This story first appeared in SLAM 249.
Down since DAY 1? You’ve probably noticed that we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. Yep, we’ve been handling business since 1994 (quick math) and holding it down ever since.
A dope year for many reasons, 1994 was not only our birth year but hip-hop and fashion were at all-time pinnacles. Nas dropped Illmatic. The Fugees dropped Blunted on Reality. Biggie dropped Ready to Die. In the world of fashion, things were popping off, too—NBA fan gear was a staple for any kid who valued style and popularity, with any article of clothing involving the Orlando Magic or Charlotte Hornets a safe bet for fitting in with the coolest kids in school. Think about it…this was the year that Scottie rocked bright red Air Maestros for his ASG MVP performance. Like I said, it was a dope year! And to top it all off, Larry Johnson was the baddest mofo on the basketball planet (apart from JR Rider…maybe…)
In many ways, LJ would epitomize what this magazine is all about and set the stage for what we would become. His cover was busy and eye-catching, with the OG SLAM logo smacking us in the face alongside a plethora of cover lines, each one pulling us in. Johnson was front and center, “Grandmama” in all his glory—gold tooth, teal pinstripes and throwing down a jam from his underrated Dunk Contest performance. The cover wasn’t watered down but instead added an exclamation mark to a side of NBA basketball that other publications disregarded: the personality of the game.
In a recent interview, Johnson discussed the fact that he’s asked about this cover all the time. Like SLAM, his impact on the League goes far beyond the game itself. The Larry Johnson of 1994 embodied the legacy that would follow for both his career and the future of this publication.
SLAM has been the theme song of many a storied NBA career, celebrating the talent, style and personality of your favorite icons. Shout out to everyone who’s been down since LJ.
