Central Cee Sparks Backlash After Claiming He Popularized Nike Tech in the U.S

Central Cee is making waves—but not necessarily in the way he intended. As the UK rapper gears up for the release of his highly anticipated album, Can’t Rush Greatness, he’s been doing the rounds in the press, pushing his music and influence on the global hip-hop scene. However, an old video has resurfaced, bringing him unexpected backlash.

In the clip, Central Cee boldly claims responsibility for popularising Nike Tech tracksuits in the United States. He said he played a major role in getting people—especially in the U.S.—to wear them. The statement has left many sneakerheads and streetwear fans shaking their heads in disbelief, with countless people taking to social media to shut down the claim.

“I Put a Lot of People Onto Nike Techs”

During the interview, Central Cee confidently states:
“I’m humble, but at the same time, I’d like to think that I put a lot of people onto Nike Tech. You see the influence—even in the U.S., people are wearing Techs like we do.”

The reaction? Brutal.

Many American fans were quick to point out that Nike Tech tracksuits have been a staple in U.S. streetwear culture for years—long before Central Cee’s rise to fame. Some even traced their popularity back to New York in 2013, while Cee himself didn’t start professionally rapping until 2014. His first major hit only came in 2020.

One unimpressed Twitter user fired back:
“Most Americans don’t even listen to this guy. What influence does he have here?”

Another added:
“Nike Techs been a thing in the U.S. since early 2010s. Central Cee acting like he put New Yorkers on? Stop it.”

Others pointed out that influential American rappers like Chief Keef, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Durk were already rocking Nike Tech suits years before Central Cee even gained mainstream recognition.

Cultural Borrowing or Cultural Appropriation?

Beyond the Nike Tech controversy, fans are also questioning Central Cee’s overall relationship with American hip-hop culture. Critics argue that his aesthetic, style, and even rapping cadence borrow heavily from Black American culture, yet he’s now trying to take credit for a trend deeply rooted in that very culture.

One user tweeted:
“His whole persona is built on Black American culture… but now he thinks WE got fashion tips from HIM?! LMAO!”

Another person pointed out:
“This dude dresses, raps, and moves like a New York rapper but wants credit for influencing us? Be for real.”

Some also noted that Nike Tech suits have long been associated with drill culture in the U.S., particularly in cities like Chicago and New York, where artists like Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and G Herbo have been seen wearing them for years.

Central Cee’s Growing U.S. Presence

Despite the backlash, Central Cee is undeniably gaining traction in the U.S. His album Can’t Rush Greatness debuted at #9 on the Billboard 200, making him the first UK rapper in history to achieve a Top 10 debut on the chart. He’s also landed multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including his viral track Sprinter with Dave, which took over social media in 2023.

Even though many are calling him out for his Nike Tech comments, some fans are defending him, arguing that he helped bring UK drill fashion and culture into the global spotlight. Others believe this is just another case of a rapper exaggerating their influence for the sake of publicity.

Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear—Central Cee has people talking.

What’s Next?

With his growing U.S. audience, will this controversy affect Central Cee’s ability to break into the American market? Or will he use it as fuel to keep pushing his career forward?

One thing’s for sure: The internet never forgets.

What do you think? Did Central Cee really have an impact on the Nike Tech wave in the U.S., or is he reaching? Let’s discuss.