Grammy winner Macklemore has unveiled a new pair of Jordans, sneakers designed especially for him with the help of the basketball star himself, that have both music and shoe fanatics divided.
"I'm proud to announce the unveiling of my 'Northwest King Salmon' Melo's. Courtesy of @jumpman23 and myself. Never dreamed I'd have an opportunity like this," the rapper wrote next to a picture of the shoes he posted to his Instagram account.
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Michael Jordan himself presented the neon-salmon kicks to Macklemore before his performance at the Jordan Brand Classic All-American game this weekend in Brooklyn. The salmon color is meant to represent and honor Macklemore's hometown, Seattle, renowned for its fishing culture.
Upon receiving the shoes, Macklemore snapped a selfie photo with Jordan, and later wore the sneakers onstage during his performance with Ryan Lewis.
The pictures went viral across multiple social media platforms, with many critics calling the shoes ugly, and even hideous. Some asked if they were the worst pair of Jordans of all time. Others said they definitely made a statement, and could easily be considered high fashion.
Some fans and critics also pointed out what may be hypocrisy. In his 2011 song "Wing$," the rapper warned about the dangerous consumer culture expensive shoes help create. To be fair, however, the new Macklemore Jordans are not for sale.
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