Memphis Grizzlies to debut City Edition jerseys that reflect the city's hip-hop culture
Memphis is a unique city where flashing money, wearing diamond grills and having grit and grindare all part of the culture.
The Memphis Grizzlies are channeling some of those characteristics with their latest City Edition jersey.
The Grizzlies are debuting this season's City Edition alternate jerseys Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The black jerseys take you into the dark, but also shed light on key aspects of Memphis culture. The jersey features brown elements for a chrome effect, diamond texture inside the jersey numbers and Beale Street Blue art framing the team name. An M-shaped bridge is centered at the top of the pants, and the words "For the M" are above the jersey tag, with the M being styled into a grill.
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One of the goals of the new look was to tap into the Memphis hip-hop culture of the late 1990s and 2000s. The Memphis rap scene took off behind names likeThree-Six Mafia, Yo Gotti, Project Pat, La Chat, Gangsta Boo, Eight Ball & MJG and Playa Fly, among others.
A bear icon is featured on the shorts that ties in the past and present history of the Grizzlies. The brown chrome details aim to represent the days when box Chevy cars with big rims were key components to the Memphis rap scene, as well as the days of selling cassette mixtapes.
The design process took almost three years. At least 20 different versions were tried. Juicy J, DJ Paul, Al Kapone and Project Pat were among the artists the Grizzlies contacted to hear how their perspectives of Memphis culture could be told through the jersey. Younger artists like NLE Choppa were contacted, too.
The customized Memphis font and the diamond texture on the jersey capture the vibe of the Memphis hip-hop scene. Albums like Project Pat's "Mista Don't Play" and Three 6 Mafia's "Most Known Unknown" are two early 2000s Memphis masterpieces that have notable cover art that feel comparable to the City Edition jerseys.
The jerseys are not only a reflection of the city, but the current Grizzlies team. The jersey number resembles a "12" chain that Ja Morant often wears. Jewelers have referred to Morant and his teammates as some of the iciest players in the NBA, meaning they wear the most diamonds. Morant bought a new diamond grill from Johnny Dang this summer, and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke have also purchased honeycomb diamond grills from the Houston jeweler.
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Friday's game against the Timberwolves will also feature DJ Spanish Fly, DJ Paul and Drumma Boy at halftime, plus a timeout performance from Duke Deuce.
The Grizzlies are scheduled to wear the City Edition jerseys 19 times this season, including 12 homes games.
Fans can purchase the jersey and other City Edition apparel at the Grizz Den at FedExForum, or online at the Grizzlies store.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies 2022-23 City Edition jerseys represent hip-hop
