In the mid ’80s when Run-DMC bust out of the streets of Hollis, Queens, New York and onto the world’s TV sets and hi-fi stereos, hip-hop was still fairly niche.
Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell – Run-DMC – made it global, almost single-handedly. And they did it all wearing adidas.
By the early ‘90s, hip-hop was everywhere, it was a movement that was part of the mainstream, and Run-DMC’s sound and presence was a huge part of it. Highlighting the importance between the DJ and the MC, the genre would never be the same again. Without the Queens trio it’s fair to say we may never have gotten the like of Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan and Nas.
Throughout their career they became the first rap act to achieve a whole heap of stuff – including securing a top 10 album, making a video appearance on MTV and signing a major product endorsement deal. Who was that deal with? adidas of course.
The group loved the brand so much they even named a song after the German manufacturer. ‘My adidas’ was the first song to be released from their 1986 album ‘Raising Hell’, and paid tribute the OG b-ball style that is still seen everywhere to this day.
From Trefoil bucket hats, track tops and Superstars (maybe not with the laces removed and tongue out though), these looks are STILL some of the hottest around on the festival and streetwear circuit.
It was the song ‘My adidas’ that earned them their endorsement with the brand and also launched the ‘My adidas’ sell-out world tour. This relationship between the brand and hip-hop culture would lead to hot partnerships with Snoop, Pharrell Williams and of course – Kanye.
Over 30 years on and still hot – you can shop adidas Originals on JD right now.
