Embark on exploring hip-hop, where beats and sneakers echo in harmonious perfection. They're lyrical cavaliers who dominate the mic and master the streets with sneaker swag. Acclaimed for their knowledge of the freshest shoes, these unparalleled rappers also bring flavor to any outfit with signature sneakerheads. With each step they take, they demonstrate the inseparable bond between rap music and sneakers. Follow the journey down the rabbit hole and experience the world of rappers who are the most devoted sneakerheads.
7. The Game
The Game's remarkable rise to fame in 2005 with the success of his major-label debut album, The Documentary. His admiration for sneakers is well known, evidenced by three entire closets brimming with Foamposites, Air Force 1s, Jordans, and an exclusive game-worn Kobe Bryant player edition. Displaying an unwavering commitment to their protection, he imported raw oak from Colorado and Montana for $75,000 to construct a fortified storage system for his priceless sneakers - most of which were gifted to him by industry A-listers such as Drake, Pharrell Williams, and DJ Khaled.
6. Drake
Since the advent of his breakout album Thank Me Later in 2010, Drake has become a fixture in hip-hop and pop culture, with an ongoing endorsement deal with the Jordan brand. Drake's fashion label OVO has produced exclusive takes on classic silhouettes such as the Air Jordan 8, 10, and 12. Renowned for his expertise, he also showcases a collection that includes prized collaborations like Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4s and his own line of custom Jordans.
5. Fat Joe
As one of rap's pioneering Latino superstars, Fat Joe has sold part of his remarkable shoe collection at Urban Necessities. With Grammy-nominated collaborations such as "What's Luv" with Ashanti and Terror Squad's "Lean Back," he has earned legendary status in the music industry over 30 years, cultivating an impressive sneaker collection. His influence in the sneaker world is also ever-increasing. Having linked up with Nike in 2004 to produce exclusive designs for friends and family, Joe now announces a global launch of the exclusive Terror Squad x Nike Air Force 1s. Despite consolidating his current hoard to make room for more pairs, his immaculate eye for detail means each shoe tells a unique story of how they were acquired or created to reflect his indomitable style.
4. Missy Elliot
Embodying her signature boldness, Missy Elliott is renowned for her impeccable sneaker selection. Clad in Adidas sneakers, she proudly declared that her style was an expression of originality, asserting that there's never been anyone like her before. To further emphasize her sneaker obsession, she was asked how many she had, to which she responded that she owned a full warehouse. Unabashedly, Missy revealed that, along with classic Jordans and Adidas kicks, her collection also included every hue of Versace Chain Reaction. Ultimately, it comes as no surprise that Missy is not only beloved but also ranks among the top sneakerhead rappers.
3. Chris Brown
Boasting an expansive shoe collection, Chris Brown reveals his impressive setup of sneakers in an episode of Sneaker Closets. From pre-Kanye Nike collaborations to the first PSNY x Air Jordan 12, Chris Brown's floor-to-ceiling shelving is also filled with worn shoes—many without their original boxing. This reflects his nonchalant attitude toward preserving his prized possessions. Even more surprising, Brown proudly asserts that he brought over a thousand pairs of kicks on tour. With such an indulgent sneaker addiction, he sometimes changes fits more than once daily. Aside from his showroom, Brown also displays expensive cars and artwork throughout his sprawling Los Angeles mansion. Finally, when asked which shoe brand he would never wear, the artist declared without hesitation Sketchers.
2. Rick Ross
Rick Ross, a renowned rap artist and the ultimate connoisseur of style, exemplifies greatness with his epic sneaker collection. As seen in several features, his Atlanta mansion's more than dozens of rooms contain caches of kicks. Demonstrating his privileged place as a VIP sneaker collector, Ross also announced he is often the first to cop new releases. With Ross, it's clear that Balenciagas are indeed "how the bosses do it."
1. DJ Khaled
DJ Khaled's sneaker collection is a source of envy amongst any self-respecting sneakerhead. Even after hours of hard work, it would be difficult to match the sheer magnitude of his collection. Captivated by Michael Jordan from a young age, DJ Khaled was influenced by the basketball legend, whose impact stretched beyond the court. Additionally, Khaled's reverence for sneakers swelled as he matured, nourished by years of exploration in his parents' retail stores. Khaled's passion for footwear also drove his frequent patronage of Footlocker and Champs, resulting in an enviable collection worth millions. DJ Khaled tops the leas as one of the top sneakerhead rappers.
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