"Car, gun, fashion and booze labels" rule the world of product placement in song, according to a list of the 100 most popular brands that are mentioned in rap hits.
"Mercedes received 100 mentions, while Nike came in second with 63 mentions and former No. 1 Cadillac took third with 62," according to American Brandstand 2005, a report by Agenda Inc.
Implications - When a brand that was originally intended for one target demographic is taken over by another, it is referred to as a brand hijack. The Mercedes Benz is a perfect example, as it was initially intended for wealthy businessmen, but has been adapted entirely by the hip hop community.
Mercedes Benz: Most Rapped About Brand in 2005
Mercedes Benz: Most Rapped About Brand In 2005
Trend Themes
1. Brand Hijacking - The rise of brand hijacking as different target demographics adopt brands originally intended for others.
2. Product Placement in Music - The use of product placement in music, particularly in rap hits, as a means of promoting brand recognition and awareness.
3. Rap Culture Influencing Brands - The influence of rap culture on brands, as seen with Mercedes Benz becoming a popular choice in hip hop lyrics and culture.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can explore opportunities in aligning their brands with popular music genres as a form of targeted marketing.
2. Fashion - Fashion brands can leverage the influence of rap culture to reach new audiences and maximize brand exposure.
3. Beverage - Beverage companies can capitalize on the product placement trend in music and target rap culture as a key market segment for their products.