It would seem like a no brainer, rap and advertising belong together, but the ad industry didn't always recognize what hip-hop could really do for marketing. This all changed in the 1980s. Each side began realizing what the other could for them. Rappers could help boost sales, and rappers could, of course make money. So rappers began wearing ridiculous outfits, singing silly jingles, drinking beverages, and even reporting the news. This just in: Sprite is better than 7-Up! (According to a news report from rapper Kurtis Blow). Sometimes they even got to do what they do best to help promote a product: Rap.
From food and beverages, to clothes and sneakers, to cars and computers, we've probably seen a commercial about it that features a rapper.
When it all started in the '80s, rappers were mainly used to promote the food industry, and then urban wear and sneakers. As time has evolved, rappers have lent their names, faces, and sounds to advertisements for many different products including computers and cars.
HotNewHipHop has made a list of the 25 best and most memorable hip-hop commercials of all time.
Some of these commercials are pretty nostalgic and will likely remind you of your youth ("I like the Sprite in you."). But they're pretty dope, and definitely worth checking out. So sit, back, relax, and enjoy your trip down memory lane.
