Los Angeles, CA - Dec 2007 Mad Monk is pleased to announce that a collaboration has been finalized with Run Athletics to design an original toy for their popular shoe brand. Founded by hip-hop visionary Russell Simmons and his brother Joseph Simmons (a.k.a. Reverend Run of rap group RUN DMC), Run Athletics brands include the Legacy, the Arthur Ashe Collection and Pastry. The deal was made between Rasheed Young, President of Run Athletics, and Andre L. Gaines, Co-founder and Executive Director of Mad Monk. Premier designer Carl Jones will produce original art for both the toy and shoe, and a custom figurine will be included with each pair. Launch is scheduled for late 2008 / early 2009.
For more on Run Athletics, go to RunAthletics.com
Los Angeles, CA - Oct 2007
Clothing designer Marc Ecko recently purchased the “grayscale” versions of the Hoodiez for exclusive distribution in his stores worldwide. The deal was made between Mad Monk co-founder and designer Carl Jones, and Dreamland Toyworks, the producer of the Hoodiez. Mad Monk is currently in talks to produce a series of toys especially for Ecko and other urban/street apparel brands. The full-color and all-black versions of the Hoodiez are still available for consumer retail. Check back here for available dates in Ecko Stores.
Detroit, MI - Oct 6
Mad Monk has been granted exclusive worldwide rights to produce a toyline based on famed hip-hop producer J. Dilla. Branded as the “Dilla Doll,” this signature toy will serve as Mad Monk’s flagship for 2008 and opens the floodgates to sign more award-winning artists.
J. Dilla, aka Jay-Dee, was the mastermind behind such artists as Janet Jackson, Mos Def, Common, The Roots and Busta Rhymes. In 2006, he died of lupus, but left an enormous cult-following in his wake.
Maureen Yancey, mother of J. Dilla, founded The Maureen Yancey Foundation for the cure of lupus and related diseases. Based on the highly anticipated release of the Dilla Doll, Mad Monk will donate part of the proceeds from each toy to Mrs. Yancey and the foundation.
For more on J. Dilla, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J_Dilla
Prototype below.
See photos with Dilla’s Mom @ flickr.com
