Yeah, we hear you — albums sales are down. In another article on rock ‘n’ roll marketing, we find out that to pickup the slack Velvet Revolver’s Duff McKagan went to business school after his G ‘n’ R days. We also get a look at pioneering Starbucks marketers, the newest in KISS-related products, and are happily reminded that the Boss is sticking to his guns and not doing cheesy shit like bottling Mötley Brüu, booking his Mötley Crüise or selling Cadillacs. Hip-hop gets glossed over (“Hip-hop artists always understood branding”), though they should’ve let everyone in on just how much Diddy digs vodka…

Via Forbes:

Diddy has agreed to take on responsibility for Diageo’s Ciroc vodka brand in the United States, as part of a 50-50 joint venture with the London-based multinational that could net the hip-hop entrepreneur over $100 million. Ciroc is made from grapes in France, which is unusual given that vodka sources are traditionally starch-based such as potatoes or corn.

Judging from this video, there just might be some corn in there, too.

Remember, it’s “not an endorsement deal” …. this shit is luxury brand building. Combs will reportedly be in charge of all facets of brand development (marketing, advertising, p.r., etc). Wonder if he’ll do some sorta Mansinthe tie-in.