NBA legend Michael Jordan is idolized by millions of fans around the world. This includes a lot of high-profile celebrities as well. It is no secret that MJ inspired many athletes over the years as well. While most of his opponents feared the 6x NBA champion, his fans loved him. He is adored so much so that even an Oscar award-winning director felt honored to be called “Muthaf**ka” by MJ. Recently, an iconic image of the director and the Chicago Bulls legend resurfaced.

Jordan is still one of the most popular celebrities in the world even though he retired from the game of basketball two decades ago. So, imagine the fandom when the 5x NBA champion was in his prime dominating his opponents and capturing the airwaves.

A classic Michael Jordan Nike commercial

The fans loved everything about Michael Jordan, from his magical displays on the hardwood to his commercials. Jordan earned a lot from his endorsement deals with major brands. Also, he helped to raise the brands’ popularity with his aura and superstardom. MJ and Nike are arguably one of the biggest benefactors of each other. Over the years, the two have created many iconic commercials.

But none bigger than the “Mars Blackmon” Air Jordan 4 commercial in 1990 with director Spike Lee. It was an instant hit among the masses and still remains a classic. Recently, an image of him and the Hall of Famer from a 1991 commercial resurfaced on social media and took the fans to memory lane. Hilariously, 5ft 6 Lee looks like MJ is holding his body two feet off the ground.

Even though Lee was not well-established at the time, Jordan wanted him in the commercial. The Oscar-winning director talked about it last year and revealed the reason behind it.

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“He could have easily picked some big-time director; people who are giants in that industry, and he chose me. So I said, ‘Mike, why did you choose me?’ He said, ‘Muthaf**ka you wearing my shoes!’ I’m here to say, I’m honored Michael Jordan called me a muthaf**ka.”

Spike Lee’s magic

Spike thought it was a prank when he was first informed about his role in the $137 billion brand’s commercial.

At the time, he was an up-and-coming director with only his debut movie, She’s Gotta Have It, under his belt. However, Michael Jordan and Nike believed in his abilities and gave him the opportunity to co-star and direct the commercial.

In the classic commercial, Lee played the role of Mars Blackmon, the character created for his first movie.

The commercial was a massive hit and raised the popularity of the sneaker so Lee continued his work with the brand and Jordan. Furthermore, it also propelled Lee’s career as well.

Notably, he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the movie BlacKkKlansman in 2018. In 2015, he would direct the story mode for NBA 2K16. Have you played ‘Livin Da Dream’?

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