CELEBRITIES
Kendrick Lamar: The First Musician to Score a Gatorade Ad
Sat Apr 19 2025
Kendrick Lamar has made history by becoming the first musician to star in a Gatorade commercial. The rapper appeared in the brand's new "Lose More. Win More. " ad campaign, which aired on Friday, April 18. In the commercial, Kendrick delivers an inspiring speech set to his track "Peekaboo" from the album "GNX. " The ad features a lineup of athletes, including NBA stars Luka Dončić and Jason Taytum, and WNBA players A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark. Kendrick's powerful words and the athletes' performances create a dynamic and motivational scene. It's interesting to see how Gatorade is using music to connect with a younger audience.
The choice of Kendrick Lamar for this campaign was strategic. Gatorade's Chief Business Officer, Anuj Bhasin, highlighted Kendrick's work ethic, resilience, and boundary-pushing mindset as key reasons for his selection. This move is part of Gatorade's effort to engage with younger viewers, showing that the brand is willing to think outside the box. Kendrick's involvement in the ad is a big deal, as it marks a significant shift in how sports brands approach marketing.
The ad also pays homage to Gatorade's history, with Kendrick mentioning the brand's connection to the 1965 University of Florida football team. This nod to the past adds depth to the commercial, reminding viewers of Gatorade's long-standing presence in the sports world. The final frame of the ad features Kendrick with orange-colored sweat, reinforcing the brand's iconic color and tying the message together.
Kendrick Lamar is gearing up for his Grand National Tour with SZA, which kicks off on April 19 in Minneapolis. The tour will span North America and Europe, with 39 shows in total. Notable stops include MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. DJ Mustard will open for Kendrick on this tour, following their successful collaboration at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. This tour is sure to be a highlight of the year for fans of both artists.
continue reading...
questions
How does featuring a musician like Kendrick Lamar align with Gatorade's traditional focus on athletes?
What specific metrics will Gatorade use to measure the success of this new ad campaign featuring Kendrick Lamar?
How might the messaging in this commercial influence the perception of hard work and success among younger audiences?