Air New Zealand mascot Rico goes viral with Snoop Dogg

The video and track was released on YouTube in the run-up to the 28 March launch of Snoop's new album Doggumentary. 

Speaking on the collaboration with Rico, Snoop said, "Meet this guy and you’ll understand why I wanted to work with him. He’s funny. He’s a little bit edgy and a little bit naughty, which is a nice change for an industry that is known for having some of the dullest marketing known to mankind."

Mike Tod, Air New Zealand general marketing manager, said Snoop Dogg and Rico combined have millions of followers in social media and performing a song together came naturally.

“Both have courted controversy in their careers and both love to sing – arguably one better than the other, but still, it makes for some light entertainment,” he added.

Clad in a New Zealand All Blacks rugby jersey, Snoop raps the lyrics for the song and video completed at Wavaflow Studios in Hollywood.

Rico is Air New Zealand's global ambassador created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Los Angeles.

The mascot has featured in online advertising promoting the airlines new products the Economy SkyCouch and Premium Economy Spaceseat, an inflight safety video and has spent the summer touring around New Zealand, documenting his experiences in a series of video diaries.