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Celebrating its 50th anniversary over the weekend, Nike hosted an all-day awards ceremony in Oregon, attended to by both celebrities and Nike employees alike. Taking on the role of MC, Canadian rapper Drake opened the Maxim Awards show with a comedic monologue, taking aim at Nike itself, it’s competitors, and his on-again-off-again beef recipient Kanye West.
First addressing the footwear company’s anniversary, Drake joked to the crowd — which included fellow celebrities Travis Scott and Ronaldinho — that “Nike is so old it’s wearing New Balance.” Elsewhere, the rapper spoke of the “honour” of being Nike’s host, before referencing one it’s competitor’s more strained relationship with a famous rapper.
Drake hosting the Nike Maxim Awards show tonight in Portland, Oregon — Part 1. pic.twitter.com/mVxM5XVOmq
— Word On Road (@WordOnRd) September 9, 2022
“It’s really, truly an honour,” Drake said of being asked to host. “When you put things into perspective, you know, Adidas has Kanye… I think.” Next, he spoke of a different celebrity footwear endorsement, boasting about Nike and Tiger Woods’ working relationship while roasting the rapper-led collaboration of another sneaker brand. “[Nike] have Tiger [Woods]…and I’m pretty sure Reebok has Tyga, so we’re good,” he said.
Drake hosting the Nike Maxim Awards show tonight in Portland, Oregon — Part 2. pic.twitter.com/1RjQq5imFm
— Word On Road (@WordOnRd) September 9, 2022
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Drake celebrated the occasion by brandishing Nike’s famous swoosh logo into his hair, and also donned the company’s LED light sweatshirt. Once the monologue was completed, Drake introduced the award show’s finale performance, welcoming Travis Scott who he said “is one of the greatest performers of our time.” Peep some of Drake’s monologue above, and check out Travis’ performance at Nike’s Maxim Awards below.
Drake hosting the Nike Maxim Awards show tonight in Portland, Oregon — Part 3. pic.twitter.com/Q0sXtylGgg
— Word On Road (@WordOnRd) September 9, 2022