Let’s rewind to the ’90s. At this time, Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G were hip-hop’s brightest stars, using music as their canvas to create vivid portraits of street life, social ills, and racial tension. They were true lyrical maestros, painting the struggles of their time in memorable verses and infectious beats. What better way to commemorate these late hip-hop icons and a defining era of music than through a dual sneaker drop? Introducing the @drksidegraphic‘s Tupac and Biggie Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.
The Story Behind the Original East Coast vs. West Coast Pack
Well, back in 2018, tales of Nike SB denim sneakers (comprising an Air Force 2 Low and a Dunk Low) spun the web into a frenzy. The sneakers’ supposed inspiration was drawn from two legendary rap figures and their infamous rivalry. However, to the disappointment of many, it turned out that the pair didn’t officially represent the iconic giants, though, in the hearts of many sneaker lovers, the link still resonates. The pairs, after all, exhibited some striking similarities to these two lyrists.
For instance, many claimed the denim-themed Nike Air Force 2 Low 2Pac resembled one of Tupac Shakur’s classic 90s ensembles. Add details like a bandana paisley lining and gold upper eyelets, and you can see a nod to his characteristic style.
The other half of the pack, the Biggie Dunk Low, seemed to pay homage to a denim outfit sported by Biggie as seen in snapshots of him and Diddy from back in the ’90s. The sneaker, constructed entirely from denim and featuring frayed edging, included the SB’s endearingly chunky, padded tongue – a fitting gesture for the industry’s most suave, hefty lyricist. The whole look was tied together with plaid-printed insoles and a gum rubber sole. These visual narratives make it easy to see why fans associate them with the two late legends.
Given the immense excitement drummed up in the sneaker community with the debut of these pairs, widely recognised as the East Coast/West Coast pack (note: they still bear these names on resale platforms despite Nike SB’s confirmation that there is no official connection), we believe it’s high time for the Swoosh label to jump in with dedicated Tupac vs. Biggie Nike sneakers. And guess what? We might just have the perfect concept to fuel the design.
The New Sneaker Designs
Well-known artist Marty, of Instagram’s @drksidegraphic fame, has created some phenomenal custom designs, with the legendary 90s duo Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G as his muse. His rendition of Tupac’s signature bandana and denim style completely transforms the Nike AF1. The look is further elevated by the clever addition of a brown leather Swoosh bearing a diamond accessory, paying homage to Tupac’s trademark nose ring.
The fascinating aspect of this design is its relevancy to current trends. As we know, fashion has a way of coming full circle, and once again, denim kicks and bandana accents on footwear are hot properties. These trends have dominated the sneaker scene lately (need we mention the popular Travis Scott Nike SB Dunks or the Levi AF1s). With this concept design combining the resurgence of the bandana pattern with the timeless appeal of denim, it offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern style to honour the legacy of the renowned lyricist.
Just as Pac influences one design, Biggie Smalls inspires another. Marty gives the Hypnotize star his rightful AF1 homage by drawing from the rapper’s iconic Coogi sweaters. Biggie’s fondness for the brand was brought to the fore in his hit single One More Chance, where he proudly claimed, “Coogi down to the socks.” Thus, the sneaker’s colourful and intricately embroidered upper perfectly captures Biggie’s love for flamboyant Coogi attire.
Other Nike Sneakers Inspired By Biggie
Funnily, a similar sneaker inspiration emerged on the release of a Nike SB Dunk High back in 2010. The design also reflected the colourful Coogi knit sweaters. While many saw the sneaker as directly linked to Biggie, in the end, it was christened the Huxtable as a nod to Bill Cosby’s sweaters.
It may also be worth noting that a collaboration between The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation and Sotheby’s dropped in 2023 to commemorate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and the Jordan Year. Only 23 pairs of the Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII were released, making these kicks highly exclusive and only available to a few select owners.
These iconic figures left us far too soon, never experiencing the chance to collaborate on a sneaker collection in the way many contemporary rappers have been privileged to. Given their love for the Nike and Jordan brands (you can check out a few in our list of sneakers that Echo Tupac “2Pac” Shakur’s Legacy), it seems fitting for these companies to honour them with a unique sneaker series that captures their signature styles and the profound influence they’ve had on sneaker culture.
So, what’s your stance? Should Nike launch another collection inspired directly by the legendary voices of East and West Coast rap, or are you happy with the supposed Tupac and Biggie Nike SB sneakers dropped in 2018? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
