LL Cool J is staking his claim as a pioneer in blending Air Jordans with hip-hop fashion, a move he says helped shape the iconic sneakers into a cultural phenomenon.
In a recent in-depth interview with Big Boy, the rap legend reflected on his early influence, revealing that he was one of the first rappers to rock the now-legendary basketball shoes. According to LL, he donned Air Jordans before they were widely embraced by the hip-hop community in the mid-1980s.
“My first album cover, I had the Jordan sneakers on when Michael Jordan was just a rookie,” LL shared, referencing the back cover of his groundbreaking 1985 Radio album.
In the photo, he’s seen sporting black and red Air Jordan 1s a bold choice at a time when Adidas and Puma dominated the hip-hop wardrobe.
“Michael Jordan didn’t even have championships yet. He was just starting out, and everyone else was rocking Adidas or Puma,” LL added. “But I liked the sneakers, so I put the Jordans on. The rest is history.”
LL Cool J’s early adoption of the iconic kicks underscores how hip-hop artists have consistently influenced global fashion trends. Today, Air Jordans remain synonymous with both basketball and hip-hop culture, solidifying their status as a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
