There is no denying Michael Jordan’s influence on and off the basketball court. While playing for the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, His Airness inspired a generation of athletes with his unwavering competitiveness. He also set lasting fashion trends with his line of Air Jordan sneakers. Don’t take our word for it — just ask Drake, who has linked with the Jordan brand to make special-edition OVO kicks.
“Growing up, I’m sure we idolized this guy. He goes by the name of Michael Jordan, you understand what I’m saying?” Drake said to the crowd at the Rose Garden Arena during his tour stop in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday night.
Known for its microbreweries, chainsaw wielding and local hero Timber Joey, Portland is also home to Nike and Jordan Brand’s corporate offices. “So today, I came to Portland and I officially became inducted into the Team Jordan family so I feel like I’m at home right now, if you understand what I’m talking about,” Drake said without getting into specifics. “And it is a family and I don’t take that word lightly.”
On his ChampagnePapi Instagram account, Drizzy showed off four pairs of exclusive Jordans. The first was a white and champagne-colored pair of Air Jordan 10s with an OVO logo designed on the soles. He also posted pics of a black pair of 10s with the caption: “OVO Stringray 10’s Sample Pack.”
He didn’t stop there, Drake also posted a pic of a white and black pair of Air Jordan 12 models with similar champagne color accents and OVO logos.
MTV News reached out to a representative at Jordan Brand but has yet to hear back as of press time.
It is unclear what the nature of Drake’s deal with Jordan Brand is. The sneaker company have been known to make special one-off shoes in celebration of different artists. In 2004, they made up 50 pairs of the Air Jordan IV model to celebrate the release of Eminem’s Encore LP, and earlier this year, they made up limited models of their sneakers to commemorate Jay Z and Justin Timberlake’s Legends of the Summer Tour.
The timing of the news is also worth noting. Kanye West, who has been blasting Jordan Brand’s parent company Nike, just signed a deal with rival company Adidas.
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