During last night’s Super Bowl halftime show, Usher took us through 25 years of R&B excellence in a mere 15 minutes. If you didn’t catch the show, it was insane — Usher rolled (literally) through hits, was joined on stage by the likes of Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, and Ludacris, had about four costume changes. It was a testament to the star power and discipline of Usher, who reminded the world he was still on top of his game as a vocalist and performer.
And for sneakerheads paying attention — a reminder that Usher has fantastic taste in footwear. During the final stretch of his performance, Usher strutted around the stage in a shimmering pair of chromed-out Jordan 4s, which may have had you wondering: How can I get a fresh pair of those?
Here is everything we know about Usher’s Jordan 4s:
If you were hoping to score a pair, we’re sorry to say you’re out of luck. Usher’s silver 4s were a custom job crafted by none other than the Shoe Surgeon himself, Dominic Ciambrone. The sneaker featured a simple three-color design with a metallic chrome upper, a white midsole, and blue accents with a custom stone-encrusted “U” logo at the heel.
Chrome uppers aren’t that big of a rarity in the sneaker world but we’ve never seen the metallic color on a pair of Jordan 4s, so if you’re hoping for a dupe that’ll get you in the same ballpark, it’s… not going to happen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make something similar.
The Shoe Surgeon is currently taking requests on his website, so if you’re looking to build the sneaker of your dreams, hit up the site.
Super Bowl LVIII is just weeks away, which means so is Usher’s Halftime Show performance. While fans speculate about Usher’s potential set (and possible guest stars) and marvel over his spartan diet, Usher and the NFL have announced an exclusive merch collection commemorating the impending performance, including pieces from brands like Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Riddell, and Wilson Sporting Goods.
According to a press release, the collection will include Mitchell & Ness jerseys, hoodies, jackets, and t-shirts, New Era headwear designed by Just Don, Riddell helmets, and a limited-edition Wilson football, all emblazoned with Usher’s signature “U” logo in a purple-and-pink colorway chosen specifically for Super Bowl LVIII.
You can purchase items from the collection at Super Bowl Experience in Las Vegas, or on the brands’ respective websites, beginning on February 7. You can also check out NFLshop.com/USHER to sign up to be notified when the collection goes live. See below for photos.
NFL
In his statement about the collection, Usher said, “I can’t wait to hit the stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show for a 30-year celebration of my music in Las Vegas. There is no better way to get fans pumped about the performance than with a one-of-a-kind merchandise collaboration with the NFL, with designs that embody my style. I hope to see all my fans decked out in pieces from the collection.”
For better or worse, the sneaker world is dominated by hype. And nothing in the sneaker space (save for a coveted Jordan colorway refresh) gets as hyped as a music artist sneaker brand collaboration. This is a rich history that starts with Run D.M.C.’s My Adidas, kicked up steam with notable collaborations with the likes of Jay-Z and Eminem in the early ‘00s, and reached its peak with the introduction of Yeezy, which dominated the sneaker world for nearly a decade.
The popularity of artist sneaker collaborations is so high that the big sneaker brands can’t stop dishing them out and it seems like we can’t stop buying them. But who is doing the best sneaker collaborations of our modern era? We dove deep on the subject by ranking the best sneaker artist collaborations right now.
To keep this list as current as possible, we’re paying special attention to active sneaker collaborations. We’re talking about ongoing collaborations between brands and artists, which means no coveted ultra-rare pairs like the Jordan 4 x Eminem Encore, no Yeezy Adidas collaborations, and nothing that isn’t readily available on aftermarket sites.
For each artist and brand pair-up, I’ve selected a single silhouette. One pair that I think represents the best of the collaboration between the two entities. I’ve narrowed it down to 10 candidates. Let’s dive in!
10. Cardi B — Reebok Club C Cardi V2 (Lavender)
Reebok
Just because I’m ranking Cardi B’s collaboration with Reebok dead last doesn’t mean I dislike the shoe. I don’t! But I certainly don’t love it either. This collaboration builds off the silhouette of the classic Club C, one of Reebok’s best sneakers, and outfits it with a crazy altered leather upper with big outsole lugs, and a loud single-tone colorway.
If you saw this sneaker out on the streets there wouldn’t be anything to indicate that it’s a collaboration with Cardi B, and it’s not like that’s a requirement, but it just seems like this sneaker is a cash grab and little else.
Find the Reebok Club C Cardi V2 Lavender at Foot Locker.
9. Pharrell Williams x Adidas Humanrace NMD S1 MAHBS Bliss
GOAT
Pharrell has a long and storied history combining the worlds of fashion and music, and his Ice Cream sneakers were some of the best of their era, but ever since the super producer/ Louis Vuitton menswear creative director has been making shoes with Adidas, there has been something lacking there.
Don’t get me wrong the Humanrace line is consistent and has produced some fine shoes, but they lack the excitement of his early collaborations with Nigo. There is a certain post-Yeezy blandness to the designs. They’re sneakers that don’t demand to be seen, opting instead to fade into the surroundings. They’re minimal to the point of being, well, kind of boring.
One of my favorite Pharrell Adidas drops of last year came in November, the Humanrace NMD S1 MAHBS Bliss. As a sneaker, I like the neutral colorway and the semi-futuristic design, but it just doesn’t spark any excitement and it doesn’t feel like a pair of sneakers you need to have.
Find the Pharrell Williams x Adidas Humanrace NMD S1 MAHBS Bliss at your favorite aftermarket site.
8. Beyonce x Adidas Ivy Park Sleep Super Glow Blue
GOAT
When Adidas first linked up with Beyonce for the Ivy Park line of sneakers and streetwear, I was hyped.
1). Because it’s Beyonce, she doesn’t miss.
and
2). Because it looked like Beyonce was trying to transform the Adidas design language and recreate it in her image.
I’m always for that, but seven years into the two brands coming together, Beyonce has never released anything that has set the sneaker world on fire.
Having said that, I like the Super Sleek a lot. It takes the Samba silhouette, arguably Adidas’ most popular design, and mixes it up enough that it’s essentially a new shoe. It has a thick chunky sole, elegant Ivy Park branding, and a bungee cord heel clip.
It is by no means an essential sneaker or one that lives up to Beyonce’s reputation, but it looks great.
I was initially skeptical of Drake’s Nike NOCTA line of sneakers because I’ve never been in love with Drake and Nike’s early OVO collaborations, but I think the NOCTA Glide is a pretty dope sneaker. It takes most of its design cues from the Nike Zoom Flight 95 and sports a modern build of mesh and textile, with a foam midsole.
The White Chrome sports 3M reflective elements and chrome detailing which gives the sneaker an elevated luxurious look. That mix of bright white and chrome feels classic like this shoe has always been a part of Nike’s roster. But that’s also part of the problem — nothing about this sneaker is reflective of Drake other than the fact that it feels incredibly safe, is engineered to be a hit, and lacks any soul or weirdness.
At first, I was incredibly excited about Bad Bunny and Adidas teaming up, but I’m starting to get a little worried. Mostly because I think the best Bad Bunny Adidas collaboration by far, is the Easter Egg, which was the two entities’ second collaboration. That sneaker came out three years ago and Bad Bunny and Adidas haven’t released anything even half as dope since.
One thing I will give the Bad Bunny Adidas collaboration is that it’s… easily identifiable. The sneaker takes a popular Adidas silhouette, the Forum, and alters it with a buckle strap and Bad Bunny-inspired branding at the tongue. It’s also really hard not to fall in love with this soft pink colorway. It feels daring and unexpected, a colliding of aesthetics and opposing worlds, kind of like the best Bad Bunny songs. I just wish they’d capture that magic again.
Find the Bad Bunny Forum Low Easter Egg at your favorite aftermarket site.
5. Tyler The Creator x Converse Golf Le Fleur One Star Ox Bachelor Blue
GOAT
Out of all the artists on this list, none of them are quite as visionary as Tyler the Creator. He has a distinct vision and aesthetic that is entirely his own. We don’t know how involved any of these artists are in the design process of their respective sneakers, but we can say with certainty that none are as involved as Tyler the Creator.
He’s always shown an interest in fashion and his Golf Le Fleur, Golf Wang, and GOLF brands operate under a specific and consistent vision. I appreciate Tyler’s place in the fashion world and his ongoing work with Converse, but I feel like overall that distinct vision is kind of niche.
While I think the Golf Le Fleur line has resulted in a lot of dope shoes, if your vibe isn’t classic Converse shapes and bright pastel colors, this line will never really speak to you.
My favorite so far has to be the 2018s One Star OX in Bachelor Blue. I love the suede upper, the flower print branding, and the orange contrast points.
4. Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 Lapis Lazuli
GOAT
Not enough people are talking about Action Bronson and New Balance’s collaborations. The pair linked up just last year and hasn’t missed on a single drop. Our favorite so far was the 990v6 Lapiz Lazuli, a sneaker we named one of the 20 best of 2023.
The sneaker is part of New Balance’s MADE IN USA line and features a mesh base with suede overlays and big bold colors. Big bold colors are something consistently missing from New Balance, so we like to think that contribution comes straight from Bronson, who has a big bold personality to match.
Keep watching the Action Bronson NB link-ups, because we have a feeling the best is yet to come.
I’m a bit torn on this one. On one hand, look at it, it’s dope. I don’t need multiple paragraphs to convince you this is one of the best Jordan colorways to drop in recent memory, celebrity collaboration or not. That off-white coconut milk upper, the soft suede Elephant print mudguards, those hints of yellow at the seams, the gradient heel piece — this is an all-time great Jordan 3 colorway.
It may even solidify J Balvin as Nike’s greatest current collaborator. But it just feels so damn safe. It takes arguably the greatest Jordan silhouette (I say arguably because I think the 4 is superior, but that’s just me) dips it in an interesting collar combination inspired by Balvin’s hometown, and then calls it a day. It doesn’t take any risks whatsoever, and the end result is probably better for it, but ranking it any higher than third just feels wrong.
Having said that, J Balvin’s Jordan collaborations are always interesting, so as long as they keep dropping shoes together, we’re going to keep paying attention. We’d just like to see Balvin take even a little bit of a chance.
I was incredibly close to giving this collaboration between Rihanna’s Fenty and Puma the top spot. I love everything about this shoe, I love the simple design, I love this particular colorway and the level of luxury, and I love the way it combines PUMA’s King Football Boot and Easy Rider running sneaker, a reference to German designer Jil Sander King who was the first high-end designer to ever combine the world of runway fashion and sportswear.
It was King who elevated the sneaker from sportswear to luxury wear and I think it’s dope that Rihanna recognized and paid tribute to a fellow trailblazer. But history and tradition aren’t enough to award the sneaker the number one spot.
So while I think Rihanna is operating on a deeper level than every other artist with a signature sneaker, I can’t pretend this is the best. Especially considering the number one spot is so painfully obvious that you’ve probably been waiting for it this whole time.
When I said the sneaker world was dominated by hype, I meant it. That’s why, even though it’s not my favorite Travis Scott Nike collaboration ever, I can’t deny that this is the best artist sneaker collaboration in recent memory. This sneaker kicked off the ongoing collaboration between Nike and Travis Scott and is the only sneaker on this list with aftermarket prices above $1000. The hype for this sneaker is alive and well.
Unlike the J Balvin collaboration, there is at least some risk taken here. The most instantly recognizable feature of a Travis Scott Nike collaboration is that large backward Swoosh. Couple that with a muted and dusty colorway, and Cactus Jack branding at the heel and you have a sneaker that reflects Travis Scott’s whole aesthetic.
It has a strong design language, and a strong level of hype, there simply isn’t an artist hotter artist in the sneaker world than Travis Scott right now. We just wish he’d take a page out of his mentor’s book and start conceptualizing some silhouettes of his own.
Rappers are often fashion icons, setting trends for their fans to follow with their own style choices. They also love to employ alter egos, both to allow themselves to explore expanded creative themes and to sometimes provide distance between the personal and the professional.
Drake indulges both tendencies with the release of a new merchandise offering, the Anita Max Wynn trucker hat, which plays on a viral meme about Drake (of course). During a December livestream, Drake showed off the hat, calling the anime character on it his “alter ego” and explaining that the name is a homonym for “I need a max win,” a reference to his hobby, gambling. The character references his appreciation for anime, albeit in a more “safe for work” way than he has in the past.
The hat will release in two colorways, both of which will be available on Drake’s site, drakerelated.com, beginning today.
This isn’t the first time Drake has turned one of his viral moments into merch; he’s previously released merch related to criticisms about him such as his “Huge Fan Of Your Old Stuff” shirts. Fittingly enough, it’s the 10-year anniversary of his infamous lint roller moment, which he turned into promotion for his beloved Raptors. It just goes to show, you can make fun of Drake all you want, but he only grows stronger every time.
Rihanna‘s Savage X Fenty company revealed the first preview from a new video series titled “Savage Confessions,” which is launching alongside the Valentine’s Day lingerie collections for this year.
The musician appears in the campaign for some flirty and revealing pics, which went up on the Savage X Fenty Instagram. In one, she poses on a purple couch in an all-pink “See Thru U See Thru U Unlined Balconette Bra, See Thru U High-Waist Bikini Panty, See Thru U Garter Belt, and Savage X Monogram Micro Fishnet Stockings in Millennial Pink,” according to a press release. She even added some pink heels to match the holiday set’s color.
Rihanna also appears in the “Savage Confessions” video, this time opting for a red lingerie set. She pairs it with a pink lip, some champagne, and a red fluffy coat, as she starts to flip through some of the saucy questions on the cue cards. “I feel very exposed,” she jokes. “I need a moment.”
Specifically, in this video, she is wearing the Ruffle Luv Underwire Slip in Goji Berry Red. As fans pointed out in the comments, Rihanna showing off the products convinced them to treat themselves for V-Day.
Check out Rihanna’s photos from the new Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day collections above.
Travis Scott’s Nike collaborations have been some of the most sought sneakers in the game for a while now, and the collection only keeps growing with the recent release of the Mac Attack (or Cactus Macs, if you’re John McEnroe) and the upcoming release of the Jordan 1 Low in “Black Olive.”
But Travis isn’t stopping there; during the recent Chicago stop on his Utopia: Circus Maximus tour, he gave away yet another pair of sneakers to one lucky fan. This one, though, is one that only been seen rarely: the Travis Scott x Nike Sharkidon, an as-yet-unreleased collab resembling his upcoming signature Jordan, with forefoot straps and what looks like Air Zoom cushioning/soles.
Travis Scott gave his shoes to a fan last night after he performed ‘LOST FOREVER’ with them in Chicago
He even told the fan not to sell the unreleased signature pair as they’re his favorite pic.twitter.com/jZKRJYa1nE
When Will The Travis Scott x Nike Sharkidon Come Out?
Unfortunately, there is no release date for the upcoming sneakers, although according to Complex, an inner tag in some preview shots indicates it could be coming out in fall of this year. Meanwhile, the official Jordan Travis Scott sneakers are billed for this spring, although these are not set in stone or confirmed by Nike just yet.
The RICO trial featuring Young Thug and other YSL members as co-defendants resumed on Tuesday, January 2. It had been delayed due to one of the co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, getting stabbed in jail in mid-December. While the trial is presumably a source of immense stress for Young Thug, he’s also leveraging the increased attention to his advantage.
The Business Is Business rapper announced the existence of ActNormal, his forthcoming apparel brand, on his Instagram Story. Young Thug (real name Jeffrey Williams) reposted from the new ActNormal account. The photo shows a sewn-in tag reading, “Manufactured in Paris ACTNORMAL” alongside the quote, “Be the reason the world changes.” ActNormal’s caption teases, “Round 1 #actnormal #freejeff #coming soon.”
@thuggerthugger1 on Instagram
ActNormal’s official website doesn’t give away much, other than a promise that it’s “coming soon” and is “dedicated to providing you with the best experience and highest-quality garments possible.”
In the meantime, Young Thug will continue to stand trial. According to The New York Times, Thug faces “a maximum 120-year sentence,” but a verdict is likely far off. As per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Prosecutors are expected to call hundreds of witnesses to the stand in the coming months and officials say the trial could take up to a year. A weeklong break is scheduled to start January 15, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”
Young Thug is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Musician sneaker collabs are all the rage these days. With Drake, Travis Scott, Rihanna, and most recently, Megan Thee Stallion signing endorsement deals with sneaker giants like Nike and Adidas, it seems like rappers and singers are the new basketball and soccer stars.
Later this year, Bad Bunny will join the fray, teaming up with Adidas for a chunky take on the brand’s Campus silhouette in a “Deep Brown” colorway. In addition to working with premium materials such as suede on the upper, the shoe features a double tongue and ankle collar and Bad Bunny’s signature branding on the footbed and tongue.
The “Deep Brown” Campus is just the latest colorway of the shoe designed by Bad Bunny; prior editions include Light Grey, Wild Moss, and Cream. He’s also worked with the brand on versions of other signature silhouettes including the Forum Low, Response CL, and Forum Powerphase.
You can also catch Bad Bunny on tour this spring when he goes out on his Most Wanted Tour.
Tyler The Creator’s Golf Le Fleur season 2 collection is out now with everything from animal print-lined blazers to silk button-ups, along with accessories like Tyler’s signature ushanka hat, silk ties, and the coziest-looking cable knit socks, designed in collaboration with Goldtoe. Here’s how you can get your hands on a pair — or rather, your feet INTO them.
Hit the Golf Le Fleur season 2 collection for a pair, which cost $50 for a pack of three and come in three colors: sky blue, black, and cream. While you’re there, you can also pick up a pair of chain loafers, a tortoiseshell hair pick, a wallet, or even silk scarves. The Le Fleur collection definitely takes direction from Tyler’s recent looks while promoting Call Me If You Get Lost, with knit polos, leopard-print sweater vests, and loud patterned shirts, all in a wealth of eye-popping pastels and Tyler’s signature attention to details.
The collection ends the Grammy-winning rapper’s year on a high note after 12 months full of them. Early in the year, Tyler dropped the deluxe edition of his most recent album, surprised fans at Coachella by appearing during his friend Kali Uchis’ set, bought a huge mansion in Bel Air, and brought back his Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, which received a hearty response from fans.
Will Smith says that he was “absolutely” trying to copy Rakim’s style on his hit song, “Summertime.” During the GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop event, earlier this month, the rapper-turned-actor admitted to biting the legendary artist’s style.
“I was absolutely trying to sound like you on ‘Summertime,’” Smith began. “‘Cause I had been screaming all night, and I couldn’t get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice. And [the producer] just said, ‘Yo, just gimme that Rakim shit.’” Rakim later shared the clip on Instagram with the caption: “All love.”
Portrait of hip hop duo Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, late 1980s or 1990s. Pictured are DJ Jeff Townes (Jazzy Jeff) (left) and rapper Will Smith (the Fresh Prince). (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff dropped “Summertime” as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Homebase, back in 1991. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1992 Grammy Awards after reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the duo’s second win in the category after taking home the inaugural award for “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in 1989. Check out Smith’s latest comments on the comparisons to Rakim below.
Rakim Shares Will Smith’s Comments On “Summertime”
Rakim previously revealed that he and Eric B. actually had similarly sampled “Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang for a single of their own. “Nah, it was ironic that me and Eric B. had sampled it, and we had it ready to go,” he told HipHopDX in 2016. “But when they came out with it, a lot of people thought it was me because of the style [Will] used. But it was one of those things where that was them. I didn’t write it. That was Will and Jeff.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Will Smith on HotNewHipHop.
