Drake’s Air Jordan 4 surprised released this weekend via the Nike SNKRS app and no one saw it coming. Although it is a nod to the Toronto Raptors NBA Finals appearance, many thought the shoe would never be released due to the dramatic timeline it has been a part of.
If you have stayed up to date on sneaker news for the past year or so you’ll likely remember the drama between Drake, Jordan Brand and adidas. If you haven’t and did not even know about the drama you’re in for a huge treat. Drake and Jordan have been long term partners when it comes to joining forces for collaboratory sneakers. Early last year Drake’s contract was up for an extension with JB and the two were struggling on meeting to terms with a new one. Rumors started flying around and Drake started talking about joining adidas. He quickly began wearing Ultra Boosts and other adidas models courtside at basketball games or wherever he was going. It even was confirmed by Yeezy Mafia that he had joined The Brand with The Three Stripes and the announcement was just waiting to happen. Not to mention this was happening all while Drake’s Air Jordan 4 “Raptors” had surfaced online. Many wondered if the Jordan 4 would see a release and what would happen to it since Drake was leaving the Jordan team.
This saga went on and Drake was seen rocking adidas tracksuits and sneakers even more, the deal seemed like it was already made. But then came the Pusha T and Drake drama that even pulled Kanye into the mix. After a series of diss tracks that even brought forth the news of Drake’s son, it seemed like the breaking point had happened and that sent Drake back to where it all started as he joined up with Jordan again. After that, the Canadian rapper started wearing his normal Jordans like he had for years and joined Travis Scott on Sicko Mode which began the slogan “Checks over Stripes”. After the song, it was evident what had happened and that the likes of Drake joining The Three Stripes family was non-existent.
Sneakerheads quickly began to wonder if the Drake Jordan 4 “Raptors” would see a release since he had joined JB again. New images surfaced again of the Jordan 4 but Drake’s signature on the tongue tab was replaced with a regular Air Jordan branded tongue tab. That sneaker was released in August of 2018 with no sign of Drake on it anywhere. Now that the Raptors are in the Finals and Drake has been talked about even more than the players, it only makes sense they would release the OVO version now. Decked out in black, red, and purple all while Drake’s signature in uncovered and shining on the tongue of the sneaker. As you can see the sneaker has had quite the buzz around it for the past year, it is definitely interesting how it has all played out.
DRAKE’S AIR JORDAN 4 “RAPTORS” RELEASE INFORMATION
If you’re interested in picking up a pair they sadly surprise dropped on the Nike SNKRS app and quickly sold out. Keep your eyes peeled for restocks or another release but much is unknown about that as of now. If you’re okay with paying slightly above retail you can also find them on secondary markets like StockX for under $300. Check out the official images below and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for updates and other Air Jordan news.
Drake’s Air Jordan 4 “Raptors”
Release Date: June 2nd, 2019
Retail Price: $200
Color: Black/Court Purple-University Red
Style Code: AQ3816-056
Words By Irven Sykes
