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Sprite Launches The Living Tracklist Campaign, Printing 50 Classic Hip-Hop Lyrics on Limited-Edition Cans
Sprite, the Coca‑Cola beverage brand, has rolled out a fresh marketing effort called The Living Tracklist, featuring the lyrics of 50 landmark hip‑hop tracks on its cans and bottles from July to September. The project is a joint venture with Genius, the popular lyric‑annotation website.
The limited‑edition packaging comes in 26 unique designs that appear on both Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar cans and bottles. Six illustrators drew the artwork, drawing inspiration from iconic album covers and broader cultural references. Each can also sports a QR code that takes consumers to a custom Genius microsite where they can read annotated lyrics, explore background commentary, and enter sweepstakes.
"Sprite has never been a brand that just shows up when hip‑hop is trending. Sprite has been with the culture and of the culture since day one," said Chris Keyes, Sprite’s creative director for North America, to reporters. He added that the Living Tracklist is a “trust expression of that commitment to intentionality” and that the idea was developed in collaboration with cultural partners rather than in a boardroom.
Genius chief revenue officer Jackie Vignone explained the platform’s role: “Hip‑hop’s legacy is written in its lyrics. We’re inviting fans to revisit these iconic tracks, explore the stories behind them, and join the conversation around the music that continues to inspire culture today.” The microsite hosts the full 50‑song list and lets users view Genius’ detailed annotations.
The songs span six decades of hip‑hop history, starting with “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) and extending to contemporary releases such as GloRilla’s “TGIF.” Other tracks included are “C.R.E.A.M.,” “California Love,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Grindin’,” “Crank That,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “Bodak Yellow.” The selection was chosen to reflect the genre’s evolution and impact.
Launched during Black Music Month, the campaign aligns with Sprite’s long‑standing marketing strategy that has historically featured hip‑hop artists and references in its advertising.
From a business perspective, the initiative offers Sprite a way to engage a demographic that has historically been a key consumer of the brand. By combining collectible packaging with a digital experience, Sprite can drive repeat purchases and increase shelf visibility. The partnership with Genius also provides a platform for data collection on consumer interaction with the QR codes and microsite.
The limited‑edition cans are available nationwide in retail stores starting in July and will remain in circulation until September, after which the packaging will revert to the standard Sprite design.
In short, Sprite’s Living Tracklist celebrates 60 years of hip‑hop by printing 50 iconic song lyrics on collectible cans and bottles, pairing QR‑enabled packaging with a Genius microsite that offers lyric annotations and sweepstakes. The campaign runs from July through September and is part of Sprite’s broader strategy to stay connected to the genre’s fan base.
The limited‑edition packaging comes in 26 unique designs that appear on both Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar cans and bottles. Six illustrators drew the artwork, drawing inspiration from iconic album covers and broader cultural references. Each can also sports a QR code that takes consumers to a custom Genius microsite where they can read annotated lyrics, explore background commentary, and enter sweepstakes.
"Sprite has never been a brand that just shows up when hip‑hop is trending. Sprite has been with the culture and of the culture since day one," said Chris Keyes, Sprite’s creative director for North America, to reporters. He added that the Living Tracklist is a “trust expression of that commitment to intentionality” and that the idea was developed in collaboration with cultural partners rather than in a boardroom.
Genius chief revenue officer Jackie Vignone explained the platform’s role: “Hip‑hop’s legacy is written in its lyrics. We’re inviting fans to revisit these iconic tracks, explore the stories behind them, and join the conversation around the music that continues to inspire culture today.” The microsite hosts the full 50‑song list and lets users view Genius’ detailed annotations.
The songs span six decades of hip‑hop history, starting with “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) and extending to contemporary releases such as GloRilla’s “TGIF.” Other tracks included are “C.R.E.A.M.,” “California Love,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Grindin’,” “Crank That,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “Bodak Yellow.” The selection was chosen to reflect the genre’s evolution and impact.
Launched during Black Music Month, the campaign aligns with Sprite’s long‑standing marketing strategy that has historically featured hip‑hop artists and references in its advertising.
From a business perspective, the initiative offers Sprite a way to engage a demographic that has historically been a key consumer of the brand. By combining collectible packaging with a digital experience, Sprite can drive repeat purchases and increase shelf visibility. The partnership with Genius also provides a platform for data collection on consumer interaction with the QR codes and microsite.
The limited‑edition cans are available nationwide in retail stores starting in July and will remain in circulation until September, after which the packaging will revert to the standard Sprite design.
In short, Sprite’s Living Tracklist celebrates 60 years of hip‑hop by printing 50 iconic song lyrics on collectible cans and bottles, pairing QR‑enabled packaging with a Genius microsite that offers lyric annotations and sweepstakes. The campaign runs from July through September and is part of Sprite’s broader strategy to stay connected to the genre’s fan base.
