The announcement that Rage Against the Machine would reunite for one time (and one time only) for the Coachella concert sparked huge demand for tickets. The tickets sold out rapidly and the already hefty prices are seeing ridiculous resale value for ticket scalpers, resellers and auctioneers.  A quick glance at ebay showed one 3-day pass about to sell for $465 - with a few last minute bidders likely lurking.
While Coachella tickets themselves are a hot commodity, this particular surge is clearly linked with the hype of Rage Against The Machine uniting - and for good reason. Not only was Rage one of the most prolific sound makers of the 1990s, but the lyrics oozed with passion (often political) and the live shows left every ounce of energy on the stage.  The incredible response for this “one show wonder” is partially what prevented this from being only one show.
Rage Against the Machine will join Wu-Tang Clan for shows in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco as part of the “Rock The Bells” Hip Hop Festival. The LA Times announced that part of this reunion of reunions was politically driven, uniting young people against the War in Iraq and President Bush. Their political agenda isn’t the only similarity - the rebellious sound of both groups has gained the loyalty and respect from  the underground community while appealing to the masses - a formula rarely achieved in the pop culture so which so many artists’ styles succumb.
The news also comes amidst the exciting announcement that this summer, Wu-Tang Clan will release their first album since 2001.
March 1st, 2007
In 1999, a company named Alexander Global promotions distributed a Willie Mays Bobblehead as part of a San Francisco Giants promotion. In 2002, the company was making 1.2 million bobbleheads a day and their client list included the majority of professional baseball, basketball and football teams. It’s now 2007 and the bobblehead craze still isn’t slowing down. In fact, new groups outside of professional sports have continue to see their faces adorned on these wobbly creatures. Next up - Hip Hop Artists.
In coming months, you could be seeing the likes of Kanye West, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Eminem, Fat Joe and Little Wayne bobbleheads thanks to a joint effort by Grapevine Star Entertainment and Hip Hop Properties (TM). The two have formed a new brand, Hip Hop Bobbleheads (TM), which will work with rap and hip hop labels to release brand new bobbleheads of celebrity artists.
The hip hop genre has quickly grown into a cultural phenomenon and multi-billion dollar industry. The fusion with bobbleheads is a seemingly obvious merchandising effort that will likely set registers on fire.
But these new bobbleheads will have a new twist… they’ll shake at both the head and the waist, allowing them to replicate dance moves seen in clubs across America. Not only do they bobble… they bobble. The first round of characters will be the Original Hip Hop Bobbleheads, modeled after industry icons and legends such as Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z and Russell Simmons. They’ll be available in various sizes and colors and the limited availability is sure to make them a red hot commodity. They’ll also be taking custom orders.
Currently on their website (hiphopbobbleheads.com) they offer only a generic hip hop bobblehead, BBoy style. However, a headline does mention “custom designs available” and states that “music industry, celebrities and sports” are also offered. These will likely be offered through the various record companies working with Grapevine and although you can’t get them directly through the company, you should definitely keep your eyes out for the bobblin and wobblin Hip Hop Bobbleheads to be flooding the streets near you.
February 19th, 2007