Gadgets and Gaming
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Source: Serato / Serato
Serato Scratch Live shifted DJ culture, and probably saved millions of dollars in future chiropractor bills. To celebrate its 25 anniversary, Serato just released a special limited-edition reissue of its original Serato Scratch Live Control Vinyl.
Source: Serato / Serato
The OG Digital Vinyl System (DVS) helped the art of the DJ become digital yet maintain its analog roots of manipulating vinyl physically. Think DJ’s like Jazzy Jeff being able to scratch and mix their digital files instead of lugging around heavy crates of records. Instead, all you needed was a pair of control vinyls and a hard drive full of music (and software and hardware but that’s another story).
Originally released in 2004, 20 years later only 1,500 units are available for sale for $49 USD. That gets you the “Serato Scratch Live Control Vinyl – 25th Anniversary Edition” package that includes a pair od 12” 140g control vinyls tucked into a commemorative jacket. The reissue arrives in five colors (black, transparent red, transparent blue, orange, and gray marble). However, you won’t see what color you get until you unwrap your purchase.
“At Serato’s core is a passion for music and technology, and we’ve built our foundation on the ongoing commitment to creating best-in-class products for DJs and music producers,” said Nick Maclaren, Serato’s Chief Strategy Officer, and a DJ himself, in a statement. “When Serato Scratch Live was first introduced, it reinvented what was in the realm of possibilities for DJs at the time. As we celebrate 25 years of empowering artists through Serato’s advanced technology, we’re excited for our community to experience the magic of this innovation once again with the reissue of the Serato Scratch Live Control Vinyl.”
Find out where to get the Serato Scratch Live Control Vinyl – 25th Anniversary Edition set right here.
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Source: Activision / Activision
Call Of Duty: Black Op 6 is almost here. So that means the beloved first-person shooter’s publisher Activision is launching a hefty advertising campaign, just in case you need a reminder.
The first spot in the live-action campaign features a familiar character—The Replacer, portrayed by actor Peter Stormare (Fargo, John Wick Chapter 2). First seen back in 2013 (damn, it has been that long?!), The Replacer helps players focus on their gaming while he handles their business. And in this case, that includes serving tacos, “saving” cats from trees, blessing his followers and holding down family dinner time, to comedic effect.
“The Return of the Replacer” is only the start of a series of launch commercials that will drop prior to the title’s release in late October. Plans are for a total of over 30 unique spots across media, intent on targeting various audiences. Gamers do lurk everywhere, after all. Expect some famous games to get “replaced.”
Watch “The Return of the Replacer” below (its broadcast debut was during Sunday Football on September 29th). Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is out October 25.
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Source: Kevin Sabitus / Getty
In an exclusive interview, HipHopWired spoke with Kansas City Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown about his partnership with the hit NFL Rivals game.
On Thursday (September 5), the National Football League kicked off its 2024-2025 season with a highly anticipated rematch between the Baltimore Ravens and the defending Super Bowl LVIII Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The day will also see the release of the second season of the officially licensed mobile video game from Mythical Games, NFL Rivals. The new season is dubbed Year 2 and promises new gameplay features to fans which include exclusive pack drops and an expanded marketplace which fans can check out on the game’s website.
Another new element to NFL Rivals: Year 2 is the partnership between the game and the Chiefs, organized by OneTeam Partners with the hopes of growing the audience from its impressive inaugural season performance of 5 million downloads and 115 million games played. “With the upcoming release of our multiplayer mode, and the expansion of our Synergy System, fans have new and fun ways to play,” said Billy Schautz, the executive producer of NFL Rivals in a press release, “and with the introduction of the ‘Road to the Playoffs’ and its season-long ‘reward road’, during the 2024 NFL season, we’re raising the bar and setting a new standard for sports gaming as a whole.”
One of the Chiefs’ stars, wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has been a key figure in NFL Rivals’ first season. HipHopWired got the chance to talk with him about his experience playing the game and his expectations for the upcoming season.
HipHopWired: So how’s the feedback been on your involvement with the game so far for you?
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown: the feedback has been wonderful, man. I’ve been enjoying the game myself, making me feel like a GM, building my squad up, and everything like that. And then it’s a mobile game. So I’ve been on the go playing it, its a fast-paced action game, and it’s been fun.
HHW: What’s the one appealing factor of it for you outside of being mobile? Is it tapping in when you can, you know, check on some stats or need to make quick additions?
Brown: I think building the team is what’s fascinating about it for me. It helps fans feel like they’re a GM, building a squad, getting their favorite players – and everyone has a phone, pretty much. So everyone that doesn’t have a game system, you get on here and you build your team up and go play.
HHW: I’m curious (laughs), how do you have your team set up? Who are your standouts?
Brown: I’ve obviously got the Chiefs, and my team is full of Chiefs players. I mean, I’ve got myself, I’ve got Xavier Worthy, Pat, Travis. I’m just gonna be naming Chiefs players all day because that’s my team. (laughs)
HHW: I figured, had to get it on the record. How do you feel that they’ve worked on this season, as opposed to, like, last year, with improvements?
Brown: I didn’t play a lot of season one, but it’s fun. I feel like the gameplay is fun. It reminds me of NFL Blitz.
HHW: Oh yeah, that was my game! (laughs)
Brown: So I feel like you have a lot of fun with it, and then it’s, like, all offense. So that’s what I like about it as well.
HHW: What’s the energy like for you heading into this new season with the Chiefs?
Brown: I’m so excited for the season – week one got here so fast. Just excited, you know, to see the guys battle and take on this journey. It’s a long season, and every week it’s going to be a different challenge.
HHW: So you figure a lot of teams are pretty much going to come at you, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you all are prepared.
Brown: Yeah, definitely. The guys here, they’ve played a lot of big-time games, and they understand, what it takes. And you know, for me, it’s just fitting in and bringing my element to the team, and helping the team get that three-peat.
HHW: For anybody who’s looking to get into NFL Rivals, what tips would you give them?
Brown: Get you a quarterback – preferably Patrick Mahomes. (laughs) Get you a couple of fast guys, preferably Marquis Brown and Xavier Worthy, and get you a good tight end, preferably Travis Kelce, something like that. I’m just playing (laughs), but just be yourself with it. I mean, have fun and get the players you want, and have fun with it.
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Source: DJ OMINAYA / DJ OMINAYA
DJs are in for some good news. The community’s most trusted software Serato DJ Pro has received some updates geared to optimize performance and increase creativity.
Source: SERATO / Serato
Originally launched in 1999 as Pitch ‘n Time, the revolutionary platform has gone on to allow users to mix two tracks together with just their laptop, have a limitless music library, and a crisp, high-resolution interface. Throughout the years, Serato has become synonymous with a DJ’s must-haves when it comes to their set up. This month, the brand has announced some updates to the platform in Serato DJ Pro 3.2.0 and Serato DJ Lite 3.2.0. These new versions introduce a never-before-seen series of custom-built FX and includes many firsts for the platform including native Apple silicon support for Mac users.
Source: SERATO / Serato
The good folks at Serato were kind enough to provide us early access to their beta, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than DJ OMINAYA to demo the new features. As the DJ for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Lola Brooke, DJ OMINAYA is no stranger to the technology. For the last 10 years he has used Serato DJ Pro to rock crowds all over the world including venues like Madison Square Garden, O2 Arena, The Kia Forum, Spark Arena, TD Arena, Manchester Arena, AFAS Live and more. Below you will find his breakdown on the new DJ Pro 3.2.0.
Full Suite of New FX
DJ OMINAYA: I like the fact that there are now channel FX scroll them out to a single channel; one through four. Or even put it on the master. Also, you’re able to save your favorite FX in your bank, and if you want to reset it you can reset it. But if you save it in your bank, anywhere you DJ your favorites will always be available when you click down. You can also organize them where when you pull up your drop-down menu only your favorite FX shows instead of all 100. This is a game changer because it makes them a lot more accessible.
Create Your Signature Sounds With Custom FX
DJ OMINAYA: The option to create your own signature sounds is amazing because this is another way you can separate yourself from your peers. Individuality is key as a DJ, and you never want to sound like the next person. Another feature that is key is that you can also import your FX easily as well, which will help new DJs out who are still trying to find their sound and style.
But you got to be careful with sharing your custom FX [laughs]. Serato has a regular bomb FX, but what I did was I put five other bombs on that one bomb just so it can sound more powerful because I do concerts, big venues and arenas. So, when I hit that bomb, it sounds way louder because it has more bass to it. I shared that FX with one DJ and now every DJ in New York City uses it [laughing].
Source: DJ OMINAYA / DJ OMINAYA
Favorite FX Banks
DJ OMINAYA: In my opinion this is the most important update to Serato DJ 3.2.0.The bank lets you load songs or FX to scratch in advance. If you’re a DJ that transforms or uses scratch FX, you can load the sounds in there. What I suggest is to prepare your tracks. So, if you’re doing a party and you know the next five records you want to play you can load them into the scratch bank and have them ready there opposed to searching for them while you’re DJing.
This new Serato DJ 3.2.0 definitely makes it a lot more easier to access your files and songs. As a DJ sometimes you lose your train of thought, and you forget what record you want to play next. And you can put them in the sequence you want ahead of time. This is something that comes in handy regardless of where you are playing. Let’s say I am doing a concert with [A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie] I can use that same bank of songs to do the club performance after the concert. My favorite FX is the reverb. This is a clean way to get out of a song without the transition sounding messy.
New Enhanced Look and View Modes
DJ OMINAYA: I love the new look and view mode! I feel it’s more straightforward and to the point; it’s a much cleaner interface. Even if you are new to the Serato platform, it’s really self-explanatory. You don’t need years of DJ experience to pick up the flow and functionality with Serato 3.2.0; they really took the guess work out of it. Serato 3.2.0 has shortcuts for everything you really have to explore it to see what works best for you as a DJ and your set up. Once you do, you’ll be able to get to things a lot faster and easier.
You can read more about Serato DJ 3.2.0 here.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Game Informer / Game Informer
For decades gamers heads would rely on Game Informer for all news and information video game related, but over the weekend it was announced that the iconic video game magazine would be no more and interestingly enough GameStop is to blame.
According to Kotaku, Game Informer is officially shutting down effective immediately and the announcement not only caught staffers off guard, but also fans as they’ve grown fond of the publication that began in 1991 (feel old yet?). Game Informer was ultimately purchased by GameStop in 2000, but with the declining sales of physical games over recent years, GameStop has been struggling and in a move to save some money the higher ups decided to shutdown the popular magazine.
Per Kotaku:
Staff at the magazine, which also publishes a website, weekly podcast, and online video documentaries about game studios and developers, were all called into a meeting on Friday with parent company GameStop’s VP of HR. In it they were told the publication was closing immediately, they were all laid off, and would begin receiving severance terms. At least one staffer was in the middle of a work trip when the team was told.
The sudden closure of Game Informer means that issue number 367, the outlet’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story, will be its last. The entire website has been taken offline as well. The Game Informer Twitter account posted the following statement online today, but sources tell Kotaku it was not written by anyone on the team, which was still in the process of making sure everyone on staff was informed about the news.
And just like that, it was done. Note, even the official @gameinformer account on X has been deleted.
It certainly didn’t help that the GameStop CEO was a dedicated Trump supporter who seems to bare similar characteristics to the failed businessman/Insurrectionist-In-Chief.
Game Informer’s closure comes as GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen continues shit-posting about the 2024 election. In an email to staff last year, the executive called for “extreme frugality” and criticized “money wasters” who didn’t contribute to the company or its success. He’s currently being sued by the former company behind Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $47 million in insider trading profits.
RIP Game Informer. Thank you for the decades of video game news and info. You will be missed.
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Source: Activision / Activision
The new Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was officially announced by Activision just after the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, June 9, and it’s going back to the 1990’s. While the nostalgia might be in effect right now, the game is dropping October 25.
Source: Activision / Activision
Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign is being touted as a “spy action thriller” and will be set during the Gulf War.
Per Activision:
In true Black Ops fashion, the fictional story builds on the history of the time, thrusting you into a strange and clandestine conspiracy where a shadowy force has infiltrated the U.S. government. Anyone who resists is branded as a traitor, forcing players to go rogue for the first time to fight the very machine that created them. Nothing is what it seems, and the truth may be hard to fathom, drawing you ever deeper into intrigue, distrust, and mind-bending psychological revelations. This is true, signature Black Ops style.
While we’re sure the campaign will be cool, those into COD strictly for the multiplayer action should be pleased. Some of the multiplayer content that will be available at launch includes 16 brand-new Multiplayer maps on and new “innovations” that include Omnimovement (which lets you sprint, slide and dive in any direction) and Intelligent Movement and larger enemy hit zones as well as new HUD optimizations and a plethora of new weapons and accessories. And for those that know, the return of Theater Mode and Classic Prestige.
You can check for more details about the multiplayer in the clip below via Black Ops 6 Direct.
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Watch the reveal trailer, featuring the OG President George Bush, President Bill Clinton, Saddam Hussein and more below. And yes, you can get your early access in order over at the Black Ops 6 pre-order editions and benefits blog.
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Source: Activision / Youtube
First-person shooter fans can rejoice. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is officially on the way.
On Thursday, May 23, Activision announced that Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is the next time up in the Call Of Duty series. However, if you’re looking for more details like what the campaign is looking like or which new sniper rifles you want to get your hands on, you’re going to have to be patient. The full reveal of the next Call of Duty game will go down immediately after the highly-anticipated Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, June 9 at 10amPT/1pmET.
For now, you can watch the new “wake up (rushmore) #thetruthlies” trailer below. You can also stay tunes for future updates at the Call of Duty blog. There’s also some more interactive stuff at The Truth Lies.
Yeah, we’re in.
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Source: Serato / Serato
Serato and Roland have teamed up for a special edition vinyl that marled the celebration of “303” Day” on March 3. The vinyl was created in collab with DJs J. Rocc, Fast Eddie, Shadow Child and DJ Haus, while the Serato + Roland TB-303 Bass Line / TR-606 Drumatix Control Vinyl will serve as a “time capsule and toolkit” to pay homage to Roland’s classic 303 and 606 synthesizers.
Roland’s TB-303 Bass Line Synthesizer and TR-606 Drumatix were released in 1981 and credited with revolutionizing the music industry. The machines became to electronic music and by the end of the decade and into the early 90’s the tech became TK in. production kits.
Per Serato:
The first record pays tribute to the distinctive bass lines of the 303, reinterpreted by hip house pioneer Fast Eddie and influential dance music DJ and producer Shadow Child. The second record simulates the pulsating drum beats of the 606 reinvented by seminal producer DJ Haus and J. Rocc, one of the original turntablists.
“When I first heard the 606, it was a revelation – it’s right up there with the best,” said said J. Rocc in a press statement.
Adds Fast Eddie said, “If it wasn’t for the 303, I wouldn’t even be here right now talking to you. That’s my history.”
The hope is that the limited edition vinyl serves as inspiration for future producers as they make their beats, with Roland’s iconic equipment. Find more information about the project right here.
Source: Serato / Serato
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Akai / Akai
If you’re an up and coming producer looking to create some new sounds but don’t have all the equipment necessary to do to, Akai might have something you can add to your arsenal as they’re dropping a new production keyboard with all kinds of fixins.
Source: Akai / Akai
Engadget is reporting that Akai has just announced their new MPC Key 37 production keyboard which allows users to craft and cook beats from scratch without having to use an actual computer, laptop or DAW. Of course with that being the case it will have some limitations, but the keyboard seems like a dream come true for many would-be producers looking to get into the game.
Engadget reports:
There are 37 full-size keys, complete with aftertouch. There aren’t that many standalone devices out there with a full keybed, so this should excite musicians who lack experience with Akai-style pads. This device does have 16 velocity-sensitive pads for laying down drum parts and triggering samples, so it’s a “best of both worlds” type situation.
The Key 37 ships with 32GB of on-board storage, though 10GB is used up by the OS and included sound packs. Thankfully, there’s a slot for an SD card to expand the storage — these standalone devices fill up fast.
You get the same color 7-inch multi-touch display and four assignable Q-Link knobs as the company’s Key 61 workstation. This is great for making system adjustments and for controlling effects plugins and the like. As a matter of fact, the entire layout recalls the Key 61, though this new release is slightly less powerful.
Though the Key 37 understandably lacks some of the key aspects of it’s Key 61 predecessor (such as 2GB of RAM, compared to the 61’s 4GB and a few microphone inputs), the keyboard does feature Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for wireless streaming on platforms such as Ableton Link. That’s gotta count for something, right?
The MPC Key 37 is currently available for a cool $900 on inMusic and authorized retailers around town. Would you be interested in copping one? Check out the video for the keyboard below and let us know in the comments section.
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Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Williams III is a gamer on the court and with the sticks off the court. The man known as Time Lord is a certified Call Of Duty fan and in a quick interview with Hip-Hop Wired, he offered plenty of insight into getting adjusted to his new Portland surroundings (he was traded from the Celtics in the summer—a say day for this Celtics fan writer), explained the joy he finds in gaming, and of course what he’s looking forward to in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
Robert Williams III says he was initially an NBA 2K player but got into Call Of Duty during his rookie year (he was drafted in 2018, so we’re talking Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 era). After admittedly taking a break for a year, he’s been back in full swing ever since. The franchise aligns with the high-flying forward’s NBA travel grind and keeps him trouble-free.
“It’s a mixture of things,” said Williams about why he plays. “It’s unwinding. A lot of times [instead] of going out and making some bad decisions, Call Of Duty will help you make great decisions. Just being able to communicate with people around the world. Being able to communicate with my fam back home over the game—kind of go through therapy sessions. We may get into a party and not even start the match for 30 minutes, just talking to each other.”
With Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III on the horizon, which lands this Friday (November 10), Williams is looking forward to getting as comfortable with the new title as he is on the court.
“I love it, man,” said Williams of the early taste of the game he was granted. “I feel like Call Of Duty surprises us every time. We ask ourselves what they can do to make it better or we suggest stuff that would make it better and a lot of the times the stuff that people suggest will really make the game terrible. We don’t realize it. I think they did a great job. I’m ready to play the campaign. I want to see what the rest of the game has in store.”
If you think Williams dropped a generic answer, he confirmed that he was legit when detailing his style of gameplay.
“I was the type where when I first started playing [I’d let] my friends go on fighting [and] I was the sniper that sat in the back the whole time. I’m marking people. [But then] I fell in love with SMG’s. I really miss the Cooper Carbine [Ed. Note: from Call Of Duty: Vanguard], I miss those bad,” Williams said.
Williams’ gritty play on the court will surely be missed by Boston Celtics fans. His new home and team of Portland are already treating him well.
“It was just tough getting adjusted to the West Coast time coming from Boston,” Williams shared. “But the city of Portland is amazing, man. People [have] been welcoming me. Been trying to find some good food. The nature is crazy, the trees, the wilderness out there is crazy.”
As a testament to the type of person he is, he’s already eyeing ways to give back to his new city.
“Obviously it’s not a celebratory topic, but I think Portland’s homelessness is probably the worst I’ve ever seen in my life, so I’m trying to figure out the next steps to get involved and try to help with that,” Williams said. In 2022, Portland ranked 25th nationwide in homelessness; per Axios, the homeless rate rose 20 percent in 2023.
Williams, a well-paid pro athlete, displaying such empathy is a testament to the type of teammate he is. This is often glossed over by those covering him in the press.
“I’m a people person,” said Williams when asked what’s the most underrated part of his NBA game. ” Anything I can do to help the team. Anything I can do to help my coaches, any given time on and off the court. This is what I am. I know I look unapproachable, I got neck tattoos and all that man, but I’ma cool person.”
Unfortunately for Blazers fans, Williams will have more time to play Call Of Duty since he recently suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for a least a few months (we conducted this interview a short while ago). But you can guarantee he’ll be back, stronger than ever.
Get well soon, Robert Williams III. We got your six.
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Photo: Getty
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