Celebrity Branding Wins and Fails
Over time, entertainers have given their images re-boots through extraordinary endorsement deals. Sometimes it’s for the best (Jay- Z’s Roc Nation deal) or for the worst (Bob Dole’s Viagra “Courage” ads).
Nonetheless, it gives us more ads to sit through on YouTube, and even more money in celebs pockets. Take a look at the biggest celeb branding wins and unfortunate fails. (Why Cole, why?)
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Win: Alicia Keys
Blackberry (2013)
Formerly known as Research in Motion, Blackberry announced Alicia Keys as its new global creative director in time for the release of the Blackberry 10. Keys will take a hands-on approach in her title, developing apps and inspire more creativity with electronics.
Blackberry (2013)
Formerly known as Research in Motion, Blackberry announced Alicia Keys as its new global creative director in time for the release of the Blackberry 10. Keys will take a hands-on approach in her title, developing apps and inspire more creativity with electronics.
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Fail: Will.i.Am
Intel (2011)
Will.i.am signed on as the Director of Creator Innovation at Intel in 2011. In early 2011, Intel’s chief marketing officer Deborah Conrad told the audience that the producer will dabble in revamping the company’s popular jingle and “collaborate and co-develop new ways to communicate, create, inform and entertain.”
Intel (2011)
Will.i.am signed on as the Director of Creator Innovation at Intel in 2011. In early 2011, Intel’s chief marketing officer Deborah Conrad told the audience that the producer will dabble in revamping the company’s popular jingle and “collaborate and co-develop new ways to communicate, create, inform and entertain.”
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Win: Swizz Beatz
Reebok (2011)
Reekok named Swiss Beatz Creative Director of the classic brand in 2011. With constant releases and a new image, Beatz told reporters in 2011 that he wants Reebok to have that number one spot. “I'm taking the "Renaissance Man" to the next level and making that title mean something more than ever in 2011 and going forward. As far as partnering with a major brand like Reebok and being able to help bring the brand back to the level, we're trying to be number one.” One can dream right?
Reebok (2011)
Reekok named Swiss Beatz Creative Director of the classic brand in 2011. With constant releases and a new image, Beatz told reporters in 2011 that he wants Reebok to have that number one spot. “I'm taking the "Renaissance Man" to the next level and making that title mean something more than ever in 2011 and going forward. As far as partnering with a major brand like Reebok and being able to help bring the brand back to the level, we're trying to be number one.” One can dream right?
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Fail: Lady Gaga
Polaroid (2011)
When Mother Monster teamed up with Polaroid in 2011, the world was introduced to the idea of sunglasses with cameras but got sleek printers instead. Polaroid named Gaga Creative Director and soon after launched its “Grey Label” which featured a mobile printer (an updated Polaroid camera) and the GL20 camera sunglasses.
Polaroid (2011)
When Mother Monster teamed up with Polaroid in 2011, the world was introduced to the idea of sunglasses with cameras but got sleek printers instead. Polaroid named Gaga Creative Director and soon after launched its “Grey Label” which featured a mobile printer (an updated Polaroid camera) and the GL20 camera sunglasses.
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Win: 50 Cent
Vitamin Water (2004)
50 Cent’s investment in Glaceau’s Vitamin Water in 2004 proved to be one of the biggest deals in hip-hop history. With the help of the late Chris Lighty, Fif made over half a billion dollars after Coca-Cola bought the small company for $4.1 billion dollars.
Vitamin Water (2004)
50 Cent’s investment in Glaceau’s Vitamin Water in 2004 proved to be one of the biggest deals in hip-hop history. With the help of the late Chris Lighty, Fif made over half a billion dollars after Coca-Cola bought the small company for $4.1 billion dollars.
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Fail: Romeo
Rap Snacks (2005)
While Rap Snacks was founded in 1994, it didn’t get attention until Romeo was announced as its new owner in 2007. Some rappers who lent their image over to the company were Yung Joc, Mack 10, Remy Ma, BBD, Baby, Pastor Troy and Yungbloodz.
Rap Snacks (2005)
While Rap Snacks was founded in 1994, it didn’t get attention until Romeo was announced as its new owner in 2007. Some rappers who lent their image over to the company were Yung Joc, Mack 10, Remy Ma, BBD, Baby, Pastor Troy and Yungbloodz.
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Win: Janelle Monae
Sonos Speakers (2012)
With her third album Electric City on the way, Janelle Monae’s endorsement deals with CoverGirl and Sonos have only increased her popularity.
[videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
Sonos Speakers (2012)
With her third album Electric City on the way, Janelle Monae’s endorsement deals with CoverGirl and Sonos have only increased her popularity.
[videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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Fail: Carl Anthony Payne II
While we don’t mind that Payne A.K.A. Cole has changed his career from actor to car salesman, it’s his radio ads that really make it a fail. “Cole finally got a job!” Really Cole?
While we don’t mind that Payne A.K.A. Cole has changed his career from actor to car salesman, it’s his radio ads that really make it a fail. “Cole finally got a job!” Really Cole?
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Win: Troy Polamou
Head and Shoulders (2010)
Troy Polamou’s endorsement with Head and Shoulders is just as wealthy as his hair. The company has not only paid Polamou to show off his love for the shampoo, but they have insured his hair for a million dollars.
Head and Shoulders (2010)
Troy Polamou’s endorsement with Head and Shoulders is just as wealthy as his hair. The company has not only paid Polamou to show off his love for the shampoo, but they have insured his hair for a million dollars.
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Fail: Flavor Flav
Flavor Flav’s Fried Chicken (2011)
After opening his restaurant in 2011, the rapper and reality star closed his Iowa restaurant after reports of bounced checks and expired food. Flav told TMZ in 2010 that his business partner Nick Cimino was to blame for the restaurant’s failure. “I went up inside there on April 2nd and I found potato salad that expired on February 28," said Flav. "And it's then when I realized I can't do business with this man and I really hope no one ate those potatoes."
Flavor Flav’s Fried Chicken (2011)
After opening his restaurant in 2011, the rapper and reality star closed his Iowa restaurant after reports of bounced checks and expired food. Flav told TMZ in 2010 that his business partner Nick Cimino was to blame for the restaurant’s failure. “I went up inside there on April 2nd and I found potato salad that expired on February 28," said Flav. "And it's then when I realized I can't do business with this man and I really hope no one ate those potatoes."
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Win: Will Ferrell
Funny or Die (2006)
When Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (The Other Guys, Talladega Nights) created the community based site Funny or Die, users were able to vote on their favorite videos (with celeb cameos from James Franco, Joel McHale, and Mike Tyson) and pick which ones are “funny” and which ones are left to “die.” The site has gone on to build partnerships with HBO and introduce the world to new improv comedians every day.
Funny or Die (2006)
When Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (The Other Guys, Talladega Nights) created the community based site Funny or Die, users were able to vote on their favorite videos (with celeb cameos from James Franco, Joel McHale, and Mike Tyson) and pick which ones are “funny” and which ones are left to “die.” The site has gone on to build partnerships with HBO and introduce the world to new improv comedians every day.
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Fail: Warren G
Affirm XL Enhancement Pills (2010)
When Warren G wanted us to “regulate” we didn't think he wanted us to buy sexual enhancers.
Affirm XL Enhancement Pills (2010)
When Warren G wanted us to “regulate” we didn't think he wanted us to buy sexual enhancers.
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Win: Jay Z
Live Nation (2008)
If 50 Cent’s deal was the biggest in Hip Hop in 2004, Jay-Z took the cake in 2008. The Live Nation deal not only helped create Roc Nation, but also gave Jay an upfront payment of $25 million and a $10 million dollar pay for three albums over the next few years.
Live Nation (2008)
If 50 Cent’s deal was the biggest in Hip Hop in 2004, Jay-Z took the cake in 2008. The Live Nation deal not only helped create Roc Nation, but also gave Jay an upfront payment of $25 million and a $10 million dollar pay for three albums over the next few years.
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Fail/Win: Bob Dylan
Victoria Secret (2007)
The folk legend once said if he ever sold out to a company, it would be ladies undergarments. In time, this confusing but legendary commercial happened. See for yourself.
[videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
Victoria Secret (2007)
The folk legend once said if he ever sold out to a company, it would be ladies undergarments. In time, this confusing but legendary commercial happened. See for yourself.
[videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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Fail: Nicki Minaj
Pepsi (2012)
While it is rumored that Pepsi dropped Nicki Minaj from its multi-million dollar campaign for Beyonce last year, there’s also a possibility her new Idol gig was to blame. Not only does Coca-Cola sponsor Idol, but it makes thinks a bit awkward when one of the judges is #TeamPepsi.
Pepsi (2012)
While it is rumored that Pepsi dropped Nicki Minaj from its multi-million dollar campaign for Beyonce last year, there’s also a possibility her new Idol gig was to blame. Not only does Coca-Cola sponsor Idol, but it makes thinks a bit awkward when one of the judges is #TeamPepsi.
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