So I generally refrain from posting anything besides songs, music videos or mixtapes primarily because it’s hard enough to just keep up on that stuff. But every once in a while, I come across something music related that the interweb has to offer and I feel I must share; this is one of those moments.
If you follow me on twitter (do it, I’ll follow you back (given you’re not a guy, gross, in a relationship, vegetarian, a Yankees fan, a smart car driver, a WNBA player, bipolar, or a PETA advocate)), you already saw that I tweeted this link. However I noticed shortly after that the link I tweeted was for somebody who had reuploaded the video, so being the type of guy I am (a great one clearly) I tracked down the original video so credit could be given where it is due.
Now stop reading and click that play button. Truuuuu!
As you have probably seen from the twitter, facebook, your friend’s text messages or blogs… 2Pac performed at Coachella last night… or rather his hologram did. Definitely a little bummed I missed it but the footage was still pretty crazy. Check it out below along with sets from Dr. Dre & Snoop headlining with a supporting cast for the ages. Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, Tony Yayo and Kendrick Lamar all came out as special guests. We also have footage from A$AP Rocky and Azealia Banks as well. Thank us later.
There’s no way you haven’t heard about this by now. I would have had it up for you all ASAP, but as you might have heard, we ran into a bit of a hacker issue. But now all is well and I want to take a minute to sound off on this hologram.
Picture perfect, I paint a perfect picture
To begin with, this was amazing. It just was. Regardless of your positive/negative take on it, you can’t deny it’s crazy what technology can do. I had heard about the hologram a bit ago, as news of it hit the blogosphere, but I never expected it to actually be this real.
I have to assume that Coachella 2012 will be remembered as groundbreaking for this performance. Years from now, people won’t even remember that Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa, and Warren G all graced the stage for one show (side note: the fact that Wiz is in that list still amazes me). The lasting impression will undoubtedly be Tupac, sporting his wheat Timbs, hollering back and forth with Dre and Snoop like we never even lost him. Ironically, it won’t be the hologram that fades to nothing, but everything else.
Now the way I see it, the hologram will be remembered for one of two reasons. The first possibility being that Pac’s performance 2012 will be the start of a new trend: holographic acts. The internet has already gotten a grasp on this, bringing up the possibility of acts ranging from Biggie to Big L. But why stop at hip-hop? When would the world be ready to see Stevie Ray Vaughan play one of his classic riffs one more time? How about Elvis swinging his hips like its still ’58? Kurt Cobain remind us who was responsible for the creation of a genre? The possibilities are endless. Yet whether this will turn into a new fad or a complete bust is near impossible to say right now.
This leads me to my next point: the other possible way Tupac at Coachella will be remembered is if it goes down as a one of a kind event. At $100,000 – $400,000 per hologram made (according to the hologram creator’s interview with MTV), holograms of every deceased artist aren’t going to start pouring out soon. Will these costs prove to be too high to make this a trend in live shows? If so, this performance would truly be remembered as a one of a kind performance.
However, how much does it cost to actually use the hologram after it’s already been created? Aside from the price of the equipment used to actually project the image, there would essentially be no additional costs. Would it be a possibility that one company could buy a hologram for $100k (which we can presumably safely estimate at this mark seeing as technology prices drastically decrease as demand increases, thereby increasing production) and then book it for performances at other shows, therefore actually making money off of it? It’s an idea, an idea that would contribute to holograms showing up at a performance near you.
What do you think? Were you blown away by the Tupac performance like I was? Did you dislike it? What’s your ethical standpoint on dead artists “performing” (and people potentially profiting off of this)? Would you pay extra to see a hologram join your favorite artist live? Would you see a show made up of solely holograms?
There are so many questions this performance has posed, I’ve merely skimmed the surface to save you from my ramblings, but I would love to hear what you think, so as always, hit me on twitter at the link below, leave a comment on this post or hit us up on our Facebook page; don’t be shy.
What goes together better than old British folks and Odd Future? Well it look’s like just about everything. OF just wrapped up their international tour yesterday, but first took time to sit down with the Brits over at BBC’s Newsnight for a quick look into their stay in London. The special focuses primarily on their pop up shop strategy, with a slew of poor jokes peppered in (“are there any washing instructions in here,” anyone?).
It’s not terribly difficult to pick up BBC’s stance on the collective, as they make an effort to include interviews with some seemingly pretty unintelligent kids waiting to get into the pop up shop. In some regards, the OF members only help contribute to this image BBC is trying to portray, as Left Brain’s dumb ass goes as far as saying on camera that they don’t pay taxes on the merchandise they sell (which Clancy so happily has to clear up after that).
A definite highlight from the interview comes at the 3:25 mark when Tyler is asked, “what about your lyrics, what are you saying in your lyrics?” and replies so eloquently with, “nothing, shit to piss old white people off like you.” I’ve seen a fair share of Tyler interviews, and I’ve realized that if there is one thing he hates, its when reporters ask the same old interview questions; seeing that a conservative 9 out of every 10 interviewers ask him to speak on his lyrics, which he has explained countless times, I can understand the frustration. Throwing out an answer like that on BBC is still hilarious though.
Oh and 100 pounds for one of those OF tie dye shirts? Hellll nawwww
Oh did they really just do this? Ok I see you, Cal and Rez. Dang man. ETM is putting them on at KU tonight and my guess is that the venue is close to sold out, if not already. The Throne Was Empty….. So [Timeflies] Sat Down. This is real life.
I’ve been grinding since 8am this morning. And if any of you fools know me, being productive since 8am is a challenge for me. Where’s my fricking cookie? Anyway, MrKnobbyMusic posted this earlier today so they deserve all of the credit.
After giggling to myself in the library for five minutes watching this, I knew I needed to post it because this type of humor is exactly right up my alley. The video was uploaded yesterday to his YouTube account, and it already almost has half a million views. Keith Apicary is the same bro who did the “Madeon Pop Culture” video I posted a while ago. I knew his face would pop up here on The Throne again; it was just a matter of time. This is too fricking good.
Jay-Z and Roc-a-wear made their first ever TV commercial. What is interesting is the majority of the clothing Jay is rocking isn’t actually Roc-a-wear. I guess you win some, you lose some.
Wiz and his gang of Taylor’s invade SXSW. Per usual, shenanigans ensue. Oh and Lola Monroe is featured in this episode… she can get it. Turn up.
I think one more post about a local group (local for me that is) on The Throne is in order before I actually start working on this paper for class. Skool’d is based out of Cedar Falls (My guess is that they go to the University of Northern Iowa), which is about one and a half hours north of the great Iowa City. They have more of a real hip-hop/rap feel to them than what I normally listen to, but I’m still digging their style. They have done some shows down in Iowa City (that I know of) and are starting to get a small, yet dedicated, following. Currently, they are working on a new EP, but they released this video about a week ago for their fans. Check it out below and then head over to their Facebook site to listen to more of their music. They also sell some sick T-shirts so you should look into that as well.
Let’s be honest…. does this week’s topic really surprise anyone? This is too sick; however, KU should be in the top spot.
