Skip to content

Category: Brands and Partnerships

Nappy Roots x Dicks Sporting Goods

Nappy Roots  woke up and said to Dicks Sporting Goods  x Hoka let’s have a GOOD DAY! Check out their record “Good Day” in Dick’s Sporting Goods x HOKA: 2025 ad campaign
 

Amazon Prime Day TV Spot, ‘What’s Next?’ Song by Young MC featuring LeBron James

LeBron James is weighing his retirement options before the press when he gets an alert on his phone. It’s Prime Day over at Amazon and with all the deals going on, it will be easy to set himself up with the right tools for any job. Whether it’s hibachi chef (he accidentally makes a customer choke), barber (a bit of a one trick pony with his crown hairstyles), or even an out of tune bar singer as he tried to belt out Phil Collins’ classic “In the Air Tonight.” Finally he seems to settle on being a scout leader, but an overly ambitious rain of marshmallows from his backpack invites a horde of very evil raccoons to the campfire and he and the kids need to book it! Back to reality, LeBron finally answers the question of what’s next. “Whatever it is,” he says, “it’s gonna be a big deal.” Amazon invites you to find your next thing during this year’s Prime Day!
 
 
 

Lunchables Remixes a Lunchtime Classic with Lil Jon and Twista

The campaign, created with The Kitchen, celebrates the debut of new Lunchables PB&J: the first-ever dippable, no-thaw crustless PB&J

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.

Starting today, Lunchables PB&J is rolling out to select retailers nationwide for $2.49/pack. To learn more about the “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” remix and new Lunchables PB&J, follow along on the Lunchables Instagram or TikTok.

 

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.”

If you’re interested in snagging a clock chain yourself? They are available for a hefty penny on the Raising Cane’s website for a limited amount of time.

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

Hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh has partnered with Bayer to encourage Americans to take charge of their heart health and get the necessary tests to identify health risk factors. Fresh uses his foundation Hip Hop Public Health to promote his message through music and educate people about preventative health measures.

 

Legendary hip hop artist and Original Human Beatbox Doug E. Fresh uses his voice, talents, and extensive network of entertainers to inspire the masses to take charge of their health.

 

“So many people don’t pay attention to their heart health until it’s too late,” said Doug E., a long-time advocate of the importance of educating the public about preventative health measures, especially for those of Black or African descent. “You think about developing your muscles, your arms, your legs, your back, because you’re looking at all those muscles, but it’s important to spread the message that it’s important to think about cardio, keeping yourself moving, and keeping your heart strong.”

One way he promotes his heart health message is through his foundation Hip Hop Public Health. Along with co-founder Dr. Olajide Williams, neurologist, health behavior change expert, and vice dean of Columbia University’s medical school, the organization developed a new approach to health education using music to teach about taking care of your health. It offers more than 200 free educational materials and programming to teachers, schools, and higher education institutions internationally.

Doug E. Fresh Speaks to Team Bayer in New Jersey

“Hip hop is so powerful. When hip hop says something, in a way that’s fun or engaging, people respond. If we said something about how to eat, how to be healthy, what to ask your doctor or what health tests to get, it’s interactive and exciting, not preachy, and can be life changing.”
Doug E. Fresh, Legendary hip hop artist and Original Human Beatbox
 

Many influential artists have offered their talents to Hip Hop Public Health’s mission, including Arianna Grande, Jordan Sparks, Ashanti, and Chuck D. Cheryl “Salt” James, from the duo Salt-N-Pepa, even contributed the track “Let’s Talk About Salt” to the cause.

“It’s all about using that energy, using the platform to help,” Doug E. said. “And I know we’ve definitely helped a lot of people. I’ve seen the difference we’re making, even among my fellow hip hop artists – they’re changing their diets, exercising, doing things that might give them a better quality of life. And that’s the goal.”

A powerful partnership

Doug E. recently partnered with Bayer to advance his message of getting people to take charge of their heart health, especially Americans of Black or African descent, among whom heart disease is more prominent. Together, they are encouraging Americans to get the tests needed to identify health risk factors, such as the Aspirin Heart Health Assessment tool that is available free via www.checkyourheartrisks.com. The assessment allows you to learn about your personal heart health risk factors that can better inform conversations you have with your healthcare provider.

“When we got together with Team Bayer, there was a real natural kind of chemistry,” Doug E. said. “I know that together, we can help communities and give them valuable health information that can change lives.”

 

 

 

 

 

How Rick Ross Became The ‘Biggest Boss’ In Business As Owner Of Nearly 30 Wingstop Locations

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.

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:

SIGN UP TODAY

Join our list to receive the latest touring news and info from Universal Attractions Agency

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

© 2024 Universal Attractions, Inc. D/B/A UAA

Universal Attractions is Registered with New York Department of Consumer Affairs / UAA is a wholly owned brand name of Universal Attractions, Inc.