GLONO alumnus Tom Mantzouranis dissects the new Nike ad for AOL Sports Blog, FanHouse. Why Did Nike Use Saul Williams’ “List of Demands” in Their New Campaign?

Nike is an edgy company, and their marketing campaigns have been anything but safe lately, but it strikes me as odd that they allowed a song with violent overtones on a controversial subject to represent their company. Williams sings “call the police, I’m strapped to the teeth,” “protect your neck, ’cause I’m breaking out of my noose,” and “I ball my first and you’re gonna know where I stand,” among other lyrics.

You can download the song (MP3: Saul Williams – “List of Demands”), and if you really like it, buy the album: Saul Williams. Williams’ latest album, The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust, was produced by Trent Reznor and released for free on the internet.

Watch the spot after the jump…

Video: Nike – “My Better is Better Than Your Better”

Previously: Saul Williams coverage on GLONO.