Miami Heat’s DJ Irie and adidas have joined forces to re-release an adidas classic, the EQT B-Ball shoe.
As the first officially signed DJ of the NBA and the first DJ to hold an NBA Championship ring, DJ Irie is an avid basketball fan as well as an evolving businessman.
“My involvement with the Miami Heat has certainly inspired me to be great,” DJ Irie told AllHipHop.com. “I look at my position at the Heat as a canvas to do much greater things. Getting to work alongside guys like Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wade, and Alonzo Mourning who are not only great ball players but savvy businessmen, really opened my eyes to the possibilities and the importance of building my brand beyond the arena.”
The adidas limited edition DJ Irie EQT B-Ball is color blocked in Miami Heat colors; black, red, and white.
The shoe has a smooth leather upper, and DJ Irie’s block logo is embroidered in the ankle and also applied to the translucent gum sole.
A distinct trait of the EQT B-Ball is sock liner, which is yellow-gold with a red DJ Irie print, that is visible due to the cutouts on the upper portion of the sneaker.
“The partnership with adidas came about through adidas realizing the reach and marketing muscle of the DJ,” Irie explained. “They went out on a limb beyond the usual athlete and artist deals and decided to get the DJ involved in releasing a shoe. For Miami I was the perfect fit for that. This isn’t just some shoe that they had in stock that they just personalized. This shoe is our creation. We were actively involved with everything from the choice of materials to the design and colors. My shoe is an extension of myself as a DJ.”
The original line, which launched in 1991 was known as the Equipment Basketball sneaker.
The shoe was inspired by the need to provide players with a lightweight shoe that can perform on the court.
The original cutting edge concept provided players with one of the industry’s first customizable sneakers, and helped launch adidas in to modern performance footwear.
Beyond making his mark in shoes and clothing industry, DJ Irie also revealed that he is busy working on other business ventures.
“I’m working on my debut album right now and also planning for the 3rd annual ESPN Irie Weekend, which is my yearly charitable effort that takes place in the month of June,” Irie continued. “I’ve also founded a DJ Management company called Artist Related that is dedicated to the advancement of new DJ talent on a national level.”
DJ Irie’s rebirth of the basketball classic retails $150 and is only available at the Shoe Gallery in Miami.