7 Things Happening Now In Hip Hop, Tech, & Brands: What Gen Z Knows That You Probably Don't

Welcome to the issue! I've got a bunch for you so let's get right to it. Here we go:

1) This coming week may prove to be a hectic one in NYC for Donald Trump, but given that he's known for caring most about chart positions and ratings, he may be able to take solace in the following. ICYMI Trump has secured the #1 position on iTunes beating out rappers from Nicki Minaj to Wiz Khalifa on iTunes. The former prez has dropped a track with something called the J6 Prison Choir. You can't make this stuff up. Read all the deets right here . (update: as of 3/20/23 it was "accidentally" pulled down. Hmmm..)

2) In other where-the-buck-stops news , I kinda luv how CEO Birdman keeps calling for greater recognition, and now even ratings, of hip hop label CEOs. I feel like there is something here. This level of employment is a completely unique position that calls for very unique skills. Billboard magazine is too stiff to do what Birdman is asking, but I see something else happening around this during the year. Will keep you posted.

*** Quick Note: if you are someone who wants to learn more about this powerful space of youth culture and how you can use it to better connect Gen Z and Millennials and/or become part of the cultural narrative, connect with celebrated recording artists/notables in the space, and/or creates brand?strategy,?DM me to discuss further. Hip Hop is where the power resides.

3) Let's move now to a tech-light entry. The legendary Chuck D has announced a new app called "Bring The Noise." The mission is to provide hip hop fans 35 years+ a "culture media" app where they can create community. Intriguing idea. Hoping for more bells and whistles as the app builds out though. It's a beginning and not Chuck's first in the tech world. Hoping this takes hold. Invite-only, for the moment. This means that senior Millennials and up will have a different vibe than Gen Z when it comes to hip hop? In some ways, true. In others, false. Will track this and continue to analyze it for you.

3) I caught this article in Adweek a few days ago, so I wanted to include it in this issue. As many will recall, there has been talk of AR blowing up since at least 2008. We are still waiting. However, I think there could be some interesting application here of brand + hiphop + tour. The examples included here are interesting but a bit boring. Once there is true utility plus edge, then value can be created. This possibility, in the right hands, is definitely a fire proposition. Let's see if/who actually makes it happen during 2023.

4) Another deal gone-bad here involving tech, in this case, related to NFTs, and a hip hop recording artist. These are two very, very different worlds where one culture has little idea about the psyche and drive of the other, so there is typically an issue. Tech companies have simply got to bring in an ambassador-of-sorts who can bridge both worlds or else more money will continue to be lost. Period. Read the deets here.

5) By the way, I was recently featured on this cool podcast about growth and scaling where I talk entrepreneurship, hip hop, Gen Z, emerging tech, and more! Bookmark to listen and share.

6) L'il Yachty becomes the latest rapper to get booked for SNL. The April 1st show will feature him. No, this isn't an April Fools joke. :-) This is on the heels of his SXSW show that got rained out and a very long Q&A in "Rolling Stone." Interesting all this is happening, though, given the album's style is so polarizing. But that's what makes for attention in today's world. Let's watch and see what ratings for SNL are like.

To close, here are, as always, my quick picks in other news items for you. No particular theme this week. Just interesting stuff. (BTW, I'll be hitting a listening party of a notable name in a few days. Will report on it next issue). Have a great week: