In what may be a surprise to many (me, anyway), Beyoncé Knowles and Adidas have announced a massive new partnership, which will see King Bey creating new footwear and apparel with the brand. This will also kickstart the relaunch of Ivy Park, which Bey regained full ownership rights to following her breakup with embattled billionaire Phillip Green and Topshop last year.

Said Beyoncé in a statement:

“This is the partnership of a lifetime for me… Adidas has had tremendous success in pushing creative boundaries. We share a philosophy that puts creativity, growth and social responsibility at the forefront of business. I look forward to re-launching and expanding Ivy Park on a truly global scale with a proven, dynamic leader.”

Adidas added that the “partnership… respects Beyoncé’s ownership of her company, which continues her journey as one of the first black women to be the sole owner of an athleisure brand… Neither ascribes to the typical stereotypes of athletes and what athleisure clothing and footwear should be, and instead, will bring to life a shared vision of inclusion that will forever alter the opportunities and landscape for all.”

Big things to come, no doubt. Move over, Kanye.

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Bringing that new energetic flavor to listeners ears is the dynamic duo better known as Deco Fam. With Deco Ho Chi Mayne and Deco STLN, alongside their resident producer/DJ SUPR SPRT, we have two Haitians and a Russian redefining what it means to be creatively bold in 2018.

Giving off a different vibe on every record, Deco Fam has been finessing their way to the top. With their debutproject ChinaTown still fresh, it doesn’t take long to notice that the whimsical melodies of Ho Chi Mayne paired with the rich wordplay of STLN complement each other perfectly on records. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, the duo are not your typical rappers. As classically trained footwear designers, they have designed for big brands including Converse, Reebok, Under Armour, and most recently PUMA. Having spent the majority of their professional careers at PUMA, you have seen their designs at the forefront of partnerships with The Weekend, Fenty, Selena Gomez and Jay-Z.

Credit: @ivesmatik

A Russian refugee, executive producer of ChinaTown, SUPR SPRT, down south hip hop influence developed from his childhood spent in Tennessee. Having teamed up with Ho Chi Mayne and STLN in 2015, his sound puts a quirky twist on trap music.

Credit: @ivesmatik

The sky is the limit for these guys as they continue to push the culture forward to expanding the boundaries of hip hop. Having a strong sense of style, Deco Fam resembles the art form of Art Deco. Art Deco is a style of visual arts, architecture and designs that paved the way for the designers of the future. Deco Fam prove to be the odd ones out, breaking any and every barrier in their way.

Credit: @ivesmatik

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Image credit: Adidas

It’s amazing how much Hip-Hop has helped to push shoes in comparison to athletes since the days of 50 Cent and Jay-Z’s G-Unit and S. Carter collabs, respectively (both of which were done with Reebok). Now, everybody is cashing in on the culture for the most part, and Adidas continues to do so as a front runner for urban fashion (ex. Pharrell Williams and Kanye West).

Here’s the latest from the three stripes: a trifecta of adverts featuring A$AP Ferg, KAYTRANADA and Playboi Carti in promotion of the Crazy 1 ADV, Prophere and EQT BASK ADV models. Check those out below.

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The post A$AP Ferg, KAYTRANADA & Playboi Carti Appear in New Ads for Adidas Originals appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photographer Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary/Get Fit Radio TV

Photographer, Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed checked in with Scoop B Radio podcast’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson. Press Play Below To Listen!

If you read articles on the internet then you’ve seen his work. Photographer Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed has photographed the latest and greatest.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, Dwyane Wade, Jay-Z, Fabolous, DJ Khaled, P.Diddy and many more have been photographed under the keen lens of Calligrafist.

His photography is a bridge between fashion, lifestyle, hip hop and culture.

He’s everywhere!  Literally!

Homeboy’s work has appeared in reputable publications such as Billboard, ESPN, Bleacher Report, HBO, CBS Sports, Complex, Catch Restaurant, Reebok, Nike, Adidas, New York Fashion Week, DJ USA, Hot 97, Power 105.1, S.O.B.’s, Tidal, BET, VIBE, Mass Appeal, The Shade Room, Hype Beast, The Source Magazine, REVOLT, RESPECT Magazine, Bleu Magazine and Elliot Wilson and Brian ‘B.Dot” Miller’s Rap Radar.

All of that said…guess what? He’s not comfortable! 

“The kind of person that I am, I just want to do more,” Calligraist told RESPECT Magazine today by phone.

“This is just the beginning.” 

Forever Uptown… it’s a Harlem Thing. | #CalligrafistChronicles | www.CalligrafistPhotography.com

A post shared by Ismail اسما عيل Calligrafist™ (@calligrafist) on Dec 15, 2017 at 7:12pm PST

Harlem, NY bred and globally influenced, Calligrafist actually didn’t aspire to be a photographer. In fact, he fell in love with the art of graffiti and calligraphy; hence the nickname, ‘Calligrafist.’

A man of faith, the devout Muslim is college educated at Jamia Madinatul Uloom University in Trinidad & Tobago, where he studied Quranic Studies and Arabic reading and writing.

Calligrafist acknowledges seasoned hip hop photographers like Johnny Nunez and Jonathan Mannion  who have undoubtedly paved the way for on-the rise photographers such as himself. Calligrafist emphasizes that he’s glad to sit at the table with them and eat, while also gaining their respect for his skin in the game. “It’s genuinely cool to have intimate conversations with them,” he said.

“It’s more humbling that I am able to have direct access to people that I look up to like them and someone like Lenny S., DJ Clark Kent, Emory Jones, that have a name in the industry, people that have a place in the culture, for people to acknowledge me for more my work; that’s an honor. That’s more humbling. But it moves me to want to do more.”

For more information on Calligrafist and his photographic/art movement, visit www.calligrafistphotography.com and scroll up and press play to listen to our chat on Scoop B Radio! 

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The post Scoop B: Photographer Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed is a rising star who has stayed true to both his Islamic faith & his craft appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT Magazine’s Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson offers his last minute Christmas guide for shoppers. Photo Credit: ScoopB.com

Christmas is here. If you’re anything like me, you haven’t bought a darn thing yet for family, friends and colleagues.

Well, you’re in luck, check out some of the items I’ve selected for my 2017 Holiday and Winter Brand Gift Guide.

BEVEL Trimmer

Bevel Trimmer. Photo Courtesy of Bevel

I sport a baldie proudly and I alternate between being clean shaven in my face or letting the beard grow out. The Bevel Trimmer keeps it neat for me. What’s great about it is that the Bevel Trimmer is one of the most advanced devices for trimming and shaping coarse or curly hair. It combines innovation in technology, design and cleanliness to bring you a premium grooming tool. What I like most about it is that there’s a ring around it that glows in the dark. You can grab the Bevel Trimmer at Amazon.com, Target.com and Target stores or simply visit: www.GetBevel.com/Trimmer for more info.

BEVEL Shaving System

Bevel Shave System. Photo courtesy of Bevel

I really dig Bevels’ three-step system designed to prepare, protect and repair your skin.

It’s great for travel bag on the road, keeping it sitting in your office or in your bathroom for everyday use. The kit includes Bevel’s: Safety Razor, Shave Brush, Priming Oil, Shave Cream, and Restoring Balm. Honestly, it felt like heaven and that I brought the barbershop experience home to me!

Adidas authentic hockey jerseys

Adidas authentic hockey jerseys. Photo courtesy of: Adidas Hockey

Sure you have basketball, baseball and football jerseys! But what about adding a hockey jersey to the collection!?

It’s different!

You can even get the names custom-made on the back! Check out mine! Available at Adidas stores and more, visit adidas.com/us/men-hockey for more info.

I got myself one. Waddaya think ?

#SwipeLeft ⬅️ – My first @nhl hockey jersey! #GiftedByAdidas Thank you @adidas x @adidashockey ???? #TeamAdidas ///

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Dec 7, 2017 at 3:04pm PST

Moore’s Marinade 

Moore’s Marinade. Photo Courtesy of Moore’s Marinade

You can’t go wrong with a good marinade, ya know!? Moore’s Marinade comes in an assortment of flavors like blue cheese buffalo, spicy habanero, orignal, asian teriyaki and many more. Grill cooking or simply making boneless chicken fingers from the house is a luxury to have.

Available at local grocery stores, visit www.mooresmarinade.com for more info.

I used it myself!

#REALmenCook Hey @moores_marinade thanks for the marinade care package! Football Sunday is surely a great day to experiment with boneless buffalo wings ??‬ #MooreFlavor x #NFLWeek4 x #BuffaloWings

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Oct 1, 2017 at 11:18am PDT

NBA 2K 18

NBA 2K18’s alternate cover featuring Kyrie Irving in a Boston Celtics uniform. Photo Credit: Sporting News

The NBA 2K franchise is today’s ultimate hoops game. All 30 teams, a playground series and Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving on the cover?

NBA 2K 18 is the ultimate lounge around the house game. Available at major retail stores, visit 2k.com/games/nba-2k18 for more info.

I got mine and have been rocking out since September!

Brand new season! That can only mean one thing… @nba2k. Proud of @kyrieirving! ? Thank you @2k @ronnie2k etc for the delivery! ???? #NBA2K18 #RunTheNeighborhood

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Sep 18, 2017 at 2:01pm PDT

Wooter’s Scoop B and Scoop B Radio Apparel

Scoop B Apparel T-Shirt. Photo Courtesy of: Wooter Apparel

Hoodies, t-shirts and more, why not rock out with my own stuff?! Yup, I launched the Scoop B and Scoop B Radio apparel line this fall with Wooter Apparel. 

Visit wootershop.com/scoop-b-radio and wootershop.com/scoop-b/ for more info.

Wooter doesn’t just make Scoop B apparel though. Wooter has outfitted Master P’s Global Mixed Gender Basketball League and created their Medusa Line as well.

Check Out Wooter Hoodies! 

Happy #BlackFriday – Make sure to shop for Scoop B apparel via @wooterapparel. ?? Click The #linkinbio ??

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Nov 24, 2017 at 7:29am PST

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The post Scoop B’s last minute Christmas gift shopping list appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

adidas Originals USA Product Manager Greg Dennis. Photo Credit: adidas Originals

When it comes to culture, shoes and just having common sense about life, Greg Dennis is your guy. Philadelphia’s finest and fashionably conscious, Greg is well versed in advertising, dealing with consumers daily. His interest in all of this became apparent in the 90s when Mecca USA was advertising in The Source Magazine and he hasn’t looked back.

“Mecca’s aesthetic was very aspirational and innovative,” Greg Dennis tells RESPECT Magazine. “Also, it was black-owned. This provided me with hope and gave me the inspiration to pursue a career in this industry.”

In between running the show out at Adidas headquarters in Portland, Oregon, Dennis sat down with RESPECT Magazine about a variety of topics, including how he got started in the business, how his education played a part in his development and entrepreneurship.

Here’s THE SCOOP:

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: What was fly fashion and sneaker-wise in Philadelphia when you were growing up?

Greg Dennis: Fly fashion growing up in Philly was: Polo, Nautica, Coogi, Rocawear and Dickies. Each brand served a different purpose; for example Dickies were popular amongst the corner boys and it represented function. The material was super durable, wrinkle resistant and had the appropriate amount of pockets.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: What was your point of entry professionally for you?

Greg Dennis: My point of entry into the industry was interning for Alan Ket and Dre Hayes at Azzure Denim when I was in college. The internship provided me with the opportunity to maximizing my book knowledge in the business world. This opportunity gave me more confidence to enter the industry post college.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: How has the industry evolved from when you started to now?

Greg Dennis: The industry has definitely evolved; when I was coming up there were many independent brands and retail shops. Now there are less players on the brand and retail side. We need small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop new markets and ideas.  

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson:What advice would you give someone looking to do what you do now?

Greg Dennis: For anyone looking to enter into this industry; I highly recommend gaining retail experience. Understanding retail is a great foundation for knowing what motivates consumers to make a purchase and help nurture your eye for product. At the core of my job I am a merchant and enhancing the consumer experience is the end goal.

adidas Originals’ Greg Dennis. Photo Credit: adidas

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: What is next the next ‘thing’ that folks should be paying attention to?

Greg Dennis: I believe the future is automation. This will have an impact on transportation, manufacturing and retail. The potential and upside is enormous. Imagine visiting a store that has automation manufacturing capabilities and can build custom product based on your needs. Tech can eventually eliminate waste and reduce our environmental footprint.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: Does someone of your caliber create a personal brand while still working for a company? How do you balance the two?

Greg Dennis: I know a few people that started successful businesses while being employed full-time. It’s definitely manageable and I recommend going into a business that is not a conflict of interest to your 9 to 5. Having multiple revenue streams a smart play.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: Favorite three sneakers of all time are?

Greg Dennis: When it comes to footwear my three favorite shoes of all time are; EQT 93 Racers, OG Gucci Ace’s and Polo Ranger boots. All of the major players in my neighborhood when I was growing up had these shoes. Decades later these shoes are still relevant.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson: Where did you go to college and did college prepare you for what you are doing now?

Greg Dennis: I attended Philadelphia University for Apparel Management. PHILAU is the oldest fashion school in North America. This education provided me with the tools to navigate this industry. Without this foundation working in this industry would be huge learning curve.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson:  If you weren’t in the industry now you’d be doing what?Greg Dennis: If I was not in the fashion industry I would be exploring my 2nd passion in the music industry. Music and fashion go hand and hand. This year in music is very exciting from Meek to Jay Z. I’m happy for the direction of the industry.

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The post Scoop B Selects: Talking Culture With adidas Originals USA Product Manager Greg Dennis appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

OAKLAND, CA – 2000: Tracy McGrady of the Toronto Raptors competes in the Slam Dunk competition at the Oakland Arena on February 2000 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2000 (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Tracy McGrady was one of the most successful swingmen to play in the NBA. At a slim and lanky 6’8, McGrady had a quick first step, a smooth glide to the basket, a jab step with counter moves and a crossover dribble that makes you think Kevin Durant and George ‘The Iceman’ Gervin all-in-one.

To quote the late Notorious B.I.G., the Washington Wizards, Shawn Bradley and the New Jersey Nets ‘have a story to tell’ after the nightmares McGrady gave them with his scoring assaults that he unleashed in his prime.  

Step-backs and fall-aways, creativity in mid-air that seemed effortless, Tracy McGrady was the real deal in his NBA career.

This weekend, McGrady a 14-year retired NBA veteran, who in 938 games averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Historically, many remember McGrady’s Houston Rocket days when he heroically scored 13 points in 35 seconds.

That December 9, 2004 rescue and 81-80 win over the San Antonio Spurs was no easy feat. For posterity’s sake, that was no easy feat. In 33 seconds, it took four buckets from beyond the arc, a made free throw to complete a four-point play and a steal to win by one point!

The only remotely exciting comparison to that game was the Indiana Pacers’ Reggie Miller’s eight points in nine seconds performance against the New York Knicks. With the Pacers down eight points with in nine seconds remaining in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals, Reggie Miller pulled off a comeback like no other.

I’ll tread lightly though; Knicks fans are still healing from that disappointment.

McGrady’s journey is memorable and worth recounting. Tracy McGrady was drafted ninth by the Toronto Raptors in the 1997 NBA Draft. That draft class was laden with talent with two future Hall of Famers standing out from that list: Detroit Pistons hero Chauncey Billups and old reliable San Antonio Spurs big, Tim Duncan.

McGrady was special; so special the biggest rumor in 1997 was that the Bulls were looking to trade Scottie Pippen to acquire him.

In Jonathan Abrams’ book “Boys Among Men,”  (H/T CBS Sports’ Matt Moore)  it was revealed that Tracy McGrady was nearly traded to the Chicago Bulls for Scottie Pippen on draft night in 1997, but Michael Jordan vetoed it. McGrady confirmed that on an episode of ESPN’s The Jump with Rachel Nichols.

As Vice President of Basketball Operations of the Toronto Raptors, NBA Hall of Famer and two-time champ Isiah Thomas drafted McGrady in ‘97.

In Toronto, Thomas built a promising young roster when he drafted Damon Stoudamire, McGrady and Marcus Camby. What was significant about that budding roster was a). They played what is known in today’s game as small ball. b). McGrady would leave Toronto and flourish in Orlando.

**Expect Kyrie Irving’s move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics to have a similar impact.

In a recent interview on Scoop B Radio, Isiah Thomas, now President of Basketball Operations for the WNBA’s New York Liberty broke down his thought process while housing McGrady in the 6. “When I put together the Toronto Raptors, if you remember the power forward position at that time was a position of strength, dominance, and you had to be physically strong to play that position,” Thomas told me.

“The shooting guard would be coming off of the power forward and the center would be your offense. During that time, what I talked about with my scouting staff and also our ownership group at that time was that we have to find a way to change the game and really affect things out on the floor. We came up with what we called the Raptor Two. And Raptor Two basically had to be a power forward that could also have guard skills, he had to be able to switch the power forward and the shooting guard and not lose ground.”

Added Thomas:

“One of the first trades that I made was for Doug Christie. The game was getting smaller, we had eliminated the power forward position and made it a very skilled position, so I’ll fast forward then I”ll take you back to McGrady. The thing that I left Toronto with was Stoudamire, Camby, Christie, McGrady, and they drafted [Vince]Carter, that was the blueprint.”

For two seasons (1998-2000), McGrady, Vince Carter, Doug Christie and company would lead the Raptors to a 68-64 record. Those feats included the Raptors first-ever winning season where they went 45-37 in 2000.

Toronto also made their first NBA playoff appearance, where they’d be swept 3-0 by the New York Knicks. Despite being swept, McGrady earned his big payday in the NBA Playoff. In game one, T-Mac registered 25 points and hauled in 10 rebounds.

“With T-Mac, a lot of people don’t know or would know that T-Mac was a decent player when he left Toronto and he got the opportunity with that one playoff game where they played New York,” McGrady’s Orlando Magic teammate, Darrell Armstrong told me on Scoop B Radio.

That offseason, McGrady bolted Toronto and signed a six-year, $67.5 million contract with the Orlando Magic. “Vince was being covered so much by all the guys on New York that T-Mac started to get off,” said Armstrong.

“And people started to see T-Mac’s talent during the playoffs that year. That is when we went and got him and that is when he came to the Magic that next year and what he did from there was just amazing because that is what he was supposed to be doing when he got to Toronto.”

Tracy McGrady guarded by Michael Jordan. Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

A chance to play in his home state of Florida and team up with Grant Hill? Who could blame T-Mac?

“He put in the work and he dedicated himself everyday when he got into the game,” said Armstrong.

“He [knew he] was going to be one of the top players in the league and he did it. It was fun to see him and Kobe Bryant go at each other, Michael Jordan go at each other.  I was just amazed by it, the things that he could do. But he was something special.”

Although McGrady struggled to get out of the second round of the NBA Playoffs, we can never forget the 2003 NBA Playoffs when the league’s scoring champion shot over 51 percent from the field against the Detroit Pistons in their round one series.

The Magic had a 3-1 lead in the series with McGrady scoring 43, 46, 29 and 27 points, respectively against Detroit; but Orlando couldn’t seal the deal. They were eliminated.

If you’re keeping score at home, other exciting Tracy McGrady moments include:

• Landing an off-the-backboard alley-oop, thrown to himself during the 2002 NBA All Star Game.
• McGrady’s Adidas sneaker commercials were also enjoyable. 
• McGrady’s global reach in China substantiated after teaming with Yao Ming in Houston.
• Most importantly: McGrady’s duels with Kobe Bryant were legendary.

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The post Scoop B: Tracy McGrady’s Hall of Fame Career Is A Master Class In Knowing Self-Worth appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.