Hip-hop legend Raekwon, Diadora, and Foot Locker, Inc. have returned to deliver a second “Community Linx” release – the Diadora N9002 Philly.
Community Linx is a collaborative franchise series allowing Raekwon to design product capsules built with and for local communities. Each capsule provides direct aid to their community by providing tools, resources, and a wealth of knowledge to local, up-and-coming musicians.
The Diadora N9002 Philly pays homage to the City of Brotherly Love and comes packaged in a specially designed box featuring the city’s landmarks. The newest drop features a maroon, black, and grey colorway and a leather upper and rubber outsole for increased durability and traction. Raekwon’s signature is on the heel with a 3M twist. The Philly-inspired Diadora N9002 is available in men’s sizes exclusively at Foot Locker and Champs Sports beginning later this month for $120. If in Philadelphia, head to Foot Locker Philly’s Park West Community Store at 1575 N 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19131 to purchase.
In support of the Diadora N9002 Philly, 20 up-and-coming musicians from Philadelphia received invitations to a zoom seminar hosted by Mina Say What. The seminar featured a moderated conversation with Raekwon in which he spoke about different topics centered around his creative process in turning a 16-bar verse into a storytelling track.
The musicians are set to return this week for an in-person opportunity to perform in front of special guest judges, including Raekwon. Participants will be performing in a total of four rounds, and the winner will receive one-on-one time with Raekwon following the event.
“This is an empowering program and allows young artists to be embraced by some of the legends,” said Raekwon. “Shoutout Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Diadora for helping bring my vision to life. We’re now in Philly with it on the heels of a successful NYC launch, and I’m excited to see what the city offers. There’s so much talent here, and we want to give people the opportunity to build and grow for the culture.”
The program kicked off on January 27th with an NYC-inspired Diadora N9002. 16 up-and-coming NYC artists participated in an invite-only, four-week beat-making course and presented their work to Raekwon and guest judge Dave East for feedback and advice. The next launch will represent the city of Detroit and will later be followed by Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston.
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
