The Notorious B.I.G. is being honored with a limited edition Air Jordan Sneaker to commemorate Hip Hop’s 50th birthday this year.
The sleek new sneakers were unveiled on the legendary rapper’s official Instagram page and was announced as a collaboration between the shoe brand and The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation. The Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII’s are now available for auction, with bidding starting at $1.
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“In a moment to champion self-belief, @jumpman23, The Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation and @sothebys collaborated on a limited release of the Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII in honor of the #JORDANYEAR (2023), and the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop,” the caption read. “23 pairs of The Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII are now open for bidding through 3 February, with bids starting at $1.”
It continued: “Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which aims to empower inner city youth with educational learning instruments, sponsorships, grants and community-based mentorship programs and campaigns, all in line with its motto, Think B.I.G. ‘Books Instead of Guns.’
The super-rare kicks will also be on public exhibition at Sotheby’s New York galleries from Monday (January 23) until February 3.
A separate post went into further detail about the Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII, highlighting the sneaker’s unique features which include a print-detailed insole and Biggie silhouette on the tongue.
“In addition to the sneaker’s highlights, listed below, the design features an inspired special edition print detailing on the insole — all styling which has become synonymous with The NOTORIOUS B.I.G,” the caption read.
“Sneaker’s Features: A Silhouette of Biggie on the Tongue, Tongue Tag, Highlighting His Infamous Lyrics: ‘It Was All A Dream’ and ‘If You Don’t Know, Now You Know.’ Classic Red and Black Plaid Flannel Pattern on the Sock Liner. Shoelaces Inscribed with the Word ‘Dream’ on the Angler. Special Edition Inspired Print Detailing on the Insole.”
The Christopher Wallace Air Jordan XIII is just the latest apparel to roll out in support of Hip Hop’s 50th birthday this year. In Biggie’s hometown of New York City, Grandmaster Flash, Roxanne Shante and other rap legends visited the Big Apple’s City Hall last November to announce planned celebrations for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and said they would begin slowly rolling out this year.
Photos snapped at the event showed numerous rap pioneers — including Slick Rick — standing alongside the city’s current mayor, Eric Adams, as they spoke about the celebrations planned in coordination with the Bronx’s Universal Hip Hop Museum, which will finally open its doors in 2024.
“Today, hip hop legends came together at City Hall to announce @uhhmuseum and NYC’s plan to celebrate hip hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023,” Flash wrote on Instagram. “It’s going to be big – I can’t wait to get started.”
The gathering came after Mayor Adams approved $5.5 million in funding for the Bronx museum last August.
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“First time in New York City history, we have a Hip Hop mayor,” Adams said during a press conference while stood next to Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. Laurie Cumbo, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner, was also in attendance.
“We have the power now where we can use the experience of these men and women here to reform how we use music to educate our children,” Adams said. “To not only build this project but to make sure the young people on this project don’t have a steel gun but a steel hammer so they can be a part of the construction.”
