PICKUP: Air Jordan Retro 9 - "Charcoal"

It's been a minute since I updated this blog any. Genuinely busy these days, but that's a good thing. Good because being busy for me generates more cash. More cash results in posts like this. I scooped the "Charcoal" Air Jordan Retro 9 last month. My favorite pair from the original Air Jordan IX line. This retro is a great looking shoe. I believe fans of the original will be pleased with what they see. I've heard that some people have found the midsole to be cheaply painted on previous Retro 9 releases, so I'll have to see how that works out after wearing. Paint chipping or not, panties will be dropped in the very near future.

PICKUP: Air Jordan Retro 6 - "Infrared Pack"

One of my rare recent Jordan pickups, the Air Jordan Infrared 6 Pack. The Black/Infrared 6 was the first Jordan I had when I was a kid, and it remains one of my all-time favorites. I'm pretty satisfied with this purchase, depsite the fact that they are NOT done in an infrared shade. What's even worse is that the treys and bag logos feature the actual infrared color. Otherwise, these are pretty dope. And those dropping panties don't know the difference.

PICKUP: Air Jordan I Retro White/Sea Green

I have to say, I've been in a slump with Air Jordans as of late. And its their fault, because they're producing a bunch of bullshit these days. But, as the great philosopher Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter put it, "Even a garbage can gets a steak." The recent retro release of the Jordan I metallic models are a beacon of light in the shitty, dark tunnel known as modern day Jordan Brand. These are very well executed. The pebbled leather, the shiny metallic trim, and the return of the fuckin Jordan hangtag (!!!!!) really highlight this release for me. I wish they were cut a little higher like the OG model, but I'll live with it. Haven't really gotten the chance to put them on my feetsies yet, but a time will come when I make some panties drop with these puppies. And when they drop, THEY DROP.

Air Jordan II 3M

The Jordan Brand never ceases to amaze. And I don't mean that in no good way. Who thought it'd be a good idea to release an all white Jordan II...give it some 3M accents...and call it a release? These are terrible and tacky. Ugly and unnecessary. Asinine and atrocious. Remember the days when wearing Jordans was cool? Don't worry, it's been so long I'm starting to forget as well.

Air Jordan 2010

So over the past week or so, photos finally leaked of the Air Jordan 2010. I have to say...I don't get it. Usually, I don't like to rush judgment. Every year when the pictures for the new Jordan model leaks, people bitch and complain about how ugly they are. Only to rush out and purchase them on release date. This time...I'm not sure the negative reactions aren't justified. They just don't look like an inspired Jordan shoe. Literally looks like they threw elements of a bunch of old ass ideas they've had, stitched em up, and called it an Air Jordan. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled with how these turned out. Something just seems very...off...about them. I did read that these are just sample models - and some elements of the shoe can change before release. But If I've learned anything in the shoe game - the release doesn't drastically change from the early sample too often. This is it. No MJ.

Photos via: Hoop China & OSneaker

Air Jordan Retro VI Black/Red/Blue

Just when I thought the almighty Jordan Brand hit rock bottom this year with those Leroy Smith I's...I see these. What I guess are supposed to be released as a "Detroit Pistons" colorway of the Jordan VI. If I didn't know any better, I would think these were counterfeits. I know people say that a lot nowadays, but these truly look like the fake crap that we've seen on these foreign sites for years. Outside of that awful colorway (why would you have a black based shoe to commemorate the Pistons?), the usage of materials is terrible as well. Patent leather and nubuck? On a VI? Fuck outta here with that.

What blows my mind is somebody will laugh at a pair of Proteges, Shaq's, Starburys, etc. But then drop 150.00 to 200.00 on these. Lingering proof that people are still jaded by the Swoosh and Jumpman - no matter how shoddy the quality or design.

...

[jay-z]This is Death of Jordan Brand, moment of silence...[jay-z]

Air Jordan XI Low IE White/Navy Sample

I was browsing the 'Bay and came across this sample pair of Jordan XI IE in a white and navy colorway. While these shoes aren't necessarily the most visually appealing sneakers in the storied Jordan line, they remain one of my favorites because of comfort alone. I use my black/red pair with the smokey black soles quite often to run around because they're so damn comfortable. Not one of those shoes I had to break in either - just threw em on and they felt right. Really, there isn't much to this entry. I just dig this shoe - I like this simple, clean colorway. That yellow sole would be bothersome though. I need to make a blog entry on how I think clear soles are the most overrated shoe feature in the game. Because they are. I'll do that one day. For now - enjoy those kicks. More pics here.

The King Takes His Throne

Tonight, Michael Jordan will finally be enshrined in basketball's Hall of Fame. He'll be inducted by his childhood idol, David Thompson, along with fellow inductees David Robinson, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan, and Vivian Stringer. Say what you want about Michael - but he's hands down the best to ever do it. At least in my lifetime. And nobody reading this saw Wilt, Russell, or Big O play - so spare me. Watching a sit down interview today that Michael Wilbon conducted with Jordan, I get the impression that MJ isn't a very happy individual. He seems to be somewhat disappointed that he's being inducted into the Hall this year - mainly because it closes a door on a career that he doesn't want to let go of. And who could really blame him? When you're THAT talented and play at THAT level, how do you adjust to being an ordinary Joe? Not that Michael is anything close to ordinary, but when you're that driven, it really must be difficult. Lesson learned? I'm happy I never turned out to be shit. From now on to the end of my life - I can only do better. While pathetic hasbeens like Michael Jordan sit at home miserable because they can't compete in the L at a high level anymore. What a loser! In all seriousness, salute the King. Don't talk any of that shit. Magic wasn't better. Bird's pasty ass wasn't better. Kareem wasn't better. Shaq wasn't better. LeBron ain't better. And that piece of shit Kobe Bryant ain't better either. Michael reigns supreme until further notice.

White / Red Air Jordan XII Retro

Nowadays, its rare to think about a specific Air Jordan model that hasn't been retro-ed. Shit, many classics have been re-released twice. The white/red Air Jordan XII has avoided being a retro model for 13 years. This ends now. In December, the Jordan Brand will re-release one of the best looking white/red models in their catalog. This shoe, from what I see, seems to be a dead ringer for the original. The materials look solid. The craftsmanship looks good. My only complaint, if this picture is accurate, is that I don't remember the toe coming that far off the ground. Looks a bit ridiculous, right? Either way, I'm pretty pleased with the outcome and these may be something I look for during the holidays. More pictures can be seen here.

BTW - anytime I see the Jordan XII, it reminds me of the epic Frozen Moments commercial. And the fact that I bought the Taxi XII a size too big...because it was all they had and I needed them in my life. Peace.

Air Jordan III: White/Red Wear Test Sample

A pair of white/red Jordan III wear test samples popped up on eBay this week. I'm not too sure on what run of III's these were produced with, but according to the seller, it was the 2006 group. Apparently, eight pairs of these exist. If you ask me, great colorway - bad execution. You can't go wrong with a white/red Jordan colorway. But the way it was carried out was sub par. You absolutely need the elephant print. Especially in red? That's a no-brainer. I'd use it in the traditional heel and toe areas, as well as between the lace holders. I have to say, the leather ankle liner is a great touch. Maybe I would have done something else with the tongue as well. Overall, not a horrendous sample - but one they probably made the right choice on when they didn't put it out. For more pictures, click here.