Beyond Urban Branding

One of the first MMA apparel brands to exist, Tapout was truly years ahead of its time. Almost every real fighter, and many wanna be fighters rock their cutting edge t-shirts and hats. They recently began to make TV ads recently. All of them I liked, but this one... This one, I love . In it, you will find Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) icon Robert Drysdale doing a dynamic move called "the flying armbar". For the uninitiated it looks like a simple tackle, turned judo throw. But really, the opponent lands in a smooth arm lock. The direction, the music and the move itself are beautifully executed. They don't have to say "The best fighters on the planet wear our brand"- they just showed you. When the average UFC fan watches this ad, they may like it for the coolness of the ad itself. But real MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fans who live and breathe this sport know Drysdale and they will feel a cultural connection that breeds brand loyalty long after the ad is over. Here a...

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:

HP did the thug thizz right there. Jay-Z was just about at the apex of his game when this ad dropped. The hologram effects and the casual conversation gave HP an amazing edge. The ad dripped confidence and coolness like few urban ads have. It also gave Hip-Hop a mature look that was long overdue and it did not looked forced. -Beyond Urban Branding

Once again, the alcohol companies knock it out of the park. Here we go with Budweiser and the world famous "Whazaaaaap" ad. While it is not "Hip-Hop" specific, it does exploit mainstream America's fascination with African-American street lingo aka "ebonics". Who wasn't doing the "Wazaaaaap" thing for at least 3 months after this ad dropped? You know you were doing it....Liar!! Almost all the Black guys I know who drink, never drink Bud by choice...But they'll take it if its free. Nevertheless this ad certainly gave Bud a lifetime hood pass. -Beyond Urban Branding

50 Cents Vitamin Water ad was great. It felt half like an ad, and half like an SNL skit. It was comedic, yet tasteful. It was creative, without being ridiculous. I still remember how much I laughed the first time I saw it. It was very well done. And to think, he made 100 million on Vitamin Water after all was said an done. BONUS Interview I did with 50th Law co-author Robert Greene: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.1496/title.robert-greene-down-by-the-laws -Beyond Urban Branding

This is possibly Sprites greatest moment doing a Hip-Hop related ad. Here they pit long time rivals KRS ONE against MC Shan. These two had a very historic battle in the early days of rap, that set a high standard for lyrical dexterity in rhyme battles.To have these guys in a boxing ring was the perfect setting. Even little things like having DJ Kid Kapri be the ref and DJ Kool Red Alert as the corner man show how highly detailed the vision for this ad was. Easily one of the best urban ads ever done. -Beyond Urban Branding

In all my running around, I TOTALLY missed this ads existence. I actually kind of like Drake and I looked forward to seeing it. Clyde Smith at www.prohiphop.com posted it- so I had to check it out. My gut reaction, you ask? "Meh, its ok." On a lot of levels, I feel like an opportunity was blown. Drake is so large right now. Maybe they gave this to an old guy who just did not bother to try. Maybe they were convinced the special effects would "wow" people. Its kind of a shoulder shrugger to me. But at the end of the day, they got Drake drinking Sprite- and thats all they really need, I guess. I'm gonna watch it again. It just feels like yet another squandered moment in urban Brand history. While preparing to post this I found another Drake ad. Its for Strapped Condoms. This is moment number two, in squandered brand moment for Drake. Its just kinda boring. I'm 100% for safe sex. I think they did the right thing in using Drake (any brand that can get him should...