Andre 3000’s penchant for wearing the classic Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement” paid off Monday when he was gifted a special customized version of the sneaker.
The thoughtful gift came courtesy of fellow Atlanta native Kordale Toomer, better known as K.O., who met up with the rapper-turned-flutist at the city’s Sole Play shoe store.
“Pulled up on Andre 3000 and gave him his flowers in the form of a special Black Cement 3!,” the influencer wrote on X. “Continue leading and inspiring Andre! Thank you for representing the city of Atlanta unapologetically and inspiring creatives to continue moving that mission forward.”
The customized version of the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3 gifted to Andre 3000 featured the logo of his “New Blue Sun” solo album in place of the sneaker’s usual “Nike Air” heel branding. The shoes also came with a redesigned hangtag featuring the same graphic seen on the heel along with a silhouette of Andre 3000 playing the flute, which is featured on the physical version of the album.
“That’s so crazy, ‘cause I wear them all the time, I’ve been getting them off [StockX],” Andre 3000 said upon seeing the Air Jordan 3 shoebox, before realizing the sneakers had been personally customized.
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Over the last decade, Andre 3000 has been known to frequently wear black-based colorways of early Jordan models, namely the Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 5. Of them all, the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3 has been his most-worn style, and he recently wore the sneaker while appearing alongside former partner Erykah Badu during her acceptance of the Fashion Icon Award at the 2024 CFDA Awards.
And what’s more, the former OutKast member added that he’s attempted to get his own collaboration with Jordan Brand to no avail.
“That’s funny, ’cause we’ve been trying to get a collab for a minute,” said Andre 3000.
Official collaboration or not, it’s safe to say that the artist’s love of the Air Jordan 3 hasn’t gone unnoticed.
As for the standard Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement,” the sneaker will make its much-anticipated return to retail on Saturday, Nov. 23.
