DEF JAM ENTERS MOBILE MARKET
By Jim Neusom
Russel Simmons, founder of the mega Def Jam brand (www.DefJam.com) and hip-hop entrepreneur, has now entered the mobile Content market. In partnership with AG Interactive (www.corporate.americangreetings.com), Def Jam Mobile will provide a vast array of personalized mobile content ranging from messaging and ringtones to graphics, games, greetings and news.
We wrote last month on hip-hops entry into the mobile media player market via Roc-A-Fella Records, new RocBox. Now hip-hop visionary Russell Simmons, has jumped into the game, by converting his Def Jam "Brand" into a new arsenal of cutting edge wireless offerings for millions living the hip-hop lifestyle.
According to the company press release; "Def Jam Mobile is designed to offer a new voice for the hip-hop generation by developing a substantial suite of new wireless applications and products to the mobile marketplace. Under the agreement, the partners will jointly develop, distribute and market mobile content offerings in the music, film and videogame area as well as other forms of self- expression including personalization, messaging products and entertainment. The content will be produced and marketed to create meaningful connections with the hip-hop audience, providing an innovative way to express personal choices and lifestyle."
The partnership brings AG Interactive together with one of hip-hop's most historic entrepreneurs. Simmons founded the rap label Def Jam, launching the careers of legendary artists including LL Cool J, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. He revolutionized urban fashion by creating the Phat Farm clothing line, launched popular television projects including Def Jam Comedy, and Def Jam Poetry and created the influential Hip-Hop Summit. All these achievements have made Simmons the most sought-after thought leader in the urban market. Just as importantly for AG Interactive, Simmons has already enjoyed success producing branded mobile phones through deals with Motorola.
Simmons will now bring his magic touch to AG Interactive. "This major partnership with Russell Simmons enables AG Interactive to establish a leadership position in a market that wireless content providers are eager to penetrate," notes Josef Mandelbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer, AG Interactive. "When looking to partner with an organization that best represents this lifestyle, there is no more authentic and influential brand than Def Jam."
"It's only natural to extend hip hop into new avenues of self- expression," states Kevin Liles, President and CEO, of Def Jam. "Def Jam Mobile will allow us to be able to provide new ways for our audience to access and use wireless content to further their own individuality."
"The buying power of the hip-hop generation has evolved into a multibillion dollar economic force," notes Russell Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Rush Communications. "We're confident Def Jam Mobile will bring the most desirable, targeted mobile content to the core, Hip-hop demographic."
Hip-hop has come to dominate both urban communities and traditional suburbia with CD sales topping $1 billion in 2003, largely due to the 45 million hip-hop consumers between the ages of 13 and 34. This group is 80 percent white, according to Lathan Media Group, and has an annual spending power of $1 trillion. The new partnership seeks to provide an unparalleled opportunity for those living this hugely popular and influential culture to extend their self- expression into the mobile marketplace. To gain wide distribution for Def Jam Mobile, AG Interactive will draw on partnerships with more than 25 carriers.
Our online store will open after the official site launch.
We'll offer major & indy records & artists will have the ability to sell music at much higher profit margins than typical online stores.
Advertise Here!
More info
Advertising will
be reasonable in contrast to other high traffic Hip Hop sites.
Special rates will be offered for companies & individuals promoting independant releases.
Please support our advertisers.
Sponsored
Links:
