NBA legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and his long-term merchandise partner part ways in April 2021. The contract between the Mamba and the $157 billion company ended 486 days ago, and both parties could not reach an agreement for an extension. This decision took a hit on the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s legacy. However, a 22YO rapper sought illegal means to keep the Mamba?s legacy intact and ?imitate? him.?

The rapper in a podcast admitted to this crime which was later noticed by the ?state.? The obsession of the Mamba army to go above and beyond to be like Kobe is a testament to the legendary player?s impact.

Bootleg merchandise and unlawful practices

On his podcast, Math Hoffa discusses various things with his panel MR. MECC, C.h.a.m.p. and GAT MURDAH & SEAN BIGGA. The podcast has over 190 episodes covering various aspects to keep the audience entertained. In the latest episode, the rapper C.h.a.m.p.?stated that he had got his hands on Kobe Bryant?s merchandise.

Nike, Kobe?s partner company, had stopped producing the Black Mamba?s apparel. However, the rapper got access to the bootleg merchandise. In unlawful “bootlegging,” a product that resembles the original but is not an exact replica is made and sold. The authorities took notice of the illegal behavior and issued a warning to the individual responsible for making the t-shirts.?

?…homie that sent me the Kobe shirt, the state got in contact with him like, ‘yo, you can’t, you can’t make them shirts.?

Math Hoffa added, ?…it’s bootleg music, so if you buying them if you buying them f****d up T-shirts outside the concert, you’d be the same kind of – you want to get one of them AI verses, you’re the same dude.?

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Although C.h.a.m.p. tried to justify his actions by saying, ?It?s just a t-shirt,? Hoffa was firm on his stand against bootleg fashion.

This friendly banter highlighted the fact that even if the state recognized bootlegging as a criminal offense, people would always try to find ways around the law.?

A gift to Mamba fans on Kobe Day

Kobe Bryant?s long-term contract with Nike got over in April 2021. Kobe?s wife, Vanessa Bryant, and Nike could not come to an agreement for an extension. The Bryant family could not secure a lifetime deal with Nike like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

As a result, Nike stopped the production and distribution of the Kobe merchandise, which infuriated fans of the Mamba. However, Vanessa?s constant persistence rewarded her.

Nike and the Bryant family came to an agreement to relaunch the Kobe Brand on Kobe Day, August 24.

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The journey was marked by tensions and Vanessa’s display of ‘Mamba mentality’ throughout, which led to the agreement for an extension.