Kanye signs sneaker deal with Adidas; Drake signs with Jordan brand
theGRIO REPORT - Kanye West told Angie Martinez that he recently left sportswear giant Nike for multiple reasons citing creative control and not acquiring royalties for his popular Air Yeezy sneakers...
In a radio interview last week at New York’s Hot 97, Kanye West told Angie Martinez that he recently left sportswear giant Nike for multiple reasons, citing creative control and not acquiring royalties for his popular Air Yeezy sneakers:
“I said, ‘Well I need royalties.’ It’s not even like I have a joint venture. At least give me some royalties. Michael Jordan has 5 percent and that business is $2 billion. He makes a $100 million dollars a year off of 5 percent royalties. Nike told me, ‘We can’t give you royalties because you’re not a professional athlete.’ I told them, ‘I go to the Garden and play one-on-no-one. I’m a performance athlete.’”
Nike’s rival Adidas felt they could give “Yeezus” the respect (and money) he deserves.
In an official statement Adidas, confirmed their new sneaker deal with Kanye and they’re beyond elated to have the “cultural icon” on board.
“For 2014, we welcome to the Adidas family one of the most influential cultural icons of this generation, Kanye West,” Adidas said. “Well known for breaking boundaries across music, film and design and partnering with our history in street wear culture and leading innovations in sport, we look forward to creating a new chapter. Details to follow.”
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Mr. West isn’t the only rapper signing sneaker deals like an athlete.
The pride of Toronto Drake joins the likes of LeBron James, Chris Paul and others as a Michael Jordan brand ambassador complete with his own shoe.
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As a member of “Team Jordan,” Drake previewed his “OVO Stingray” kicks via Instagram and they look smooth.
Details are scarce on the breakdown of Drizzy’s deal, but it seems the trend of musicians becoming the face of sports gear isn’t going anywhere soon.
Would you buy a pair of Drake Jordans? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
You can check out Kyle’s musical coverage on theGrio music page, and follow Kyle on Twitter at @HarveyWins.
