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After 50 years, Hip Hop remains a quintessential part of American culture. In the early 1980s, the New York-based group RUN-DMC helped elevate the underground musical genre into the national consciousness.

In addition to pioneering the new musical art form, RUN-DMC was an equally important part of sneaker culture. Adidas was an early believer in RUN-DMC and Hip Hop, so it is only fitting that the two partners team up on the golden anniversary.

To celebrate the iconic RUN-DMC for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, New York City Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed August 9 as "RUN-DMC Day" at the adidas Originals + RUN-DMC Pop-Up event held at Bleecker Trading. 

White and black adidas sneakers at an event held in New York City.

A detailed look at the adidas Superstar.

Adidas Superstar creator Chris Severn, adidas NAM President Rupert Campbell, and more were celebrated at the event. The evening featured sets from renowned Hip Hop figure DJ Skratchbastid and gave guests a walk down memory lane paying homage to the legendary group. Luckily for fans, the space will be open to the public from August 10-12.

“Adidas Originals is intricately woven into the fabric of Hip Hop culture,” said adidas NAM President Rupert Campbell. “As a brand that embodies authentic creativity, we are so proud that we brought the Superstar to RUN-DMC, and they brought it to the world.” 

While guests enjoyed tunes from DJ Skratchbastid and appearances from Rev Run and DMC, they were able to take in the immersive gallery space. The pop-up also gave guests access to merchandise from Barriers Worldwide and the Crate NY, in addition to other RUN-DMC novelty items. After several decades, RUN-DMC and adidas still make a mean team.

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