In an effort to create added buzz on their upcoming releases, Loud Records has partnered with Zingy to offer Hip-Hop fans an opportunity to preview new music and customize their cell phone ringtones. First to participate in this new promotion are WU-TANG CLAN and MOBB DEEP.
Always eager to find innovative methods to reach consumers and stay connected with the streets, Loud Records CEO Steve Rifkind has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Zingy, the first comprehensive wireless portal geared toward the unique communication and entertainment needs of teens and young adults. “As technology continues to advance so quickly, there is no better way to get involved than through the wireless networks. Cell phones are so widely used that [customized] ringtones are one of the best ways to promote our music,” states Rifkind.
Similar in vein to the new phenomenon of customized beats for 2-way pagers, this promotion will be utilized as a tool to market new releases. To date, cell phones manufactured and serviced by Nokia encompass the capabilities to customize ringtones. Access to this special promotion is available via www.zingy.com.
Hip-Hop fans are encouraged to offer their feedback and comments to Rifkind, who has posted his e-mail address and personal two-way pager number on Zingy’s website. To date, his pager has been overrun with responses from fans requesting expanded track listings from which to choose their customized ringtones. “Research shows that 82% of 14 to 16-year olds own mobile phones. Our philosophy has always been to listen to what the streets have to say and I look forward to interacting with the Zingy community to hear their opinions,” notes an optimistic Rifkind.
Fans of WU-TANG can access three new songs from their December 18th release, “Wu-Tang Iron Flag,” including “Uzi (Pinky Ring),” “Rules,” and “Ya’ll Been Warned.” “Hey Luv” and “Burn” from MOBB DEEP’s upcoming album, “Infamy,” are available as well – the album will be available in stores on December 11th.
In addition to spearheading Loud Records and SRC, a grassroots marketing and promotion company, Rifkind has added the title of author to his resume. A master of the grass-roots marketing campaign, Rifkind has selected the topic of Marketing as the premise of the yet-to-be titled book he is currently co-authoring with Carlito Rodriguez, Editor-in-Chief of The Source, Hip-Hop culture’s premier publication.
Loud Records was also the proud title sponsor of the Fab Four College Hoops event at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 6th. Produced by Gracedale Sports and Entertainment, a Chicago-based sports marketing and management company, the Loud Records Fab Four has been created in the hopes of becoming the primary men’s college basketball double-header in Los Angeles. Proceeds from the event will benefit Bresee Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides health, academic enrichment and employment services for low-income neighborhoods of Los Angeles, California.
A joint venture with Sony Music’s Columbia Records, Loud Records is home to some of Hip-Hop’s finest including WU-TANG CLAN (and CLAN solo artists RAEKWON and INSPECTAH DECK), MOBB DEEP, THREE 6 MAFIA, BEATNUTS, XZIBIT, dead prez, THA ALKAHOLICS as well as late great rapper, BIG PUNISHER.
