Mitchell & Ness and Legends Recordings have announced the release of an exclusive collection of NBA jerseys celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop, designed by graffiti artists, Tats Cru.  

Set for release in October to coincide with the start of the 2023-24 NBA season and Hip-hop History Month in November, the custom collection of NBA jerseys will honor eight major metropolitan cities that played a role in the development of Hip-hop music and culture: New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Detroit, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. The designs feature graffiti designs of the city skylines and four elements of Hip-hop (mc’ing, dj’ing, graffiti art and breaking). 

Tats Cru is a group of New York City-based graffiti artists who began their artistic careers by creating subway graffiti in the mid-’80s as Hip-hop influence spread across the globe. They quickly became a fixture in Hip-hop culture as they changed people’s perception of graffiti as art through their respected work. 

“As avid basketball fans, Tats Cru was honored to create commemorative 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop basketball jersey designs to pay homage to both the culture and the sport,” says Bio from Tats Cru.   

Distribution of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop x Tats Cru collection is set for specialty and upscale retailers globally. It will include jerseys from Mitchell & Ness and complementary products such as caps, socks and throws from Mitchell & Ness and other licensing partners. 

Related:Rocket Licensing to Manage 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop in the U.K.

The Brand Liaison is the exclusive licensing agent for Legends Recordings 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop merchandising and has built a licensing program that also includes collaborations with Ecko, Coogi, Haus of JR and more, as well as licensing deals with Isaac Morris Limited, Philcos, Ata Boy and others.