California rap group Cypress Hill is teaming up with Six Hundred Four, a Vancouver shoe company, to release a line of weed-themed kicks. The limited edition collection commemorates the 25th anniversary of the band’s number one album, Black Sunday (1993).
On first take the sneakers are somewhat underwhelming, but the true genius is in the subtle design nods highlighting the group’s history of pot advocacy and tracks, like “Hits from a Bong”.Cypress Hill Black Sunday sneakers in Bud.SIXHUNDREDFOUR
“In many ways this sneaker reflects exactly what we’re about as music creators—unwavering pro-cannabis artistry,” says B-Real, Cypress Hill’s front man in a release. “It has the most marijuana-themed elements of any shoe out there, yet those elements are only discoverable to those who really understand us.”Cypress Hill Black Sunday sneakers in Cherry Ember.SIXHUNDREDFOUR
Let’s break it down. First, the sneakers are made from hemp fibre and come in four faded tones: bud (green), glass (turquoise), cherry ember (red), and quadruple smoke (black). Each pair comes fitted with a classic stash pocket in the tongue. The side paneling features a silhouette inspired by South California’s hilly landscape in celebration of the State’s recent recreational legalization. Look closer and peeking out from the side paneling is the jagged edge of a pot leaf. Turn the shoe around and the heel counter and pull tab combine to create the base and neck of a bong, complete with a downstem. Even the eyelet was designed to resemble the spark wheel of a Bic lighter engraved with a 25. Finally, the retro chunky rubber sole is a throwback to early 90s style trends the group would have rocked when the album was first released.Cypress Hill Black Sunday sneakers in Quadruple Smoke.SIXHUNDREDFOUR
The sneaker company, which sells exclusively through their website and Gastown showroom (151 Cambie St.), joins forces with artists to create 604 limited edition pairs of shoes reflecting their artwork. In Cypress Hill’s collection, only 151 will be available in each colour.
The sneakers are currently only available for pre-order and run for $250 CAD.Cypress Hill Black Sunday sneakers in Glass.SIXHUNDREDFOUR
The forefathers of West Coast rap recently helped Canadians celebrate the federal legalization of weed, headlining a Canopy Growth Corporation party on October 17 at Fortune Sound Club in Vancouver.Follow Piper Courtenay on Twitter @PiperCourtenay and Instagram @PiperCourtenay
