Michael Jordan’s influence over the sporting world is beyond comprehension. Even today, his deal with Nike is considered one of the greatest, revolutionizing athlete marketing deals forever. It’s because of Michael Jordan that fans and sports lovers all around the world have developed a love for sneakers. Rapper Fat Joe, a renowned sneaker collector in the hip-hop community, recently revealed how MJ helped him save his $100,000 sneaker store in New York City. Since MJ helped Joe with such a generous favor, the rapper considers His Airness the ‘GOAT.’
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After LeBron James won his 4th title, fans engaged in a raging debate over the GOAT status. Fans appear split between LeBron and MJ in choosing the greatest player of all time in the NBA. While LeBron might be the points leader with four titles, Michael Jordan is credited for revolutionizing the sport to a global audience and helping his team win two three-peats. Besides career achievements, fans also consider these athletes’ business ventures and other off-court engagements in deciding on the GOAT debate.
Michael Jordan helped Fat Joe launch his $100,000 sneaker store in NYC
Michael Jordan’s name is synonymous with the best brand of sneakers. The Brand Jordan is known for some of the classiest and rarest sneakers, including limited edition Air Jordans and Jordan brand collections. Known for collecting some of the rarest sneaker pieces, Fat Joe has decided to turn his hobby into a business venture. Spending $100,000 on this venture, Joey Crack opened an exclusive sneaker boutique in New York City. However, he later revealed how MJ helped solve a problem with the shop’s launch.
As reported by Hip Hop DX, Fat Joe required permissions and necessary vetting from Nike before officially launching his store. In this time of crisis, none other than Nike’s brand ambassador Michael Jordan could come to help. Luckily enough, Jordan was attending an event in New York then. Fat Joe seized this opportunity to seek Jordan’s help, which the hoops legend gladly obliged. Recalling this incident, Joe said:
“That night Jordan had a party in New York. I’m up in the party and you hear this just big voice, ‘Big Joe, Big Joe.’ And I turned around and everybody looks and it’s Michael Jordan. He said, ‘Your grand opening, I’ll be there. Your grand opening, I’m there.’ The same guys that told me no ran over, ‘I guess you got a store.’”
This genuine gesture from Michael Jordan was surely one that Joe will forever cherish. Not only did he save the rapper’s $100,000 investment, but he also gave his sign of approval to this new sneaker store. Choosing his side in the GOAT debate, Fat Joe’s answer is MJ instantaneously. Explaining his choice over LeBron James, he said:
“We love LeBron. LeBron is the greatest, at this time. Actually, we worship LeBron. We love him to death, but MJ’s the GOAT.”
LeBron James awarded himself the GOAT status after winning his third NBA title
LeBron James felt he had achieved the GOAT status after winning his third NBA ring with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His phenomenal run in the Cavs’ 2016 NBA season campaign made him elated to win a title with his home team. Furthermore, LeBron was particularly ecstatic, given this was Cleveland’s first NBA championship.
In his comments on one of Uninterrupted’s episodes, Bron described this moment as achieving something special in his career. King James went on to win a fourth championship with the Lakers, enraging the GOAT debate even further. Although James has repeatedly evidenced his achievements in this debate, Michael Jordan has often silently teased but not made particular comments.
