Italian-born motorcycle company, Vespa, celebrates its 70-year history by teaming up with French creative agency NOMOON to draft up a visual retrospective. The result is an animated piece that highlights the company's models and designs (including a brief stint with automobiles) from as far back as 1943 to today.
Music mogul and entrepreneur extraordinaire Jay-Z gets to add another corporate notch to his belt with his latest Samsung deal. The multi-million dollar MC just revealed to the world that his forthcoming album Magna Carta The Holy Grail will be made available exclusively early to Samsung Galaxy device users thanks to a 5 million dollar purchase that the company made. Apparently, Mr. Carter wasn't too shy about the deal since his official Twitter account went on to jokingly proclaim the deal's "philosophical" nature. Humble brag of the year if you ask us.
Athleticism is a high-yielding market if your one of America's best. Sports Illustrated reminds us by presenting their list of highest-earning American athletes, The Fortunate 50. Rounding out the top 5 include boxing's Floyd Mayweather, basketball wizards Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, football quarterback Drew Brees and golfer Tiger Woods. Peep the entire list here.
The following is a European ad for full-service mobile bank Hello Bank. It features a full symphony orchestra playing with some rather non-traditional instruments. Without giving it away we'd just like to note that it's probably one of the more technologically advanced symphonies we've ever come across. The new mobile bank will be made available in Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. Genius way to brand!
Tennis legend Andre Agassi joins the ranks of Nike once again. This time the retired player will be on the philanthropic and ambassador side of the field rather than a sponsored athlete. According to Nike's Phil Knight he'll join the company on the outreach side. "As one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Agassi embodied the passion, dedication and determination of the Nike brand. As a philanthropist and campaigner, he continues to share Nike’s commitment to inspire the young generation with his Just Do It spirit. We are honored to welcome him back." Congrats to him!
Words by: F. Garcia
One of Hip-Hop’s most recognizable names came under fire recently for his lyrics on a song that he was featured on. Miami rapper Rick Ross was criticized for his reference to date rape on Rocko’s "U.O.E.N.O." Rick Ross attempted to apologize more than once for the lyric ("I’d die over these reeboks you ain’t even know it/ Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain't even know it.”) but it was seen as disingenuous because they failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Rape is no joke (or art) when nearly 1 in 5 U.S. women surveyed in the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey said they had been sexually assaulted.
Protests and petitions against Rick Ross included women’s rights group, UltraViolet, who asked Reebok to end their relationship with the rapper. After several weeks of protest and pressure Reebok finally issued a statement that culminated in saying “At this time, it is in everyone's best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross."
Hip-Hop artists have long enjoyed the freedom to express themselves but they can find that freedom restricted when they become paid endorsers of multinational corporations. After dealing with the embarrassment of losing his deal Ross issued another apology: “And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize. I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence.” Hopefully a few lessons were learned from all of this. One, that rape culture will not be tolerated, two, that Hip-Hop artists should really check their moral values before embodying an offensive stage "persona" and three, everyone read fine print before they sign up to be pitchmen--so that they know what they're risking!
Vevo presents an original short about 50 Cent's new venture into boxing (SMS Promotions). The infamous Queens-bred MC is no stranger to adversity and the challenge of the ring is no different for Mr. Jackson. Check out how he breaks down his triumphs and setbacks and how it all forged him to become the life-driven competitor that he is today.
Few things make brands take pride in their work like hand-made manufacturing. In this case Miami-based Del Toro highlights how its shoes are made with craft and care in their Italian facilities. No punches pulled here as what you see is what you get. And considering the hefty $300+ USD price tag, we'd expect no less!
Google delves into the world of re-imagined advertising with their new venture, Art, Copy & Code. The project's premise is to focus on the art of creating ideas for the interconnected age of technology, data and the consumer. One of the first "experiments" attached to the "ACC" boat is the Google+ x Adidas Talking Shoe. Think workout meets Knight Rider. You know, like the talking car. Check it out!
The folks over at BuzzFeed Food have a pretty in-depth article about a 45-year-old Cannabis baker from Los Angeles, California. The former non-profit worker turned to baking as soon as her daughter became old enough to allow her some time to focus on the craft. The article highlights the interesting ins and outs of the burgeoning-yet-still clandestine industry. With plenty of pictures to show, but tons of red tape to cross, it's interesting to note what the mommy baker mentions her motivations are and how detailed the process gets. Check out the full article here.
