Nike

Joseph Cartagena, also known as Fat Joe, is a 5 time Grammy nominated recording artist, hailing from the South Bronx of New York. As the CEO of Terror Squad, in partnership with Atlantic Records, Fat Joe’s impression on Hip Hop began in 1990s. 

An avid sneaker collector, Fat Joe is also arguably one of the most influential figures in sneaker culture. With a collection rumored to be in the thousands, and numerous ‘Terror Squad’ & Nike collaborations under his belt, Fat Joe’s impact, bringing the gap between hip hop and sneakers is immense. 

A key moment came in 2004, on an episode of ‘MTV Cribs’, when Fat Joe, touring his sneaker room, picked up a pair of ‘Air Jordan VII Olympic’ sneakers and licked the outsole of the sneaker. A representation that the sneakers have never been worn, the infamous move sparked a trend that continues nearly 20 years later.

Seen here is a black and white rendition of Nike Air Force 1 ‘Terror Squad.’ Featuring a colorblocked black and white leather upper, a white midsole and black outsole, the pair also features black leather interior lining and white ‘TS’ branding on the heel.