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8. J. Cole
J. Cole’s RS-Dreamer debuted in 2020 via the North Carolina rapper’s partnership with PUMA. The sneaker was designed specifically for performance and basketball, featuring a sleek build that supported both on-court play and casual wear. It included a mesh upper atop RS foam, with options ranging from multicolored to monochromatic colorways.
Following the success of the RS-Dreamer — and an exciting Super Mario 64 collab — Cole and PUMA released the Dreamer 2 in 2021. The move more or less aligned with the “No Role Modelz” brief stint with the Rwanda Patriots BBC for the BAL (Basketball Africa League). It’s also worth mentioning he parted ways with the footwear label to establish his own line. During his “Might Delete Later, Vol. 2,” the artist debuted a prototype of the Dreamer Indie 5000s.
9. Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor and Jordan Brand launched the “A Rose From Harlem” edition of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 in June 2023. The sneaker featured a gym red, black, white, and earth brown color scheme, with a rose-themed Swoosh and special lettering on the tongues. Both the design and name were a nod to the singer’s 2018 hit “Rose in Harlem.”
Although it was her first effort with Jordan Brand specifically, Taylor is no stranger to sneaker collaborations. In 2017, she and Reebok remixed the Freestyle Hi for its 25th anniversary by introducing two colorways: teal and candy pink.
10. Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s foray into footwear began with Reebok in 2015. Most notably, the pair took the Ventilator and updated it with split colorways of blue and red to symbolize unity between the Bloods and Crips. It also incorporated subtle details like the words “Blue” and “Red” stitched over each heel, reinforcing the shoe’s underlying message of reconciliation.
“I saw what the brand was doing, and I wanted to be a part of it and make it even stronger. It’s as simple as that. Kids that listen to my music are looking for inspiration. It’s important that I continue that message in anything I represent,” the “i” lyricist said of Reebok.
Expanding his footprint in sneaker culture, Lamar subsequently partnered with Nike to rework the iconic Cortez silhouette. The Kenny IV was released in October 2018 with comfort and ease in mind. It boasted a laceless structure and plush padding, finished in a basic color palette that emphasized wearability and simplicity.
11. Doja Cat
In September 2023, Doja Cat and Skechers united for a unique take on the brand’s D’Lites silhouette. As the inaugural artist-in-residence, she revamped the shoes using premium leathers, subtle patent leather accents, and mesh elements. In addition to the monochromatic color schemes, which ranged from classic black to lavender, each pair
“It feels really cool to be able to create my own shoe,” the rapper shared via a press release. “To design something inspired by the iconic sneaker my peers wore back in the day — Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera — I feel like I am a part of history.”
