In the beginning, there was Michael...

This is the first commercial I remember that incorporated Hip-Hop dance. Now, mind you, its Michael Jackson doing it...But, still, I don't remember seeing any national commercials with Hip-Hop dance in it until this. That kid in the red jacket was LARGE at the time. He went onto do Fresh Prince of Bel Air (playing Carlton) among other things. Lets take a look at how a lot of it began. Its funny now to think how much of an impact this ad had in getting more corporations to use Hip-Hop/urban themes in their campaigns.

-Beyond Urban Branding

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Carla Fendi Dies in Rome

One of the true queens of fashion has passed. VOGUE: O ne of the five formidable Fendi sisters (Paola, Anna, Franca, Carla and Alda), who inherited their family's fashion house - has died in Rome, aged 79. FULL STORY Many people forget that the Fendi brand permeated Hip-Hop heavily in its formative years. Rap icons EPMD had a dancer named FENDI.... A lot of people forget that in the early rap days, a lot of rappers were teamed with dancers, and DJ's as crews to help get the party going. Fendi was a Hip-Hop dance pioneer. He was not a bboy. I am not a dance historian but his moves seemed to be a blend of strutting, locking and a little vogue dancing. Here is a slightly grainy clip FENDI DANCING

E-40 Hits the Big Time in new TV Ad

E-40 has always been a giant in my heart. I'm from The Bay Area. But it has taken time for people to acclimate to his level. Now he is seen as a futuristic mogul OUTSIDE of Hip-Hop. In his latest genius move, Drive Time Credit Company uses his classic Choices and re-raps the lyrics. This one caught me off guard and I was happy surprised. Original E-40 Song Choices

United Front Against United Airlines

Anyone who travels a lot may have heard these words "Flight ABC is overbooked. We are offering a $$$ for anyone willing to give up their flight and book on a later flight". Typically this announcement is done while we are all waiting to board our flight, usually people just either look at the ground and ignore the request or others look around at each other to see who is going to jump at the offer. Usually there is someone who can afford to miss their flight, but it is rare to see someone jump up and take the first offer. The airlines often have to sweeten the pot to get someone to accept being bumped and flying out later. So I guess my opening helps point out what the first mistake made by United Airlines was on the ill-fated day when a paying customer was beaten and drag off the plane . For those of you who do not know what happened, let me sum it up. The week of April 10th United Airlines employees assisted passengers as they boarded the plane. Passengers played the ove...

Beyond Urban Branding

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