Post: 50 Cent: "Get Affordable Computers for Less Affluent Customers, Or Die Tryin'"
50 Cent: "Get Affordable Computers for Less Affluent Customers, Or Die Tryin'"
That 50 Cent sure is one complex character.
On the one hand, there are his brutal, misogynistic lyrics. On the other, there is his campaign to promote healthier eating habits for kids.
Incongruous? Certainly. The end of the story? Apparently not.
A recent article from MTV reports that 50 Cent's latest charitable cause is working with Apple to launch a line of affordable computers.
From the article:
"...While Jay-Z and 50 Cent are accustomed to competing on the charts, the two rappers/businessmen might next be taking sides in the Mac-versus-PC feud: Turning his attention from G-Unit to central processing units, 50 is in negotiations regarding a branding deal with Apple, which would produce a line of affordable computers directed at less-affluent customers.
'I'm creating a foundation that will be around for a long time, because fame can come and go or get lost in the lifestyle and the splurging,' 50 Cent told Forbes in a recent interview. 'I never got into it for the music. I got into it for the business.'"
There are 5 replies to this post
Date: July 12, 2006
Is it bad of me to find this post hilarious? "Turning his attention from G-Unit to central processing units"? The post title? My god, man.
Anyway, good for fiddy.
Date: July 12, 2006
I think it's really interesting how rappers always seem to deny the brutality of their lyrics. Eminem says it's all a front, and here's 50 Cent showing off his heart of gold. Even if that's true, the problem is I don't think kids understand that it's a facade - they hear that this is what makes someone "cool" so they figure it's true.
Date: July 13, 2006
This is really great. Far be it from any of us to say that because he's a rapper he can't do great things. Don't bash him - he's trying to make a difference. It's like the corporate this-or-that who uses his money to better the world. Like...Bill Gates? Rupert Murdoch? No, they didn't rap about women the way the 50 Cent does (actually I don't really know...maybe I should read a review) but I'm sure they did their shares of immoral things. In any case, give the guy a break. Just like everyone else, he's just doing what he thinks is right.
Date: July 19, 2006
Hate to burst your bubble, but for those that believe 50 Cent is "just doing what he thinks is right" I have some vaporware I'd like to sell ya.
This is all about money and mindshare. Apple needs to target teens within the urban market, so does Vitamin Water, and both are willing to overlook the misogyny/lyrics in order to leverage the coolness caché of having their brands boosted by the 'bad boy' boldness of 50 Cent's hip-hop persona.
The rapper himself NEEDS to be perceived as 'doing something good' due to his toxic messaging and bad PR. His spokesperson status for Vitamin Water (er...needless sugar calories blitz-marketed as a 'nutrient enhanced' beverage) reveals that his motives are financial, not altruistic.
Ask his ad agency! He was blatantly incentivized by Glaceau to promote the brand & become part of the 'ownership,' out of strategic positioning. It's a win-win for the marketing mavens. He can 'come in the back door' to target kids with his rude rap rhetoric and simultaneously promote Glaceau. (neither are 'healthy' btw)
As for Apple going after the gangsta rap kids...gosh, gang, I'm disappointed...I thought Apple had a 'think different' message. --Amy Jussel, Exec. Dir., Shaping Youth
Link: http://www.shapingyouth.com
Date: July 19, 2006
Right on Amy...you go girl! We need to be reminded over and over that MOST of the time people are associated with a message because it is worth money to them. HOW do we find the few people that are associated with something BECAUSE they believe in it?!?!