From the iconic AJ1 “Chicago” that started it all to the quieter, more refined drops that followed, Virgil used the Jumpman silhouette as a canvas to deconstruct what a sneaker even is. Here’s every Virgil Abloh x Jordan Brand collaboration, ranked from worst to best.

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9. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Canary Yellow”

The “Canary Yellow” AJ1 is one of the more understated entries in the Off-White x Jordan Brand catalog. Built on the same deconstructed chassis as the “Chicago,” the yellow accents are subtle enough to separate it from the all-white “White” colorway without being too loud.

It didn’t generate the same demand as its siblings at the time of release. However, it has gained more appreciation in the years since. The signature Off-White details are all present: zip tie, exposed foam, deconstructed Swoosh, and the colorway holds up well on its own terms.

8. Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “Black/Varsity Royal”

The “Black/Varsity Royal” Low arrived in November 2021 alongside the “White/Varsity Red” as a two-colorway AJ2 drop. While both pairs helped bring renewed attention to the AJ2 silhouette, this colorway is the stronger of the two.

The black lizard-textured upper works well with the royal blue accents throughout. Additionally, the cracked and aged midsole finish gives it a worn-in look that fits the overall aesthetic.

For a silhouette that had spent years being overlooked, the Off-White treatment gave it a legitimate reason to exist again.

7. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “White” 2018

The “White” AJ1 was actually Virgil’s original concept for the shoe before the “Chicago” colorway took over. He changed direction after the all-white palette looked too similar to a white Nike Dunk.

Consequently, the “White” was released as a European exclusive in 2018, about a year after “The Ten.” It carries the same deconstructed details as the “Chicago” with the exposed foam, detached Swoosh, and zip tie. But the clean white palette puts more focus on the construction itself.

It is a quieter release than most in the collection, but an important one for understanding Abloh’s original vision.

6. Off-White x Air Jordan 2 Low “White/Varsity Red”

The AJ2 Low “White/Varsity Red” dropped in November 2021 and was among Virgil Abloh’s last completed projects. It references the original 1986 “White/Red” AJ2 colorway fairly directly.

The white leather upper with red piping and heel overlay stays close to the source material. Meanwhile, the Off-White details, zip tie, Helvetica text, and exposed foam are applied consistently with the rest of the collection.

The pre-yellowed midsole and cracked sidewalls give it a deliberately aged finish. Overall, it is a straightforward entry in the catalog that does exactly what it sets out to do.

5. Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Muslin”

The “Muslin” AJ5 takes its name from the unbleached cotton fabric commonly used in fashion prototyping. The light grey synthetic upper features a translucent grid overlay and circular cutouts on the mid-panel and collar.

It is a more neutral colorway than most of the Off-White x Jordan Brand releases. As a result, it tends to be more versatile in terms of wearability.

The pre-yellowed outsole is consistent with the aged aesthetic Abloh applied to several other entries in the collection. It is not the flashiest release on this list, but it is a well-executed one.

4. Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail” WMNS

The AJ4 “Sail” was released exclusively in women’s sizing, first appearing on the runway at Paris Fashion Week in February 2020 before hitting the market in July of that year.

The deconstructed leather upper and semi-translucent TPU on the eyelets, wings, and heel panel give it a more stripped-back look than the standard AJ4. The monochromatic sail colorway is consistent throughout.

Upon release, it became one of the most sought-after women’s sneakers in the resale market. It also served as a sample during Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art.

3. Off-White x Air Jordan 5 “Sail”

The “Sail” AJ5 released on NBA All-Star Weekend 2020 and drew directly from the original 1990 Air Jordan 5 “Fire Red” as a reference point. Abloh had spoken publicly about his attachment to the AJ5 silhouette, describing it as one of the shoes he grew up most connected to.

The light grey synthetic upper features a translucent grid overlay, circular cutouts, and a pre-yellowed outsole. Together, those details give it a vintage feel that works well on the silhouette.

It is widely considered the stronger of the two Off-White AJ5 releases, and the resale market has reflected that consistently.

2. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “UNC”

The “UNC” released alongside the “Chicago” as part of “The Ten” in 2017 and applies the same deconstructed approach to a powder blue and white colorway. The UNC palette has a long history within Jordan Brand, which gives this release some additional context beyond the Off-White collaboration itself.

The exposed foam, semi-detached Swoosh, and zip tie are all present, as they are across the rest of the AJ1 entries in the collection. It is a less obvious choice than the “Chicago,” but it is just as well-constructed and has held its value in the resale market accordingly.

1. Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High “Chicago”

The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” released as part of “The Ten” in 2017 and is widely regarded as the most significant sneaker collaboration of that decade. Abloh applied his deconstructed approach to the AJ1’s classic “Chicago” colorway, exposing internal construction details and adding Off-White branding throughout.

The semi-detached Swoosh, exposed foam tongue, zip tie, and “AIR” stamp on the midsole became defining visual elements that influenced the direction of sneaker collaborations for years afterward. Resale prices remain among the highest for any Jordan Brand release.

Nearly a decade later, it is still the standard against which other collabs are measured.

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The post Ranking Every Virgil Abloh x Jordan Brand Collaboration appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The custom Rolls features a white exterior with a teal illuminated grille that directly mirrors the blue colorway of his Vol. 10s. Notably, Harden stepped out wearing the matching Harden Vol. 10 in white and blue to complete the look. Everything from the car to the shoes was coordinated intentionally.

Harden was acquired by the Cavaliers in a midseason trade and has since averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Furthermore, in Game 1, he passed Larry Bird to move into 13th place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list.

Additionally, Harden enters this postseason chasing the one thing missing from his resume: an NBA championship ring. Arriving in a custom Rolls-Royce named after his own shoe signals that he came to Cleveland for exactly that reason.

The Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors in the first round. Meanwhile, Harden continues to position himself as the veteran leader this team needs. Both on and off the court, he’s clearly arrived.

Read More: Kevin Durant Wore Nigel Sylvester’s Jordan 1 In The Tunnel For Game 1

James Harden’s Playoffs V10 Rolls-Royce

The custom “Playoffs V10” Rolls-Royce is a direct visual extension of James Harden’s Adidas Harden Vol. 10 signature shoe. The car is dressed in all white with a striking teal and blue illuminated grille that mirrors the blue colorway of his playoff sneakers.

The interior features white and baby blue leather with red accent stitching, adding a premium contrast throughout. Harden stepped out of the vehicle wearing a matching all-white linen outfit with the blue Vol. 10s on his feet, tying the entire look together.

Overall, it’s a rare moment where a player’s car and signature shoe tell the exact same story simultaneously. If the “Playoffs V10” is any indication, James Harden came here to make his mark.

Read More: Travis Scott Rocks His Upcoming Air Jordan 1 Low Courtside

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In a livestream clip shared via his DJ Akademiks TV page on Instagram, the commentator claimed labels and artists are paying close attention to Drake’s ICEMAN rollout. This process included relentless social media teases, livestreams pairing with new singles, debates over release date speculation, and much more.

Akademiks believes this could set a new “meta” for releases in the music industry. After all, Drizzy is such a massive artist that anything he does successfully could be a model to follow.

“People are looking at Drake, who already the game is looking at [as] the reset guy, [to] see what the new meta is in how to do [a rollout]” DJ Akademiks remarked. “There’s a meta. People are looking at Drake for him to invent the new way of how music is consumed and how you galvanize and captivate an audience with the music and the rollout. Is it the surprise release? […] Is Drake going to drop one week and then [another part of the project] the next week? Who knows?”

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When Is Drake Dropping ICEMAN?

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“I think Drake is going to do what is best for him,” he continued. “If he drops a single, he validates that n***as need a single… Whatever Drake does is going to dictate, and every other label and artist is going to take note. ‘This is how we need to pop out’… Drake should get credit for the four-pack… Maybe that, right?”

Whatever Drake does with ICEMAN, he still hasn’t confirmed a release date. Many folks thought he might drop the album this week, but that wasn’t the case. The constant speculation is certainly creating a rollout in and of itself.

But The Boy did hint that he turned ICEMAN in, so maybe it’s right around the corner. Either way, whatever happens with the full-length will likely have a butterfly effect for future mainstream releases.

Read More: Kanye West Doesn’t Need Redemption—He Needs To Be Held Accountable

The post DJ Akademiks Claims Labels & Artists Will Copy Drake’s “ICEMAN” Rollout appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In a clip caught by No Jumper on Instagram, you can see the couple laughing with the woman and recalling how they know each other. While they didn’t go over any details, the woman did joke about Guwop not knowing how to swim. In any case, it’s a nice reprieve from more drama-filled narratives online.

Speaking of which, this seems to be at the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions’ home opener game. To perform a halftime show there yesterday (Saturday, April 18), Gucci Mane popped out publicly for the first time since the Shiesty debacle blew up with Pooh’s arrest.

In addition, Keyshia Ka’oir posted a message to social media expressing support for her husband amid all the backlash. “My husband is my world & I’ll 4Eva ride fa him! MRS GUWOP [red heart emoji],” she wrote on her Instagram Story.

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Where Was Gucci Mane Born?

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For those unaware, Gucci Mane was born in Bessemer, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. He eventually moved to Atlanta as a child. But before that was when the woman Gucci reunited in Birmingham with saved him from drowning, presumably in the state. As such, this is a full-circle moment for him for many reasons.

It’s this heartening reflection that might motivate Gucci Mane amid hip-hop blasting him. While many folks have more ire for Pooh Shiesty for allegedly robbing and kidnapping him, many others levied snitching accusations against Guwop, especially after his “Crash Dummy” diss to his 1017 artist.

In fact, some folks are even blaming Gucci Mane’s wife Keyshia Ka’oir for her husband’s moves. Therefore, her words on the matter and putting them out there in the first place are unsurprising.

After this Birmingham reunion and halftime show, we will see how Gucci moves concerning the Shiesty allegations. Amid all the chaos, he might be ready now to re-enter the public world.

Read More: Kanye West Doesn’t Need Redemption—He Needs To Be Held Accountable

The post Gucci Mane Reunites With Woman Who Saved His Life As A Kid appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Boosie made it clear he’s a Kendrick fan too, but he took specific issue with how the narrative against his rival changed. “I don’t like how all these artists left this man to hang,” he expressed, as caught by J O $ H U A on Twitter. “Since I been home, I watched this man boost people’s career, didn’t have to do it. For everybody to just look the other way… This n***a put money in a lot of people’s pockets… If I was that n***a, I would be hurt. The joke’s on him if he go back to them n***as… He back number one. Everywhere I go, I’m still hearing f***ing Drake.”

Also, the Baton Rouge rapper said “music is dynamic” and the 6ix God will bounce back on top in no time. It joins Boosie Badazz’s other defenses of Drake, such as expressing empathy for him after Kendrick did the Super Bowl halftime show last year.

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Boosie Badazz Speaks On Drake

Still, Boosie Badazz thinks Kendrick Lamar beat Drake, so his remarks here aren’t about arguing over who emerged victorious. He made that assessment in July of 2024, arguing that Lamar kept his foot on the gas while The Boy wasn’t fully out of the race, but at a lower pace.

With Drake’s new album ICEMAN on the way, maybe its release and its content matter will lead folks to reevaluate the 2024 rap battle. But a lot of the discourse right now is about whether or not you can even call this a “comeback.” After all, the Toronto superstar did not just disappear off the face of the Earth after losing to the Compton lyricist.

As for Boosie Badazz’s other rap beef takes, he is very disappointed in Gucci Mane for dissing Pooh Shiesty on the “Crash Dummy” diss track. We’ll see if he has anything else to say about how that debacle is panning out.

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The post Boosie Badazz Calls Out Drake’s Friends For Not Supporting Him During Battle appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to an exclusive AllHipHop report from Grouchy Greg Watkins, Tompkins brought up an alleged 2005 altercation over the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ movie. She claimed Fif made her sign paperwork in a scuffle at Violator Management’s New York offices. Violator was working with the rapper at the time.

“When he looked at it and saw that I signed ‘Jane Doe’, he grabbed me by the hair, dragged to the other end of the office, pushed me to the floor and started choking me telling me that he will hurt and embarrass me right there at the offices of Violator Records if I didn’t sign,” she reportedly wrote in her newly filed sworn affidavit.

50 Cent’s legal team denied Shaniqua Tompkins’ claims, urging the court to focus on her current alleged violation of the life rights agreement rather than past allegations. “Although Tompkins’ pleading contains (false) allegations that Jackson threatened force to coerce her into signing a prior agreement, it is not the agreement that is at issue in this action,” attorney Lisa Coyle reportedly expressed. “Tompkins claims (falsely) that a different agreement was signed in 2005 due to allegedly threatened violence. No such allegations are included regarding execution of the [book] Agreement.”

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Shaniqua Tompkins’ Allegations Against 50 Cent

Shaniqua Tompkins’ retorts against 50 Cent claim the life rights agreement was under duress, and that the film contract never netted her any money or full knowledge of the agreement. That contract dispute allegedly resulted in a forced signature. Her attorneys paint all these agreements as falling victim to unjust pressure and threats.

On the other hand, 50 Cent’s team claims Shaniqua Tompkins defrauded them by speaking on their relationship, abuse allegations, and more. They want her to face accountability for allegedly violating the agreement with interviews and alleged television opportunities.

Now, a New York court must rule on this matter and decide whether to focus on the life rights agreement’s terms or the nature of all the contract agreements as a whole.

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The post 50 Cent Accused Of Choking Out Ex To Get Her To Sign Film Contract appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As for the initial spat, Bobby responded to a streamer asking whether or not Hov runs hip-hop. “Man, f**k them n***as, n***a,” he remarked, as caught by No Jumper on IG. “Opp Nation. He don’t run it. F**k them n***as, man. I’ll slap the s**t out of Jay-Z, b***h n***a. I don’t fight, I shoot n***as.”

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After this clip went viral, Shmurda took to Instagram to rant about folks “stealing, cheating, and lying” for a billion dollars, and even referenced slapping someone. “Lesson come with blessing,” he wrote in his post. “Stealing cheating lying does not make you a Boss, Smart Or a businessman. I don’t care if you did it for a billion dollars. You still a bum. Now my point is… if a crackhead steals some millions out the trap does that not make him a crackhead anymore? Or is he now a get money N***a? I mean, ok he got the money but come on Boss/businessman.”

“Top of the business,” the caption stated. “Wipe your nose before you talk to me and ima light my spliff so I don’t slap the s**t out of nobody lml …. have a great weekend.”

Bobby also posted an Instagram Story today (Sunday, April 19) about the New York industry. But again, it’s another vague post that doesn’t have anything explicitly to do with the Roc Nation mogul. Still, fans are connecting these purported dots, and the timing of it all can’t be ignored.

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Bobby Shmurda’s Jay-Z Criticisms

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For those unaware, Bobby Shmurda signed a management deal with Roc Nation back in 2021. But it seems like this quickly broke down. Last year, Bobby Shmurda joked about Jay-Z and Roc Nation being behind the rumors around Diddy and Meek Mill. While many fans took his criticisms as gospel, he said he was just trolling and doesn’t seem to take these accusations very seriously.

We will see if Shmurda confirms this all as just playing around, if he’s serious about his combativeness, or if he referred to Hov with these recent social media posts.

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The post Bobby Shmurda Threatens To Slap Jay-Z Before Ranting About Billionaires appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Despite the injury, Durant’s footwear choice didn’t go unnoticed. The shoe is one of the most talked-about Jordan Brand collabs in recent memory. Seeing it on KD’s feet in the playoffs tunnel only adds to its cultural credibility.

The “Better With Time” collab comes from NYC BMX rider Nigel Sylvester. He who continues to blur the line between performance and storytelling. Furthermore, the shoe features tumbled black leather with intentional scuff marks, nodding to the everyday wear of BMX life.

Additionally, unique details include custom “Bike Air” branding on the tongue and insole, reflective tracings around the lateral Swoosh, and a mini Swoosh logo at the toe. Every element of the shoe has a purpose behind it.

As for Durant, his status going forward remains unclear. The Rockets and Lakers series is one of the most anticipated first-round matchups of the playoffs. Missing key games with a knee contusion at this stage is far from ideal.

Overall, even sidelined, KD knows how to make a statement.

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Why Isn’t Kevin Durant Playing?

Kevin Durant is currently sidelined with a right knee contusion. That’s why he missed Game 1 against the Lakers.

The injury adds significant uncertainty to Houston’s playoff hopes. Durant remains one of the most important players on the roster. The Rockets will need to find a way to fill his absence.

The Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Better With Time” is one of the most distinctive collabs Jordan Brand has produced in years. The black tumbled leather upper is the same as the Air Jordan 3. Also, it gives the shoe a broken-in feel straight out of the box.

There are intentional scuffs on the toe guard and cream-ish Swooshes on the panels. Further a varsity red rubber outsole that rounds out a deeply considered design. The lateral Swoosh is removed entirely, replaced with design lines that represent evolution and precision.

Overall it’s a shoe built around a story and that story only gets better and better over time.

Read More: Michael Jordan Wears Air Jordan 5 “White Metallic” At Kansas Speedway

The post Kevin Durant Wore Nigel Sylvester’s Jordan 1 In The Tunnel For Game 1 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Eventually, things smoothed out and she made her way onstage, even bringing out the one and only Missy Elliott to perform. But the Bronx superstar still wasn’t very happy. While performing onstage at the Atlanta arena, she made it clear she has no plans to return there to perform.

“I’m pissed off right now, I ain’t gon’ lie,” Cardi expressed. “This arena been playing a lot of f***ing games with me. This will be the last time I’m ever in this b***h. Next time, b***h, I’m having my concert in the parking lot, b***h. I’m tired of y’all playing with me. This y’all f***ing second time. I still f**k with the Atlanta Hawks, though.”

If she sticks with this promise for future concerts and tours, she will have to move to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta to perform in the city while avoiding the State Farm Arena. Or, alternatively, there are other options like the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Truist Park in Cumberland, or the Gateway Center Arena in College Park.

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Cardi B Nearly Cancels Show

The “Enough (Miami)” femcee went live on Instagram hours before her show last night, and showed herself yelling at staff. “You and your f***ing employees are being disrespectful, I’m not going to perform today… Let me tell you why,” she remarked. “We got in here, your employees are being f***ing rude for no reason, being rude for no reason. Pointing fingers for no reason, touching people for no reason. I feel a certain type of way, because you’re being disrespectful. I did 35 shows, and I never had a problem, and we’ve been kind to everybody. So no, now I’m leaving.”

Later, Cardi tweeted to reassure fans that she would perform, but the shade persisted. While this development was a speed bump for Cardi B’s successful tour, it didn’t derail it… But it might hold future consequences.

Read More: Usher & Chris Brown Songs We Need To Hear On Their R&B Tour

The post Cardi B Vows To Never Perform In Atlanta Arena Again After Staff Fight appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Specifically, the clip comes from Ray Daniels on the TFU Podcast. The music executive talked about Ye being able to sell out shows despite controversies and pushback from “the system,” praising his connection with fans and referencing the apology as a significant step towards commercial and cultural viability.

“In the midst of him being canceled, he sold 70,000 tickets in L.A.,” Daniels remarked. “Everybody that tried to cancel him, all those guys that run Morgan Stanley, run this bank, totally don’t want your money, their kids were in the stadium… They are a system that’s against him. Everybody hates the system. The system lined up against this man, and you can’t beat him ’cause he got the people… I love him, I love it. This comeback is so satisfying… I love everything about it… Every other label said they don’t want to touch him… Y’all tried to kill me and all y’all paid to see me stand right back on top of the f***ing world… Ego would tell you, ‘I’m not going to say sorry’… Write the letter. Let’s get it over with… He also has mental issues that we publicly know, but we still punish him… Why can’t we leave him alone when he’s going off?”

Read More: Kanye West Doesn’t Need Redemption—He Needs To Be Held Accountable

Kanye West’s Apology

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According to Complex, Ye reposted this clip on his Instagram Story earlier this weekend. Ray Daniels’ remarks about banks approach antisemitic stereotypes about Jewish people controlling banks and other institutions.

Kanye West continues to apologize for his antisemitism. “After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” he recently tweeted. “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends. I take full responsibility for what’s mine, but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it. My fans are everything to me. Looking forward to the next shows. See you at the top of the globe.”

But rhetoric like this Daniels clip, and sharing it, might complicate the Chicago artist’s re-entry into public favor. We will see what the next developments are and what comes of Ye’s politically jeopardized stadium concert run.

Read More: Ye’s “Bully” Arrives Amid Kanye West Praise & Fatigue

The post Kanye West Shares Clip With Antisemitic Stereotypes Praising His Comeback appeared first on HotNewHipHop.