The Western Conference Finals have been tough for the LA Lakers. After dominating the Grizzlies and Warriors in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Lakers appear to have met their match in the Nuggets. After falling to 0-2 after the opening games in Denver, the Lakers looked to right the ship as they took over hosting duties. However, it was not to be as the Nuggets took Game 3 119-108 and moved one step closer to the franchise’s first-ever Finals appearance. This is the Nuggets’ fourth time playing in the Conference Finals against the Lakers.
In attendance for the loss was a regular pair of faces for these playoffs. Kim Kardashian and North West have attended several Lakers home games during their Cinderella playoff run. This included speculation that Kim was dating a Laker thanks to her curve-hugging “I Love Nerds” top. The pair were once again in attendance as the Lakers eliminated the Warriors from the playoffs. Furthermore, Kim and her daughter have been spotted supporting Tristan Thompson, the former boyfriend of Kim’s sister Khloé. Thompson played 1 minute during the Lakers loss. Furthermore, Thompson has averaged 4.6 minutes across five appearances during the Playoffs.
Other Celebrities Attend Lakers Game
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Kim Kardashian is seen on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
However, Kardashian was not the only celebrity in the stands at Crypto.com Arena. Sporting courtside seats were Grammy-winning artists Adele and Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Adele was sat beside sports agent Rich Paul, widely considered one of the most powerful men behind the scenes in the sports world. Furthermore, Paul has a long-time friendship with Lakers star, LeBron James.
Elsewhere, Hollywood was further represented by Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Eddie Murphy. Meanwhile, the music world saw the likes of Flea, Jennifer Hudson, as well as record exes David Geffen and Jimmy Iovine. Hopefully, Kardashian and her daughter can inspire some good luck for the Lakers as the series continues on Monday. No NBA team has ever started a series 0-3 and come back to win the series. Three teams have tied the series after being 0-3 down but none of them won Game 7.
Celebrity endorsements are advertising godsends that have been in the business for over a few decades. Examples include Michael Jackson and his Be Like Mike campaign or the promotions heralded by Kim Kardashian. If there’s an attractive face, odds are they’re selling something. And the best part is people usually listen.
What are celebrity endorsements? What do they mean in marketing? How did they come about, and who did they affect? What’s the future of this advertising method? Will it stick around, or is it just a flash in the pan? For many years now, celebrities have been used as the social billboards of the world. They offer products and sell things to their fans as part of their careers. But in this article, we want to focus on answering the question: are they effective?
A celebrity endorsement is when a famous person promotes a product or service in exchange for compensation. This can take many forms, including print ads, television commercials, and social media posts. Celebrity endorsements are often used to create buzz around a new product. This helps associate a brand with a particular lifestyle or image.
There are several advantages to using celebrity endorsements in advertising. One of the main benefits is that they can create a lot of buzz and attention for a product or brand. Simply by promoting it on their social media accounts or appearing in a commercial, celebrities can help a product along.
Another benefit of celebrity endorsements is that they can help to associate a brand with a particular image or lifestyle. For example, a luxury watch company might use a famous athlete or actor to promote its products. This helps create an association between the brand and success, wealth, and sophistication. Finally, celebrity endorsements can help to build trust and credibility with consumers. When a well-known and respected figure promotes a product, consumers are more likely to trust the brand and believe that the product is of high quality.
The Cons Of Celebrity Endorsements
This Date In 1994: Hertz drops spokesman OJ Simpson after 19 years following his being charged with double murder. pic.twitter.com/vkbJoknJFa
While there are benefits to using celebrity endorsements in advertising, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the main disadvantages is that celebrities can be expensive to hire. Depending on the level of fame and popularity, the cost of a single endorsement can run into millions of dollars. Another potential drawback is that celebrities can be unpredictable and sometimes damage a brand’s image. For example, suppose a celebrity endorser is caught in a scandal or engages in controversial behavior. In that case, it can reflect poorly on the brand and may even lead to consumer backlash.
Finally, some evidence suggests that celebrity endorsements may not be as effective as once believed. Sometimes, consumers may be more skeptical of celebrity endorsements and may not trust that the product is as good as the celebrity claims.
The Evidence Of Effectiveness
402614 02: Supermodel Cindy Crawford drinks a Pepsi in this undated company supplied photograph. Crawford will star in a new Diet Pepsi commercial during the 74th Annual Academy Awards airing March 24, 2002 on ABC-TV. The new Diet Pepsi spot updates an award-winning ad produced for regular Pepsi in 1991, in which a pair of awestruck boys watched Crawford approach a Pepsi vending machine. In the new commercial, titled “Two More Kids,” Crawford comes across a Diet Pepsi machine with sparkling new “bubbly blue” graphics at a dusty old country store while the song “Just One Look,” plays in the background. (Photo Courtesy of Pepsi/ Getty Images)
Despite these potential drawbacks, some evidence suggests celebrity endorsements can influence certain circumstances. For example, a study published in the Journal of Advertising found that celebrity endorsements can positively impact consumers’ attitudes towards a brand, particularly when the celebrity is seen as a good match for the product or service being promoted.
Another study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers are more likely to buy a product if it is endorsed by a celebrity they admire and if the endorsement includes personal anecdotes or stories. There are also numerous examples of successful celebrity endorsements throughout history. Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike helped establish the company as a significant player in the athletic shoe market. More recently, Kylie Jenner’s promotion of her Kylie Cosmetics line helped to catapult the brand.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Rappers Snoop Dogg (L) and The Game participate in the celebrity basketball game presented by Sprite during the 2016 BET Experience on June 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Celebrity endorsements will likely continue to play a significant role in advertising. However, there are also some indications that the landscape may be changing. For example, there has been a rise in the use of “micro-influencers.” Micro-influencers may not be as famous as traditional celebrities but have smaller followings. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of authenticity and transparency in advertising. Consumers are increasingly skeptical of traditional advertising tactics and seek more genuine connections with brands and products. This has led some companies to shift away from traditional celebrity endorsements. Instead, they partner with influencers who have built up a loyal and engaged following.
What Do Celebrity Endorsements Mean For The Marketing Industry?
The role of celebrities and influencers in advertising will continue to evolve. Companies must be mindful of changing consumer attitudes and the need for authenticity and transparency in advertising. The power of influence and advertisement will continue to be key drivers of customer behavior and buying decisions.
The tragic and sudden loss of Lance Reddick shocked the world on Friday (March 17). The 60-year-old actor was doing press for his upcoming film John Wick 4 recently, and cast-mate Keanu Reeves was one of many, many fellow entertainers who posted their tributes to Lance Reddick. Moreover, the Baltimore native is perhaps best known for his role as Cedric Daniels in HBO’s The Wire, a role that garnered him immense acclaim. However, he also starred in multiple film, TV, and video game projects. The many friends in the business who shared their heartfelt goodbyes speaks to the magnitude and positive impact of his art and soul.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken at the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Lance Reddick,’ Reeves stated alongside Chad Stahelski, John Wick 4‘s director. “He was the consummate professional and a joy to work with. Our love and prayers are with his wife Stephanie, his children, family and friends. We dedicate the film to his loving memory. We will miss him dearly.” Another industry colleague to honor Reddick was film creative James Gunn. “Lance Reddick was an incredibly nice guy, and an incredibly talented actor,” he tweeted. “This is heartbreaking. My love goes out to all his family, friends, and collaborators.”
Lance Reddick’s Legacy Lives On
In addition, Questlove shared his heartbreak via Instagram. “I can’t take it no more. RIP Lance Reddick,” he wrote. Viola Davis also shared tender parting words via the social media platform. “Shocked!! Speechless!!” she expressed. “This talented, kind, intelligent King is gone!! I was blessed to have worked with you and blessed to have known you. Praying for comfort for your family and loved ones! Rest well Lance Reddick…..see you on the other side.”
Tragically, The Wire suffered other recent losses of some of its many great actors, Al Brown and Michael K. Williams. While many other famous figures keep Lance’s memory alive, he’s most importantly preserved through his family. As such, many shared their condolences for his wife Stephanie and his children, Yvonne Nicole and Christopher. See some more tributes below and share your favorite work, memories, or great contributions from this incredible actor. Rest In Peace Lance Reddick.
The Entertainment Industry Remembers Lance With Tributes
A man of great strength and grace. As talented a musician as he was an actor. The epitome of class. An sudden unexpected sharp painful grief for our artistic family. An unimaginable suffering for his personal family and loved ones. Godspeed my friend. You made your mark here. RIP pic.twitter.com/Xy0pl5c4NR
Lance Reddick was an beautiful and compelling actor. And a beautiful person. He worked with my mom Anne Meara in her play “Afterplay”, playing Raziel, the waiter slash angel of death. He was exquisite in that and all he did.
So sad to hear about Lance Reddick. What a wonderful human. He was a frequent guest and supporter of TGA, even recorded promo VOs one year for us. An amazing actor who gave so much to games, gone far too soon. pic.twitter.com/rn0jXnJ8z3
Celebrities from all over pop culture attended YG’s 33rd birthday bash in West Hollywood on Wednesday (March 8). While his actual birthday is on Thursday (March 9), that’s no reason not to celebrate a little bit more. Moreover, he invited distinguished guests such as Tyga, Mustard, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Saweetie, Offset, and A$AP Ferg. Other famous names in attendance were Diddy’s sons Christian and Justin Combs, BIA, Nardo Wick, Power actor Kris D. Lofton, Snowfall‘s Quincy Chad, Lenny S., Pusharod, and former NFL player Todd Gurley II. Of course, some names here aren’t very surprising, given that the now 33-year-old recently teased a collab album with Tyga.
However, it was still quite the grand and classically YG-style event. For example, everything was red: people’s outfits, the lights, the decorations, you name it. Some exceptions came here and there, but it was mostly very much themed around the birthday boy. Also, he seemed to have an absolute blast, as Tyga filmed him dancing to Snoop Dogg and Tha Eastsidaz’s classic hit “I Luv It.” It’s a West Coast sound the 4Hunnid CEO continues to cultivate through tracks and features like “Charles Barkley.”
What’s more is that the Compton MC also wants to share some of those good times with fans. Furthermore, he offered fans the chance to have dinner with him for $1,000 before his concerts. In addition, he detailed a five-star three-course meal, gentleman’s club waitresses, open bar, and the chance to take a picture with the “BIG BANK” rapper. ““I said I would never come back to the observatory but here I am,” he captioned a concert flyer on Instagram. “BDAY VIBES LIVE CONCERT put that s**t on & come F**k with me. UPSCALE EVENT!”
Meanwhile, YG recently squashed his beef with Kamaiyah, who fought previously over label issues. However, they put things to rest during his tour stop in Oakland, which is the latter’s home city. “I swear to God, I don’t know what they know, I don’t know what they heard about — on the blogs they read, I don’t know nothing,” YG said. “But I love you. Come give me a hug.” Kamaiyah went in for the hug and replied, “I love you too. From the Bay to L.A., goddamn it!” As always, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on the Cali MC. Happy birthday and stay brazy, YG!
MSCHF, which is Mischief without the vowels, is an art collective based out of New York City. The collective has a long-standing history of trolling consumer culture, specifically by selling consumer goods. Known for such releases as the shoe collaboration with Lil Nas X, and the Nike Satan Shoes. Which allegedly were made with real human blood. As well as Jimmy Fallon’s Gobstomper sneakers last summer, which were, “designed to be destroyed.” A few months later, they put out a medical boot. Why? The project was described as an homage to the fact that “industries with little to no regard for aesthetics designing objects for utilitarian purposes churn out bangers like no one else.”
To add to their long line of consumer products for consumerism’s sake they have released items such as a MSCHF defibrillator “to fix your literal broken heart.” As well as a collection of AI-generated foot pics. With the tagline “this foot does not exist.” The collective has even gone so far as to have made Birkenstocks out of Birkin Bags, sold a box of cereal containing one big Fruit Loop, and created an ATM leaderboard that tracks and ranks the checking account balance of anyone who uses it. As of December 2022, Diplo was No. 1 with $3,004,913.06.
The Big Red Boots Are Unveiled
Image via MSCHF
On February 16th, the brand released its latest product. A shoe destined to go viral: MSCHF’s big red boots, aptly named the Big Red Boot. They are made of TPU rubber and an EVA mid-outsole and take design cues from a video game. A press release for the shoe read, “Cartoonishness is an abstraction that frees us from the constraints of reality,” the release continued, “If you kick someone in these boots, they go boing!” The artist collective known for its subversive creations, stated, “Big red boots are really not shaped like feet, but they are extremely shaped like boots.”
Each boot weighs about three and a half pounds bringing the total weight for the pair to a whopping seven pounds. Even more astounding than the weight of the boots, was the rollout of the shoes. Leading up to New York Fashion Week, they were spotted everywhere among a multitude of celebrities. From Instagram models and TikTok grandpas to the Barclays center during Coi Leray’s halftime show. Photos of artist Diplo emerged wearing the Big Red Boots at a Knicks game. They were even spotted on WWE’s Seth Rollins, as he kicked another wrestler in the face while wearing the Big Red Boots. Basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore them to the arena before a game and even Janelle Monae wore them to shoot hoops.
Once NYFW began, the boots became the new “it” accessory. Not surprisingly of course. Brands typically give celebrities and models articles of specific clothing and/or accessories to wear, as a marketing technique. MSCHF was no different with their Big Red Boots. They were spotted by celebrities and street style stars all over Fashion Week. Street-style photographer Phil Oh captured them on various stars. American singer/songwriter Dorian Electra styled them with a graphic coat, and mini skirt to fully show the shoes and donned a matching beret. Model Sarah Snyder paired the boots with a glossy red skirt and white tights; TikTok star and model Wisdom Kaye decided to style them with athletic shorts. No matter how they were worn the statement boots were styled to be the focal point.
Though the boots are rather unusual and even more impractical to wear, it’s been quite interesting to see how quickly the world was taken by storm by them. Upon being released on the 16th of February, the Big Red Boots were sold out in minutes. Leading to the site crashing shortly thereafter. Upon selling out, they were then listed on resale sites ranging between $1,200 and $1,500. Almost quadruple the original selling price of $350. The debate on the shoes has been as interesting as the shoes themselves. Some say the brand, and specifically the boots, are a social experiment–slash–experiential art project. While many others still have said the real art is the whole spectacle of releasing such a shoe. The reaction to the boots, the reaction to that reaction, the realization that it’s not just about boots, and the simultaneous truth that they are, in fact, just boots.
MSCHF as a collective seems to continuously roll out products that raise eyebrows. They have an interesting and complex understanding of how consumerism and over-saturation seemingly go hand in hand these days. This was made overtly apparent in the case of the Big Red Boots. While the MSCHF may appear cartoonish, the art collective is entirely serious about its release. In an interview with the New York Times, they rejected the idea that the boots were a joke. “It’s not a satire,” MSCHF said in a statement to The New York Times, after declining to be interviewed. “But what’s interesting is that we’re at a moment in time where it doesn’t have to be.”
