Hip-Hop Champagne Wars. Who Knew?

Seattlest likes our champagne, and after perusing this article in the latest Fast Company Magazine, we just couldn't resist. The world of hip hop seems to be hell-bent on promoting everything from cars, clothes, and energy drinks. It was only inevitable that French champagne was next. After Jay Z had a falling out with "hip hop champagne juggernaut" Cristal over some racist comments, rap stars have been looking for alternatives - many in the form of their very own wine companies. Seems these brands are finally figuring out that hip hop really does have a big effect on revenue generation. After Busta Rhymes released his hit "Pass the Courvoisier" in 2001, the company saw a 30% increase in sales. Did you know there are even companies out there tracking the word counts on rap songs to pick out key brand names? Are indie bands ready to follow this trend? We doubt Modest Mouse Merlot is ready for the shelves anytime soon; but if the recent rash of car cross-promotion and One Tree Hill episodes are any indication, who knows....