In 2005, McDonalds paid rappers to reference Big Macs in their songs.

In 2005, McDonalds paid rappers to reference Big Macs in their songs.

 

In an interesting marketing strategy, McDonalds promised to pay rappers every time a song that mentioned Big Macs got air time! Hip hop artists were given the chance to make about $5 every time one of their songs with Big Macs in the lyrics was played in the United States! 

This marketing strategy was meant to attract young people and children to McDonalds products. Because of their target audience of children McDonalds fell under a lot of criticism for the strategy. 

Fears about childhood obesity was the biggest concern for those who opposed the McDonalds’ idea. While McDonalds is trying to offer healthier options organizations like the US group Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood were concerned about the possible effects of getting musical icons to promote unhealthy foods. 

Many rappers and hip hop artists incorporate brand names into their music without the intention of being paid or advertising for the company. Brands like Courvoisier, Gucci, Dom Perignon, Bentley and Porsche benefited from the incorporation of their products into the lyrics of popular music. 

(Source)

 

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