T-Pain’s digital record label Nappy Boy Digital officially launched its social networking features and I must say I am pleasantly surprised. Powered by Ground(Ctrl) (not Ning), NBD utilizes some very cool features while controlling the social graph surrounding their artist. NBD has a Ning(ish), Facebook-like social networking feel that gives fans the ability to create profiles, blog, add friends, send messages, and post on their friends walls. The site also allows users to choose from a interesting selection T-Pain memorabilia in the NBD store, get the latest upcoming show information, and view exclusive video in the media channel also known as Nappy Boy TV. Each NBD artist also has their own profile pages allowing users direct interaction with all the NBD artist: Tay Dizm, Young Cash, Sophia Fresh, Jay Lyriq, and of course the ringmaster himself T-Pain.

Visibly absent from Nappy Boy Digital is the feature that makes Myspace such a hit with musicians, the ability to listen to the artists singles from their profile page. I’m not sure if the capabilities aren’t there or if NBD didn’t enable this feature but, to me it would make sense to listen to the artists’ songs while browsing their profile page. Another flaw NDB has is the lack of integration from other social networks. I’m fairly sure that Nappy Boy Digital doesn’t intend to compete with the major social networks, but the utilization of other well established social networks could really help build a nice community for NBD. But that’s just my two cents.