Microsoft Goes Hip-Hop

Looks as though Microsoft's XBOX is sponsoring the HipHopSodaShop. Click here to view the press release on HipHopPress. spotted on Nah Right

Arif Gursel in King Magazine

Microsoft Technology Evangelist, Arif Gursel, is in the June 2008 issue of King Magazine. Be sure to cop the magazine to read up on the Coming Kings, Class of '08. You can click on the links below to view video. Arif makes an appearance in both, but you can hear him speak a bit on Part Two.
Coming Kings, Class of 08 (Part One)
Coming Kings, Class of 08 (Part Two)

Bun B Show Reviews & Interview

This past Friday, Bun B was back in Seattle after a matter of months from the last time he visited. Back then it was with Swizz Beatz for the Zune Takeover 2 party at the War Room. This go around he showed up dolo backed by Zune for their "On The Road" initiative where they provide promotional support for an artist as they tour the country. Most notably, each artist is provided with a vinyl wrapped tour bus. Dyme Def hosted this event at Neumos with local artists, Framework, and D. Black of Sportn' Life Records opening up the evening. The show was thrown by Soul Gorilla with support from Jeepney Clothing.

Larry Mizell of The Stranger has a review of what he experienced as well as Katelyn Hackett of Seattlest. In addition, Bun B stopped by the KUBE 93 studios to record an insightful interview with DJ Hyphen and J. Moore of Sunday Night Sound Session to be aired on their weekly show. Read and hear more about what you missed out on.

Throwed by Larry Mizell, Jr. of The Stranger

Throwed (usually pronounced thode) is Houston slang that means, among other things- tight, cool, partytime excellent! That would best describe last night’s Bun B x Framework x D.Black show at Neumos. Throwed also means drunk, gone, slizzard- that would best describe me at last night’s Bun B x Framework x D.Black show at Neumos.

Our Review of Bun B, Framework at Neumos by Katelyn Hackett of Seattlest

Into gangsta rap and the club scene? Frequent mentions of certain lady-parts, an ostentatious tour bus dominating 10th and Pike, and the flashy, dressed-up crowd would have sated your appetite. But there was more to the show than that. Bun B's a professional, the real deal; better yet, he's a grown-up with good taste in visual spectacle and a finely-tuned ear for the perfect hook.

Bun B Interview by DJ Hyphen & J. Moore of KUBE 93 Sunday Night Sound Session [Audio]

On the 206Proof forum, ptroy pointed out a funny part of the interview where DJHyphen mentioned something he wasn't supposed to around the 5 minute 30 second mark. Especially since the tour was sponsored by Zune. Bun B calmly responds with, "no... don't say that... it's just my phone." Around the 26 minute 55 second mark, Bun B throws in a shout for the Zune player as he talks about what he's listening to now. Take a listen and you'll see what I mean.

ptroy: "I had to laugh at the ___-phone slip up though. ZUNE!"
DJHyphen: "hahaha, i felt bad i put him on blast..."

Bun B @ Neumos TONIGHT

Soul Gorilla presents Bun B tonight at Neumos along with sponsor, Jeepney Clothing. This stop in Seattle is all a part of Zune being On The Road with Bun B as he tours the country. Tonight should be jumpin if it's anything like the energy in the room the last time he was in town. That was just a few months back for the Zune Takeover 2 show with Swizz Beatz.

The Emerald City's flyest, Framework, and Sportn' Life artist, D. Black will be in the building performing live in the spot! Seatown's favorite, Dyme Def, will be hosting tonight's party and it's sure to crack! Pre-sale tickets are sold out! So, if you're tryin to cop a spot, be sure to get them tickets at TicketsWest.com or at the door. Word is that if you purchase them at the door, the price goes up 'cause you weren't earrly in gettin them tix. But if money ain't' a thang, press your luck and see if you get in when the doors open. Show starts at 8pm.

The afterparty moves to the Baltic Room. If you show your ticket stub there, you get in for a mere $5. The party is with Soul Gorilla and Goody Bag. I'ma take a guess and say that Bun B will be there as well.

Bun B Show
NEUMOS
925 East Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98122
206/709-9467

Bun B Afterparty
BALTIC ROOM
1207 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
206/625-4444

Arif Gursel Interview @ The Evil Collector

Arif Gursel recently got interviewd by The Evil Collector. If you don't know 'bout this cat, you need to know. He heads up Invisible Man Entertainment and currently is the Technical Evangelist for Microsoft. I first learned of Arif at the Northwest Urban Lifestyle Conference back in the summer of 2006 at Seattle Central Community College which was hosted by Seaspot. He was on a panel that I can't quite remember what for, but I believe the discussion was about producing music. The dude wears many hats in addition to his J-O at the software giant, he produces and manages a stable of artists. Below is an excerpt. Click here to read the full article on this cat who hustles hard!

TEC: You’re CEO at Invisible Man Entertainment, right? You make beats?

AG: Yes, I produce as well. I’ve done independent film. I have a couple of R&B acts. You see, I run a production company, as well and it’s a lot of hard work paying off. I started off with myself, but with all of what I do, I don’t have the time to be in a studio. So, now, I’m hiring a young stable of producers to have that sound. My R&B acts, Cameron Lewis, this brotha from Chicago and Anjalae Rose are next up. Ms. Rose was on American Idol the same year as Jennifer Hudson. She learned the language in Russia, went on their version of Idol and won. This is a sista from Brooklyn. Very dope! We’re working on a bunch of things at the moment.

Bill Gates' Last Day @ Microsoft Skit

Jay-Z makes an appearance in this video skit of Bill Gates' last day at Microsoft. Click here for a version with better sound and video quality. The video appeared at CES 2008 during Bill's keynote address.

UPDATE:
What we can expect Bill Gates to do now that he's stepping down from day to day operations at Microsoft. Click on the article link below.
Melinda Gates goes public
... about living with Bill, working with Warren Buffett, and giving away their billions. [CNN Money/Fortune]

MIMS - Fahrenheit 9/11