The iconic Nike silhouette that celebrated its 40 years of existence throughout the last year (several articles available on this site), the AIR FORCE 1, serves as a basis for celebrating a new anniversary : the 50 years of Hip Hop. Offered in a High format, this special AF1 integrates the « Classics » collection of the Swoosh brand.
The origin of Hip Hop dates back to 1973 in the Bronx, district of New York. At the time, this poor neighborhood inhabited by many African-Americans and Latinos was the cradle of this new culture born in the streets.
Hip Hop includes 4 main disciplines, rap, graffiti, dance and DJ’ing.
Kool Herc is considered as the very first DJ to have mixed music. On his sets, creative people like Coke La Rock, put lyrics, already written or freestyles, to the rhythm of the music, they are the 1st MC.
To pay homage to this 50 year old culture that has spread to most cities and countries in the world, NIKE presents us with an interesting AF1 High commemorative.
The sneaker features a color palette of white, black, speckled grey and off-white referencing key elements of Hip Hop. The black/white combination is reminiscent of vinyl records and DJ turntables, while the speckled grey hue mimics the effect of paint sprayed on walls by graffiti artists.
This AF1 High consists of a black grained leather upper, contrasted by speckled grey overlays and a white leather side Swoosh. To affirm the tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop, the insole is adorned with a Nike AF1 Classics branding imitating the iconic ‘Parental Advisory Explict Lyrics’ warning label found on some rap records. A special Nike tongue logo and a gold microphone hangtag affirm the theme. The whole is based on an off-white midsole and a black outsole that adds a vintage touch to the model.
The AIR FORCE 1 HIGH « Classics » will be released soon at select retailers and on nike.com, for a price around $135. More info to come, stay tuned !
