Saying that Damian Lillard had a great rookie season is putting it mildly.

The Portland Trailer Blazers point guard was not only the unanimous selection as 2013 Rookie of the Year, just the fourth rookie to do so, along with Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990) and Ralph Sampson (1984); he recently was also unanimously selected by coaches to the All-Rookie First Team.

The sixth overall pick also joined Oscar Robertson as the only two players to have 20 or more points and more than seven assists in their first three rookie-season games. And, his 185 three-point field goals are a rookie record.

With stats like that, why wouldn’t adidas take a chance on the 6 ft. 3 in. Oakland native and offer him a hefty contract?

It’s not uncommon for sneaker brands to gamble on promising NBA players. Nike did it with Jordan during his rookie season in 1984, which was the beginning of the iconic Jordan Brand. Allen Iverson inked a 10-year, $50 million contract with Reebok shortly after getting drafted by the Sixers in 1996. After becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011, adidas signed Derrick Rose to an outrageous 10-year, $260 million endorsement deal.

Everything worked out for the Jordan/Nike and Iverson/Reebok endorsements. The signature sneakers rocked by those two athletes have become perhaps the most popular and legendary basketball shoes of all time. The jury is still on the Rose deal. He’s got the skills and talent, but missing an entire season doesn’t justify a $260 million contract.

With Nike, and their Jordan Brand as well, signing everyone from LeBron, Kobe, Blake Griffin, and Kevin Durant, just to name a very few, adidas has no choice but to go out and sign some of the NBA’s rising stars.

Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, the Wizards’ John Wall, and Jrue Holiday of the Sixers, are the stars that adidas is banking on.

For example, to get the word out about their latest product, the Crazyquick shoe, adidas has teamed Lillard, Holiday, and Wall with A$AP Rocky for a promotional run dubbed “Quick Ain’t Fair”.

Adidas also released a behind-the-scenes video of the commercial that has Lillard narrating details about the spot.

The commercial opens up on the Crazyquick shoe and then you look inside through the three stripes and you can see guys balling and everybody hooping. Everybody that’s on this floor is playing quick. Once you get inside you can see it’s an entirely blue court with guys just running.

After his successful rookie season, and becoming a major player for adidas, all signs point to Damian Lillard becoming the next big thing.

But, what do you all think? Is Lillard for real? Or, is there too much hype surrounding the Trail Blazer?

The post Is Damian Lillard the Next NBA Superstar? appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

I’ve got a major issue with some fans at sporting events. And, it’s not the drunken yelling and people keeping their faces in their phones.

I’m talking about spectators who go to a game wearing a shirt, jersey, or hat from a team that isn’t one of the teams at the game they’re attending. Check the stands the next time you’re watching a baseball, football, or basketball game. You’re going to see some clown wearing a Yankees jersey while at a Oakland A’s/Seattle Mariners game. Man, does that really grind my gears.

But, before I get any further, here’s the latest example of this fashion fail.

While sitting courtside during a Heat/Bulls Playoff game, Will Smith was caught by Beyond The Buzzer wearing a 76ers hat.

OK. I know that the Fresh Prince is from Philly, and that he’s now also part owner of the 76ers, but really? He’s at a game between Chicago and Miami. He’s not on Broad Street or at a Sixers game somewhere across the country. Matter of fact, the Sixers haven’t played a game since last season.

Like I said. I think it’s cool that Will Smith is keeping true to his roots, and the black hat with the Liberty Bell is so tight that I want one myself, but there’s a time and place to represent your hometown squad. Rocking Sixers gear, courtside at that, didn’t belong at this game.

And, that’s the case for any other joker who wants to show up at a game wearing the wrong gear. At least Will Smith owns a piece of the Sixers, so there might be an argument to be made. But, it makes absolutely no sense for pretty much everyone else. Your team isn’t on the court of field, so why support them? No one cares. You’re just going to look as lost and clueless as Jaden Smith did while at the Bulls/Heat game with his old man.

Image via Beyond the Buzzer / Twitter 

The post Will Smith Wears 76ers Cap During Heat-Bulls Game appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Man, Derrick Rose has a lot of haters.

It’s understandable, though. The Chicago Bull point guard has been getting a lot of slack for not making his NBA return, even though Rose had been cleared since March to get back onto the court. Now that The Heat have knocked out The Bulls with a 4-1 series victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday (May 16), everyone will have to wait until next season for Rose’s return.

And, you know what else didn’t help? The documentary from adidas that chronicled Rose’s recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The doc, which was called “The Return,” aired towards the end of 2012. Obviously, no such return happened.

Since so many people have been giving Rose a tough time, Beyond the Buzzer tweeted a fake, yet believable picture of what his Gmail inbox would look like.

Ouch.

The “messages” to Rose include one from Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau, pleading for Rose to return, another from Bulls team physician, Dr. Brian Cole, reminding Rose (apparently for multiple times already) that he can play and teammate Joakim Noah changing the topic onto the league’s NBA “doping” policy.

There’s also some jabbing from RGIII (mocking Derrick’s ACL recovery), Bron Bron reminding everyone that Miami would advance (regardless if Rose was playing or not) and Bulls great Michael Jordan telling Derrick and the world that he’s the best.

There’s even an email from adidas which states that their sneakers can cause serious injury. For Rose, adidas and fans of the three stripes, that’s gotta sting. Especially considering that Derrick Rose signed essentially a “lifetime” contract back in Feburary 2012. The contract was reported to be for $260 million for 14 years.

Then again, if Rose keeps the bench warm, we’re not sure if adidas will back out of the deal.

Source: Bleacher Report

Email Image via  Sports Pickle 

The post adidas and Others in Derrick Rose’s Fake Gmail Inbox appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Even those who aren’t in the Hip-Hop community are aware that fashion and Hip Hop go hand in hand. Besides the music itself, fashion is probably the most important element of Hip Hop. Which is why we’ve seen our favorite artists sport their favorite designers or brands in lyrics, videos and up on-stage. And, it’s not uncommon for artists to team up with designers and brands for their own celebrity line, like Adidas and Run-D.M.C. or Rihanna and River Island.

But, throughout the years, there have been just as many artists who have actually gone out and launched their own fashion brands.

Unfortunately, even if the artist is popular, that doesn’t guarantee success. Some brands have closed shop (50 Cent’s G Unit Clothing Line). Some have been put down by critics (Kanye West’s DW). Others have had a major overhaul (Mrs. Carter’s House of Deréon), and some are just beginning (Chris Brown’s Black Pyramid).

Just because those artists and their brands who were mentioned, along with Biggie, OutKast, Snoop, Common and Master P, have failed or having some problems, there are the success stories. For the successful brands that were started or owned by Hip-Hop artists, they’ve become a crucial piece of the movement. And, here are 8 successful fashion brands that were established or owned by Hip-Hop stars to prove that point.

Rocawear

Image Collect

We all know the story by now. Rocawear was founded by Jay-Z and Damon Dash back in 1999 and has become a classic and well-known brand that’s raking in an astounding $700 million a year. Ciara is the brand’s face, and they’re making everything from footwear to eyewear now. For any future entrepreneurs out there, this is how you start and run a fashion brand.

Sean John

Image Collect

Another iconic brand started by a Hip-Hop artist is obviously Sean John. Diddy, who used his given first and middle names for the apparel company’s name, debuted it in 1998. The clothing and fragrance brand has been worn by the likes of Dwyane Wade, Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross, to name a few, and brings in a solid $132 million a year.

Sean John / Facebook

Phat Farm/Baby Phat

Image Collect

Even though Russell Simmons isn’t an artist, he’s one of Hip Hop’s most well-known figures. With a net worth of about $340 million, the Def Jam founder is the third-richest person in hip hop. His fashion line, Phat Farm, was unveiled in 1992. It started out in a small New York City showroom and has grown into a multi-million dollar business. The now-legendary brand is known for its upscale mix of sporty urban fashions with classic Ivy League preppy style.

In 1998, a line for girls and women known as Baby Phat, was launched. The successful “sibling” of Phat Farm was established by Simmons and his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons. Besides clothing, Baby Phat makes jewelry, shoes, fragrances, phone accessories, and medical uniforms.

Phat Farm and Baby Phat / Facebook

Apple Bottoms

Image Collect

Inspired by the term that describes the tight-fitting jeans that make women’s curves look like the shape of an apple, Nelly dropped his Apple Bottoms brand in 2003. The fashion and lifestyle brand for women originally just sold denim, but has since expanded to include women’s and girl’s tops, fragrances, and accessories. Nelly started the lesser-known Vokal brand as well.

Apple Bottoms / Facebook

TRUKFIT

Image Collect

Lil’ Wayne launched his skater-inspired TRUKFIT brand in 2012. The brand got its name from Weezy’s experiences as a kid, where people would sell merchandise from clothing booster trucks, and when a fake was spotted, they would yell out “You got on the truck fit.”

TRUKFIT / Facebook

Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream

Image Collect

Established by Pharrell and Japanese music producer and DJ, Nigo, in 2005, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream sells tees, polos, sweatshirts, suits, hats, sneakers, underwear, socks and accessories. Because the items are produced in very limited quantities, they are usually sold for high prices. In 2011, BBC partnered up with Rocawear.

Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream / Facebook

A.K.O.O.

Image Collect

A.K.O.O. Clothing, which is an acronym for “A King Of Oneself, launched in 2008. The men’s fashion line was founded by T.I. and is a contemporary streetwear brand for those seeking exceptional style. A.K.O.O. focuses on premium lightweight T-Shirts, cardigans, sweaters, embroidered wovens, leather jackets, and quality denim products.

Wu-Wear

Wu-Wear / Facebook

After the success of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in 1995, manufacturers saw money signs. After the group’s second album, 1997′s Wu-Tang Forever, their clothing line, Wu-Wear, was launched. It’s rumored that Method Man wasn’t happy about the group getting into the fashion biz, but it’s speculated that Wu-Wear has made millions of bucks.

Wu-Wear / Facebook

The post The 8 Most Successful Fashion Brands Owned or Started by Hip-Hop Stars appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Recently, designers have been pushing dots on us men, so something is definitely going on. There are ties, socks, boxers, and tees that feature polka dots. And, by all accounts, these are acceptable items for any man to wear. But, why, you may be asking yourself? Well, women dig them and polka dots can freshen up your otherwise dull wardrobe.

So, if wearing polka dots is cool, then why not check out a couple of items from Lil’ Wayne’s TRUKFIT? Because, you know, he’s always pushing boundaries.

First up is the “Trukfit Polka Dots Over Hoodie”.

This is a zip-up hoodie in lime-punch green, which obviously, features a black polka-dot design with a white Trukfit graphic and printed drawstring. This hoodie is loud and bright, which would make it a lot of fun to sport. If you’re wearing this, you’re going to be standing out in the crowd. Without question.

Next up are the “Trukfit Connect The Dots Sweatpants”. These are just a regular pair of drawstring sweats in gunmetal grey. But, they feature the Trukfit Connect The Dots design with contrast strings. The sweatpants aren’t nearly as vibrant as the hoodie, but they’re better than those boring solid sweats that you’ve been rocking for years.

Personally, I dig both products. Sure. They won’t be setting the world on fire, but they’re original and unique. But not so unique that people will laugh at you, like D-Wade’s Capri pants. Best of all, TRUKFIT is tapping into the latest fashion trend, so if you decide to pick either one up, you’re on top of the game.

But, there’s just one warning. If you get both the hoodie and the sweatpants, don’t wear them at the same time. That’s a bit much.

So, for all my male SoJoners out there, would you wear polka dots, specifically the TRUKFIT products? Or, are polka dotsjust not your thing?

The post Men, Would You Wear Polka Dots from TRUKFIT? appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Whether you just graduated from college or are looking for a new job, you know that times are tough. Which is why you need to use every skill, talent, and experience you have to help you land that dream job. And, when you finally get that interview, how many other people can say that they interned for Jay-Z?

In conjunction with the upcoming Vince Vaughn/Owen Wilson comedy The Internship, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern at Jay-Z’s Life+Times and RocNation office. We’re not joking. One lucky person is getting the chance “to become the next media mogul in training.”

So, if you’re interested, and why wouldn’t you, here are the details.

How to Enter:

Simply write an essay that is 250 words or less, describing why you should be the Jay Z’s Life+Times intern and click “Submit” on the following Facebook page. If you’re not a writer, you can also upload an original YouTube video.

Dates & Eligibility:

The contest begins May 14, 2013 and ends May 18th, 2013.

Sorry, you must be at least 21 years old to enter.

Prizes:

• One Grand Prize Winner will receive an internship at JAY Z’s Life+Times and Roc Nation office during the week of June 3-June 7
• Trip to New York City
• Hotel and meals included

For all the other stuff you need to know, here’s the full list of rules.

What are you waiting for? You got the info, now get to work.

And, if you haven’t checked it yet, here’s a trailer for The Internship, which drops on June 7.

The post Win an Internship at Jay-Z’s Life+Times and RocNation Office appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Air Jordan VIII “Suns,” 5/18

The summer of Jordan shoes begins with the release of the fan-favorite high VIIIs in the black, purple and citrus “Suns” scheme. If this is the beginning, you can only guess what else the brand will give us this summer.

Nike Barkley Posite Max “Suns,” 5/18

Possibly one of the dopest releases this summer outside of the Air Jordan brand. These are possibly some of the best Barkley signature shoes ever released and in one of the best color schemes. They’re a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG, 5/25

The very first Jordan will get a ceremonious re-release this summer. The shoe features the black toe and the original Air Jordan stamp.

Nike Kobe 8 System GC, 5/25

The great thing about Nike’s Kobe 8 System is that the design allows for the shoe to come out in virtually any color scheme you can think of. This mix of stadium grey, metallic silver, and tour yellow is no exception and seems like a perfect accent to hot summer days.

SneakerNews

Reebok Answer 1, 5/25

For the first time since their initial release, Reebok’s iconic Allen Iverson kicks will be back in stores. Fans of the shoe have been salivating at the chance to get these since their release date was announced, so don’t expect them to be in stores for too long.

Air Jordan V, 6/1

The Grapes release a few weeks ago was a giant affair and the shoe did incredibly well. Jordan will follow that up with the release of the “Black Grape” in June.

Air Jordan XX8, 6/08

Once thought to be an exclusive for Russell Westbrook, fans will get a chance to get their own pair of the latest Air Jordan signature shoe when the blue, red, and black “Why Not” scheme drops in early June.

Nike LeBron X Elite, 6/08

LeBron fans get a special treat this summer as they will receive several releases of his signature X Elite and the low version as well. This crimson-and-black scheme doesn’t hit first, but it may be the best look.

Reebok Shaqtosis, 6/19

The old-school Reebok Shaqtosis were a hit back when they were first released for their funky zebra like pattern. The re-release will be sure to give sneaker fans a nostalgic look to rock this summer.

Air Jordan IV, 7/13

July will be remembered by sneakerheads for one thing, the release of the “Fire Red Nubuck” IVs.

Air Jordan III, 8/03

Considered by many to be the greatest Jordan sneaker ever released, the iconic “Fire Red” Air Jordan III will hit stores at the end of summer.

Air Jordan V, 8/31

Jordan caps off its summer releases with the Air Jordan V “Fire Red.”

Nike Air Foamposite One, Summer TBD

Foamposites are on the top of most collectors’ wish list, and they sell out just as fast as any sneaker out there, so expect these to follow suit.

The post XIII Dopest Summer Kicks appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Genuine Air Jordan III

Nike has had a booming business ever since the first Air Jordan made its way onto the court in 1985. Because Air Jordans are in such high demand with basketball players and sneaker collectors, other people want a piece of the pie. Which has created an entire industry of people devoted to making and selling fake Air Jordans to unsuspecting consumers.

Fake Air Jordans have become a serious problem for people trying to catch a great deal on a new pair of kicks. After all, Jordans aren’t cheap. While hardcore collectors can easily tell the difference between authentic Air Jordans and fake, variant, or knockoff Air Jordans, most of the public don’t have that kind of knowledge.

Fake Air Jordan III

Because there are so many companies, websites, and eBay sellers who claim to produce or sell Air Jordans, we have to be on the lookout. These companies, which are mostly in China, are so relentless that they even try to fool legit sneaker retailers. It’s not uncommon for retailers to get solicited by these companies, who claim that they manufacture “wholesale” Air Jordans in bulk for the low-low price of $15 a pair.

Oddly enough, Air Jordans might have been produced at some of these factories, back when they had a contract with the Swoosh. Nowadays, however, many of these companies are just manufacturing fakes with stolen molds and cheap materials. And, since the producers of these Air Jordan variants are getting better and better at producing a more aesthetically pleasing knockoff, we need to be more vigilant than ever.

Fake Air Jordan IV

So, how can you make sure that you don’t get taken?

First off, if someone is selling a pair of Air Jordans for a ridiculously low price, they’re probably fakes. Always keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Another way to prevent getting hustled is that many fake Jordans come in crazy colorways that have never existed. If you spot a pair of Jordans in a colorway you’ve never seen, do some research to verify that they were officially released on sites like Sole Redemption.

Fake Air Jordan XI

Speaking of research, be aware that the most common Air Jordan variants are the Air Jordan III, the Air Jordan IV, and the Air Jordan XI. While these are popular Jordans to knockoff, almost every Jordan and Nike line has had their fair share of getting the fake treatment.

Genuine Air Jordan V Grape

Next up, is inspecting the box. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pair of Jordans or Ray-Ban Aviators, the box is always a dead giveaway on whether or not a product is legit or fake. More so if the sneakers didn’t come with a box.

Fake Air Jordan V Grape

Now, we could go on and on, but every model has its own imperfections. And, there are a bunch of minor details that will help you distinguish the difference between a real or fake pair of Jordans. So, we’ll leave you with a couple of resources to check out if you have any further concerns. Consult Kicks On Fire and CrazyJJ Shoe and Eyewear Collection for more detailed information on the differences between fake and real Air Jordans.

Fake Air Jordan I

Images via SoleRedemption 

The post Spot ‘em Fake Air Jordans appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

Throughout the 1990s Andre Agassi, along with his mullet and colorful attire, dominated the tennis world. During his storied career, Agassi captured four Australian Opens, two US Opens, one French Open, one Wimbledon championship and a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In all, he won 60 career titles. And, he did most of that while wearing Nike.

Agassi, who was one of the most well-known athletes in the world, was with the Swoosh from 1988-2005. Now, after an 8-year stint with adidas, the tennis legend has returned home.

Phil Knight, Nike, Inc. co-founder and chairman, enthusiastically stated:

“As one of the world’s greatest tennis players, Agassi embodied the passion, dedication and determination of the Nike brand. As a philanthropist and campaigner, he continues to share Nike’s commitment to inspire the young generation with his Just Do It spirit. We are honored to welcome him back.”

Agassi joined adidas in 2005, after 17 years with Nike, because the brand made a financial commitment to the Agassi Foundation. The foundation, which was founded in 1994, has become one of the most active philanthropic organizations run by an athlete. Public records show that from 1996-2003 the foundation contributed $29 million for underprivileged and abused children.

Since his retirement from the game in 2006, Agassi has remained active with his charitable work. His latest project is “Designed To Move,” which aims to get kids active. The reunion between Agassi and Nike coincides with the new “Designed to Move” campaign.

In a press release, Agassi said:

“Designed to Move has opened new horizons. Coming back together with Nike through this partnership will have a multiplying effect on this and future generations.”

There’s no word yet on what else will come out of the Agassi/Nike reunion, except for putting an emphasis on physical education. But, we’re hoping that there’s going to be some new Agassi-themed Nike gear in the near future.

Image via Andre Agassi / Facebook

The post Andre Agassi Returns to Nike appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.

YouTube

Ugh, what on Earth was Dwyane Wade wearing when he showed up for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls?

Seriously. No one is making this up. Dwyane Wade actually stepped out of the house wearing that outfit. While there’s nothing wrong with the double-breasted jacket, loafers, phony glasses, or even the patterned suit itself, those pants are the most ridiculous things I have ever seen a grown man wear.

Wade may be known for his outrageous fashion choices, like the pink pants or skinny jeans that he proudly rocked last year, the Capri pants are by far the most shocking. In fact, when I first saw the pics, I literally blurted out “WTF”. I’ve never seen a guy put on an outfit that resembles something that a clown would wear.

And, the worst part, besides the man carrying D-Wade’s man purse, Wade is strolling by photographers with a big old smile. He looks so proud of himself. It looks like he’s thinking that he’s on the verge of a new trend. At the back of his mind, he’s thinking that at Game 5 or 6, maybe even next season, LeBron will show up at the arena in a pair of skinny Capri pants.

Sorry, Dwyane.

Some will argue that men wear Capri pants in other parts of the world, like in Europe or the Caribbean, but let’s be honest here, as Beer Mug Sports so wisely stated, “It’s Chicago, not Havana bro.”

LarryBrownSports

And, for any of the skinny Capri pants defenders out there, everyone is literally laughing at D-Wade’s bold fashion choice.

Robert Littal at BlackSportsOnline said:

You know how people type “LOL”, but they never really “Laugh out Loud”?

I really did LOL when Next Impulse Sports posted this photo of D Wade. Does he also have a Fonzworth Bentley carrying his bag?

I am starting to miss Russell Westbrook.

And, of course, there’s the Tweets:

@A_KillahTweet: “I’m sorry but I can’t get over D. Wade’s outfit. It wasnt even hot today. He’s wearing capris”

@EnjoyY0self: “I swear they’re Gabrielle Union’s pants”

@GoldenDiva1: “Gabby doesn’t love D Wade. No way I would let my man walk out the house in a pin stripe suit with capris.”

@Doc_YaYa: “I don’t care if you are D. Wade. No one can pull off these capris.”

@mysportsrumors: “Did #Heat guard Dwyane Wade wear capris or a childhood suit to tonight’s Game 4 vs the #Bulls ????”

Even Deadspin and the “Inside The NBA” crew had some fun at Wade’s expense.

So, that’s pretty much how everyone feels about Dwyane Wade and his Capri pants. They’re not COOL. LOL.

Capri pants may be acceptable in some parts of the Earth, but not when you’re heading into Chicago for a NBA playoff game. Why? Because you just look plain silly D-Wade. You can’t pull off the Capri pants. Do us all a favor and give them to Gabrielle Union. At least she’ll look good in them.

The post Dwyane Wade Wears Skinny Capri Pants! COOL or LOL?! appeared first on Hip Hop Clothing & Fashion | Urban Street Wear Clothes.