Nike and Kendrick Lamar’s partnership is now in full swing, with one extremely successful release under their belts. Now, it appears the two are gearing up to launch the Cortez Kenny 1 “Kung-Fu Kenny” that Lamar teased on Instagram last year.


Kendrick and Nike finally teamed up in 2017, a move that made plenty of sense given Kendrick’s Compton origins, and the Nike Cortez’s Los Angeles roots. In December, Kendrick previewed an eye-catching new makeup of a Cortez Kenny, and it looks as though King Kunta and the Swoosh are now preparing this version for a retail release. Kendrick first premiered this pair on his Instagram page almost two months ago. Constructed from nylon, this model features bright red paneling to create most of the upper, contrasted by white Swooshes, toe caps, and eyestays. While retaining all the features of a classic Nike Cortez, creative liberties are taken in the addition of small nuances like dual pull tabs. One of these tabs features the words “DON’T TRIP” down the front of the foot, acting as a lock for the black laces stretching beneath it. Other details of the sneaker include the word “DAMN” written in Chinese characters on the lateral toe, as well as red Nike branding on the tongue.

NIKE X KENDRICK LAMAR CORTEX KENNY I “KUNG-FU KENNY” RELEASE INFORMATION

There is not yet an official release date for the second Nike and Kendrick Lamar collaborative shoe, though official images indicate it will likely arrive sometime in February 2018. Like the previous model, the shoes will retail for $100. Stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Nike x Kendrick news.

Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez
Release Date: February 2018
Price: $100
Color: Gym Red/White
Style Code: AR5131-610