Cam'ron Reminisces on Allen Iverson and Reebok Sneakers

Image via Reebok

Since the early 2000s, Cam’ron has been an important figure in fashion and the music industry. From pushing boundaries by bringing the color pink to the forefront of pop culture with his iconic pink outfit from a 2002 Baby Phat show, to dropping Purple Haze, his fourth studio album considered a classic by many hip-hop fans, in 2004. Look no further than your Instagram feed on Halloween, where you’re bound to see someone on the timeline in a pink mink coat with a matching flip phone.

Cam would go on to form legendary rap group, The Diplomats, which would take flashy, baggy clothes, bandanas, furs, and fitted caps to a new echelon. The group assisted in making True Religion jeans, B.B. Simon belts, and Ed Hardy T-shirts a trend in hip-hop culture (not to mention their Supreme photo tee from 2006 that resells today for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market). Their influence would pave the way for future artists and groups such as the ASAP Mob.

Around the same time, Virginia native and Philadelphia 76ers star, Allen Iverson, was also making waves in sports and fashion. He’s often credited for playing a role in bridging the gap between basketball and hip-hop fashion. AI was ahead of the curve, swapping the standard suits and ties for loose-fitting clothes, jewelry, durags, and snapbacks. Despite the NBA enforcing a dress code in 2005 that limited the clothing choices players could make, Iverson’s impact on hoops style had already been cemented.

Throughout AI’s career, he would sport his signature Reebok sneakers that were beloved by his fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Cam’ron would also collaborate with Reebok years later, having three official collaborations under his belt, including a Reebok Ventilator inspired by Purple Haze. His latest partnership with Reebok sees the Diplomats co-founder showcase AI’s classic Reebok Question silhouette in a new “Pink Toe” colorway. Although it’s not an official collaboration, Cam’ron participated in a promotional photo shoot for the sneakers.

We had the chance to talk with Cam’ron about his views on the legacy he and AI have left on the industry and current views in the sneaker landscape. Check out the conversation below.

 

Image via Reebok

I see you rocking the Reebok Question in this photo shoot, but what would you say is your favorite Reebok sneaker? The Iversons? Shawn Kemps? The Classics?

Iversons, no doubt.

I know that years ago, you said you own over 2,000 pairs of sneakers. How many sneakers would you say you have in your collection now?

I have double that now.

Do you have any fond sneaker memories with Reebok growing up in Harlem or coming up in your career?

Yeah, we used to be hyped to see all the girls around town in their Reebok with the two straps—the 5411s—the Freestyle. Those were good times.

As a fashion icon, what advice would you give people on how to style these Reeboks on a regular day? What’s the fit looking like?

They’re versatile, but they look especially good with a sweatsuit. My fit today would be pretty much how I rocked it back then—all white. Clean and laid back.

 

Image via Reebok

Nowadays, resell culture has changed a lot in sneakers. I’ve even seen your Fleeboks resell for over $400. How do you feel about sneaker reselling and could you justify spending over $1,000 on a pair of shoes that originally cost $100?

I’m not buying no resell sneakers. Even if I want a pair of shoes so bad, I refuse to spend $200 on a pair of kicks that I know only cost $60 or $70 originally. I couldn’t justify it. But it’s a hustle and I understand that.

How does it feel seeing your sneakers sell out, or being out in public and seeing people wear your sneakers, or merch with your face on it?

It’s a great feeling. I’m just truly grateful. Not many people get this opportunity.

 

Image via Reebok

Lately, it’s become a thing in the sneaker world where people don’t mind or even go out of their way to make their sneakers look dirty and aged for a vintage feel. Are you down with that or are you firm on keeping a fresh, clean pair of kicks at all times?

Nah, I gotta keep a fresh pair of kicks all the time. That’s my style.

You and Allen Iverson both came up in the ‘90s and left your mark on the industry in your own way. What are your thoughts on the legacies you two have in sneakers?

Being in the NBA and having the story and profile he had, it was only right that Allen got a shoe deal, and that shoe is one of the most important in history because of who he is, what he did for the game and for the culture. Artists like myself weren’t really known back then for having sneaker deals, so I’m just thankful and grateful I was able to impact fashion and style in a different way, in the short term and long term.