Megan Thee Stallion Put A ‘Gladiator II’ Spin On Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ For Pepsi’s New NFL Commercial

Megan Thee Stallion has been in utmost demand this year, from her Hot Girl Summer Tour to hosting next week’s 2024 MTV VMAs.

But, according to Meg, she’s only just arrived.

“ATTENTION HOTTIES,” Megan Thee Stallion captioned an Instagram post on Thursday morning, September 5. “WE ARE OFFICIALLY FAMOUS WE GOT A PEPSI COMMERCIAL.”

Yes, Pepsi and Paramount Global partnered for a brand new commercial blending Paramount’s forthcoming Gladiator II and the 2024 NFL season.

The three-minute spot begins with actors Jake Lacy and Lamorne Morris bragging about their respective fantasy teams. Then, we’re taken inside of their freshly served Pepsi can, which transforms into a Roman Coliseum. Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson stalk out dressed as gladiators. Kelce, always hogging the spotlight, screams, “Are you ready?!” Megan Thee Stallion interrupts him to unleash tigers into the Coliseum and starts singing her unique spin on Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”

According to Variety, this ad will run until Gladiator II premieres on November 22.

“Megan Thee Stallion is going to get people to pay attention; Travis Kelce and Josh Allen are going to get people to pay attention,” Paramount President Of Advertising John Halley told the publication. “It’s a first-class branding moment for Pepsi and one that is going to last.”

The new NFL season begins on Thursday night with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Ice Spice’s Debut Super Bowl Commercial Will Show Off The Rapper’s Sweet Side With A Soda Partnership

ice spice
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Taylor Swift’s domination of NFL coverage has sprouted a new subset of at-home viewers. While avid football fans are excited to watch the epic sports showdown at this year’s Super Bowl, others are tuning in for a different genre of entertainment: Some non-sports fans’ interest in the evening is Usher’s halftime show performance. The other remaining curiosity is lasered in on what witty commercials are set to air throughout the broadcast.

Today (January 9), Billboard exclusively revealed that “In Ha Mood” rapper Ice Spice has been tapped for a coveted advertisement slot. As Starry’s newest celebrity ambassador, Ice Spice will lend her likeness to the company for its upcoming Super Bowl commercial. You might recall Ice Spice’s signature drink deal with Dunkin last year, but this is quite different.

Instead of formulating a new beverage concoction, Ice Spice will simply sit pretty as she sips on PepsiCo’s newest lemon-lime soda, which was introduced in 2023. This national coverage is just the fizz she needs going into the promotion of her forthcoming debut studio album. A representative for the company referred to the partnership with Ice Spice as “a no-brainer.”

“Ice Spice’s charm and charisma are unmatched, making her the perfect fit for the brand’s first Super Bowl commercial,” read the statement.

Ice Spice echoed that in her note shared with Billboard. “I’m hyped to star in the first-ever STARRY Super Bowl commercial,” she said. “Trust me. STARRY is a vibe.

Shaq Laments His Size In New Pepsi Ad With Skee-Lo: Watch

Shaq is someone who will commit to any sort of money-making endeavor. Overall, he is a very astute businessman. He is the president of Reebok right now, and he is even the face of numerous brands. From Icy Hot to Papa John’s, the former NBA champion knows how to get his face out there. He is worth hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to these endorsements, and he will continue to make money, by any means necessary. Quite frankly, it is a very honorable trait to have.

That said, Shaq just so happens to also be someone who is involved with the likes of Pepsi. Pepsi is one of the biggest brands in the world and they are always coming through with unique ad campaigns. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that they would enlist Shaq for their most recent endeavor. In the “Pepsi Minis” ad below, the basketball star laments about his height. Meanwhile, Skee-Lo comes in to deliver a remix of his hit song “I Wish.”

Read More: Blueface Responds To His Mom’s Claim That He Got Between Her & Shaq

Shaq x Skee-Lo x Pepsi

“I wish I was a little bit smaller/ A mini Shaq baller/ I wouldn’t have to yell when I talk to a toddler/ I wish I had more legroom on a plane or a train, life is tough when you taller,” Skee-Lo says on the remixed song. It is a cool ad that creates the right marketing opportunity given who Shaq is. Overall, he is a recognizable face, and the contrast between him and mini cans of Pepsi is humorous. Although you don’t actually need us to tell you that.

Hopefully, we will get to see more of Shaq soon. Of course, he is always a fixture on Inside The NBA. However, there are plenty of other opportunities for his personality to shine. Let us know what you thought of the ad, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the sports world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.

Read More: Shaq’s Daughter To Announce College Commitment This Weekend

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Michael Jackson’s Legendary “Pepsi Generation” Jacket Up For Auction

Undisputed King of Pop Michael Jackson continues to captivate fans and collectors alike even beyond his untimely passing in 2009. Iconic memorabilia associated with the legendary entertainer often are sold for high prices at auctions. And a new addition to this growing list is the black and white leather jacket Jackson wore during one of his 1984 “Pepsi Generation” ads. While this jacket may not be as instantly recognizable as some of his other iconic outfits, it undoubtedly holds immense historical and sentimental value.

The jacket’s significance is rooted in its connection to Michael Jackson’s involvement with the Pepsi brand in the mid-1980s. Many remember the infamous Pepsi ad that went terribly wrong when a pyrotechnics mishap resulted in Jackson suffering burns. However, the jacket in question hails from a different Pepsi Generation commercial. In the other commercial, Jackson is seen dancing in the streets alongside a group of enthusiastic kids and other participants. This particular ad campaign marked a significant chapter in Jackson’s career. The ad illustrated his wide-reaching appeal, which extended beyond music and into the world of commercial endorsements. The black and white leather jacket, emblematic of his distinctive style, became a symbol of his pop culture prominence.

Read More: Drake Is One Song Away From Tying Michael Jackson For Most No. 1s By A Male Soloist

The Jacket’s Value Could Be Up To $460K

MN – 1988: Pop singer Michael Jackson performs onstage during his ‘Bad World Tour’ in 1988. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

This custom-made leather jacket is now set to be auctioned off through Propstore, with bidding opening on November 10. The estimated value of this piece of music history is substantial, with projections ranging from $230,000 to a staggering $460,000. Given its remarkable provenance and the fact that it once adorned the King of Pop’s shoulders, it’s very likely to reach the upper end of that estimate.

The remarkable journey of the jacket adds another layer of intrigue and value. In a twist of fate, the jacket was initially gifted to Wendell Thompson by Michael Jackson himself in 1983, a year prior to the ad’s release. Wendell, whose father worked as a cosmetologist with MJ, was fortunate enough to cross paths with the legendary singer in Orlando. The jacket was a a personal gift from the King of Pop and holds a unique place in Jackson’s history and personal connection to his fans.

Read More: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Forever Changed Halloween

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Mary J Blige To Give Away $30k Scholarship

Mary J. Blige is no stranger to giving back and she’s doing it once again. She’s part of a new scholarship aiming at helping make higher education more affordable for one lucky recipient. According to The Shade Room, she’s teaming up with Pepsi to award a substantial $30k scholarship to one lucky student at Hampton University. The news first broke a few days ago and the application period for the scholarship is underway now.

The Shade Room also shared some details on the academic award. “There are additional requirements to be a candidate for the Strength of a Woman scholarship. The sophomore woman must have full-time enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Additionally, she must be studying “business administration, marketing, arts, finance, or creative design.”  They also clarify that it won’t be Blige herself selecting the winning student, but Scholarship America. Check out all the info on the scholarship below.

Read More: Mary J. Blige Net Worth 2023: What Is The “Queen Of Hip Hop-Soul” Worth?

Mary J. Blige’s Strength Of A Woman Scholarship

Earlier this year Hot 97 joined many in the rap field by putting on a celebrating of the genre’s 50th anniversary. For their celebration they pulled out all the stops. They recruited Wu-Tang Clan, Mariah Carey, EPMD, Sean Paul, and of course Mary J. Blige. She’s no stranger to hanging out with rap royalty either. Last month she was in attendance at Nas’ 50th birthday party alongside Diddy, Slick Rick, Fat Joe, and more.

She also crossed paths with Nas earlier this year when they both performed at the Blue Note Jazz Festival. They took the stage alongside Chance The Rapper, Nx Worries, Cordae, De La Soul and many more for the impressive music lineup in Napa, California. She also put on her own even earlier this year. The Strength Of A Woman Summit featured some all-star contributors and seems to have laid some of the groundwork for her scholarship given the title. What do you think of Mary J. Blige’s new scholarship for female students? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Mary J Blige Shoots Down “Verzuz” Rumors: “I Could Put The ‘What’s The 411’ Album On & Just Walk Away”

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Mary J. Blige & PepsiCo Team Up To Award $30K Scholarship To Women At Hampton University

Mary J. Blige Festival

Mary J. Blige significantly impacts education by establishing a groundbreaking scholarship for women at Hampton University. Named “Strength Of A Woman,” this scholarship is exclusively for college sophomores and aims to empower women to pursue higher education. In a partnership with PepsiCo, the scholarship program has already gathered a remarkable $200,000 in donations, with Hampton […]

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Mary J. Blige Partners With Pepsi To Gift Scholarship To HBCU Student

Mary J. Blige Festival

Mary J. Blige and Pepsi are teaming up to present the inaugural PepsiCo x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Scholarship, which will give $200,000 to a lucky Historically Black College or University (HBCU) student. The scholarship is part of Pepsi’s return as a co-presenter at Mary J. Blige’s upcoming “Strength of a Woman” […]

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EXCLUSIVE: Burna Boy To Co-Headline 2023 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show By Pepsi

Image via Publicist

“As a huge football fan myself, I know it doesn’t get any bigger than the UEFA Champions League,” Burna Boy said: “That’s why I’m so excited to be performing on the Pepsi stage at this year’s final. Music and football are the ultimate combination, so you already know I’ll be bringing the vibes and making magic in Istanbul. The world ain’t ready for what we have in store!”

Gustavo Reyna, Pepsi’s Senior Director of Global Marketing, added: “The UEFA Champions League Final is the standout date of the club football calendar, and Pepsi prides itself on marking the occasion with the very best entertainment spectacles. The newly named Kick Off Show by Pepsi is going to be huge this year; we’re so excited to welcome Burna Boy, one of the world’s most exciting artists, to the Pepsi x UEFA Champions League stage and we can’t wait to see which fans are selected to feature as part of this truly unmissable performance. Stay tuned to find out who is co-headlining alongside Burna Boy in the weeks to come!” 

The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show is a significant part of our joint efforts with Pepsi, providing an incredible opportunity to reach new and younger audiences with some of the biggest names and rising stars in music. We’re excited to showcase a line-up of talented artists at this season’s Final in Istanbul in what is sure to be an energetic and memorable performance,” said UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein.

The 2022/23 UEFA Champions League final will take place at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium on June 10. You can watch the show via your local broadcaster and through the official UEFA YouTube and TikTok channels and stay tuned for more exciting news by following the Pepsi Global social channels.

Mary J. Blige & Pepsi Announce Second Annual Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Dates

Mary J. Blige Festival

Mary J. Blige and Pepsi announced the second annual Strength Of A Woman festival. The upcoming event will include an all-star lineup with artists such as Busta Rhymes, Summer Walker, and more. Mary J. Blige alongside soft drink company Pepsi announced the dates for the Strength Of A Woman festival and summit for May 11-14 […]

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Migos Are Set To Perform At The 2022 Pepsi National Battle Of The Bands But Offset Is Not Advertised

Say it ain’t so. After months of speculation over whether Migos will remain a trio, the answer may have just been given by an unexpected source. The Atlanta trio is slated to perform at the upcoming 2022 Pepsi National Battle Of The Bands which celebrates HBCU marching bands; only, there are just two of the three men on the poster: Quavo and Takeoff. The promotional video throws another curveball as it specifically says “a live performance by the Migos: Quavo and Takeoff.”

The questions about the group’s status began back in May when it was revealed that Offset and his wife, superstar rapper Cardi B, unfollowed Quavo and Takeoff on social media. That same month, the “Gang Gang” artists formed the duo “Unc & Phew” and released “Hotel Lobby.” Offset took to Instagram shortly after to promote some music of his own, but none of the rappers spoke directly on Migos’s future until earlier this month. Quavo was interviewed by GQ and said that their solo activities simply make them better individuals and a better group, which they have attempted before with 2018’s Quavo Huncho and The Last Rocket, plus 2019’s Father Of 4.

“It was all about Migos, Migos, Migos. The three of us,” the “Workin Me” artist said. “I feel like every group member has to establish themselves. Their own body of work. If not, you start losing members.”

This Pepsi Battle Of The Bands performance is an understandable cause of concern, but perhaps not all hope is lost and Quavo’s word is bond.

Check out the poster and promotional video above.