After announcing his official partnership with Nike back in August, Kendrick Lamar has finally given fans a first look at his first collaboration with the sneaker brand as he takes on Nike’s classic Cortez silhouette.
“DON’T TRIP. CORTEZ KENNY,” Kendrick wrote under the photo of his exclusive Nike Cortez sneakers. Kendrick’s Nike Cortez features a red, white and black colorway with “DON’T TRIP” inscribed on ribbon positioned on top of the laces. Given his fascination with Chinese culture (and saluting his alter ego, Kung Fu Kenny) K. Dot embellished the side of the sneaker with Chinese lettering.
Kendrick previewed his new Cortez sneaker backstage at the Staples Center, where he was in attendance to see former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant’s — one of Kendrick’s favorite basketball players — jersey retirement ceremony. Kendrick also treated an intimate crowd to a performance of “Humble.” at a private after party.
A pair of suede, blood-red Nike Cortez sneakers recently surfaced on Twitter with the letters “K” and “L” emblazoned on the heel of each foot, “TDE” on the lace tab and “DAMN” embroidered on the tongue. No official release date has been announced.
Check out Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Nike Cortez collab below.