1060 Hip Hop Uncut

The Genesis of an Icon: How the Adidas x Yeezy Partnership Began The story of the Adidas and Kanye West "Yeezy" partnership is not just a business tale; it's a monumental chapter in the history of sneaker culture. It’s a story of creative vision, commercial success, and ultimately, a spectacular collapse. Before Adidas, Kanye West had a notable, but often contentious, relationship with Nike. He released two highly-sought-after sneakers with the swoosh brand, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 and Air Yeezy 2. However, a major point of friction was Nike's refusal to offer West royalties on his shoe sales, a standard practice for its athletes but not its music collaborators. This desire for creative and financial autonomy led Kanye to seek a new partner. In 2013, the announcement of a partnership between Kanye and Adidas sent shockwaves through the industry. This move was seen as a bold gamble for Adidas, who was lagging behind Nike in the North American market. However, ...

 Donda Academy: The Vision, Controversy, and Meaning Behind Kanye West's School In the world of celebrity-founded projects, few have garnered as much intense scrutiny and mystique as Kanye West's Donda Academy. Named in honor of his late mother, Dr. Donda West, an esteemed professor, the school was more than just a passion project; it was a deeply personal extension of Kanye's artistic and spiritual vision.  To understand Donda Academy, one must first look at the woman who inspired it. Donda West was an English professor and Chair of the Department of English, Communications, Media, and Theater at Chicago State University. Her academic background and commitment to education laid the groundwork for Kanye's desire to create a new kind of learning institution. The school's mission statement was a bold promise: "to prepare students to become the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators." The curriculum aimed to b...