Talib Kweli Joins Popular 3D Social Network, Second Life
Published: Thursday - November 2, 2006
Words by Miles Bennett
Talib Kweli (Photo: Koch)
Warner Bros. and Talib Kweli's Blacksmith label have launched a virtual community for the rapper in the immensely popular 3D social network, Second Life, in which users, known as "residents," build and own their content online.
Second Life (www.secondlife.com), which was created by San Francisco-based Linden Lab, is a parallel universe existing in cyberspace. In this digital world, users create and dress up characters, build homes, form neighborhoods and live out alternative versions of their lives in the 3D, computer-generated environment.
Residents can also spend real money, and actually contribute around US $350,000 a day on average, or a rate of $130 million a year by using virtual currency known as "Linden Dollars." Usage is growing in rapid double-digit terms each month, according to Reuters.
"Second Life is the logical progression for online web communities," said Corey Smyth of Blacksmith. "It brings web interaction to life. You are able to enter the mind of your favorite artist through online concerts, neighborhoods and basic one on one interaction. We are excited that Talib Kweli is part of such a progressive community and look forward to continue to build with Second Life."
Anyone who logs in and creates a basic (free) membership in Second Life will be able to interact with the Brooklyn-bred rapper via his "avatar," or virtual world persona. Created by Kweli himself, users can visit his Brooklyn brownstone, which will feature online amenities such as a pool table, bar area, chill-out room, and, in an exciting development, a rooftop stage where his live concerts from around the country will be streamed.
Second Life users will also have exclusive access to new video content, which can be viewed from every floor in the brownstone, as well as material from Ear Drum, Kweli's eagerly anticipated debut album for Warner Bros. Records, which is slated for release early next year.
Second Life is entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown enormously to 1,100,000 people from around the globe.
To visit the Talib Kweli brownstone in Second Life visit, Tinyurl.com/yxg8ng.
Editorials & Columns Hustle Harder: A Cup Of Joe... I recently performed at S.O.B's and the night seemed to last forever. I had gotten there early (hours before show time) ... full story
Beyond Hip-Hop Comparison: NHL 09 Vs. NHL 2K9 Hockey games have had a seamless transition into the next generation, fueled by two solid products that are constantly ... full story
Video Murs: Can It Be (Music Video) L.A. rapper Murs drops the first video from his major label debut, Murs For President. This is called "Can It Be."
... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
