Kendrick Lamar has been a cultural architect for some time since he began rethinking what modern rap could look and sound like. He broke so much ground on “good kid, m.A.A.d city” that fashion started to follow suit. But he made a sneaker statement on his show-stopping Super Bowl LIX halftime show that sent sneakerheads talking.
Making his red carpet debut, Lamar wore Nike Air DT Max 96s, a ‘90s classic. The bold, high-contrast design with the iconic midfoot strap and aggressive zigzag print made an undeniable statement while paying homage to a golden age of sports and streetwear.
While fans worldwide were glued in on his act, sneakerheads were on his feet. One of the most recognizable trainers in Nike’s extensive archive, the Nike Air DT Max 96, was released in 1996. During part recollections and part best-things-in-life high-octane performance, Lamar’s choice was a cultural callback.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. And because retro sneaker trends have reigned in fashion recently, Lamar’s selection quietly underscored the new balance of style and influence. Intuitive or otherwise, his selection straddled past and present, reminding yet again of his status as one of the most potent artists of his generation.
At a halftime show packed with high-wattage moments, Kendrick Lamar’s Nike Air DT Max 96s further opened the conversation in the ongoing dialogue between hip-hop, sports, and style. And if history is any guide, sneaker culture will be discussing this moment for years to come.
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