"We thank Damon for his partnership and efforts on the Pro-Keds brand over the past few years, and we look forward to relaunching the brand under the Stride Rite organization to maximize the brand's full potential," said Gregg Ribatt, president and CEO at Stride Rite. He added “In the recent past, the brand has lacked focus and lacked patience.  As a result, [Pro-Keds] has pursued things like co-branding [with Rocawear]. That lack of strategic approach hasn’t enabled the brand to fulfill its potential. [Now] we’re very focused on controlling distribution and trying to grow the business the right way for the long term.  We’re more focused on being a classic American brand, less hip-hip, more for the trendsetter,” he said. 

So PRO Keds wants to be more "American" and feels Hip Hop fans are not trendsetters?  

Good luck selling your sneakers without us Mr. Ribatt.

U411 Note:  We need to stop talking this Hip Hop is dead nonsense!  They're starting to believe us.