The Mamba Invitational brings together some of the country’s top youth and high school basketball talent every year. This year’s event is being held at Peacock Place at L.A. LIVE, celebrating Kobe Bryant’s legacy through competition and exclusive gear made specifically for participants.

The design pulls inspiration from summer sunsets over Los Angeles. Golden yellow covers the tongue and collar, fading into bright orange and crimson across the rest of the upper and sole. Black Swooshes provide the main contrast against that warm gradient.

Kobe’s Sheath logo appears on the tongue and right heel, while small “2026” and “MM” tags sit near the branding. An Old English style “LA” graphic covers the left heel, adding another personal touch tied to the city hosting the event.

Read More: Rare Air Jordan 11 Low “Black Infrared” Sample Surfaces

Nike Kobe 10 Protro “Mamba Invitational” PE

Player exclusives like this rarely make their way to the public. Since the pair was made specifically for those competing in this year’s tournament, there’s no retail release planned for the “Mamba Invitational” Kobe 10.

That exclusivity is part of what makes PE culture so compelling for collectors. Getting a pair usually means knowing someone who played in the event, or paying a steep premium if one eventually surfaces on the resale market.

Nike and the Bryant family have leaned into these kinds of tournament exclusives for years now, treating each Mamba Invitational as a moment worth commemorating with its own colorway. It also keeps Kobe’s connection to youth basketball front and center, well beyond just the retail calendar.

For collectors who can’t get their hands on a pair, moments like these still matter. They’re a reminder of how deep Kobe’s legacy runs through the next generation of players stepping onto the court.

Read More: Nike Kobe AD Protro “Purple Stardust” Confirmed For This Fall

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The design leans almost entirely black across the upper. Mesh panels cover the toe box, while glossy patent leather wraps the heel and side panels, matching the finish fans know from the standard Air Jordan 11 line. Infrared accents hit the tongue lining, Jumpman branding, and heel tab, giving the otherwise blacked-out pair a sharp pop of color.

Black also carries down through the midsole and outsole, keeping the color story consistent from top to bottom. It’s a clean, stealthy take on a colorway usually associated with louder Air Jordan releases elsewhere in the lineup.

Because this is sample-only footwear, there’s no confirmation these ever make it to retail. Looksee samples exist purely for internal review, and plenty never see daylight beyond a leaked photo. Still, the clean design has fans hoping Jordan Brand eventually turns this into an official release.

Read More: Nike Kobe AD Protro “Purple Stardust” Confirmed For This Fall

Air Jordan 11 Low “Black/Infrared” Sample

Sample sneakers offer a rare look behind the curtain of how Jordan Brand actually builds out a colorway before it’s finalized. Not every version tested internally ends up approved for release.

The Air Jordan 11 Low has seen plenty of infrared-adjacent colorways over the years, but never quite this stripped down. Most retail versions lean into contrast, pairing black with a brighter accent color across a larger portion of the shoe.

That’s part of what makes samples like this appealing to collectors. They offer a glimpse at design directions the brand ultimately passed on, at least for now.

Overall, whether this pair ever gets an official release remains unknown. For now, it exists only in these leaked photos, giving fans another rare Jordan Brand artifact to speculate about.

Read More: Nike Mind 002 Surfaces In New “Work Blue” Colorway

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This marks the first time a Kobe AD has ever received the Protro treatment. The original colorway released back in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite within the line. Bringing it back now gives collectors a modern update on a shoe many missed the first time around.

Rich purple suede covers most of the upper, giving the pair a bold, monochromatic look. Black detailing hits the Swoosh and outsole, adding contrast against the deep purple base. A DNA strand graphic is on the heel, a nod to Kobe’s competitive mindset and drive.

The Kobe AD often gets overlooked compared to Kobe’s numbered signature shoes, but it still carries real significance. This release will help the model finally get some of the recognition it deserves.

As a Protro release, the shoe also brings updated performance features. A Zoom Air unit sits in the heel for added responsiveness. It’s paired with a new outsole pattern built for quick cuts and sharp changes of direction on the court.

Read More: Nike Mind 002 Surfaces In New “Work Blue” Colorway

Nike Kobe AD Protro “Purple Stardust”

The Kobe AD line launched in 2016, right as Kobe stepped away from the NBA. Nike used the model to carry his performance philosophy into a new chapter, separate from his numbered signature shoes.

“Purple Stardust” leans directly into that Lakers connection. Also the deep purple tone reflects the franchise’s signature color, tying the shoe back to Kobe’s two decades in Los Angeles.

Supply is expected to be limited compared to other general Nike Basketball releases. That scarcity, paired with the shoe’s connection to Kobe’s post-playing career, should keep demand high once it drops.

With Protro releases continuing to expand across nearly every Kobe silhouette, “Purple Stardust” fills one of the last major gaps in the lineup. Overall for longtime fans, this is a colorway that’s been a long time coming.

Read More: The Iconic “Grinch” Colorway Is Coming To The Kobe 3

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Work Blue covers most of the perforated textile upper, along with the laces and eyelets. Hydrogen Blue shows up on the padded tongue and collar, keeping things mostly tonal throughout. Light Lemon Twist mini Swooshes break up the cool color palette with a small pop of contrast.

The back of the shoe carries a ribbed heel piece along with dotted pull tabs, making it easy to slip on and off. It’s a small detail, but one that fits the shoe’s overall focus on comfort and ease of use.

This marks one of several blue releases Nike has rolled out this year, leaning into cooler, more muted tones across a handful of lifestyle silhouettes. It’s become a reliable go-to palette for the brand outside of its louder, more seasonal drops.

The outsole is where the Mind 002 stands apart from a typical recovery shoe. Large rounded pods sit on the bottom, forming the pressure-point system built into every Mind release. Nike Mind branding also appears on the insoles, with more detailing worked into the heel and outsole.

Read More: The Iconic “Grinch” Colorway Is Coming To The Kobe 3

Nike Mind 002 “Work Blue”

Nike’s Mind line has quickly built a following since its debut, with the original Mind 001 becoming a surprise hit that regularly resells well above retail. The Mind 002 offers a more affordable way into that same technology.

The idea behind the line centers on stimulating pressure points across the foot. Nike says the design is meant to sharpen focus and awareness with every step, borrowing concepts from neuroscience rather than traditional performance footwear.

“Work Blue” continues the two-tone blocking the Mind 002 launched with, just swapping in cooler tones this time around. It’s a simpler, calmer take compared to some of the brighter colorways the line has released so far.

With recovery and wellness footwear becoming a bigger part of Nike’s lineup, releases like this show the category isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Expect more Mind colorways to keep landing throughout the rest of the year.

Read More: Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Receives Release Date

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European retailer Basket4Ballers shared the earliest photos of the pair. Electric green floods the toe, base layer, and molded side cage, giving the shoe an unmistakable neon look. Aquamarine takes over the heel, along with matching branding on the tongue.

Red laces complete the look, tying the pair directly back to the original “Grinch” colorway. The midsole also fades from green into teal, adding another layer of detail to an already loud design.

The Kobe 3 Low Protro has already had a busy 2026, with releases like “Mambacita” and “Mamba Magic” building steady momentum throughout the year. Slotting “Grinch” into that lineup only adds to what’s shaping up as one of the model’s strongest years yet.

An exact release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Fall 2026 timing lines up with Nike’s usual approach to Christmas-themed Kobe drops. Given how popular past “Grinch” releases have been, expect this one to move fast once it’s live.

Read More: Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” Receives Release Date

Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Grinch”

The “Grinch” name traces back to a specific moment in 2010. Kobe Bryant debuted the original green and red Kobe 6 during an NBA Christmas Day game, and the look stuck ever since.

Despite that history, Nike has kept the colorway surprisingly rare. It’s only appeared on the Kobe 6 and Kobe 6 Protro, plus a “Reverse Grinch” version that dropped in 2023. Bringing it to the Kobe 3 Low Protro is a real departure for the design.

The neon green and red combo also draws a loose connection to the green mamba snake, tying back into Kobe’s own Black Mamba branding. That extra layer of meaning is part of why the colorway has stayed relevant so long after its debut.

With the Kobe 3 Low Protro line already building serious momentum this year, adding “Grinch” into the mix only raises the stakes. This might end up being one of the most requested holiday releases of 2026.

Read More: Lil Durk Fights Back Against Gag Order Limiting Legal Team’s Public Statements

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This isn’t a shoe most fans have owned firsthand. It only retroed once before, back in 2012, and that version drew mixed reactions over its shape compared to the original build. For 2027, Jordan Brand is going back closer to the true 1997 mold.

Deep navy leather covers most of the upper. White mudguards wrap the toe and heel, creating sharp contrast against the darker base. Metallic silver lace hooks finish things off, adding a subtle shine that’s become one of the pair’s signature details.

Full-length Zoom Air cushioning also returns, a detail longtime fans have loved. Between that comfort factor and the design, the Air Jordan 12 has built a reputation as one of Jordan’s most wearable shoes.

Full family sizing is expected at launch. Pairs will be available through Nike SNKRS, Nike.com, and select retailers including Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Hibbett. For a colorway that rarely sees shelf time, this release alone is enough to generate real buzz.

Read More: Lil Durk Fights Back Against Gag Order Limiting Legal Team’s Public Statements

Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian”

The Air Jordan 12 “Obsidian” holds a strange distinction among its OG counterparts. Michael Jordan never actually wore this pair during a game. The navy and blue tones simply didn’t match Chicago’s uniform colors.

That disconnect from the court is part of what makes the shoe unique. Fans have long connected the color scheme to Jordan’s college days at the University of North Carolina, even without an official confirmation from Jordan Brand.

Unlike the “Flu Game” or “Taxi,” this pair never built its legacy around a specific on-court moment. Instead, it earned its reputation through clean design and premium materials alone.

That’s rare for an Air Jordan. Most iconic colorways trace back to something Jordan actually did while wearing them. The “Obsidian” proves a shoe can become a grail on style alone.

Read More: Charleston White Says He Controls The Algorithm In Apology To Latto

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According to an exclusive AllHipHop report from Grouchy Greg Watkins, Durk and his lawyers just filed court documents in opposition to prosecutors’ request for a gag order in the case. If Judge Michael Fitzgerald sides with the prosecution, the defense would not be able to make public comments about the case’s strengths and weaknesses, evidence, or about witnesses.

The Chicago rapper’s legal team reportedly countered by arguing prosecutors have already pushed their narrative via public statements. These include the aforementioned indictments and press releases from the United States Justice Department. “The government should not be permitted to throw rocks and then hide its hands,” Smurk’s attorneys reportedly wrote.

Furthermore, they believe the judge should not intervene by issuing a federal gag order. “Counsel for both parties are ethical and professional. The Court should deny the government’s motion as unnecessary and unripe,” they added.

Read More: Four High-Profile Hip Hop Cases Head To Trial In August

How Long Has Lil Durk Been In Jail?

Prosecutors want a potential gag order to minimize the effect courthouse comments, Durk’s Instagram posts, and interviews with lawyers on the case. They believe these statements may taint an impartial jury selection, which will begin on August 20 if everything goes according to the current schedule.

On the other hand, Lil Durk’s legal team accused prosecutors of including media-ready allegations in their indictments. They reportedly pointed to an unreleased music video, allegedly tailing a vehicle, and photos of masked men with guns as examples. His lawyers the jury will never see some of those allegations, but that the damage done in the public eye is enough. “It would be unfair to hamstring the defense in a way that the government has not limited itself,” they reportedly wrote.

As an alternative, the defense said Judge Fitzgerald may feel compelled to limit a gag order to witness comments, character attacks, and statements on evidence the court ruled as inadmissible. The judge will hear arguments over the gag order request on Thursday (August 13). Then, on August 20, the trial will begin its jury selection process after Durk has spent nearly 22 months behind bars.

Read More: Is The Game Looking For Beef With Kendrick Lamar?

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White’s main point was how Pap’s marriage and divorce situation with Remy Ma is a matter that means Shields should not be dating him. He brought up how there are similar rumors about Savage’s alleged marriage to Keyanna Joseph, claiming the Atlanta femcee’s lighter skin is what gives her a pass in comparison to Claressa.

Latto clapped back at Charleston White quick, denying his claims of 21’s marriage and urging him to respect her. The social media personality’s response via a new Instagram post, as caught by Hollywood Unlocked on IG, lightly apologizes to her while flaunting how he’s able to rile people up.

“All I can say is, Lil Durk used to be The Voice. I’m the voice now,” he remarked. “When you got Latto responding… ‘Unc, you got Latto responding to you.’ Everybody responds to me when I say something. I can’t talk and you not listen. When I speak, everybody listens. I control the algorithm. And I just needed to get Claressa Shields in the algorithm so we can talk colorism. Once again, Unc checkmate. It’s called provoking thought and evoking emotions. You can never beat me because I’m the master of it.”

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Charleston White’s Response To Latto

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“Chekmate @latto Unc is officially ‘THE VOICE’ of the Algorithm,” Charleston White captioned his post. “My only intention was to defend Claressa Shields by shifting the conversation and changing the narrative about The Gwoat!!!! I meant no harm to you Big Mama!! WHEN I SPEAK, EVERYBODY LISTENS!!!!”

For those unaware, 21 Savage seemingly evoked Charleston White’s Latto comments via an Instagram Story post calling her his “wifey.” Previously, Latto denied that 21 Savage was married, and it seems like Keyanna Joseph, the mother of Savage’s sons, is on great terms with both MCs. But we’ll see how fans’ debates evolve.

Read More: Four High-Profile Hip Hop Cases Head To Trial In August

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This went so viral that he had to step in to address the speculation, writing “Ya’ll are funny…clone? They can’t clone this??” under an Instagram post making these claims, as caught by Complex Music on IG. “How ya’ll come up with this? [Three crying-laughing emojis] AI ain’t that advanced.”

Usher has laughed off Internet speculation before, so this aloof response shouldn’t come as a surprise. Still, it’s funny to think how this could even play out in theory. After all, when the legendary MF DOOM sent out his “DOOM-bots” to perform, they just had to rap, but a show like this involves a whole lot more.

We’ll see if this theory sticks around in any way with future performances. The “R&B” duo will remain on the road all the way through December 12, when they will host their final concert of the trek in Tampa, Florida.

Read More: Is The Game Looking For Beef With Kendrick Lamar?

Usher Clowns Clone Rumors

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However, this isn’t even the wildest thing to come out of the Usher tour so far. The moment that has taken the crown at press time is the whole Gabrielle Cheyenne situation, a female fan who had an awkward moment on stage with the singer during one of his intimate moments.

She later claimed she wanted Breezy instead, defending herself against haters. Usher later responded to Gabrielle indirectly during a concert moment in Alabama. “Before we get started, don’t bring your a** up here if you don’t want to be here… God don’t like ugly, but he certainly don’t feel too good about pretty privilege either,” he remarked onstage.

All in all, though, the “R&B” tour has been a huge success so far, whether in-person or on the timeline. Maybe some further investigating will reveal no clone in sight… Or fans will be demanding more answers.

Read More: Four High-Profile Hip Hop Cases Head To Trial In August

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Before the stream went live, he took to his Instagram Story to talk about the upcoming event. It seems like the “20 v 1” was recorded before the stream itself.

“My wife is a part of this,” Adam expressed, as caught by Riemoh on IG. “Now, I’ma keep it real with you. We are trolls, we are a family of trolls. We do things for entertainment, for jokes, for laughs. But I am a little bit concerned that my marriage may have taken some damage. Because I’m pretty sure that she took it a little too far. Now, what exactly does that mean? I guess you guys are going to have to tune in. I haven’t seen the footage yet. But tonight will be a very interesting night in the history of the Adam and Lena alliance. ‘Cause this b***h crazy.”

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In addition, the No Jumper host reportedly left a comment under an Instagram post covering the “hall pass” moment, as caught by DJ Akademiks TV on IG. “I feel like Sauce Walka,” he reportedly wrote.

Read More: Is The Game Looking For Beef With Kendrick Lamar?

Did Lena The Plug Divorce Adam22?

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This is interesting because of Drake’s beef with Sauce Walka. For those unaware, they clashed earlier this year amid claims that Sauce was jealous of his child’s mother’s friendship with the 6ix God. So this not only ties into Adam feeling like Walka due to a supposedly stolen partner, but also pimping allegations that emerged around this time.

Also, an important detail to note is Adam22 and Lena The Plug’s fake divorce earlier this year. Someone is apparently trying to act as Lena and file divorce papers in her name without her consent. It’s a sad instance of troll-heavy Internet narratives leading to real-life consequences.

Speaking of trolls, Adam is most likely doing exactly that with these responses. But we’ll see if there’s another chapter.

Read More: Four High-Profile Hip Hop Cases Head To Trial In August

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