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It’s been 30 years since The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album Ready to Die was released, and the rapper’s music and legacy is being celebrated in a new collaboration with Timberland.
Biggie was one of the first rappers to start wearing Timberland boots, and is credited as one of the artists who helped to raise the profile of the footwear brand in both hip-hop and popular culture. Now, the long-time mutual admiration is realized in Timberland’s Christopher Wallace Collection, which reimagines the brand’s iconic 6-inch boot in two new styles, each inspired by “Biggie’s impact through the blend of music, fashion and culture.”
Timberland x Notorious B.I.G. Boots (Black)
Buy Now AT CHAMPS SPORTS $210
Buy Now AT FOOT LOCKER $210
The Timberland x Notorious B.I.G. collaboration features the original Timberland boot updated with iconography from Ready to Die: think Biggie’s name etched into the heel of the sole and embossed on the collar; the “baby” from the Ready to Die album cover on the shoe tongue; gold tone accents and detailing; laces inspired by aux cables; and a gold crown hangtag that pays tribute to the “King of NYC.”
Timberland says they wanted to keep the details subtle, in keeping with Biggie’s “clean, rugged and timeless” style. “We wanted to design the boots as if he was wearing them,” explains Chris Dixon, Senior Footwear Designer of Advanced Concepts and Energy at Timberland, “[while] keeping it clean like the album cover of Ready to Die.”
In addition to callouts to the album cover, Dixon says fans will appreciate all the subtle design elements that went into the shoe. “Nods to his eyewear and chainswent into the hardware, lace locks and hang tags,” he tells Rolling Stone, “and the lace and agletsare symbolic of the 90s aux cord from the time of Walkman and Discman with the OG taslan lace.”
Reps from Timberland say the rapper was a “natural fit” for the brand collaboration, citing his wearing of “Timbs” in his music videos and everyday street style. “By wearing and referencing Timberland in both his life and music (in songs like ‘Juicy’ and ‘Hypnotize’), Biggie helped solidify the brand’s connection to popular culture, especially within the hip-hop community,” offers Geraldo Rodriguez, VP of Global Energy Marketing at Timberland. “Biggie’s impact extended beyond music, and his connection to the brand helped cement its relevance in hip-hop and how style and fashion blends with music overall.”
Timberland x Notorious B.I.G. Boots (Wheat)
Buy Now AT CHAMPS SPORTS $210
Buy Now AT FOOT LOCKER $210
Timberland has long had a relationship with the music industry, especially within hip-hop. Aside from The Notorious B.I.G., the brand’s shoes have been mentioned or worn by artists as far back as Kool G Rap, Wu-Tang Clan and Nas. Carrying the heft of a work boot with the casualness of a sneaker, Timberland’s 6-inch boot became a mainstay in music videos and performances. Biggie, meantime, helped to popularize the versatility of Timbs. “His fashion choices, especially his looks with oversized clothes, suits, Coogi sweaters, denim and classic wheat Timberland boots, created a distinctive image that many associate with 90s hip-hop culture,” Dixon says.
Rodriguez, meantime, tells Rolling Stone that the rapper’s “notable style and iconic artistry helped elevate Timberland’s beloved yellow boots as an essential piece of fashion, and introduced a new generation of change-makers and icons to the brand.”
The Timberland x Notorious B.I.G. collection is available in men’s and kid’s sizing, and will be available for purchase beginning on September 27 at select Foot Locker and Champs Sports locations. As part of the collaboration, Timberland will be making a donation to the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, which offers programming to promote reading literacy for children and families.
Ready To Die (30th Anniversary Edition)
$32.99
$34.98
6% off
Buy Now On Amazon
The Timberland collab isn’t the only special release in honor of Ready to Die’s anniversary. Amazon has a2-LP black vinyl reissue that features a newly reimagined limited edition cover. Your purchase also includes an MP3 version of the album that you can download and keep.
