If you didn?t know Kendrick Lamar two years ago, you do now. In the time since his first in-store appearance at the Nice Kicks Shop, Lamar has won over fans and critics, paved a lane for his TDE team, and released the most acclaimed hip-hop album in recent memory. Hours after shutting down (and nearly breaking) the Illmore and minutes after ciphering with Sway, we caught up with Kendrick once again to discuss sneakers, second albums, and fashion influence.
Nice Kicks: You stick mostly to the classics when it comes to kicks. What’s the one pair of sneakers that will never get old to you?
Kendrick Lamar: The Nike Cortez. I don’t know how it is around the world, but in LA I was influenced by the ’80s. My uncles wore Cortez; the type of gangster, OG vibe. They’re the originals, you can’t ever go wrong with them.
Kendrick Lamar in the Nike Cortez Navy/White (photo by LaVan Anderson)Nice Kicks: What kicks do you remember rocking when working on?good kid, m.A.A.d city?
Kendrick Lamar:?[Laughs] House shoes! In the booth I like to be comfortable. The ones that Ice Cube wears. I have to make the analogy through movies.
Nice Kicks: good kid, m.A.A.d city was compared to many classic debuts albums. When looking ahead to your next project, which sophomore albums stand out or inspire you?
Kendrick Lamar:?Classic second albums? (Dr. Dre’s)?2001. [Laughs] That’s cheating.
