Hip-hop legend RZA set to lead Music Lab session at San Francisco Apple Store

Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA - one of the most acclaimed artists in hip-hop history - will host a free Music Lab session at Apple's Union Square store in San Francisco later this month.

Developing Your Sound with RZA will focus on the techniques RZA uses to produce new music. Presented together with smart instrument maker Roli, the session will focus on iPad Pro, GarageBand, and Roli's own musical instruments.

Signups for the session are open now at Apple's website.

For those who can't make it to RZA's in-person session at Union Square on January 27, Apple will offer the same course - featuring a video introduction by RZA - in all of its stores as part of the "Today at Apple" initiative.

Today at Apple is a twist on the company's long-running in-store training and events. It's part of a broader philosophical shift at Apple Retail, designed to integrate stores more tightly into the communities they serve.

That shift includes the so-called Apple Store 2.0 design language, which is meant to evoke a "town square" feeling. Accessories are displayed in wall recesses reminiscent of streetside shop windows, and some stores - including the Union Square location - include new outdoor spaces earmarked as community gathering spots.

5 Comments

9secondkox2 3124 comments · 8 Years

About 6 years ago

I don't get the town square feeling by in the new store. In some ways it even seems a little dated with the style of the tree pots and the wood used for the cabinets. Almost a JC Penny feel. I miss the open lab / high tech feel of the former design.

I can understand a refresh was mevessary. However, this feels a bit like a step back.

An Apple Store was like a cool and different place to visit and grab the best devices money can buy.

Now its like visiting the city civic center except it has gadgets in it.

Rayz2016 6957 comments · 8 Years

About 6 years ago

9secondkox2 said:

I don't get the town square feeling by in the new store. In some ways it even seems a little dated with the style of the tree pots and the wood used for the cabinets. Almost a JC Penny feel. I miss the open lab / high tech feel of the former design.

I can understand a refresh was mevessary. However, this feels a bit like a step back.

An Apple Store was like a cool and different place to visit and grab the best devices money can buy.

Now its like visiting the city civic center except it has gadgets in it.

The open/lab high tech feel appealed to geeks who make up a very small percentage of Apple’s clientele. The majority of their customers, most probably, like trees and plants. As I’m always saying. If Apple does something you don’t like then the chances are that you’re not who they’re aiming for.

The Wu-Tang thing is not aimed at me, but I do seem to have the ability to get out my own head and see why other people would enjoy it.

holmstockd 84 comments · 13 Years

About 6 years ago

9secondkox2 said:

I don't get the town square feeling by in the new store. In some ways it even seems a little dated with the style of the tree pots and the wood used for the cabinets. Almost a JC Penny feel. I miss the open lab / high tech feel of the former design.

I can understand a refresh was mevessary. However, this feels a bit like a step back.

An Apple Store was like a cool and different place to visit and grab the best devices money can buy.

Now its like visiting the city civic center except it has gadgets in it.

I think MAYBE i understand why, I work mostly in DC and NYC on occasion, but will limit my thoughts to this area... I work as a Videographer for many Lawfirms, and when i go into NEW locations or RENOVATED ones, it looks like the Apple store of OLD, WHITE AND GLASS everywhere... so perhaps this is the new trend to get away from all the copy cat office designs? i dunno just a basic observation.

pacificfilm 134 comments · 14 Years

About 6 years ago

SpamSandwich said:

“Legend” refers to an old story involving a dead person. Is “RZA” dead?

Hardly, tho my pops would agree with you, seeing he has no idea about RZA,
“A person who embodies the pinnacle of all the important social aspects. Any person who is funny, reckless, original and sensitive in the right measures is likely to be nominated a legend by his associates. A person to whose persona you aspire.
You, my son, are a complete fucking legend”