Brave New Media

Yesterday, I took a trip out west to have a round table lunch at the Viceroy in Santa Monica. Waiting for me were a few colleagues who know their s**t when it comes to the brave new frontier of new media. There's Doug Dicconson, VP of Biz Dev at Babelgum..



If you don't know, Babelgum is funded by an Italian billionaire and one of the few online channels who actually still buy content, instead of pitching you some half-ass, rev share pipe dream. There's one of my close collaborators Raymond Roker of URB.



Like most other ill-fated print mags in 2009 (i.e. Vibe, King, etc), it's no surprise that URB's printing press went dark too. But Raymond's a smart guy - together we're figuring out a way to push the brand into it's next life. There's Josh Glazer, URB's long-time editor..



And myself, anxious to eat my Mediterranean lamb wrap.



More later.

Coachella 2009 Parties

The big buzz is the Music Loves Fashion party at the Riviera Hotel. In addition to almost every LA promoter being involved, there's just a ton of people staying there..



Last year's party was kind of weak. So looks like this year they're trying to take the crown from the crew over at Anthem Magazine, who for the past few years have thrown the best parties at the best houses, hands down. I hear this year they have a lake smack dab in the middle of the property..



My good friends from URB, dF, Undefeated, and more are throwing the inaugural Indioasis party..


The Good Life party w/ Doug E. Fresh, Spank Rock, etc..



And the Ace Hotel party sponsored by Levi's..



And other parties (leaning towards the more exclusive) include the T-Mobile afterparty on Saturday night (last years was solid, really far out, dark drive); a Filter Magazine pre-party on Thursday night; and a Jeremy Scott party on Saturday night. And if you didn't rsvp for any of these parties, just bumrush the show, act like ya know. Plus, you got all your friends with their own private villas so there should be no shortage of what to do! But be safe out there. See you all in the desert!!!

Meeting of the Minds

Earlier today, had some tea with my old friend Allen Lee, Sr. VP of Corporate Development at Capitol Films, which translates into he deals with lots of $$$. He and I worked together way back in '02 when I was at Lionsgate. There's Allen at Le Pain on Melrose..



Stopped by Dr. Tea's for a big ol' pot of Oolong. If you haven't been, please check it out. It's sacred and honest.



Later linked up with Rico of Afrobots and a few others for a round table. There's Rico and Darrell discussing something..



We decided to get some feedback from Mr. Pure Roker. The magic of ichat..



Stay tuned.

Obey the Holidays

Last night, stopped by the Ricardo Montalban Theatre on Vine for the Obey Holiday party..



There's Rick Rodney..



There's Miles Tackett of the Breakestra. He unveiled the new Barack Rootdown flyer.



And there's Shepard Fairey and Raymond Roker of URB .



It was a pleasant night. And if YOU, not you, but YOU are reading this. You know to stay home.