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via Getty
CHICAGO – JUNE 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with cigar after winning the 1996 NBA title against the Seattle SuperSonics in Game Six of the 1996 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 16, 1996 in Chicago Iillinois. The Bulls won 87-75. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 1996 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-80419986-612x612-1.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
CHICAGO – JUNE 16: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with cigar after winning the 1996 NBA title against the Seattle SuperSonics in Game Six of the 1996 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 16, 1996 in Chicago Iillinois. The Bulls won 87-75. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 1996 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Oscar-winning director Spike Lee recently recalled his iconic partnership with Michael Jordan in the Nike Air Jordan commercials of the late 80s and the early 90s in an interview. Lee featured in the Air Jordan commercials as the character Mars Blackmon from his debut film She’s Gotta Have It(1986).
Mars Blackmon served as a kind of comedic foil to Michael Jordan in the commercials. The character was, like Spike Lee, a sneakerhead and an ardent fan of the New York Knicks.
Lee recently reprised his iconic character in a two-and-a-half-minute reel Seen It All celebrating Nike’s 50 years in business. The 65-year-old director directed it himself, capturing the glorious moments of sporting history from different generations.
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The video ends with the famous catchphrase from the old Nike commercials ‘It’s gotta be da shoes’.
Spike Lee remembers when Michael Jordan called him ‘Motherf*cka’
Wieden and Kennedy called Spike Lee to feature with Michael Jordan in the Nike commercials. Initially, he thought it was a prank by his friends. Jordan was the best player in the league and Spike was a struggling director who just put out his first film.
“He could have easily picked some big-time director; people who are giants in that industry, and he chose me. So I said Mike, why did you choose me? He said, ‘muthafucka you wearing my shoes!’ I’m here to say, I’m honored Michael Jordan called me a muthafucka.”
—Spike Lee pic.twitter.com/fLhbJ1BNq2
— Boardroom (@boardroom) May 27, 2022
Therefore, Lee was genuinely surprised that Michael Jordan picked him for the role. He could’ve chosen any established director or actor, but didn’t. So when Spike asked Jordan the reason behind that, he replied, “Muthaf*cka you wearing my shoes!”
Read More: LeBron James Would ?Laugh? at Stephen Curry Comparison as per Outspoken NBA Analyst
“I?m here to say, I?m honored Michael Jordan called me a muthaf*cka?, Lee said in an interview.
The Mars Blackmon commercials
The Mars Blackmon commercials changed Spike Lee’s life for the better. It gave him financial stability and nationwide exposure. A dream come true for any up-and-coming director.
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Moreover, he got the opportunity to work with Michael Jordan in his prime days of basketball greatness. That is truly something out of a basketball fan’s dream. Lee still cherishes those memories.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Actor and director Spike Lee argues with an official during the fourth quarter between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Knicks 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Spike Lee has established himself as one of the greatest directors in America right now with defining movies like Malcolm X(1992) and BlacKkKlansman(2018). But he is still remembered for revolutionizing the sneakerhead movement of the 80s and the 90s.
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Watch this Story: Michael Jordan and Yvette Prietos Wedding Ceremony in Pictures
Nike has paid homage to Lee’s contributions through the Air Jordan Spizike and Air Jordan 4 Retro “Mars Blackman”. The Jordan Mars shoe line is a testimony to the rich history of basketball in America.