He wore the crown, but not the jimmie hat / Now he wears a frown and the jimmie hates that.

October 3, 2003 12:09 PM

Jimmie Hatz, the official condom of Hip Hop Kulture™. Available in Great Dane and Rottweiler. Hey, whatever gets more people to use them, no? (flash-based site)
posted by Ufez Jones (6 comments total)

There's a lot of educational information on there, and they do seem to be very concerned (and rightly so) with the increase in minority HIV rates. From their about page:

To increase awareness of the AIDS epidemic and decrease the rate of minority infection. Our goal is to always keep it fun and grassroots which enables us to pioneer the integration of condoms and “Hip Hop Kulture.”

That the Jimmie Hatz Logo will become synonymous with responsible sexual behavior and adopted into the Hip Hop Kulture. We will achieve this by partnering with AIDS service organizations, educational programs, companies and entertainers in the music industry, and with products released bearing the Jimmie Hatz Logo.

Common Ground USA is the only company in the world marketing condoms a.k.a. Jimmie Hatz exclusively to the highest at risk populations. Jimmie Hatz are unique and exclusively targeted for Urban Consumers ages 18 - 34.

Our competitive edge is our sincere desire and commitment to make a difference and not solely increase the bottom line. The Jimmie Hatz Logo has been designed to attract and peak the interest of the Hip-Hop Kulture. Our outreach and educational programs focus on changing social norms about condom use, assuring effective use and provisions for greater access.

But does it seem just a little bit over the top to anyone but me? But like I said, if it works, more power to them.
posted by Ufez Jones at 12:13 PM on October 3, 2003

This has been done before by 2 Live Crew when they came out with Homeboy Condoms back in the early 90's. Harry Terrell may succeed at the Jimmie Hatz but he's going to need major distribution to make this any more successful than the long gone Homeboy condoms.

I have not actually held one of these Jimmie Hatz condoms in my hands yet but it seems as though one key of this would be to have a variety of colors in the line. Dark condoms tend to be a glossy black. I read something somewhere a theory that in order to succeed in the condom market in such a niche you'd need to come out with a line of varied chocolate colors. (I don't have the link handy.)

If Terrell takes that advice to heart he may be able to make something of this. If not and they only come in normal (off-white or pink) condom colors or the glossy black variety I have to wonder if he'll succeed.

(Disclosure - I'm a condom professional.)
posted by filchyboy at 2:15 PM on October 3, 2003

Finally, something to catch my pimp juice.
posted by qDot at 3:12 PM on October 3, 2003

I don't care if she's from the block, if she looks refined
have a greasy good time with Nonoxynol-9...

You win, qDot...
posted by LinusMines at 5:09 PM on October 3, 2003

"Common Ground USA is the only company in the world marketing condoms a.k.a. Jimmie Hatz exclusively to the highest at risk populations. Jimmie Hatz are unique and exclusively targeted for Urban Consumers ages 18 - 34."

Look, this is unfortunately bad sounding. A website aiming at youth in the inner city shouldn't play on misconceptions such as primarily african american music and art, and trust me I am not trying to act like, say, Rush Limbaugh.

I don't know, maybe im trying not to make a point because I am white and hence I do not know what its like to be thrown down and my ancesters before me used as a slave.

And by the way, I like the "Positive Living" thing. HIV-Positive? That's just a positive way to live! Wow! Lets feel sorry for the brother that didn't put his jimmy hat on.
posted by Keyser Soze at 6:14 AM on October 4, 2003

Condoms must be ordered in quantities of 12, 50 or 100

100? Damn, I'm a playa, but not that much of a playa! 50 will do me for the weekend, G.

[Favourite section: Freedom From Hole]
posted by filmgoerjuan at 7:06 AM on October 4, 2003