Strictly Business: Product Placement in Hip Hop Videos

Chingy: Pullin Me Back

2006-08-16T00:21:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Chris Aire: One diamond watch
Helio: One Pantech Hero slider cellphone
Jaguar: One XK coupe
New Era: Three fitted caps
Nike: One pair each of Houston All Star,Brazil World Cup, and white on white Air Force Ones
Rich Yung: One thermal shirt
Seraphin: One bottle of cognac

Brand/product debuts: The Jaguar XK and the Helio slider

Ice Cube: Why We Thugs

2006-08-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Billionaire Boys Club: One hoody
BMW: One 645i coupe
Danger: One Sidekick 2
Land Rover: One Range Rover
Mitchell and Ness: Two jackets
Motorola: One RAZR phone
New Era: Five fitted caps
Reebok: Two jerseys
TV Johnny: One diamond grill

Kanye West: Drive Slow

2006-08-14T21:22:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Adidas: One jacket
Bentley: One Flying spur sedan
Braubus: Multiple sets of rims
Chevrolet: One Impala sedan
Famous Stars and Straps: One t-shirt
Lincoln: One Mark LT pickup truck and one Zephyr/MKZ sedan
New Era: Two fitted caps
TV Johnny: One diamond grill

Brand/product debuts: The Lincoln Zephyr and Mark LT, presumably as a part of this deal Kanye made with Ford.

TI: Why u Wanna

2006-08-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Adidas: One jacket and one pair of shoes
Harris Publishing: One issue of King magazine
New Era: One fitted cap
Nike: One pair of Air Force Ones
Nokia: One N91 mp3 phone
Prada: Two pairs of sneakers
Ralph Lauren: One polo shirt and one sweater

Dem Franchize Boyz: Ridin Rims

2006-08-14T16:21:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Famous Stars and Straps: One hoody, one fitted cap, and one jacket
Ford: One F-150 truck
LG: Two VX9800 cellphones
New Era: Five fitted caps
Note: Funkmaster Flex has a marketing deal with Ford

Juvenile: The Way I Be Leanin

2006-08-14T16:07:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Breitling: One Diamond chronograph
Dodge: One Magnum sedan
Famous Stars and Straps: One fitted cap
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Mercedes: One S-Class sedan and one Maybach sedan
New Era: Three fitted caps
Prada: One pair of sneakers
Wilson: One volleyball

Yung Joc: Its Going Down

2006-08-14T15:59:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
A Bathing Ape: Two pairs of jeans
Adidas: One pair of sneakers and one Calender girl jacket
Evisu: One t-shirt
New Era: One fitted cap
Nike: One pair of World Cup Air Force Ones
Sean John: One hoody
Skyy Vodka: One bottle of vodka

Cheri Dennis: I Love You

2006-08-14T15:52:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Artful Dodger: Two jackets and one hoody
Gucci: One visor
Lamborghini: One Gallardo
New Era: Two fitted caps

Mariah Carey: Say Something

2006-08-14T15:42:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Louis Vuitton: Eight pieces of luggage
Maserati: One Quattroporte sedan
Mercedes: Two S-Class sedans
Nokia: One 8801 smartphone
Snoop Dogg Clothing: One hoody
Location placement: Scenes filmed in Los Angeles and Paris Louis Vuitton stores

Brand/product debuts: The Maserati Quattoporte sedan

Lupe Fiasco: Kick, Push

2006-08-14T14:14:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Artful Dodger: One Roses and Daggers hoody
Dirty Ghetto Kids: One hoody
LMAC: One LM x Ark hoody
New Era: One fitted cap

Brand/product debuts: Dirty Ghetto Kids (DGK) and LMAC

Dre: Chevy Riding High

2006-08-13T21:25:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Coogi: One polo shirt
Harris Publishing: One issue of Donk magazine
Seraphin: One bottle of cognac

Brand/product debuts: Donk magazine

Chris Brown: Gimme That

2006-08-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
A Bathing Ape: Two hoodies
Dr Romanelli: One leather jacket

Brand debuts: Dr Romanelli

DJ Khaled: Holla at Me

2006-08-13T21:06:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Dodge: One Magnum sedan
Famous Stars and Straps: One t-shirt
Gucci: One pair of shades, one bucket hat
Lacoste: One track jacket
Lamborghini: One coupe
New Era: Four fitted caps
Nike: One pair of Air force Ones
Rolls Royce: Three Phantom sedans
TV Johnny/Paul Wall: Two diamond grills

Daddy Yankee: Rompe remix

2006-08-13T20:57:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Breitling: One diamond chronograph
Ether Clothing: One t-shirt
Jacob and Co: One diamond watch
New Era: Three fitted caps
Reebok: Two pairs of G-Unit sneakers, one pair of Yankee's signature line

Rick Ross: Hustlin'

2006-06-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Bacardi: One bottle of Limon
Bentley Motors: One Flying Spur sedan
BMW: One 745i sedan
Dodge: One Viper coupe
Ford: One Mustang coupe
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Mars, Inc: Two boxes of M&Ms
Mercedes: One CLS coupe and one C Class sedan
Palm: One Treo smartphone
Red Monkey: One pair of jeans
Reebok: One Miami Heat jersey

Juelz Santana: Clockwork

2006-06-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Artful Dodger: One Roses and Daggers hoody
Ed Hardy: Two t-shirts
Mercedes: One CLS coupe
New Era: Two fitted caps
Pelle Pelle: Two leather jackets
Brand/product debuts: Ed Hardy

50 Cent: Best Friend Remix

2006-06-25T13:28:00.000-04:00

Brands featured in the video:
Glaceau: One bottle of Vitamin water
Mercedes: One S-Class sedan
Microsoft Corp: One X-Box 360 and two controllers
Motorola: One Bluetooth headset
New Era: One fitted cap
Pelle Pelle: One leather jacket
Reebok: One pair of G-unit sneakers
Research in Motion: Two Blackberry smartphones
Sean John: One t-shirt
Vivendi-Universal Games/ Genuine Games: 50 Cent:Bulletproof
Brand/product debuts: The re-designed Mercedes S-Class

Shout outs and Announcements

2006-06-25T13:24:00.000-04:00

I'll be posting a big update today, but first I want to give some very overdue thanks to Prohiphop and Kobayashi 5 for linking since the re-launch of Strictly Business. That said, I'll have some new services to announce following todays posts.

Brand and Product Forecast: Automotive

2006-05-03T22:28:00.000-04:00

Some of the vehicles you can expect in videos this year:

The Bentley Spur:

The drop-top version of the Bentley GT, the GTC:

The Maserati Quattroporte:

The Lincoln Zephyr:The GL Class, a new SUV from Mercedes:

The redesigned S-Class, also from Mercedes:

The Chrysler Imperial, already nicknamed 'the poor man's Phantom'. I supsect its just a matter of time before Chrysler gives us a Phantom-styled SUV:

Bentley and Imperial pics from autoblog, Mercedes pics from emercedesbenz.com

Brand and Product Forecast: Electronics

2006-04-26T21:38:00.000-04:00

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 N okias 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):

Side Hustles

2006-04-23T14:34:00.000-04:00

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.

Shawnna: Getting Some

2006-04-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

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

BG: Move Around

2006-03-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Evisu: One pair of jeans
Jacob & Co: Two diamond watches
Mercedes: Two CLS coupes
Ralph Lauren: One polo shirt
Reebok: One NFL jersey

Jagged Edge: Good Luck Charm

2006-03-30T16:05:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Artful Dodger: One hoody
New Era: Three fitted caps
Nike: One pair of Air Force Ones

Brand debut: Artful Dodger

Jamie Foxx: DJ Play a Love Song

2006-03-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Adidas: One pair of sneakers
Jacob & Co: One diamond watch
Nike: One pair of Air Force Ones
Nokia: Two 8801 cellphones

Bun B: Get Throwed

2006-03-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Bentley Motors: One GT coupe
Fubu: One Crown Holder t-shirt
Johnny the Jewler: One pendant
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Miskeen: One t-shirt
Motorola: One RAZR cellphone
New Era: Five fitted caps
Nike: Three pairs of Air Force Ones
Reebok: One NBA jersey
USDA: One jacket

Paul Wall: Girl

2006-03-30T15:02:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Algierz Clothing: One t-shirt
Danger/T Mobile: One Sidekick II
LRG: One jacket
Mercedes: One CLS coupe and one SLK roadster
New Era: Ten-plus fitted hats

Market Movers: Kanye West

2006-03-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

Label: Rocafella/Def Jam
Brand associations: Audemars Piguet, Boost Mobile, Gucci, Jacob & Co, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Yves Saint Laurent
Endorsements/partnerships: Boost Mobile, Jacob & Co, Pepsi, and a product placement arrangement with Lincoln
Brand ownership: G.O.O.D Music and the upcoming clothing line Pastelle.

Hip Hop Collabs-The Corporate Edition

2006-03-15T11:04:00.000-05:00

There've been a lot of new deals and announcements from hip-hop brands this quarter, heres a quick rundown:
Diddy/Sean John:
Has a licensing agreement with G III Apparel Group for a womens athletic line. Also has a cooking contetst show airing on NBC this April.
Ice Cube:
Will star in and produce a Mr Kotter re-make through Dimension Films.
Jay-Z:
Announced three new leases for the 40/40 Club and has a Rocawear watch line in the works.
Juvenile:
Bundled an app by ID Interactive with his new album Reality Check. The program will allow usuers to turn songs from the album into customized ringtones.
LL Cool J:
Launched the Todd Smith clothing line.
Notorious BIG (estate) :
Signed an exclusive mobile content deal with Zingy.
Pharrell:
Designing jewelry for Louis Vuitton and may have an Ice Cream/New Era collab in the works? (spotted at Hype)

TI:
Signed a mobile content deal with Sprint to promote his upcoming album King; note the Sprint/Nextel phones in the What You Know video. He also announed plans for a fashion line.

Campaign Analysis: Reebok

2006-03-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

When Jay Z and 50 Cent signed with Reebok in 2003, they gave new life to a dying brand. Co-signed by the top two names in hip hop, Reebok gained not only marketshare, but some much-sought after "street credibility" as well. The companys next "urban overture" was to launch the "I Am What I Am" campaign in February of 2005- the companys largest in nearly a decade. Thus far, the campaign has been an undeniable success, with Reebok posting an 11 percent rise in revenue (up to $925 million) in the first quarter of 2005. According to Reebok, half of that increase came from entertainment or lifestyle products such as the S. Carter and G-Unit lines. Recently the campaign kicked into overdrive, with deals going to Mike Jones, Lil Wayne, Nelly and Lupe Fiasco in an attempt to build on last years gains. But in the blind rush to duplicate the earlier success, Reebok has jeapordized the progress it has made in the urban market and could end up wasting millions. Take Nelly, for example. Just how seriously are we supposed to take his 'signature line'? He had a hit song called Air Force Ones and a limited edition line of Air Derrtys for cryin out loud. For those with short memories:

Then theres Lil Wayne. Now on the surface, this makes sense, considering the built in popularity of Reebok in his hometown of New Orleans. He even refrences the brand in some early Cash Money songs. But take a casual look at his recent videos, magazine shoots, or stage performances- the dudes a walking billboard for Bape and Nike. So how credible is his seal of approval supposed to be? Its as obvious to me as it is to everyone else that Reebok expects to cop these kicks thats this is just a check for Weezy and not a genuine endorsement. So do some better research, Reebok execs, because moves like this will have your OG Classics collecting dust with some P Millers and Birdman Lugz.

E-mail requests

2006-03-10T14:32:00.000-05:00

I've been getting alot of e-mail requests on the jacket Nas rocked during the BET/MTV interviews with Jay-Z. The retro-Nike leather is by Dr Romanelli and sold out, according to the site. Jays Bape hoody is available here. Having trouble finding something listed here at Strictly Business? Leave a comment or hit me at urbonicsmedia(at)yahoo.com, and I'll do what I can to help.(pic via Nahright)

Busta Rhymes: Touch It Remix

2006-03-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Adidas: One pair of sneakers
Boomer 129: One canine sweater vest
Jacob & Co: One diamond watch
Mitchell and Ness: One New York Jets jacket
New Era: Five fitted caps
Nike: Two pairs of Air Force Ones
Reebok: One New York Jets fitted cap
Victorias Secret: One shopping bag
VNU Inc: Billboard magazine

Brand/product debuts: Boomer 129 canine apparel

Notorious BIG: Spit Your Game

2006-03-10T12:35:00.000-05:00

Brands featured in the video:
Brooklyn Mint: Two t-shirts
Crooks and Castles: One t-shirt
Danger: One Sidekick II
Lemar and Dauley: One hoody
New Era: Five fitted caps

Brand/product debuts: Crooks & Castles and Lemar & Dauley

Ying Yang Twins ft Bun B: Get It

2006-03-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Fubu: One Crown Holder t-shirt
Mitchell and Ness: One Houston Oilers jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps
Reebok: One fitted cap
TV Johnny: One set of custom grills, one pedant

TI ft UGK: Front, Back

2006-03-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A-Towns: Four models of the A*Town sneaker
Cadillac: One Deville DTS sedan
Chevrolet: One 1966 Impala coupe
Ether Clothing Co: One hoody
LRG: One hoody
New Era: Four fitted caps
Miskeen: One t-shirt
Motorola: One Razr cellphone
Reebok: Three NFL jerseys and one Houston Oilers fitted cap
TV Johnny: Custom watches and grills
Brand debuts: The A Town sneaker

Ludacris ft Field Mob: Georgia

2006-03-06T00:47:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Akademiks: One hoody, one t-shirt
A. Tiziano: One jacket
Evisu: One t-shirt
Greyhound Lines: One Greyhound bus
Headgear Sportswear: One t-shirt
New Era: Six fitted caps
Ralph Lauren: One rugby
Reebok: One NFL jersey

Fabolous: Tit 4 Tat

2006-03-05T23:24:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One shark hoody
Akademiks: One jacket
Bentley Motors: One GT coupe
Boost Mobile: One Motorola i860 "tatoo" phone
Ice Cream: One t-shirt
Lacoste: One tracksuit
Louis Roederer:One bottle of Cristal
Mercedes: One McLaren SLR coupe
New Era: Three fitted caps
Rich Yung: One thermal shirt

Lil Wayne: Hustler Muzik

2006-03-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: Two hoodies, two pairs of sneakers, and one jacket
Breitling: One diamond watch
Ice Cream: One hoody
Microsoft: One XBox 360 controller
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan
Palm: One Treo smartphone

Market Movers: Fabolous

2006-03-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

Today I'll start posting brand profiles for what I call Market Movers - the rap artists with the most purchase influence in the urban market.

Fabolous:
Label: Atlantic Records, but presently in negotiations with Def Jam.
Brand associations: Akademiks, Boost Mobile, Brand Jordan, Danger, Evisu, Hpnotiq, Jacob & Co, Lacoste, Mitchell and Ness, Motorola, New Era, Nike, and Red Monkey.
Endorsements: Boost Mobile, EA Sports, Lipton Brisk, Mitchell and Ness, New Era, Reebok, and Sean John.
Brand ownership: Rich Yung. Fab has leveraged video placements and lyrical references to build an impressive buzz for this brand. Below are some recent photos, via Crunk and Disorderly and Co ncrete Loop:

Rich Yung is available at Stadium and Speedball.

TI: What You Know

2006-02-21T14:39:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Bentley Motors: One Flying Spur sedan
Cadillac: Three Escalade SUVs
Dodge: One Charger sedan
Dub Publishing: Two Dub Edition vehicles
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Louis Vuitton: One backpack, one Damier canvas bag, and one bandana
New Era: Two fitted caps
Prada: One pair of Americas Cup sneakers
Nextel: Two mobile phones (demonstrating the walkie talkie feature)
Ralph Lauren: One polo shirt
Reebok: One Cincinnati Bengals shirt
Robot Films: One hoody and clips from the film ATL

Video link

Juelz Santana: Oh Yes

2006-02-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Baby Phat: One pair of earrings
LRG: One hoody
Mercedes: One SLR McLaren coupe
Miskeen: One hoody
New Era: Three fitted caps
Pelle Pelle: One leather jacket

Video link

Twista: Hit the Floor

2006-02-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Research In Motion: Two Blackberry phones
Danger: One Sidekick II phone
Dodge: One Charger sedan
Lamborghini: One Dub Edition Gallardo
LRG: One jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps

Brand/product debuts: The 7200 series Blackberry
Video link

E-40: Tell Me When To Go

2006-02-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Al Wissam: Four leather jackets
Cadillac: One Escalade SUV
Chevrolet: One Caprice sedan and one Corvette coupe
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Lexus: One SC coupe
Mitchell & Ness: One San Francisco jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps

Video link

Young Jeezy: My Hood

2006-02-21T13:24:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One skull cap
Champion: One hooded sweater
Ford: One Taurus sedan
Louis Vuitton: One skull cap
The Juice Magazine: One issue of The Juice
New Era: Three fitted caps
Rocawear: One jacket
USDA: One leather jacket and one hoody

Video link

Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable

2006-02-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Baby Phat: One pair of earrings
Belstaff: One leather jacket
Gucci: One scarf and one skull cap
Nokia: One 8801 cellphone

Brand/product debuts: The Nokia 8801 cellphone
Video link

Beyonce: Check On It

2006-02-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One pair of hig heel sneakers
Dolce and Gabbana: One pair of sunglasses
Miskeen: One t-shirt
New Era: One fitted cap
Sony Pictures: Clips from the film Pink Panther
Versace: One pair of sunglasses

Video link

Keyshia Cole: Love

2006-02-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Chanel: One leather handbag
Chrysler: One Crossfire coupe
GMC: One Yukon SUV
New Era: One fitted cap
Nokia: Two 7370 phones
Times Square: AMC (Lowes Theatre), McDonalds, TGI Fridays, and the Virgin Megastore

Brand/product debuts: The Chrysler Crossfire and the Nokia 7370
*Edit: The 7370 was first featured in the Mary J Blige video for "Be Without You"
Video link

Sean Paul: Temperature

2006-02-15T23:54:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Belstaff: One jacket
Bentley Motors: One GT coupe
Cadillac: One Escalade SUV
Chrysler: One 300C sedan
Mercedes: One CLS coupe
Nokia: One N91 mp3 phone
Sean John: One Bad Boy sweatsuit

Brand/product debuts: Belstaff Clothing and the Nokia N91
Video link

Juelz Santana: Make It Work For Ya

2006-02-15T23:48:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Avianne & Co: One watch
Chanel: One pair of shades
Fendi: One pair of shades
Jacob & Co: One watch
Lot 29: Two t-shirts
New Era: Three fitted caps

Video link

Mike Jones: Flossin'

2006-02-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Algierz Clothing: One t-shirt
Dub Publishing: One issue of Dub magazine
Dodge: One Charger sedan
Ether Clothing: One t-shirt
Johnny the Jeweler: One diamond pendant
New Era: Two fitted caps
Palm: One Treo smartphone

Video link

Juvenile: Rodeo

2006-02-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Cadillac: One CTS sedan
Chris Aire: One watch
Land Rover: One Range Rover SUV
Miskeen: One t-shirt
New Era: Two fitted caps
Sean John: One leather jacket

Video link

Slim Thug: Diamonds Remix

2006-02-15T22:59:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
BMW: One 760 sedan
Breitling: One watch
Dolce & Gabbana: One pair of sunglasses
Icelink: One watch
Jacob & Co: Three watches
New Era: Seven fitted caps
USDA: Four shirts
Versace: One pair of sunglasses
Custom jewelry provided by and scenes flimed at Exotic Diamonds of Houston, Texas

Video link

Young Jeezy: Trap Star

2006-02-15T20:47:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
General Motors: One Yukon SUV
Jacob & Co: One watch
Mercedes: One Maybach sedan
New Era: Four fitted caps
Nike: One pair of Air Force Ones
Star Company: One Morehouse wool jacket
USDA (United Streets and D-Boy Apparel): One leather hoody, one shirt, one leather jacket, one hooded sweater

Video link

Jermaine Dupri: I Think They Like Me

2006-02-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One jacket, three t-shirts, two pairs of sneakers
American Express: One Centurion card
New Era: Six fitted caps
Nike: Six pairs of Air Force Ones
Three Vodka: One bottle of 3 Vodka

Video link

Lil Flip: What It Do

2006-02-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Bentley Motors: Two GT coupes
Cadillac: One Escalade SUV
Chanel: One pair of shades
Dolce & Gabbana: One pair of shades
Jacob & Co: One Safarri Collection diamond watch
Johnny the Jeweler: Four watches, one pendant
Lacoste: One polo
Land Rover Ltd: One Range Rover
Lucky Nites: One bottle of liquor
Miskeen: One t-shirt
New Era: Four fitted caps
Nike: Two pairs of sneakers
Palm: One Treo smartphone
Star Company: One t-shirt

Brand debuts: Lucky Nites liquor and the Palm Treo smartphone
Video link

Paul Wall: They Dont Know

2006-02-09T11:41:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Cadillac: One covertible
Chanel: One pair of shades
Chrysler: One 300C sedan
Ether Clothing: One t-shirt
GMC: One H2 Hummer
TV Johnny: One diamond pendant, three diamond grills, one diamond watch
Mercedes: One G-500 SUV
Miskeen: One t-shirt
New Era: Three fitted caps
Rocawear: One fitted cap

Video link

Bun B: Draped Up

2006-02-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One t-shirt
Algierz Clothing: Two t-shirts
Bentley Motors: One Azure, one GT coupe
Cadillac: One convertible
Chevrolet: Two Impalas
Dodge: One Charger sedan
Fendi: One pair of shades
Johnny the Jeweler: Two watches, two diamond pendants
LRG Clothing: One t-shirt
Mercedes: One Maybach sedan
Miskeen: Three t-shirts
Mitchell and Ness: One fitted cap
New Era: Five fitted caps
Rocawear: Four fitted caps, one polo
Reebok: One Houston Rockets jersey

Video link

Nelly: Grillz

2006-02-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One pair of sneakers, one t-shirt
Adidas: Two track jackets, one wool jacket
Algierz Clothing: One t-shirt
Brietling: One watch
TV Johnny: One diamond cup pendant
New Era: Five fitted caps
Reebok: One St Louis Rams jersey
Star Company: One t-shirt
Timberland: One pair of boots

Additional note: Custom grills by TV Johnny and Paul Wall
Video link

Chris Brown: Yo (Excuse Me Miss)

2006-02-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Adidas: One pair of sneakers
Ether Clothing: One hooded sweater
Land Rover: One Range Rover
LRG Clothing: One track jacket, one pair of jeans
New Era: Two fitted caps
Nike: Three pairs of Air Force Ones
Ralph Lauren: One rugby
Reebok: Two fitted caps
Sony: One Walkman Bean Mp3 player and one W600 music phone
Timberland: One pair of field boots

Brand/ product debuts: The Walkman Bean and W600 phone. The introduction of these products is particulary noteworthy since Chris is a Sony-BMG/Jive recording artist.

Video link

Tony Yayo: I Know You Dont Love Me

2006-02-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Champion apparel: One hooded sweater
Chevrolet: One Impala Super Sport
Chrysler: One 300C sedan
Discovery Communications: Animal Planet television show
Jacob & Co: Three diamond watches
Kinetics of New York: One floating diamond pendant
Land Rover Ltd: One Range Rover
Mitchell and Ness: One Cincinnati Bengals jacket, one New York Jets jacket, one San Francisco 49ers jacket, and one Washington Redskins jacket
New Era: One New York Yankess fitted cap
Reebok: Two fitted caps

Video link

Bow Wow: Freshazimiz

2006-02-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Bentley Motors: One Continental Flying Spur
Breitling: One Bentley watch
Louis Roederer: One bottle of Cristal
New Era: Two fitted caps
Spalding: One basketball

Brand/product debuts: The Continental Flying Spur by Bentley Motors
Video link

Lil Wayne: Fireman

2006-01-30T18:14:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: One hooded jacket, one pair of sneakers
Apple: One iPod
Billionaire Boys Club: One t-shirt, one sweater
BMW: One 650i convertible
Gucci: One belt, one knit cap
Jacob & Co: Two diamond watches
Juicy Couture: One top
LRG: One jacket, one t-shirt
New Era: Two fitted caps
Nike: One pair of Air Force Ones
Reebok: One fitted cap
Rocawear: One polo shirt
Timberland: One pair of construction boots

Video link

Big Boi: Im On It (Kryptonite)

2006-01-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Lacoste: One track jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps
Ralph Lauren: One Polo shirt, one rugby
Star & Co: One t-shirt

Video Link

Notorious BIG: Nasty Girl Remix

2006-01-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Brooklyn Mint: Three t-shirts
Ice Cream: One t-shirt
Louis Vuitton: One bandana
Jacob & Co: One diamond watch
Mitchell & Ness: One Rams jacket
New Era: Five fitted caps
Nom De Guerre: One hooded sweater
Ralph Lauren: One sweater vest
Sean John: One Elite shoe, one t-shirt, one bottle of Unforgivable cologne

Brand/product debuts: Nome De Guerre, the Elite shoe, and Unforgivable cologne
Video Link

Tony Yayo: So Seductive

2005-05-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Bentley: One GT coupe
G-Unit Apparel: One jacket, one sweater
Jacob & Co: One diamond watch
Mercedes: One CLS coupe
New Era: Five fitted caps
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan

50 Cent: Just A Lil Bit

2005-05-18T18:39:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Baby Phat: One handbag
Baby Phat Jewelry: One pair of earrings
G-Unit Apparel: One shirt, one undershirt
G-Unit Jewelry: One diamond watch
Kangol: One cap
Lacoste: One shirt
Louis Vuitton: Three pieces of luggage
New Era: Four fitted caps

Game: Dreams

2005-05-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Al Wissam: One leather jacket
Apple: One ipod
Bose: One SoundDock Digital Music System
Converse: One pair of sneakers
Harris Publishing: One isue of King Magazine
Miskeen: One t-shirt
New Era: Two fitted caps
Sony: One Playstation 2

Juelz Santana: Mic Check

2005-05-18T18:13:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Cezer New York: One t-shirt
Lot 29: One shirt, one hooded sweater
New Era: Five fitted caps
Nike: Two pairs of Air Force Ones
Pass da Roc: One basketball jersey, one fitted cap
Rocawear: One sweater
State Property: One baseball cap, one jacket
Timberland: One t-shirt

Quarterly Brand Report: Alcohol/Tobacco

2005-04-12T09:46:00.000-04:00

Alcohol/tobacco brand: Number of appearances in videos:
Cristal: 2
Cruzan Rum: 1
Grey Goose: 1
Hpnotiq: 1
Moet: 1
Swisher International: 1

Brand/product debuts: Cruzan Rum

Quarterly Brand Report: Media Brands

2005-04-12T09:34:00.000-04:00

Media brand: Number of appearances in videos
Dub Magazine: 1
Elemental Magazine: 1
Rockstar Games: 1
Vibe/Spin Ventures: 1

Brand debuts: Dub Magazine and Rockstar Games

Quarterly Brand Report: Apparel

2005-04-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

Apparel brands: Number of appearances in rap videos
New Era: 26+
G-Unit Clothing: 12
Rocawear (State Property and Team Roc Clothing included): 10
Reebok: 4
Star & Co: 4
Al Wissam: 3
Bathing Ape: 3
Evisu: 3
Mitchell & Ness: 3
Nike: 3
Ralph Lauren: 3
Shady Limited Clothing: 3
Snoop Dogg Clothing: 3
Billionaire Boys Club: 2
Champion apparel: 2
LRG: 2
Timberland: 2
Akademiks: 1
A Tiziano: 1
Avirex: 1
Baby Phat: 1
Coco Chanel: 1
Enyce: 1
Fila: 1
K Swiss: 1
Lacoste: 1
Phat Farm: 1
Rich Yung: 1
Sean John: 1
Von Dutch: 1

Brand debuts: Star& Co and Fabolous's Rich Yung clothing line.

Quarterly Brand Report: Jewelry

2005-04-12T06:35:00.000-04:00

Jewelry brands: Number of appearances in videos
Jacob & Co: 2
Baby Phat: 1
Chris Aire: 1
G Unit: 1
Icetek: 1
Tiret New York: 1

Brand/product debuts: Timepieces by G-Unit and Tiret New York

Quarterly Brand Report: Electronics

2005-04-12T06:15:00.000-04:00

Electronic brand: Number of appearances in videos
Apple: 3
Danger: 2
Mattel: 2
Microsoft: 1
Motorola: 1
Nokia: 1
Research In Motion: 1

Brand/product debuts: The Blackberry 7100t by RIM and the Motorola i860

Quarterly Brand Report:Automotive

2005-04-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

Today I'll begin posting the first quarterly brand report for 2005. The brands will be listed according to six categories: Alcohol/ Tobacco, Apparel, Automotive, Electronics, Jewlery, and Media brands. I'll also list products or comapnies that have made their rap video debuts.

Automotive brand: Number of appearances in videos
Chevrolet: 4
Mercedes: 4
Rolls Royce: 3
Bentley: 2
Cadillac: 2
Aston Martin: 1
BMW: 1
Brabus North America: 1
Chrysler: 1
Dodge: 1
Ferarri: 1
Lincoln: 1
Saleen: 1

Product/Company debuts: The BMW 645i, Brabus North America, the Mercedes CLS sedan, and the Saleen S7.

Young Jeezy: Over Here

2005-04-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
A Bathing Ape: Two basketball jerseys
Bentley: One GT coupe
Cristal champagne
Enyce: Womens top
Ferrari: One Modena coupe
Grey Goose Vodka
Mercedes: One SL coupe
Moet Chandon champagne
New Era: Numerous fitted caps
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan
Von Dutch: One T-shirt

Shout outs

2005-04-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Big thanks to the following bloggers who've sent traffic to "Strictly Business":

Hashim Warren at Media Chin-Check
Ian at Notes From a Different Kitchen
Clyde Smith at ProHipHop
Cal Ulmann at Where Hip Hop and Libertarianism Meet

Beanie Sigel: Don't Stop

2005-04-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Fila: One track jacket
Jacob and Co: One diamond watch
Mitchell and Ness: One New York Mets jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps
State Property Clothing: Two shirts, one jacket, and one knit cap
Team Roc: One track jacket
Timberland: One pair 6'' boots
Tiret New York: One diamond watch (music video debut of the brand)

Snoop Dogg: Signs

2005-04-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

Brands featured:
Louis Roederer: Cristal champagne
Mercedes: CLS sedan
Snoop Dogg Clothing: One jacket

Hip Hop and the Sony PSP

2005-03-27T04:53:00.000-05:00

The recently released Sony PSP is selling at a feverish pace across America, due in part to an estimated $100 million marketing budget for the device. However, in the course of courting Hollywood and the fashion world, Sony has overlooked the opportunity to cross-market the PSP with hip hop acts affiliated through last years BMG merger. Consider:

1. Music videos from Fabolous, Fat Joe, and TI (Atlantic artists under the BMG umberella) could all be effective venues to raise the profile of the PSP.
2. Video anthologies or video mixtapes featuring these artists could be made available on Universal Media Discs for the PSP. Sony has made the success of UMDs a top priority, and this kind of content could make customers more familiar with the format.

Cassidy: I'm a Hustla

2005-03-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Al Wissam: One 'Bill of Rights' leather jacket
Avirex: One jacket
Baby Phat: One jacket
Bentley: One Continental GT coupe
Danger: One Sidekick II
Evisu: One pair of jeans
Mitchell and Ness: One Philadelphia Eagles jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps
Reebok: One pair of S. Carter sneakers
Rocawear: One jacket
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan
Timberland: One pair 6" boots

Product Spotlight:Mattel Juicebox

2005-03-22T06:41:00.000-05:00

Product background: Mattel launched the Juicebox personal media player in October 2004, with the 'tween (ages 8-12) market as its primary target. With its proprietary media cards, called Juiceware, the user can access mp3,video, and photo content.
The placement: Based on the prominent positioning in recent videos by Ludacris and TI, its clear that Mattel wants to establish an early foothold in the urban marketplace for the Juicebox. This intention is even more clear when you look at the Juicebox's feature in Ashantis video for "Dont Let Them", which is reminiscent of the Ipod-seeding in videos from 50 Cent ("PIMP"), D12("My Band"), Mary J Blige ("Love at First Sight"), and Obie Trice ( "Got Some Teeth"). Ashanti was also a participant in the unveiling of Mattels 2005 content line, and her "Concrete Rose" album is recieving promotion on the Juicebox website. I'm not sure how well the placement will connect with the 'tween audience, but it could be an effective pitch to parents in search of a new distraction for their children.
Product reviews: Most criticisms for the product are based on its reliance on proprietary media and low sound/video quality, while it has recieved praise for being durable,portable, and affordable. It is universally agreed that a strong and consistent line of content will make or break the Juicebox. ZDNet review- PC Magazine review - Gizmodo review

Game: Hate It or Love It

2005-03-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Apple: U2 edition Ipod
Brabus North America, Inc
Champion USA: Chicago Bulls jersey
G-Unit Brand: One headband, two hooded sweaters, and the debut of the G-Unit diamond watch
Jacob & Co: One diamond watch
Mercedes: One CLS sedan (music video debut)
New Era: Three fitted caps

Chart position:
Billboard Top 20: Number 11
MTV Top 20: Number 4 (week of 3/14)
Yahoo! Music: N/A

Ludacris: Number One Spot

2005-03-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Cruzan Rum: Estate Dark Rum
Mattel: Juicebox personal video player
Microsoft: XBox video game system
Motorola/Boost Mobile: i860 "Tattoo" cell phone
New Era: One fitted cap

Chart position:
Billboard Top 20: N/A
MTV Top 20: Number 12 (week of 3/14)
Yahoo! Music: N/A

Fat Joe: So Much More

2005-03-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Al Wissam: One 'Bill of Rights' leather jacket
Champion USA: One hooded sweater
Chrysler: One 300c sedan
Coco Chanel: One handbag
Dub Magazine
Jacob & Co: One watch
Mitchell & Ness: Cooperstown Collection, 1939 Boston Braves jacket
New Era: Three fitted caps
Rockstar Games: Midnight Club 3 video game

Chart position:
Billboard Top 20:N/A
MTV Top 20: N/A
Yahoo! Music: N/A

Twista: Hope

2005-02-27T02:55:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
New Era: Fitted cap
Nike: One pair of 2k4 Huaraches, one pair white Air Force Ones
Phat Farm: One polo shirt
Rocawear: One hooded sweater, one sweatsuit top, and one parka

Chart Position:
BET Rap City Top 10: N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles: N/A
MTV Top 20: N/A
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: Number 26

TI: You Dont Know Me

2005-02-27T01:40:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Aston Martin: Vanquish coupe
A Tiziano: One jacket
Champion USA: One hooded sweater
Chevrolet: One Impala coupe
Elemental Magazine
Evisu: One pair of jeans
Lacoste: One track jacket
LRG: One jacket, one hooded sweater
New Era: One Pittsburgh Pirates fitted cap, one Atlanta fitted cap
Ralph Lauren: One Polo shirt
Sean John: One jacket
Star and Co: One hooded sweater, two jackets
Vibe/Spin Ventures,LLC: Vibe magazine

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: Number 6
Billboard Top 20 Singles: N/A
MTV Top 20: N/A
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: N/A

TI:Bring Em Out

2005-02-27T01:29:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Akademiks: Reversible jacket
Chevrolet: Impala coupe
K Swiss: One pair of sneakers
Mattel: Juicebox personal video player
New Era: Fitted cap
Rocawear: Hooded leather jacket

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles: Number 13
MTV Top 20: Number 13
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: Number 53

Snoop Dogg: Drop It Like Its Hot

2005-02-26T21:09:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Apple: Star Trak Ipod
Billionaire Boys Club: Two logoed t-shirts
Chevrolet: One Caprice
Icetek: Spinner watch
Reebok: Ice Cream sneakers
Rolls Royce: Phantom sedan
Snoop Dogg Clothing: Various shirts
Star Co: "I Got It 4 Cheap" t-shirt

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles: Number 15
MTV Top 20:N/A
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: Number 24

Snoop Dogg: Lets Get Blown

2005-02-26T02:24:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Nokia:Nokia 7260 cell phone
NFL Apparel: Pittsburgh Steelers jacket
Snoop Dogg Clothing: Various shirts

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: Number 3
Billboard Top 20 Singles:N/A
MTV Top 20:Number 11 (week of 2/14)
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos:Number 80

Nelly: Over and Over

2005-02-26T01:55:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
Chris Aire: Traveler watch
Bathing Ape: One pair of Bape STAs (black/grey)
Blackberry: One Blackberry 7100t
Cadillac: One Escalade
Chevrolet: One Caprice
Danger: One Sidekick II
Evisu: One Evisu black wool hat
Mitchell and Ness: One Los Angeles Rams jacket

Chart position:

BET Rap City Top 10:N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles:N/A
MTV Top 20:N/A
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos:Number 13

Fabolous:Baby

2005-02-23T04:44:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
New Era: One New York Yankees fitted cap, another fitted cap from an indistinguishable team
Baby Phat: One pair of diamond earrings
Hpnotiq: Bottles of Hpnotiq liquer
Mercedes: One Maybach sedan
Ralph Lauren: Polo sweater and Polo boots
Rich Young: One parka (video debut of the brand)
Rolls Royce: One Phantom sedan

Chart Position:
BET Rap City Top 10: N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles:N/A
MTV Top 20:N/A
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos:N/A

Game:How We Do

2005-02-23T01:07:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
New Era: One Boston Red Sox fitted cap, one Los Angeles Dodgers fitted cap, one New York Yankess fitted cap.
Al-Wissam: "Scarface" leather jacket
Apple: U2-edition Ipod
Cadillac: Escalade SUV (modified, scissor doors)
Dodge: Magnum sedan (modified, scissor doors)
Nike: Air Force Ones
Swisher International: Swisher Sweets cigars

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: Number 1
Billboard Top 20 Singles:Number 5 (issue date 2/26)
MTV Top 20: Number 9 (week 02/07-02/14)
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: Number 8

Eminem:Like Toy Soldiers

2005-02-23T00:40:00.000-05:00

Brands Featured:
Shady Limited: One skull cap, one fitted baseball hat, one tracksuit.
New Era: Three Detroit Tigers fitted baseball hats, one New York Yankess fitted baseball hat.
G Unit Clothing: One sweatsuit, one hooded sweater.
Reebok: One Seattle Seahawks jersey, number "81".
Lincoln: Navigator SUV

Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: N/A
Billboard Top 20 Singles:N/A (issue date 2/26/o5)
MTV Top 20: Number 7 (week 02/07-02/14)
Yahoo! Music Top 100 videos: Number 11

50 Cent: Candy Shop

2005-02-21T22:28:00.000-05:00

Brands featured:
G-Unit Clothing:Two T-shirts, three fitted baseball hats(red,grey,white), one polo shirt, one tracksuit.
G-Unit Footwear by Reebok:One pair of G-6 II shoes.
New Era: Two Yankee fitted hats(red,blue), one Oakland A's fitted hat.
Saleen: Saleen S7 sportscar (red).
BMW:BmW 645 Ci two door coupe.
Chart position:
BET Rap City Top 10: Number 2
Billboard Top 20 Singles:Number 2(issue date 2/26/05)
MTV Top 20:Number 3(week of 2/7 through 2/14/05).
Yahoo! Music Top 100 Videos: Number 1.

About Strictly Business

2005-02-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

Strictly Business is the first blog dedicated to analyzing product placement in the world of hip hop videos. For some time now, marketing experts have studied the use of hip hop as a powerful marketing tool, most frequently sighting the extensive inclusion of brands in rap lyrics; Agenda Inc's American Brandstand project is the most recognized study of such brand references in hip hop music. But until today, no similar analysis existed for the videos that promote the most popular rap songs, the majority of which are heavily embedded with a variety of brands. Strictly Business will fill this diagnostic void by documenting and charting brand positioning in hip hop videos, in addition to providing comprehensive commentary and forecasts.