CONVERSE SEES BIG UPSIDE TO PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MASTER P

          In a move that "reflects the rising cultural influence
     of hip-hop musicians and possibly the waning marketing
     appeal of" NBA athletes, MA-based Converse has signed Percy
     "Master P" Miller to a "promotion" deal, according to USA
     TODAY's Melanie Wells.  Converse Senior VP James Solomon, on
     Miller: "This guy is an absolute hero to the youth of
     America."  The company "won't say what it is paying" Miller,
     but the rap artist will produce a CD that "will be given
     away with each $100 pair" of No Limit Converse sneakers    
     -- which will be Converse's most expensive shoe and "will
     hit the stores in time for back-to-school sales."  Miller
     will also wear Converse apparel on CD packaging, music
     videos and in personal appearances (USA TODAY, 3/29).