Hip hop has a new voice.
Emerging from the need to revamp negative images being portrayed about the hip hop culture, BlazinStreetz.com is using the Internet as an avenue to bring all aspects of hip hop to one place and offer a positive solution.
“BlazinStreetz.com is a silent voice of hip hop covering social and political issues and using the culture to deliver messages subliminally,” said Amir R. Tonsil, 21, an economics student from Newark, N.J.
“Many don’t pick up newspapers, but they will pick up a Vibe or Source magazine,” said Tonsil, who is also the associate director of artist relations at BlazinStreetz.com.
Through this online portal, visitors have the opportunity to participate in positive online interaction. Browsing the site will uncover features such as blogging and information on issues including financial empowerment, politics, self-improvement and daily hip hop-related news.
A visit to “The Wire” page gives members a voice and allows for feedback from other users.
“We have created a place where people in the urban community can come to express thoughts about issues currently going on in the community using the Internet to bridge the digital divide,” said Robert Lawrence, CEO of BlazinStreetz.com.
Aspiring artists can also use the Web site to gain exposure.
The “Spotlight Artist” section gives up-and-coming artists an opportunity to showcase their music and have their profiles viewed by members and visitors of BlazinStreetz.com.
Recent 2006 FAMU graduate, Brandon “B.Rossi” Lindsey, attests to his success with being a featured artist on BlazinStreetz.com.
“I have built a fan base through BlazinStreetz.com,” Lindsey said. “People see your profile and want to know more about you.”
As one of the most popular areas on the site, “Spotlight Artist” generates thousands of hits and offers an alternative to profile sites that do not have pre-generated traffic.
Lindsey, who once received the most music downloads over a four-week period, said BlazinStreetz.com delivers what other sites do not.
“Its not like a regular site,” he said. “It is a more intimate setting.”
Producers will soon be able to showcase their work as well. The creators plan to introduce a section in summer 2007 that will allow producers to upload their beats and make them available for purchase.
“The Streetz” section increases visitors’ awareness of events occurring in cities throughout the United States. Here visitors will find listings of happenings such as family events, social events and parties.
Music enthusiasts will also find features to keep them updated with new and hot releases. “Downloads” features mixtapes that include current singles from major artists, “Album Reviews” evaluates the latest releases, and “Blazin’ Media” highlights the newest music videos.
Since its launch in late 2005, BlazinStreetz.com has experienced a steady rise in support for its membership-based Web site. It boasts an average of about 50,000 hits per month, a great increase from the 200 hits it received in its first month of existence.