Zig-Zag’s Surprise Turntable Drop Pays Tribute to Vinyl Culture and Hip-Hop Legacy

Photo Courtesy Zig-Zag

For more than a century, Zig-Zag rolling papers have been a staple in hip-hop culture, immortalized in lyrics, album covers, and the hands of artists from coast to coast. Now, in a move no one saw coming, the brand best known for its rolling papers has dropped a limited-edition suitcase-style record player — a release as unexpected as it is undeniably on-brand.

Retailing for $99, the Zig-Zag Record Player is a three-speed belt-driven turntable housed in an orange suitcase-style casing with built-in stereo speakers, RCA and headphone outputs, Bluetooth streaming, and a USB port for digital playback. Designed for both home listening and portable use, it’s the latest entry into the world of branded nostalgia marketing, following in the footsteps of collaborations like Supreme’s boom boxes or the Wu-Tang Clan’s limited-edition Crosley turntable.

A Smokin’ Tribute to Vinyl and Hip-Hop

While it may seem like an odd move for a rolling paper company to dip into the turntable business, Zig-Zag has deeper ties to hip-hop and vinyl culture than some might realize. The brand's iconic orange logo was prominently referenced in Dr. Dre’s "The Chronic" album art in 1992, cementing its place in hip-hop's golden era. Over the decades, Zig-Zag has been name-dropped in countless rap songs, from Notorious B.I.G. to Juicy J, often as shorthand for laid-back, weed-fueled creativity.

But it’s not just the rap world that has embraced the Zig-Zag aesthetic. The brand has built a multi-
generational presence in music culture, appearing in classic rock, reggae, and even jazz circles — anywhere vinyl, counterculture and smoke-filled rooms have intersected.

The turntable’s release coincides with the launch of Zig-Zag’s Limited Edition Vintage Collection, which includes retro-styled rolling papers and apparel. The campaign, featuring musicians Rohan Marley and YG Marley, leans into multi-generational nostalgia, much like vinyl’s resurgence.

Vinyl’s Resurgence Meets Brand Marketing

The record player’s release comes amid a massive vinyl renaissance, with LP sales surpassing CDs for the first time since 1987. While collectors and audiophiles might turn their noses up at mass-market suitcase turntables, they remain wildly popular with younger audiences and casual listeners who want a stylish, entry-level way to spin records.

However, Zig-Zag’s foray into turntables raises some interesting questions about brand identity and nostalgia-driven marketing. Is this a genuine celebration of music culture, or simply another example of a company leveraging its street credibility to sell a lifestyle product?

Whatever the answer, Zig-Zag has successfully sparked curiosity and conversation, which in today’s marketing world, is just as valuable as selling out a product line.

Where to Find It

The Zig-Zag Record Player is available now for $99 on Zig-Zag’s official website, but with limited quantities, it may not be around for long. Whether it becomes a sought-after collector’s item or just another gimmicky product drop, one thing’s for sure—it’s already a talking point in hip-hop and vinyl circles alike.

N.O.R.E. Rewinds Time with New Hair Dye Campaign, Challenges Grooming Norms

The box for Rewind It 10's Jet Black Hair Dye, now endorsed by rapper and "Drink Champs" podcast host N.O.R.E., marks the latest collaboration between the hip-hop icon and the brand.

N.O.R.E., the rapper-turned-podcast titan known for hits like “Superthug” and “Oye Mi Canto,” has debuted a striking new look as the ambassador for Rewind It 10, a men’s hair dye brand co-founded by fellow hip-hop heavyweight Fat Joe. Known for decades as a bald icon, N.O.R.E. has traded his signature style for jet-black hair, sparking a cultural conversation about aging, masculinity, and reinvention in hip-hop.

“Ever since I started using Rewind It 10, I’ve been looking and feeling younger,” N.O.R.E. said in a statement. “I’m proof that you can rewind time, baby!”

Rewind It 10, launched in 2023 by Fat Joe, beauty entrepreneur Carolyn Aronson, and industry veteran Jeff Aronson, has positioned itself as a disruptor in the men’s grooming industry. Its products aim to challenge the stigma around hair coloring while offering options for men to express themselves confidently. The brand has quickly gained traction, with ambassadors like DJ Khaled, Travis Kelce and Tyson Beckford joining the campaign.

For fans who remember N.O.R.E. from his “Superthug” days, the transformation is jarring. His bald look was as much a part of his persona as his gruff voice and unapologetic swagger. The move has led many to question whether this shift represents a savvy business decision, a midlife reinvention, or a genuine embrace of self-expression.

Hip-hop has long been a genre steeped in hyper-masculinity, where appearances are tied to dominance and youth. N.O.R.E.’s embrace of hair dye challenges these long-standing norms, opening the door to more nuanced conversations about aging in a culture that often prizes staying “forever young.” Fat Joe’s involvement with Rewind It 10 also underscores how prominent hip-hop figures are normalizing self-care and self-reinvention, creating space for artists to embrace change without compromising their credibility.

While N.O.R.E.’s foray into hair dye may seem like a lighthearted shift, it represents something deeper: a new chapter in the evolution of hip-hop’s elder statesmen. Artists like N.O.R.E. and Fat Joe are reshaping what it means to age within a genre that has traditionally celebrated rebellion and youthful bravado. Through ventures like this, they remain relevant while challenging outdated stereotypes about masculinity.

N.O.R.E., whose influence extends beyond music through his widely popular podcast “Drink Champs,” continues to leverage his platform to connect with audiences in unexpected ways. The podcast, ranked among Edison Research’s top 50 in the U.S., has featured cultural heavyweights such as Dave Chappelle, Alicia Keys, and Kevin Hart. N.O.R.E.’s ability to pivot between music, media, and business speaks to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt in an ever-changing industry.

Rewind It 10’s rapid rise in popularity reflects a growing cultural shift. The brand has quickly become a best-seller at major retailers like CVS and Amazon, generating more than $50 million in sales since its launch. Co-founder Jeff Aronson called N.O.R.E. “one of the most influential voices in media and culture” and praised his ability to inspire others to embrace change.

Whether N.O.R.E.’s new look is a calculated move to stay relevant or a genuine embrace of personal reinvention, one thing is certain: he continues to keep people talking. In a genre where reinvention often defines success, N.O.R.E.’s decision to embrace change reinforces his legacy as an artist who refuses to stand still.

'Walk It Out' Rapper DJ Unk Dead at 43, Atlanta Music Scene in Mourning

Anthony Leonard Platt, known to hip-hop fans as DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper who rose to fame with the 2006 hit "Walk It Out," has died at the age of 43.

News of his passing was shared Wednesday by family and collaborators, including his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, who confirmed his death in an emotional Facebook post.

“I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father,” Long-Platt wrote. “Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.” She asked for privacy as her family processes their loss.

Rest in Peace, DJ Unk 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vINpoPGqJO

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 25, 2025

No cause of death has been disclosed.

DJ Unk, a pioneer of Atlanta's snap music movement, was signed to Korey “Big Oomp” Robinson’s Big Oomp Records in 2000. The label released his breakout hits, including "Walk It Out" and "2 Step," both of which became anthems of the mid-2000s.

In a heartfelt tribute, Big Oomp Records reflected on his impact. “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as ‘DJ Unk,’” the label wrote in an Instagram post. “Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come.”

R.I.P. MY BOY DJ UNK MAN…. REAL ATLANTA LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/dkpZPNfoBR

— Atlanta Hood Historian (@kodakk6000) January 24, 2025

The Falcons, Atlanta’s NFL team, also paid tribute on social media, posting, “Rest in peace DJ Unk.”

Unk’s music, known for its high-energy beats and infectious hooks, was emblematic of the snap music era that dominated Atlanta in the 2000s. “Walk It Out” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and its remix featured hip-hop heavyweights André 3000, Jim Jones and Big Boi.

Though he kept a low profile in recent years, DJ Unk openly discussed his health struggles after suffering a heart attack in 2009. In a 2010 interview with XXL, he detailed how stress and poor lifestyle habits led to his health scare.

Legendary Atlanta rapper and DJ Unk has died ... His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, posted on Facebook Friday afternoon ... "Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER" pic.twitter.com/9qZPfk6IxI

— RAPCARTEL (@RAPCARTEL_) January 25, 2025

“I got to get healthy not just for my sake, but also for my kids and for my wife,” he said at the time. The rapper emphasized his efforts to change his lifestyle, cutting back on drinking and smoking while focusing on his faith.

“Everything was so fast. Instead of praying once like before, I go twice a day,” Unk shared. “It’s a blessing to be here.”

DJ Unk’s influence on Atlanta’s music scene remains undeniable. His sound helped define a generation of Southern hip-hop and continues to inspire artists today.