Matt Varga LeBron James will retire as one of the best to do it on the hardwood, but don’t discount his side quests in music. Who could forget when the Kid From Akron invented the deluxe album in his stead as Executive Producer for 2 Chainz’s “Rap or Go to the League?” How about his unabashed personal love for hip-hop, so often playing out on his social media feeds? Or, for those really in the know, when he and Kevin Durant stepped in front of the mic during the 2011 lockout?
Sadly, though the Nike LeBron 23 hasn’t carved out any auditory excursions in retelling some of James’ most iconic moments, perhaps there’s still room to explore despite no one shoe heading to the studio. As the Nike LeBron 23 “Masked Menace” nears release on March 24th, the apparel options coming alongside are now popping up on release calendars. On the “tour tee” and hoodie, the Swoosh spins a shot of LeBron James in a carbon fiber mask, donned in February 2014 following a broken nose, with some clever ties to MF DOOM’s “Madvillainy.” A Heat red square sits in the upper right corner, but the pose, “Metal Face” similarities, and typeface make the resemblance unmistakable.
The Nike x LeBron “Masked Menace” apparel will likely be hitting the same channels as the shoes themselves, also touching down on March 24th. Check out shots of the tee and hoodie below.
