I recently got an email request from a fan of the blog based in the UK named Amjid. He asked me to discuss at some of the old Air Jordan ads by Nike. I don't think any shoe in the history of the world hit with the impact of Nikes Air Jordan. Michael Jordan was a force of nature on the court. Spike had the world in his hadn, when it came to Black film. I don't know who's idea it was so team these guys up, but the result was unforgettable.
For those that don't remember, Spike Lee had created a character named Mars Blackmon for his movie Shes Gotta Have It. The movie was about a single Black woman was dating several Black men. She was trying to decide which was the best guy to marry. Mars was one of the characters and he (Mars and Spike) both gained large cult followings from the film. This series of ads is top notch. I especially love how the ads are shot in black and white. Mars was the epitome of NY coolness at the time. His style and slang exemplified everything in the kind of young customer who was dying to have a pair of Jordans.
As far as Jordan, whats there to say? He's the best to ever play the game. Every man on earth wanted a pair.
This first one I liked a lot because it promoted Michael Jordan's work ethic above his obvious coolness. Work ethic is a concept you don't hear in the sports world too much any more. Everybody wants to go pro, just so they can make a Nike ad now.
Another gem in the Mars Blackmon/Jordan series:
This one here is pure comedy.
-Beyond Urban Branding
If you would like us to review an ad that you liked or hated, email us at beyondurban@gmail.com !!
For those that don't remember, Spike Lee had created a character named Mars Blackmon for his movie Shes Gotta Have It. The movie was about a single Black woman was dating several Black men. She was trying to decide which was the best guy to marry. Mars was one of the characters and he (Mars and Spike) both gained large cult followings from the film. This series of ads is top notch. I especially love how the ads are shot in black and white. Mars was the epitome of NY coolness at the time. His style and slang exemplified everything in the kind of young customer who was dying to have a pair of Jordans.
As far as Jordan, whats there to say? He's the best to ever play the game. Every man on earth wanted a pair.
This first one I liked a lot because it promoted Michael Jordan's work ethic above his obvious coolness. Work ethic is a concept you don't hear in the sports world too much any more. Everybody wants to go pro, just so they can make a Nike ad now.
Another gem in the Mars Blackmon/Jordan series:
This one here is pure comedy.
-Beyond Urban Branding
If you would like us to review an ad that you liked or hated, email us at beyondurban@gmail.com !!
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