out there who may not look like Beyonce but can run circles around her as far as singing goes. Jennifer Hudson clearly does, however an unfortunate episode of events drew attention away from her debut album. Teedra Moses is another example her debut album "Complex Simplicity" is outrageous and she is definitely a looker, so what is the problem? Is it because she as not as lean or because her skin isn't as fair that she isn't on top? Where are the dark skinned soulful artists? Back during the Al Green, Marvin Gaye era brown skinned soulful artist where everywhere, now it seems Jazmine Sullivan is all alone. I guess the rest are singing gospel.

Maybe it's me...
Aside from the aspect of appearance the music itself seems to be missing the depth it once had maybe it's because the times were different the struggle was different; or maybe its because artist now are told to make hit records instead of making records that become hits off sheer inspiration. "Stick to the formula". It's because of this formula that all these singles sound the same.

Where are the Soulful Groups?

In this era of Day 26 and Pretty Ricky I have to ask what happened to groups that were on point like the Chi Lites, Stylistics, Rose Royce, New Birth, Commodores, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. The closest we got to having groups like that again was Boys II Men probably. I guess times do change and we have to adapt and accept that change, but if the changes doesn't appear to be for the better is it worth it?


What Do You Think?


Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max Rivers
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers

Bloggers Be Warned: FTC May Monitor What You Say

Thinking about letting a big-name blogger test-drive your new hybrid in the hope he'll post a glowing review about it, or maybe sending some beverage products to an influencer, hoping she'll spread the word?

You might have to think twice, if the Federal Trade Commission follows through with its proposed plan to start regulating viral marketing and blogs.

As part of its review of its advertising guidelines, the FTC is proposing that word-of-mouth marketers and bloggers, as well as people on social-media sites such as Facebook, be held liable for any false statements they make about a product they're promoting, along with the product's marketer. This could present a significant issue for marketers, including the likes of Microsoft, Ford and Pepsi, who spend billions on word-of-mouth and social media. PQ Media projects that marketers will spend $3.7 billion on word-of-mouth marketing in 2011.

Pepsi, a longtime practitioner of tapping online and offline influencers to promote its products, said it will continue with its "transparent" tack. Bart Casabona, spokesman for Pepsi-Cola North America, said in an e-mail: "Our relationships with digital influencers are completely transparent, and subsequent blog posts tend to be very straightforward."

Some fear that if the revisions are approved, marketers could be scared away from new-media marketing efforts. "It's possible there will be a hangover period, but it will self-correct," said Joe Chernov, VP-communications at BzzAgent. "People get nervous when the government gets involved, and it's possible the blogosphere will influence the trajectory of how brands respond."

Real Talk: Half Truths & Media Lies By Cedric D. Shine http://twitter.com/NativeNotes

Pirates, terrorists, revolutionaries ---- lions, tigers, and bears; it seems like there is always something to be afraid of. Three perfect shots took an American Captain from a hostage to a free man. While I'm thankful that this brave man's life was saved and he is able to return to his family, I'm riddled with the question of why these pirates even exist. Before the U.S. Navy 's standoff with Somalian pirates who wanted a ransom of 2 million dollars for the life of Captain Richard Phillips, what caused the resurgence of myths of pirates from the 1600's to become a part of our reality in 2009?

Half truths and media lies; yes there are pirates ravaging the seas off the coast of Somalia but do they come out of a necessity? The necessity to protect their own unprotected waters since the fall of their government in the 1990's. The necessity to protect their coastal waters from nuclear wastes discarded illegally by European cargo ships. The necessity to protect their cash cow; seafood, from the cargo ships who rip off their seafood industry and sell their stolen goods to others illegally, never cutting the Somalian people in on a piece of the pie. Pirates, & terrorists, what do they share. A common history where the American media so convienently neglects that our country has played a part in creating the terror that plagues good people like Captain Phillips. Malcolm X warned that when we planted evil seeds of destruction, those chickens would come home to roost. Now we have angry, Somalian pirates, vowing death on the American people who valiantly serve us at sea. We have a new enemy, yet our blind eye to international corruption helped get us into this terrible mess in the first place. Our corporate sponsored media spits half-truths and media lies, furthering our disdain for our new enemy and recklessly forgetting our own involvement or complicit behavior in helping to create the circumstances we so readily fear. Wake up, help President Barack Obama lead by not following the same yellow journalism that got us into the Iraq War, lead the charge, don't just follow CNN.

Hip-Hop Icon Interview with Dana Dane
A Think Group Media Exclusive

Think Group Media: How did you get your start?

Dana Dane: I started rapping in the early 80's with Slick Rick, Kool Alski, Lance Brown and Omega the Heart Breaker. We were known as the Kango Crew. When we graduated from High School of Music & Art Slick went on to perform and record with Doug E. Fresh. A classmate of mine Sam Jacobs Jr. aka MC Holiday aka Gucci Man approached me after hearing Rick and Doug's record "The Show and La Di Da Di" and convinced me I should record a record. Shortly after I put down "Nightmares" and got a deal with profile records. That's the abridged version. lol...

TGM: What have you recently been involved in? Projects, campaigns etc

DD: First, thank you for including me in your Publication it is greatly appreciated. Well, where should I start? I have my debut novel on sale now entitled NUMBERS it is under the Nikki Turner presents imprint. NUMBERS is a fiction surrounding the main character Number and the trappings of the street hustle and fast money myth. It also asks if there is an exit plan for drug dealers.

DD: Other then promoting my debut novel NUMBERS. I have been building my media company, specifically the film division. At present I am the executive producer of a six part mini-series entitled "Da Stuy" (www.ghettoeyezpub.com - FILM link). It is what we like to describe as our Brooklyn version of the HBO series "The Wire". We are also producing a short film "passive Aggressive" for various upcoming film festivals. TGM: What do think of the current state of Hip Hop? DD: Hip Hop is always going through constant change and evolution. It is also been portrayed as a young persons game and that is even evident now. Many people have not been enjoying what has been offered by the new generation of rappers. On the other side I'd like to hear more thought provoking lyrics. These days the new generation of rappers are also becoming discouraged with what they are hearing. With that they are starting to listen to the classic Hip Hop artist who created the culture. I myself am thrilled that Hip Hop continues to grow and expand universally. TGM: Top 5 favorite Artist of all time? DD: My top artist in no particular order are: Whodini, Slick Rick, LL Cool J, Notorious BIG and Jay Z. I could actually add more to this list like KRS-1, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. TGM: What can we expect from Dana Dane in the Future? DD: My short term future projects consist of two novels in 2009. I am producing a short film for the festivals entitled "Passive Aggressive". I am also going to pen three more screenplays this year. I think that should keep me busy for the rest of the year. Oh yeah I almost forgot I will filming episode 5 & 6 of " Da Stuy" bringing that project to a close.

TGM: Dana Dane thank you for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview and much success with all future projects. Click on book cover for more details

Artist of the Month: DJ Christion Terror Squad/We Are The Best Records
For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/Djchristion13

Born in the early 80's in Tampa, FL, DJ Christion has been a music lover since birth. Born to Bronx natives, the half Cuban half Puerto Rican DJ Christion has long been influenced by New York culture and music. "I remember the first time I saw a DJ live" Christion looks back, "It was at a graduation party in the Bronx". Young Christion, whose cousin was working on becoming a DJ, began taking an interest in the art form. Listening to Funkmaster Flex & DJ Kid Capri, Christion was set on mastering the turntables. Using his sister's radio, which had a record player on top, Christion would spend hours practicing scratch techniques.

His willingness to try new records and his ear for good music landed Christion at several local nightclubs. Spinning at Studio 7, Club XS and several other Tampa hotspots, Christion was becoming a crowd favorite. Developing a microphone and club presence to go along with his turntable skills, Christion began learning how to move any kind of crowd. Rocking Hip-Hop and Reggae clubs, Christion's diverse style attracted all party goers, but it was Tampa's infamous Club XS where he'd make a great acquaintance. "I met DJ Khaled at [Club] XS when I was 17". Khaled, who was already a member of Terror Squad and a DJ on Miami's 99 Jamz, became a close friend and mentor for Christion.

Tampa's Urban Radio even with the addition of the R&B driven 95.7 The Beat, was dominated by CBS' Wild 98.7 FM. Not wasting time, Christion immediately pursued a position at Wild. After applying for several months, maintaining his club jobs and still putting out mixcd's, Christion finally earned a spot as a DJ on Wild. Using his keen business sense, Christion began marketing himself again. "I was doing every party I could" he remembers. After a solid year at Wild, Christion threw a birthday bash to remember. The party which boasted guests such as, DJ Khaled, Smitty, Acafool, Cool and Dre, and Rick Ross, filled the Ybor City club to capacity that night.

Armed with a grocery list of affiliations, from being a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad, Turntable Assassins, and DJ Khaled's We the Best team, Christion remains hungry. "Ambition, Loyalty, and the thought of what can be are what keep me moving". Working to expand his number of spots on radio and get booked all over the world, Christion also remains true to his street grind. Gearing up for the release of his new CD series, DJ Christion continues working on being the best at his craft. "I haven't stopped grindin' since I was 16 and I'm not stoppin' anytime soon... I'm blessed to be living my dream and I have to many goals to break!"

For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/djchristion13

Don't Waste Ink...Think

Sincerely,

Steve Canal
CEO
Think Group Media, Inc.
www.ThinkGroupMedia.com

Read more...

By A.Evans
http://twitter.com/AdotEVANS

As I sit and watch What Happens in Vegas I begin to think of how successful Queen Latifah has become starting out as a female hip hop artist evolving into a phenomenal actress model and spokeswoman. There are other female artist who have benefited from the platform hip hop provides when attempted to elevate one's career. Unfortunately, there are several female mc's who have never really reaped the benefits or plateau as Latifah. This got me to thinking about the rise of the female mc and where are the leaders of the new school?

Have you noticed?

The female MC has come a long way but appears to be fading into obscurity. From Roxanne Shante to Jean Grae, Hip Hop has seen its share of female MC's who could hold their own. It appears the height of the female MC was reached with artist like Lil Kim, EVE, Foxy Brown, Charli Baltimore, Remy Martin, Da Brat, and Lisa Left Eye Lopes (ironically have all done prison time). Their confidence, and lyrical abilities enabled them to be considered some of the best female mc's to grace the mic the way predecessors like Monie Love, Miss Melody, Yo-Yo, Salt-N-Pepa, and MC Lyte did. The difference between female mc's of now and of old is definitely the lyrical content "the sex sells" strategy is totally apart of the female mc repertoire especially with southern artist like Trina, Khia, and Jackie-O. Since the skater culture and nerdy image is dominant in hip hop, where is the nerdy female mc? Where is the girl influenced by Jean Grae? Where is the next generation?


Calling all Newcomers...

It's been almost a decade since we've had a new dominant female giant to claim her crown. As we embrace male newcomers every day in hip hop, I'm led to ask where the new female MC's are. When will we witness a female MC to epitomize a mogul in the sense that Diddy, and Jay-Z have? Queen Latifah and EVE would appear to fit that mold, however in this era of hip hop we have yet to witness the next huge female mc. Where is the female Lupe Fiasco? Where is the female Asher Roth? What happened to songs like "Ladies Night" with all female talent on the track? Where are female mc's? Where is the next EVE, Lil Kim, Foxy or Da Brat?


What Do You Think?


Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max Rivers
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers

Hip-Hop Icon Dana Dane Turns Author - Releases First Novel

Many of you may already know this Hip-Hop icon via his legendary status in the music industry. His album, Dana Dane with Fame., was certified gold, which led to a Soul Train Award nomination. Since then, the classic Hip-Hop pioneer has been known as someone with the ability to move with the times. He spent six years as an on-air personality at Sirius Satellite Radio, a producer of a six-part mini-series entitled Da Stuy, and just released his must read debut novel, Numbers., under the .Nikki Turner Presents. imprint distributed through One World/Random House. Dana Dane has many great things in the works as he continues to tour the nation with other Hip-Hop icons who have made classic music which set the trend for today's sound.

Hip Hop Legend and one of rap.s greatest storytellers, Dana Dane, have just completed his first novel, Numbers. The book is published by urban author, Nikki Turner, under the Nikki Turner Presents imprint through One World-Random House. The scheduled release for Numbers is February 24th 2009. The story is a fictional drama that delves into the psyche of the fast money myth in the hood, and addresses the question, "Can you truly get out once you have gotten in the street hustle game?" Numbers is sure to entertain Hip Hop fans and avid readers alike.

"I grew up reading books by Donald Goines and actually named myself after the writer Iceberg Slim.
It's nice to see Dana carry on the tradition of great
street-based novels! This book will sit right next
to the other classics! Love it!"
-Ice T

"I'm proud of Dana! He has delivered a street
classic! I could feel each character. A great story!"
-Slick Rick

Please check us out next week as we give you our full interview with Dana Dane.

Be sure to check out www.danadane.com for all future tour dates and project updates.

Click on book cover for more details

Real Talk: Sentiment of Women Hating Women
By Cedric D. Shine
http://twitter.com/NativeNotes

Chris Rock once said that the people white women hate the most are "white women". While he said this for a humorous effect, I'm wondering if women of all cultures share the sentiment of women hating women. I say this because right now I am disappointed in the lack of a collective voice of women fighting against the institutionalized rapings of women around the globe.

Afghan law appears to let a man to have sex with his wife even when she says "no"

headline appeared over several news outlets this week but I have yet to see female bloggers, or women celebrities in the media make this a topic a priority. I'm sure some have, but not enough. Not surprisingly, responses were lackluster a few months ago when it was widely known that women in Darfur, girls as young as 6 and elders as old as 60 were being raped as a tool of war. Where is the outcry? Where is the fight for humanity for women across the globe that are enduring this horrific set of circumstances?

It took Rihanna getting beat up by Chris Brown to bring domestic abuse to the forefront. Do we really need more stories about young girls being raped before we begin to speak out against the rape of women around the world? The fact that one nation would think to legitimize the rape of it's women while others use it as a tool of war further shows the lack of value we place on women as an international society. It starts with me, it starts with you, let's start discussing rape not only as it affects Americans, but women of the world.

The Paradox of Social Progress By Danielle Sheree http://twitter.com/Danielle_Sheree I got to work this morning and went about my usual routine; poured myself a cup of coffee, sat at my desk and logged on to check my Facebook. Fifteen new updates says the little red flag that pops up so conveniently in the bottom right hand corner. I check my news feed and notice Sarah and Mike are no longer listed in a relationship. Sarah's status seems to imply that Mike may have cheated... again! I go to her wall to write her a perky, yet sincere comment to suggest that she is better off and that was when it hit me, social networking has officially taken over our lives....

The Good: I myself have to admit I am addicted. I don't think I go a day without logging onto my Facebook or Twitter, and who is to say that's a bad thing. Through social networks such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, we are able to connect with people all over the world from old friends and business connections, to old flings and new loves. In fact some of the most trafficked sites beyond FB and Myspace include online matchmaking sites such as eHarmony and Match.com. Internet dating sites, once seen as meeting grounds for casual sex or for losers, have become a great gateway for those who have a hard time meeting people. In fact, Match.com estimates it has helped 200,000 people find loved since the site launched in 1995, and eHarmony estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 new people join daily. Yet I have to wonder, statistically speaking, how many relationships have been ruined by social sites as well? Is having access to someone's everyday life a plus or a problem; and when do you stop and realize... I have become a cyber stalker. The Bad: Let's face it, in this day and age, nothing is sacred. Personally, my biggest issue with social networking sites is that our lives are put on display for all to see. Employers, government officials, and my father all have access to my life. The sad part is that I keep posting info anyway. I suppose that deep down; we all have a desire for others to take interest in our lives. Many of us post pictures in hopes that someone will comment and confirm our already embedded thoughts like "Damn You're Fly". However, I must ask, to what extent should we parade ourselves in front of the masses? The Socially Ugly: I went to my younger sisters profile page a few days ago and in her picture she is bent over and sticking out her behind and holding up what seemed to be her middle finger. When I called her up to ask her what she could have possibly been thinking. She laughed and said "only my friends can see my page". I shook my head and thought to myself, what if Michelle Obama had been on Facebook at 19? Would President Obama be able to explain after they pulled up a 30yr old picture of the first lady elect in a purple bikini on her knees perched in the sand? It seems many of us have forgotten that for every action... there is a reaction and so I leave you with this... Is your profile a direct reflection of you, or are you a reflection of your profile? Artist of the Month: DJ Christion Terror Squad/We Are The Best Records For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/Djchristion13 Born in the early 80's in Tampa, FL, DJ Christion has been a music lover since birth. Born to Bronx natives, the half Cuban half Puerto Rican DJ Christion has long been influenced by New York culture and music. "I remember the first time I saw a DJ live" Christion looks back, "It was at a graduation party in the Bronx". Young Christion, whose cousin was working on becoming a DJ, began taking an interest in the art form. Listening to Funkmaster Flex & DJ Kid Capri, Christion was set on mastering the turntables. Using his sister's radio, which had a record player on top, Christion would spend hours practicing scratch techniques. His willingness to try new records and his ear for good music landed Christion at several local nightclubs. Spinning at Studio 7, Club XS and several other Tampa hotspots, Christion was becoming a crowd favorite. Developing a microphone and club presence to go along with his turntable skills, Christion began learning how to move any kind of crowd. Rocking Hip-Hop and Reggae clubs, Christion's diverse style attracted all party goers, but it was Tampa's infamous Club XS where he'd make a great acquaintance. "I met DJ Khaled at [Club] XS when I was 17". Khaled, who was already a member of Terror Squad and a DJ on Miami's 99 Jamz, became a close friend and mentor for Christion. Tampa's Urban Radio even with the addition of the R&B driven 95.7 The Beat, was dominated by CBS' Wild 98.7 FM. Not wasting time, Christion immediately pursued a position at Wild. After applying for several months, maintaining his club jobs and still putting out mixcd's, Christion finally earned a spot as a DJ on Wild. Using his keen business sense, Christion began marketing himself again. "I was doing every party I could" he remembers. After a solid year at Wild, Christion threw a birthday bash to remember. The party which boasted guests such as, DJ Khaled, Smitty, Acafool, Cool and Dre, and Rick Ross, filled the Ybor City club to capacity that night. Armed with a grocery list of affiliations, from being a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad, Turntable Assassins, and DJ Khaled's We the Best team, Christion remains hungry. "Ambition, Loyalty, and the thought of what can be are what keep me moving". Working to expand his number of spots on radio and get booked all over the world, Christion also remains true to his street grind. Gearing up for the release of his new CD series, DJ Christion continues working on being the best at his craft. "I haven't stopped grindin' since I was 16 and I'm not stoppin' anytime soon... I'm blessed to be living my dream and I have to many goals to break!" For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/djchristion13

Don't Waste Ink...Think Sincerely, Steve Canal CEO Think Group Media, Inc. www.ThinkGroupMedia.com

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Article 4: Comebacks?
By A.Evans
http://www.Adotevans.com

Everyone remembers Mike Jordan's classic comeback to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and the championships to complete his second three peat. Unfortunately we all also remember the second comeback to the Washington Wizards and the not so remarkable fade to black in DC. In spite of an unsuccessful stint with the Wizards Jordan's image goes untainted because of the legacy he has left his grace and demeanor on and off the court has enabled him to exit and re enter the stage with open arms. This concept led me to begin comparing athletes, artist and celebrities' ups and downs and their ability to either have successful comebacks or be left for dead.

Have you ever noticed?

In today's media driven society we have witnessed the highs and lows of some of the most influential athletes, artist and celebs. With shows like TMZ, ENews and even Sports Center every move, thought, and act these stars have gets documented for our entertainment and enjoyment. Celebs like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan have definitely blessed us with their poor decision making, yet it appears even their bad press helps their campaign and keeps them relevant. I couldn't help but ask...Could Ciara, Ashanti, or Keri Hilson carry on like Lindsay or Brittany and still being considered serious artists, or valid icons? Would it help or hurt their campaign? What behavior is tolerable and forgivable for a successful comeback? Who makes the call? Does the persons image play or role or is it the media or are we subconsciously programmed?


Why?

Chris Brown, Plaxico Burres, and Mike Vick have really made a stink and it appears that their dreams of a comeback are questionable and perhaps in jeopardy. Are these men capable of cleaning the slate and having remarkable comebacks the way Kobe did? Or will they be labeled for life? It seems T.I has used turned negative press into good press (or at least a great marketing tool) leading to an amazing single featuring Justin Timberlake and the MTV show Road to Redemption. Is it possible that Chris Brown, Plax, and Vick can use a similar tactic to return to grace or is it safe to say Todd Bridges has company?

What do you think?

Marketing Buzz of the Week
By Max River's
http://www.Twitter.Com/MaxRivers

How Marketers Tap Facebook and Twitter, Apps and Widgets

Isn't the entire web social these days?

To an extent, yes. If 2008 was the year everyone -- and their grandmas -- joined a social network, then 2009 is the year those networks' social graphs spread their tentacles beyond their borders to other sites across the web. Already it's common for many sites, including major news sources and entertainment properties, to have commenting and sharing features. So we admit the social web is a pervasive concept. But there are several interesting newer developments at Twitter and Facebook, as well as in the widget space and the app world.

What's the story with Twitter?

Twitter is one of the fastest-growing social networks, but it's very different from Facebook and MySpace. The microblog essentially began as a mass text-messaging-meets-instant-messaging utility. You sign up for an account, people follow you, and you follow them. When you "tweet" a message, the folks following you see it instantly on their phones and computers.

You were joking about grandma joining a social network -- right?

While social networking used to be the domain of the under-30 crowd, its use among older adults is skyrocketing. As of January, more than 50% of Facebook users and 44% of MySpace users in the U.S. were over 35 years old, according to ComScore estimates. The single biggest age demographic in the U.S. on both Facebook and MySpace is between 35 and 44. Indeed, Facebook says its fastest-growing demo is 55-plus.


Real Talk: 'The buck stops here'
By Cedric D. Shine
http://twitter.com/NativeNotes

The buck stops here, not only do things need to stop but we need to remind ourselves daily that we are thinking new thoughts. Building a new life and ridding ourselves of the actions which have become poor habits. Eventually building our character and changing our destiny, or at least claiming the destiny our Creator has for us. The buck stops here, if your broke, stop thinking broke. A broke mindset equals broke pockets. When we consistently lament on how broke we are, we are attracting thoughts of brokeness. Then we act broke, spending money we don't have, physically taking money out of our lives and mentally not bringing any new money streams in.


The buck stops here, if you have a dream, claim your dream. I laid in the bed and said the buck stops here with respect to mediocrity in my life. The buck stops here, with respect to self doubt, if I'm doubting myself, what armor am I building up to fight the obstacles that are ever present in this world we live. If I think of life as an uphill battle, mentally I'm thinking about struggle, walking uphill is hard.
But when your working out, and your running uphill, what are you saying to yourself to get you up that hill. THIS IS NOTHING, I GOT THIS, BRING IT! Thats when you get the spirit of Hip-Hop in you, or an old negro spiritual, two very different genres, I know, but at one point both epitomized strength and the necessity to over come oppression.

The buck stops here, but it only stops here if we over-stand that our creator has already equipped us with the power to overcome. Let's Make It Happen!


Artist of the Month: DJ Christion Terror Squad/We Are The Best Records
For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/Djchristion13

Born in the early 80's in Tampa, FL, DJ Christion has been a music lover since birth. Born to Bronx natives, the half Cuban half Puerto Rican DJ Christion has long been influenced by New York culture and music. "I remember the first time I saw a DJ live" Christion looks back, "It was at a graduation party in the Bronx". Young Christion, whose cousin was working on becoming a DJ, began taking an interest in the art form. Listening to Funkmaster Flex & DJ Kid Capri, Christion was set on mastering the turntables. Using his sister's radio, which had a record player on top, Christion would spend hours practicing scratch techniques.

His willingness to try new records and his ear for good music landed Christion at several local nightclubs. Spinning at Studio 7, Club XS and several other Tampa hotspots, Christion was becoming a crowd favorite. Developing a microphone and club presence to go along with his turntable skills, Christion began learning how to move any kind of crowd.

Rocking Hip-Hop and Reggae clubs, Christion's diverse style attracted all party goers, but it was Tampa's infamous Club XS where he'd make a great acquaintance. "I met DJ Khaled at [Club] XS when I was 17". Khaled, who was already a member of Terror Squad and a DJ on Miami's 99 Jamz, became a close friend and mentor for Christion.

Tampa's Urban Radio even with the addition of the R&B driven 95.7 The Beat, was dominated by CBS' Wild 98.7 FM. Not wasting time, Christion immediately pursued a position at Wild. After applying for several months, maintaining his club jobs and still putting out mixcd's, Christion finally earned a spot as a DJ on Wild. Using his keen business sense, Christion began marketing himself again. "I was doing every party I could" he remembers. After a solid year at Wild, Christion threw a birthday bash to remember. The party which boasted guests such as, DJ Khaled, Smitty, Acafool, Cool and Dre, and Rick Ross, filled the Ybor City club to capacity that night.

Armed with a grocery list of affiliations, from being a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad, Turntable Assassins, and DJ Khaled's We the Best team, Christion remains hungry. "Ambition, Loyalty, and the thought of what can be are what keep me moving". Working to expand his number of spots on radio and get booked all over the world, Christion also remains true to his street grind. Gearing up for the release of his new CD series, DJ Christion continues working on being the best at his craft. "I haven't stopped grindin' since I was 16 and I'm not stoppin' anytime soon... I'm blessed to be living my dream and I have to many goals to break!"

For more information and bookings visit DJ Christion at http://www.myspace.com/djchristion13

Don't Waste Ink...Think

Sincerely,

Steve Canal
CEO
Think Group Media, Inc.
www.ThinkGroupMedia.com

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Think Group Media is a full service marketing agency that develops marketing ideas intended to creatively align our clients with their target audience in the most relevant way possible.

We offer retail marketing, promotion marketing, event marketing, entertainment marketing, and interactive web marketing, as well as sponsorship marketing services.

Our clients have included heavy hitters such as Allstate, U.S. Army, Toyota, MillerCoors, American Airlines, Tyson Foods, Presidente USA, and more.

Dont Waste Ink...Think!!

For full service marketing please contact us:


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