#and1

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AND1 Tai Chi "Dunk Contest"

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AND1 Mystique Commercial

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AND1 Joins Forces with Wilberforce University in Historic HBCU Athletic Sponsorship

Iconic streetball brand AND1 is making history with its first-ever sponsorship of an HBCU athletic program, teaming up with Wilberforce University.

“This partnership signifies recognition of the talent and dedication of our athletes,” said Rachel Naughton, Head Coach of Wilberforce University Women’s Basketball.

As part of the collaboration, both the Men’s and Women’s Bulldogs basketball teams will sport custom AND1 uniforms, warmups, and the brand’s signature Attack 3 PEs throughout the season.

“We are honored to partner with Wilberforce University, a pioneer in education and a beacon of cultural heritage,” said Dexter Gordon, AND1 Brand Director.

This groundbreaking partnership not only elevates Wilberforce University’s athletic presence but also celebrates the rich legacy of HBCUs and their impact on culture, education, and sports.

via Nick DePaula (X)

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Warrior’s guilt, 2023

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Simple, leather, cool, not over the top.

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And1 Authentic Mixtape Tour Jersey! Professor #12 Quelle: eigen

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AND1 Mixtape: The Streetball Revolution That Changed Basketball Culture

The Birth of the AND1 Mixtape Series: A Game-Changer in Basketball Culture

In the late 1990s, basketball was experiencing a cultural shift. While the NBA had its superstars and global reach, a different kind of game was thriving on the blacktops across America. The game was raw, flashy, and unapologetically expressive—streetball was more than just a style of play; it was an attitude, a movement.

AND1, a then-upstart basketball apparel company, saw an opportunity to embrace this underground culture. What started as a grassroots marketing strategy—giving away VHS tapes featuring streetball highlights—quickly turned into a global phenomenon. The first AND1 Mixtape, released in 1998, featured legendary point guard Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston, whose jaw-dropping handles and ankle-breaking crossovers had already made him a playground legend. The response was electric.

What made AND1 Mixtape unique was its fusion of basketball, hip-hop, and street culture. The videos weren’t just about basketball highlights; they were about storytelling. Set to hard-hitting beats, each mixtape captured the energy of the streets, giving rise to a new wave of basketball that celebrated creativity and individuality. AND1 wasn’t just a brand—it was a lifestyle.

Iconic Mixtape Moments: Where Legends Were Born

The AND1 Mixtape Tour took streetball from the local courts to the national stage, giving hoopers across the country a chance to showcase their skills. The tour introduced the world to some of the most electrifying and innovative players the game had ever seen:

• Rafer “Skip to My Lou” Alston – The original mixtape icon. His legendary ball-handling and smooth game made him the face of streetball and the first player to successfully transition from the AND1 circuit to the NBA.

• “Main Event” (Skip Dillard) – A high-flying dunker whose power and finesse made him one of the most exciting players on the tour.

• “The Professor” (Grayson Boucher) – A white, undersized guard who defied expectations with his insane dribbling, quickness, and flair, proving that heart and skill could outshine athleticism.

• “Hot Sauce” (Anthony Heyward) – The ultimate showman. His absurdly deceptive crossovers, behind-the-back moves, and trash talk made him a fan favorite and the ultimate ankle-breaker.

From no-look passes to gravity-defying dunks, AND1 Mixtape gave these players a platform to become basketball superstars—without ever stepping foot in the NBA. The mixtapes weren’t just entertainment; they were a cultural movement, inspiring kids across the world to hit their local courts and add some streetball flavor to their game.

The Impact on Basketball Culture: More Than Just a Brand

The AND1 Mixtape series did more than just put a spotlight on playground legends—it changed the way basketball was played, watched, and marketed.

The Influence on the NBA

Before AND1, flashy moves were often seen as unnecessary or even disrespectful. But after the mixtape craze took off, NBA players started incorporating streetball-style handles into their game. Players like Allen Iverson, Jason Williams, and Jamal Crawford took inspiration from the AND1 circuit, popularizing crossovers, ankle-breakers, and no-look passes on the NBA stage. Today, players like Kyrie Irving, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young showcase moves that were once exclusive to the streetball courts.

The Influence on Fashion

AND1 wasn’t just about the game—it was about the culture surrounding it. The brand’s oversized tees, baggy shorts, and bold sneakers became a uniform for streetballers and hip-hop artists alike. AND1’s logo—a faceless hooper—became an emblem of basketball authenticity. Even NBA players rocked AND1 gear, with Stephon Marbury and Vince Carter famously wearing AND1 sneakers during their early years in the NBA.

The Influence on Music

The mixtapes weren’t just about the highlights—the beats were just as iconic. Each mixtape was set to a soundtrack of Hip Hop bangers, with artists like Nas, DMX, and Mobb Deep providing the gritty, high-energy backdrop. This fusion of basketball and Hip Hop solidified the connection between the two cultures, paving the way for NBA players to venture into rap and Hip Hop artists to embrace basketball as part of their identity.

The AND1 Legacy: The Game Will Never Be the Same

Though AND1 eventually lost its grip on the sneaker market, its impact on basketball is undeniable. The AND1 Mixtape series gave a voice to the streets, proving that talent wasn’t limited to the NBA. It redefined the game, making style, creativity, and entertainment just as important as winning.

Today, the influence of AND1 lives on in every flashy crossover, every trick pass, and every streetball tournament around the world. The game of basketball isn’t just about fundamentals anymore—it’s about expression. And for that, we have AND1 Mixtape to thank.

👟💨 What’s your favorite AND1 Mixtape moment? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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And1 Mixtape Volume 8: Back On The Block (2005, DVD)