Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Jay-Z Lends Creative Input for Budweiser Select Ads

Jay-Z officially kicked off his new partnership with St. Louis-based brewer Anheuser-Bush with a commercial spot that aired last night (Oct. 16) during ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast.
As the rapper/Def Jam president's latest single, "Show Me What You Got," played in the background, the 60-second spot highlighted scenes from the
video, which was shot in Monte Carlo and Nice, France.
The ad also features
NASCAR racers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Danica Patrick and references Jay-Z's upcoming comeback album Kingdom Come with the message "JAY-Z is back, coming Nov. 21."
Jay-Z will serve as co-brand
director for Budweiser Select while collaborating with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development.
In addition, he will participate in Budweiser Select planning sessions by offering insight on brand programs and providing direction on upcoming Budweiser Select
television ads, radio spots, print campaigns and high-profile events.
"His approach to reaching people in creative, groundbreaking ways that transcend cultural boundaries makes this alliance particularly exciting," said Marlene Coulis, vice president of brand management at Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
The Monday Night Football ad, which will also air during the MLB National League Championship Series on Fox, is one of two spots that the pair joined forces on.
The second ad--a collaboration between ad agency Cannonball, Jay-Z and the Budweiser Select brand team--depicts the energy of a VIP house party high atop the cliffs of Monaco.