Naughty by Nature x Microsoft. We talked about how Naughty by Nature recently signed a deal with Microsoft to endorse their new HTC Touch Phone. In this vid the rap group unveils the phone at 93.5 K-Day’s annual Fresh Fest. Always nice to see the old school players getting some love from Corporate America. Via: NahRight

Beginning August 10^th, 2009 visit Macy’s Herald Square, Rego Park, Kings Plaza, Gardem State Plaza and Cross Country in New York to be one of the first 500 consumers to make a Diesel Only The Brave purchase of 117.50 or more and receive TWO general admission tickets to this exclusive concert with Common to be held at Capitale on August 26, 20009.

Naughty by Nature x Microsoft. Naughty by Nature has joined a growing list of hip-hop artists supporting various Microsoft products. The group has specifically partnered with the HTC Touch Mobile device by promoting the product through advertising, appearances and a contest to see them perform in Los Angeles.

“As a fan of Microsoft products, I’m super pumped about Naughty’s promotion with Windows Mobile,” Naughty member, Vinnie Brown, said . “I’m a Windows Mobile power user and eager to educate others about the future of mobile computing. This is just the beginning.”

Fans¬†can enter the contest by signing up on Facebook (Facebook.com/WindowsMobile) where they can win an HTC Touch Pro 2 Windows Mobile Device preloaded with a custom Naughty by Nature theme, and their new single “Get To Know Me Better,” and a chance to see them perform live in Los Angeles.

Wale x Microsoft. Despite the fact that Zune continues to bleed money for Microsoft, the software giant can’t afford to let it go and continues to aggressively collaborate with the hip-hop community. The latest venture is Zune’s “On The Road WIth Wale” video shorts that we mentioned awhile back but now Zune has also released a limited edition Wale branded Zune player.

These players of course are not for sale but you can try your luck over at Eskay’s to win one now. But don’t worry…I’m sure Bill Gates has identified Drake as the next one to join the Zune army.

Wale x Microsoft Zune. Wale joins a growing number of artists who have been backing Microsoft’s “iPod killer” the Zune. Unfortunatley the results still have been pretty bad although Microsoft blames the economy (see full article). In this newest promo with Wale, Zune sponsors this 10-part series officially described as:

“On the Road with Wale” is a video podcast series chronicling the life and times of the artist known as WALE on tour, as he rocks shows across the country to promote his soon to be released debut album while trying not to go insane while cooped up on the bus. From show highlights, to interviews and guest appearances, to an epic X-Box battle with Young Chris, On The Road with Wale is a colorful montage of the rising star‚Äôs experiences while on his first major headlining tour.

Here is the first video compliments of Digiwaxx and you can download the weekly series at the official Zune website as well.

Common x Softwear. We have been covering Common’s clothing line deal with Microsoft for some time now and here is the latest where he talks about the collab with Bill Gates and how “Software” all came to be. Via: Think Common

Kidz in the Hall x Reebok. Kidz in the Hall continue to be the “essence of cool” to Corporate America and back packer kids alike. They are endorsement partners with Microsoft Zune and now have teamed up with Reebok corporate for a major partnership. The Canton, Massachusetts based sneaker company will team up with The Kidz to help launch their Classic Remix Collection.

Kidz in the Hall will heavily promote the shoe collection which launches March 10th exclusively at Foot Locker. They have remixed the Special Ed hit “Got It Made” exclusively available to purchasers of the shoe collection and will be promoting the shoe line at various appearances and concerts. Check out pics of the Reebok Classic Remix Collection provided by Nice Kicks after the jump. Continue Reading…

Common x Microsoft. We gave you a look at the entire collection of Common’s new clothing line called Software back in December. The clothing line is a collaboration between Common and Microsoft and their attempts to become cool in pop culture like Apple. Well now Common officially introduces Softwear in this video where he shows off his “tickets to the gun show” in these tight-fitting tees perfect for Jim Jones…or your European co-worker. Via: Think Common

We have been covering VERY closely the relationship that Bill Gates has formed with the hip-hop community though his Microsoft Zune marketing campaigns. While Steve Jobs and Apple have done relatively little with hip-hop promotions, Gates and the Zune have gone full force signing everyone from Continue Reading…

Keri Hilson joins a long list of hip-hop and R&B artists who are supporting the Bill Gates movement by signing promotional deals with the Zune MP3 player. Other artists in the Zune camp include Common, Bun B, Kidz In The Hall and EPMD. Click here to see how Zune has recently influenced hip-hop. This ad with Miss. Hilson is currently running on national TV and is her first official nation-wide promotional deal.

In the corporate world it’s all about image these days. It’s why Microsoft hired Common to help them launch a line of t-shirts and it’s also why even a hi-tech company like Cisco Systems is trying to shape their public image as well Continue Reading…

Microsoft Zune has been aggressively marketing to the hip-hop crowd in 2008 which includes partnerships with Common, Bun B and Kidz In the Hall to name a few. Now Zune has added EPMD to that list with a unique marketing campaign dubbed “The EPMD Project.”

According to the official site, “The EPMD Project” is described as the following:

“The EPMD Art Project”, a collection of premiere international artists creating works inspired by EPMD.  Works from each artist will be presented on canvases and prints and auctioned off at a record release event and a listening party.  In Los Angeles, EPMD will team with Zune at their Zune L.A. space, offering guests the first opportunity to hear the new album and bid on the exclusive artwork.

Check out a couple of the art pieces that went up for auction already. All are inspired by the original logo created by artist HAZE. Via: ProHipHop

What do you think of Zune’s campaign with EPMD and developing an art collection around an artist logo? Is the Souja Boy logo collection next? Vote it now!

NBC Universal is taking a different approach to rebranding their local news channel websites. According to AdAge, the media conglomerate has hired Common & Kanye West for a series of secret shows for locals only in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

The goal is to drive people to their new NBC local news sites such as nbcnewyork.com, nbclosangeles.com and nbcchicago.com and shed the boring image that most local news websites have. Visitors to the site were asked to take a quiz to “prove” they’re locals by answering questions about their city’s landmarks; NBC released 10 tickets for two every day for 10 days. NBCU Senior VP Brian Buchwald states:

“What we’re trying to build is that place people can go to get a feel for what’s going on in this city in real time.”

Considering the recent economy and wave of layoffs at NBC/Universal, Buchwald is hoping and praying that the new image of these local websites can kick start a relationship with new local advertisers and ultimatley bring added revenue to the bottom line. Meanwhile, despite subpar album sales, Common continues to rake in the dough with corporate partnerships such as his recent Microsoft deal.

Terminator Salvation looks pretty bad-ass. Clips have surfaced here and there with Christian Bale in the lead role but here is a look (although grainy and filmed in a Japan theater) at the official trailer. You will notice new Microsoft maven Common is part of the freedom fighters set to destroy Sky Net. This is the first look of Common in the movie where he plays the role of Barnes, who fights alongside John Conor. Who knows how long this clip will stay up so watch it now. Props to Wes Goodlife for the heads up.

His hometown of Chicago might not be showing him the love, but Redmond, WA home of Microsoft sure is. Microsoft has already partnered with Common on a Zune endorsement campaign and now Microsoft has called him up again to collaborate on something completley foreign to the software company…a clothing line.

Introducing “Software”…get it? The new clothing line collaboration between Common and Microsoft. In an effort to compete with Apple, Microsoft has aggressively been targeting a younger “cooler” demographic which started with the “I’m a PC” promo which showed celebs, including Pharrell using their PC. The Software clothing collection is also part of this market shift. The clothing line currently consists of nine t-shirts, three which were designed in collaboration with Common who utilized an old school 80’s feeling. Check out pics of some of the shirts and the launch party video which included a performance by Common and Biz Markie. The party was held last week in New York. Pics courtesy of Freshness Mag.