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
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).
Rick Ross - Super High
Rare bottles by the barrel/ Pop the Giuseppe tags like it’s American Apparel
Rick Ross will never be ashamed about his wealth and status. Rick Ross is living the dream with his rare (and most likely expensive) bottles of liquor and luxury fashion. Price is of no concern to him. So while the “average” American is looking to save money while shopping for more affordable clothing such as American Apparel, Rick Ross is rubbing shoulders with his woman of choice and getting her luxury Giuseppe Bags. And these Giuseppe Bags are for Rick Ross what American Apparel is to us “regular people”, which is why he rips the tag off like it’s American Apparel.
So the next time you want to live large and spend money freely, be sure to rip off the tags of your Air Yeezy’s but pretend as if they are shoes from Payless. The women will dig that.
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.
