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
So sick of niggas. “I want money like Cosby!” Who wouldn’t?/ This’ the kinda talk that make me think you probably ain’t got no puddin’/ Niggas got them kinda dreams from jail/ You in the streets nigga make your moves, get your mill’
Bill Cosby was one of the highest paid entertainers in the nineties thanks to his highly popular “Cosby Show” and famous endorsement of Jello Pudding. It’s no surprise people wanted money like him. But to Jay-Z, this kind of dream is annoying and useless. Not only does it show you don’t have the “pudding” like Cosby, but it also shows that you aren’t doing anything to get to your dream. Stop talking about it and make your moves. Only then can you sit back and relax like Cosby.
I used to stand on rooftops, with 2 Glocks/ Figuring, how do I turn my Timbalands to Crocs?
No no. Nas ain’t talking about these. He is talking about Crocodile shoes that usually equates to success and style. Nas spent his earlier days in good old Queens, where he would wear his work boots by Timbaland and be involved with criminal activities. Nas was smart enough to realize that this wasn’t the future he wanted. So he uses symbolism, like he is usually does, to show what he doesn’t want (a gritty life where he is wearing Timbaland boots on rooftops) and what he envisions for himself (wearing Crocodile shoes and living the lavish life).
It was love at the profile pic/ We was Facebook flirting, never even met her in person/ But it seem like we was soulmates on the phone late/ She my one and only, be there when I be lonely
The beauty of social media. No longer do you have to meet women or men to court them. As long as you have a computer and a Facebook profile, you can do all the introductions and flirting from your desk/bed/couch/etc. Then, once you know that she/he is down to hang, you can then go the extra step and become soulmates on the telephone. 21st century dating at its finest!
Meek Mill and Big Sean - Burn
Cause we next and we flex like/ 90PX, working all night no breaks or a recess
If you are going to do P90X, expect to “flex” and do extensive work in a short amount of time with no breaks in the middle. It is a straight workout that is pretty effective if you are consistent with it. In Big Sean and Meek Mill’s case, they are the rap game’s P90X, where they are consistently flexing with no breaks or rest. So if you want to succeed, be sure you follow the same regimen as Big Sean, Meek Mill, and Pam.
They want me to sing, like Sinatra, I told the detective/ Get this clear like Belvedere vodka/ Them five shots created a monster
The Game was shot five times around the time before his first album came out. when he was in the hospital, cops were questioning him about the shooting and what happened. Game, always loyal to the street code of “no snitching”, doesn’t give the cops anything. Rather, he tells them about the effect the 5 shots had on him. He also tells them to get it clear like Belvedere vodka when it comes to the 5 “shots.” Nice pun Game. You made it loud and “clear” there.
You gotta play it how it go, you can’t cheat on life (YEAH!)/ You better drink a Red Bull, you can’t sleep on life/ I ain’t tryna do you, I’m tryin’ do me/ Last album did two, I’m just tryin’ do three
Red Bull’s famous slogan: “Red Bull Give You Wings!” In other words, Red Bull will give you the power and alertness you need to succeed in life. So it’s best to not sleep on life, and have the wings you need to do well and succeed the way you can. It’s helping Young Jeezy out for sure, especially with his Jay-Z inspired goal of improving on his sales by another million.
Insomniac since way back, see this is what I been like/ Bacon, eggs and pancakes, eating that at midnight/ Getting up and going hard, I don’t need no Enzyte
Lupe never rests when it comes to the music. Sleeping is for softies and you all can go to sleep if you want. However, Lupe is going “the opposite of erectile dysfunction” and needs no enhancements for his productivity. So I’m assuming the studio would be the lucky lady?
Missy Elliot – All In My Grill
Talk is talk, and talk is cheap/ tell it to her, don’t say it to me/ cause I know I’m in control/ See Trix are for kids, and boo I’m too old
General Mill’s Trix probably has the best name in the cereal market. The slogan “Trix are for kids” is quite a classic. A slogan that is applicable to basic life situations will surely be remembered by most. Adults hear this and realize that “tricks” are indeed for kids. For adults, there is a certain level of class and maturity that is needed, especially if you are with Missy Elliot. Don’t be “trickin” on Missy. She is too old for that and any lies you have should be directed to any mistress you are currently engaged with.
At the same time, everyone has the right to do whatever they want. If you want to eat Trix cereal or play games with women like Missy Elliot, then go for it. Just realize that you will be consuming cereal with high sugar values, as well as getting on Missy’s bad side.
Big K.R.I.T. – The Alarm
(Do you believe) that the world feels your pain/ It’s kill or be killed, can you keep what you claimed/ (Do you believe) that you really can sustain/ this lifestyle, Sky Miles, ballin in the chains
In the past two years, K.R.I.T. has managed to make quite a name for himself in hip-hop, with memorable mixtapes and a solid debut album. However, the introspective K.R.I.T. questions whether this is all worth it, or whether the fame and (gold) chains are indeed bringing him happiness. In this kill or be killed competitive genre, K.R.I.T. questions whether he can sustain his sanity as he travels all around the country. His Delta Sky Miles are definitely racking up though, as the fame has allowed him to travel everywhere for tours and events.
As a frequent traveler, it definitely helps to be on a loyalty program that keeps track of your frequent flyer miles. However, do the Sky Miles help the loneliness and pain?
Foxy Brown – Ain’t No
Don’t give a fuck about how you move with them other mamis/ I push the Z, eating scampi with rocks larger than life/ fuck them reebok broads, you made it known who your wife was
On “Ain’t No”, Jay-Z and Foxy Brown are talking about how no other person can compare when it comes to a relationship. In Foxy’s case, no other broad can compete with her when it comes to her man’s attention. While she is eating high class food with rocks (jewelry) that are sure to grab anyone’s attention, other women are just lower class broads that probably wear Reeboks. Quite a contrast from Joanie Dega’s and Charles Jordan.
Even though Jay released a sneaker with RBK about decade ago, luxury is still luxury and Reebok is a no no for his lady. And if Foxy is worth it, then she will not be a Reebok broad. Rather, she is the chick with the “coach bag looking half black and Flipino.”
