Don’t “criterize” on W+K Portland when it comes to Nike

Hey have you seen the latest take on a rap video to come from an ad agency? No, not the Crispin interns, we’re talking about “Don’t Criticize (Hyperize)” by the Hyperizers — a full length music video spot for the Nike Hyperize by Wieden + Kennedy Portland.

The rap artists — Fog Raw, Velvet Hoop, Chief Blocka and Ice-O — are actually Mo Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Andre Iguodala of the Philly 76erd and Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic respectively. The video, which also features genuine West coast legend DJ Quik, has all the lighthearted madness of a Digital Underground video, with some White Men Can’t Jump mixed in there for good measure… both references are probably before all four of the young NBA stars’ times, but not lost on the W+K crew.

Between this and that P-Rod spot featuring a 17 year old Ice Cube song, I’m starting to think that Wieden must have hired King Tee as a creative director.