Nike Names Chilly Tee To Board of Directors

As Phil Knight steps down, the "Krisis of Identity" rapper steps up.

By MATTHEW SINGER

The weather has been sweltering`, but in Beaverton, things just got Chillier.

Earlier today, Phil Knight announced he will step down as chairman of Nike, the footwear giant he co-founded over a half-century ago. That's a big deal. But for hip-hop fans, the bigger news is that Knight's son, rapper Chilly "Travis Knight" Tee, has been appointed to the company's Board of Directors.

According to The Oregonian, the selection of Chilly Tee is "curious," as Chilly—who, in addition to dropping the 1993 classic Get Off Mine, also runs the Portland-based, Oscar-nominated animation studio Laika—had previously shown little interest in the family business.

"[Chilly Tee], in fact, is rarely seen in Nike footwear and attire," the paper notes.

(As all Chillheads know, Chilly Tee prefers his signature outfit of Dockers, a red windbreaker over a black hoodie, circular sunglasses and no shirt.)  

But while Chilly Tee may not rock the apparel, he hasn't shunned the Swoosh completely: He owns 4,682 shares of Nike stock, a roughly $500,000 stake, according to Matthew Kish of Portland Business Journal. 

Congrats to Chilly Tee. Let's just hope his new responsibilities don't further delay the long-awaited Get Off Mine follow-up. In these tense times, we need the voice of a billionaire's son speaking in rhyme more than ever. 

MORE CHILLY TEE IN WILLAMETTE WEEK:

  1. "Laika Studios Sheds Last Remnant of Will Vinton Studios" (May 20, 2014)
  2. "Hotseat: Hank Shocklee on Travis "Chilly Tee" Knight" (Aug. 27, 2014) 

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