Rappers are the curators of cool. No matter how much professional experience they possess or lack, if a rapper appeals to a company's demographic, that brand has no problem handing the artist an endorsement deal. But when companies want to take the artist co-sign a step further, they give these rappers creative directors or designer positions.

Sometimes the rap act is genuinely invested in the brand. Swizz Beatz is a well-known sneakerhead in the rap world and an avid art collector so it made perfect sense for Reebok to tap him as their creative director in 2011. Together, Swizz and Reebok relaunched the Kamikaze, which effectively sold out in 10 minutes.

“Swizz had a huge influence in bringing back signature styles he thought were right for the market,” said Todd Krinsky, vice president of Classics and Entertainment at Reebok, of the partnership.

Other times, the partnership just simply makes sense. American Express hooked up Pharrell as their newest creative director late last year. AMEX Platinum provides its cardholders with exclusive social experiences like concerts, festivals, tastings and more. And since pretty much anything Skateboard P touches turns to hip-hop gold, the financial services corp teamed up with the producer and style icon to add the cool factor to "guide their global experiences" moving forward.

Teen sensation and former XXL Freshman Lil Yachty was named creative designer of Nautica earlier this month. Lil Yachty has modeled for Nautica in the past and because his entire rap image is centered around boats and a nautical theme, it's pretty much a no brainer.

Check out which rappers have held creative director or creative designer titles over the years.

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