While Michael Jordan won 4 championships from 1990 to 1996, his friend over in Hollywood was making waves in similar fashion. Not only was the $350 million actor’s breakout show airing during Mike’s winning days, it often paid homage to the iconic Jordan brand. Recently, an old photograph of the Chicago Bulls legend with his long-time friend began to circulate on social media.

The pictures not only rekindled the power of the 90s hip-hop era but also sent waves of nostalgia over fans. Who is the 55-year-old actor in question?

Michael Jordan’s captivating snapshot with a ‘Fresh Prince’

1990 was a special year. On March 28, Michael Jordan would drop 69 points on the Cavaliers. His career-high. 5 months later, Will Smith tore onto television screens across America. But at that point, Smith was already a Grammy award winner. Alongside his childhood friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith rapped as, you guessed it, ‘The Fresh Prince.’ In the nostalgic picture, Mike was with his friends Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, and the duo Kid & Play.

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ ran from 1990-1996. While the show was entertaining for many reasons, it also worked because it captured some crucial cultural elements of the time. Namely, Air Jordans. 

Smith’s singular fashion in this show also grabbed people’s attention. It’s recognized by many for its contribution to sneaker culture.

September 10, when the first episode dropped, fans witnessed Smith’s character, on a throne, wearing Air Jordan Metallic 5’s. It was a trend that would continue throughout the series, right until the last episode, where the Fresh Prince dons the Columbia 11’s. 

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In fact, the fame of the show grew to meet the legacy of Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan V is not just one of the most popular shoes ever by coincidence. It was heavily used in the NBC sitcom with Will Smith.

The connection between the two is so strong that the Jordan brand released a ‘Fresh Prince’ version for Will Smith’s 50th birthday. However, there is an intriguing story behind the scenes of Fresh Prince. The $350 million actor once revealed how he had to beg His Airness for a pair of sneakers. 

Did Michael Jordan refuse Will Smith for a pair of kicks?

Smith’s show was a huge part of the 90s fashion and hip-hop culture.  While the Oscar winner often wore Air Jordans in the show, he also wanted to wear unreleased sneakers.

On an episode of the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, Smith revealed, “I was literally calling Jordan and I was like Mike please please don’t give it to nobody. Like, just let me be the first person. I gotta be the first person to wear it.”

While Jordan had to decline his request, he honored the Hollywood legend with multiple Air Jordan releases such as naming the Air Jordan 5s ‘Bel Air’ in 2013 and more. 

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