branding
Adidas Investigates After Ex-Workers Allege Kanye West Misconduct
Adidas says it is investigating allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct by the rapper formerly known as Kanye West that ex-employees made in an anonymous letter also accusing the German sportswear brand of looking the other way. Adidas, which made his Yeezy line, cut ties with Ye last month over his offensive and antisemitic remarks after facing pressure to follow other brands and companies in ending partnerships with the rapper. It said it expected to take a hit of 250 million euros ($246 million) to its net income this year from the move. Ye was suspended from Twitter and Instagram over his remarks but has been back tweeting this month. Rolling Stone has reported that it spoke to more than two dozen former Yeezy and Adidas workers and obtained a letter from several former Yeezy em...
Universal Music Launches Media Platform to Better Connect Artists With Brands
Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB) has launched an advanced media and data platform designed to more easily connect brands with exclusive UMG artist content, the company announced Wednesday (June 22). Called the UMusic Media Network, the platform will give brands access to UMG’s inventory of music video content spanning all leading social platforms as well as UMG data and insights, allowing them to hyper-target audiences at scale. Content offered through the network will include official music videos, songs and lyrics videos, artist vlogs and lifestyle content from UMG-owned platforms including Rebel Labs, Mercury Studios and Polygram Entertainment. The network will also offer branded content and partnership opportunities across all of UMG’s labels and artists. UMGB claims to boast te...
50 Cent Can’t Avoid Rémy Martin’s Copycat Cognac Lawsuit
50 Cent is headed toward a trial in a federal lawsuit that claims his Branson brand of cognac copied the design of Rémy Martin’s bottle after a Manhattan federal judge refused to dismiss the case. E. Rémy Martin & Co. sued in August, claiming the rapper’s liquor brand infringed patent and trade dress rights by mimicking Rémy ’s XO bottle. 50 Cent’s company, Sire Spirits, fired back in October, calling the case “meritless” and accusing the spirits company of trying to “destroy a competitor.” But in two recent rulings – one in January and another on Tuesday (March 22) – U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein denied Sire’s motion to dismiss the case at the outset. The decisions mean 50 Cent is headed for a long legal fight, including exchanges of evidence and potentially a jury trial. “...
Folgers, Trombone Shorty Launch New Ad Campaign Featuring a Joan Jett Classic
Best known for its popular early ‘80s tagline “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up”, Folgers coffee is unveiling a new campaign today (Jan. 31) with a lot of fanfare — literally. To reinforce its reputation as a brand leader and simultaneously bolster its connection with next-generation coffee drinkers, Folgers commissioned the Joan Jett & the Blackhearts classic “Bad Reputation” as the theme song for its perception-shattering campaign. Headquartered in New Orleans, the 170-year-old firm — part of The J.M. Smucker Co. — also reached out to local favorite and Blue Note Records artist Trombone Shorty. In addition to imbuing the track with some energetic NOLA flavor, the Grammy-nominated musician, his brass bandmates and local Folgers employees also appear in the commercial. Being deployed across ...
Matt Young Named President of UMG’s Bravado Merch Company
In his work at WMG, Young was a leading force in developing consumer engagement, marketing execution and revenue generation for the company’s artists. He brings over 20 years of industry experience in brand-building and artist services to UMG, with a focus on merchandising, e-commerce, retail, consumer product licensing, ticketing and customer relationship management. Prior to WMG Young worked at Bandmerch, where he served as GM of the New York office and as head of retail and A&R. Before that, he served in roles at Blue Grape Merchandising and indie labels Bush League Records and Earache Records. “I’m stoked to lead Bravado at this pivotal time and to build on the company’s reputation as the leader in our industry,” said Young in a statement. “Bravado is known for creating innovative ...
Mariah Carey Teams Up With McDonald’s For a Menu of Free Goodies Leading Up to Christmas
“Some of my favorite memories with my kids are our family trips to McDonald’s, and of course, each of us has our go-to order. Mine is the Cheeseburger, and I get it with extra pickles,” Carey said in a press release for the announcement. “Bringing together some of our favorite food from McDonald’s with my all-time favorite season is a holiday wish come true.” “Mariah goes with the holidays like ketchup and fries, so we couldn’t think of a better partner to help us celebrate the upcoming season,” said Jennifer Healan, vice president, U.S. marketing, brand content and engagement of McDonald’s USA. “Just like McDonald’s brings people around the table with their favorite orders, Mariah’s music connects us all during ...
Billboard and VersusGame Launch User-Generated Pop Culture Games
Since the launch of VersusGame in 2019, the mobile platform has gained more than 9.5 million players who profit off pop culture predictions and events through interactive games. “We are very excited about this innovative partnership and what it brings to the VersusGame and Billboard audiences,” shared John Vitti, CEO of VersusGame. “There has never been a collaboration of this kind that provides the ability for fans to gamify the music industry. It will alter the way consumers interact with their favorite artists and songs, and will provide exciting new pop culture content, prizes and monetization opportunities to our users through on-going games and challenges.” Julian Holguin, president of Billboard, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to off...
Esports Platform FaZe Clan Going Public in $1 Billion SPAC Deal
“We are thrilled to announce this important milestone of FaZe Clan’s plans to enter the public market,” Trink said in a statement announcing the move. “In our short history, we have evolved from a disruptive content generator to one of the world’s most decorated and successful esports franchises, and now into one of the younger generations’ most recognized and followed brands globally. We believe FaZe Clan is becoming the voice of youth culture, a brand that sits at the nexus of content, gaming, entertainment and lifestyle in the digital-native world. This transaction will provide us capital and access to the public markets, which will help us accelerate the expansion of our multi-platform and monetization strategy.” The deal, subject to approval by the boards of both FaZ...
Ben Facey Exits Universal Music
An auto-reply from Facey’s email account confirms he is “no longer with the company” and directs inquiries to Jim Roppo, EVP/General Manager at Republic Records. Facey was understood to be the subject of an internal investigation, news of which first emerged in late August on Beneath The Glass Ceiling, the Instagram account that’s been holding the music industry to account for bad behavior. The reasons for Facey departure are unclear, and he has not been accused of any wrongdoing. A spokesman for Universal Music Group confirmed his departure from the company, and tells Billboard there is no further statement at this time. Roppo did not respond to requests for comment. The latest development follows the launch of an independent investigation at Universal Mu...
Ad.Ventures Is Ready to Bring Big Branding Dollars to Venues
“There is a ton of value that we could provide, simply by representing the same folks that are a part of NIVA through sponsorship brand opportunities and new business development,” Sternschein tells Billboard. He’s quick to point out that Ad.Ventures is a totally separate for-profit business that’s not part of NIVA, but says he hopes to help members compete for ad dollars against larger companies by representing multiple venues around the country to national and global brands. The concept for Ad.Ventures is fairly simple – major brands are increasingly looking for a scalable way to spend their marketing dollars and interact with live music consumers, but it’s difficult for a single indie venue to get a piece of the action. Promoters like AEG and Live Nation hav...
Kanye West Now Worth Estimated $6.6B Thanks to Lucrative Gap, Adidas Deals
The document further reveals that Gap, an ailing brand whose partnership with West represents a play for younger consumers, expects its Yeezy line to break $150 million in sales in its first full year in 2022 and envisions it surpassing a billion dollars in revenue within eight years, or even as soon as 2023 on the upside. West stands to profit handsomely in any event, as he retains sole ownership and creative control of the Yeezy brand and earns royalties on sales under the deal, with the rate increasing as the business grows. He’ll also receive stock warrants when the collection hits sales targets, with the highest set at $700 million, according to a securities filing. West’s longstanding deal with Adidas has been the most lucrative part of his business endeavors to date, with Yeez...
Kings of Leon Crowned on U.K. Chart With ‘When You See Yourself’
KoL’s previous leaders in the U.K. are: Because of the Times (2007); Only By The Night (2008); Come Around Sundown (2010); Mechanical Bull (2013); and Walls (2016), their last album. Also debuting this week is Gabrielle’s seventh studio album Do It Again (BMG), new at No. 4. It’s the British soul singer’s third Top 5 and her highest-charting album in two decades, since her career retrospective Dreams Can Come True peaked at No. 2 in 2001. Meanwhile, Zara Larsson’s third studio album Poster Girl (Black Butter) bows at No. 12, new wave outfit Japan return to the chart with the reissue of their 1980 album Quiet Life (BMG). It arrives at No. 13, easily eclipsing the set’s previous chart peak of No. 53. Veteran Scottish alternative rock outfit Arab Strap bag their highest chart position with As...
