To celebrate the golden anniversary of Hip-Hop and the innovators of the region, who for the past five decades have been pushing the culture forward, New York Red Bulls have released their 2023 third kit known as the ‘Freestyle Kit’.
Back at the beginning of July, Toronto were revealed as the first of four teams selected by MLS and adidas to receive a third kit for the 2023 season, as they revealed the 'Energy Kit'. Now we get the second team of the four, with New York Red Bulls revealing their third kit, which will honour the legacy of the pioneering MCs, DJs, Graffiti artists, Breakers, and Beatboxers, from the Empire State to the Garden State, and the lasting impact that Hip-Hop has had, and will continue to make.
“Hip-Hop represents a global movement that spans 50 years and has seen many different styles and approaches. The Freestyle kit design had to be raw and authentic. Our vision was to let all the imperfections show through, which in turn, makes it perfect,” said Kevin Maulbeck, Art Director, New York Red Bulls. “We decided on focusing on one of the pillars of Hip-Hop – graffiti - more specifically in this case, on the writing. During the design process, we kept in mind the walls, doors and trains in our area covered in graffiti and stickers. When people see this jersey, it’s my hope that they think it is loud and true. The inspiration goes far beyond New York Hip-Hop, but at its core, that’s exactly what it is: the local scene on display for the global audience.”
The jersey features a black base with an allover white graffiti inspired graphic, depicting the words "New York", "Hip Hop", "1973" and more in a stylised presentation. The Red Bulls will wear the Freestyle Kit for the first time on Saturday, 26 August, when New York welcomes Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF to Red Bull Arena.
The NYRB Freestyle Kit is available at mlsstore.com
