S. Samuel
Grand Hustle's B.o.B.'s support for his home team will continue throughout 2011 as new reports claim the Atlanta rapper has become the brand ambassador for T.I.'s Akoo Clothing.
Slated to kick off a fall launch, Bobby Ray has already confirmed his new power move.
Rapper B.o.B will soon be appearing on ads for T.I.’s fashion label, Akoo Clothing, after inking a deal with the rapper’s company. The “Airplanes” star is already signed with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records and will now also become the brand ambassador for the label. “I’m looking forward to working with Tip (T.I.) and Akoo Clothing on more projects this year,” he said in a statement. “We want to continue to add new-ness to American music as well as push the envelop in the contemporary men’s fashion landscape.” (OMG Music)
Akoo Clothing marketing direcctor Jeff Belizaire has opened up about why B.o.B. fits the billing as brand ambassador.
“There is something intriguing about a star like B.o.B. He represents a growing group of artists whose natural talent transcends the typical rapper stereotype and urban format. He defines himself on his own terms by effortlessly blending elements from the street, pop culture, his life experiences and cultural perspective. He creates timeless and relevant music that connects with a broad range of people. Similarly, AKOO Clothing creates contemporary and relevant fashion for all types of guys.” (PR Web)
Last year, T.I. discussed placing a high emphasis on Akoo growing and offering top-notch urban appeal.
“The direction of the clothing line, in my eyes, is upscale urban apparel,” Tip said in an interview. “I just wanna continue to diversify. Continue to grow. Continue to speak to the cool kids of America. That’s my idealistic outcome. It’s all gonna be comfortable. Everything is gonna be comfortable, casual. To me, we got V-neck tees, crew-neck tees, wovens. Denim is a big part of the lines. We actually pride ourselves on the quality of our denim, especially at the price point we at. We got fleece. We got a lot of imagery, distinctive imagery on our pieces, that sets us apart from everything else going on out there.” (MTV)
A month prior, Tip talked about applying a military-style look to his line.
“I definitely think that military-inspired gear is fresh just as long as it’s not overdone,” he said in an interview. “Akoo’s gear stays pretty subtle and pays attention to detail. Our brand’s inspirations draw from the outdoors to nautical to aeronautics, which are all components of military. Our tag lines reflect this sort of culture with slogans including ‘Always Hunted’ or ‘Trust Nothing With Teeth.’ … I’ve tried to be part of every detail as much as I possibly can along the way, from fabrication through to certain elements of design. I pay attention to the materials that make theclothing right down to the conditions of the places for the employees who manufacture it…I’ve always had a vision for my own line, but I wanted to do it right, and really be able to inject my creativity and persona into it, and right now it feels right.” (The FADER)
Check out Akoo Clothing below:
