After seeing the success of social networking sites like MySpace, hip-hop hustler
Damon Dash is backing his own site which will specifically cater
to the urban market. The site, blocksavvy.com, is a partnership between Dash and
web designer Kwame DeCuir. It is said to combine the personal profiling options
of similar sites like MySpace and Friendster but with an urban twist.

Consisting of different neighborhoods or "blocks," the site is designed
to appeal to different demographic groups from fashion-conscious teens to sophisticated
urbanites. Those who sign up on the site have the option to build a personal
profile, decide where they want to live and pick a room on their respective
block. Users are invited to join by a group of charter members who have populated
the site since it started testing in October.

"We have the luxury of not having to commit the whole site," DeCuir
explained. "Our architecture is open-ended, so we can build a block to
suit any group or brand. Social networking is at its height right now. There
are a lot of sites out there, but they all have a similar problem. There is
a lot of traction and a lot of users, but it is a challenge to monetize those
users."

The site, while it features a social component, is also aimed at brands, advertisers
and sponsorships as well. Dash plans to have a virtual store for his Pro Keds
brand on the site as well as additional exposure for his other business ventures.
"Blocksavvy is the best and most efficient way for brands and consumers
alike to have a mutually beneficial experience online," said Dash.

Other brands and businesses also will be able to showcase and sell products
to residents from photorealistic storefronts in a virtual shopping mall using
"savvy dollars," the site’s virtual currency that is redeemable for
actual cash. The site is also integrated with other social networks and third-party
content providers like Flickr and YouTube in order to give users access to both
widely popular and exclusive content.