Late in 2021, Ye was inescapable from headlines, especially after his four hour Drink Champs interview in which he bashed many people close to him. After explaining that Michael Jordan wouldn’t talk to him anymore because of his 2016 Nike/Jordan diss song “Facts,” we hadn’t heard anything about possibly resolving this beef. Marcus Jordan, second oldest son of MJ, took to Instagram today to comment that he wants to get Ye, MJ and DJ Khaled in a room together. Very wishful thinking from him until Ye posted the Jumpman logo and Marcus’s comment on his Instagram.
Ye’s history with the Swoosh goes all the way back to 2005 when the brand created a special pair of Air Max 180s to celebrate his first album. Later, during the development of his Nike Air Yeezy 1, the sample Air Jordan 6 Retro “Donda” was made in honor of his mothers tragic passing in 2008.
When the 3 colorways of the Nike Air Yeezy 1 sold out instantly and garnered insane resale prices, Nike gave Ye the opportunity to continue his line, but not to his liking. No royalties, no direct control over his launches and limited to what he was able to design, his frustration boiled over after the Red October release debacle. Ye would go on a press run during 2013 smearing the brand while promoting his album and tour. It was during this time Jon Wexler, former VP of Global Entertainment and Influencer Marketing at adidas, was able to convince Ye to join the brand and start his own line.
Since beginning the partnership with adidas, Yeezy as a brand has grown exponentially, both in hype and value, being worth about $4 billion. As of late, Ye has been open to the idea of Nike retroing the Air Yeezy and has even been spotted rocking Nike/Jordan apparel multiple times, famously stating on Twitter in 2020 that “…You can’t tell a black man not to wear Jordans”. Where this recent development takes us, no one can be sure. Possibly a change of partnerships for the Yeezy brand in the future? At the very least, hopefully we see an end to this low key feud between Ye and MJ.
To stay up to date on sneaker news, releases and raffles, keep it locked to our Twitter and download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Images via Complex, Ye, Nice Kicks, Marcus Jordan
