Well, it's official: Prince is a genius. After the Eagles and AC/DC posted huge numbers last year releasing albums exclusively through a Walmart, Prince signed on to release a three-album set for sale only at Target. Mark our words: he'll be platinum by June.
The trend got us thinking that some of these struggling rookie rappers could benefit from the strategy. Granted, big dog retailers like Best Buy and Target probably won't cut exclusive deals with newcomers like Kid Cudi and Asher Roth, but we thought of some less obvious stores that might jump at the chance. Read on to see marketing plans for ten of our favorite up-and-coming MCs...
BLU
Album Sold Exclusively At: Whole Foods
Sales Promotion: Get the album for 20% more than it would cost anywhere else! What?! It was recorded organically. Be cool, man.
KID CUDI
Album Sold Exclusively At: 7-11
Sales Promotion: The Lonely Stoner Special: Buy the album and get half off a footlong/Big Gulp combo. Don't worry--we're open day and night!
DRAKE
Album Sold Exclusively At: International Male
Sales Promotion: Type in promo code PIERCINGGREENEYES at checkout and get a free sample of Drake's new cologne, Eau D'Grassi.
JAY ELECTRONICA
Album Sold Exclusively At: The Apple Store
Sales Promotion: Goes great with every other cool-but-overhyped piece of electronica. Baby Mama Drama Lightning Deal: Trade in any common Zune and get an autographed picture of Erykah and Jay's baby!
CHARLES HAMILTON
Album Sold Exclusively At: Gamestop
Sales Promotion: Walk out of the store now and preserve the chances of losing your virginity!
Click NEXT to see our suggestions for Nipsey Hussle, OJ Da Juiceman, Asher Roth, Tyga and Wale.
NIPSEY HUSSLE
Album Sold Exclusively At: In-N-Out Burger
Sales Promotion:Crip-walk through the drive-through and get half off the album. Unlimited offer--these burgers ain't got no name on 'em!
OJ DA JUICEMAN
Album Sold Exclusively At: Orange Julius
Sales Promotion: Buy the album and get some fucking Orange Julius. What, you thought we sold frozen yogurt?
ASHER ROTH
Album Sold Exclusively At: Hollister
Sales Promotion: Buy the album and Asher Roth himself will pick you up from the mall, buy you a case of Bud Lite, and possibly molest you (offer good for women only)!
TYGA
Album Sold Exclusively At: Claire's
Sales Promotion: Bring in one of his chains, get 20% off the album--and any pair of imitation gold earrings!
WALE
Album Sold Exclusively At: Burlington Coat Factory
Sales Promotion: Album located conveniently near all those other things you wanted two years ago but are finally available even though they fit kinda weird now!
