Cultural Significance
image via Wheaties KingDue to lack of on-court endorsement in the NBA or college game, most of the OG “Grape” glory comes from pop culture. Michael Jordan still served as the marquee endorser, sporting the flashy 5s on one of his many famous Wheaties boxes with matching apparel. On television, Will Smith was hooking up the the Vs in Fresh Prince fashion, rocking the new release in loud, fun, and playful fashion. In the record store, a young Chris Rock donned the “Grapes” with ripped jeans and a black leather jacket on the cover of his debut comedy album, Born Suspect.
image via Complex/ilxorWhile the OGs played a more prominent role in pop culture than sneaker sales, the retro release in 2006 was the exact opposite. Sneakerheads got to the store early and stayed up late online for a chance to get this L’Style release. Limited availability and a slower cycle of retros saw more of a collectible connotation for this launch and in turn more stocking than rocking. While retro Jordans were in rotation among some of hip hop’s elite and other entertainers in the mid-2000s, “Grape” sightings on celebs were few and far between around the first retro release.
