Black Web 2.0

Grammy Award-Winning singer, song writer, and producer T-Pain recently launched his much anticipated full digital independent record label Nappy Boy Digital. The label’s mission is to create a direct artist to consumer connection without the constraints of the traditional major labels. Nappy Boy Digital is an obvious next step for record labels who may have finally realized that the Internet is a friend and not a foe. But as I learn more about the label, I can’t help but wonder if T-Pain squandered this opportunity to make a lasting effect in the music industry. (more…)

San Francisco, Mochi Media Makes $10M To Monetize Games
With plans to build out its infrastructure to meet demand from game developers for its ad platform, Mochi Media Inc. has raised a $10 million Series B round of funding.
http://www.mochimedia.com

New York Hanger Network Racks Up $10M More
Hanger Network In-Home Media Inc., which distributes ads, coupons and promotional materials on biodegradable coat hangers, has racked up another $10 million from venture investors.
http://www.hangernetwork.com

Seattle, Cozi Gets Cozy With Gannett
Cozi Group Inc., a Web-based service geared toward organizing schedules and other aspects of family life, has received a third round of unspecified funding led by Gannett Co.
http://www.cozi.com

Tulsa, Digital Forensics Detects $1M For Legal Compliance
Digital Forensics Professionals Inc., a company that detects and analyzes digital information stored on computers and other devices, has raised a $1 million round of funding.
http://www.okdfp.com

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Back in April, on RushmoreDrive, I wrote What Does 50 Cent Know About Social Media?. I didn’t have the space to do a real analysis of the efforts there, but there are other sites that have dug in a little deeper, such as ReadWriteWeb and even the Tech Observer blog over at Portfolio in 50 Cent and the Path to Niche Social Networking.

Of all the analyses out there, I find Michael Miraflor’s, How 50 Cent Uses Online Video to Build Brand Loyalty, over at ClickZ the most compelling.
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We recently reported that Allhiphop.com signed a 5 year multi-million dollar exclusive ad deal with Radio One’s Interactive One. On the surface the ad deal looked like a win win for both companies. AHH, gets rid of the burden of searching for ad inventory by teaming up with Radio One’s well connected urban radio ad sales division, while Interactive One further extends their internet ad reach. Sounds like a perfect match right? I am not convinced. (more…)

Super news takes a very funny look at the battle of the social networks.

Discovered via Baratunde

Over time we’ve profiled social media’s impact on the music industry, covering artist including RadioHead and Soulja Boy, but not to be out done is Grammy award winning rapper and record label CEO, Chamillionare. The north Houston underground mixtape giant, boasted over 3.5 million hits on his personal website prior to his major label deal with Universal Music.

Chamillionare talks with Mashable’s Pete Cashmore after the Digital Hollywood Conference in Los Angeles. In the interview Chamillionare discusses how social media sites contributed to his success in ringtone and album sales, as well as how the current music industry metrics don’t accurately reflect the popularity of an artist’s album. Chamillionaire also discusses how Weird Al’s YouTube parody of “Ridin” (White and Nerdy), help propel the 2006 single to #1 and his subsequent award of Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Today Carol’s Daughter conducted a bloggers roundtable on Ustream in lieu of a press conference, bloggers and influencer’s were invited to participate, Black Web 2.0 was fortunate to be one of the participants. (more…)

The other day I had a nice surprise in my inbox, a private beta invite to Socialthing! I first came in contact with Socialthing! at this years SxSwi. Though I recognized the name I wasn’t quite sure what exactly they did, a quick stop to their website answered the question.

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So if you haven’t heard yet Clutch Magazine is having their 1st Annual Blog Academy this summer. Along with others Black Web 2.0 will be partnering with Clutch to share social media tips on how you can succeed online in this Web 2.0 world. The academy will last for 2 months and will include how-to’s and advice. You can vote on what you want to learn over at Clutch. Oh I almost forgot the best part, It’s FREE!!!