May will be a big month for Kendrick Lamar. For one, the critically acclaimed rapper's long-awaited fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, will be out on May 13. Secondly, it seems likely that we're getting a slew of goodies—from merch to music videos to who knows what else—in the upcoming days to build up to the release. And getting the ball rolling is a white-hot sneaker collaboration between Lamar's pgLang company and Converse.
Lamar founded pgLang back in 2020, with his longtime collaborator Dave Free, as a hybrid of a record label, creative studio, and production house blurring the lines between music, art, and fashion. This marks the pgLang's first time teaming up with Converse, and Lamar and Free made sure to deliver the goods. Two of Converse's most iconic silhouettes–the Chuck 70 and the Pro Leather—get remixed with a minimalist and cream-toned twist. Each shoe gets elevated with hiking-style eyelets, a distinct asymmetrical rubber varnish, and exposed stitching details. (There are also cryptic text graphics that appear throughout the sneaker.) The end result is a high-end and design-forward version of two classic Converse silhouettes you know and love.
Lamar tends to be quite selective when it comes to the companies he works with and the products that bear his association. This is to say that a Lamar co-signed sneaker only comes around every once in a while. (His Nike sneakers have been feverishly loved—and few and far between.) So, it should come as little surprise that these sneakers sold out in a flash when they dropped yesterday. However, you can snag the Chuck 70 and Pro Leather on StockX for now—and be sure to keep your eyes posted on what else Kendrick has up his sleeve this month.