S. Samuel
Maybach Music Group member Wale recently talked about the power of entertainers and explained the edge hip-hop artists have over high-profile sports athletes. #KickGame
In Wale’s opinion, sneaker companies should consider investing more money into hip-hop endorsements if they want more bang for their bucks.
“In 2009, I had the opportunity to design the 2010 Air Max. I don’t know what happened with that. They presented me with the opportunity to but things happen at Nike. I ain’t never complain. I just think the shoe companies need to respect the entertainment business outside of sports. Rick Ross can sell more Reeboks than [Philadelphia 76ers’] Nerlens Noel. Drake can move more Jordans than, you know, I’m not trying to offend anybody on Team Jordan. But it’s just the way that it is now. Not to say their guys can’t sell shoes, obviously no rapper can sell more shoes than LeBron and no rapper can sell more shoes than [Kevin Durant], but you know the entertainment business, we here too.” (Complex TV)
Young Money’s Drake made headlines this past weekend over a pair of designed OVO-themed Air Jordan sneakers.
OVO crew is about to look real fresh for the summer. After designing an OVO Air Jordan 12 and Jordan 10, Drake is back with another. This time he brings his Black & Gold traditional colors to the Air Jordan 6. Maybe he’s not aware of DMP 6?s, but Jordan Brand taught us years ago this colorway is fire. Shout out to Drake getting his own PE’s for the team, thats how you really put on for the squad. Maybe he’ll design a cleat for his bestfriend Johnny Manziel who was caught wearing 6?s in practice. (The Shoe Game)
Recently, rap veteran Nas spoke on launching his own sneaker store and seeing fellow hip-hop artists landing shoe deals.
“That’s what we do. That is what we are all about. If those sneakers come out and kill, it just shows how much hip-hop guys love their shoes. Hip-hop guys should be behind the design of sneakers.” (Complex)
In December, rap star 2 Chainz argued rappers could compete with their own sneaker lines against star athletes’ signature collections.
“Yeah, yeah, let me tell you something. Rap is all year round, we’re not seasonal,” Chainz said when asked if hip-hop artists could sell more sneakers than professional athletes. “See, what’s going on is you got football season. And you got basketball season. And you got baseball season. There ain’t no hip-hop season. So we’re able to wear these shoes all year round. We are the rock stars. I do have an effect on pop culture, so at the end of the day, I think we can sell as many shoes as the next man can.” (Sports Nation)
Check out Wale’s interview:
