Kanye West Yeezy ad covers Friday's Detroit News
A 4-page ad for the rapper's latest Adidas sneakers wraps the paper and several other papers across the country
Adam Graham
Kanye West has love for the newspaper industry.
The controversial superstar rapper has a four-page advertising wrap around print copies of Friday's Detroit News, tied to the launch of his new Adidas Yeezy sneakers.
The ad says "We Love" in 11 languages and includes photos of dancers wearing the shoes, which go on sale to the public on Friday. A URL points to Adidas' website and Yeezysupply.com, the online retail home of the sneakers.
West posted the front page of The News to his Instagram account on Thursday night, along with eight other newspapers around the country carrying the ad, including the Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Miami Herald, New York Post and Los Angeles Times. Each paper carries its individual masthead with the ad below.
The print ad recalls last month's Supreme advertisement that ran on the cover of the New York Post. The cult skateboarding and streetwear brand covered the Aug. 13 edition of the paper, turning it into an instant collector's item.
West's sneakers, the "triple white" Yeezy Boost 350 V2, retail for $220. It is the latest version of the rapper's popular sneakers, which launched in 2015 and routinely sell out upon release.
The sneakers are usually released in limited number, which have helped increase their resale value and their collectible status among sneakerheads.
Friday's release was touted as the product's "largest drop ever" in an Aug. 20 tweet from the rapper.
"Since I’ve been making sneakers I've always wanted as many people as possible to have them," West said.
In June, West released his eighth studio album, "Ye," along with "Kids See Ghosts," a collaborative album with Kid Cudi.
On Sept. 29, West is due to appear as the musical guest on the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live." The same day, he's set to release "Yandhi," the follow-up to "Ye."
Earlier this year, West caused a firestorm of controversy for his comments on slavery, made during a visit to TMZ. "When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... For 400 years? That sounds like a choice," he said.
agraham@detroitnews.com
@grahamorama