Jay-Z, Hip-Hop Community Boycott Cristal
Thursday June 15, 2006
Following some brow-raising comments by Frederic Rouzaud, the managing director of Louis Roderer Cristal, Jay-Z's deluxe sports lounge, The 40/40 Club will no longer serve Cristal to their customers. Jay-Z also disclosed that the use of Cristal in his personal life is out the window.
I know you're wondering what Rouzaud coud have said to warrant such harsh decisions from the hip-hop chieftain. Turns out Rouzaud has a problem with rappers endorsing his brand. In a recent interview with The Economist, the Cristal managing director referred to hip-hop's support of Cristal as 'unwelcome attention,' adding that Roederer has observed its association with hip-hop with “curiosity and serenity.”
"We can’t forbid people from buying it. I’m sure Dom Pérignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business,” Rouzaud told The Economist.In a press release issued through Berk Communications, Jay-Z described Rouzaud's comments as racist:
"I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life."Jay-Z is only one of several rappers that religiously name-check the popular brand in their rhymes. In his smash song, "Hard Knock Life," Jay rapped: "Let's take the dough and stay real jiggy/And sip the Cris' and get pissy-pissy." Ultimately, Rouzaud may have shot himself in the foot in an attempt to bump integrity. We all know how it went down the last time hip-hop boycotted anything. Just ask these guys.
Photo: © Roc-A-Fella
Comments
This is such a dumb move for Cristal, because of rap it’s become the most well known drink around, it’s something people aspire to get. To look down upon so many overwhelming endorsements make them look obnoxious and lame.
I’m looking forward to new songs bashing it though…maybe from Jay-Z???
thats whats up. Cristal can kiss my azz!
The writer should re-check his sources. If he actually read the article, the manager of Cristal never said “unwelcome attention,” the writer for The Economist magazine did.
^Actually, The Economist copped out after seeing the gravity of Rouzaud’s statements.
The makers of Cristal don’t care if peasants are aware of their product, and they don’t care to have their premium product associated with the vulgar minstrels of the peasantry.
^whaaaaat??
I’m sorry but I don’t understand a thing you just said.
whether he said it or not the comment is just plain racist
Rouzaud was asked if being associated with the bling lifestyle could affect his brand. He wasn’t asked to comment on an association with rap, hip-hop or black people. Personally, I think that being associated with bling has a bad effect on hip-hop itself – let alone champagne.
AMO CRIS BROW
Eu Amo muito o cris Brow!!!
Love, love love!!!!!!!
]