Kicks and Rhymes: 5 Decades of HipHops Freshest Sneaker Moments

We take you through our hottest HipHop sneaker moments

Image Courtesy of Gordon Cowie via Unsplash

This year we celebrate 50 Years of HipHop and the indelible mark that it has not only left on the rhythmic demeanour of the streets but its influence on culture and the way we express ourselves. From DJ Kool Hercs merrygoround heydays, the flock of Bboys down to the oversized garms, and the kicks you rocked on your feet, this harvesting of a new sound facilitated an identity that was fresh, cool, and understated.

Paying homage to the sound that has shaped 5 decades, we look at HipHops freshest sneaker moments, whittling it down to just one legendary moment from each era, so sit back, relax, and grab a coffee as youre about to embark on a captivating journey through the significance of sneakers in the world of HipHop.


1. 1970s : The BBoy Epidemic

Image Courtesy of PUMA

A soundscape of the streets and a retreat from socioeconomic defeat. Through all the turmoil of Bronx city life, the resurgence of HipHop was the rhythmic escape from those who love and adopted this new sound. The slinkiest of beats became the soundtrack to a community of breakdancers known as BBoys. The latest breakthrough in dancing (Break dancing) came with a new style and curtaining their feet was a sneaker brand that developed a new line of neighbourhood pride shoes A.K.A The Puma Suedes.

The Puma Suedes didnt exactly come out in the 70s, however, it became a style emblem within the HipHop BBoy scene. This was the first time that the brand used suede on the upper of any silhouette, pairing its traction gum rubber sole for dynamic grip, perfect for any agile movements or oscillating limbs on the dancefloor. Puma reverted the meanings of suede from being a luxury material to now becoming the armour of the streets.



2. 1980s: My adidas Run DMC

One of the groups that took the BBoy and HipHop culture into mainstream consciousness was Run DMC. In 1986, the dynamic trio released their hit soundtrack My adidas which featured on their third studio album Raising Hell. This homage to the German powerhouse was one accompanied by their adidas shell suits with serrated trims and fresh pair of superstars that became the main cop throughout the 80s. Run DMC also received an official $1.8 million endorsement from adidas the firstever deal between a HipHop group and a leading sportswear label and secured their very own My adidas tour in 1988.

3. 1990s :The Notorious B.I.G Hypnotizes you with his Timberlands

The 90s were full of novelties but one boot we never thought would leave the construction sites was the Timberlands. Straying from its bluecollar roots to offer all new styles to the major key players of the New York streets, one being rapper kingpin The Notorious B.I.G. His hard rhymes in 1996 hit Hypnotize mentions his admiration for the highrise delivering spits like:

Pink gators, my Detroit players,

Timbs for my hooligans in Brooklyn.

This subcultural expression spread like wildfire throughout the states, gracing the feet of likes of Aaliyah, WuTang Clan, JAYZ, Tupac and Nas just to name a few.


4. 2000s: Its getting Hot in Herre with Nellys, Air Force Ones

The noughties cued a new millennium and this came with a new style too. The whiteonwhite Air Force 1s (A.K.A The Uptowns) became a city grail all around the world. Its simple, understated design became the underbelly of the street culture and if you didnt have a pair you certainly wanted to get your hands on some. Celebrating the icons 20th anniversary, Nelly dropped the tune Air Force 1s in 2002 as a homage to one of his favourite shoes of all time. This hit reached number 3 on the US Billboard Charts and even snagged Air Force 1 as an official sponsor for his 2002 Nellyville tour.

5. 2020s: Dont step on Lil Babys Air Jordan 11s

Now you wouldnt really put Lil Baby and R&B in the same sentence, however, his 2020 hit Live off my Closet gives us a small inkling into the lavish life of the trap rapper and his mentioning of the Jordan 11s certainly didnt go unnoticed. Although his brand list expands longer than the British coastline the specific mentioning Jordan 11s (leven) is enough evidence that we need to know that the music mogul is a fan of this courtinspired design. I mean, they are an MJ favourite too and who wouldnt wanna follow in his footsteps?

COMPETITION TIME !

Now that you have brushed up on your musicsneaker knowledge it's time to put your listening skills to the test!

To further celebrate 50 years in HipHop, we are giving away a pair of Run DMC Superstars! To be in with a chance of winning, comment on the blog how many sneaker brands that Raekwon mentions in his 1999 hit song Sneakers below.

Make sure you include :

1. Your Entry Answer

2. Full Name

3. Instagram Handle ( Our winner will be contacted through Instagram DM)

The winner will be selected on Thursday 31st August 2023 Good Luck!