Hip-hop, basketball, and sneakers, all fuel each other completely, and just like athletes, hip-hop artists also earn admiration. There’s no doubt that hip-hop’s impact on sneaker culture has made products easily meaningful by becoming culturally relevant and connecting deeply with fans and consumers.
New-age collaborations like the Travis Scott x Jordan and AKA’s Reebok Classic serve as reminders of the enduring bond between hip-hop and sneaker culture, a connection stretching back to the ’90s.
Props to iconic figures like Run-DMC, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and De La Soul, MF DOOM, who paved the way for this bond between hip-hop and sneakers.
So in celebration of #50YearsOfHipHop, here’s a list of our favourite iconic sneaker collabs in Hip-Hop:
adidas Superstar
The adidas Superstar became a staple in hip-hop fashion, particularly during the 1980s. It was popularized by hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., who famously wore the sneakers without laces and often referenced them in their “My Adidas” song.
The song’s release brought about the initial endorsement agreement between Run-D.M.C. and adi, a deal that was recognized as the pivotal one that opened doors for brands and musicians, especially within the hip-hop culture.
Clark Wallabee
The Clark Wallabee is a classic shoe that gained popularity in the hip-hop scene. Its comfortable and stylish design made it a favourite among artists like Notorious BIG, Slick Rick, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Reebok S. Carter
Under its Rbk imprint, Reebok teamed up with rapper and business mogul Jay-Z in 2003, entering into a multi-year endorsement deal and introducing Jay-Z’s own signature sneaker line. This collaboration resulted in the launch of the S. Carter model.
Reebok S. Carter “College Dropout” (2003)
The S. Carter ‘College Dropout’ is a testament to Jay-Z’s not-so-memorable partnership with Reebok in 2003. All thanks to Jay-Z for linking Kanye with Reebok, although the four sneakers designed were never released and got cancelled.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Roc-A-Fella
The Nike Air Force 1, an iconic classic, gained fame as the go-to sneaker in late ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop. It’s extensively mentioned in lyrics and has been embraced big time in New York City, earning the nickname “Uptown” due to its remarkable cultural impact.
During the early 2000s, the AF1 became the favoured footwear for Roc-A-Fella record label founders Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. The Roc’s alliance with AF-1 culminated in an exclusive white-on-white edition adorned with their iconic logo, later gaining wider recognition through Nike’s AF100 series in 2017.
Timberland boots
While not technically sneakers, Timberland boots have become synonymous with hip-hop fashion. Artists like Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z have been known to rock the iconic boots, often pairing them with baggy jeans and oversized hoodies.
A Bathing Ape Bape Sta “College Dropout” (2007)
With “The College Dropout,” Kanye West transformed hip-hop, emerging as a groundbreaking artist of the 21st Century. His impact reshaped the genre’s landscape, making history in the world of music.
A rare sneaker relic, the ‘College Dropout’ BAPE STA marked Kanye’s first sneaker to hit retail, achieved through his 2007 link-up with A Bathing Ape, resulting in an exclusive and hard-to-find “College Dropout”-inspired release.
PUMA Clyde Yo! MTV Raps (2006)
Back in the 90s, there was this cool hip-hop show called Yo! MTV Raps, which was hosted by Dr. Dre, Ed Lover, and Fab 5 Freddy. Flash forward to 2006, and Puma decided to pay tribute to the show by releasing a special edition Clyde model, which is one of the most iconic shoes from hip-hop’s early days.
The shoe had the tagline ‘Forever Fresh,’ and it even came with a CD titled A Journey Back in Rhyme. Only 225 pairs of the pink version were released to the public. While the Lime pair was a promo and was given to friends and family.
Nike Dunk High “Wu-Tang” (1999)
The Dunk lineage holds high esteem within Nike, influencing modern collaborations across skateboarding, basketball, and hip-hop culture.
As Wu-Tang Clan’s prime era in the 90s was winding down, the re-release of the original Nike Dunk High ‘Be True’ Collection led to a unique ‘Friends & Family’ edition featuring the University of Iowa’s Black/Goldenrod colorway, complementing the 1998 album “The Swarm” with its killer bee theme. Nike crafted a limited run of 36 pairs specifically for the group and a select circle of friends and family.
Slim Shady x Nike Air Max 1 (2006)
The Detroit rapper Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) has a good relationship with Nike that dates back to the early 2000s and has teamed with the brand on several models, including the Air Force 1, Air Max 1 (87), 90, 180, 93, 95, 97, 2003, and Air Max 360, some of which were sold through auctions and retail, and some remained F&F.
In 2006, Eminem and Nike linked up again for a good cause: to raise funds for the Marshall Mathers Foundation. Both came up with the special edition Air Max 1, which was personally signed by the Real Slim Shady and featured a printed graphic of D12 member Big Proof, who passed away in the same year.
Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4 “Black Chrome” (2015)
In 2015, rapper Eminem collaborated with iconic workwear brand Carhartt and Jordan to release the exclusive Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4 in the “Black Chrome” colorway. Initially gifted to Eminem’s inner circle, 10 extra pairs were made available through an eBay auction, with proceeds of $227,000 supporting the Marshall Mathers Foundation and local student enrollment at Michigan State University’s Community Music School.
AKA x Reebok Classic Leather Super Mega #TheSNEAKA (2019)
In 2017, AKA announced his partnership with sportswear company Reebok SA, which was followed by a major seven-figure deal as the FACE of Reebok Classic Africa, joining a global campaign with hip-hop star Future, supermodel Gigi Hadid, and rap duo Rae Sremmurd.
Later in 2019, we got to see the first of its own, the Super Mega x Reebok Classic #TheSneAKA.
A year later, the late rapper AKA alleged he was not paid a cent or royalties for his sneaker deal with Reebok.
Cotton Fest x PUMA Suede (2019)
In another notable local moment, the late Riky Rick’s Cotton Fest partnered with PUMA South Africa, resulting in their first collaborative merch release. Additionally, there were hints of a potential ‘Cotton Fest’ PUMA Suede collaboration, which only a few family and friends in Riky’s circle had.
Despite Riky’s plans to make this happen, the collaboration never came to fruition.
Air Jordans
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Air Jordans, a huge deal in basketball due to the legendary Michael Jordan. They’ve reached beyond sports into fashion, pop culture, and hip-hop, embraced by pioneers like KRS-One and Kid ‘N Play since the 80s and 90s.
From TV shows to ’90s films, Air Jordans have been everywhere, even on Will Smith in “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Let’s not forget Martin Lawrence on ‘Martin’ and Marlon Wayans rocking them in ‘The Wayans Bros. sitcom series.
Drake’s OVO x Air Jordan
Drake stands as a hip-hop icon with his very own OVO Air Jordan collection, marking an impressive achievement with the Jordan brand. Notably, he introduced the Jordan 8, Jordan 10, and Jordan 12 models as part of this lineup, and these unique models are a rarity, not commonly seen on feet during any ordinary day.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan
Together, Travis Scott and Jordan Brand forge an indomitable partnership. In the realm of hip-hop, Travis reigns supreme, and his impact and influence make his Jordan collabs a jewel to own.
We saw the first Travis-Nike collab in 2017, which was followed by the debut Jordan collab in 2018.
Certainly, the Travis Scott Air Jordan 4 in powder blue stood out as a tribute to the classic colour scheme of the Houston Oilers, Scott’s hometown NFL team.
De La Soul x Nike Dunk (2005)
De La Soul had a big impact, not just in hip-hop but also in skateboarding, during the 1990s. Because of this, Nike honoured them with two special Dunk releases in 2005, inspired by the trio’s debut album 3 FEET HIGH AND RISING which was released in 1989.
There’s no question that the Nike De La Soul Dunk SB truly displays how hip-hop has influenced sneakers.
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