Jay-Z has always strived to stay a step ahead of the competition. In the late `90s, Jay-Z, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, expanded his business empire with the creation of Rocawear clothing. Ten years and nearly $200 million later, Rocawear has emerged as a leader in urban fashion. Rolling out recently visited the Rocawear offices in New York to discuss the future of the clothing brand with Aleesha Smalls. –amir shaw
What is your role with Rocawear?
I am the senior interactive marketing manager at Rocawear. I handle online marketing from a branding standpoint. We have a relationship with all of the popular blogs and Web sites to make sure that we have a presence in the blogosphere.
How important is it for the company to brand online?
It’s important for brands to realize how users are leveraging on the Web. We have to have a presence that’s true. It has to let people know they are a part of the brand.
How long have you been with the company?
I’ve been with Rocawear for seven years. I started off with e-commerce. I later transitioned into online branding. Being at Rocawear has been a wonderful journey. Jay-Z is very hands-on and I think that has allowed the brand to grow.
So what’s the future of Rocawear?
We’re going to launch a new Web site called roc4life. The Web site will celebrate everything the brand has accomplished over the years. The thing that makes roc4life stand out is that we cover news, fashion, culture and gossip in a tasteful manner. We have a site where you can view content and there will be a social network. The site is not all about the brand — it is about everything that falls in line with our audience.
