50Cent
Latest
Engadget interviews 50 Cent: inside the mind of a hip-hop mogul techie
50 Cent has a tendency to do things big, so it makes sense that he'd use CES as a platform to launch his new line of headphones in collaboration with Sleek Audio. Luckily for us, he's been hanging out in the back of a Gunnar Optiks RV (he's an investor) that just so happens to be parked right next to the Engadget Trailer. 50's been making the rounds with the press here shopping his latest offerings, but we still jumped at the chance to shoot the breeze with a man who's been shot nine times -- and he turns out to be a pretty nice guy. Get a look into the mind of 50 Cent in our interview after the break, including information on 50's secret "batphone" -- for the ladies only, of course.
Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown
It's official. The cans we saw teased earlier in the week have just been made official by Sleek Audio and Curtis Jackson (otherwise known to the world as 50 Cent), with the rapper himself dishing out cash and input to make it happen. We're told that they were designed by 50 and engineered by Sleek, and are the first headphones ever to offer 'Wireless Hybrid' technology with military-grade metals. More specifically, the Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones utilize Kleer lossless wireless technology, with a 60 foot range and a micro-USB rechargeable battery. If you run out of juice, there's a detachable mic cable that can be jacked in for continued listening. The cans themselves house a pair of 50mm dynamic drivers, a customized internal amplifier and a call-out to Dr. Dre. Just kidding. Maybe. We're still waiting on a price and release date, but we'd expect 'em to ship soon for just a touch more than HP's Beats -- you know, given the wireless and all.
Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration
What's this? Wouldn't you like to know. Now that Dr. Dre and HP have teamed up to strike gold in the consumer audio space, it looks as if Sleek Audio is doing its darnedest to replicate success. Sleek -- which tickled our ears quite pleasantly with last year's SA1 -- is apparently gearing up to unveil something special here at CES. Mum's the word on what, exactly, but judging by the image above, we're assuming it'll be a pair of high-end wireless (Kleer?) headphones with the backing of 50 Cent. You'll also notice a svelte carbon fiber exterior, which ought to flex just right as the low-lows are passing through its drivers. Head on past the break for the full image, and keep it locked right here as we dig for more. Update: An eagle-eyed tipster has spotted a gallery's worth of shots on 50's Twitter page, and lo and behold, it looks like he's already scored a pair! %Gallery-112491%
Codemasters feasts on Swordfish remains
There was apparently enough fat and gristle left on the bones of Swordfish Studios following yesterday's Monumental 50 Cent sale to satisfy Codemasters' appetite. The publisher today announced that it has taken over the developer's Birmingham studio, which will still be managed by Swordfish founder, Trevor Williams.Nothing has been announced detailing what the studio is or will be working on for the Codies. However, a press release announcing the acquisition notes that the developer will focus on "original content" using the EGO Engine popularized by both GRID and DiRT. We hope that our wish for a 50 Cent racing game will finally come true.
See the debut trailer for 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
We're not positive (yet), but the more material we see from 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, the more sure we are that it's going to be the best game ever made. Barring that, it's almost sure to be the best one featuring the theft -- and subsequent retrieval -- of a diamond-encrusted skull by a hardcore rapper (except, of course, for Kid Chameleon). Things we love: When Fiddy takes a shotgun blast to the chest without flinching; when Fiddy casts his assault rifle aside to kick a guy in the junk and when Fiddy is assaulted by not just a white guy, but (for the benefit of those of you who are not so much with the symbolism) the whitest guy on the face of the Earth. We're betting that guy's name is White E. Theman, but that's just a guess. Best. Game. Ever.
Mii Spotlight: Musician edition
Another week has passed, so it must be time for Wii Fanboy's Mii Spotlight! Last week, after Eric showed off how good it was to be a gangsta, we sent out a request for musician Miis, and we got a few that we're excited about showing off. If you haven't yet seen your Mii here, be patient -- we're saving some of the submissions for later editions. If your Mii is creative, well-made, and interesting, don't despair. You'll probably see it here eventually! It just takes time to get enough that are thematically linked.But we also need to make something very clear: the Miis you send us need to be your own, or you need to credit the original maker if you're sending photos of other people's work. We've had some complaints that not all of the Miis we've featured were actually made by the person claiming credit. It's one thing to see a Mii somewhere and make your own based on that, and another thing altogether to take someone's photos and send them in as your own. We can't check everything, and there's no real way to verify, so we ask you simply to be honest, and please remember to be respectful of people who put their spare time into creating Miis for your enjoyment. But enough with the lectures -- let's see some Miis!
Apple, 50 Cent to develop budget PC?
Many people know that Steve Jobs is a Beatles fan, and his affinity for Irish rock group U2 is also no secret, but how many of you were aware that his Steveness is seemingly down with G-Unit? Well, maybe the Foolish Genius (thanks, Wu-Tang Name Generator) isn't exactly bumping "In Da Club" or "Candy Shop" on his many iPods, but Forbes is reporting that Apple is indeed in talks with G-Unit founder and multiple gunshot survivor 50 Cent about manufacturing a co-branded line of affordable computers targeted at inner-city families. Although there's been no word from Cupertino on such a project (big surprise), 50's manager Chris Lighty confirmed to Forbes (free online subscription required) that the two camps are in the midst of negotiations, complimenting the Apple founder on his business savvy and adding that the two men "get each other." When we contacted him about this story, Mr. Jobs had little to say about the company's future plans, but his suggestion that we "step off" or risk having a "cap busted" somewhere unpleasant makes us think that Forbes might just be on to something here.[Via The Raw Feed and AllHipHop]
DS Lite buyer's guide -- pimp my Lite
With the US release of the DS Lite close enough for us to begin using the word "impending", our favorite quad-colored insurrectionists have posted an excellent buyer's guide to aid you in the inevitable hunt for games and accessories. The guide details the Lite's many improvements over the old model, explains how to transfer your Wi-Fi settings between the two and lists 7 DS games you cannot be without. We found the section on accessories to be particularly informative, with several popular rappers chiming in on the hottest items you can use to pimp and protect your Lite.Who knew that Snoop Dogg was dependent on a USB charger? "He is a busy man, what with all the pimping his schedule requires and the dropping of items as if they were hot. This is why the Doggfather keeps a USB cable for his DS handy. Using one of these, you can charge your DS Lite anytime and anywhere a USB PC port is available. Though its convenience may sound expensive, the $5 cost ain't nuthin' but a cheap thang." 4 Color Rebellion has the guide in flash, PDF, and shizzle formats. [Thanks, shiftup!]
