Amazon Prime Day TV Spot, ‘What’s Next?’ Song by Young MC featuring LeBron James
Lunchables Remixes a Lunchtime Classic with Lil Jon and Twista

Lunchables has expanded its kid-loved and parent-approved offerings with the debut of new Lunchables PB&J: the first-ever dippable, no-thaw crustless PB&J. Grounded in kids’ love of dipping and the timeless debate between the perfect ratio of peanut butter and jelly in a PB&J — the new product gives kids the freedom to enjoy a PB&J exactly how they like it. Lunchables PB&J, a “remix” of a beloved lunchtime staple, includes two deliciously creamy, crustless peanut butter sandwiches per pack, complete with a side of delicious grape or strawberry flavoured dip—perfectly crafted for optimal dipping and with no artificial colours.
“The launch of Lunchables PB&J is a continuation in our mission to reinvent the refrigerated category by providing high quality, delicious, affordable and convenient solutions for snack time and beyond,” said Danni Levin, associate director of innovation, Lunchables. “We’re remixing a classic, delivering on parents’ desire for convenience and kids’ love of dipping and customising – PB&Js will never be the same!”
Beyond equipping kids with the independence to customise, Lunchables PB&J also solves the number one pain point for parents: thaw time. Current PB&J category offerings are frozen, which require 30-60 minutes of thaw time before serving. Now, Lunchables is tackling this frustration head-on with the first-ever no-thaw, crustless PB&J that’s ready-to-eat straight from the refrigerator for any time hunger strikes. Kid meltdowns, no more!
To spread the excitement, the brand is reuniting GRAMMY Award-winning producer and artist Lil Jon and hip hop icon Twista for the first time in over a decade to remix a nostalgic, viral hit that many millennial parents can sing at the drop of a dime: “Peanut Butter Jelly Time.” Just as Lunchables is “remixing” kids’ #1 favorite sandwich variety, Lil Jon and Twista are putting a fresh spin on the nostalgic hit over 20 years after the original track’s debut. Dropping today, fans can listen to the song on Lunchables YouTube as well as download for their playlists via Spotify.

“It was cool to link back up with Twista on the Lunchables ‘Peanut Butter Jelly Time’ remix, cause I knew it would be fun, and we would make somethin’ fire,” said Lil Jon. “PB&J takes me back to my childhood days…YEAHHH!”
The debut of Lunchables PB&J reinforces the brand’s commitment to making bigger, more intentional bets to fuel growth and create new experiences for consumers. The innovation grows Lunchables’ presence in the sandwich category, following the brand’s first entrance with the debut of Grilled Cheesies in 2023. The launch of PB&J enables Lunchables to bring a convenient, kid-loved offering to the refrigerated section and reflects Kraft Heinz’s broader ambition to drive $2 billion in incremental sales through innovation by 2027.

Flavor Flav Teams Up with Raising Cane’s to Back Women’s Sports Foundation
At Raising Cane’s flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, Flavor Flav took orders, cooked, and served food on April 23. He also entertained fans with his hit, “EVERY WHERE…

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 9: Hip-Hip artist and DI Flavor Flav performs at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate Party at Mardi Gras World on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Skip Bolen/Getty Images)(Photo by Skip Bolen/Getty Images)
At Raising Cane’s flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, Flavor Flav took orders, cooked, and served food on April 23. He also entertained fans with his hit, “EVERY WHERE MAN.” His shift started a push to support the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Flavor Flav Clockin’ In
Rock N Stonez artist Kelly Salvagio crafted glittering, limited-edition Raising Cane’s clock necklaces signed by Flavor Flav for the campaign. Each sale funds programs that back female athletes across the country.
With four daughters at home, Flav is a strong advocate for women in sports. He’s a big fan of the WNBA, especially the New York Liberty, and has said he wants to meet Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark.
During the event, he honored 18-time Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long with a custom clock piece for her 31 total wins.
“I’m so proud of Jessica and everything she’s achieved – it’s going to be hard for someone to beat this record of 31 medals,” said Flav to The Source. “She’s the GOAT. The Olympics gave her many medals, and it was time for me to give her one of mine.”
He also praised his longtime partner, Chuck D. “He knows his stuff, and he does his research. I feel like the state of hip hop needs more records with messages instead of just glorifying drugs, women, and jewelry.”
During the event, Raising Cane’s CEO, Todd Graves, said, “Flavor Flav is an icon in many ways and I couldn’t think of anyone better to join us at Cane’s today and be the face of our upcoming campaign about flavor… It makes me proud that we can team together and support the Women’s Sports Foundation and continue making a difference.”
Smirnoff Goes Big for Super Bowl LIX with Flo Rida Tailgate Performance
Kicking off the festivities, 2x Super Bowl Champion Chris Long will go the distance with the longest-ever live recording of his fan-favorite “Green Light” podcast. “Having the Super Bowl back in New Orleans is always exciting – it’s a high energy city with fans that truly appreciate the game,” Long said. “I can’t think of a better way to close out a great week than by partnering with Smirnoff for our longest podcast ever.”
NFL Legends Vernon Davis and Warrick Dunn will keep the momentum going, adding their own star power to the day’s lineup. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Smirnoff tailgate – or a New Orleans celebration – without a nod to the Big Easy’s food scene. Celebrity Chef David Rose is serving up a bold twist on a Louisiana classic, layering rich, spicy flavors into his Jambalaya with grilled shrimp and crawfish étouffée—a dish that brings the perfect kick to the party.
“At Smirnoff, we believe the long game always wins – on and off the field,” said Sam Salameh, Vice President of Vodka, Diageo. “As the brand who wrote the playbook on Game Day celebrations, we’re going to new lengths (literally!) with a 60-foot tailgate truck built to ensure there’s a spot for everyone, paired with an unforgettable lineup of entertainment to show what we mean when we say, ‘We Do Game Days’.”
Stretching an impressive 60 feet – about the length of the red zone in football – and tipping the scales at 15,000 pounds, the truck is a spectacle of epic proportions. Built with more than 37,000 bolts, nuts, and screws in just six weeks, it boasts enough capacity for 526,500 Kansas City-style BBQ wings or 16,200 Philly cheesesteaks, enough to fuel the hungriest offensive lines and maybe even bring the most die-hard rival fans to the same table.
From Los Angeles to Detroit, Smirnoff has been bringing “We Do Game Days” to NFL fans all season long. Now, for Super Bowl LIX, Smirnoff’s The Longest Tailgate may be the weekend’s biggest spectacle across New Orleans all weekend long:
- A Night of Pride with GLAAD: A Night of Pride with GLAAD aims to spotlight advances in and the future of LGBTQ inclusion in sports. Presented by Smirnoff, the event returns in its fourth year on Friday, Feb. 7 at the historic Joy Theater and will feature a headlining performance by Big Freedia.
- NFL Game Day Experience: Smirnoff is bringing the high-energy, celebratory spirit of “We Do Game Days” to the official Game Day Experience at Caesars Superdome. Fans can enjoy bayou-style Smirnoff cocktails, game-day face painting and the debut of our official gator mascot, The Smirnoff Tailgator. Step into our lush, gridiron-inspired oasis and join the fun on Sunday from 1:00-4:30 PM.
- DraftKings Partnership: As an extension of its season-long partnership with DraftKings, Smirnoff will serve delicious cocktails for all guests 21+ at exclusive weekend events, and will sponsor its Media Row headquarters, where top-tier sports personalities, athletes and pop culture icons will break down all the Big Game buzz.
Stay tuned for more game-changing announcements… because creating the ultimate huddle for fans to come together is exactly how We Do Game Days. Visit Smirnoff.com to learn more and find delicious game day cocktail recipes like the signature NOLA Espresso Martini.
The production of Smirnoff No. 21 – ten times filtered and triple-distilled – ensures the liquid is inherently mixable so adults of legal drinking age across the country can enjoy Smirnoff as part of their favorite cocktails. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka is available at retailers nationwide in 1.75L, 1L, 750mL, 375mL, 200mL and 50mL bottles and has a 40% ABV with a suggested retail price of $12.99 for a 750mL bottle (price varies by size).
Follow @Smirnoff on Instagram for more exciting news from the world’s No. 1 vodka. Whether you’re cheering for your team or just enjoying the camaraderie, please remember to always drink Smirnoff responsibly.
About SMIRNOFF
Smirnoff has been giving the people what they want since 1864, revolutionizing drinking culture across generations: from inventing the Mule and reimagining the vodka martini to creating a cultural mainstay that defines the flavored malt beverage category with the launch of Smirnoff Ice, known for flavors since 1999.
Because the brand is dedicated to the people and their evolving taste preferences, Smirnoff has an option for everyone along with a dedicated history of adding fun to any occasion while keeping diversity and inclusion at the forefront. Truly showing the power of socializing when everyone (21+) is invited to celebrate.
The Smirnoff portfolio offers a variety of options for adults across vodka and flavored malt beverages. Current offerings include foundations in Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and Smirnoff Ice, a line of flavors in North America and ready-to-serve flavored malt beverages including Smirnoff Seltzer and Smirnoff Ice Smash. From culturally relevant limited editions to new innovations and zero sugar offerings, Smirnoff has always been known for quality and affordability, and prides itself on giving the people what they want.
About Diageo North America
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nicole Anastasi / Brooke Smith
DIAGEO
nicole.anastasi@diageo.com
brooke.smith@diageo.com
TAYLOR
Smirnoff@taylorstrategy.com
SOURCE Smirnoff

Vanilla Ice is ice cold in hilarious beer campaign
The 90’s rapper is back to help New Zealanders show up before their beers blow up in this DB Breweries campaign by Special.
If seeing is believing, it looks like the ’90s are making a comeback.
When ‘90s rapper Vanilla Ice popped up in this spot for New Zealand beer Export Ultra, for a second, Ad Nut literally did think we’d all been transported to the bygone era. You know, back when ‘ice, ice baby…’ would swirl in your head ad nauseam. Don’t even try to resist humming along, it’s futile.
But the random reemergence of Vanilla Ice isn’t to launch a new single or unleash a new rap hook that gets stuck in your head for decades, it’s to launch the Export Ultra Cold Call Back Service—a service designed to help New Zealanders show up before their beers blow up. Ad Nut is not making this up.
Apparently, over the last 12 months, more than half of people in New Zealand have accidentally frozen a beer. And Kiwi beer brand Export Ultra launched a service that stops you accidentally exploding your beers in freezers.
Joining the fun is easy for people living in New Zealand: Simply place your beer in the freezer, text ‘ICE ICE’ to 423, and in 34 minutes, you’ll receive a call from Vanilla Ice himself, reminding you to check your beer before it turns into a frosty disaster. The main man even has a rolling series of summer messages planned such as bespoke rhymes for Valentine’s Day (‘Roses are red, violets are blue, ya boi Vanilla Ice got a reminder for you’) and a pledge for Christmas (‘I do my calls like I do my Christmas presents… they always come (w)rapped’).
The campaign TV spot shows Vanilla Ice at his Miami mansion going about his daily activities, where he casually polishes his impressive record collection and tends to his expansive 10-acre garden, all while making calls to residents in New Zealand to remind them to check their beers before they explode in the freezer.

Jonathan McMahon, chief creative officer at Special New Zealand who led strategy, creative ideation and production, said: “We’ve all been there. You put beer in freezer to chill while you chill. But you chill too much, and they chill too much and then… boom. And as Vanilla Ice would agree, that ain’t chill. Luckily the rap legend is now here, all summer long, to personally call every New Zealander who needs a reminder to take their Export Ultra out of the freezer.
“And luckily the Export Ultra team have a great ambition to save beer, a brilliant sense of humour and a strong desire to free up their drinkers so they can enjoy their summers in this wonderful beer garden of ours.”
Vanilla Ice’s Export Ultra Cold Call Back Service will be saving Kiwis’ beers from December 2024 through to February 2025, because a frosty beer is cool, but a frozen beer? Ice-cold heartbreak.
Very unexpected, very random, but very cool. Ad Nut would ordinarily shun a celebrity-fronted ad, but who else could front such a campaign?
CREDITS
Client: DB Breweries
Fraser Shrimpton, Marketing Director DB Breweries
Kate Baars, Senior Marketing Manager DB Breweries
Lauren Parker Condon, Brand Manager, DB Breweries
Jordan Grace, Assistant Brand & Shopper Manager
Annabel Buckley, Trade Marketing Manager
SPECIAL NEW ZEALAND
Tony Bradbourne, Founder, Creative Chairman, CEO NZ
Lisa Fedyszyn, Chief Creative Officer Jonathan McMahon, Chief Creative Officer
Simon Watts, Creative
Rhiana Merota, Art Director
Liz Garneau, Executive Producer
Therese Bielawa, Head of Production
Matt Abraham, Senior Digital Producer
Hamish Kuka, Social Editor
‘Courtney Spillane, Senior Business Manager
Rory Gallery, Partner, Chief Strategy Officer
Josh Taylor-Dadds, Group Strategy Director
Ursula Nichols , Group Strategy & CX Director
Nina Richardson, Strategist
SPECIAL PR
Kelly Grindle, Managing Director
Natasha D’Souza, Group PR Director
Jessica Walker, Senior PR Manager
DENTSU AOTEAROA
Tasmin Bradley, Senior Business Director
Grace McCarthy, Associate Digital Director
Lucciane Surtees, Business Director
Melis Shosanya, Business Manager
Ellie Ritchie, Senior Account Manager (Social)
RAYDAR
Simeon Trew, Account Director
VANILLA ICE aka Robert Van Winkle represented by TQ Management Agency
TQ Management Agency: Chuck Quon
TQ Management Agency: Tommy Quon
Foss Films for Vanilla Ice: Jon Foss
PRODUCTION COMPANY: RSA FILMS
Peter Martin, Director
Luke Ricci, President/EP
Jenni Sprunger , EP
Sarah Morrison, Head of Production
Liz Gonzalez, Producer
Beth Henning, Producer
Rafael Herrera, 1st AD
Sean Porter, DOP
Walter Rodriguez, 1st AC
Danny Garcia, DIT
Ana Huber, Prop Master
Eric Moorman, Sound Mixer
Naty Parodi, Key Costume
Juliana Moss, Key Make Up
Caleb Santos, PA
Ro Espinoza, PA:
Kevin Zimmerman, Editor
David Rothbaum, Composer
ONLINE/VFX/COlOUR: HECKLER SYDNEY
Amy Jarman, Heckler Executive Producer
Jamie Watson, Heckler Executive Creative Director
Julian Ford, Flame
Ferg Rotherham, Colourist
RECORDING POWER STATION RECORDING STUDIOS, FLORIDA
Rob Roy, Producer, Mix Engineer, Director
Brennan Fulton, Senior Engineer
Steven Ludwig, Assistant Engineer
SOUND: LIQUID STUDIOS
Andy Morton, Engineer
Tamara O’Neil, Producer
Hip Hop Icon Doug E. Fresh Partners with Bayer to Provide Health Education Through Music
How Rick Ross Became The ‘Biggest Boss’ In Business As Owner Of Nearly 30 Wingstop Locations

Photo Credit: Aaron Davidson
Rick Ross is a multi-faceted boss.
Over the years, the rapper-turned-businessman has been making lucrative moves across real estate, cannabis, restaurants, health care and more, as previously shared by AFROTECH.
The biggest boss himself is pulling up to AFROTECH Conference 2023, held from Nov. 1-5, as the headliner of the music stage in Austin, TX.
“Being the headliner at AFROTECH Conference Music is more than just a performance to me,” Rick Ross told AFROTECH. “It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of hustlers, creators, and innovators. It’s a chance to showcase the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to your dreams.”
Fellow artists include DJ Hunny Bee, DJ Spin, and Soulection.
To learn more about how to attend Rick Ross’ performance at AFROTECH Music and snag your ticket to AFROTECH Conference 2023, click here.
One of Rick Ross’ numerous endeavors has been purchasing Wingstop franchises, which he has been doing since 2011. Rick Ross’ first Wingstop franchise was opened in Memphis, TN.
“After tasting Wingstop’s signature Lemon Pepper-flavored wings in Miami, I knew this was a franchise I wanted to add to my investments,” Rick Ross explained in a press statement.
“It’s time for us to make it happen in Memphis,” he said, per QSR Magazine. “With Wingstop, we are bringing in the food I like and adding jobs to the community. It’s a double win.”
After over a decade of securing locations of the popular American international chain, Rick Ross has nearly 30 of them under his belt, according to Mobile Cuisine. The venture has proven lucrative for him as it’s reported that the stores’ generated sales make him $200,000 annually, as AFROTECH previously reported.
Rick Ross has also made his ownership of Wingstop locations into the start of a family legacy. In 2021, he bought a Wingstop franchise and gifted it to his son, William L. Roberts III, for his 16th birthday.
Rick Ross’ entrepreneurship is now being taught. As AFROTECH has shared with you, a fall semester course is offered at Georgia State’s College of Law.
“When I began my research on Ross, I realized early on that my students would learn about a businessman who turned his love of music into an empire that includes massive real estate holdings, food and beverage franchises, investments in the car and bike industry, literary works and corporate equity ownership,” Professor Mo Ivory, director of the college’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Law Initiative, said according to Fox 5 Atlanta, GA.
Hip-Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh Drops a Beat to Support Redesign of McCormick® Herbs & Spices
An Exclusive Song by “The World’s Greatest Entertainer, The Original Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Fresh is Celebrating the Brand’s First Bottle Redesign in Nearly 40 Years and the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop
HUNT VALLEY, Md., Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hip-Hop icon and beatboxing pioneer Doug E. Fresh and the McCormick® brand today released an original song and accompanying music video to celebrate two milestones – the brand’s first bottle redesign in nearly 40 years and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. A Hip-Hop Hall of Fame inductee and BET Hip-Hop Awards Icon honoree, Fresh delivers an original song featuring bold, sizzling beats in the kitchen, the pop of the new SnapTight™ lid snapping, along with lyrics to savor.
“I’m back in the kitchen, cooking up some hot new sounds to introduce McCormick’s new red caps, which are designed to keep flavor fresh, like me,” said hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh. “I’ve used McCormick seasonings for as long as I can remember and I’m excited to collaborate with the brand to add some of my flavor using their iconic herbs and spices. Music and cooking are two of my biggest passions and this partnership allows me to explore both while having some fun.”
In addition to releasing the new song, Fresh will be leading a one-of-a-kind cooking class for local New York consumers on the early evening of Thursday, September 14, 2023. Selected guests will have the opportunity to taste the fresh flavor of McCormick® seasonings and cook alongside a musical icon, before enjoying their finished dishes. To enter the official sweepstakes to attend the free cooking class, click HERE and view official rules HERE. The sweepstakes opens today and ends on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. with limited spots available through a random draw.
Fresh will be sharing his savory version of Spiced Cod with Mashed Plantains, and leading class participants through the recipe. The dish is a medley of mashed plantains with a touch of coconut milk to complement the cod fillets, which are rubbed with a blend of garlic powder, thyme, crushed red pepper, and more. The fish is then seared to perfection to form a gorgeous, bold crust.
“It’s a privilege to be partnering with such a cultural pioneer, during this milestone year for the hip-hop community,” said Giovanna DiLegge, Vice President Marketing, NA Consumer at McCormick. “An innovator in the studio and in the kitchen, we watched as Doug E. Fresh transformed into Doug E. Chef for his popular cooking videos on Instagram and are excited to deliver his mouth-watering recipe and original sounds for our own landmark year.”
Earlier this year, for the first time in almost 40 years, McCormick launched a brand-new design of its core red cap-branded products. The new bottles are now available nationwide on retail shelves and feature an easy-to-find best by date and the new proprietary SnapTight™ lids that audibly seal for long lasting fresh flavor of the most essential herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and crushed red pepper.
Media: Music lovers and flavor fanatics alike can watch Doug E. Fresh’s music video HERE. To download high-resolution images of Doug E. Fresh’s recipe and of him cooking, and the redesigned bottles, please click HERE.
About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 170 countries and territories, we manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce channels, grocery, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contacts
Margaret Nam
McCormick & Company
Margaret_Nam@McCormick.com
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
spices@ssmandl.com
SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.
Drake, Nas, Biggie, Rakim Lyrics to Appear On Sprite Cans
Sprite has launched a new range of limited-edition soda cans emblazoned with inspirational lyrics by Drake, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Rakim. The 16 can designs comprise the inaugural “Obey Your Verse” Lyrical Collection, which will run through summer. Artists were picked “based on their reputation for being true to themselves through their music and advancing the culture,” a press release says.
In the press release, Nas, a longtime partner of Sprite, says: “Legacy means everything to me. When I wrote these lyrics, I never imagined my fans would someday have the opportunity to enjoy a can of Sprite and experience my art in a totally original way.”
Lyrics will appear on individual cans as well as 20-ounce bottles and multipacks. See a table of the featured lyrics below:














