After all the controversy over the Brooklyn Nets stadium moving residents out of their homes in Atlantic Yards area, I’m now hearing a low hum from Brooklynites with the reveal of the new Nets logo.
“Hello Brooklyn!” Yep, the Net’s are saying it. It’s taken from “B-Boy Bouillabaisse,” a track from the Beastie Boys’ seminal album Paul’s Boutique [RIP MCA] and also their “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” line. Jay-Z (rapper and a minority Nets owner) is sharing lines too like song title, “Brooklyn’s Finest”. Awesome!
I know this logo has a different feel from the usual multidimensional sport team designs and of the other NBA teams but as a Brooklynite I think I approve. It’s very New York. It incorporates the look of the old New York subway signage by the typeface and color palette. I also think it gives the feel of representing our very own Jay-Z’s since it’s close to his identity’s look.
Okay, okay, as a graphic designer I know, it’s hipster branding but it kinda sucks. Standing alone it looks like the designer got tired, gave up or is stuck in the 1930s. Yet, used in a pattern, on merchandise or on the website with some cool beats in the background – it’s not so bad. It’s just different, classic and isn’t that a good thing? I’m not sure, it seems to me I’m in a toss up.
