Smirnoff Signature Mix Series Presents Reworked Iconic Hip Hop Tracks From Nas, Buckshot, Nice & Smooth, and More

Smirnoff Signature Mix Series Presents Reworked Iconic Hip Hop Tracks From Nas, Buckshot, Nice & Smooth, and More

Clearly Original Artists Partner Up to Release Exclusive Singles, Available for Free Download at Smirnoff.com

NEW YORK, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The makers of Smirnoff vodka announced the launch of the second annual Smirnoff Signature Mix Series, a campaign designed to bring together respected artists in the hip hop community to recreate clearly original versions of iconic hip hop songs, with newly-mixed interpretation. Legendary artist Nas is teaming up with Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry, to rework his Grammy-nominated single "If I Ruled the World"; Buckshot and Kardinal Offishall are putting an original spin on Buckshot's memorable underground hit "I Got Cha Opin"; and Nice & Smooth are joining musical forces with Pac Div to create a new interpretation of "Funky For You".

The Smirnoff Signature Mix Series is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to foster and promote both established and emerging musical talent. This is the second installment of the acclaimed program. Last year's Smirnoff Signature Mix Series celebrated reworked classics by acclaimed artists Common, Q-Tip, and KRS-One paired with renowned producers Just Blaze, Cool & Dre, and DJ Premier. These exclusive tracks reached millions of radio listeners and nearly 90,000 visitors to SmirnoffSignatureMixSeries.com downloaded the singles.

"It was a pleasure working with Nas again," said Marsha Ambrosius. "Smirnoff gave us a great opportunity to put a new twist on a classic record, and I'm excited to be a part of the project this year."

The first single will launch on Smirnoff.com beginning March 5th, and all three songs will be available for free download exclusively on the site. Smirnoff Signature Mix Series is a comprehensive program supported by radio, digital, and video promotion as well as out of home advertising and retail point of sale. The program will be activated nationally in cities including New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and others. Top-tier radio and club deejays across the country will also receive a limited edition vinyl album containing all three new songs.

"We're really looking forward to adding onto the success of last year's Signature Mix Series with these six artists, and coming up with some clearly original, reworked songs to add to the campaign," said David Tapscott, Brand Director - Smirnoff. "We love to reach out to consumers in unique ways, and this is a perfect way of inserting the brand naturally into our consumer's lifestyle."

The Smirnoff Signature Mix Series held an exclusive press event in New York City last night to unveil the three new songs. In its continued commitment to responsible drinking, Smirnoff provided guests with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening. As always, Smirnoff encourages guests to celebrate responsibly at every Smirnoff event.

About Diageo:

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in some 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: seine@cornerstonepromotion.com

Source: Diageo

CONTACT: Ed James, +1-212-652-9295, ed@cornerstonepromotion.com; or
Esther-Mireya Tejeda, Diageo, +1-646-223-2328,
Esther-Mireya.Tejeda@diageo.com

Web Site: http://www.diageo.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment