Based in Atlanta, Rap Snacks is officially now the most distributed Black-owned brand of potato chips. The founder, James Lindsay, and his partner, Master P, have recently brokered a deal to have the snacks sold in more than 4,200 Walmart stores across the country.
Rap Snacks is not new though; Lindsay actually launched the company back in 1994. With the help of his friends and family who wanted to invest, he raised $40,000 and the company quickly grew into a $5 million business.
The smaller bag size, however, that they were using for the chips was not very profitable, and the company had to stop it's operations temporarily. But in 2017, Rap Snacks was relaunched with a new strategy - larger bags and a higher retail price. The new format was a big success, and now with Master P on board as a partner, the product is now being distributed in Walmart - America's largest retailer.
Competing by being different
The snack food industry is a $550 billion industry, and what makes Rap Snacks different is their unique flavors of potato chips and the package designs which celebrate hip-hop culture and feature the faces of popular hip-hop artists.
Artists featured in the past on the Rap Snacks lineup include Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Master P, Meek Mill, Yung Joc, Bell Biv Devoe, Baby, Big Tymers, Pretty Willie, Ms. Toi, Mack 10, and Pastor Troy. But the most popular flavors now are the Migos' Sour & Cream with a dab of Ranch, Cardi B's Cheddar BBQ, Fetty Wap's Honey Jalapeño, Lil Boosie's Louisiana Heat Wavy, Lil Yachty's Hot Cheese Fries, and more.
Getting to the next level
Rap Snacks was previously being distributed in smaller retail locations including some 7-11 stores in select regions, but this new Walmart deal is guaranteed to take the brand to the next level.
But Lindsay wants more than just national distribution. During a recent interview on MSNBC's The Beat with Ari Melbor, he revealed that their next step is to take Rap Snacks to a universal level, and also expand their product line. In fact, they are already rolling out the launch of a line of hip-hop inspired noodles called Rap Noodles.
Both Lindsay and Master P also heavily emphasized that their goal is to inspire more African Americans to become business owners, as only 7% of the nation's businesses are Black-owned.
For more details about Rap Snacks and/or to purchase the products in bulk online, visit http://www.rapsnacks.net or follow them on social media @OfficialRapSnacks