Nick Cannon Joins RadioShack Because Two Forgotten Brands Are Better Than One

RadioShack, the perpetually-near-death electronics retailer with more nostalgia than business savvy, has a new “Chief Creative Officer.” It’s Nick Cannon, the ex-husband of Mariah Carey, host of MTV2’s “Wild ‘N Out” and author of veritable hip-hop chart-toppers like “Pajama Party” and “Your Pops Don’t Like Me.”

Because some in the Re/code office thought that RadioShack had shut down completely and were convinced this was a hoax, we reached out to a representative for RadioShack who confirmed the announcement in a phone call.

“Yes, it is 100 percent legit, and it’s more than him lending his name — he really is going to be involved, he really is going to be the CCO, he’ll have an office in Fort Worth (RadioShack’s HQ),” said RadioShack representative Alessandra Carriero. “He’ll be developing a line of exclusive products, helping to carry the in-store experience, like music experience and educational programs, such as RadioShack’s STEM initiative.”

RadioShack entered bankruptcy protection earlier this year and was rescued with a purchase by the hedge fund Standard General. The company has survived with more than 1,000 co-branded Sprint stores, but perhaps RadioShack’s real turnaround will begin with a fresh marketing push headed by the creator of recent Hollywood smash hits like “School Dance” and Cartoon Network’s (canceled) “Incredible Crew.”

That said, “Wild ‘N Out” is pretty funny. Perhaps RadioShack’s new in-store experience will also involve celebrity guests roasting Nick Cannon’s rap career.

You can read RadioShack’s full press release here. Below are some tweets for further evidence that we aren’t tricking you:

https://twitter.com/NickCannon/status/672109071202394113

https://twitter.com/RadioShack/status/672096805954437120

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via