Memphis, Tennessee’s favorite son shifted the history of classic sole. 

The Blue Chip produced and wrote masterpieces with his generational talent that put on for the city. 

He scored over 3,000 points to become the Parade Magazine National High School player of the year by his senior season. 

Threw the hometown jersey on his back and became a 2x college All-American.

Just a Kid, but it made cents earning a spot on the 1992 USA Basketball Developmental Team because the best test their game against, you know. Practiced against the greatest Olympic basketball team of all time then really put the city on the map.

Got drafted. Third overall. Record deal for the first overall pick and three future first-rounders`. 

When the rubber met the road or, in this case, when it met the hardwood, his game drove him from Graceland to Disney World.

When he hit the big stage - 

‘94: NBA All-Rookie First Team. 

‘95: All-NBA First Team. First-time All-Star. NBA Finals appearance.

‘96: Another First Team All-NBA selection and a second NBA All-Star selection.

Proved he was more than hype but waited until the lights were brightest to shift the culture.

‘96 NBA All-Star Game. 

San Antonio, Texas. 

February 11th. 

The reigning king’s return.

36,037 fans on hand in the Alamodome to witness…sole history.

Arguably the best year ever for sneaker releases. 

That All-Star game featured signature drops from these artists: 

Jordan

Shaq

Barkley 

Gary Payton 

Grant Hill 

David Robinson

Patrick Ewing

Clyde Drexler 

Shawn Kemp 

Glen Rice

Hakeem Olajuwon

Karl Malone

But, Air Penny, the hit single that debuted, featuring supermodel-dating, trash-talking sidekick, ½ Cent aka Lil’ Penny stopped the entire show.

That night the duet shifted the genre of sole, rode the wave and topped the charts in ‘96.

Because of that duo, whenever they talk classic sole, they gotta put some R.E.S.P.E.C.T on Memphis mane.

Handmade. Linocut.

3-7-2021. Block Printing Ink and Paper, 11x14 inches.

Edition of 12.

[FRAME NOT INCLUDED]

*EACH PRINT IS UNIQUE DUE TO THE LINOCUT PRINTMAKING PROCESS.*

PLEASE ALLOW 1-2 WEEKS FOR SHIPPING.