New photos of the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low have surfaced, and an official release date has been set. This tribute to one of basketball’s greatest legends features a clean white base. It’s accented with yellow and purple details that honor Kobe’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers career. The design pays homage to Kobe’s legacy on and off the court, reflecting his five NBA championships and enduring impact. Kobe’s collaboration with Nike also has consistently delivered memorable releases, and this pair is no exception, symbolizing his relentless drive and dedication.
The Air Force 1 Low, celebrated for its timeless style, receives a meaningful update in this collaboration. The Lakers-inspired yellow and purple accents tie directly to Kobe’s illustrious career, creating a design that resonates with fans. Subtle details, including Kobe’s signature Mamba logo, add a personal touch to the sneaker, making it a standout release. This special edition Air Force 1 Low blends classic aesthetics with heartfelt storytelling, making it a fitting tribute to Kobe’s influence on basketball and sneaker culture. With the release date now set, fans have a chance to secure this unique piece of Kobe’s legacy. Overall, this pair is meant to honor the Mamba’s enduring greatness.
The sneakers include a yellow rubber outsole paired with a clean white midsole. Additionally, yellow “AIR” lettering is visible on the midsole near the back. Also, the uppers are made from white leather, with a bold yellow Nike Swoosh outlined in purple. Further, white laces, along with yellow and purple Nike logos on the tongues and heels, finish off the design. Lastly, Kobe’s mamba emblem is stamped on the sides near the heels.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low is going to drop on December 6th. Also, the retail price is expected to be $150 when they release. Overall, this release promises to be a standout moment for both Kobe fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
Of the last 25 years, there are few figures in the world of sports that had a larger impact on their sport and pop culture than Kobe Bryant. As a five-time champion and 2008 MVP with the Lakers, Bryant was, along with Shaq and Allen Iverson early and LeBron James later in his career, the face of the NBA. Being on the Lakers certainly didn’t hurt his cultural impact, as he is an L.A. icon, but his reach goes far beyond Los Angeles.
In the world of hip-hop, Bryant has been heavily referenced in song lyrics for the last two decades plus, eventually becoming the avatar for competing and championships. Here we are looking at 24 (plus a couple bonus tracks) times Bryant’s name came up in rap songs, as his legendary status is cemented by his impact not just on basketball but the culture as a whole. Even after his tragic death in 2020, Bryant’s legacy is still felt and artists continue to point to the Lakers great as one of the great examples of a winner and hooper.
“Overnight Celebrity” — Twista ft. Kanye West (2004)
Kanye: Give you ice like Kobe wife/We sorta like Goldie, right?/The way we mold ’em right
Twista: I could make you a celebrity overnight
The hook to Twista’s smash hit with Kanye features West referencing the massive diamond ring worn by Vanessa Bryant at a press conference after Kobe was charged with sexual assault in Colorado in 2003.
“Swagga Like Us” — T.I. ft. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and M.I.A (2008)
Tryna get that Kobe number, one over Jordan
This is another Kobe reference from Kanye, this time using Kobe as a stand-in for 24 (and Jordan for 23), which happens frequently, as Bryant became the most iconic No. 24 in sports.
“I Wanna Rock” — Snoop Dogg (2009)
Smokin’ on that Kobe, f**kin’ wit’ that purp
Unsurprisingly, Kobe is frequently referenced in L.A. rap. Here one of Los Angeles’ finest, Snoop Dogg, drops a Kobe reference in this 2009 track, which is far from the last time someone used Kobe and the Lakers as a metaphor for purple (and gold) strands in their weed.
Kobe Bryant” — Lil Wayne (2009)
Lil Wayne took the Kobe love to a whole new level in 2009 when he released a track titled and entirely about the Lakers star, so there’s not one bar to highlight here, but just the entire song.
“Beamer Benz or Bentley” — Lloyd Banks ft. Juelz Santana (2010)
Where my ring and my confetti? I’m Kobe Bryant-ready
By 2010, after winning his fifth title with the Lakers, there was no one more synonymous with winning than Bryant, with Lloyd Banks making that evident from his hit single from that year.
“See Me Now” — Kanye West ft. Beyonce, Big Sean, and Charlie Wilson (2010)
They say G.O.O.D. Music like the new Miami Heat, s**t/Comparin’ them to us, man they gotta add Kobe
After Bryant’s 2010 championship, LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade to create the Big 3 in Miami. However, as Big Sean boasted on “See Me Now,” comparisons to Kanye’s budding G.O.O.D. Music label and the Heat wasn’t good enough, as they’d need another legend in Bryant to be on their level.
“The City” — The Game ft. Kendrick Lamar (2011)
I’m Kobe on the Lakers floor, except I give you eighty-four
Bryant’s greatest individual performance was scoring 81 points against the Raptors in 2006, and that night gets pretty regularly referenced in hip-hop, with L.A.’s The Game providing one of the more notable ones on “The City.”
“Stay Schemin’” — Rick Ross ft. Drake and French Montana (2012)
Kobe ’bout to lose a hundred fifty Ms/Kobe my n****, I hate it had to be him
Rick Ross has a number of Kobe mentions in his songs (and, really, any NBA star); on 2012’s “Stay Schemin’” guest rapper Drake makes a reference to Bryant’s on-going divorce at the time — which Kobe and Vanessa eventually resolved and stayed together.
“Believe It” — Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross (2012)
Spend Iguodala on my Rolly/Young n**** ball like Kobe
Meek Mill gives us a double NBA reference here, with the Philly native shouting out then-Sixer Andre Iguodala and his 6-year, $80 million deal before noting he’s balling like Kobe.
“Kobe” — Chief Keef (2012)
While Lil Wayne’s 2009 track was very literally about Kobe Bryant, Chief Keef’s “Kobe” is more about the mindset of thinking he’s Kobe in various ways. But, like Wayne’s track, there are too many Kobe lines in it to just pull one out.
“Bugatti” — Ace Hood ft. Rick Ross and Future (2013)
Ballin’ on n***** like Kobe/F**k all you haters, you bore me
Ace Hood’s boastful hit from 2013 wouldn’t be complete without a reference to ballin’ like Kobe.
“Juice” — Chance the Rapper (2013)
I just faced a Veg-er/And you love being Kobe when you make the lay-er/Til you realize everybody in the world f**kin’ hates the Lakers
However, there was certainly some Lakers fatigue felt by fans outside of L.A., which Chance the Rapper makes mention of in this line from 2013’s “Juice”.
This the first time I confess/Me and Top is like a Kobe and Phil/A father figure f**k with him, you get killed/F**k with me and he will kill you himself
Another L.A. connection here, as Kendrick Lamar compares himself and Top Dawg ENT founder Anthony Tiffith to Kobe and Phil.
“Still Think About You” — A Boogie wit da Hoodie (2016)
I shoot up and lean back on some Kobe s**t/They don’t know how to pass on some Kobe s**t
One of the funniest Kobe lyrics comes from A Boogie wit da Hoodie on his 2016 track where he highlights Bryant’s reputation as a premier bucket-getter and not a facilitator.
“Views” — Drake (2016)
Me and Niko used to plot on how to make a change/Now me and Kobe doin’ shots the night before the game
Sometimes a reference is just a status check, as is the case here with Drake boasting about hanging out with Kobe.
“Shake It Fast” — Rae Sremmurd ft. Juicy J (2016)
I get to ballin’ like Kobe in the fourth quarter/So much money on me I can’t even get it sorted
Kobe has long been the go-to for references to being clutch, as is the case here on Swae Lee’s verse from Rae Sremmurd’s 2016 hit.
“THat Part” — ScHoolboy Q ft. Kanye West (2016)
Walkin’, livin’ legend, man, I feel like Kobe/I just dropped sixty, man, I feel like Kobe/Lamar was with me, man, I feel like Kobe
More than a decade from his “Overnight Celebrity” chorus, Kanye West was back at it with the Kobe references, this time shouting out Kobe as a living legend as well as his iconic final game performance when he scored 60 against the Jazz.
“Stargazing” — Travis Scott (2018)
I’m way too gold for this beef, feel like I’m Kobe, yeah
Surprisingly one of the few references we could find that played off Kobe Bryant and Kobe beef, but Travis Scott made it happen in his 2018 track.
“Shotta FLow” — NLE Choppa (2019)
Feelin’ like I’m Kobe, can’t nan’ n**** hold me/If he wanna run up on me, shoot him like Ginobili
Another double NBA reference, this time from NLE Choppa, who is not the only one to pair Kobe and Ginobili — a match made in rap lyric heaven for the ability to rhyme together.
“Commercial” — Lil Baby ft. Lil Uzi Vert
I turned eight million right until I’m a quarterback/Spent a million like I’m tryna bring Kobe back
“Commercial” came out just a few weeks after Kobe’s death, and clearly Lil Uzi Vert’s verse was recorded at some point in that window as he became one of the first in hip-hop to mourn the loss of the legend on a track.
“Bean (Kobe)” — Lil Uzi Vert ft. Chief Keef (2020)
You know I’m ballin’, usual like Kobe
Not long after his verse on “Commercial”, Lil Uzi Vert again referenced Kobe, this time on a track with his name in the title. However, unlike Lil Wayne or Chief Keef’s songs, this one does not feature constant references to the Lakers legend, just at the start of the opening verse.
“Woodlawn” — Aminé (2020)
Look, RIP Kobe/N****, RIP Kobe/You was like a dad to a n****, so I’m sad, my n****/Had to get you tatted on me
After his death, there were tons of tributes to Bryant from all over the basketball, music, and entertainment worlds, showing how far-reaching his impact was, and on his 2020 song “Woodlawn”, Aminé pays heartfelt homage to his idol.
“Rich Flex” — Drake and 21 Savage (2022)
Ayy, I’m livin’ every twenty-four like Kobe did/Shoutout to the 6, R.I.P. to 8
Drake often plays with numbers in his lyrics, and here he pays tribute to Bryant with both his numbers, 24 and 8.
“2024” — Playboi Carti (2023)
Ooh, two fours in the Sprite, got me feelin’ like Kobe, R.I.P., uh
One of the most recent Kobe references, Playboi Carti showed once again how Bryant remains synonymous with the number 24.
BONUS TRACKS
“K.O.B.E.” — Kobe Bryant ft. Tyra Banks (2000)
This has all-but been scrubbed from the internet, but back in 2000 Kobe Bryant made a brief foray into the rap game with a debut single alongside Tyra Banks (???). It did not go over particularly well and Bryant made the wise choice to focus his efforts on the court — but he was better on the mic than he gets credit for.
“Freestyle” — Shaq (2008)
The most legendary NBA beef of the 2000s was that of Shaq and Kobe, with the peak coming when Shaq hopped on the mic for a freestyle at a club and infamously asked Kobe “tell me how my ass tastes.”
NBA players and musical artists have always been close with one another. One frequent way that we’ve seen that over the years is music videos, as NBA players have frequently made cameos in them, whether they’re just showing their face for a moment or they’re a main character in the story that an artist is trying to tell.
Today, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite appearances that NBA players have made in music videos over the years. Players from a number of different eras — and songs from a number of different genres — made it on the list, but all of them feature artists making it a point to get some of the biggest names in basketball into their videos.
Kobe Bryant: “Bug-a-Boo” by Destiny’s Child
This wasn’t the only time Kobe linked up with Destiny’s Child — he recorded a verse on a remix of their track “Say My Name.” He does have a cameo in the video for “Bug-a-Boo,” though, as Destiny’s Child — which is trying to get away from a group that is bugging them — dips into a locker room. While going through there, they come across Bryant, who is sitting there and getting ready to play basketball.
Michael Jordan: “Jam” by Michael Jackson
MJ and MJ just had to appear in a music video together at some point, no? The two appear on a basketball court and shoot hoops with one another, and at one point, Michael (Jackson) teaches Michael (Jordan) some dance moves. These might have been the two most famous people in the world when this video came out in 1992, and it’s a pretty remarkable cultural artifact.
DeMar DeRozan: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
The newest release on this list, DeRozan was one of the many celebrities who made a cameo in Lamar’s summer anthem that doubled as the high point of his feud with Drake from earlier this year. It turns out DeRozan has known Lamar for quite some time, and while he said he still has love for Drake despite appearing in this video, well, it sure seems like there might be some tension here.
Shaquille O’Neal: “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” by Master P featuring Fiend, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X & Mystikal
Shaq, as we’ve laid out before, has been in a ton of music videos over the years. His first was the iconic “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” video, where he sits courtside and looks like he’s having the time of his life as Master P and co. put on a show on the hardwood.
Isiah Thomas, Chris Mullin, and David Robinson: “2 Legit 2 Quit” by MC Hammer
One of the biggest music videos of all time — it’s a little more than 14 and a half minutes long, and is absolutely jam packed with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment at that time. Names like Deion Sanders, Rickey Henderson, and Wayne Gretzky make cameos, while the NBA is well-represented with two members of the Dream Team and, uh, a third player who was almost on the Dream Team.
Jimmy Butler: “So Much (for) Stardust” by Fall Out Boy
Easily the most … unique video on this list. It features Jimmy Butler dressed up in what I can only describe as an emo cowboy costume and really committing fully to the bit. (The bit, of course, is “Jimmy Butler dressing like this in a Fall Out Boy video.”) There is no one in the NBA quite like Jimmy, and this video is a pretty good example of why that is the case.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro is preparing for its release in the new “All-Star 2.0” colorway during All-Star Weekend next February, and even more retailer photos have dropped, generating excitement among fans. These detailed images highlight a sleek sail color scheme that gives the sneaker a clean and elegant appearance. Bold black accents create a striking contrast, enhancing the overall design. A notable feature of this colorway is the star pattern on the upper, adding unique texture and paying tribute to Kobe’s All-Star legacy.
Known for its performance-focused construction, the Kobe 6 Protro delivers exceptional cushioning and support for players on the court. With the “All-Star 2.0” edition, Nike masterfully blends style with functionality, making it perfect for both collectors and athletes. The combination of sail and black adds a modern twist to the classic Kobe 6 silhouette. Set to launch during the highly anticipated All-Star Weekend, the “All-Star 2.0” Kobe 6 Protro is poised to be a must-have. Sneaker enthusiasts are eager to secure a pair of these iconic shoes when they become available next February.
The sneakers have a sail rubber sole paired with a matching sail midsole. The uppers are made from sail material, showcasing a star pattern throughout the design. Additionally, the shoes feature a black Nike Swoosh on the sides and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality logo on the tongue.
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Nice Kicks reports that the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” will be released on February 13th, 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
Retailer photos of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” have surfaced, generating excitement among sneaker fans. This upcoming release showcases a stunning eggplant colorway, featuring a deep purple upper that is beautifully adorned with a golden mamba wrapping around the shoe. The vibrant purple base injects fresh energy, while the gold accents add a touch of elegance. Black details, including the Swoosh and laces, provide contrast and balance to the overall design. The “Year of the Mamba” theme honors Kobe Bryant’s iconic “Black Mamba” persona.
Renowned for its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, the Kobe 5 Protro is designed to deliver high-level performance on the court. The intricate design and striking colorway showcase Nike’s craftsmanship, ensuring this pair is perfect for both play and casual wear. Sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike are eagerly awaiting the launch of the “Year of the Mamba” colorway. Its unique blend of colors and storytelling makes it a standout addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this release; it’s expected to be a must-have for Kobe Bryant supporters and Nike collectors alike.
The sneakers have an icy blue rubber sole combined with a black midsole. The uppers are made from black and eggplant, accented by a gold mamba pattern throughout. A black Nike Swoosh appears on the sides, while Kobe’s Mamba logo is displayed in gold on the tongues.
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Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba” will be released on February 8th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro is gearing up for its release in the new “All-Star 2.0” colorway during All-Star Weekend next February, and new retailer photos have surfaced, sparking excitement among fans. These detailed images showcase a sleek sail color scheme that gives the sneaker a clean and elegant look. Sharp black accents create a striking contrast, enhancing the overall design. A standout feature of this colorway is the star pattern on the upper, adding a unique texture and paying homage to Kobe’s All-Star legacy.
The sneakers feature a translucent rubber sole and a matching sail midsole. The uppers are crafted from sail material, displaying a star pattern throughout the design. Additionally, the shoes include a black Nike Swoosh on the sides and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality logo on the tongue.
More Photos
Sneaker News reports that the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” will be released on February 13th, 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
New photos have surfaced of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba,” and the release is happening earlier than expected. This upcoming sneaker showcases a striking red and gold color scheme, symbolizing strength and prosperity. Black details enhance the overall design, providing depth and contrast. Celebrating the “Year of the Mamba,” this edition reflects Kobe Bryant’s legendary “Black Mamba” persona and pays homage to 2025, the year of the snake. The vibrant red upper represents passion and energy, while the gold accents add a touch of luxury and prestige.
Renowned for its lightweight construction and responsive cushioning, the Kobe 5 Protro is designed for optimal performance on the court. This makes it ideal for both competitive play and casual wear. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the “Year of the Mamba” edition showcase Nike’s dedication to blending style with functionality. Sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans are buzzing with excitement for this release. With its unique design and cultural significance, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba” is sure to be a standout addition to any collection.
The sneakers showcase a black rubber sole and a red midsole. Additionally, the uppers consist of both red and gold materials, featuring a mamba design throughout the upper. A black Nike Swoosh is placed on the sides, along with more gold accents on the toebox and heels.
Sneaker Files reports that the Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year Of The Mamba” will be released on January 18th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro is set to make a notable return with its upcoming “Beethoven” colorway, paying homage to the iconic composer. This iteration features a sophisticated black, white, and grey palette, mirroring the elegant contrast of a piano’s keys. The design reflects Kobe Bryant’s appreciation for Beethoven, highlighting the connection between music and the sport. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro combines style with performance. Its sleek silhouette is both modern and functional, making it a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players alike.
The minimalistic color scheme not only makes a bold statement but also embodies the precision and focus Kobe brought to his game. Official images showcase the refined aesthetics of the “Beethoven” colorway, revealing its striking design elements. With a durable upper and responsive cushioning, this sneaker promises to deliver the comfort needed for both on-court performance and off-court style. As fans eagerly await its release, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Beethoven” stands out as a must-have for collectors and those who admire the legacy of Kobe Bryant.
These sneakers feature a grey textured sole tailored for peak on-court performance and a matching midsole. The uppers are crafted from grey mesh and designed low to offer ankle flexibility while providing ample support. This structural design ensures a locked-in feel during gameplay. Finally, a white Nike Swoosh on the sides and a white tongue polish off the sleek, low-top profile.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Protro “Beethoven” is going to drop in April 2025. Also, the retail price is expected to be $210 when they release. Let us know what you think of this sneaker, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest brands.
The Kobe 6 Protro is known for its performance-driven design, offering exceptional cushioning and support for players on the court. With the “All-Star 2.0” edition, Nike successfully merges style with functionality, making it perfect for both collectors and athletes. The combination of sail and black adds a modern twist to the classic Kobe 6 silhouette. Set to release during the highly anticipated All-Star Weekend, the “All-Star 2.0” Kobe 6 Protro is expected to be a must-have. Sneaker enthusiasts and fans of Kobe Bryant alike will be eager to secure a pair of these iconic shoes when they become available next February.
The sneakers have a grey rubber sole and a coordinating sail midsole. The uppers are made of sail material, showcasing a star pattern throughout the design. Additionally, the shoes feature a black Nike Swoosh on the sides and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality logo on the tongue.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” will be released on February 13th, 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
The Kobe 6 Protro is renowned for its performance-driven design, offering exceptional cushioning and support for players on the court. With this “All-Star 2.0” edition, Nike successfully blends style with functionality, making it ideal for both collectors and athletes. The sail and black color combination adds a modern twist to the classic Kobe 6 silhouette. Releasing during the highly anticipated All-Star Weekend, the “All-Star 2.0” Kobe 6 Protro is expected to be a must-have. Fans of Kobe Bryant and sneaker enthusiasts alike will be eager to secure a pair of these iconic shoes when they hit the shelves next February.
The sneakers feature a grey rubber sole and a matching sail midsole. The uppers of the sneakers are comprised of sail material, featuring a star pattern found throughout the uppers. Also, the shoes have a black Nike Swoosh on the sides and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality logo on the tongue.
Hypebeast reports that the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star 2.0” will be released on February 13th, 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $190 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.
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