Sole Collector Survey: Joey Bada$$

The New York rapper talks classic kicks.

by Gerald Flores

He may be new to the game, but Joey Bada$$ knows what a classic sneaker is. The rapper, whose debut album—B4.Da.$$—debuted this week, was picked by adidas to celebrate the relaunch of the Superstar in New York. “It meant hip-hop to me. It meant breaking. It meant classic,” Joey said of the sneaker, which he says he didn't own until last year. No matter when he first laced up his first pair, the sneaker has more of a meaning to the rapper than you think. “When Russell Simmons came to the offices, he had on some shelltoes,” Joey said. “Everyone else had business suits, and he had on some jeans and shelltoes. Straight hip-hop. Rocking shell-toes is actually making a statement.” 

One thing I always carry in the recording studio is a book. Any book that draws my attention on energy.

Best city to go sneaker shopping is New York. It has everything you could possibly want.

Earliest music memory is watching Biggie on TV. We just ran to the television every time Biggie came on. I was 2, maybe even 1.

Style trend I want to come back is nothing because shit will come back anyway. With fashion and with music, trends are on like a 20 year loop. Shit always comes back.  If it’s out right now, it’s going to come back in a minute.

One artist I need to collaborate with is Kendrick Lamar. I got a lot of respect for him as an MC and as a person. He’s like one of those artists in the game that I really have a high level of respect for and set at a high stature.

One friend of mine that has more sneakers than me is nobody. I don’t think I know anyone. It’s just me. I don’t know how many I have in my stash, but I have a lot.