Nike’s Classics Honor 50 Years Of Hip-Hop

Nike’s “Classics” have re-started the conversation on the influence of Hip-Hop and fashion. The two have been intertwined since the emergence of the genre.

Streetwear, urban fashion, and athletic wear have roots in hip-hop music. Especially with the popularization of oversized clothes, athletic sneakers, and hoodies, the genre has created a style that has endured since its origin. Hip-Hop stemmed from many older types of music and culture; it was not always as popular as today.

Nike’s “Classics” Finish What They Started

Fifty years ago, the genre began to grow. New York City was home to rap greats like DJ Cool Herc, DJ Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaata. They started spinning records and spinning a legacy that named them the “fathers of Hip-Hop.” Hip-Hop exploded, launching the cultural and fashion movement that followed.

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Fifty years later, Nike celebrates this legacy with the “Classics” Pack. The company has been teasing the shoes for a few weeks following the launch of the Bronx roots shoes in October of 2022. With a push for more sportswear collections to honor their urban roots, Nike’s design of the shoewear aligns with the company’s aim for diverse branding.

The collection features remixed versions of the Blazer Mid ’77, Air Force 1 High, Air Force 1 Low, and now, the Dunk High. The Air Forces are set to release in Fall 2023 at a retail price of $135.

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The shoes are recognizable by the gray and black-toned colors, spray paint on the signature swoosh, re-designed tongue logo, and gold microphone chain. The tongue logo has a “50 Years of Hip-Hop” badge accompanying the “Nike Classics” text.

Both are in a font reminiscent of the N.W.A or Snoop albums, with blocky text and dark decals. The Air Force 1 Highs and the recently dropped Dunk Highs also feature an off-white sole to stay on brand with the aged, classic theme. The Dunk High images are the latest to release, pictured below.

For updates on the release, visit Nike’s website.

Written by Leanna Florez

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