Branding In Hip-Hop
I have created this blog as a way to show the relationship between branding and hip-hop. Branding is more than just a name and logo. A brand has a culture and a background. They symbolize an idea. Rappers, using heavy metaphors, use brands as a way to creatively express their ideas and overall messages.
I've been obsessed with hip-hop since I was 6. Figured I would create something related to it while utilizing my media/advertising background. So enjoy the product placement!
*I do not own any of these images
Jay-Z - 3 Kings
Oh, stuntin’ to the max, I’m so wavy/ Used to shop at TJ Maxx back in ‘83/ I don’t even know if it was open then/ I ain’t know Oprah then
Jay-Z has always been recognized as a stylish and fashionable celebrity with his multiple clothing lines and creation of fashion trends (button ups). On “3 Kings”, he unapologetically lets it known that he is so wavy while he stunts (or being flashy) to the max (a metaphor about Max B, an incarcerated rapper that always kept it wavy with his huge fanbase). The surprising thing that many may not know is that he has always been stunting, even back in 1983 when he shopped at TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx, with recognizable brand name clothing sold at affordable prices, is a great way to get style without hurting your pockets. Though he didn’t know Oprah in 1983 nor landed “Man of the Year” on GQ, he still made sure to keep it fresh and presentable as he wore clothes from the popular department store.
TJ Maxx gleefully responded to the line shortly after, letting Hova know that they kept people wavy since 1977. 35 years strong, the discount department store continues to provide men, women and children with the gear they need to stay fly and save their money.
Fat Joe - Another Round (remix)
Lord, Emilio Pucci leggings for good behavior/ I wanna tear them shits off you like Hulkamania/ Then dive up in the pussy, Superfly Snuka/ Have you coming back to back, more sex to cook up
Fat Joe finds it very attractive when a woman is wearing Emilio Pucci leggings. These leggings are very expensive and definitely a luxury product. In the same category as “Red-Bottoms”, Emilio Pucci leggings will make any woman look highly sophisticated, fancy and fashionable. Fat Joe, not caring about the high price and value of the leggings, just wants to see her legs without them. He even threatens to tear them off like Hulk Hogan did when he would rip off his shirt before wrestling matches. And once the expensive leggings are torn off, he wants to jump into her vagina just like wrestler Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka did in Madison Square Garden, when he did a famous Superfly Splash on Magnificent Muraco off a steel cage. After performing his “finisher”, Fat Joe is sure that the woman will come back for more (perhaps after purchasing new leggings).
Woman have also worn leggings out in public, especially when wearing skirts or during spring weather. Some go for the cheaper alternatives, which are probably less than $10. But others, especially those that hang around Joey Crack, will spend about $500.
Notorious B.I.G. “Sky’s The Limit”
A nigga never been as broke as me, I like that/ When I was young I had two pair of Lees, besides that/ The pin stripes and the gray (uh-huh)/ The one I wore on Mondays and Wednesdays/ While niggas flirt, I’m sewing tigers on my shirt, and alligators/ Ya wanna see the inside? Huh, I see ya later/ Here come the drama, “oh that’s that nigga wit the fake—” blaow!/ “Why you punch me in my face?” Stay in ya place!
The Notorious B.I.G. grew up in poverty. He never had the fancy clothing or luxuries that others had. He describes how his small collection of clothing included two pairs of Lee jeans, and some shirts that he alternated based on the day of the week. Also, while others around him were flirting with women (perhaps those that had the fancier clothing), Biggie was sewing tiger and alligator logos on polo shirts he owned. This way, he can create the deception that he owns the designer brands like Le Tigre and Lacoste clothing. These shirts are typically around the $50 range today, so I’m sure Biggie couldn’t afford many of these. However, clothing defines a person’s style. It can create a visual stimulant to others around and gives off a sense of accomplishment and flair. However, if those around you can tell if a product is authentic or not, then be prepared for much criticism. In this case, Biggie responds by punching someone in the face for calling him out for wearing fake gear.
Many popular brands are constant victims to counterfeit clothing, costing the companies massive amounts of dollars. I guess this is the price you have to pay for having a highly popular brand that will always have a huge demand among higher and lower income brackets.
