C..c..c..count with me

Following the success of integrated self promotion and hip hop as brought to us by Soulja Boy and commented on by Anthony at Dead Insect, it’s good to see that the UK grime scene is learning a thing or two from America’s commercially successful rappers.

This video from Soulja Boy epitomises his perfect use of social media to boost his own profile as shown by its 35 million views – but if his intention is to get a dance move into clubs in the same way a brand might drop a word into the vernacular, then a minute long routine seems a touch optimistic.

Much as with any idea, if you want people to truly embrace it then it has to be as simple as possible.  So props to Skepta and Wiley of North London’s ‘Boy Better Know’ for doing things right with their brilliantly easy Rolex Sweep.  Spin-offs are already rife (like this and this)...   

Posted by: Simeon at Rolex Sweep time on Thursday, 3rd July 2008 (0)

Lazy brains?

When we’re constantly bombarded by so much ‘stuff’, being able to apply that filter to our influences is as important as being able to recall them in the first place; which is why something like this ‘idea acceleration system’ could be a landmark invention for those in the creative industries.

But is this really a case of more tangents and inspiration at our finger tips meaning guaranteed improvements in our creative thinking?  Or is it yet another sad reflection on society that we need these tools to help us use what latent ability we already have?

Perhaps it’s not at all about the technology itself, but about how we use it?  If we use it to get us to the idea quicker so that we can refine that idea the most, then that’s excellent.  But if it deprives us of the journey itself, then I can't help but think we're all missing out.

Posted by: Simeon at ride the whip on Tuesday, 1st July 2008 (0)

Real life Rocky

Exploring the cross-over between reality and fiction seems key to launching most major films these days.  Transmedia's [define] also all the rage, but no amount of clever marketing tactics could make for a better launch strategy than this...

The tale of Michael Gomez, an Irish lad born in a ditch after a car crash who over the course of his years got charged with murder, was announced as being officially ‘dead’ after a stabbing, and is now set to fight Amir Khan in the ring is truly astounding.

The bout’s occurring just in time for the release of ‘Gomez’, a film that documents his life thus far - but what better way to make a living from a chequered past than to make a film of it, then promote it in one of Britain’s most high profile fights of the summer?

Posted by: Simeon at nearly holidays on Wednesday, 18th June 2008 (0)