Tag Of The Day! Vybz Kartel ‘Clarks’
Clark’s shoes haven’t enjoyed the most respectable street reputation in many parts of the world. For many years the company – started in quaint old England back in 1825 by a pair of Quaker brothers – used the term “sensible” to describe and promote their footwear. However, Clark’s are experiencing an unexpected up surge in credibility thanks to some heavy name checking from one of the stars of the Jamaican dancehall scene, Vybz Kartel. Kartel’s latest track, ‘Clarks’, is an ode to the British shoe company’s ‘Originals’ range – something which Vybz maintains is an inherent part of Jamaican culture on a par with curried goat and saltfish. Sales of the shoe have gone through the roof in both Jamaica and many parts of the USA and Britain; plus Vybz has already recorded two sequels to the record; ‘Clarks II’ and ‘Clarks III’.
Of course Vybz Kartel is not the first urban artist to big up his footwear. With this in mind we’ve compiled some of the most famous hip hop shoes via the medium of YouTube video clips.
Run DMC – My Adidas
The original brand/ hip hop hook up. Run DMC’s ‘My Adidas’ helped sales of ‘Superstar’ shell toed Adidas sky rocket and marked them out as the rap sneaker of choice at the time. The track lead to a $1.6 million deal for the group with clothing brand and made them the first hip hop act to become officially sponsored.
Nelly – Air Force 1
Proof that Southern rap sensation not only favours facial plasters, but also Nike’s ‘Air Force 1’.
Timbaland & Magoo – Luv 2 Luv Ya
Super producer Timothy Mosley went as far as naming himself after the hard wearing desert boots made by Timberland. Look closely and you’ll see that Timbaland used to rock the sand coloured boots pretty much nonstop back in the day. Also a favourite of Redman, Methodman and Dr. Dre.
Flo Rida – Low
Flo Rida went product placement crazy on this record. Not only did he reference Apple Bottom jeans in the chorus – a product made by the aforementioned Nelly – but he also made the statement that Reeboks were the hip hop trainers to have.
Jay-Z & Beyoncé – ’03 Bonnie & Clyde
Proving that product placement is not just for the boys, Jay-Z highlights high end shoe designer Manolo Blahnik as the heels to have for his ladies.
