Roots of Fight Unveils James Brown Apparel Collection

Perryscope Productions, the recently appointed global licensing agent for the James Brown Estate, has announced the launch of a new James Brown apparel capsule collection in collaboration with Roots of Fight, a high-end streetwear and lifestyle clothier, aligning with the Feb. 16 release of James Brown’s “We Got To Change” EP, and the Feb. 19 premiere of the documentary “James Brown: Say It Loud,” executive produced by musicians, Mick Jagger and Questlove.  

As licensing agent for the James Brown Estate, Perryscope Productions is developing a worldwide licensing and e-commerce program for the “Godfather of Soul” across multiple categories, including apparel, outerwear, footwear, headwear, accessories and home goods.    

The new James Brown “Roots of Fight” apparel line pays tribute to “Mr. Dynamite” and the newly unearthed and previously unheard “We Got to Change,” which was recorded Aug. 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami. The song is the title track of a new EP that serves as a reminder of why Brown became a galvanizing force in people’s social consciousness. High-end graphic T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants and socks pay homage to Brown’s 50+ year career, which influenced the world of music from reggae to Afrobeat. 

The new line also coincides with the premiere of the “James Brown: Say It Loud” documentary on A&E network Feb. 19 at 8 a.m. EST, a two-part, four-hour event that traces the incredible trajectory of Brown's life and career. 

 “It’s an honor to represent the legendary James Brown, one of the most influential and iconic figures in music history,” says Norman Perry, president, Perryscope Productions. “As our first official apparel collaboration for the James Brown Estate, Roots of Fight has created an innovative streetwear collection inspired by and reflective of The Godfather of Soul’s immense contribution to the world of music.” 

“Adding James Brown to the Roots of Fight Pantheon of ground breakers and game changers was a natural fit and we are grateful for the opportunity to help tell some of the incredible history and stories of such an icon,” says Natalie Dimbleby, owner, Roots of Fight. “We were honored to drop our first collection with JB and pay tribute to his historic concert at the Zaire Music Festival in 1974 that was part of the Rumble in Jungle. Now, launching this new capsule showcasing his unearthed, never-before-heard track, ‘We Got to Change,’ and it coinciding with the release of the ‘Say It Loud’ documentary series, is very exciting. We are proud to partner with Perryscope and Primary Wave on the James Brown collection and look forward to growing this partnership.” 

In addition to the partnership with Roots of Fight, Perryscope has signed new licensees for the James Brown brand, including C-Life, Liquid Blue, Perri’s Socks and Leathers, Goodie Two Sleeves, Barriers, C&D Visionary, among others, with new merchandise rolling out this year.  

James Joseph Brown was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century music, he is often referred to by the honorific nicknames such as the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite and Soul Brother No. 1. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Brown was one of the first 10 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its inaugural induction in January 1986.