Hip-Hop Economics

PlentyProphylactics, Originally posted  23 June 2006

Okay, so I’m obviously on CP time with this post, as everyone and their MOM picked up on this story before I did.

 But whatever, you know you want my two cents in on it anyway!

 For those who may not be aware (all 2 of y’all), Nahright.com broke the news of a boycott of Cristal by rapper extraordinaire Jay-Z in response to some questionable comments made by Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Cristal.

(http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/15/jayz.cristal.ap/index.html)

 While the actual intent of Rouzaud’s comments may have been skewed in the Economist by the author of the magazine interview, it is pretty clear that Rouzaud had no love for the hip-hop industry.  Even if Rouzaud did not call the attention from hip-hop culture “unwelcome attention,” the comments out of his mouth should have been a lot more positive, considering all the FREE publicity that Cristal has received thanks to the hip-hop industry.

Unfortunately, this seems to be a trend. As many brands and products as hip-hop artists endorse in their lyrics, it never fails to amaze me how business executives would prefer not to acknowledge the huge market that erupts once news of their product hits the airwaves.

As hip-hoppers, we need to start putting our money where our mouths are: supporting those businesses that are hip-hop positive, and pulling support from those who would view our dollars as “unwelcome attention.” Jay-Z took a step in the right direction, by acknowledging what has happened and calling for a boycott.

Champagne Louis Roederer has allegedly issued a statement, proclaiming their support for all of the arts - including hip-hop. I say allegedly since Googling numerous combinations of “hip-hop,” “cristal,” and “Jay-Z” have produced no actual release or statement, just a reference to one in a news article.

 A search of the Cristal home company website (http://www.champagne-roederer.com/) also reveals no mention of the incident, nor a public apology to hip-hop, which is the bare minimum of saving face.  Even if my broke ass could afford Cristal, I would be reluctant to ever purchase any of their products again.  It’s just disrespectful, plain and simple.

 This should be a valuable example for hip-hop culture.  Our money is power.  Hip-Hop culture rakes in more than 5 billion dollars annually, in record, apparel, and merchandise sales. 5 billion dollars.  Wait, let me say it again - 5 BILLION DOLLARS. And that was the estimate from 6 years ago!!! That amount of money should at least be able to buy us a decent apology.