Last released back in 1999, Nike and the American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan are linking up once again to officially release one of the most treasured sneaker collaborations of all time: the Nike x Wu-Tang Clan Dunk.
Standing out in Black and Pollen colourway, the modern Dunk Hi mirrors the original, featuring “Killa Beez” color blocking, premium leather, and the hip-hop group’s distinctive W logo embroidered on the tongue label and outer heel.
“These Dunks are important to me and the Wu-Tang legacy because of the cultural impact they’ve had since their original release,” says Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA. “For many years, the sneaker world was reserved for athletes and some entertainers, and Nike recognizing us in this way is a testament to hip-hop and our contribution to culture.”
Born from the streets of Staten Island, New York, the Wu-Tang Clan emerged in the early 1990s not only as a hip-hop group but as a cultural phenomenon. Their unique blend of gritty lyricism, kung-fu references and innovative production created a powerful sonic tapestry that transcended the genre, reaching far beyond music to influence fashion, film and art.
That influence resonates today, both in the hip-hop and basketball mecca of New York and in communities across the world that continue to draw inspiration from the Wu-Tang Clan and their collaborators.
The Nike Dunk, meanwhile, was born as a basketball shoe, reprised by the skateboarding community and adopted as a versatile streetwear style with widespread influence across contemporary sneaker culture.
The Nike x Wu-Tang Clan Dunk honors the history of the trendsetting hip-hop group and streetwear silhouette, adding a new chapter to their lore that will resonate across genres and generations.
Look out for the Nike x Wu-Tang Clan Dunk to release on Saturday, 09 November 2024 online via Nike SNKRS ZA (1:00pm). The retail price is set at R2,999.95.
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