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 am here to highlight and analyze lyrics that mention brands.
Kanye West - All of The Lights
Restraining order, Can’t see my daughter/ Her mother, brother, grandmother, hate me in that order/ Public visitation, We met at Borders/ Told her she take me back, I’ll be more supportive
Kanye is human. He has made mistakes (which the media loves). All he wants to do is make up and be a better person. So in this anecdote (which may or may not be true), he convinces a woman that he cannot legally see to meet him in Borders, a (past) bookstore franchise. There, he tells her that he will be more supportive and that he wants to be taken back.
Borders may not exist anymore, but gotta love the fact that it provided a center for make ups like this.
First I take the time out, Then I put the time in/ Money aint everything, it’s more about the timing/ So I got the Audemar, Flawless diamond/ In other words that’s called perfect timing
Audemar watch is a luxury brand. Using it as a metaphor, Fabis showing that he is very time saavy and uses time wisely. Success is how well you use your time, so might as well celebrate the glory by getting an Audemar with the flawless diamond. Perfect watch, right Loso?
Six hundred Cuban cigar in the big tub/ Medallion on, Dove soap on the fresh cut/ With soap suds on the Mac-11
Ghostface is known for this mafioso lifestyle. A regular day for him is with an electronic cigar, medallion on while taking a bath. And of course, there is no other brand that Ghostface will use besides Dove soap. It is the soap from the heavens. It is essential when “cleaning your ass”, cleaning your “nuts” (but ALWAYS after you wash your face fist), and the dirt on your ankles.
Not sure what I’m talking about? Click here. Years ago, Dove soap was described by Ghost as the soap from the heavens. Years later, he shouts it out on this smash hit from the G.O.O.D. music camp.
Brand loyalty at its finest.
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EDIT: Post Approved By Tony Starks
https://twitter.com/tann_time/status/285445454907457536
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?
