Nike 50 Years of Hip-Hop
The connection between hip-hop and sneakers is one that has been long-lasting and ever-growing for the past 50 years. Their strong link has allowed for both forms of art to achieve an extremely prominent level of recognition in their industries, which might not have been possible were it not for the other. Whether it be Boogie Down Productions rapping on how “I only wear Nike's, not Adidas or Reeboks,” Nelly dedicating an entire song to his love for Air Force Ones in the early 2000’s, or Travis Scott’s Nike Dunk collab, the relationship between the two is more than just business.
Half a century later, having the right pair of sneakers on remains a status symbol for many rappers and is almost an extension of who they are. Throughout the years, Nike has commemorated hip-hop culture with special styles, campaigns and partnerships, and now celebrates “50 Years of Hip-Hop” with their latest collection.
Featuring a special edition Air Force 1 and Dunk Retro High, this collection pays homage to both the music genre and closet staple, with a timeless design and colourway. The Air Force 1, available in mens and grade-school sizes, sees a classic white Air Force 1 atop a cream midsole. The sneaker is elevated with spray-painted black detailing found on the side swooshes and heeltabs rounded off with the hint of grey on the outsole.
The Nike Dunk High ‘50 Years of Hip-Hop’ makes use of a two-tone tumbled leather upper and a contrast “aged” sole. The upper boasts black panelling atop the grey base, with the same spray-painted effect on the Swoosh, as seen on the Air Force 1.
Both sneakers see the traditional tongue labels be replaced with a hip-hop flyer graphic that reads "50 Years of Hip-Hop," and a golden microphone charm. The insoles boast "Nike Classics" text, rounding off the design.
As lovers of streetwear and its complex culture, Shelflife brings you the Nike "50 Years of Hip Hop" Collection alongside two of South Africa’s hip-hop aficionados- DJ Eazy and Kay Faith. It only made sense that we asked each of them to give us a playlist for SL Sound, featuring the best of hip-hop over the past fifty years.
DJ Eazy:
Eazy is a seasoned DJ and a respected veteran in South Africa’s entertainment industry. His passion for music started in 1993 when he began his journey as a DJ, quickly making a name for himself by playing at various clubs in South Africa and across the globe. His exceptional skills have moved crowds in countries such as Germany, New York, Amsterdam, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi, and Swaziland.
While Hip Hop, R&B, and Gospel are Nova's forte, he is well-versed in various music genres, adding versatility to his impressive résumé. Not only does he DJ at international parties, but he has also worked with world-renowned artists such as Zaki Ibrahim (Canada), Verbs (Nashville,USA), Sho Baraka (Atlanta,Georgia), and KB (Reach Records).
Eazy's passion for music extends beyond performing. In 2003, he co-founded Hip Hop Education South Africa, an organization that focuses on providing life skills programs in schools and communities. He also facilitated and hosted a series of Artist Development Workshops with a competition element for emerging local artists, showcasing his drive to give back to the South African music industry.
DJ Eazy has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has established a reputation as a professional DJ with an impeccable work ethic. His passion for the airwaves has led him to work for various radio stations since 2009, starting with Good Hope FM as a shadow presenter before working his way up to hosting his own show, and then taking the role as producer of The Ready D Show, which won the Best Radio Show at the 2020 South Africa Hip Hop Awards. In 2021, he moved to daytime to produce The Good Vibez with Dj Ready D, on air every weekday afternoon. With his vast knowledge in the music industry, Eazy has proven himself to be a valuable addition to the Good Hope FM team.
DJ Eazy breaks down his favourite old-school hip-hop tracks from 1973-1998 here.
Kay Faith:
Kay Faith is an award-winning engineer turned record producer. Having worked with some of the biggest Hip Hop artists in South Africa, she has proven herself not only as Kaapstad’s tastemaker but also as an important part of South Africa’s music scene. With each set she DJs, each classic she samples and each hit she creates, she shows us that we can draw inspiration from all corners of SA and reminds us just how talented we are and how unique our style is locally. Hayi suka man!
Kay Faith gives us the best of New School hip-hop from 1999-2023 here.
Whether you’re a lover of fashion, music or just appreciate heritage- this Collection is a well-deserved celebration of Nike’s legacy and the significance of Hip-Hop.
All three sneakers dropping in-store & online on Thursday, the 8th of June.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 '50 Years of Hip-Hop': R2399 in UK6-UK11
Nike Air Force 1 LV8 '50 Years of Hip-Hop' (GS): R1899 in UK3-UK6
Nike Dunk High Retro '50 Years of Hip-Hop': R2399 in UK6-UK11