Image is everything. And there’s nothing quite like the street credibility of a gangster-turned-cultural icon. Enter Snoop Dogg: rapper, entrepreneur, and, surprisingly, a brand ambassador for the Olympics. Yes, you heard that right. The same man who once declared “Murder was the case that they gave me” is now hanging out with Olympic athletes, and it’s not even the weirdest thing he’s done lately.
Snoop Dogg’s journey from the gritty streets of Long Beach, California, to the global stage of the Olympics is a tale as smooth as his famous West Coast drawl. But what exactly makes Snoop so appealing to brands, and how did his street cred turn into marketing magic?
From Street to Olympic Suite
When we think of the Olympics, we often imagine sleek athletes in perfectly tailored uniforms, representing the pinnacle of discipline and focus. Now, imagine the surprise of seeing Snoop Dogg, the laid-back king of cool, mingling with these Olympians. It’s like a perfect storm of unexpected brilliance.
Snoop first teamed up with the Olympics as a commentator for NBC’s coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he joined comedian Kevin Hart for the hilarious show “Olympic Highlights.” Their chemistry and lighthearted banter brought a fresh perspective to the typically formal sports coverage. Who wouldn’t want to hear Snoop Dogg’s take on synchronized swimming or the shot put?
But Snoop’s appeal goes beyond his humor and charm. It’s his authenticity, his unfiltered persona that resonates with people worldwide. He’s not just Snoop Dogg, the rapper. He’s Snoop Dogg, the brand—an entity that embodies both the rawness of his past and the savvy businessman of the present.
The Marketing Magic of Street Cred
So, why is Snoop such a marketing powerhouse? It’s all about street cred. Street credibility has long been a currency in the world of advertising and branding. It offers a seal of authenticity that consumers crave. Snoop has mastered the art of leveraging his persona, turning his street cred into an asset that big brands can’t resist.
Consider the time when Snoop Dogg partnered with lifestyle maven Martha Stewart for the reality TV show Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. It was an odd pairing, like seeing your grandmother hanging out with a rock star, yet it worked perfectly. The show was a hit, and their unlikely friendship became a cultural phenomenon, with Martha lending Snoop a bit of her domestic goddess charm and Snoop giving Martha a taste of his laid-back vibe.
Martha’s own street cred got a boost after her time in prison for insider trading, leading to a brand image reinvention that aligned perfectly with Snoop’s “hood to Hollywood” journey. Together, they became the ultimate brand ambassadors for breaking stereotypes and bringing a sense of fun to everything they touch.
Snoop’s Impact on Brand Ambassadorship
Snoop’s influence extends beyond the Olympics and Martha Stewart. He’s been the face of countless brands, from food delivery services like Uber Eats to tech gadgets and even cannabis products. His involvement brings a sense of coolness and relatability, attracting a diverse audience.
But why stop there? Snoop Dogg’s ambassadorship has opened doors for other unconventional figures to step into the marketing spotlight. In a world that often celebrates sameness, Snoop reminds us of the power of authenticity and how being true to oneself can lead to incredible opportunities.
Going for Gold and Gold for Going
Snoop Dogg’s rise as an Olympic ambassador is a testament to his ability to transcend traditional boundaries. He’s not just a rapper or a businessman; he’s a cultural icon who has redefined what it means to be a brand ambassador. By embracing his street cred and staying true to his roots, Snoop has become a marketing powerhouse, proving that sometimes, it’s the gangsters who make the best good.
So next time you tune into the Olympics, keep an ear out for Snoop’s smooth voice, offering his unique take on the games. Because, let’s face it, no one can make an Olympic event sound cooler than Snoop Dogg.
Sources:
- Agrawal, A. J. (2016, September 14). Why Street Credibility Matters in Business. Entrepreneur. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/281897
- Wong, J. C. (2021, July 24). Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart, unexpected commentators of Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/24/snoop-dogg-kevin-hart-tokyo-2020-olympics
- Zakrzewski, C. (2019, October 22). Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart’s unlikely friendship is more than just a gimmick. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2019/10/22/snoop-dogg-and-martha-stewarts-unlikely-friendship/4052903002/