Sunday, June 17, 2012
The Retro Sole
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Nation Of Hardwear
"This brand is our life NOT a "lifestyle brand" we are not selling an image, just the images."™
Nike Air Penny 5 “Orlando”
One notable feature is from the back heel tab that says “THE STORM IS OVER” on the right pair and the left pair says “PART II HEAVEN CENT”. No word of a release date as of yet, but stay tuned to TSG for the latest info and images. Until then, check out the detailed images of the upcoming Nike Air Penny 5 “Orlando” below. via The Shoe Game
Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Nontourage’
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Nation Of Hardwear: A Dunk A Day For All Of May - #31DAYSofDUNKS
This idea started while thinking of something to do during May to celebrate my birth month. I knew I was going to be wearing a lot of shoes and at first I was going to go strictly on a un-DS-ing mission "just to do it", then I thought about it ... why deprive myself of some of my faves? I went to the "stockroom" and just started opening boxes (this where it got interesting) a lot of memories started replaying while going through them. After some time passed I narrowed it down to my favorite model, The Dunk. Since its inception in 1985 it has had so many variations, colorways, colabs and changes hopefully this doesn't get boring. So tune in daily for a lil story or history and freshness update ... #31DAYSofDUNKS ... #NOHx2012
MAY 1 - FRANK KOZIK x NIKE SB DUNK HIGH PREMIUM QS
Yeah, that's where we are starting at! This months QS fresh out the box! Military issue, designed by none other than toy designer/pop art legend Frank Kozik. Of whom I've been a fan plus I'm a sucker for olive green and orange colorways. Easy cop. Stay Smorkin'!
MAY 2 - NIKE DUNK HIGH - WHITE / CAROLINA BLUE - PATENT
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For the rest of #31DAYSofDUNKS check out Nation Of Hardwear!
Shawn ‘Pecas’ Costner Rocking Two Yeezy Colorways at the Same Time
Nike SB Dunk High ‘Heineken’Nike SB Dunk High ‘Heineken’
Decked out in green suede, black appears on the suede Swoosh and rubber outsole while white hits the midsole, tongue and lining. Red takes the laces, tongue branding tab and contrasting midsole stitching while metallic gold embroidery on the branding tab finishes off the look.
Also hitting Caliroots tomorrow as an in-store quickstrike, stay tuned for details of a US release. via Sneakerfiles
Friday, May 4, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Tyreke Evans might be on the trading block this offseason
That's a sad, almost unprecedented scene. Rare is the player on a relatively cheap-o (Evans is set to make $5.25 million next year, nearly the league's average salary) rookie deal that is tossed around on the trading block.
And yet, though Evans is clearly to blame for not diversifying his game and building on an impressive rookie year that saw him rank among Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the only rookies to average over 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, you can blame environment as much as you can blame the individual. Evans, whose iffy on-court habits were condoned in a major way by former coach Paul Westphal, wasn't exactly brought up the right way.
It's Tyreke's fault as well, you know. Chicago Bulls guard and fellow "one and done"/John Calipari-product Derrick Rose was also handed the keys to his team's offense and however many possessions he wanted to dominate upon entering the NBA a year before Evans hit in 2009-10, and he's proven perfectly adept at working off the ball and mixing up scoring and passing instincts. Evans, though much more inclined to act as a wing scorer than Rose is (for good reason, considering his size), hasn't built on that rookie year in the same way that Rose did.
And though we can blame a series of ankle woes for his below-average sophomore campaign, the fact that Evans is currently coming through with a 16.3 Player Efficiency Rating (just a tick above the average mark) as the Kings enter their final game of the season on Thursday night is frustrating for the average fan, and it has to be disappointing for the typical Kings fan. The ones who have had to deal with endless turnover and no real Rose-type hope (in spite of DeMarcus Cousins' significant turnaround in his second season) since Chris Webber's career-altering injury in the early summer of 2003.
Voisin, as well she should, doesn't hesitate to point the finger at both Evans and Westphal for this stasis:
Excluding the fact that Evans was miscast as the Kings' primary ballhandler during his first two seasons — and that's on former coach Paul Westphal — almost everything about him has yet to be determined. His confidence wavers worse than his jumper. He is uncomfortable in the halfcourt offense and confused about when to cut and when to move. Too often, he admits, he just stands around.
Mind you, it's not as if Derrick Rose is bounding around the court without the ball, acting as some modern day John Havlicek. Chris Paul isn't acting like much of a decoy without the rock, and Deron Williams hasn't let go of an actual basketball since sometime in 2009.
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have, though. And while we rip on Kobe and LeBron for dominating the dribble too much when they could make a difference on the weak side, those players do move, cut, screen and freak out defenders even when the ball isn't in their hands. Though Evans was passed off as a proto point/shooting guard in his rookie year, he's essentially an off guard who knows how to make the extra pass when things get hairy. Most shooting guards are, these days, because they often grew up in the AAU or high school circuit with the ball in their hands. Good for Tyreke, with those instincts, but these instincts never made him a point guard.
And this is where the frustration — as his per-minute free-throw attempts dip and usage rate (read: ability to do the damn thing) decline in his third season — sets in. Yes, the ankles were clearly in the way last year, and the lockout season has stunk for us all, but this is a 22-year-old talent that hasn't seemed to move an inch since LeBron James 45th-to-last game as a Cleveland Cavalier.
This is why, according to Voisin, a team currently eight figures below the salary cap level and a potential $20 million under the cap this summer will be listening to trade offers for a player with 20-5-5 potential that will make less than the mid-level exception next season.
Paul Westphal, fired early in the season, obviously saw Evans as his hook. A way to sustain a job through a rebuilding process, working for a Kings front office that has no qualms going cheap even while dismissing coach after coach after coach. With his franchise friend in place, he gave Evans the ball in a rebuilding year, and let him do what he wanted to do with it. It wasn't a ridiculous move, aligning yourself with a player that counts MJ, The Big O, and LeBron amongst his first-year company.
Even Westphal, though, could see that Evans' statistical marvels were a function of his role. He had the ball, in that rookie year, and got to do whatever he wanted with it for however long he wanted to on a 25-win team. Evans wasn't selfish in his approach, he just didn't know any better. And an extended standing ovation from the hometown fans, once you meet the raw number requirements for that 20-5-5 year, have a way of messing with your head. Sometimes you can be spoiled even when your parents don't have much in the bank account.
Kings fans shouldn't welcome or even anticipate an Evans trade. His potential, for that price, is too much to give away. But his two-year malaise should serve as a warning to any team ready to give the ball up. You don't rebuild through awards and statistical triumphs. No matter how impressive. via Ball Don't Lie
NFL x Nike Dunk High & Low – AFC SOUTH
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol now own a horse together
Most, however, do not co-own horses. So it's something of a surprise to learn that Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers now own a horse together. The Associated Press has the details:
Bryant and Gasol bid against each other for an ownership stake in a 4-year-old gelding named Siempre Mio as part of a Lakers Foundation fundraiser at Riviera Country Club on Tuesday night.
Santa Anita Park chief executive officer Mark Verge donated a 25
percent stake in the gelding along with a day at the races as part of a
live auction.
''Pao Gasol [sic] bid first, but then he and Kobe got into a little
bit of a bidding war. Kobe won the bidding at $8,000,'' Doug O'Neill,
who trains the gelding, said Wednesday.
Verge then offered Gasol a chance to buy a 25 percent interest in the horse in exchange for a donation to the Lakers Foundation. Part of the deal was that the new owners pay no expenses in the horse's care and training.
Bryant is as competitive as athletes come, so it's easy to imagine him winning the auction just because he wanted to beat out one of his teammates.
Nevertheless, it's a real partnership, although who knows how much each will care about Siempre Mio if he doesn't win any races. Not having to pay any bills can make owners lose interest fast. via Ball Don't Lie
UNDFTD x Converse Star Player Hi
Air Jordan 1 Hi Strap Premier Pack
Coming in the form of the Air Jordan 1 Hi Strap, the “Premier Pack” has the perfect look for this Summer and the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games with canvas and leather versions of the kicks, each decked out in a red, white and blue colorway. via Sneakerfiles
Friday, April 20, 2012
Air Jordan 9 “Johnny Kilory” – October 2012
Are you ready for Jordan Brand‘s Holiday 2012 releases? The more appropriate question is: Are your pockets ready for Holiday 2012? Jordan Brand will bring back the Air Jordan 9 Retro later this year. Original colorways as well as new colors of the Air Jordan 9 will launch Holiday 2012, including the Johnny Kilroy Air Jordan 9. A preview photo leaked of four holiday Jordan 9 releases earlier this month.
Today we give you a preview of just the Air Jordan 9 “Johnny Kilroy”, with a cameo from the Charcoal Air Jordan 7. Bad lighting as you see, but a closer look nonetheless. Look for this Air Jordan 9 that’s covered in Black/Gym Red-Metallic Platinum to hit stores in October for $160 in men’s and $110 for GS. via The Shoe Game
Ewing 33 Hi Set to Return in 2012
With Ewing Athletics set to resurrect the Patrick Ewing signature line for 2012, the brand confirmed at least one of the upcoming retro drops.
Sending out a picture of the OG Ewing 33 Hi, Ewing Athletics confirmed that the high-top kicks will see a 2012 retro release. via Sneakerfiles
Air Jordan 4 “Cavs” Quickstrike Next Month
Jordan Brand is preparing for another Air Jordan 4 Retro launch. The next colorway to hit select retailers is the Air Jordan 4 “Cavs” and its set to release as a quickstrike next month. The release date is Saturday, May 12. Check with your local Jordan accounts to see if they will be releasing the Cavs Jordan 4 next month. via The Shoe Game
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite ‘Away’
The 2012 NBA Playoffs begin on April 28th, and that’s the day you’ll be able to stand alongside Nike Basketball’s superstars when the new ultra-premium Elite Series hits select retailers. Key among these is the Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite ‘Away’ in black with Metallic Gold accents, a design that represents the pinnacle of technology as well as a new high water mark on the MSRP scale. The Zoom Kobe VII Elite and Hyperdunk 2011 Elite are both scheduled to drop in both ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ colorways along with the ‘Home’ LeBron 9 PS Elites next Saturday. via Sneaker News
Jordan Spiz’ike NikeiD Teaser
Earlier today NikeiD dropped a teaser image of the upcoming Jordan Spiz’ike iD, set to hit the site for customization on April 24.
With the image showing the kicks in a simple black, red and grey colorway, it appears that users will have their choice of materials that include tumbled leather, elephant print and patent leather, among others.
Additional customization options should be revealed leading up to next week’s release so, in the meantime, checkout the teaser image and stay tuned for additional details. via Sneakerfiles
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
2Pac’s Mom Calls Coachella Hologram ‘Amazing’
2Pac’s mother is pleased with the latest honor paid to her deceased son.
A rep for Afeni Shakur told TMZ she was absolutely thrilled when a lifelike hologram of her son appeared alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg during the headlining performance at the Coachella Festival in Indio, California, on Sunday (April 15).
Afenie wasn’t in attendance, but she watched it live on the Internet, said the source, and although amazed by it was also saddened by the reality of it. The rep told TMZ that before moving forward with the idea, Dr. Dre asked Afeni for her approval to incorporate ‘Pac into the performance, to which she agreed. As a thank you, Dre made a donation to 2Pac’s charity, The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation.
Apparently, Nate Dogg was also suppose to appear as a hologram, rapper Daz Dillinger told the entertainment site, but the decision was changed last minute, and instead Nate received a video tribute.
In related news, Nick Smith, president of AV Concepts, the San Diego company that created the hologram, told MTV News “it was Dre’s vision to bring this back to life. It was his idea from the very beginning and we worked with him and his camp to utilize the technology to make it come to life.”
“You can take their likenesses and voice and … take people that haven’t done concerts before or perform music they haven’t sung and digitally recreate it,” he added.—Gina Montana for XXL
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Nike Air Max Express – Speed Yellow – Black
Almost two weeks ago, Sneaker News gave you a first look at the upcoming Speed Yellow colorway of the Nike Air Max Express, brought to the world out of Gentry Humphrey’s personal vault of select sneakers. We must point out yet another interesting discrepancy; this sample you see here features a solid black outsole, while Gentry’s pair uses a contrasting White outsole. So which is the GR version? The initial catalog images that Sneaker News gave you back in December says that these samples are the earliest renditions of the Air Max Express in the Speed Yellow/Black colorway, but we’ll have to wait until we see the final product in its complete form. Expect the Air Max Express make a bee-line for store shelves this Fall season. via Sneaker News
Air Jordan 1 Phat ‘Cool Grey’
The latest pair of kicks from Jordan Brand to receive the “Cool Grey” treatment is the Air Jordan 1 Phat.
The familiar silhouette sees the popular colorway applied to a texturized leather and perforated nubuck upper while contrasting white accents appear on the laces, tongue tab branding and midsole. via Sneakerfiles
Monday, April 16, 2012
Celebrity Feet: Wale – Nike LeBron 9 Elite ‘Varsity Maize’
Wale continues to show off his latest advance-notice sneaker pick-ups with the upcoming Nike LeBron 9 P.S. Elite in the ‘Varsity Maize’ colorway. This sighting comes not much after last week’s Nike Air Penny V occasion, when he took the stage for a home-town live showing wearing the spicy ‘Miami’ edition that is scheduled for a December release. The ‘Bumblebee’/'Bruce Lee’ LeBron Elites are likely to drop much sooner – likely in May or June – so we’ll keep you updated on that important tidbit of info soon. via Sneaker News
Nike Air Force 1 Low Max Air VT QS ‘Camouflage’
This Friday marks the release of one of the best Air Force 1s in recent memory.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Air Force 1 and also capitalizing on one of this Spring’s trendiest looks, the kicks sport a Vac-Tech canvas upper covered in camo. Premium black leather also appears on the kicks alongside a waxed black cotton laces, a XXX lace jewel, visible full length Max Air with a hit of Total Orange and smoky semi-translucent outsole.
Dropping on Friday, April 21, for $200, look for these to hit select Nike Sportswear retailers, complete with 30th anniversary packaging and insoles. via Sneakerfiles
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Antoine Walker gives up comeback
BOISE, Idaho -- Former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker is calling it quits after spending two seasons trying to rejuvenate his career with the Idaho Stampede.
The 35-year-old Walker announced his retirement last weekend to teammates, and The Idaho Statesman reports Walker intends to make a formal announcement this week.
Walker is a 12-year NBA veteran and was a member of the Kentucky team that won the NCAA championship in 1995-96. He also won an NBA title in 2006 with the Miami Heat and averaged 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as a pro.
This season in the D-League, Walker averaged 9.5 points and 4.9 rebounds. In December, Walker was sentenced to probation and told to pay $770,000 in restitution to Las Vegas casinos after pleading guilty to failing to repay gambling debts. via ESPN
Jordan Son Of Mars ‘Bordeaux’
The Jordan Spiz’ike that was previously dubbed ‘Bordeaux’ caused a bit of controversy, as the true colorway had no clear similarities with the original Air Jordan VII that made ‘Bordeaux’ a household Air Jordan name. A similar colorway of the Jordan Son Of Mars followed not long after, but that was officially dubbed the ‘Pop Art’ by Jordan Brand, easing any sort of debate regarding an Olympic/Bordeaux nickname. Perhaps Jordan Brand went the extra mile to create a nick-name in house, because a true Bordeaux colorway of the Jordan Son Of Mars was in store, spotted here in DJ Khaled’s video of a behind-the-scenes look at his music video shoot. One quick glance and you’ll see that the Bordeaux connection is rather clear. via Sneaker News
Monday, April 9, 2012
Lamar Odom, Mavs sever ties
DALLAS -- Lamar Odom's brief and bumpy ride with the Dallas Mavericks has come to an abrupt end.
The Mavericks and Odom spent Easter Sunday working out a parting, according to sources close to the situation, that frees the struggling Odom to leave the team immediately without actually being released.
"The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team," Odom said in a statement to ESPN.com.
"I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs' organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship."
Sources said Monday that Odom's departure will be immediate and that the Mavericks intend to simply list him as inactive for the rest of the season instead of outright releasing him, leaving open the possibility that they could still trade him after the season in conjunction with the draft. Any team that has Odom on its roster as of June 29 must buy him out by that date for $2.4 million or otherwise accept responsibility for the full $8.2 million that Odom is scheduled to earn in 2012-13. via ESPN
Theraflu Company Releases Statement About Kanye West’s “TheraFlu” Song
Fans might be amped about Kanye West’s latest song, Theraflu,” which hit the net yesterday (April 5), but the cold medicine company the song is named after isn’t too happy.
Theraflu released a statement to TMZ about ‘Ye’s title choice, expressing their displeasure with it.
“We in no way endorse or approve of the references or use of the image and likeness of Theraflu in this manner,” a company rep told the entertainment site.
Although Yeezy named the song after Theraflu, which helps fight colds, he uses the title to reference how “cold” he is towards his enemies.
As previously reported, Kanye revealed his love for reality star Kim Kardashian on the track, rapping, “I admit I fell in love with Kim, ‘Round the same time she fell in love with him / Well that’s cool baby girl, do your thing, lucky I ain’t have Jay drop him from the team.” (Jay-Z is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, the team Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband Kris Humphries plays for.)
Kim appeared on NBC’s Today Show today and said she liked Kanye’s song, adding that the two have been friends for a long time and that she’s excited about what the future might hold for them. And while she didnt flat out say they were dating, People Magazine reports they indeed are in the early stages of a relationship as the two were recently seen leaving a movie theater in New York City and then on a lunch date on Thursday (April 5).
There is no word yet on whether Theraflu is planning on suing Kanye West. —Gina Montana for XXL
Air Jordan IV (4) ‘Laser’
Now that Gentry Humphrey has joined twitter, the man has dropped a few images of some upcoming kicks from Nike and Jordan Brand.
One of those kicks is this “Laser” Air Jordan IV. Very similar to the “History of Flight” IV, the kicks pair a white lasered leather upper with red accents throughout.
No word on whether this is just a one-off sample or if it is actually set for a future release... via Sneakerfiles
Air Jordan VI (6) ‘Marty McFly’ Customs by Proof Culture
Inspired by the Air Mag, Proof Culture has dropped their latest pair of custom kicks.
Utilizing the Air Jordan VI as a base, this “Marty McFly” Jordan comes decked out in grey while turquoise hits the midsole and white accents appear on the heel tab, laces and near the collar.
If you’re interested in picking a pair of these up or commissioning your own customs, hit up Proof Culture now. via Sneakerfiles
Four More Air Foamposite Releases Confirmed For 2012
Last year’s Foamposite catalog was impressive to say the least, but 2012′s got an outstanding schedule of releases that should make it the greatest Foamposite year ever. We’ve already seen three Foamposite One colorways drop (Metallic Red, Electrolime, and the infamous Galaxy), but it’s been confirmed by Nike Sportswear head Gentry Humphrey that 2012′s releases will have 2011 beat in terms of quantity, as four more Foamposites have been confirmed for the remainder of the year. Rumors of an all-white Foamposite One have been floating around, so what could round out the remaining three? An all-black Foamposite One? The Black/Gem Green that was rumored for July? via Sneaker News
Thursday, April 5, 2012
David Banner Aims to Change Hip-Hop’s Business Model
David Banner thinks that he’s come up with a formula that’s going to revolutionize hip-hop and the music business, overall.
“I’m about to change the business model,” the Mississippi MC recently told XXLMag.com. “Watch.”
For his upcoming free album, Sex, Drugs & Video Games, Banner plans on releasing 16 songs and 16 videos to go with them, all pro bono. What he’s asking for in return is for two million fans to donate at least $1 each.
Banner’s objective is to empower and teach rappers that they don’t need the backing of a record label to be successful.
“When I get these two million people that I’m talking about, we won’t need to market, we won’t need to beg,” Banner said. “We’re trying to raise the stakes. I had an LA Clipper give $1,000. I’ve had several people give $100, I’ve had several people give $50. I have this one girl, in particular, who gives $5 every week and I thought it was cute because she says, ‘I don’t have much money, David Banner, but I definitely want to contribute to the movement.’”
The free album strategy has been used before in other music genres. English rock band Radiohead implemented the strategy with their 2007 album, In Rainbows, but Banner believes says he’s the first in hip-hop to do it.
While Banner understands the speed of the music culture these days because of the accessibility of the web, he believes flooding the net with content is cheapening the music. That’s why he’s asking for donations to his otherwise free album. The passionate rapper/producer says that he’ll dedicate a certain percentage of the donated money to his staff and another portion toward charity with the remainder being reinvested back into the music.
“You have no idea what I spent on this album,” Banner said of Sex, Drugs & Video Games, which features the likes of Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Game, Nipsey Hussle, 2 Chainz, Bun B, Maino, Don Trip, Kardinal Offishall and Ras Kass.
Banner already began releasing records off the free album on the net, launching the movement with “Believe,” featuring fellow Mississippi MC Big K.R.I.T., on March 14.
The following Wednesday, Banner dropped the video for “Believe.” Concurrently, Banner will alternate drop a new song and video to go with it every Wednesday leading up to the May 22 release date of Sex, Drugs & Video Games. Last Wednesday (March 28), Banner released the audio for “Let Me In,” featuring Tank. Today (April 4), the video for the record will hit the net. Next Wednesday (April 11), the audio for Banner’s big record, “Californication,” featuring generations of West Coast MCs in Snoop Dogg, Ras Kass, Game and Nipsey Hussle, will impact the net.
Fans can donate to Banner’s movement via his website.—Mark Lelinwalla
Air Jordan II – Ray Allen Autographed Celtics PE
Ray Allen’s got a penchant for ’3s’, but he wouldn’t be averse to rocking the IIs here and there. Here’s a look at an ‘Away’ Player Exclusive of the Air Jordan II made for the three-point king; it features a full black nubuck upper with a glossy mudguard panel on the upper, pre-dating the similar Black/White QF release of October 2010. These arrived on Ray’s doorsteps roughly one year after the magnificent trade that brought the Big Three (and an NBA ‘chip) to Boston, but as we know, Ray graduated to the popular XIII PE later on. While these don’t own the distinction of being game-worn, these are, however, autographed by Ray on both toe-boxes! Peep the gallery below, because they’re available now from the.warehouse on eBay. via Sneaker News
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