Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Brand and Product Forecast: Electronics

I should have posted my predictions a few months ago, but better late than never. Here are some of the toys I expect to see popping up in videos this year:

The PEBL and SLVR from Motorola: It would be wise for Motorola to capitalize on its RAZR-generated momentum to push these new product lines.
Smartphones: My picks in this category are the Blackberry 8700 series, the 650 and 700 series Treos from Palm, and a continued deluge of models from Nokias N-series.
The highly aniticipated Sidekick III: Celebrity seeding for the the recently FCC approved model should be starting in late summer, according to this roadmap. Based on the the most current album promotion info I have, Im expecting it to debut in a video for Busta, Fab, TI, or some someone from the G-Unit roster.
Some pics (spotted at hiptop3.com):

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Side Hustles

Some recent endorsement deals and brand extensions in hip hop and r & b:
Russell Simmons has a development deal with HBO.

Jadakiss endorses Bada Bing cigars.

Snoop has new deals for a book series and movie.

Funkmaster Flex will be endorsing Cooper Tires. Oddly, the TV commercials for this campaign will feature rock music.

LL Cool J has a fitness book dropping this January. Im sure there will be plenty of Todd Smith athletic apparel featured. An accompanying workout DVD and/or mixtape would really enhance this deal. Some cross promotional deals with an energy drink brand and a national fitness club wouldn't hurt, either.

Ne-Yo has a digital content deal with Coca-Cola, while Def Jam labelmate Mariah will be recording ringtones for Pepsi.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Shawnna: Getting Some

Brands featured in the video:
Bacardi: One bottle of rum
Gucci: One bucket hat
LRG: One jacket
Motorola: One Bluetooth headset
Pelle Pelle: Two leather jackets
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan

Christina Milian: Say I

Brands featured in the video:
Adidas: One track jacket
Cadillac: One Escalade SUV
New Era: One fitted cap
Nokia: One 7380 cellphone
USDA: One "Can't Ban the Snowman" hoody

Pharrell: Can I Have It Like That

Brands featured in the video:
A Bathing Ape: Two pairs of sneakers and one G-Shock watch
Billionaire Boys Club: One t-shirt and one hoody
Ice Cream: One hoody, one varsity jacket, and one t-shirt
New Era: One fitted cap
Palm: One Treo smartphone