Rapper Takeoff Really Wanted Special Michael Jordan Inspired Merchandise Tagged ?The Holy Grail?

Michael Jordan influenced the NBA even before the word influencer became a common term. The fierceness and competitiveness that Jordan showed on the basketball team made him one of the most loved athletes in the world. MJ’s widespread popularity became a massive opportunity for brands to endorse their products and Nike made the most of it.

In what was a shocking news to fans, Migos member Takeoff tragically died at the age of just 28. The popular rapper was a bona fide sneaker lover. Just a few weeks ago before his untimely demise, TakeOff had expressed his deep desire to own rare Michael Jordan-inspired merchandise, tagging it as the ‘Holy Grail’

TakeOff shows love for Michael Jordan-inspired Nike sneakers

A few weeks ago, famous hip hop group Migos’ artists TakeOff and Quavo went sneaker shopping with Complex’s Joe La Puma in New York City. La Puma asked the two rappers about the pair of sneakers they considered to be the ‘Holy Grail’.

READ MORE: Billionaire Michael Jordan Confessed Using 150 Different Air Jordans Just to Get a Good Feeling Before Every Game (2014)

TakeOff responded, “85s. There’s no top grill you know what I’m saying. I’d want them for sure. Give me some black toe. I need black toe. So if you got the black toes. Let me know.”

TakeOff seemed to be very excited about owning the black-toe version of the 1985 Air Jordan 1. The first iteration of Air Jordan sneakers is the most recognizable shoe in the Jordan-Nike partnership. However, TakeOff appeared to be really impressed by the black-toe version of the Air Jodan 1 and demanded the audience to let him know if they had it.

Nike & Jordan’s fruitful partnership

Nike also made a modified version of the Air Jordan 1s in 1986 after Michael Jordan broke his foot. After his injury in October 1985, Jordan made a miraculous return in mid-March 1986. The Chicago Bulls were in the first round of the playoffs when he came back. Unfortunately, the Bulls lost the series against the Chicago Bulls. However, Michael Jordan put on an unbelievable 53-point performance during Game 2.

MJ wore the modified version of Air Jordan 1 with a strap on the side to stabilize his foot. Sadly, only a few versions of the strapped sneakers were made, making them extremely rare and costly.

Michael Jordan and Nike’s partnership is one of the most successful business partnerships in history. Nike convinced a young rookie in Michael Jordan to sign with them instead of the bigger sports apparel brand Adidas in 1984. The brand also established Jordan’s own signature line and brought out the Air Jordans.

During the time, the NBA prohibited athletes from wearing sneakers of any color other than white. Thus, when Nike designed the Air Jordan in Bulls team colors red, black and white, the league fined MJ $5000 for every game he wore the shoes.

WATCH THIS STORY???How Many Gold Medals Does Michael Jordan Have in the Olympics?

Nike agreed to pay the fine and made a business of $126 million during the first year. Hence, Take Off’s excitement about owning the black-toe version of Nike Air Jordan 1 is quite similar to that of a lot of sneakerheads around the world.