How Potato Chips Became the Ultimate Symbol of Hip-Hop Culture and Community

March 14 is National Potato Chip Day, a celebration of one of America’s favorite snacks.

More than just a crunchy treat, potato chips are a part of pop culture, especially hip-hop. At Rap Snacks, we’ve been blending music and snacking for decades. You could say it’s what we do best.

Driven by his passion for hip-hop and snacks, James Lindsay, the founder and CEO of Rap Snacks, built a bridge between the music and food industries. A Philadelphia native and Cheyney University alumnus, he's been an entrepreneur for over 30 years.

He began with a $40,000 loan from friends and family and then grew that into a multimillion-dollar company. Today, Rap Snacks is the fastest-growing convenience store potato chip brand in the United States.

The Role of Snacks in Hip-Hop Culture

Food has always been a major part of hip-hop culture, especially in lyrics and music videos. Corner stores, or bodegas, are often referenced by artists. Shows like FCK That’s Delicious highlight the deep relationship between hip-hop and food.

In major cities like New York, bodegas are gathering places where people stop for a quick breakfast, coffee, or snack. Potato chips, a staple in these stores, are a favorite grab-and-go option.

Recognizing hip-hop's growing influence, Lindsay spotted an opportunity to merge music with snacking. He quickly put his vision into action, calling a manufacturer the day after writing down his idea. Within two months, he sold 800 cases, and the journey officially begun.

When Lindsay founded Rap Snacks in 1994, he wasn’t just creating another chip brand. He was building a part of hip-hop culture, little did he know.

March 14: A Celebration of Flavor

On National Potato Chip Day, we’re turning up the good vibes even more.

March is here, and that means one thing- basketball's biggest tournament is taking over screens and conversation everywhere. Now, what’s a game without some fuel?

March Madness + National Potato Chip Day = Flavor Madness! Rap Snacks is bringing the heat with our Flavor Madness bundle - featuring 24 bags of next-level flavor to fuel your game day snacks all month long. This exclusive bundle is perfect for fueling your March Madness festivities.

Inside the Bundle:

· 6 Bags – Rick Ross Sweet Chili Lemon Pepper

· 6 Bags – Snoop Dogg OG BBQ Cheddar

· 6 Bags – Lil Baby All In

· 6 Bags – Migos Sour Cream with a Dab of Ranch

That’s 24 bags of next-level flavor to keep you snacking all tournament long!

But hurry— available for a limited time only. Grab yours now before its game over!

From MC Potato to Hip-Hop Icons

Before Rap Snacks featured artists on our packaging, we originally had a mascot called MC Potato. He was great, but we needed a stronger connection to the culture.

A pivotal moment arrived when we pitched Universal Music Group the idea of featuring their artists on our bags. They loved the concept, and as collaborations grew over time, we became a cultural phenomenon.

Hip-hop knows no limits. It’s the most dominant force in music. Rap Snacks now features some of the biggest names in the game, from Lil Baby to Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj. Our flavors are as bold and unique as their styles, personalities, and beats.

This National Potato Chip Day, we’re celebrating by expanding into new markets and launching new collaborations. Our goal remains simple: level up, keep disrupting, and leave absolutely no crumbs behind.

Stay hungry, stay inspired, and most importantly, stay snackin’.