This video with Jesse Leyva, Global Design Director for Nike Sportswear, outlines the releases of DJ AM and DJ Premier’s sneakers that dropped last weekend. First, he recounts the creative process of getting legendary hip-hop producer DJ Premier’s input on the sneaker, and even how AM and Primo were talking trash to each other about whose shoe would come our fresher. Another interesting tidbit comes when Jesse describes how AM had such an extensive sneaker collection that Nike had bought pairs back from him that they didn’t even have any more. Check the video for other insider information about these kicks.

It took no time to packed the house last evening as Nike Sportswear‘s 21 Mercer Street flagship in New York City marked the special release of 2 much awaited collaborations – the DJ AM Dunk Hi and DJ Premier Air Force 1. Though the official launch of both shoes will not be till this Saturday, January 9th. However, 30+ sneaker addicts lined last night anyway for the special release pack, a limited edition box set which includes both editions and 2 Serato vinyl records (in matching colorways), all in a customize box. For an added touch, DJ Premier autographed each box just ahead of the event.

The release details are finally available for these highly-anticipated collaborations between two landmark DJs and Nike Sportswear. Nike Sportswear is continuing the East and West theme with this collaborative release, with the late Adam Goldstein, aka DJ AM, representing the left coast, and 1/2 of Gang Starr, DJ Premier, representing the East. The DJ AM Dunk Hi features the legendary and innovative AC/DC-inspired logo on the tongue and perforations to match the markings on a Tecnics 1200 turntable on the heel atop a bit of reflective material. Premier’s Air Force 1 has a much more rugged look in it’s dark colors and tough materials. Premier’s name is laser-etched on the heels with another logo etched on the forefoot.
If you don’t already know the name DJ Premier, then you really don’t know the man who is arguably the most well-regarded producer in the history of hip-hop. With trademark cuts on choruses assembled from various hip-hop sources and a range of samples from Asian Funk to avant garde experimental music, Primo is a certified legend. Now, the man who made up one half of Gang Starr gets his own Air Force 1 model crafted from dark tones like brown and deep olive-ish green. Laser-etched on the heel is Primo’s name, and the clear outsole features graphics of the tools of the trade — the Technics 1200.This sneaker is set to drop on January 9th, along with the heavily-anticipated DJ AM dunk that we’ve shown you in the past. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate two wonderful DJs — AM and Premier at select Nike retailers like the House of Hoops. via: Dunk

DJ AM was an important part of sneaker culture, and his legacy as a premier sneaker collector is cemented with this sneaker, that was rumored to be shut down. Now, Freshness has images of the sneaker and it appears that the AM model will be released. The model shown here is a signature model that features his name and logo on the tongue. The colorway of black and red, along with the traditional Dunk colorblocking, make this a great classic model. 3M is used on the swoosh to bisect the sneaker and it’s also used behind the Technics 1200 turntable-inspired perforations on the heel in gradient dots. Look for more information on this highly-anticipated release, and in the meantime check out the DJ AM memorial fund Ebay auctions.
Style: 323955-600
Color: Varsity Red/Grey/Black

As mentioned previously, in the memory of DJ AM, who unexpectedly passed away this Summer, online auctioneer eBay, DECKSTAR, and UNDFTD are hosting a special sneaker auction event to help raise money for DJ AM Memorial Fund, a foundation setup to assist those struggling through dependency and addiction. On the docket is DJ AM’s personal sneaker collection, a 10-year venture now numbered around 900+ pairs, with numerous rare and highly sought after editions.
The auction kicked off at 4:30 pm PST (7:30 pm EST) on a specially arranged eBay auction page. An initial 37 pairs are offer in this first round, including a pair of Air Yeezy by Nike Sportswear and Kanye West, What The Dunk, Air Force 180 UNION, and a pair of P-Rod 2 signed by Stash for DJ AM. Each pair will be listed for 7 days and since it would be impossible to list all, new editions will be added onto the listing on a regular basis.

With heavy hearts, we are sad to report the passing of DJ AM, who was found unresponsive in his New York City apartment around 5 pm this afternoon. A constant force in the music industry, DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, created signature sounds on albums by Madonna, Will Smith, and Jay-Z. Last year, both Goldstein and collaborator Travis Barker (of Blink-182) narrowly escaped a private plane crash in South Carolina, one that killed 4 people, including close friend Chris Baker. Still recovering from burns and traumas suffered from that incident, DJ AM only recently return to the music scene. However, what most will remembered him by was his affection for sneakers. An active member on NikeTalk forums, DJ AM reportedly has over 600 pairs of sneakers in his collection as well as a special Nike Air Force 1 bearing his name. A dear friend and a passionate sneakerhead, he will be sorely missed.


