Jim Jones Criticizes Modern Sneaker Culture: ‘It Started with Drug Dealers’

Jim Jones, the legendary Dipset rapper, is not shy about sharing his thoughts on sneaker culture—and this time, he has a few strong opinions about how it has evolved. On January 2, 2025, Jones took to Instagram to reflect on how sneaker culture was born and how it has changed over time. He expressed his belief that sneakers were once fashion symbols tied to street life, particularly the world of drug dealers, and that modern sneaker culture has drifted far from its roots.

Sneaker Culture’s Humble Beginnings

In his Instagram post, Jim Jones said, “Sneaker culture started wit drug dealers, argue wit ur mama.” He went on to clarify in the caption, emphasizing how drug dealers in the past helped shape the sneaker industry by making Nike, Reebok, Puma, and Adidas desirable brands. According to Jones, while Michael Jordan is credited with revolutionizing sneaker culture with his iconic Air Jordans, it was the drug dealers who made those sneakers aspirational for young people, driving the demand and the hustle to obtain them.

The Dipset rapper points out that today’s sneaker culture has lost that sense of raw hustle and authenticity. He says, “Most of these sneakers companies are losing right now” because modern basketball sneakers lack the same fashion-forward appeal they once had. According to Jones, sneakers that were once highly coveted, like Jordans, have now become more about nostalgia rather than innovation, as many people today only buy retro sneakers—and rarely experience the thrill of getting a pair of limited-edition kicks back in the day.

The Decline of Authentic Sneaker Culture

Jones makes it clear that, for him, the current wave of sneaker reviews and sneaker shows doesn’t hold the same weight. He criticizes those who may be talking about sneakers online but who have never known the struggle of trying to get a pair of rare kicks. “Most of them never had a pair of Jordans when they came out,” he says. In Jones’ eyes, the excitement of sneaker culture was directly tied to the risk and the effort it took to get a pair—something he feels is missing today in the world of sneaker influencers.

The rapper’s frustration with the modern sneaker scene is clear, but he also expresses admiration for how sneakers played a vital role in fashion and street culture in the past. For Jones, those sneakers were not just about style—they represented hustle, success, and a certain type of grit that has gotten lost in the current landscape of sneaker shows and reviews.

Reflecting on Nas’ Influence on Hip Hop

While Jim Jones has shared his thoughts on sneaker culture, he’s also been vocal about the impact of Nas on Hip Hop. During a conversation on The GAUDS Show in October 2024, Jones reflected on how Nas changed the direction of rap music in the ’90s. According to Jones, Nas introduced a whole new aesthetic to the genre with his unique flow, rhyming patterns, and deep lyricism, which resonated deeply with the younger generation of that time.

Jones credits Nas’ verse on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” as one of the pivotal moments that altered the trajectory of rap music. He believes that Nas’ influence marked the beginning of a new era in rap, one that many older rappers could not adapt to, ultimately leading to a shift in the sound and direction of the genre.

Conclusion

Jim Jones’ thoughts on sneaker culture serve as a reminder of how far things have come since the drug dealer-driven rise of sneaker culture. For him, the thrill of securing a pair of limited-edition sneakers is tied to the hustle and street credibility that young people once sought. Today, he feels that the authenticity and rawness of sneaker culture has been lost in the rise of sneaker reviews and online influencers, signaling a shift away from the culture’s original roots.