Some Like It Hot!
Hip-Hop has remained a driving vehicle in the political, social, and even economical realm in the black community. Scratch that, Hip-Hop has become a number one force in the social, political, and economical realm for all communities. In 1973, Hip-Hop birthed out of South Bronx, NY at a house party. It continued to blast throughout the streets of BX (Bronx), before getting physical with the legendary break-dance that stood as the symbol of Hip-Hop for some time. Now this isn’t a history lesson on Hip-Hop but for more information on its origins, I will provide some noble books that correctly identifies the cultural significance of Hip-Hop. But not right now.
The purpose of this article folks, is to provide some skillful ways companies have used Hip-Hop to promote their business. Okay, you got me, this is a history lesson. Hip-Hop took the world by storm with its aggressive, hard-hitting beats, rhythmic rap pattern, and lastly, its impressionable fashion.
(Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Hip-Hop group that formed in 1976.)
(The Iconic TLC, climbing the charts in the 1990s, along with the baggy clothes.)
(The Legendary Hip Hop Trio, Run DMC rocking the Dookie Chain, and Superstar Adidas, (1981).)
Okay, fashion show is over. (Hip-Hop, Hooray!)
The culture of Hip-Hop continues to not only influence generations, but the world of promotion, too.
Though many critics argue that Hip-Hop is overrated, many can agree that Hip-Hop has become a marketing guru. Think about it, FUBU, Roca-A-Wear, Sean John and much more are/were pioneers in the enhancement of black businesses.
The lyrics in the Hip-Hop artist’s song may draw listeners into the whatever fashion company their favorite rapper boasted about. For example, rapper Lil’ Yachty, also known as “Lil’ Boat,” has signed a deal with Sprite and Nautica. Is it ironic that Lil’ Yachty has signed a deal with Nautica? Nautica, a name that seemingly derives from the word nautical, which derived from the Latin word nauticus, which comes from the Greek word nautikos. Which merely means, of, relating to, or involving ships, navigation, or seamen. So, not ironic at all, right? Lil’ Yachty, a.k.a “Lil’ Boat,” partnering up with famous clothing brand, Nautica, was a checkmate move, in simpler terms. A prime example of Hip-Hop escalating the marketing business again.
Lil’Yachty for Nautica!
Whether we want to acknowledge Hip-Hop or not, it has been the cause for the flourishing in black businesses. Example: Roc-a-Fella (Jay Z), Sean Jean (Sean “Diddy” Combs), Dr. Dre with Beats, and many more.
Dr. Dre did a checkmate move with Beats, and after selling them to Apple, he’s now a billionaire. So, Hip-Hop has made way for itself and the culture by, in the words of Female Emcee Cardi B, making money moves.
Sources:
https://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2013/05/hip-hop-fashion-evolution-photo-gallery#9
http://www.nautica.com/lilyachty/
