The music industry must be getting really desperate for cash money!
Universal just announced that its Island Def Jam branch is teaming up with Procter & Gamble, the big consumer goods giants (P&G makes everything from Charmin toilet paper to Maybelline makeup), on a hip hop label to be named TAG Records. P&G’s TAG body spray for men is the inspiration for this label!
A body spray!!!!!
According to the announcement, Jermain Dupri will act as president of TAG Records.
This type of corporate ‘sponsorship’ of a record label is a first!
We’re used to seeing TV content and to some extent movies bastardized by advertisers. But, now music?!
In case you didn’t know, the P&G folks are in part responsible for soap operas. Back in the day they wanted a way to push their soap products so they got together with media heads and created programming to put around their commercials.
Anyway, this new venture is a ‘win-win’ for Universal/Island Def Jam and P&G.
The record company’s label artists will get shit loads of support from the marketing gurus at P&G. You need marketing to $ell records!!
P&G will have a direct way to convince young, urban-music-lovin’ guys that they need to buy TAG body spray is just for them!
We’re not hatin’. We heart capitalism!
[Image via WENN.]