» Akademiks Does Perez Hilton. Sponsorship Should Be ‘All She Wrote’ for the Urban Clothing Line | Highbrid Nation

Akademiks Does Perez Hilton. Sponsorship Should Be ‘All She Wrote’ for the Urban Clothing Line

Posted by Juan

What is this National Hip Hop Marketing Dumb Out Day?

Yo…Is there something in the air today or is EVERY Marketing Executive seriously dumbing out. Dr. Jays Blog just announced that “In a mainstream marketing effort, Akademiks is sponsoring the ‘ Perez Hilton Presents South By Southwest’ showcase in Austin, Texas.” Pharrell and his band N.E.R.D. will headline with nine indie bands playing sidekick.

Now once again just like with Fabolous and the Crocs Tour, one might argue its just a sponsorship to position your name in a more mainstream market. But in this case they’re even producing the official shirt. What does this all say about Akademiks.

First they got in trouble for their “Read Books Get Brain” controversial campaign (pictured up top) which I respected as innovative but now they’re going PINK? To me it not only says they’ve fallen off but it says that they’re soft. I mean peep the shirt for God sakes. This is not a knock on Perez…he’s getting money but Akademiks is branded to appeal to a more “urban,” street credible Hip Hop crowd. They lost all of that from me with this association.

8 Comments »

Comment by Mike "Evorgleb" Belgrove

2008-03-07 14:46:53

not a good look

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Comment by 4PL

2008-03-07 15:08:32

Byron Kirkland is the marketing director at Akademiks he didn’t want to mess with highbrid but he works w/perez hilton. Where’s the logic? He’s a good guy but maybe used bad judgement on this on this one. Byron Holla at me dog!

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Comment by Major

2008-03-08 22:26:14

yo perez is getting money. check this shit out.

http://imhiphop.blogspot.com/2008/03/perez-hilton-new-at-warner-brothers.html

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Comment by A. Scott

2008-03-19 17:59:15

I’m the columnist who wrote the piece on Akademiks. Every product that you can name whether it be food and beverage…to clothing there will always be a marketing strategy or tactic that’ll capture the consumers interest.
Postive or Negative…You are entitled to your opinion. You may not be that target consumer, yet the ad. still has served its purpose because it caused you to “react”. That’s how it the business works.
Lastly, Perez Hilton…has an audience which could increase the demographic awareness of the Akademiks brand. Designers also have a “figurative” license to expand their consumer audience or they’ll sink. So, WHY wouldn’t they do it? Diversify Your Bonds…B!

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Comment by Mike "Evorgleb" Belgrove

2008-03-19 23:02:04

Point taken. but don’t you think that trying to appeal to Perez Hilton’s fanbase could seriously water down the brand strength of Akademiks?

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Comment by Beronica

2008-04-04 12:52:21

I lub it:) where can I get mine, so I can rep my area code & SXSW!!! I never heard of Akademiks till I wondered into D.E.M.O. clothing store in the mall, now I advertise for them for free. I think its great for a clothingline to diversify, as business owners you have too, if you want to stay innovative.

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Akademiks Does Perez Hilton. Sponsorship Should Be â€˜All She Wroteâ€™ for the Urban Clothing Line

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