The original released in 1998 as Gary Payton’s signature shoe during his prime years with the Seattle SuperSonics. This 2026 version stays close to that original build throughout.

Black neoprene covers the upper, paired with a zippered shroud that conceals the laces underneath. That zip-up design earned the shoe its nickname, mirroring Payton’s suffocating on-court defense.

A white Swoosh sits on the toe, while red detailing appears on the heel tab and outsole. The color combination matches the original black, white, and university red palette exactly.

Underneath the shroud sits a “Monkey Paw” TPU support cage that wraps around the foot. That detail gave the shoe an unusually locked-in feel compared to most basketball shoes of the era.

Zoom Air cushioning handles impact throughout the forefoot and heel. Both features carry over from the original 1998 construction without changes.

Read More: The Air Jordan 13 “Wings” Hides Its Best Details Underneath

Nike Air Zoom Flight 98 “The Glove”

Gary Payton earned “The Glove” nickname for his ability to lock down opposing guards. His defensive intensity translated directly into how Nike designed his signature shoe.

he zip-up shroud was more than a style choice; it reflected his tight, suffocating approach on court. That connection between player and design made the shoe stand out from the rest of Nike’s late-1990s lineup.

The neoprene material used for the upper was uncommon for basketball shoes at the time. Most competitors used leather or synthetic panels rather than a fabric-based shell.

Nike leaned into that difference by building the entire upper around the shroud concept. The result was a shoe that looked unlike anything else on the floor in 1998.

This 2026 retro keeps all of those original details in place. A “Royal” colorway is also on the way later this year, adding a second option for collectors.

Nike Air Zoom Flight 98 “The Glove”

The reatil price of the Nike Air Zoom Flight 98 “The Glove” will be $170 when they drop.

Read More: Bubba Wallace’s “Space Jam” Race Suit Is Just As Good As The Car

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“Baby boy, please / I heard what you said to lil’ bro about me / Yeah, and when you run into the Iceman, what you gon’ do except freeze? / You not ‘bout to squeeze, you not in the streets / I’m cuttin’ n***as off at the knees, there ain’t no standin’ on business with me,” he had rapped on “Whisper My Name.”

The mention of “Teen X” in Carti’s bar is also interesting. It’s one of Carson’s projects and a bit of a nickname for him, but it’s also the title of Carti’s Whole Lotta Red collaboration with Future from back in 2020. Considering Drake and Future’s reunion, maybe this is a sly reference to Pluto really being on ATL’s side, but this is probably just a massive reach.

Read More: Ludacris & Nate Dogg Made One Of Hip Hop’s Greatest Collabs With “Area Codes”

Drake & Playboi Carti Beef

For those unaware, Drake and Playboi Carti’s beef is, like many other hip-hop conflicts these days, a byproduct of the Kendrick Lamar battle. They didn’t really have any issues between them before that, but when MUSIC came out with three K.Dot features, the dynamic was clear.

Prior to this, there had been tracks like “No Face” that were supposed to have Drizzy and Carti team up, but the OVO mogul dropped them solo, if at all. Some fans thought there were just clearance issues that didn’t have much to do with the beef.

But these days, it’s clear they are at odds. While neither of their purported disses towards each other is explicit, it’s hard for fans to interpret them in any other way.

Will they ever bury the hatchet? It seems unlikely, but the “Pain 1993” duo have done far more surprising things in their careers than something like this.

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

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“Yep, I sucked a d**k,” she remarked in reaction to all this, as caught by Livebitez on Instagram. “Yeah, I did… Don’t have to worry about me, I’m doing fine. F**k that n***a. F**k both of them, actually. And that b***h… It was revenge. Do I regret it? Absolutely the f**k not. The f**k? Matter of fact, I might need to hit that line tonight. F**k it. Nah, I ain’t gon’ hit that line tonight.”

“I’m very upset because I am a mother, obviously,” Alexis added. “And that is definitely something I would never have put out. I would never have done that, so clearly, it’s out of my control. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there, I guess. Disappointing, for sure. I mean, it definitely came from his page, so… Unless there’s a video of someone else posting it, you can shove that excuse up your f***ing a**.”

Read More: Ludacris & Nate Dogg Made One Of Hip Hop’s Greatest Collabs With “Area Codes”

Blueface & Jaidyn Alexis Drama

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Elsewhere, Jaidyn Alexis and Blueface have faced other rumors, specifically ones from another one of Blue’s former partners, Chrisean Rock. She recently claimed Jaidyn is pregnant by the West Coast MC again, which she staunchly denied online. But Alexis didn’t respond to Blue’s video of them in bed the night of the video leak, which had fans thinking they reconciled.

Clearly, she is not happy with the situation, and shouldn’t be happy with a non-consensual leak. But Jaidyn is also rubbing salt in the rapper’s wound and not letting it get to her head.

Meanwhile, Blueface has a full plate of scandals concerning his other partners and their latest updates. So this Jaidyn Alexis saga is only a small part of all that, whether you can believe it or not.

Read More: The 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2026 So Far

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Each pair in the series ties back to the Wings Scholars Program, which provides scholarships and mentorship to students. The Air Jordan 13 joins earlier Wings releases built around the Jordan 3, 5, and 12.

This version takes a noticeably different approach to the Jordan 13’s usual paneling. Black denim twill replaces the quilted side panels, covered in small distressed X-shaped stitches throughout.

Smooth black leather wraps the toe and lower panels, keeping the shoe close to its original shape. The Jordan 13’s signature holographic ankle pod gets a pale green tint update.

Most of the color hides underneath the shoe entirely. Purple, blue, green, and orange fill the mismatched traction pods on the outsole, creating sharp contrast against the black rubber. Inside, illustrated insoles feature school supplies, diplomas, and motivational messages tied to the Wings program.

A portion of proceeds from Wings releases supports the scholarship fund directly. Jordan Brand has used this program consistently since 2016 to connect premium releases with a broader purpose beyond retail.

Read More: Bubba Wallace’s “Space Jam” Race Suit Is Just As Good As The Car

Air Jordan 13 “Wings”

The Wings program launched in 2016 with an Air Jordan 1 that carried a premium price and donated proceeds to education initiatives. Since then, Jordan Brand has expanded the series across multiple silhouettes.

The Jordan 13’s denim upper is the most distinctive detail in this year’s version. That material replaces the usual quilted fabric with a rougher, more handmade feel. X-shaped stitches scatter across the surface, adding texture without adding color.

That decision keeps the shoe understated from the outside while rewarding closer attention. The mismatched pod colors across the outsole reflect the diverse group of students the program supports. Special insoles and box artwork extend that storytelling further into the package.

Read More: Tyler Reddick Is Racing In An Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Inspired NASCAR Car

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A deep blue base covers the suit, with Looney Tunes characters and a galaxy style print running throughout. Upper Deck branding sits prominently on the chest as the primary sponsor for this race.

The helmet continues that same theme with an airbrushed Looney Tunes design across the shell. Characters from the 1996 film appear in full color against a deep blue and orange background.

The combination gives Wallace a fully coordinated look from the car to his gear. Teammate Tyler Reddick is also running a themed package this weekend, with his No. 45 car and suit inspired by the Air Jordan 3 “True Blue.”

The Space Jam collaboration connects to the film’s 30th anniversary this year. Upper Deck partnered with 23XI Racing and Warner Bros. to build out the full campaign.

The No. 23 car carries the same color story as the suit, tying Wallace’s number directly to Michael Jordan’s jersey from the film. Jordan co-owns 23XI Racing alongside Denny Hamlin.

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Bubba Wallace’s “Space Jam” Race Suit

The Space Jam film released in 1996 and featured Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes to play basketball. It became one of the most commercially recognized sports films of its era.

Thirty years later, the anniversary has given Jordan Brand and its partners a strong reason to revisit the property. Placing the theme across an entire race weekend package takes that further than most anniversary campaigns do.

Wallace’s suit uses the same galaxy-toned blue that covers his No. 23 car. Yellow and orange accents add contrast throughout both the suit and helmet. The airbrushed helmet design features multiple characters from the film in a hand-painted style.

Upper Deck’s involvement also extends beyond the race itself. Trading cards, anniversary memorabilia, and a limited diecast replica of the car all tie into the same campaign. The Chicagoland race gives the whole thing a home.

Read More: The Empire State Building Climber’s Shoe Choice Has People Talking

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Release Date: July 4, 2026

Genre: Pop / Soul

Album: B’DAY (20th anniversary edition)

Quotable Lyrics from MORNING DEW (DONK)

It’s something ’bout that look you give me,
Makin’ me feel that young love inside,
It’s something ’bout that feelin’ you give me,
I can’t resist them butterflies

The post MORNING DEW (DONK) – Song by Beyoncé appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Elephant print covers most of the car’s body in grey and black, matching the Air Jordan 3’s iconic texture. A red Jumpman logo sits prominently on the hood alongside the cement print.

White, blue, and red accents run along the sides and rear of the car. Those colors pull directly from the “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 colorway. Reddick also wore a matching pair of the actual shoe at the car’s reveal. A “True Blue” Jordan 3 inspired helmet accompanies the full package.

Reddick isn’t the only 23XI driver running a themed scheme this weekend. Bubba Wallace will also take the track in a Space Jam inspired paint scheme on the No. 23 car, marking the film’s 30th anniversary.

That history makes Chicagoland a natural home for these kinds of crossover moments. The Jordan 3 connection also ties directly to Michael Jordan, who co-owns the team.

The timing adds another layer to the story. The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” retro is set to release on July 18th. Reddick racing in the themed scheme just two weeks before the shoe drops gives Jordan Brand extra visibility at the right moment.

Read More: Ultra-Rare Awake NY Air Jordan 5 “Statue Of Liberty” Sample Unveiled

Tyler Reddick’s Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Car

Tyler Reddick has been one of NASCAR’s more consistent ambassadors for Jordan Brand crossovers. His Chicago street race schemes have featured Jordan imagery multiple times over the past few seasons.

The “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 is one of the shoe’s original four colorways from 1988. It uses a white leather base with true blue accents and cement grey elephant print.

That elephant print is what makes the car’s hood design so immediately recognizable. Jordan Brand has only released this colorway a handful of times since its debut.

The upcoming July 18 retro marks the shoe’s first wide release since 2016. Reddick wearing the actual shoe at the car reveal reinforces the connection beyond just the paint job.

His Jordan 3 themed helmet also extends the look across everything in the driver’s package. Together, these details make the scheme feel like a coordinated campaign rather than a one-off design moment.

Read More: The Empire State Building Climber’s Shoe Choice Has People Talking

The post Tyler Reddick Is Racing In An Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Inspired NASCAR Car appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beerkus wore the cream and black Adifom Climacool during the unauthorized climb. The shoe’s open-cage EVA construction made it a surprising choice for that kind of ascent.

Once at the top, the couple unfurled a large banner reading “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.” Beerkus then proposed to Nikolau before the two began their descent.

NYPD officers met them down and placed both into custody. The pair now faces multiple charges including burglary and reckless endangerment.

Nikolau and Beerkus are known internationally for scaling skyscrapers. They were the subjects of Netflix’s 2024 documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which followed a similar high-rise climb in Kuala Lumpur.

The sneaker community picked up on Beerkus’s footwear choice quickly after the story broke. The Adifom Climacool is primarily a lifestyle shoe with a molded EVA shell. It wasn’t designed for building climbs, which made the detail stand out further. Both were released on supervised release after their Thursday arraignment.

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Ivan Beerkus Wears Adidas Climacool

The Adidas Adifom Climacool first released as a lifestyle shoe built around a single-piece EVA shell. Its open cage design references the original Climacool running line from the early 2000s. The shoe sits on a chunky midsole and uses a removable inner sock for comfort. None of that was designed with rooftop climbing in mind.

Beerkus wore the cream and black colorway, which pairs a light outer shell with a dark inner bootie. That contrast between the two parts of the shoe is one of its defining design details. The shoe has built a following as a bold, unconventional lifestyle choice. Its appearance on the Empire State Building spire adds an unusual chapter to that story.

Nikolau and Beerkus entered the building the night before and hid overnight before making their climb. Investigators confirmed they accessed the top through a 102nd-floor maintenance hatch.

Read More: Ultra-Rare Awake NY Air Jordan 5 “Statue Of Liberty” Sample Unveiled

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White leather covers most of the upper, while teal accents appear on the midsole and other details. That combination naturally connects to the Statue of Liberty, which carries a similar green finish.

Baque hasn’t confirmed the Statue of Liberty as the official inspiration. However, the color story and “NY” branding on the heel make the connection difficult to ignore. The sample also shows an early version of the Awake branding. Instead of being integrated into the side, the label’s “A” logo is stitched directly onto the ankle area.

That detail suggests this pair was produced early in the design process before the retail version was finalized. Samples like this rarely surface publicly, which makes Baque sharing it cool. He posted the shoe alongside an alternate Awake NY x Air Jordan 6 sample that used a crown logo instead of the brand’s usual slanted “A.”

The timing of both reveals connects to news that Baque joined Jordan Brand’s new Jordan Design Studio. That initiative focuses on mentoring younger creative talent. Neither sample has been confirmed for a retail release. For now, they offer a look at directions the collaboration considered before settling on its final designs.

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Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 “Statue Of Liberty”

Awake NY launched in 2012 through Angelo Baque, who previously worked as creative director at Supreme. The brand has built a following around New York City identity, using bold graphics and culturally specific references. The teal and white combination reads immediately as a nod to the landmark’s oxidized copper surface.

The retail Awake NY x Air Jordan 5 took a darker approach with navy and infrared tones. This white and teal sample goes the opposite direction entirely. Aside from the color difference, the sample’s branding placement also reveals how the design evolved.

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Dodger blue covers most of the upper, midsole, and outsole throughout. That consistent color blocking keeps the Dodgers connection front and center without needing team logos.

Red baseball-style stitching runs along the heel panel as the shoe’s standout detail. That element pulls directly from a baseball’s seam pattern rather than the team’s branding. A silver Swoosh with white outlining sits on each side panel for contrast. Kobe Bryant’s two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, appear on the inner tongue in separate graphic tags.

Kobe was a well-known Dodgers fan throughout his playing career. The LA Dodgers have kept that connection alive through in-stadium tributes and annual events since his passing.

Nike launched the first Dodgers-themed Kobe release on the Kobe 6 in 2025, which moved quickly. This follow-up on the Kobe 5 suggests the Dodgers theme could become a recurring series.

Earlier sample images suggested photo insoles featuring Kobe at a Dodgers game. Official images confirm a cleaner retail setup without those insoles. More details may surface as the release date gets closer.

Read More: Sexyy Red Posts Pictures From Tay Keith’s Funeral: “I Will Never Forget You”

Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Dodgers”

The Kobe 5 Protro originally released in 2009 during one of Bryant’s most dominant stretches. He wore the silhouette throughout the 2009-10 NBA season, which ended with a championship. Bringing it into the Dodgers series adds another layer of Los Angeles culture to an already LA-centric shoe.

Red baseball stitching sits near the heel, wrapping around the collar area. That detail mirrors the look of actual baseball stitching rather than just using team colors. Blue suede-like panels layer over the main upper for added texture.

Jersey numbers 8 and 24 on the tongue tabs reference Bryant’s two separate Lakers careers. Each number sits inside a graphic that resembles an old television frame. That callback gives the shoe a nostalgic detail beyond the Dodgers theme.

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