Adidas is facing legal action from shareholders who are suing the company for not cutting ties with Kanye West earlier due to his alleged extreme behavior and antisemitism. This latest setback adds to the sportswear giant’s woes as it struggles to maintain its market position after cutting ties with Ye. Adidas shareholders have sued the […]
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Ye’s anti-semitic meltdown was one of the biggest stories of 2022. The debacle began when the musician, formerly known as Kanye West, wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt in Paris. “White Lives Matter” is a slogan heavily associated with white supremacist groups and other far-right entities. Ye then doubled down, posting screenshots of a conversation with Puff Daddy. The texts show Ye saying “Ima use you as an example to show the Jewish people that told you to call me that no one can threaten or influence me.”
Two days later, on October 9, Ye’s anti-semitic remarks became even more blatant. The rapper took to Twitter to declare “I’m going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE. You guys have toyed with me and tried to blackball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.” He was then interviewed by former Fox host Tucker Carlson, where Ye said “I prefer my kids knew Hanukkah than Kwanzaa. At least it will come with some financial engineering.” This finally led to sportswear company Adidas cutting ties with Ye. Adidas had collaborated with Ye on the Yeezys shoe line since 2013. The final straw appeared to be a public declaration by Ye that he could be publicly anti-semitic without facing consequences from Adidas.
Adidas is reportedly set to lose around $1.3 billion from unsold Yeezys inventory. That is just one of the reasons that they are now facing a class action lawsuit from their investors. Shareholders have alleged that the company’s refusal to cut ties with Ye, as well as their inability to financially weather their eventual decision to drop him, is starting to hurt their portfolios.
However, that’s not all the suit alleges. In addition to the financial impact, investors are claiming that senior Adidas executives knew about Ye’s anti-semitic beliefs. The suit alleges that this information was kept from the public view to mitigate its financial impact. Furthermore, the suit alleges that this course of action led to the artificial inflation of Adidas’ share price. Moreover, hiding Ye’s behavior and thus inflating the share price worsened the financial impact when the stock later tanked. Adidas is yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.
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Everyone has their favorite pair of Kobe Bryant sneakers. The Black Mamba made a huge impact in basketball during his 20-season-long career. Similarly, his signature kicks with both Nike and Adidas have cemented their place in sneaker culture. Over 22 Kobe Bryant signature sneakers dropped throughout his unmatched career. From his promising rookie year to his amazing 60-point final performance, the legacy of his shoes is on par with his legendary career. Below, we’ve broke down the 7 best signature Kobe Bryant sneakers.
Unveiled during the 1997-98 season, this is the signature Kobe Bryant sneaker that started it all. The KB8 marked the first signature Adidas Kobe Bryant sneaker and remains a staple among Black Mamba fans. Kobe wore this signature shoe when facing his idol, Michael Jordan, during the 1998 All-Star Game where he dropped a team-high 18 points for the Western Conference. The shoe eventually became known as the “Crazy 8” once it was later re-released in 2007. To this day, it remains one of the most popular Kobe Bryant sneakers from his Adidas era.
The Nike Zoom Kobe 1 kicked off his fruitful partnership with a bang. Eventually brought back as the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro, this shoe continues to be one of the most popular silhouettes. The Black Mamba wore these shoes the same season that he won his first scoring title, as well as the night he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. The advanced technology of the Protro along with many popular colorways make the first Kobe Bryant sneaker to carry the Swoosh a top choice to this day.
First looks at the 2021 Nike Zoom Kobe 6 “Grinch”
pic.twitter.com/yGlLabEARr
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) November 11, 2020
One of the most iconic Kobe Bryant sneakers, the Nike Zoom Kobe 6 makes a bold statement. Fully committing to the then-new Black Mamba persona, the shoe matched the personality by featuring a complete snake-scale-inspired upper. The snakeskin motif has been kept in all of the many popular colorways of the Nike Zoom Kobe 6, including “The Grinch” and the “All-Star.” The unorthodox design continues to be a hit among fans, making it one of the most beloved Kobe Bryant sneakers.
Who says the sequel always has to suck? The second addition to the Adidas era of Kobe Bryant sneakers, the KB8 II, is considered a must-have among sneakerheads. These Kobe Bryant signature sneakers debuted during the 1998-99 season with three colorways: black, white, and purple. The popular shoe saw a 2014 re-release in the two colorways of white/purple and black/purple. The full purple colorway of the Kobe Bryant sneakers was later released by Adidas, as well.
Adidas is re-releasing the Crazy 1 Kobe’s on November 11th pic.twitter.com/EsFKH7Zoky
— SAY CHEESE!
(@SaycheeseDGTL) November 1, 2022
The unorthodox look of these Kobe Bryant sneakers from Adidas comes from what many may call an unlikely partnership between the sportswear brand and Audi. Located just an hour away from each other in Germany, the two brands crossed paths, leading to the release of one of the best releases in the history of Kobe Bryant sneakers. The shoe has been worn on the court by stars like Andre Iguodala and Jerami Grant. The “Kobe 1” also marked the debut of Kobe Bryant’s signature logo. Reminiscent of an Audi sports car, the sneakers have the same sleekness that Kobe always showed on the court!
When Kobe Bryant spoke with the designers of this shoe, he told them that he needed a sneaker that “fit like a second skin.” The end result was a boundary-pushing shoe that pushed boundaries that went on to be considered one of the best Kobe Bryant sneakers. The range and flexibility of the model represent the explosiveness of the Black Mamba’s game. After its debut, the sneaker was coveted by sneakerheads, as well as other players like Lamar Odom. Colorways like the “Chaos Joker” and “Metallic Gold” versions keep the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 as popular as the day it debuted.
Released in 2015, this is Kobe Bryant’s 10th signature shoe with Nike. The minimalist design brought a simple, yet stylish, look to go along with comfort and performance. The Kobe Bryant sneakers come in many different colorways, as well as Nike Flynit versions, as well. Though it is not as common to see low-tops on the court, the Nike Zoom Kobe 10 Low continues to be an on-court favorite of other players. The Kobe Bryant sneakers are still worn by players including Zach Lavine, Jaylen Brown and Demar DeRozan.
Pharrell is easily one of the most creative people on the planet. Overall, he is a legend when it comes to the music world. He has contributed to some of the most iconic albums ever made. Moreover, he is someone who is big into fashion. He is a large reason for the success of brands like BAPE. Additionally, he has been working with Adidas for quite a while. His Humanrace line is extremely beloved by sneakerheads, and he continues to add to his library. Although the Humanrace NMD was his first child, he now finds himself working on other models.
For instance, Pharrell now has the Adidas Humanrace Samba. The Samba is a staple of Adidas at this point. Overall, it is one of those shoes that is just extremely hard to hate. Although it is basic, you can imagine what kind of flare Pharrell would bring to it. In fact, Pharrell recently unveiled his Adidas Humanrace Samba “Colors Pack” on Instagram. There are Red, Pink, Yellow, Orange, and Lilac colorways here. Furthermore, white, terracotta, and charcoal are also featured.
What makes these colorways special is the fact that they are monochromatic. The monochromatic look has been popular for quite a while now. Having said that, it makes sense that Pharrell would want to go in this kind of direction. The Samba is already a clean-looking shoe, and these colorways embrace that. Moreover, the summer is coming soon which means colorful shoes will be a must. These offerings will definitely fit the weather perfectly. As for whether or not the fans are going to appreciate these, remains to be seen.
For those of you out there who want these, the release details are quite specific. As Pharrell explains, April 28th will see a Something In The Water pre-launch for the Red, Pink, Yellow, Orange, and Lilac color schemes. From there, they will drop on May 6th over at Adidas and Humanrace.com. As for the other colorways, those are going to drop at a later date. That said, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. Additionally, let us know which colorway is your favorite, in the comments below.
Communities around the world have worn Adidas collaborations for decades. Getting its start in Germany, what was once solely a sportswear company has exploded into a defining headliner in the fashion industry. Curating designs for every season, their sneaker portfolio has been a cultural force as far back as the 1950s. Blending nostalgia with modern-day trends, Adidas has pioneered the comeback of many vintage trends over the past decade.
Adidas first got its start in the sporting goods industry. With the three stripes being born in 1949, the West German players dubbed their football shoe “The Samba” after a match in 1950. The name stuck, acting as the launching pad for a company that would eventually branch out from the sport’s trademark. To this day, The Samba remains one of Adidas’ best-selling sneakers. By the 1970s, people were repping their clothing for the purpose of fashion just as much as for athletic performance. This dual influence quickly propelled Adidas into one of the household names in the clothing industry. Today, we’re looking at some of the greatest sneaker collaborations from Adidas over its 73-year history.
British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner infused European heritage with an Afro-Atlantic spirit when she curated the Wales Bonner-Adidas collection. Adidas Originals by Wales Bonner offers vibrant colorways which mirror 70s-80s African vintage culture. Most recently, the two came together for a Spring/Summer drop in 2022.
Speaking on the collaboration in an interview with CNN, she stated, “Things need to stand out for something very strongly, both culturally and visually. This is bringing out the best in designers, and the audience is responsive – they’re valuing expression and beauty. I think that’s what people will continue to celebrate.” The Wales Bonner collaboration has certainly been celebrated, with it being one of the most in-demand Adidas sneakers during the summer season.
While Adidas was rooted as an affordable company for the average working-class person, many of their recent collaborations have dived into the world of luxury. Their Gucci collaboration saw Adidas get out of their comfort zone with the Adidas Gazelle sneaker, a collection that retails at $850 USD. The final product took inspiration from the 1979 version of the shoe. First teased on the Italian house’s Milan runway in February, their Winter/Fall collection sold out rapidly in 2022. The drop was re-issued at the beginning of April 2023. The classic Adidas Gazelle sneaker blends formalness with a down-to-earth touch, making its look applicable to the monotony of daily life or high-end occasions.
Prada is one of the most iconic brands in the fashion industry. The collaboration between Prada and Adidas was one that pays homage to their extensive heritages. Adidas x Prada Luna Rossa sneakers sported a sleek and simplistic design that tributes to their respective backgrounds. The two colorways were either all-white or all-black. The shoe is currently listed in the range of $650-$700 USD. In retrospect, we’re still in the early days of the two brands collaborating. As they continue to trade creative ideas, this partnership should be one of the most profitable in the fashion industry over the coming decade.
Adidas has a unique ability to release sneakers that fit into any and all scenarios of daily life. Whether you’re skating around town or heading out to an expensive restaurant, many of their collaborations find a way to create a single sneaker that camouflages into each of these worlds. Adidas’s collaborations with Pharrell Williams haven’t been any different. Since 2014, Pharrell and Adidas have undertaken a variety of different launches. The first Pharrell collaboration saw the Superstar sneaker released in an unprecedented 50 different colorways. Adidas stated, “The sneakers were curated with everyday use in mind, making sure they can handle anything life throws at you. But every day does not mean plain.” The two also came together for the Adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams collaboration.
Adidas first collaborated with Raf Simons in 2013 on the original Ozweego Runner. The partnership has lasted a decade, ranging from the Stan Smith to the New Runner. The Ozweego III is one of the most desirable sneakers in fashion, introducing droves of creative colorways and slight variations of the original release. The shoe is best known for its comfortability, often being seen as a cheaper alternative to the Yeezy. The Belgian Designer and Adidas have gone on to curate some of the most profitable partnerships in fashion to date. In addition, Simons has worked as the Creative Director for brands such as Calvin Klein and Christian Dior.
Kanye West is larger than life, which has proved both a blessing and a curse for the Adidas Brand. Certainly not one to mince his words, Adidas cut ties with Ye amidst a slew of controversial statements made by the Donda artist. However, the Yeezy collaboration proved to be one of their most profitable and ambitious to date. Take the Yeezy Boost 700, which showcases a refreshing and experimental aesthetic. The Yeezy sneakers consistently challenged the status quo, resulting in $1 billion to $2 billion of Adidas’s overall net worth.
It remains to be seen how the dust will settle between Ye and Adidas. While Adidas cut ties with him, there’s still a massive inventory of Yeezy products. Some reports hinted that Adidas would essentially dump the shoes, while others have suggested that the two sides reached a settlement agreement in order to sell the remaining products earlier this year. Either way, the ending of their partnership closes one of the most iconic partnerships in the fashion industry to date.
One of the largest collabs in sneaker history, McCartney (daughter of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney) is best known for adding a subtly unique spin to classic Adidas shoes. The Adidas Stan Smith, for example, changes the sidewall dot stripes for star stripes and the standard white laces for a rainbow pair. While some criticize the shoe for sacrificing comfort for a retro look and feel, there’s a reason why the pair have continued to collaborate for over a decade.
The Stella McCartney collaboration has played a key role in Adidas being role to expand their target market beyond the 15–30-year-old demographic. With 00s teens growing up with the shoe, they’ve continued to sport the shoe as they’ve entered the latter stages of adulthood. With a penchant for sharp and tailored femineity, the McCartney-Adidas collaboration isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Adidas has been a significant force in the sneaker world since Adi Dassler first started the brand in 1949. Throughout its many years as a top brand, Adidas has seen more than its fair share of endorsements from influencers in the sports, fashion, and even music industries. Being a well-loved brand with affirmation from others is a recipe for creating unique collaborations. Adidas has kept its releases innovative with its coveted collaborations, from artists to fashion influencers to other brands. We’re looking at the iconic brand and listing some of the hottest Adidas collaborations in recent years.
With anime being more popular than ever, pairing it with the sneaker game is an obvious win. Adidas realizes this, giving us collections inspired by our favorite animes, including Dragon Ball Z and Naruto. This time around, Yugioh! fans got their sneakers with Yugioh! X Adidas Adi2000. Inspired by the Yami Yugi character, the purple and gold scheme looks well with the Adi2000’s silhouette, making it an incredible set for both sneakerheads and fans alike.
Since Adidas signed Beyoncé to an ambassador partnership in 2018, her fans have been blessed with a few hot collaborations between Adidas and the icon’s Ivy Park brand. Already a silhouette that looks good in bright colors, the Top 10 2000 benefits from the unique colorway. The soft beige mixed with the bold orange makes the Magic Beige an appreciated piece in the Ivy Park collection. With the partnership coming to an end, fans are clamoring for Ivy Park kicks.
Already a natural trendsetter and owner of his own fashion brands, Pharrell and Adidas seem like the perfect match made in heaven. When the artist first collaborated with the brand in 2014, fans knew they would be in for more treats in the future. Bringing the same flavor as Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream to his collaborations, the hot streak continued into 2002 with the release of the NMD Hu Animal Print collection. The collab sported different colorways, from Ash Grey to the vibrant Altered Blue, each complimenting the NMD Hu with the electric style that Pharrell is known for.
Who would’ve thought the sneaker brand Run DMC made popular amongst Hip Hop heads and the streets would pair nicely with a high-end designer? For fans of both brands, the collaboration between Adidas and Gucci ended in a sneaker that was to die for. In the luxury collaboration, the GG monogram and Interlocking G mix with the Adidas Trefoil featured on colorful prints in each colorway. Gucci’s signature symbols also mesh well with the sneaker’s simple build, breaking the mold with multiple colorways.
RETURN OF THE MONEY WINGS
We teamed back up with @ITSJEREMYSCOTT to reimagine the iconic JS #adidasFORUM Money collection in a low cut silhouette.
Sign up are live now via Confirmed and https://t.co/G3PyjWdCcs. pic.twitter.com/nXIW9dcJXn
— adidas Originals (@adidasoriginals) October 14, 2021
Money talks and walks the walk, especially with famed designer Jeremy Scott at the helm. Scott earned the nicknames “fashion’s last rebel” and “the people’s designer” with his bold, unconventionally alluring designs. The same description can be said about his 2021 collaboration with Adidas. The sneaker sported Scott’s signature look, releasing a previous collaboration and bringing it the low-cut silhouette. Boasting detachable wings on the sides of the sneakers, and the printed $100 dollar bill graphics, the JS Money Wings low is one of Adidas’ most bold and iconic collaborations.
Bad Bunny x Adidas “The First Café”
pic.twitter.com/Ai5Vme3tZy
— Bad Bunny Global
(@badbunny_global) March 11, 2021
After releasing three albums in 2020, Bad Bunny’s ability to make waves on a global scale was apparent in 2021. What better way to celebrate this success than to collaborate with Adidas for his own collection? No stranger to collaborating with artists, Adidas made sure that “The First Cafe” Buckle Low truly represented Bad Bunny. Instead of the usual Adidas branding, the tongues boast the Puerto Rican singer’s signature eye graphic. The sneaker also added more utility features for the collaboration, including its removable collar buckle system.
Bad Bunny x Adidas “The First Café”
— Bad Bunny Global
The Mandalorian is a show that kept an entire fanbase craving for more while also bringing new fans to the Star Wars universe. To commemorate, Adidas released multiple Mandalorian-inspired colorways of the NMD_R1. Not the first time a Star Wars figure collaborated with the brand, Adidas was sure to give this collaboration the flare they are known for. The Mandalorian’s helmet stamped on the silver tongue reflective accents throughout the Primeknit upper and other features on the silhouette pay homage to the Star Wars character. The sock liners also depict a scene with the show’s main characters, Din Djarin and The Child. The bronze and silver colorway and other features make this version of the NMD_R1 a memorable collaboration from Adidas’ vast collection.
Looking into Beyoncé Ivy Park x Adidas Partnership from start to end conjures realizations about the fashion business. The extreme highs and lows behind the scenes never make it to tabloids. When Beyoncé merged a deal with Adidas years ago, it sprung hope for a successful run, like Yeezy with Kanye West before current events. However, even a superstar who sells out stadiums and arenas can’t fully crack the mass-produced fashion business.
In this feature, we’ll probe into the multimillion-dollar Beyoncé Ivy Park Adidas deal from its beginning to its unfortunate end. We’ll further note the milestones Beyoncé achieved every single year since 2019. Also, we’ll examine profit margins, losses, and how much she earned versus the yield for Adidas.
Beyoncé officially launched Ivy Park in 2016. The brand floated as schematic activewear for her fans, the BeyHive. With the successful turnout, in April 2016, she partnered up with TopShop. Later, the deal faltered due to rumors surrounding the Topshop founder Sir Philip Green. The allegations threatened the brand’s success and Beyoncé’s star power image. She cut ties with them and acquired complete control of Ivy Park in November 2018.
Soon, tabloids broke the news of Beyoncé’s sole ownership of Ivy Park. Many fans and fashion lovers wondered where the journey would take the songstress. However, the real worry was who would be the brand’s newest partner. Then a year later, in 2019, Adidas on Instagram teased with the caption, “A new beginning.” On April 4, a press release described the deal between Ivy Park and Adidas. The release mentioned a new vision of delivering a collection highlighting a “performance to lifestyle.” Adidas accentuates Beyoncé as “a creative partner for the brand. ”
The partnership respects Beyoncé’s ownership of her company. Furthermore, the exciting deal introduced another aspect, signature footwear. Considering other artists who have also fostered lucrative streetwear deals, it was a good move. The likes of Tyler The Creator with Converse, Jay-Z with Reebok, and Missy Elliott with Adidas.
Before the announcement in early 2016, Adidas’ official release was set for January 2020. Beyoncé teased a few products from the collection on her social media pages. The first drop had a monochromatic orange scheme on the sneakers, puffed-up jackets, and activewear sets. The orange and purple complimentary colors underlined the fashion era of the early 2020s.
Her rollout was a memorable pop culture moment. And as the queen of surprises, she set the bar high with the first drop. A week or so before the release, Beyoncé sent orange boxes to A-list celebrities, from models, actresses, actors, rappers, and other important players. The notable ones included Ellen DeGeneres, Angela Bassett, Kendall Jenner, Ciara, Missy Elliott, Reese Witherspoon, and Hailey Bieber.
On the day of the sale, after five minutes, the website crashed. It was announced that every product sold out on the website. Places such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Foot Locker, and Finish Line locations also sold-out of items in the U.S. However, as usual, the next day, everything sold out worldwide.
Months after the first collaboration, the silence between Adidas and Beyoncé was tumultuous. However, another press release statement revealed information on the next drops. The full schedule for the year 2020 included four capsule drops. All in intervals throughout the Fall season of 2020. Also, the collaborators mentioned the drop would consist of a treasured collection and newer designs.
The “Drip 2” collection rollout started with a cryptic message from Beyoncé. She simply put out “This Is My Park” releasing October 2020. With optics on the website, the line drew inspiration from the ’80s, drawing from the aerobics tape aesthetic from that era. This time, however, the design team opted for a five-color scheme palette—a green tint, dark green, yellow “canary” tint, mesa, and natural coral. Personally, the second drop was her best drop ever.
Bey sent personal boxes of her line to promote the drop to her celebrity friends. The artists and influencers who were the best pick included Kehlani, Kerry Washington, and Mo’Nique. The collection sold out in Adidas stores and ASOS retailers. During this drop, fans publicly expressed frustration with the process of buying and acquiring the products. Some were upset with the delays and lack of availability.
The “Halls of Ivy” drop in 2021 was more collaborative than all collections. The vision for this particular drop celebrated all people of races, backgrounds, colors, or creeds. You could tell from the designs and color choices that it would cater to adults and kids. The fifth capsule collection included four distinct footwear chromatism, 89 apparel trends, and approximately 11 accessory styles.
Queen B went the extra mile to add alterations to the drop. Ivy Park had IVY PARK x Adidas Savage, IVY PARK x Adidas Super Sleek “Chunky,” IVY PARK x Adidas Super Sleek Boot, and IVY PARK x Adidas UltraBOOST. Ivy Park mastered their objective to produce a casual wear and agility collection. The masterstroke was Beyoncé enlisting some of the Adidas alumnae.
The rollout of this Ivy Park collection was more detailed and thought out. The boxes from Adidas were encrusted with a chest of ice. During February 2021, the ice theme carried on. Especially noting the ice sculptures that were displayed all around New York City. The promotion spread out in Bryant Park and Domino Park.
Following the loss of Kanye West’s Yeezy deal, Adidas cut ties with another high-profile musician. The consensus was that the $200 million loss became hard to clean up. In 2022, sales reports stated that Ivy Park x Adidas sales declined more than 50%. The reported $40 million earnings in 2022 was below the expected projection of $250 million.
From a critic’s point of view, the strategy was way off base. The overconfidence in Beyoncé doesn’t usually translate into sales. However, the buying power from her fans is what matters. Now, Beyoncé has partnered with Balmain ahead of the Renaissance World Tour. The “Renaissance Couture” comprises of 16 off-the-ramp styles co-designed by Beyoncé.
Gucci is one of the biggest brands in the designer world. Although they have certainly undergone some controversies, they are still revered all over the world. The Italian fashion house has even been the subject of full-length feature films with Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. Overall, the brand will not be going away anytime soon. Even if you are not a fan of high fashion, there is nothing you can do about their chokehold on the luxury world. After all these years, they know how to keep things fresh.
For instance, Gucci recently teamed up with Adidas for yet another capsule. This is the second collection they have dropped, and it just so happens to have been released this week. If you are a sneakerhead, there were plenty of options to choose from. The Adidas Gazelle and Adidas ZX 8000 were heavily represented here. Moreover, there was also some apparel to feast your eyes upon. However, the piece that everyone is looking at is the Gucci x Adidas sneaker trunk, which can be found below.
According to Complex, this massive unit will cost you a whopping $120K. The trunk is massive as it contains a hard outer shell that is painted blue and white. Moreover, there is Gucci and Adidas branding throughout. Don’t worry though, you’re not just getting a trunk. You are also getting 12 pairs of shoes within this trunk. Every single pair is a unique colorway of the Gucci x Adidas Gazelle collaboration. Furthermore, it should be noted that the colorways here are a mix of the first capsule and the second one.
The trunk is what is called “made to order” which means you will need to contact Gucci or Adidas directly if you want it. Overall, this is the kind of piece you get if you have a lot of cash laying around. Not to mention, if you love the Adidas Gazelle and you love Gucci, these are an absolute must. You can check out the latest collection from these two brands, right here. Let us know what you think of this piece, down below.
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On April 4, 2009, Run-D.M.C. became the second rap group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five who were inducted in 2007. This honor came well deserved after the illustrious career of the trio. Run-D.M.C. helped to build a musical cross culture as well as serve as the cornerstone artist of one Hip Hop most powerful empires, Def Jam Records. Run-D.M.C.’s brand is timeless and iconic and can be said to be one of the launching boards for Hip Hop culture as a whole.
From their music to their style, Run-D.M.C. has immortalized their image in music history. In honor of this crowning achievement, we have compiled a list of examples to prove as to why Run-D.M.C. is considered to be the icons that they are.
Style
It goes without saying that Adidas in and of itself is one of the most popular active wear brands around. Rivaled only by the titans Nike and Puma, Adidas has grown to become a household name in both fitness attire and style. In its early stages, Adidas’ popularity in the Hip Hop community can be largely attributed to Run-D.M.C. Everywhere Run-D.M.C. went they could be seen in head-to-toe Adidas with a gold rope chain and a black top hat. From the jewelry to the full sweat suits to the fat laced, shell-toe low tops, Run, D.M.C, and Jam Master Jay were undoubtedly fly. Their love for the Adidas brand mixed with their popularity in music soon brought them sponsorship dollars and eventually their own signature sneakers. Without their influence, it would have probably been a while before any sneaker brand became so popular in Hip Hop.
Cross Over Appeal
In the past, there have many icons in Hip Hop who have been able to stand the test of time and make it to legend status. Few artists however have been able to retain their respect as a rapper while being able to cross over genres and appeal to a broader audience. Run-D.M.C.’s ability to seamlessly transition between a rock and rap fan base is one of their greatest attributes. The hit single Walk This Way Featuring fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Aerosmith was one of the first of it’s kind. The genius concept to have two of the biggest stars in their respective genres led to a new sense of community in music. Like never before artists hailing from different genres began to collaborate and Hip Hop had finally broken completely into the mainstream. This single and style of rapping broke open the door for current rappers today to expand their support basis across genres.
Influence
The editor of Allmusic wrote that,
“More than any other Hip-Hop group, Run-D.M.C. are responsible for the sound and style of the music”.
It can and has been said that the group helped to move Hip Hop forward with the times. Their sound helped progress the genre out of that heavily funk and disco influenced sound and move toward a more hardcore style of rap. They helped the music transform from dance club-oriented songs like Kurtis Blow‘s “The Breaks” to more aggressive, hard-hitting tracks like their It’s Like That record. This transformation paved the way for the sounds the next generation of rappers such as Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, and Wu-Tang Clan. Outside of rap, artists like KoRN, Rage Against the Machine, and Linkin Park all have styles similar to the one popularized by Run-D.M.C.
The career of this prolific group is instrumental piece of music history as a whole. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame only proves that they are important to not only the genre that they concentrated in but were loved and admired by music lovers as a whole. Take some time out today to appreciate the career of one of the greatest music groups of all time.
The post Today in Hip Hop History: Run-D.M.C. Gets Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 14 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.
