Beyond Urban Branding

Here is an ad for Gap khakis. Its a few years old I think. I like it because there is such a diverse range of races getting their groove on. Makes you wanna go get some, eh? But seriously, Hip-Hop dance, DJ's and graffiti art are still underused in advertising. I feel like everybody thinks Hip-Hop is just rap. For those that don't know Hip-Hop is composed of a few elements: Rap or MC'ing, DJ'ing, Graffiti, B-boy'ing and other forms of Hip-Hop dance. The second ad is a cool holiday ad featuring Common. Gap knows how to use rappers right in advertising campaigns. Both Gap ads shows that someone inside Gap knows that. Great look!!

On twitter @missesbishop (add her) told me about a Sears/Kenmore add using b-boys. This thing was well done. The premise of how the b-boys were used was PERFECT and the moves they did were choreographed well. I appreciate the lead. If you ever find a commercial that YOU think should be on here, hit me at beyondurban@gmail.com and its a done deal. I always give props so, share your twitter address so we can all build with you. NOTE TO ALL ADVERTISING & PR HEADS : B-boys are often horrifically called BREAKDANCERS. Nobody who loves the art of b-boying or Hip-Hop does that. As soon as you say "breakdancers" we know you are out of the loop on the essence of Hip-Hop. We know you don't know US. Please stop doing it. If you need to know more about b-boying I suggest starting with The Freshest Kids: