Definitive Jux Teams With the Suicide Girls

The Learn to Read Contest is an interesting pairing of an an important indie label, Definitive Jux, and an alternative pin-up site, SuicideGirls, that features mostly 20 something white female "Punk Rock and Goth" models in a style popularized, to some degree, by photographer Richard Kern. That's actually a really nice fit and the prize is a combination of a signed Aesop Rock limited edition release and a Suicide Girls photobook.

My only question is how many prizes are being given out. I'm going to be embarassed if I'm publicizing a contest that doesn't offer many chances to win. I'll let you know what I found out soon, but my reason of concern is actually fairly old. I once announced a Definitive Jux promotion at Hip Hop Logic and then had to apologize for mentioning it because it was really a joke of a nonevent, for reasons I explained in the post. I was especially disappointed because Definitive Jux has put out some of my all-time favorite records and they just seemed clueless about using the Internet to promote themselves. I guess I'm one of those fans who just doesn't forget being let down by people I respect.

The Queen's Logo Beef with Missy Elliott

The Queen of Denmark considers the logo of Missy Elliott's Respect ME clothing line from adidas to be a bit too close to the Royal monogram. Apparently Missy was involved with the design process and the result played off her claimed status as the "queen of hip-hop." From the picture at AllHipHop.com, they sure look similar.

You know, I tend to roll my eyes when someone says they're the king or queen of a musical genre. But, on second thought, Missy Elliott is probably as close as it gets at the moment.

Quick Takes & Stuff I Missed

Music for Relief, a live concert organized by Linkin Park, will raise funds for tsunami relief on Feb. 18th with the aid of lots of big stars including the hardest working retiree in showbiz, Jay-Z, who will join Linkin Park in live mashup action. The always ready to put on a good show Jurassic 5 will also make an appearance.

I don't know how long this has been going on but JCPenney's now carries an exclusive MTV Cribs Home Furnishings Collection.

TheFeature points to "another free ringtone making site."

Saturday's Baby Phat show for NY Fashion Week was preceded by a show of products from the Simmons Jewelry Company. Hey, did you know the Simmons have a "family crest" which features a "doubled S in Gothic script?"

The B.I.G. related clothing line, Brooklyn Mint, will debut with a preview this month and a t-shirt line in March with more to follow in 2006.

Sway and King Tech will release their second album, Back 2 Basics, in May featuring a wide array of well known and up and coming rappers and producers.