PHARRELL’S QREAM LAUNCH PARTY: HOUSTON
October 06, 2011 | No Comments
(Photos © Rizoh) Pharrell threw a launch party in Houston for his new liquor, Qream. The event was all types of cool–good music, great crowd, and the best part? Free drinks. Duh. I was there…
Posted in Events, Photography
Sex, Money & Other Ways To Guarantee Urban Radio Airplay
September 27, 2011 | No Comments
A cursory glance at the year-to-date urban radio chart reaffirms an age-old music industry adage: Sex sells. You can see the Top 10 at the bottom of this post, but first let’s talk about a…
Posted in The Riz Report
Is Commercial Radio Fading Into Oblivion?
September 20, 2011 | No Comments
How many times has this happened to you: You’re driving home from work. A song comes on. Drums. Guitar strums. A wimpy voice: “Say, oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight…” You’ve heard this…
Posted in The Riz Report
What’s The Leading Cause Of Poor Record Sales?
September 09, 2011 | No Comments
Last week, the music world laughed up a hiccup as Lil Wayne pranced around the VMA stage in nut-suffocating, Le Tigre-inspired jeggings. While that performance affirmed that Wayne is no fashion guru, his chart performance…
Posted in The Riz Report
Facebook Music Coming To A Computer Near You
September 01, 2011 | No Comments
No one’s willing to confirm anything, but all indications point to the same scoop: Facebook is planning to launch a new music service this fall. Here’s what we know so far. CNBC’s John Fortt broke the…
Posted in The Riz Report
Eminem’s $3 Million Shows & Other Eye-Popping Performance Fees
August 24, 2011 | No Comments
Every day, Rocks Off is reminded that we should have taken rapping a bit more seriously in our younger days. Today’s friendly reminder comes in the way of a report saying that Eminem cashed a $3…
Posted in The Riz Report
What Google & Motorola’s Marriage Means To The Music Industry
August 17, 2011 | No Comments
Google stunned the tech world last week when it tied the knot with Motorola for $12.5 billion. But it’s the music business that should be raising its brows at the union. Like any typical suitor, Google weighed…
Posted in The Riz Report
How Jay-Z & Kanye West Kept Watch the Throne From Leaking Online
August 10, 2011 | No Comments
The kingdom is safe. The throne has been watched. In an age where albums spring leaks like baby diapers, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne arrived on the appointed date without even as much…
Posted in The Riz Report
A Brief History Of Hashtag Rap
July 07, 2011 | No Comments
Every rapper brands himself as an original, but few merit that distinction. The ones that do rarely profit from their innovation. When it comes to emceeing, those who favor intricate rhyme schemes will scoff at…
Posted in Houston Press, Writing
White Rappers & The N-Word Conundrum: 4 Case Studies
June 16, 2011 | No Comments
“You’re talking to the wrong white man, my friend. My people were the white man’s nigger when yours were still painting their faces and chasing zebras.” …
Posted in Houston Press, Writing
10 GREATEST NBA CENTERS OF ALL-TIME
June 03, 2011 | No Comments
It all starts with the giant in the middle. The defensive anchor. The tallest player on the court most nights. The center. It’s the cornerstone of every championship team. Shaq’s retirement has renewed the age old debate…
Posted in Roc4life
Is Blog Love Overvalued?
April 08, 2011 | No Comments
It’s funny watching new artists stumble over themselves trying to score coverage on popular blogs. Take the fast rising L.A. crew Odd Future, for example. Group captain Tyler, The Creator is almost as famous for…
Posted in Houston Press