We all are aware of Gaga and her incredible presence in pop culture. She’s been disected by trendwatchers, bloggers, fans, and even Google in a 2 hour live youtube interview and has been crowned a marketing genius (see: Gagaville.) I think it’s due time we’ve given some of the limelight to another artist that has been taking the music industry and pop culture by storm. Another fiercely wild, unapologetic, shocking, strong female musician Nicki Minaj. Nicki, like Gaga, has been creating somewhat of a cult following, with her hardcore fans referring to themselves as Barbies (like Gaga’s little monsters,) and Nicki like Gaga, has been taking a lot of heat for being a rip off of Lil’ Kim (Gaga/Madonna.) There’s actually a lot of similarity between the two so I’m thinking there must be some kind of formula to this superstardom, incredible success, and obsession (besides talent.) 

So let’s look at our celebrities. Madonna, Lil Kim, Gaga, and Minaj. What do they all have in common? They’re fiercely different and UNAPOLOGETIC about the person they are (or the image they project.) In a culture where we are constantly striving to be somewhat normal, or at least follow society’s rule in some way why are we so forgiving to those who blatantly break the rules? Not even forgiving, but even going so far as to worshipping? 

With so many brands trying to please as many people as possible, it gets hard to differentiate themselves from competitors, or even to get people to notice. That’s why the daring and unusual (see: Geico) sticks. But it’s gotta be more than that. Being crazy just for attention can only take you so far. You have to stand for something too. The problem when you stand for something means there are things you don’t stand for. But listen to Bill Cosby on this one, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Strong brands help create identity for people, so your brand has to say something about the purchaser. Help them create that message.

Looking more closely at Nicki Minaj there may be another way… Part 2 to come.