I can't live without my radio...

                                                                                               photo by Ivan Corsa

When it comes to 'brands' New York's is arguably one of the most dynamic in the world. As the most populous city in the United States, it exerts a powerful influence over global commerce, finance, media, culture, art, fashion, research, education, and entertainment (to name a few).

Not saying the purpose of a brand is to be influencial on such a large scale, but there are certainly perks should that be the case. 

Regardless of the realm or amount of influence, the goal of a brand is to attract; attract individuals, customers and/or communities. How do you do that? By creating desirable places, attractive spaces, useful services and enjoyable experiences that keep folks coming back for more. You must generate 'products' that people want or want to be a part of.

New York does this. 

Interestingly enough one of the most creative products to come out of New York (or any US city for that matter) in the last 30 years has been Hip Hop.  

Hip hop itself created ideas, culture, products, entrepreneurs, economy and the list goes on. One of its most significant emblems (in its early years) was the boombox.  

Just this morning I came across an NPR video on the Core77 website about Lyle Owerko's documentation of the '80s designs of this classic. 

Right here and right now is often what it's all about. But sometimes you gotta go back to really know, appreciate and understand where you are.