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
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.”
Cam’Ron - I Just Wanna
Want a girl who don’t need prada/ She could be a damn reeboker/ [As] long as she freak proper
Cam is letting you know what he wants in life. In this song, he mentions desires such as the coke prices going down and getting a blow job from Miss Patti Labelle. Anothing thing is he wants a woman with simple pleasures. Not one of those “bougie” chicks that needs the high end fashions in order to show her value to the world. For Cam, brand names on a girl don’t matter. Even if they wear the less luxurious Reebok brand, it is all good as long as she is a proper freak in the bed. Looks like the rich and famouse Patti Labelle may not be that needed after all.
Cam’Ron not having a problem with the brand names on a girl shows a more humble nature to his personality. It also shows his affections towards the “freak” inside all women. His views on Reebok are quite contrasting to Jay-Z’s, his former colleague and now long time rival.
