Metro Urban Flashback: Top Advertisements of Famous Black Celebrities

Starting from the 40’s, and up into the 90’s, we’ve found vintage print ad’s from Aaliyah, Langston Hughes, and Puff Daddy, to Dorothy Dandridge, Diana Ross, and even Tupac!

Black History Month approved, this cool little list includes our favorite print advertisements to ever ride through the history of celebrity endorsements. There’s nothing like seeing your favorite celebrity model for your favorite designer, rock your favorite sunglasses, drive your favorite car, or walk in a runway show you’ve always dreamed of sitting front row in.

You know what they say, there’s nothing new under the sun.

The late Aaliyah  Aaliyah in one of her 1990’s Tommy Hilfiger ad campaigns.

Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones in a 1962 Mercury Records print ad.

The late and great Tupac Shakur in a 1995 Karl Kani ad campaign.

Poet Langston Hughes in a 1960 Smirnoff Vodka ad.

The late Whitney Houston in a 1980’s Max Factor print ad.

Bill Dee Williams in a 1984 tcb hair products print ad.

Rapper Lil Kim with Singer & Actress Mary J Blidge for the MAC Viva Glam ad campaign, March 2000.

Actress Ruby Dee, in a 1966 Simplicity sewing patterns ad.

Puff Daddy Diddy in a 1996 Karl Kani Jeans ad campaign.

The gorgeous Dorothy Dandridge in a 1960 Rheingold beer print ad.

Dorothy Dandridge again in a 1950’s Jax Beer print ad.

Rap icon Nas for a 1996 Karl Kani print ad.

Diana Ross in a 1972 Blackglama Mink “What Becomes A Legend Most?” Ad Campaign

Rap icon LL Cool J in a 1996 FUBU print ad.

Hollywood starlet Judy Pace in a 1967 Ultra Sheen print ad.

Snopp Dogg Lion in a 1997 Lugz print ad.

Do people still wear these?

Snoop Dogg Lion again in a 1998 Lugz print ad.

Dancer/ Actress Carmen de Lavallade in a 1967 Coca Cola print ad.

Singer Song-writer Sam Cooke for a 1964 L&M cigarettes print ad.

Singer Natalie Cole in a 1970’s Fashion Fair print ad.

As well as legendary musician Aretha Franklin, in a 1970’s Fashion Fair print ad.

Rapper Lil Kim and her Junior Mafia crew in a 1996 DAVOUCCI print ad.

Did you know that Tupac walked in Versace’s SS 1996 show in Milan?

Be sure to credit us under all your Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr repost.

Continued cheers to Black History Month,

-The Scoop