With the release of Rolling Stone Magazine today, I have done a bunch of media interviews as we are a leading entertainment PR firm in the hip-hop arena, having represented everyone from Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lil’ Kim, Ice Cube, DMX, Twista, The Source Magazine, leading producers, brands – All across the brand we do more Hip-Hop than any other PR agency in the US. We also work extensively in the Christian world, as I was formerly the media director for the Christian Coalition of America.

Ronn Torossian on Entertainment PR

Interestingly enough, Ronn Torossian has often said – these 2 groups of people to be very similar. Very intense and focused, viewed as outsiders or extremists by the world, often misunderstood by the media (or characterized by their most extreme, misspoken members)… but once you get to know them, warm, intimate and great to their families… whether you agree or disagree with their point of view on life, politicis, etc.

Anyway… to get to the Kanye cover – From being critical of the Bush Administration on Katrina to creating songs like ‘Jesus Walks’, Kanye West has fashioned himself as a politically conscious artist not dissimilar to Rock & Roll’s coming of age era of the 1960’s and this Rolling Stone cover is all part of that image. He has successfully branded himself as the new voice of young America, one that does not shy from speaking their beliefs.

It’s certainly an interesting stance for an artist and will certainly help his brand visibility… but I am not sure it will help him in the corporate arena. In an era in which artists are making money from corporate America more than from record sales it’s an interesting stance for West to take… I for one will be watching his brand intently.

Ronn Torossian
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