As we mentioned before, WoooHa, Inc. will have a full monthly report of the best and worst of hip-hop trends that will be reported to top record labels, movie studios and PR agencies. In the mean time though we will also post the best and worst of the week as reported by our Trendz Report.

So here we go. This week’s hottest (and coldest) hip-hop trends in entertainment, business, fashion and lifestyle

The Trendz Report week of 12/14-12/20:

1) Diddy’s “I Am King” contest (+22): Although Diddy has not had a hit album in a bit, he stays relevant in the industry through his multi-million dollar businesses including the launch of his new cologne “I Am King” and accompanying video contest. Based on feedback and e-mails we have received, males 18-34 are responding well to Diddy’s emphasis that “I Am King” is not about himself…it’s about all guys and how they should treat themselves like kings. The positive tones of the campaign are important considering the bad economy. Even if Diddy is holding this contest to gain more publicity, it was still voted the highest of all this weeks entries.

2) Nas’ new Fila velour tracksuit (+21): The collaboration of Nas and Fila for the design of a new velour tracksuit resonated strong with the Mogul Meter as readers feel the collaboration brings it back to the old school. Choosing the right artist and right company is vital for cross-over promotion success. Hip-hop fans can sniff out a bad promotion with ease (as we will see in the Bottom 5)

3) L.L. Cool J becomes spokesperson for Sears (+20): Despite poor album sales and recent failed tour with Janet, Mogul Meter voters still saw the power that LL wields with popular culture and mainstream retailers. With his Sears branded clothing line, LL took it to the next level as an official Sears spokesperson with their new holiday ad campaign. Getting that Sears money is def a mogul move.

4) Eminem’s new Air Jordan sneaker collaboration (+17): Another artist x brand collaboration that benefits both parties. Em stays popular in the hip-hop blogs and news sites with his new “The Way I Am” Jordan brand sneaker. Sneakerheads around the world rejoice.

5) Clipse’s clothing line Play Cloths launches online store (+17): Clipse’s Play Cloths clothing line was in development for a couple of years before it finally launched in November. While some Mogul Meter voters have criticized the logo, most are voting that the Play Cloths line delivers and is a Mogul Move for the VA duo. The launch of their online store will help get the word out due to limited in-store distribution.

The Bottom 5:

1) Run DMC remix for Palm Pilot ad (-20): Voted the worst of the week. Message to all product companies out there. Licensing the rights to a famous hip-hop song and doing a terrible remix version of it is going to do more damage than good. If you remix a classic…you better do it right.

2) JabbaWockeez launch clothing line (-15): Readers and voters all love the JabbaWockeez as a dance crew but their new clothing line leaves room for improvement. The low rankings are primarily due to backlash from every artist and celeb putting out their own clothing line. Think twice before you launch your own line. It better be original and creative.

3) NBC hires Common and Kanye to reshape online image (-10): When a big corporation hires an artist with little tie-in or creativity you get this type of back lash. If Common were integrated more into this campaign rather than just having a concert Mogul Meter voters perhaps would have voted higher, otherwise it comes off as exploitive.

4) Akon launches Maranello Watch collection (-9): Akon delivers catchy tunes but does he have a strong fan base? Readers were turned off by his collab with Maranello Watches although it had all the proper ingredients for a true Mogul Move.

5) Jermaine Dupri launches new blog site (-9): Artists blogs and social network sites are the biggest online trend in the industry but functionality issues, slow loading times and backlash that JD spends most of his online video time gloating about his riches caused Mogul Meter voters to vote this down.

So that’s it folks. I know MANY of you will disagree with this week’s results and you are all entitled to share your opinions. Better yet, make sure to vote every day on each entry’s Trendz Report meter so that you can actually dictate what the hottest trends in hip-hop will be. Remember, this doesn’t work without you! Let me hear what you guys think.

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