This month, we celebrate the individuals who have challenged the status quo and paved their own lane of greatness within the creative industry.
Our three- part ‘BLACKPRINT’ series is an ode to those individuals who have inspired, motivated, and uplifted the community in many more ways than one. Whether it's spitting eclectic rhythms on a rap beat, being the upper echelon of fashion trends, or becoming the kingpin of the courts, every moment matters, and we want to make a Blackprint of it.
We continue the Blackprint series by revisiting the eclectic charm of the UK Black music scene and how it has become a cornerstone in sneaker culture.
1. 1990s: Generation of Jungle
Image courtesy of DJ History Website
The 90s opened the doors for a new recipe of sound. Fast breakbeats mixed with reggae riddims and the Dancehall landscape of the West Indies; Jungle was one of the UK's defining expressions of Black rave culture and was unlike anything we experienced before.
It was fresh, cool in demeanor, and delivered the slinkiest of charm to the underground music scene. Built on a community of inner-city Black ravers, B-Boys, suburban youth, and sound system bandits that grooved to the sounds of Fabio and Grooverider's legendary Rage residency at London's Heaven nightclub, with a new style on foot.
Skanking to 150 BPM for hours in a hotbox venue required comfort, agility, and endurance that performance trainers like the adidas Torsion range were designed to provide. Its Torsion System offered flexibility and midfoot support on a variety of surfaces, from sticky rave floors to grassy grounds, pairing its efforts with EVA foam cushioning that prioritized comfort.
Nike's performance lines, including the cushioned comfort of the Air Max 90s, also became part of the decade's growing trainer culture, alongside Reebok Classics and PUMA Suedes. By the late 90s, the arrival of the Nike Air Max Plus, with its bright gradient colorways, introduced another bold silhouette to the streets.
With brands offering a flurry of fluorescent styles, it meant that Black youth could create a style identity of their own. Baggy jeans, designer tracksuits, chunky gold jewellery, and those comfort trainers reassured the rave-goers that they would always look the part.
2. Grime Scene Style To The Max
Image courtesy of Flight Club
The turn of the millennium introduced a new generation of Black British musical talent. Straight from the council estates of East London, Grime was born, bringing together the bass-heavy influences of UK Garage, Jungle and Dancehall with razor-sharp lyricism and unapologetic attitude.
From pirate radio stations to legendary clashes, artists like Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Kano were pioneering a sound that would become the voice of a generation.
And what was on their feet? Nothing less than a fresh pair of Air Max.
The Nike Air Max 95, affectionately known as the '110s' thanks to its original £110 price tag, became an unofficial uniform of the Grime scene. Paired with oversized tracksuits, hoodies and fitted caps, the silhouette represented more than just footwear. It was a badge of identity, status and belonging.
But the Air Max love affair didn't stop there.
In 2003, Dizzee Rascal famously rocked the Nike Air Max BW on the cover of his groundbreaking debut album, Boy In Da Corner, cementing the Swoosh's place in Grime history.
Six years later, the East London MC took things one step further, joining forces with Nike and designer Ben Drury to create the Air Max 90 'Tongue N Cheek', celebrating his fourth studio album.
Dressed in premium cream leather, brushed suede and playful pink detailing, the limited-edition collaboration was a tongue-in-cheek nod to the very culture that helped shape his career.
From the ends to the international stage, Grime wasn't just changing the sound of British music. It was putting British trainer culture firmly on the map.
3. Modern Trainer Warfare
Image courtesy of @clint419 via Instagram
Fast-forward to the 2020s, and the UK Black music scene has entered a new era. From the hard-hitting 808s of UK Drill to the slick wordplay of British Rap, a new generation of artists has taken the foundations laid by Jungle and Grime and made a Blackprint of their own.
And just like their predecessors, they've brought a fresh sense of style along for the ride.
Enter Corteiz.
Founded by British-Nigerian creative Clint419, the London-born streetwear brand has become synonymous with the modern UK Rap scene, earning the approval of some of Britain's biggest musical talents, including Central Cee, Dave and Stormzy.
From music videos to everyday streetwear, Corteiz has become a recognizable part of the scene's visual identity.
Remember Dave and Central Cee's chart-topping 2023 anthem 'Sprinter'? Beyond the infectious bars and slick visuals, Dave's Corteiz jacket was making a statement of its own, proving that British streetwear could command just as much attention as the music itself.
But Corteiz wasn't finished making noise.
In 2023, the brand joined forces with Nike to reimagine a certified UK classic: the Air Max 95.
Its debut 'Gutta Green' colorway combined military-inspired green hues, camouflage detailing, and the unmistakable Corteiz Alcatraz branding, breathing new life into a silhouette that had already spent decades dominating British trainer culture.
The relationship between Corteiz and UK Rap reached another level in 2025, with Central Cee and Unknown T appearing in the brand's 'LUNDUN' campaign celebrating its Air Max 95 'Honey Black' release.
From the 110s dominating Grime's golden era to Corteiz putting its own stamp on the silhouette, the relationship between Black British music and trainer culture has come full circle.
The sound has evolved. The style has followed.
But the Blackprint remains.
If you haven't already, check out volume 001 of the 'BLACKPRINT' series here
