It was bound to happen ever since Nike threw $90 million at LeBron some six years ago (going on seven). At the time, Bron was being labeled “The Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated and rocking the #23 in green and gold to suggest that he was, in fact, the heir apparent.

Over the years, we’ve seen Bron transform into the physical behemoth that may one day overtake MJ’s playing legacy. For sneakerheads, though (like myself), it’s been highly questionable whether or not he-or anyone for that matter-could overtake MJ’s kick game. Penny failed. So did Kobe. And Iverson had a spark when he started, but Reebok’s just plain ol’ garbage.

Back to 2003 when MJ hung it up for the last time, his last on-court signatures, the XVIIIs, were simple yet luxurious and of course, technologically forward-thinking-everything associated with Jordan Brand. Since, the designs have been rather head-scratching, from the woven cover guard of the 19s and the clunky space-boot look of the 20s-Who knew space boots would catch on, word to Kanye? -to the straight up half-assed 24s AJ 2009s.

Recently, pics of the AJ 2010s (25s) have surfaced. They have a window/eye smack dab in the middle of the shoe to represent MJ’s ability to “see through the competition.” The shit just looks like a goddamn hole, patched up with mesh. It’s the bottomed-out low point of the declining franchise (a charge once leveled at the 15s).

As for the LeBrons, they’ve evolved from the outlet-ready Air Zoom Generations to the Flightposite-esque 4s to the underwhelming 5s and 6s. But now we’ve reached numero seven. Out for some time, a looming all black colorway (probably cosigned by Jigga) is the zenith of the line thus far. After misguided, space-shoe abortions like the Huarache 2k4s, the LeBron 7s represent some of Nike Basketball’s best design work since (surprise) 2003, when ballers were blessed with the Zoom Ultraflights and Zoom Flight 2k3s (just wear tube socks).

Compared to those lightweight triumphs, the 7s are on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of build (veering towards the Nike Total Foamposite Max in terms of proportions). Yet one look at the shoe and it’s clear that this is Nike’s signature shoe, perhaps across all lines. The feeling is similar to the one you had when you first saw the XIs, XIIIs, or even XVIIs-that this was the work of the best designers in the world. And if there was any confusion, it’s now evident that LeBron, not Kobe or MJ, is the face of the brand, Nike’s signature athlete.

Can’t say it didn’t take a while, though. By shoe number seven, there had been the iconic Air Jordan Is, IIIs, IVs, and VIs. The hit rate for the LeBron line hasn’t been quite the same but it’s finally his time. Maybe things will transpire on the court similarly.

Stephon Marbury may be losing his mind, crying and eating Vaseline on YouTube but he’s not that dumb. Unlike Kobe, Shaq, Roy Jones Jr., Allen Iverson, and Ron Artest, he hasn’t wasted all the time and energy—nevermind big bank—that it takes to launch a rap career. When he gets the urge, he just uploads a new Vlog to his ever-growing YouTube channel.

I mean, all the athletes listed above are MVP status… but they can’t rap their way out of a cardboard box.

Have a look back at some of the catastrophes…

Stephon Marbury doesn’t want to be a rapper he just freestyles for fun no matter how terrible it is. Sticking to basketball may be his brightest idea yet. 

Roy Jones Jr. was named “Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers Association of America in the 1990′s. He has won and held seven championship belts at one time. He was even in the Olympics, but that wasn’t enough—he had to be a rapper. “Ya’ll Must Of Forgot” is by far the worst song ever created. Round One: The Album hasn’t even gone gold.

Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Having scored 81 points in one game, it seemed like he could conquer anything, that is, except rap. Kobe’s big single “K.O.B.E”  featuring Tyra Banks made little noise in the rap world and the album was never released. Kinda like a movie going directly to DVD.

“Jewel” a.k.a Allen Iverson attempted a rap career in 2001. Although he claimed it was something he always wanted to do, his album was scrapped and never released. He did manage to release a few singles. “40 bars” caused the most controversy.

No doubt Ron Artest might be crazy, but out of all the athlete wanna-be rappers his song is the most listenable to. Still no Jay-Z or even Nelly for that matter (ouch!), the beat on his song doesn’t make you want to vomit. Mike Jones even makes a guest appearance, but not even he can help Ron’s rap career.

Shaq, may be talented on the court but with lyrics like “Then I punched ha in the stomach, I dont give a heck (Ayo why you play a hooker like that) cause she breathed on my neck.” It’s hard to understand just how his album went platinum…

NBA ALL STAR RECAP

The West had a victorious win over the East, (146-119) in Phoenix on Sunday night!  And, although this year’s NBA All Star MVP was shared between Shaq and Kobe, there should have been an All Star Crush awarded to Chris Paul.  (It would have been well deserved.)  The 23yr old Hornets’ guard was certainly a wow factor for many, and I’m not just referring to his on court performance.

Brand Jordan party

With Jay-Z at the Two Kings event

Check out more on CHRIS PAUL in the new March issue of GIANT!

Alsoooo…

Allen Iverson’s cut was also a highlight this past weekend, and I can agree, he was needed for a new look.  This one takes us back to his days as a Hoya!

A Georgetown Hoya, as a Denver Nugget and mostly recently at the All Star game

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK is in full effect, all while attracting the likes of Kanye West, Solange, Justin Timberlake, Zoe Saldana, Joy Bryant and Kim Kardashion (accompanied by Reggie Bush, of course) to name a few.  Nonetheless, one of the most anticipated shows of this week is BABY PHAT by Kimora Lee Simmons.  It’s usually the energy of the eclectic crowd along with DJ Cassidy spinning the the top hip hop tracks that really make this event a show!

I haven’t a clue what treats Miss Fabulousity has stirring up for Fall 2009 on Tuesday, yet it’s her well-known finales with adorable daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki that we live for.

81st ACADEMY AWARDS (THE OSCARS)

“The BIGGEST Movie Event of the Year!”

When: Sunday, Feb 22 @ 8pm (EST) on ABC

AND THE NOMINEES INCLUDE…

Sean Penn (MILK), Best Actor

Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Best Actor

Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Best Supporting Actor

Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Best Actress

Taraji Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Best Supporting Actress

BIRTHDAAAAYYYSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feb 16 Ice-T, 51

Feb 17 Michael Jordan, 46

Paris Hilton, 28

Feb 18 Dr. Dre, 43

Feb 20 Rihanna, 20

Ice-T, Paris, Dre and Rihanna

Michael Jordan

The king and legend of basketball who not only made basketball kicks fashionable, but also rebelled against the NBA by wearing sneakers that did not abide by the color code.

Which brings us to our WOW (Word of the Week)…

INEFFABLE (adj): Incapable of being expressed or described in words

MJ’s ineffable skills of taking flight on the court has coined him the nickname “Air Jordan.”

My loyalties have been homeless for some time—last seen ditching my dignity as I jumped off the Knicks’ Conestoga.  Tonight, though, I begin my season-long allegiance to the Detroit Pistons.  With Allen Iverson debuting in Detroit’s starting backcourt, power in the NBA may have just shifted to Motown.

A.I. has easily been the league’s most inspirational talent since Jordan dipped out of the spotlight in ‘98.  Standing less than 6 feet, the little guy has been battered and bruised over his career.  Yet, he has still managed to collect an MVP award, a Finals cameo, and multiple scoring titles despite playing against relative giants.  The only obstacle too tall to conquer was Shaq in ‘01, but Iverson may have another go at a title this year after hooking up with the 2004 champions.

Last year’s finals featured the Celtics and Lakers, a matchup that seemingly went down every year of the ‘80s.  The other big rival for the chip during that decade?  The Pistons.

This season’s three-horse race may have another entry, though.  By the end of the ‘80s, a precocious Jordan had begun threatening the triumvirate.  This time, the young gun joining the race could very well be a member of Team Jordan.  Don’t be surprised if Chris Paul is the one orchestrating a title run if neither A.I., the boys from Beantown, nor Kobe can quite pull the right strings.

- Devin Chanda