Annoyed by constant advertising on youtube? Well I’m going to look at how hip-hop changed marketing in America.

When hip hop originated from the streets, it was a cultural movement which allowed the people of “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” to express themselves through a pure art form.

Nowadays, it is debatable whether the substance of hip-hop has been “watered-down” by big company endorsements. Forbes music editor Zack Greenberg states that many hip-hop artists make more money through endorsements and advertisements than the music itself. Through constant advertising and pressure to buy a product, CNN’s recent interview supported the claim that hip-hop has changed the marketing field.

Justin Timberlake’s famous slogan “i’m lovin’ it” campaign has angered many die-hard hip-hop followers. Steve Stoute, responsible for this match claims “hip-hop is a culture that is meant to be shared…if using corporations helps spread that message, then that’s what it takes.”

On the other spectrum is writter Nelson George who believes that partnerships with big business for urban oriented marketing campaigns is harming the art form. He follows with, “[radio hip-hop] is not very content driven. Rather, it is an inducement to dance then an inducement to buy,” a product or brand of alcohol. I think marketing is being embeded too vigorously into the hip-hop culture, and that it is in fact diluting the culture of music. I’m not lovin this.

 For all the COMM101 students who argued that Tim Hortons should expand into the United Arab Emirates, we might’ve been right!

In response to https://blogs.ubc.ca/comm101lightbulb/2011/10/05/tim-hortons-global-aspirations/ by Conichen:

According to the Globe and Mail  (Thursday, October 6, 2011) Tim Hortons is “eyeing” to expand 120 new stores across the Persian Gulf. The Canadian coffee and doughnut chain has confirmed (via its partner Apparel Group) that it plans to expand into the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman in the next 5 years. Although Tim Hortons maintains kiosks and self-serve locations outside North America, Dubai is said to be the “first true export” which will be followed my many.

However, Tim Hortons is is no rush to expand internationally. “We’re promising very little at this point,” states CEO Paul House.

‘Lightblub!’ As we have already considered the risks and benefits possible in the decision to enter Dubai in class, I’d like to ask: why the Persian Gulf? I think it’s the convenient, cheap, and refreshingly new products of the Canadian franchise that strongly appeals to the tea-drinking, fast paced, and ever-changing environment of the Persian Gulf. Don’t forget, Tim Hortons competitiors (such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and K.K.Doughnuts) still exist and will continue to fight for the coffee/doughnut market shares.

In recent news, the world’s largest sperm bank Cryos Sperm Bank International began to reject redhead donors due to a higher demand for brown-eyed brunets. In fact, the company has announced a “sale” for blondes and redheads, which has outraged the lighter-haired population in Denmark. The global upset has led to an apology by the Cryos director, clarifying that the sperm bank does not support racial discrimination and that they still welcome everyone.

On the contrary, Cryos New York is declaring a shortage of redhead donors. As it turns out, nobody seems to want a ginger baby in Denmark. However, just like any other business, Cryos is simply replying to the needs of its customers and to the frequent turnover rate required for each donation. Talk about appealing to a niche. Overall, Cryos Denmark and Cryos New York have developed a mutual relationship where the demands of both regions are met by working hand-in-hand, to continue their successful business. From what we’ve learnt in class, I believe it is important for businesses to communicate their needs effectively in order to avoid unnecessary mishaps; we saw this occur in class with the marketer-and-supplier Zara example.