Its also gaining popularity in rap music.
A total of 35 percent of the songs that made the charts in 2005 contained product references, compared to 40 percent of songs in 2004. The top product categories in this year's list were automobiles, fashion labels, beverages and weapons.
50 Cent capitalized on this idea...he had 17 product mentions in 7 songs.
$$$$$CHA-CHING$$$$$$
Anyways...here are the top 10 most rapped about brands in 05:
1. Mercedes-Benz
2. Nike
3. Cadillac
4. Bentley
5. Rolls-Royce
6. Hennessy
7. Chevrolet
8. Louis Vuitton/Cristal (tie)
10. AK-47
I don't think ALL of the references were PAID PLACEMENTS though...I think most of them were though...but we probably will never know because revealing such a deal would likely undermine both the rapper and the brand's credibility.