It’s no secret that Detroit hip-hop artist Danny Brown is a sucker for fashion. (Look at his hair.)
Brown’s punk rock-inspired image has encouraged hip hop fans to stray from cultural norms, such as: baggy pants, Cartier glasses and Jordan-brand sneakers. The in-your-face nature of Brown’s musical content and live performances are depicted through his particular taste for Jeremy Scott-designed hoodies, Moschino t-shirts, Nautica jackets, and now – the re-released Top Ten sneaker from Adidas.
Originally produced from 1979-1984, Adidas Top Tens are revered as a revolutionary basketball sneaker – in both comfort and practicality. The shoe was even endorsed by NBA legend Rick Barry. As arguably the league’s “greatest pure small-forward of all time,” the shoe’s popularity soared as advertisements bearing Barry’s image were introduced to the American market.
Rick Barry advertisement for Adidas Top Ten sneakers
With the help of Detroit’s Danny Brown, Adidas has chosen to reintroduce the Top Tens in all of their red, white and blue glory. A video promo, featuring Brown walking the streets of Detroit, sets the tone for the newly reanimated footwear.
“I can’t remember a time in my life where I don’t remember Top Tens,” Brown says during the ad. “That was always like – everybody had the shoe. If it wasn’t a Top Ten it was a Concord or a Forum. But those three shoes were like, staple Detroit shoes.”
Watch the Adidas Top Ten video starring Danny Brown below: