So NYT was invited to check out the 50 Cent in store event at Play N Trade. We stopped by to check out the occasion. When we arrived at the store it seemed like an autograph session was going to go down as fans were lined up outside contained within NYPD barricades. Plenty of officers on the streets in presence keeping everyone on lockdown. It is an interesting time for 50 Cent to be making public appearances as he has been in the spotlight due to a certain conflict with another rapper. MTV News didn’t waste any time to swap some words touching on Eminem’s comeback, his recording process for the new album and of course Rick Ross’ sales numbers. After the report the fans were able to get autographs with their new 50 Cent game title. Justin Wong was also making his moves and was also interviewed by MTV. It looked like a healthy event for a little downtown game shop.

(c)Rhythmediamusic

Muro is considered one of the key pioneers in Japanese Hip Hop. Originally part of the infamous Krush Posse formed in 1987 which consisted of Muro, DJ Krush and DJ Go. Muro and DJ Krush released solo projects resulting in Muro establishing himself further in Japan and DJ Krush in achieving international success. Muro, Twigy, Masao, P.H. and DJ Go eventually formed Microphone Pager which is another substantial unit that influenced modern Japanese rap. He is still very active in the industry as he helped bring up groups such as Nitro Microphone Underground. Muro has an impressive discography including collaborations with Freddie Foxxx, D.I.T.C., Pete Rock and Pharoahe Monch to name a few. We can go on and on about Muro’s accomplishments and importance but we’ll leave that up to you to dig up. There’s not enough diggin’ going on these days!

Interview with Muro after the jump!

This time of year may be lacking in video game releases and news for gamers, but that’s because companies are busy working behind the curtains. With the E3 Expo upcoming, the video game industry is holding their cards tight to their chest. Capcom on the other hand, has let out a few details already during their Captivate event. Having already released two blockbuster titles in Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV, and with Bionic Commando and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 set to release in the near future, Capcom is well ahead of the curve for 2009.

To find out how Capcom manages to keep us hyped for their games, we asked Emily Anadu, Director of Brand Marketing at Capcom about their marketing efforts, maintaining their image, their live events for the gaming community, and what we can look forward to in the future.

Interview with Emily Anadu after the jump!

Japanese artist KAMI has designed original caps for the launch of Hitotzuki online shop. The hats feature KAMI’s signature style of execution and will be available in black and navy. Stay tuned until the drop.

Here are some new Spring shirts from Tokyo Art Beat. There are two designs provided by Graphic Designers, Teppei Kaneuiji and Ian Lynam. Both have interesting design backgrounds which show in the prints. You can purchase these shirts here. Check out some more shots after the jump.

When this new trailer for Katamari Forever started rolling (har har), I was honestly a little ambivalent towards the thought of yet another round of rolling larger and larger katamaris (katamarii? Not sure how the plural of that’s supposed to go…) regardless of how absurd some of the items you could snag end up being. Then it got to the part where your character is rolling up entire planets and star systems and my interested was sparked. A few moments more and the brand new art styles (yes, there’s multiple ones, including one that makes it look like Katamari Damacy invaded an episode of The Simpsons) were shown off and my interest grew even more. Amazing what a little aesthetic change and a rather notable increase in absurdity can do. The trailer only mentions a PS3 version being available this coming fall, so mayhap this is Bandai Namco’s way of throwing PS3 owners a bone since Beautiful Katamary was an Xbox 360 exclusive.

Katamari Forever Debut Trailer (trailer via GameTrailers, image via SCRAWLfx)

By Stewart Smith