The four-star forward is sitting beside a few of his newfound teammates—Jahki Howard, Chuck Bailey and Braeden Moore—explaining how exactly they all ended up at Donda Academy, the prep school created and backed by Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. It’s December and the Donda Doves have just wrapped up practice at the team’s training facility. 

Most of the players say they found out about the school after someone from Ye’s camp reached out to them and their families. “We had to make sure it was the right position for us [with] so many of the top players playing with each other,” says Hooks, lounging in a pair of YEEZY slides.

Inside the meeting room on the second floor, the rest of the team still has on the YEEZY 500s they were practicing in. Howard claims that he and Robert Dillingham were the first on the team to start wearing them in games, rocking them in the season opener against Minnesota Prep at the Target Center back in November. Ye was sitting courtside that day. Soon, the whole team caught on. 

“[They’re] mad comfortable,” he says. “Only shoe I could really hoop in.” 

Down the hall, Dillingham and Bryce Baker are getting a quick haircut, while the rest of the team is still downstairs, lingering around the court. There’s a pair of newly released adidas “Amber Tint” QNTMs sitting unclaimed on one of the black chairs courtside, which features a clean black and white aesthetic.

Ye’s impact is everywhere around the gym, from the team’s sleek Balenciaga-produced jerseys to the adidas sneakers to the fact that all of these elite prospects—Dillingham, Zion Cruz, JJ Taylor, Brandon White, Omarion Bodrick, Seven Bahati, Bryce Baker, Hooks, Bailey, Moore and Howard—are here because they’ve trusted his vision enough to leave their respective high school programs to play for Donda Academy instead.

Get your copy of SLAM 236 featuring Ye and Donda Academy.

And yet, there’s a lot of mystery behind what exactly Donda Academy is or why the kids have all chosen to come here. People have questioned whether it’s even a real school or if the kids take actual classes. And that’s not even the craziest thing the players have heard.

“A lot of my teammates, when they left [their hometowns], they had some bad reactions,” explains Moore. “People called them clout chasers and said the [school] offered them money.” 

So allow us to fill in some of the actual facts. The very existence of Ye’s Donda Academy is an honor to its namesake. After all, it was Donda West, a professor for 31 years and chair of Chicago State University’s Department of English, Communications, Media and Theater, who wrote in her memoir, Raising Kanye, that her hope was for more kids to get exposure to travel, different cultures and customs.

“I always think, I got Donda looking down on me. I gotta make this right,” says Shayla Scott, the school’s Vice President and Director of Athletics. A former four-year starter at the University of Pittsburgh who served as an assistant coach at La Salle University and most recently athletic director at The Ellis School before coming to Donda, Scott elaborates on what makes the school special. “That’s one thing that we’re constantly thinking about—how can we do things in a way that is beneficial to who we are and what we have going on. And that might not mean that it’s traditional.” 

The school’s official mission statement speaks of using ethics, integrity and care to “prepare students to become the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators by providing them with a world-class education.”

The program has a lower school that has in-person classes and serves students from age 3 through eighth grade, and the educational program is powered by K12 Private Academy, an NCAA-approved online curriculum. The players, who all live together in luxury apartments with chaperones, start their daily workouts, which occasionally involve weight training, as early as 8 a.m. Classes start at either 9 or 10 a.m. (depending on the day) and are hour-long blocks with breaks in between, and the online curriculum gives them the option to take them wherever they may be. Scott says that sometimes the players take them in their apartment complex, and when they’re on the road for games, academic support staff accompany them. 

As for meals, at one point the team had Ye’s personal chef cooking for them. 

Practice is from 1-3 p.m. with additional workouts afterward, but the players say that the gym—which is a short walk from the apartment complex where they stay—is available pretty much whenever they want it. At any given moment Ye might pull up to a practice, and, as many have seen, he’s there at the games, too. This past December, Ye was spotted dapping up a few of the Doves at their “Homecoming” event at Whittier College. 

Scott admits that when she was first brought on to serve as AD, even she wondered what exactly Ye’s involvement would look like. But through her conversations with him, and what she’s seen firsthand, it’s become clear that Ye is invested in every aspect of the program, as well as the players themselves. On one of the first calls that she was on with him and the school leaders of the K12 curriculum, Scott says that Ye was “passionate and loyal” as he expressed his vision for Donda Academy. 

“When I have opportunities to talk with [Ye] about his vision for the school, it’s by no stretch of the imagination something that’s out of reach. He wants to do all the things, and big things,” she says. “I get really excited whenever we have a chance to just sit down and talk about what we’re doing and how it’s so minor in some respects to what he wants to do.” 

When it came to designing the team’s uniforms, Ye brought in his Innovation of Apparel team to get the players’ direct feedback on what style and cut they’d prefer to wear. (They said “not too baggy” and requested a slim fit.) In early October, the team held a media day-style photo shoot and Scott says Ye was there, too, adding his creative perspective and specific ideas into the portrait sessions. 

As the Donda album played in the background, Ye directed the entire shoot, dictating different looks and poses, and he brought out what Scott called a “bag of goodies” with accessories for the players to wear. Inside were wristbands and the same all-black sunglasses that some of the players chose to rock at their SLAM cover shoot, too. 

Aside from photo shoots and courtside appearances, Ye will often check in to see how the Doves are doing both athletically and academically. A few of them got to meet him on their initial visit, while Scott reveals that Ye has even made it a point to call some of them on the phone just to talk one-on-one. “I remember watching JJ [Taylor] talk on the phone with him for the first time,” she says. “That was really cool that he took that time, and obviously they share a bond of [being] from Chicago together.” 

For many of the players, this is their first time being immersed in an environment of this magnitude. They’re spending significant time away from home, living in Los Angeles and playing in front of sold out crowds littered with other high-profile celebrities. They still make time to be, well, teenagers, when they’re not training or going to school; they all mainly hang out together, going to the movies or taking trips to Six Flags and the Santa Monica beach. 

“In actuality, anybody can do school this way,” says Scott. “But, to know that we’re doing it because of the support we have from Ye and all the parents and players, I think is really, honestly, going to build for future years.”

The Donda Doves will be the first to admit that it took a minute for them to learn to play together—most of them were the best players at their previous schools—and in the beginning, a few players told us they were too focused on being ballhandlers and scorers. 

There were some healthy arguments, too, and as a result, the coaches had them in the gym one night, running and working out. 

“Ever since, our bond and chemistry has been like this,” Howard says, crossing two of his fingers. 

“That’s how you build bonds with people, especially when you got elite athletes around and a lot of alphas,” Bailey adds. “Everybody is going to go at each other.”

Having lived through all the noise surrounding the start of their season, and with tons of eyes on each game, the Donda Academy Doves are learning what it’s like to live and play in a special kind of spotlight, all while making history along the way. And each of them is ready for the challenge.

Robert Dillingham had already made a name for himself in North Carolina long before he came to Donda Academy. As one of the top point guards in the Class of 2023, he averaged 21.1 points, 4.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game last season at Combine Academy. Still, he felt like he needed a change.

“I really just wanted to get out of North Carolina. It was just, like, a lot of stuff going on with my parents, my dad and my coaches from the school for transferring out here. To keep myself sane, I just blocked all of them out and kept playing basketball. I wasn’t really listening to it. It didn’t really matter to me.” 

Instead, he says he’s been learning from his new teammates and adding a thing or two to his already well-equipped bag. 

“JJ [Taylor] teaches me how to get to the rim and not stop…Jahki [Howard], he just dunks on people, so I guess he’s teaching me how to dunk a little bit. Zion Cruz, he’s teaching me the aspects of dribbling, going faster, slow, changing different speeds.”

It was Rob Dillingham, the self-proclaimed “GM” of the team, who originally texted Zion Cruz about Donda Academy. “He broke everything down,” Cruz says. “It was a no-brainer for me.”

At the Patrick School, Cruz averaged 16.7 points and 2.1 assists. Still, he felt like making the move thousands of miles away from his hometown of Jersey City would allow him to completely dial in on his game. 

“In Jersey, I feel like you see a lot of people outside every day, but here you don’t see a lot of people,” he says. “[There’s] not too much distraction. I don’t got a lot of [other] friends around.” 

At Donda Academy, the No. 2-ranked shooting guard in the country, according to 247 Sports, found the kind of environment he was looking for. “I just wanted to be in the gym 24/7 and I knew I could do that here,” he says. “Anytime I want to get in the gym, I can get in.” 

But he’s also been learning to navigate the mental side of the game, especially now that he’s playing with other high level players. Cruz admits he’s been working on not being in his head so much. “When you go to college, you’re playing with a lot of good players, so it’s good to know that I can do it on any level.”

Cruz recently announced the colleges he’s deciding among: Memphis, Western Kentucky, Xavier, Georgia and DePaul.

JJ Taylor says he never thought he’d leave his hometown of Chicago. The five-star guard was doing his thing at Kenwood Academy and had solidified himself as one of the best small forwards in his class. Ranked No. 5 in the country by ESPN and 247Sports, he’s the first player from Illinois to be ranked in the top 10 since the class of 2014’s Jahlil Okafor and Cliff Alexander, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

And yet, Taylor felt like the chance to play for Donda could give him something new. “A lot of stuff here, they don’t have in Chicago. The training is different. This is all basketball, basketball, basketball, basketball. I’m just falling in love with it.” 

Taylor says he’s had to adjust real quick: “I was pretty much the last one. I had to almost fit in, get adjusted faster, and learn everything faster than everybody else.”

Equipped with an all-around game and absurd athleticism, he’s already starting to see the move pay off. “For me, I like getting other players involved because we all can score. That’s my whole thing, playing unselfish,” he says. “I feel like I’m even [getting] better at making others better.”

Five-star shooting forward Jahki Howard kept it real when explaining why he chose to transfer from Norcross High School. “To be honest, I really just came out here to get better. I’m already a top-five player in my class, [so] for me, I wanted to come out here and get better at my level.” 

Still, he admits that when he first came out to the school, he wasn’t too sure what everyone would be like. “I’m really anti-social with people [and] I think I thought a lot of us would be the same way,” he says. “But no, [everyone] is chill.”

He’s become especially close with Bailey and Hooks, whom he calls his twin, and during their SLAM interview, the three of them excitedly talk about seeing the new Spider-Man movie together. With so many eyeballs on the team, Howard knows that a little hate is what comes with playing at this level.

“If I go to college or the NBA, it’s going to come with it,” he says. “I like it. It’s gotten to the point where it’s entertaining. It motivates me to just do better.”

Jalen Hooks, who averaged 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season at Crispus Attucks, might have had the wildest initial visit to Donda Academy. 

Hooks’ first time in Cali went a little something like this: he hopped on a 6 am flight, saw the Hollywood sign, and went out to eat right after he landed. Next thing he knew, Ben Simmons was walking right up to him and sat at his table. “He was like, What’s good, Hooks?” 

Then Hooks hopped on the phone with Kevin Durant. “He was like, What’s up, killah? Just keep working,” he recalls. “I met KD and Ben Simmons in my first 10 minutes.” 

And while he and Dillingham were working out at another of DSTRKT’s gyms nearby, Hooks says he met Ye. “He was like, Thank you for trusting the process, and then he started praying with us.” 

So, yeah, between the training sessions and the meet and greets, Hooks’ visit out west was a movie. He was sold. “I was just like, if I can get this every day for the next two years, that’d be nice.”

After fracturing his nose and injuring his ankle last April, Hooks says the main priority since he’s arrived in Simi Valley has been getting healthy. “I’m still a four-star. I’m [looking] to get back to where I was.”

Brandon White, or B-White as some of his teammates call him, is already regarded as one of the best shot blockers in his class, but at 6-10, the big man from North Carolina says he came out to Donda Academy with one mission in mind.

“I want to do everything, play every position,” the four-star center says. “Dribbling, shooting, just doing stuff that I’ve never done before.” 

White’s versatile game has already caught the attention of a handful of DI schools across the country: Wichita State, Illinois, Purdue and LSU. As he continues to build out his game, he’s sure to be a scary sight at the next level.

Chuck Bailey says that when he first heard about Donda Academy, he didn’t fully believe it.

“My dad told me. I thought he was joking at first when he was like, There’s a school called Donda. They want you to [go] there,” he says. “Then I saw it on the news with Rob [Dillingham] and I’m like, Oh, shoot. It’s a real school.”

While he says he wasn’t a huge fan of all the cameras and media attention at first, he knows that this is what comes with it, and it’ll be there at the next level, too. Whether it’s supplying the room with energy during his SLAM shoot or holding his own against his teammates in practice, it’s clear that Bailey is ready for the bright lights.

“The thing that surprised me is how good I fit in and play at this level, [though] I knew I could. I’m really seeing it every day in practice. I actually see I can play at this level, and I can play really well.”

And, after spending the entire summer and the start of the season dealing with an injury, the 6-3 guard is back and looking to evolve his game even further. “I really just came here to balance out my game [and] learn how to be a true point guard, because that’s what I’m gonna be in college.”

Omarion Bodrick is another player from down south who decided to link up with his former Combine Academy teammates and shock the world by heading to Donda. From the looks of it, it seems like the senior forward has been finding his rhythm out in Cali. 

The day after his SLAM shoot, Bodrick’s athleticism was on full display at the team’s homecoming game against Veritas. During the third quarter, he had the entire standing-room only crowd at Whittier College, including King Combs and OT Genasis, on their feet when he caught a transition pass from JJ Taylor and levitated to the rim for a two-handed dunk. That wasn’t all he did; throughout the game, O was everywhere on the floor, diving for loose balls and dishing out dimes to Taylor on the wing for three-pointers. 

Bodrick will take his talents to Youngstown State University next year.

Braeden Moore was one of the last players to join the team. A standout at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville and a TSSAA Mr. Basketball finalist, he’d always joked that he plays better on the West Coast—he was born in California and has relatives there, including his grandparents, who live only 20-30 minutes away from Donda Academy’s gym. Since he’s arrived at Donda, Moore’s impressed his new teammates from the get-go.

“He’s cold. I didn’t even know he was that good,” Chuck Bailey admits.

After decommitting from Rutgers, a decision he felt he’d “rushed into,” Moore says he’s looking for a program that will not only use his height and sharpshooting talent to “the fullest ability,” but will also offer him an all-around experience. He’s interested in business and entrepreneurship, and now that he’s at Donda, he’s already put himself in a position to be one step ahead. 

“I know how important education is and I have goals that surpass basketball,” Moore says. “That’s another reason [why] I came here, like with Justin [Laboy] and Ye, creating these relationships not only sets me up for success in basketball, it sets me up for life.”

We already knew Seven Bahati was on his own wave when he pulled up to his SLAM interview rocking a pair of all-black square-rimmed shades—and kept them on the entire time. “I was already making a name for myself, so I was just going to stay in my situation,” Bahati admits when asked how he ended up at Donda. “But my parents saw a great opportunity.” 

Although the California native didn’t have to travel very far, now that he’s here, he’s already started to evolve his all-around game. The 6-5 guard has DI offers from programs like UC Santa Barbara and Loyola Marymount. 

“I’m more of an efficient scorer, so I shoot and then I’ll drive,” he says. “I don’t really use shifts or anything like that. I just get to my spots and elevate. But being here with Rob and Z, and seeing how they dribble, it’s more like putting it on [top of] my skills and getting to my bag.”

This isn’t Bryce Baker’s first time playing on a highly competitive squad—he suited up alongside Dillingham and Bodrick at Combine Academy before coming to Donda Academy.  And yet he says this is definitely a first for someone that’s from where he’s from. “I come 
from a small town in North Carolina,” he says. “Really, nobody has done nothing like this.” 

Baker gives a major shoutout to his mom for letting him take advantage of the opportunity, knowing that he’d have to move across the country. “She trusted me and my judgement. And I felt like this was the best path for me to take to get myself to a different level.”

Now that he’s out in Cali, the 6-4 guard who can effortlessly knock down jumpers from behind the arc and block shots on the other end of the floor, says he wants to “grow himself as a person,” on and off the court—especially as he gets ready to head to Old Dominion next year.

“I’m about to go to college, so I feel like this is the necessary step for me to take. Having my friends here and making new friends, this is basically my family now.”

Creative Directed by Ye; Cover and Portrait of Shayla Scott: ONDA; Solo Portraits: KAITO.

The post Decidedly Different: Ye and Donda Academy Cover SLAM 236 appeared first on SLAM.

“And I was the rap version of him,” adds West, who was devastated by Bryant’s untimely death in late January.

Ye is now determined to honor The Black Mamba’s championship-or-bust mentality with his newfound approach to life.

Per GQ:

When Kanye West shows up for breakfast in the central cabin at the ranch he recently bought near Cody, Wyoming, I ask how he’s doing. “Not good,” he says, turning to look at me. Not good? How come? “Because,” he says, “Kobe was one of my best friends.”

Of course. It’s the morning of January 29 — 72 hours after Bryant’s shocking death.

West: “One thing I thought was really amazing is that we were able to find a groove with the photographs today even as out of it as I was with the loss of Kobe. We were able to just go to the court and play ball. There’s one street that I drive to go from either my office or my home to the property where the domes were built. [Editor’s note: The street is Las Virgenes Road, the site of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight other people just four days prior.] So now there’s no way for me not to be as determined as Kobe every time I drive down that street. It’s game time. There’s no move that we can’t make, or that we’ll wait to make. Everyone in our life is now a member of the Lakers on one of Kobe’s championship teams. The way that Kobe would say that we all have to come together and win this championship is the way I look at life now. To an infinite, other level.

“This is a game changer for me. He was the basketball version of me, and I was the rap version of him, and that’s facts! We got the commercials that prove it. No one else can say this. We came up at the same time, together. And now it’s like, yeah, I might have had a reputation for screaming about things—but I’m not taking any mess for an answer now. We’re about to build a paradigm shift for humanity. We ain’t playing with ’em. We bringing home the trophies.”

Related Vanessa Bryant: Hall of Fame Induction ‘Peak’ of Kobe Bryant’s Career

The post Kanye West: Kobe Bryant ‘Was the Basketball Version of Me’ appeared first on SLAM.

Originally the Yeezy Boost 350 V3, Ye’s newest silhouette in his Three Stripes line was given its own name. The sneaker, which features the same shape as the 350s, comes with a never-before-seen PrimeKnit pattern on the upper and doesn’t come with the popular lateral side strip. There’s also an upgraded Boost midsole and an engineered outsole grip that adds the finishing touches on the sneaker.

The Price Premium (over original retail price) is at 239.1% and has an average sale price of $722. Hit StockX to grab your pair.

The post The ‘Alien’ Yeezy Boost 380 is Now Live on StockX appeared first on SLAM.

Kanye West’s latest iteration of his sneaker has a light lavender on different materials like leather, mesh and cow suede along the upper. A gum bottom sole is featured, too. The Price Premium (over original retail price) is at 57.5% with an average sale price of $342.

Struck out on release day? Hit StockX to grab your pair.

The post The ‘Soft Vision’ Yeezy Boost 500 is Now Live on StockX appeared first on SLAM.

KICKS 21 is “The List Issue.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll be releasing rankings that put an end (or beginning) to every hot debate in the world of sneakers. 

Order your copy of the magazine at our online store!

—

1. adidas Superstar x RUN-DMC

2. Air Jordan IV Retro Carhartt x Eminem

3. Air Jordan IV “Cactus Jack” x Travis Scott

4. Air Jordan XII “OVO” x Drake

5. Nike Dunk SB High x MF Doom

6. Nike Dunk SB High x Wu-Tang Clan

7. Nike Air Force 1 x Jay-Z/Roc-A-Fella

8. adidas NMD Human Race x Pharrell

9. Reebok Ventilator x Kendrick Lamar

10. adidas Yeezy Boost 350 x Kanye West  

Other lists from KICKS 21:
The 8 Hottest KICKS of 2018 (So Far)
The 15 Best UA Colorways of 2017-18
The 15 Best LeBron 15 Colorways of 2017-18
The WNBA’s 25 Biggest Sneakerheads
Three Reasons Why Kyrie Irving’s Signature Sneaker Line Is Important
All 106 Sneakers That PJ Tucker Wore in the 2017-18 Season
Three Reasons Why Matters
The 13 Best Jordans of 2017-18 (That PJ Tucker Didn’t Wear)

The post 10 Best Hip-Hop Sneaker Brand Collaborations 👟🎶 appeared first on SLAM.

“I’m sure the same way everybody else here in this room feels,” Bryant said.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Kobe was responding to a high school reporter’s question while speaking in front of hundreds other students at WE RISE, a 10-day mental health awareness festival.

“I think that was my reaction as is everybody else’s reaction. The thing about our country is that you have the right to say whatever it is that you want to say. That’s the beautiful part about living in a democracy. Conversely, you also have to take the response that come after that, as well, because everybody has a freedom to say what it is that they feel. I was shocked just like everybody else. I think, for him, he’s one of these entertainers that’s always in a constant state of growth, he’s always challenging, not us as people, but really himself. He’s doing a lot of questioning internally himself, so I just take it for what it is and completely disagree.”

The post Kobe Bryant Reacts to Kanye West’s Slavery Comments appeared first on SLAM.

The lowcut V2 is made with a Primeknit upper that sits on top of a BOOST outsole.

These release on adidas.com/YEEZY, at select adidas stores, and on YEEZY.SUPPLY, on November 25, for $220.

Photos courtesy of adidas

The post adidas YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 ‘Grey/Bold Orange/Solid Grey’ appeared first on SLAM.

More from The Vertical:

“Eddy was so, he was so gifted…We traded Elton Brand for him because he and Eddy weren’t going to be able to play together and Elton was a bonafide 20 and 10 guy who just won Rookie of the Year. Me and Eddy we went to the Vibe Awards, we were in L.A. on a trip, and Kanye West was there. A younger Kanye west, he was just producing mostly, he saw Eddy Curry and he was in awe. Like, he knew everything about him, he was like, looking up at him like, That’s Eddy!”  

Check the full interview here.

Related
WATCH: Jamal Crawford’s Summer Mixtape
WATCH: Jamal Crawford Drops Defender in Seattle Pro-Am Final

The post Jamal Crawford Says Kanye West Was ‘In Awe’ Of Eddy Curry appeared first on SLAM.

Along with LeBron James, who hopped in the mosh pit with the rest of the concert goers, Tristan Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Dahntay Jones, JR Smith and Jordan McRae all went to the show and a few flicked it up with Yeezy backstage.

Check out photos and footage below:

The Cavaliers made their way to the floor at Kanye's concert pic.twitter.com/ietVUK0Pwk

— Alysha Tsuji (@AlyshaTsuji) October 2, 2016

Related
Autographed LeBron James Card Sells For Over $300,000
LeBron James Pressures Cavs To Sign JR Smith
Tyronn Lue To Limit LeBron’s Minutes

The post LeBron James And The Cavaliers Went To Kanye West’s Concert In Cleveland appeared first on SLAM.

Oubre’s looking to get into the fashion world sooner rather than later. He was in New York for Fashion Week a few weeks back, not only as a fan, but as a student. He’s trying to cultivate his brand, Dope$oul, which is more a lifestyle than a clothing brand. He’s taking lessons from anyone he can, including Kanye West.

In the video above, during his trip to NYFW, he shared a story about the time he met with Yeezus. Here’s what Oubre, who’s also an adidas athlete, said:

I met up with Kanye when he came to DC. It was a great experience. He said, ‘Did you see the football cleats that I just made? I’m tryna get to the basketball side.’ I told him we could work together on that. Don’t be surprised if you see me and Ye come out with some fire. 

We’ve already heard that Yeezy basketball sneakers are coming sometime soon. If Oubre’s story is true, we’ll definitely be seeing him rocking a pair in 2017.

Video courtesy of NBPA

The post Kelly Oubre: ‘Don’t be Surprised if You See Me and Kanye Come Out With Some Fire’ appeared first on SLAM.

You are all very welcome. #teyanataylor shouts to Ye

— Iman Shumpert I (@imanshumpert) August 29, 2016

Shump shows up in the clip—which premiered at the MTV Video Music Awards—after Taylor dances around a gym, recreating a scene from “Flashdance”.

Per Vanity Fair:

Things take a sultry turn when the scene cuts to Taylor taking a shower with her fiancé, NBA star Iman Shumpert. Then things really get weird when Taylor is suddenly laying on top of Shumpert, with her face done up to look like a lion. Their baby daughter Iman also makes a cute cameo appearance in the clip.

 

For those who don’t know, Taylor is already an established artist in her own right. She signed to West’s label, G.O.O.D. Music, in 2012, and also collaborated with him prior to that, singing on “Dark Fantasy,” a track from West’s 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. She was also featured on the 2012 G.O.O.D. Music compilation album Cruel Summer and last year released a solo EP titled The Cassette Tape 1994.

The post WATCH: Iman Shumpert Stars in Kanye West’s ‘Fade’ Video appeared first on SLAM.

Wexler, currently the adidas VP of Global Entertainment & Influencer Marketing, has become used to a never-ending stream of texts, Twitter notifications and emails from agents, celebrities and adidas fans alike over the years, but this was different.

It was from Kanye West, and the, well, Kanye-esque gravity and boldness of the message has stuck with Wexler ever since. On Wexler’s office wall there’s a blown-up screenshot of his phone’s lock screen, with the declarative 4:14 p.m. message from November 6, 2013, reading:

Kanye West: “The world changes now.”

Seconds later, a copy of Kanye’s signed adidas contract paperwork popped to the top of Wexler’s inbox.

For “Wex,” as he’s known in the industry (and on Instagram and Twitter as @wex1200, of course), he knew that officially signing ’Ye would be unlike any other deal before. This wouldn’t be a one-off rapper collabo or a simple capsule release. The discussions to that point had been much grander, much more ambitious.

“The thing that really came across in those first conversations is he’s just truly a world builder,” Wexler says. “He didn’t want to build a shoe—he wanted to build Rome. He was thinking on such a big scale.”

In part, Kanye was undeniably fueled by his bitter departure from Nike, but also by a relentless thirst to create, one that he felt had been limited. His vision of himself as a “performance athlete” has served as the foundation for the partnership, as he’s looked to blend the worlds of style, design and innovation through his long-standing Yeezy line of sneakers.

At Nike, Kanye was allowed to grow in small steps, still earning unparalleled success and energy. Over the course of the five years that he and the Swoosh worked together, they released six colorways total of his two Air Yeezy models. He was looking for more, specifically wanting to create expanded footwear and apparel launches, and sought out a conversation with adidas.

“That’s always controversial, when people change sides,” Wex admits. “We put it through the evaluation filter, and I remember our CMO [Eric Liedtke, above with ’Ye] coming to the office, being like, ‘Based on the factors we’ve laid out, we believe this is the right thing for us.’ From that point on, that was the mission: To make sure we were able to make it happen.”

Since Kanye signed with adidas, there have been a few distinct moments that have helped to shift the trajectory of where the brand is now headed. We’ve seen the release of four colorways of the Yeezy Boost 350, three colorways of the Yeezy Boost 750 and four colorways of the Yeezy Boost 950, but it’s been the impact across the entire adidas portfolio—beyond those models—that helped give the brand such confidence in the project.

“It was very evident from the beginning that he was going to be a game-changer for us,” Wexler says.

As his Yeezy sneakers have helped showcase the brand’s bar-raising Boost technology, Kanye has also been a regular wearer of the Ultra Boost running shoe, helping to carry that model into modern classic territory all on his own. Now that there’s a built-in equity in the Boost platform, the brand’s NMD and Uncaged Ultra Boost silhouettes have been selling out in seconds. Adidas hadn’t experienced that kind of frenzy with any of its in-line sneakers before signing Kanye. “There’s no question the halo effect that he’s had on everything for us,” Wexler says with a smile.

Because of that success—the brand’s stock has since doubled—adidas has grand plans to not only expand the Yeezy family of products, but they’ll begin to showcase Kanye much in the way we’ve more traditionally seen the world’s biggest athletes positioned.

In reaching an agreement for a long-term extension in June, Kanye will now be pulling in an endorsement rate on par with Kobe and LeBron. That number may go exponentially higher, too, with royalty incentives for not only Yeezy products, but bonuses and triggers for certain overall brand sales thresholds. “He can become very wealthy, just like Michael Jordan has,” says one brand source.

There will be a team of 20 employees based in Portland who will be solely dedicated to the Yeezy business, designing a full range of sneakers and apparel for men and women. There are even plans to launch stand-alone Yeezy retail stores in key markets around the world. After the brand listed the batch of Yeezy job openings on its Careers website at the start of July, they received over 20,000 applicants in the first week.

“Kanye is a true creator who has the ability to see things others don’t,” says Liedtke, the aforementioned adidas CMO. “We are exploring new territories by opening up the sports world to Kanye’s creativity.”

For the first time, adidas will launch non-athlete signature product crafted for performance on the court and field. There will be Yeezy Basketball models slated to debut in early 2017, worn by an increasingly impressive roster of emerging adidas Basketball players in the NBA. Basketball has long operated under a “Court to Street” premise, but adidas will now be looking to flip that approach. The braintrust at the Three Stripes has realized that Kanye is influencing the whole League now. By this time next year, you’ll likely see a full range of hoop shoes bearing the Yeezy nickname featured throughout the pages of this magazine and others.

We’ll also see Yeezy iterations primed for football, baseball and soccer, as the brand continues to enjoy storied success in global soccer and looks to ramp up signing more NFL and MLB athletes. After sponsoring only around 20 players in each stateside league in recent years, the brand is planning to sign up to 250 players in both the NFL and MLB within the next three seasons. With Kanye in the fold, athletes have never been more open to signing with adidas.

In addition to expanded footwear silhouettes, the Yeezy brand will also introduce performance and lifestyle apparel in ’17. Yes, they’ll be priced in reasonable tiers accessible to the average person, unlike the astronomically expensive first few seasons of gear that launched a $2,200 “distressed” sweater, among other items.

“The beauty of this partnership is that there really is no ceiling now,” says Wex. “I think we’re all exploring different ways that we can maximize it. Knowing that we want this partnership to last forever, we don’t want it to be one of those flashes in the pan.”

Kanye has often stated his goal to “jump over the Jumpman,” and with a full category team of dedicated designers, marketers and strategists now in place at adidas, he’ll have his chance to take on the industry’s most dominant brands. “We’re the challenger brand, and [Kanye] is the challenger right now,” says Wex, “and he wants to really break through.”

—

Photos via adidas

The post Yeezy Season Approaching appeared first on SLAM.

Mache just finished two very special pairs for two very special clients. He put his skills to use on adidas’ Superstar and Ultra Boost silhouettes.

For Kanye and North West.

For North, Mache kept it old school and painted the Superstar’s premium leather with a compass and pink detailing. For ‘Ye, he got a little more technical. The Primeknit on the Ultra Boost called for stamping the lettering on and chopping off two the three adidas stripes, so that the Pablo-esque lettering could have room to breathe. Hot damn.

We caught up with Mache to talk about the collab and working with the West family.

SLAM: Congrats on this recent project, working with Kanye and Chronicled at the same time.

Mache: It’s pretty cool. I’ve been talking to Chronicled for a little bit and they just handed me [the product], maybe, three weeks ago.

I had done something for Kanye 10 years ago. He has, obviously, a little more influence in sneaker culture now. It’s cool to see 10 years later, not just me chasing down Kanye but someone coming to me to [customize their sneakers.]

SLAM: What’d you work on for him 10 years ago?

Mache: I did a pair of Air Forces. The Graduation artwork. That was still when it was “Backpack Kanye.” It’s cool to see 10 years later not only how I’ve progressed, but his progression too.

SLAM: Now it’s 10 years later and you’re collaborating with Kanye again. What was the process like this time around?

Mache: This was all me. Pretty much they were like, ‘Hey, they wanna do something, do something dope for him.’ I picked an Ultra Boost mostly because if you don’t see him in his own stuff, he’s usually wearing Ultra Boost. I wanted to pick something that you’d likely see him wearing.

And with the colorway I went with the green and the orange because I want it to be something that’s wearable on the streets.

SLAM: These sneakers are about North’s birthday and Father’s Day. How’d you all pick that narrative?

Mache: They had come to me about doing something for Father’s Day and North’s birthday. They sent me the shoes and I did my thing. I thought it was cool to do the whole “North” and “West” play on her name. It’s subtle and I think it’s a little witty. I think they’ll appreciate it.

SLAM: Why do we as consumers need a narrative behind all of our sneakers? Every good pair of sneakers has a strong story behind it.

Mache: The market is so flooded that it’s the company’s job to figure out they can separate themselves from all the other ones. We’re a very impressionable society, no matter how much you wanna deny that. We’re influenced by what other people say, what other people are wearing. People are gonna buy what people they look up to have. In terms of the storytelling, every time Jordan comes out with a shoe, there’s a whole story going on there. Or adidas. That’s their way of saying this is why this is better than everyone else’s, this is why you should buy this shoe.

SLAM: Do you ever feel any pressure in telling those stories through sneakers when you’re working with Kanye or LeBron James or Dwyane Wade or all the other superstars you’ve worked with?

Mache: Yes and no. When I first started dealing with the more known clients, I think the pressure got a little more to me. You can get caught up in the aura or the exposure. At the end of the day, the best part of designing any of these shoes is just getting a genuine reaction from them, no matter who it is. From Joe Schmoe or Kanye or LeBron, whoever. That’s what I always go for. I’m always putting my best foot forward no matter what, no matter who it is.

SLAM: You mentioned Chronicled very briefly earlier. What’s your partnership with them?

Mache: They reached out to me. A friend of mine from adidas hooked me up with Ryan Orr (CEO). When you get a reference from someone you know, I’ll take it a little more seriously. Over the last couple of years, you get a lot of people that pitch products and wanna, you know, not ride the coattails, but… you’re a little more skeptical as to when you’re first starting out.

I went out to San Francisco and met all of them and saw what their technology’s all about. It was cool. It was something that made sense. It’s a legitimate field. It’s not a forced issue. It is very real, in terms of the sneakers. They also wanna go in to doing other items. Handbags, things like.

SLAM: The last time you spoke to SLAM, you mentioned that you and adidas were talking about doing a signature. Any movement on that?

Mache: We’re still talking, it’s in the pipeline. There’s been other things with other brands, which is cool. It’s crazy what happens since the last time we spoke. So I’m still talking about partnerships with adidas and New Balance and doing events with Jordan and Nike. Working on potentially doing something with ASICS next year.

It’s cool to see something that I did as a hobby has turned into something that’s so much more relevant and important to more mainstream. I still say to myself that I can’t believe this is what I do for a living.

The post Q+A: Mache Talks Collaborating with Kanye appeared first on SLAM.

Steve Ballmer can I please redesign the Clippers mascot

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) March 13, 2016

%1000 Steve Ballmer. Let's meet this week if you have time. I was hanging with Chris Paul last night.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) March 14, 2016

@kanyewest @LAClippers love Chuck but love your creativity. Lets talk. Lunch?

— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) March 13, 2016

Chuck The Condor, the poor bastard, doesn’t seem too enthused about any of this.

I miss the old Kanye. https://t.co/staijL8Jpf

— Chuck The Condor (@ChuckTheCondor) March 13, 2016

The post Kanye West: ‘Can I Please Redesign the Clippers Mascot’ appeared first on SLAM.

Kanye West and adidas Originals start 2016 with the release of the highly sought-after black version of the YEEZY BOOST 350.

 

The lo-top YEEZY BOOST 350 features a Primeknit upper: a break-through material developed using adidas’ most advanced digital engineering techniques to fit like a second skin. Color-coordinated outsoles leverage adidas BOOST’s highly responsive properties to offer an unparalleled level of comfort, performance, and style.

 

The YEEZY BOOST 350 combines the forward-thinking technologies of adidas with a classic aesthetic and represents a bold new design ideal.

The post adidas Re-Releasing the Yeezy Boost 350 ‘Black’ (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Here’s more from adidas:

The YEEZY SEASON 3 presentation’s main cast unveiled an updated version of the YEEZY BOOST 350 and a brand-new 1050 boot. Both models utilizing the latest in adidas Boost technology, in which blown EVA pellets are compressed to create a durable, shock-resistant, responsive sole. A cast of almost 1000 extras, meanwhile, wore iconic adidas styles such as the Tubular, NMD, Gazelle, Stan Smith, and the Superstar. All models exclusively wore apparel from West’s own line YEEZY SEASON 3, and he also included select pieces of his own YEEZY SEASON 3 footwear and accessories.

Peep the photo above to see what the models were rocking at MSG. Keep it tuned for more YEEZY SEASON 3 news.

Image courtesy of adidas

The post Kanye West Unveils ‘YEEZY SEASON 3’ Collection (PHOTO) appeared first on SLAM.

For starters, the song’s hook is, “Yeezy, Yeezy, Yeezy just jumped over Jumpman.” And then there are blunt lines like, “If Nike ain’t have Drizzy, man they wouldn’t have nothin’, woo!/If Nike ain’t have Don C, man they wouldn’t have nothin’, ooh!” and “Nike, Nike treat employees just like slaves/Gave LeBron a billi’ not to run away (Yo!)”

Meanwhile, Ye—who is at this point adidas’ most famous endorser—big ups two adidas athletes when he raps, “James Harden, Swaggy P runnin’ up the budget.”

Naturally, reporters asked LeBron about all this today. But while he’s aware of it, King James has yet to listen to the song. Here’s what LeBron had to say on the matter, via Cleveland.com:

James’ response: “We don’t look upon nobody on our side, we just try to put the best athletes that we can out on the floor every night.

 

“And Phil Knight’s greatest saying is ‘always listen to the heart of the athlete listen to the words of the athlete,'” James continued. “And that’s all it’s about, nothing else.”

 

…

 

“Obviously I’m going to side with Nike no matter who it is,” James said. “It’s just, it’s family when you talk about Nike, and I’m always on their side no matter what the situation is.”

The post LeBron Says He Hasn’t Listened to Kanye West’s Nike Diss Track Yet (AUDIO) appeared first on SLAM.

First launched in February 2015, the Yeezy Boost 750’s all-black premium suede edition is sure to be a crazy coveted release. Scroll through the pics above to get a better look.

Want a pair? One pair will run you $350. More info at adidas.com/KANYE

The post adidas YEEZY BOOST 750 ‘Black’ (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Following the unprecedented global anticipation of the YEEZY BOOST 350 released in a white colorway this past June, Kanye West and adidas Originals now announce the forthcoming global drop of an all black version on August 22, 2015.

 

The shoe marks the third footwear model launched in the historic, vastly awaited partnership between West and adidas. First glimpsed in New York last February during the YEEZY SEASON 1 Fashion Week presentation, the lo-top YEEZY BOOST 350 in black features uppers composed of tonal Primeknit: a breakthrough material developed using adidas’ most advanced digital engineering techniques to fit like a second skin. Color-coordinated outsoles leverage adidas BOOST’s highly responsive properties to offer an unparalleled level of comfort, performance, and style.

 

The YEEZY BOOST 350 is composed of beautiful yet simple materials in a refined, elegant color palette, speaking to West’s vision for effortless, timeless footwear and apparel. Melding the forward-thinking technologies of adidas with a classic aesthetic, the YEEZY BOOST 350 represents a bold new design ideal.

 

The YEEZY BOOST 350 will hit stores globally on August 22, 2015 and will also be available through the adidas Confirmed app—a first-of-its-kind sneaker reservation mobile application—in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The updated app available in the Apple app store and Google Play allows consumers to sign-up, reserve, and pick-up their sneakers all through their smartphones.

 

For updates and retailer list, please visit adidas.com/KANYE

The post adidas Originals Yeezy Boost 350 ‘Black’ (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Now, West and adidas are back with a new twist on the Yeezy sneaker: the Yeezy Boost 350. The trainer shoe is equipped with adidas Primeknit—a breakthrough material developed to fit like a second skin.

The Boost is priced at $200 and hits stores globally on June 27. For now, check out the detailed images from adidas above.

The post Kanye West x adidas: Yeezy Boost 350 (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Kanye, in a conversation with Hot 97 this week about a Chuck-E Cheese controversy (long story) said that Steph needs to get himself out of his multi-year deal with Under Armour, and join the rapper over at adidas.

Yeezy thinks Curry would look great in some Yeezys.

Per Complex:

“I’m good friends with LeBron [James]. I would like to be really great friends with Steph [Curry].

 

I think he would be an awesome Yeezy athlete. I think he needs to get rid of them Under Armours right quick. The world would love to see Steph in some Yeezys.”

Related
Kanye West Held a Press Conference After Game 4 (VIDEO)

The post Kanye West Wants Stephen Curry to Ditch Under Armour for adidas Yeezys appeared first on SLAM.

Kanye was front-and-center during and after Game 4 of the NBA Finals, as he chilled courtside and did his best not to let the cameras catch him smiling.

Mood. https://t.co/P2wi1R51qF

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) June 12, 2015

The rapper then held an impromptu press conference before the Cavs and Warriors came out to chat with reporters.

I'll let you finish, Kanye, but Riley Curry had the best press conference of all-time. pic.twitter.com/vCLphDkmYm

— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien7) June 12, 2015

Yes this is me asking Kanye questions. Lol pic.twitter.com/T4hsiZLmdk

— Robert Littal (@BSO) June 12, 2015

The post Kanye West Held a Press Conference After Game 4 (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

The post Kanye West Performs ‘All Day’ During Timeout in Bulls-Cavs Game 4 (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

The post Kanye West Surprises Lucky Fans With adidas Yeezy Boost (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Sunday at the 2015 Grammys in Los Angeles, Kanye West debuted the brand new adidas YEEZY BOOST. Now, adidas has announced that the sneaker will officially release on February 14 in New York.

How can you get yours? Here’s everything we know so far about the highly anticipated upcoming release, straight from our friends at adidas:

After much anticipation for the new sneaker, Kanye revealed the YEEZY BOOST on stage during his performance of ‘Only One’ at the 57th Grammy’s.

 

Bringing to life the ultimate in music, culture and fashion from Kanye, the YEEZY BOOST is his first collaboration with adidas Originals. The limited-edition sneaker, which will debut later this month, is exquisitely designed featuring beautiful yet simple materials. The silhouette transcends footwear trends and champions the next way of thinking about sneaker fashion. Featuring adidas’ coveted boost cushioning technology, the YEEZY BOOST will combine the ultimate in comfort and performance with high-end style.

 

“No one transcends music and fashion like Kanye West,” said Arthur Hoeld, general manager for adidas Originals. “He is a cultural icon like no other and brings a completely new expression to designing shoes. The YEEZY BOOST is the first sneaker that brings Kanye’s unique creativity and individuality to the forefront of its design. It will be highly sought-after and we expect to see unprecedented excitement when we release it in New York during one of the most exciting times for fashion, sports and culture.”

 

The YEEZY BOOST will be released February 14 in New York against the back drop of Fashion Week and NBA All-Star. Reservations for select adidas stores, Foot Locker and Champs Sports locations can be made prior to release day through the adidas Confirmed app, a first-of-its-kind sneaker reservation app that will change the way the industry goes to market by simplifying the reservation process and putting consumers first. Limited pairs of the YEEZY BOOST will be available at other select retailers in New York.

 

For updates and additional launch information, download the adidas Confirmed app from the Apple app store or Google play.

 

Locations that will release the YEEZY BOOST to consumers who reserve through the adidas Confirmed app include select adidas, Foot Locker & Champs Sports retail stores in the NYC area and The a Standard adidas x Foot Locker Pop-Up Store on Fulton Street in Brooklyn.

 

Limited pairs of the YEEZY Boost will be available at other select locations including Packer Shoes and Dover Street Market. 

 

For more information visit adidas.com/Kanye. #adidasOriginals #YEEZYBOOST

Photos via @adidasoriginals, @givenchydonc, @virgilabloh

The post adidas Originals Yeezy Boost Releasing This Saturday (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

This has to be what Phil Jackson means when he claims that Kobe Bryant trains harder than Michael Jordan used to, right?

(Though, to be fair, Jordan did sorta play against Michael Jackson once.)

The Black Mamba joined Yeezus on the court for some drills and a light run this week.

Per TMZ:

Kobe Bryant teamed up with Kanye West in an Orange County gym Wednesday for a private basketball training session.

 

The two met up at The Hub training center and ran drills and played a little hoop before calling it a day.

 

Kobe and Kanye have been friends for years — and even did a Nike commercial together back in 2012.

The post Kobe Bryant Trained With Kanye West (PHOTO) appeared first on SLAM.

The post Derrick Rose Wants Kanye West to Design His adidas Sneakers (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Twitter was ablaze Friday morning with news of a release date for the Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October,” pulled via Foot Locker’s online release calendar, with December 27 the apparent drop date for the highly anticipated Kanye West kicks. But as of this moment, the Yeezy 2s are no longer on Foot Locker’s calendar. Sorry, sneakerheads. You’ll have to keep waiting. We reached out to Foot Locker for clarification, but haven’t heard back yet. Complicating matters for Kanye, of course, is that he recently parted ways with Nike, and inked a deal with adidas. Stay tuned for updates!

UPDATE (2:05 p.m.): Foot Locker has confirmed that the Yeezy 2 WILL be releasing, online only, on December 27.

The post UPDATE: Nike Air Yeezy 2 ‘Red October’ IS Releasing On December 27 (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Kanye West unofficially announced last week that he was signing a sneaker deal with adidas. And finally, adidas has confirmed the news. In a statement, adidas said the following on the deal: “For 2014, we welcome to the adidas family one of the most influential cultural icons of this generation, Kanye West. 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.” Are you excited to see what adidas x Yeezy come up with next?

H/T: Complex

The post adidas Officially Confirms Sneaker Deal with Kanye West (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

We’ve heard rumblings for a while that Kanye West has been unhappy with Nike. And by “rumblings,” we mean on-stage rants, venting his frustrations on radio and mentioning to just about anyone who will listen that he’s unhappy with the way Nike has handled the Yeezy IIs—specifically, the release of the “Red October” colorway. The last straw? Nike reportedly refusing to pay ‘Ye royalties. So what did West do? Went and signed with the competition. We have no official word from adidas yet, but Kanye tells Hot 97 that he’s inking a deal with the three stripes. We contacted adidas, and for now they say they have “nothing to share.” Here’s what Yeezy told Hot 97, via Miss Info: “So then I start turning up in the BBC interview, so [Nike] said, ok cool, we’re gonna give you a bigger sandbox to play in. We’re gonna give you this amount right here to design, and two collections a year, and 30 skews — that’s the amount of items that you have. Would that make you happy, Kanye? And 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%, that business is $2 billion. He makes a $100 million dollars a year off of 5% 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. Did I really ANYTHING? YES! Did I really EVERYTHING. 100,000 percent. I’m 100,000 percent at all times. It’s people that work in offices trying to tell me how to think, when I got a better perspective. I live in Paris…So the old me, without a daughter, would have taken the Nike deal because I just love Nikes so much. But the new me, with a daughter, takes the adidas deal because I have royalties and I have to provide for my family…Angie: So that’s official, did you officially announce the adidas deal? Kanye: Whatever’s official, non-official, official, what y’all gonna see is… I am going to be the Tupac of product… I’ma be the first hip-hop designer, and because of that… I’ma be bigger than Walmart.”

The post Kanye West Announces Sneaker Deal With adidas appeared first on SLAM.

Monday marked the three-year anniversary of LeBron James’ infamous television special to announce that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Amazingly, Kanye West was in the room when James broke the news to the world, but unlike everyone else who was tuned in or in attendance, Yeezy was apparently super-bored by the whole thing and passed out. Courtney Cox, a former ESPN staffer, has the story (via FanSided): “Most of the guests were seated, comprised of high-level execs primarily from Disney and the Boys and Girls Club. I didn’t know most of the people present, but one of the higher-level faces I did recognize approached me concerned. He asked me about which seats were taken and if we could get more. Nervous about shutting down someone that could get me fired, I played it safe and tried to dodge the awkward responsibility of assigning seats. He whispered softly, ‘Kanye West is here and I don’t know where to seat him.’ Mind you, this is not long after the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where Kanye gave Taylor Swift the business in his infamous ‘I’mma let you finish’ speech. All I can think about is ‘Ye approaching the set, snatching the mic and saying, ‘Yo LeBron. I’m really happy for you. I’mma let you finish, but Michael Jordan had one of the best careers of all time.’ So I ask the high-level face, ‘Are there any seats in the back we can find?’ thinking that the further back he sits, the greater my chances of properly wrapping up when I tackle him on his way to the limelight. He said, ‘How about those three seats on the third row?’ […] So Kanye walks in with no entourage, just a couple of people, and now I’m thinking he’s either here because he was at the wedding rehearsal for Carmelo Anthony and LaLa, or he was the Chicago representative picked to show out when LeBron chose the Bulls. To this day, I’m still not sure why he was in the building. I spend the first 15 minutes or so honed in on ‘Ye’s every move. He seems chill, he’s wearing his glasses indoors, and he’s not making sudden moves. I forget he’s there until one of the camera operators says, ‘I think Kanye West fell asleep.’ At the biggest non-sporting sports event in a while, Kanye West fell asleep before anyone announced anything. He was doing the church/school head nod and everything. Wake up, Mr. West. He would eventually wake up and leave well before The Decision ended.”

Related: Kanye West’s 45 Best Basketball References

The post Kanye West Was at ‘The Decision’ With LeBron James and Fell Asleep appeared first on SLAM.

Yeezy is out and about promoting his new album—Yeezus, his sixth solo project—and naturally, Mr. West is talking crazy. Kanye tells the NY Times that he’s the Michael Jordan of music: “Mr. West has had the most sui generis hip-hop career of the last decade. No rapper has embodied hip-hop’s often contradictory impulses of narcissism and social good quite as he has, and no producer has celebrated the lush and the ornate quite as he has. He has spent most of his career in additive mode, figuring out how to make music that’s majestic and thought-provoking and grand-scaled. And he’s also widened the genre’s gates, whether for middle-class values or high-fashion and high-art dreams. At the same time, he’s been a frequent lightning rod for controversy, a bombastic figure who can count rankling two presidents among his achievements, along with being a reliably dyspeptic presence at award shows (when he attends them). But Mr. West is, above all, a technician, obsessed with sound, and the music of ‘Yeezus’ — spare, direct and throbbing — is, effectively, a palate cleanser after years of overexertion, backing up lyrics that are among the most serrated and provocative of his career. […] ‘I think you got to make your case. Seventh grade, I wanted to be on the basketball team. I didn’t get on the team, so that summer I practiced. I was on the summer league. My team won the championship; I was the point guard. And then when I went for eighth grade, I practiced and I hit every free throw, every layup, and the next day I looked on this chart, and my name wasn’t on it. I asked the coach what’s up, and they were like, ‘You’re just not on it.’ I was like, ‘But I hit every shot.’ The next year — I was on the junior team when I was a freshman, that’s how good I was. But I wasn’t on my eighth-grade team, because some coach — some Grammy, some reviewer, some fashion person, some blah blah blah — they’re all the same as that coach. Where I didn’t feel that I had a position in eighth grade to scream and say, ‘Because I hit every one of my shots, I deserve to be on this team!’ I’m letting it out on everybody who doesn’t want to give me my credit.’ And you know you hit your shots. ‘Yeah — you put me on the team. So I’m going to use my platform to tell people that they’re not being fair. Anytime I’ve had a big thing that’s ever pierced and cut across the Internet, it was a fight for justice. Justice. And when you say justice, it doesn’t have to be war. Justice could just be clearing a path for people to dream properly. It could be clearing a path to make it fair within the arena that I play. You know, if Michael Jordan can scream at the refs, me as Kanye West, as the Michael Jordan of music, can go and say, ‘This is wrong.'”

The post Kanye West Calls Himself the ‘Michael Jordan of Music’ appeared first on SLAM.

For the rest of Kris Humphries’ NBA career, he will hear digs from opposing fans that reference his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her new man Kanye West. After the Brooklyn Nets escaped MSG with a tough win over the New York Knicks last night, Humphries talked about the Knicks supporters’ venom and threw it right back at them on Twitter. JR Smith decided to join the fray with his own Kanye-inspired barb. Good times. Per the NY Daily News and the Twitterverse: “They were harassing me when I was going in and out of the tunnel,’ Humphries said. ‘But after, I asked them, ‘Why’s everyone so quiet?’ […] As Humphries was outhustling the Knicks on the court on Monday, it seemed the fans were taking the insults to a personal level. ‘They were saying everything,’ Humphries said, ‘everything under the sun.’ […] @TheRealJRSmith: ‘Wasnt quiet when Kanye tore it down last month! RT @KrisHumphries: Big game tonight! The Garden got really quiet on the way out! #Brooklyn”

The post JR Smith Referenced Kanye West in a Diss of Kris Humphries appeared first on SLAM.

Rap megastar Kanye West, as you know, is now dating Kris Humphries ex-wife Kim Kardashian. New York City DJs used this fact to poke fun at the Brooklyn Nets forward recently, and he was none too pleased. Reports the NY Daily News: “Kim Kardashian’s 72-day husband, Kris Humphries, just can’t go clubbing without having his ears assaulted by Kanye West. Deejays seem to love torturing the Net forward with the vocal stylings of his ex-wife’s new beau. Humphries’ anguish was apparent Wednesday night at WIP, when he arrived to let off steam after a tough loss to the Knicks, but was left fuming after consecutive West songs blared in his ears. ‘He was trying to talk to every girl in there and was getting turned down by every girl he spoke to,’ an eyewitness says. Our source, who watched Humphries foul out until 4 a.m., says deejays Chuck Barrett and Scram Jones played a list of West’s tunes, and by the time they got to ‘Mercy’ and ‘Clique,’ Humph was on fire. ‘He took a bottle of Patron that he didn’t pay for, put it in front of his crotch and dumped the entire thing on the floor, because he was wasted and tired of Kanye songs,’ says the source. ‘Not only was he acting like he was peeing the bottle out, he insisted on staying.'”

The post Kris Humphries Was Reportedly Angered By DJs Playing Kanye West Songs appeared first on SLAM.

From our friends at Foot Locker:

Foot Locker is offering customers the opportunity to register online for the chance to purchase the Nike Air Yeezy 2 at one of four select House of Hoops by Foot Locker stores on Saturday, June 9th.

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
34th Street
11 W 34th St
New York, NY 10001

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Harlem
268 W 125th St
New York, NY 10027

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Fashion Show Mall
3200 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Beverly Center mall
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Black/Solar Red version will be available to purchase at the House of Hoops by Foot Locker 34th St and the House of Hoops by Foot Locker Harlem stores and the Wolf Grey/Platinum version will be available to purchase at the House of Hoops by Foot Locker Fashion Show Mall and the House of Hoops by Foot Locker Beverly Center Mall. The shoes will retail for $245.

To be eligible for the chance to purchase, customers must include their name, shoe size, email address, and one of the four House of Hoops by Foot Locker store locations on the online entry form. One entry per person. You must be 13 years of age or older to enter.

Winners will be notified via email on Friday, June 8th.

Winners must go to the store in-person on Saturday, June 9th between 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (local time) to purchase the shoe. Shoes will not be shipped.

Winners must present a valid form of picture ID and be verified at the store in order to purchase the shoe on Saturday.

This is the only way to have the opportunity to purchase the Nike Air Yeezy 2 at any Foot Locker.

Click here to enter now.

The post Nike Air Yeezy 2 Release Info (KICKS) appeared first on SLAM.

Images via Nike

No doubt by now you’re familiar with the Nike Air Yeezy II. But until now, you’ve likely only see the Kanye West signature sneaks on the feet of celebs and VIPs. Starting in June, you’ll have the chance to rock them yourself. Nike’s global release for the Yeezy IIs is set for this summer, bringing the late ’80s basketball-inspired, Kanye-molded kicks to the streets.

The Yeezy II mixes leather, nylon and nubuck built on a slim fit and a lower collar than the original Yeezy. Plus, the loop straps have hieroglyphics that spell out ‘YZY.’ Per Nike, the Platinum/Black colorway will release June 9 at “select global retailers in limited numbers.”

The post Kicks: Nike Air Yeezy II appeared first on SLAM.

The Beastion level is one of the most difficult things to grasp in the #KobeSystem, but it shouldn’t be a problem for Kanye West. Just break more records, ‘Ye!

Previously:
Level 5: Domination
Level 4: Explosion
Level 3: Perception
Level 2: Adaptation
Level 1: Success

The post Nike: #KobeSystem — Level 6 Beastion appeared first on SLAM.

You’ve already seen a bunch of colorways of the Nike LeBron 9s, but here’s one you probably weren’t expecting to come across: a Watch the Throne-inspired edition that LeBron rocked to last night’s WTT concert. Images of the kicks above courtesy of Modern Notoriety.

The post Kicks: Nike LeBron 9 ‘Watch the Throne’ appeared first on SLAM.

The depressing fallout from this NBA lockout continues to roll in. The OC Register reports that Staples Center has already erased a mid-December game between the Lakers and Raptors off its slate (rumored contingency schedules be damned): “The combustion that was the end of the first mediation stage of NBA labor negotiations increased the likelihood of canceling more than the first two weeks of regular-season games. But let it be known that the league already has taken another game off the schedule. The Lakers’ still-scheduled Dec. 13 home game against the Toronto Raptors will not happen under any circumstances then and there. That’s because the NBA has already allowed Staples Center to vacate its commitment to the Lakers that day and schedule an extra date of the Jay-Z and Kanye West concert tour. According to a statement from the NBA: ‘With the cancellation of the first two weeks of the season, the NBA schedule would have to be reworked and certain dates — including Dec. 13 for a Lakers game at Staples Center — would not be part of any revised schedule.’ Actually, it’s two additional NBA games already on the move, because the league did the same thing to accommodate another Jay-Z and Kanye show at Chicago’s United Center on Nov. 30, when the Bulls are currently scheduled to play the San Antonio Spurs.”

The post NBA Arenas Booking Other Events for December Already appeared first on SLAM.

Compiled by Adam Figman / @afigman

On the surface, it seems pretty unlikely that Kanye West and the game of basketball would go hand in hand. While Yeezy’s partner-in-rhyme Jay-Z’s connection with the sport is well documented, ‘Ye comes off as the member of the Watch the Throne duo more likely to prefer a front-row seat at a fashion show or art opening than a courtside spot at the NBA Finals. But a slightly deeper look proves all of this terribly wrong. The Chicago-bred rapper has indeed been photographed at many an NBA contest, but beyond that, Kanye was reportedly hooping daily through the recording process of his 2010 solo album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and he even brought a dude named Kobe Bryant into the studio when he needed some inspiration to complete the remix of his hit single “Power.” And, of course, he litters his rhymes with bball references. Roll through the gallery above to check out what SLAM believes are the 45 best of ’em.

Previously:
Jay-Z’s Best Basketball References
Snoop Dogg’s Best Lakers References
Biggie’s Best Basketball References

The post Kanye West’s Best Basketball References appeared first on SLAM.

Before the Black Mamba entered the Nike Vault, the elephant in the room was the star of the show.

With a loss to the Boston Celtics still just settling into his psyche on Sunday afternoon, Kobe Bryant’s status at an event all about him—one that Nike flew media in for from across the map—remained a question mark.

Kobe’s competitiveness (and subsequent hatred of losing) is very well documented. So having his Lakers out-played by the Celtics with the basketball universe watching surely didn’t sit very well with him. Still, the man with a fistful of rings rolled through the Vault as scheduled on Sunday to talk about his work with Robert Rodriguez (also in the house) on the soon-to-be-released Black Mamba short, about his sneaker line and about some very personalized apparel.

Quickly, let’s get into the goods.

Nike graphic designer Erick Goto showed us a few things from the Kobe VI line, specifically what Kobe’s been wearing on the court this season, from the neon green Christmas Day shoe to the white/concord and black/yellow joints he’s worn at home and on the road, respectively.

Next up, we got into some cool LA-themed Kobe VIs and Hyperfuses.

Kobe will have three different All-Star sneaks this year, with all three based on L.A.

The East LA Kobe VI sheds the scales that other makeups of the shoe have, in favor of a rich blue colorway. With Goto having been born and raised in East L.A., the shoe was especially personal for him. He drew on things he saw around him while growing up, specifically mentioning lowriders, which he incorporated into the shoe.

Orange County was up next. The shoe’s concept came from a picture of a sunset on the beach, with palm trees in sight. The image has been worked onto the one-piece overlay of the shoe. “Orange County is the center of action sports, so we really wanted to play on that,” Goto said.

Finally, Hollywood comes into the picture. Goto skipped over the obvious silver and gold options with a shoe here and instead went with a 3D theme. While the shoes look like Andy Worhol or Roy Lichtenstein portraits, throw a pair of old school glasses with the red and blue lenses on and the Kobe VIs come to life. The outsole on the left shoe matches the insole on the right and vice-versa, giving the shoe a red look on one side and a blue look on the other.

“This is a fully workable 3D shoe,” Goto said. “The shoes change colors when you’re running in different directions. One side is red, the other blue.”

There are a pair of Hyperfuse lows to coordinate with each of the three Kobe shoes as well that are being sold separately. Don’t expect them to last long. The East L.A.’s went on sale and are gone already.

The other big topic of discussion in the Vault was Kobe’s Black Mamba film. Kobe worked with Bruce Willis, the scary as hell Danny Trejo and Kanye West in the ad, which releases on Feb. 19. As I said above, Robert Rodriguez was on hand and spoke about directing the soon-to-be-released eight-minute short titled, The Black Mamba. The first trailer for the flick went up last week. you can check it out here if you haven’t seen it yet.

The second trailer was debuted at the event on Sunday.

Rodriguez came through rocking a pair of the black/yellow Kobe VIs.

“He always wears cowboy boots—always,” the host of the event said. “I’ve never seen him without cowboy boots.”

Turns out Kobe gave the director a pair of his size 14s to wear to the event.

Rodriguez said that Kobe was a natural in front of the camera.

“Anyone who’s that great at what he does, in order to do what he does on the court, you can’t let antyhing stress you. “He did that in fornt of the camera,” he said.

“Your very first scene, you’re going to be on national television, worldwide television with Bruce Willis, you’re going to be nervous, your voice would start shaking. He pulled it off and it was pretty amazing.”

Kobe said he wanted to do more than just a standard sneaker ad. That led to him approaching Rodriguez about the short film.

“I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time,” Mamba said. “When it came time to do a spot, I had things going on in my mind, shots and angles. Emotionally, I wanted it to jump off of the screen. There’s nobody better to do it than Robert.”

Kobe also said that it was fun to watch Rodriguez, Willis and Trejo in their element too.

“It was cool for me. I’m fascinated by how great people do what they do,” he said. “It’s all about the details and the passion … a lot of the same things that I do on the court.”

Here’s some video of Kobe talking about the short with the LA Times.

The post Kobe Debuts New All-Star Kicks appeared first on SLAM.

The post Video: ‘The Black Mamba’ Co-Starring Kanye West appeared first on SLAM.

The post Video: Mavs Recreate Kanye’s “Power” appeared first on SLAM.

-Schneezy

The post Just Cuz: Jamadaday appeared first on SLAM.

You might have heard about this thing that’s been captivating people, even infuriating them, since last week. I mean, it’s something so grand and seemingly life-changing that even the President of the United States, Barack Obama, chimed in with his thoughts on the situation. That situation? Enigmatic hip hop artist Kanye West interrupting country star Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. And before you say anything, yes, I know they don’t play videos anymore.

In any case, once again, Kanye acted a fool and we all bought into it. Proof? There is a website dedicated to people putting up pictures of Mr. West interrupting other people. The audio has been manipulated and utilized by people on YouTube and radio stations. And the final proof is this article. Yes, I’m being a lemming, but I’ve never been one to let a trend go past me without using it and trampling it to death in due time! Some seek validation in academic accomplishments, others in spiritual pursuits, but me? I define my life by fads.

That said, what if Kanye could speak his mind to each NBA organization – be it to the team as a whole or individual players? What would the man say? Lucky for you, I’m excellent at playing pretend. Oh, by the way, if you’re in the market for a William Hung CD or “Vote for Pedro” t-shirt, e-mail me. Enjoy the Luis Vuitton Don’s interruptions.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Boston Celtics
I’m ecstatic like I just got an invitation to Megan Fox’s house, Rajon Rondo, and I’ma let you hope you eventually get appreciated by a team somewhere in the NBA, but Dee Brown will always be the first skinny long-armed Gollum-looking point guard for the Celtics.

New Jersey Nets
I’m chillin’ real cool like I’m the anti-Nick Anderson shooting free-throws, Nets, and I’ma let you build around Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, but haircuts are more loathe to be in Brooklyn than you. Damn hipsters.

New York Knicks
I’m full of cheer like my name’s Claire Bennett, Knicks, and I’ma keep letting you hire temporary workers like they stood out on the corner waiting to trim bushes or hammer nails, but someone getting drunk, meeting a random chick at a bar next to a health clinic, and bare pickling it takes more risks than you hoping to sign LeBron in 2010.

Philadelphia 76ers
I’m really happy like I just saw a bratty kid drop his ice cream, Elton Brand, and I’ma let you validate that huge contract and expectations for you in Philly, but Ron Jeremy busted more than you last season.

Toronto Raptors
I’m jazzed like I’m getting a personal tour from Mila Kunis of her bedroom, Raptors, and I’ma let you think you’re the sleeper team from the East to look out for, but the Washington Wizards are sleepier than you.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Cleveland Cavaliers
I’m blissful like the Dalai Lama just told me I’m the ish, Shaquille O’Neal, and I’ma let you be you dissing on Dwight Howard, but Ryan Seacrest lives in denial better than you.

Chicago Bulls
I’m perky like Miss Congeniality in a cheesy beauty contest, Joakim Noah, and I’ma let you continue to grow your game like your hair, but New York governor David Patterson can probably dress himself better than you.

Detroit Pistons
I’m full of glee for you in a way a model is when she sees a bathroom with kneepads next to the bowl after eating, Ben Gordon, and I’ma let you enjoy your money, but in Detroit, Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson will always be considered the best short scoring threat off the bench ever. Ever.

Indiana Pacers
I’m as happy as a reality TV show star because I’d be famous for having zero skills and, oddly enough, a lack of reality of celebrity, Larry Bird, and I’ma let you keep that horrible haircut, but Danny Ainge is a better basketball executive than you. Thank goodness for Michael Jordan.

Milwaukee Bucks
I’m walking on air right now, Brandon Jennings, and I’ma let you be braggadocios, but Eastbound and Down’s Kenny Powers speaks before he thinks better than you.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Atlanta Hawks
I’m really happy for your unbelievable hops that are proportional to a kangaroo’s, Josh Smith, and I’ma let you keep bouncing like Lacy Chabert’s bra during a morning jog, but Dominique Wilkins made dunking in the ATL the $#!^!

Charlotte Bobcats
I’m overjoyed for you that you got your “type” of center and I’ma let the season play out, but real talk — Emeka Okafor is better than Tyson Chandler in the way two breasts are better than one.

Miami Heat
I’m super-stoked like Kristen Bell and Brea Grant just said they’d have a threesome with me making up scenes from Heroes with me playing the role of The Jack Hammer, Jermaine O’Neal, and I’ma let you attempt to comeback like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, but only another Nicholas Cage movie would be a bigger waste of money than you.

Orlando Magic
I’m elated like I just got a free pair of kicks from Converse, Magic, and I’ma hope that Vince Carter replacing Hedo Turkoglu works out better for you, but the next Twilight movie has more expectations than you. Well, for teen-aged girls and Seacrest anyway.

Washington Wizards
I’m ecstatic to no end like I caught Jessica Biel bending over to pick up a dime that I dropped on purpose, Wizards, and I’ma let you score to no end, but a comedy show featuring Jim Norton, Louis CK, and Artie Lang is more offensive than you.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Denver Nuggets
I’m really elated for you, Chris Andersen, and I’ma let you fly away, but Dennis Rodman is better than you in every way — tats, rebounds, defense, married Carmen Electra, and starred in a movie with Jean Claude Van Damme. JCVD… ‘nuff said.

Minnesota Timberwolves
I’m hyped like a fat kid in front of a tray full of cupcakes, David Kahn, and I’ma let you try to right the Timberwolves’ ship, but Kevin McHale makes worse decisions than you. For now.

Oklahoma City Thunder
I’m very pleased like that second piece of pie hitting the spot, Thunder, and I’ma let you grow together as the season goes along, but the cast of “Mean Girls” are a better collection of young talent than you. No one end up like Lindsay Lohan, please.

Portland Trail Blazers
I’m overjoyed like you wouldn’t believe, Greg Oden, and I’ma hope no one calls you “Sam Bowie Jr,” but the recent G.I. Joe movie was more disappointing than you.

Utah Jazz
I’m ridiculously happy as if Jennifer Love Hewitt came to her senses and broke up with Jamie Kennedy and making me feel better about myself, Carlos Boozer, and I’ma let you possibly delude yourself, but Larry David from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” who wants to break up with his cancer-stricken girlfriend has a better shot of staying put for a season than you.

PACIFIC DIVISION

Golden State Warriors
I’m jumping for joy like Maury just told me I’m not the father, spirit of the Latrell Sprewell/P.J. Carlisemo Harmonious Union, and I’ma let feed your spiritual family, but the ’08-09 Cleveland Cavaliers choked more than you.

Los Angeles Clippers
I’m thrilled like the most popular girl in school agreed to go out with me, a nerd that lives and breathes World of Warcraft and LARPing, Clippers, and I’ma let your youngsters do their thing, but the Memphis Grizllies are making more mistakes than you as a franchise. It’s a Zach Randolph thing.

Los Angeles Lakers
I’m geeked for you, Ron Artest, and I’ma let you do your thing with the Lakers, but Stephon Marbury is crazier than you. Who woulda thunk?

Phoenix Suns
I’m fired-up for you like Paris Hilton’s “down there” area, Taylor Griffin and Robin Lopez, and I’ma let you try to get out of that shadow, but Daniel Baldwin is more “the other brother” than you.

Sacramento Kings
I’m on cloud nine like I got together with Snoop Dogg, Cheech and Chong, and Woody Harrelson, Kings, and I’ma let you wish you got that contact high from that get-together, but reality TV shows on VH1 stink more than you.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Dallas Mavericks
I’m jolly like I’m Kanye Klaus sitting in my sleigh with three chicks as I say, ‘hoe, hoe, hoe’, Mavs, and I’ma let you sign all the old guys you want, but Marcin Gortat dropped more mud in his boxers than you when the Orlando Magic matched your offer sheet.

Houston Rockets
I’m punch-drunk content, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and I’ma let you rehab, but Johnny Knoxville’s testicles hurt more than you after several seasons of Jackass. Barely.

Memphis Grizzlies
I’m excited like the pitched tent in my pants when I look at a picture of Olivia Wilde, combination of Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo, and Rudy Gay, and I’ma let you attempt to work that out, but porn stars’ chin holds more balls than all of you.

New Orleans Hornets
I’m intoxicated with joy right now, Emeka Okafor, and I’ma let you feel your freedom like Salma Hayek’s treasures when she takes off her bra, but Pau Gasol is still luckier than you when it comes to leaving a bad team to a pretty good one.

San Antonio Spurs
I’m laughing like crazy right now, Richard Jefferson, and I’ma let you be an important piece to the Spurs getting back on point to winning a title, but an Eskimo with no socks on has colder feet than you.

Dennis Velasco is the lead writer at Barkley’s Mouth and Talk Stupid. Feel free to contact him at dv AT barkleysmouth DOT com… I’m really happy for you, DV, and I’ma let you finish promoting the Four Fingers Of Fantasy 2009 fantasy basketball draft guide, but one hair from Chuck Norris’ chest is manlier than you… thanks, Kanye.

The post Kanye West Interrupts the NBA
 appeared first on SLAM.

I’ma keep it real, I’m not gonna sit here and review the VMA’s award for award or performance for performance. I’m just gonna comment on the things that really stood out to me and had me smiling, laughing or just bugging out, na’mean?

• The Michael Jackson tribute was cool, but I was expecting some next level ish. The way they hyped it up, I was expecting them to have someone moonwalk on the moon for real or feed Joe Jackson to an army of hungry rats to honor the memory of Mike and Ben at the same time or something. Madonna’s “eulogy” for the King of Pop was cute, but really sounded like more of a compare/contrast of their lives and careers. I don’t care that they were both born in August in the suburbs and she didn’t have a mama and he didn’t have a childhood — why are you talking about you when you should be talking about Mike? The tribute itself with all the dancers dressed down in different signature MJ gear was pretty dope.  Dancing to “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal,” they really held it down. And when Janet stormed out with her thick and sexy self, she blew up the spot. Janet can still get it…with that leather suit on. S&M status! Nah, chill, son.

• Come on, again with Russell Brand?? How was he not gunned down after the Vegas VMA’s? Tupac gets shot out there, but Russell Brand is allowed to make it to the airport?? Where are our morals as a society? (Kidding!)

• Real talk, Beyonce got ripped off. She definitely had the best female video. But when did Kanye West inherit the spirit of Old Dirty Bastard? Rushing the stage and just spoiling Taylor Swift’s moment? Bogarting shorty’s mic time and saying, “Beyonce had one of the best video’s of all time.” OK, given, she did, just because every time I see “Singles Ladies” I get as hard as Ma$e when he’s around 50 Cent, but let that little country girl have her time in the spotlight. God knows Beyonce is more relevant and is gonna be around a lot longer than she is. Let’s see Kanye pull something like that on Heather B or Remy Martin had they won it. They would’ve labeled that “Flashing Lights” video a premonition, and there wouldn’t been nothing left of Amber Rose but a petal or two. And you know it’s wack when Russell Brand is trying to squash beef between Kanye and Taylor Swift. But then again, judging from Kanye’s recent albums and wifey choice, it makes sense.

He should’ve kept it hood and bum rushed her for that mic during her performance in the subway. She would’ve jumped right on the third rail just to end it all as quickly as possible. I like Kanye West, but that move was as ridiculous as Lady Gaga’s red outfit and mask. Who is she? Dead Pool?

• I can’t stand Jack Black even as an animated Panda. He’s the biggest cornball since John Leguizamo during his “Pest” days. Green Day winning Best Rock Video really means nothing to me. It was probably a classic to that genre like “Warning” was to hip-hop, but I wouldn’t know. So it’s whatever to me. Same goes for Lady Gaga, who reminds me of Macaulay Culkin in Monster. (Yes I saw that movie. Fez, you played yourself in it.) She was doing her thing on stage, but once the blood came into play — I don’t know if that like was a gang sign to the gay community, like Papoose did when he performed at Rikers Island, but I wasn’t ready for that.

• The Tracy Morgan sketches with Eminem was hella funny. But Eminem really seems to be uncomfortable in his own skin at this point in his life.

• Wale’s performances in between awards was dope on MTV’s part, to let a real MC do his thing on prominent commercial stage. Even though they didn’t let him rock on TV so they could get that commercial money, heads in the audience got put on to game. So that was good looks.

• Megan Fox is hot to death, but she’s a bird. Shakira needs to be pregnant with my baby.

• Who the hell did Britney bust to win best pop video? Her song and video were as wack as they come.

• That black chick kissing Asher Roth during the best new artist vote was fantastic! But the Communist-looking Statue of Liberty won. And I’m glad Drake didn’t win best new artist. He’s crazy overrated. He’s alright, but he’s not changing the game dramatically. He’s just adding another layer to the current state that it’s in: mediocre.

• And why would you have Pink close it out? She hasn’t been relevant since she was a hazard to herself.

• Finally the Jigga performance with the Homewrecker was cool, and yes, she is still one of the sexiest women on the face of the earth, but why did Lil’ Mama join them on stage? Jay’s going soft. Letting T-Pain jump on his Summer Jam stage and now Lil Mama — son, what’s hood? That was Lil’ Mama, right? I haven’t seen her since “Lip Gloss” so I could be mistaken.

All in all, the Awards themselves were a sham — Beyonce winning VOTY and T.I. winning BMV were the only valid awards. The performances weren’t mind blowing, but overall it was more entertaining then it’s been in recent years. But please, whoever’s up there at MTV listening, never bring back Russell Brand.

Bring back Chris Rock.

The post Review: The 2009 MTV VMAs appeared first on SLAM.

After a solid year’s buildup, Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy is hitting stores in a limited capacity on Saturday April 4. All three House of Hoops locations (New York, Chicago and Los Angeles) plus the Foot Locker and Foot Action on 34th ave. in NYC will be stocked with the much maligned and hyped sneak.

Normally when a limited-release sneaker drops, you get your HOH releases and you call it a day. Living ridiculously far from any of these stores, a shoe like the Air Yeezy wouldn’t remotely be an option for myself or other sneakerheads north of the U.S. border.

That all changes tomorrow, my Canadian friends.

The Air Yeezy will be available at Livestock locations in Toronto and Vancouver (West 4th), as well as at Foosh in my hometown of Edmonton and at NORML in Ottawa.

Regardless of which side of the border you’re on, the campouts are already in effect for the shoe. I spoke with someone at Livestock in Toronto at 1 p.m. ET and they said that they’ve got more people outside waiting for the shoes than they have shoes in the store. Foosh and NORML have extremely limited quantities, so a lot of campers/early risers will be disappointed tomorrow morning. I’d say the same could be said for a lot of U.S. campers as well.

The post Air Yeezy Drops Saturday appeared first on SLAM.