The Yeezy 700 and Their Place in Hip-Hop Culture: References and Significance Within the Scene
Few sneakers have made as deep an impression on both the footwear industry and hip-hop culture as the Adidas Yeezy 700. Since their introduction in 2017, Yeezy 700s have become far more than a fashion statement—they represent a cultural phenomenon shaped by music, celebrity, and streetwear movements. The sneaker’s unique design, limited availability, and the influence of hip-hop artists have propelled the Yeezy 700 into the spotlight, where it continues to influence trends, lyrics, and the broader narrative of urban style.
In this article, we’ll explore how Yeezy 700s found their place in hip-hop culture, examine key references and endorsements, and analyze the sneaker’s enduring significance within the scene. We’ll also compare the Yeezy 700 with other iconic sneakers in hip-hop, and answer some of the most common questions about their cultural impact.
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The Origins of the Yeezy 700: From Kanye West’s Vision to Hip-Hop Staple
The Yeezy 700 debuted in August 2017 as part of Kanye West’s ongoing collaboration with Adidas. The sneaker’s “Wave Runner” colorway was met with both intrigue and skepticism due to its bulky silhouette, retro aesthetics, and bold color blocking. Unlike the streamlined Yeezy Boost 350, the 700 drew inspiration from 1990s running shoes, a trend that would come to dominate sneaker design in the late 2010s.
Kanye West, a central figure in hip-hop for over two decades, leveraged his musical influence and fashion-forward thinking to elevate the Yeezy 700 beyond the sneaker world. In its first month, the Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” sold out almost instantly, and resale prices soared to over $600—triple its retail price of $240. By the end of 2017, the Yeezy 700 had cemented its reputation as both a coveted sneaker and a symbol of status within hip-hop circles.
Yeezy 700s in Lyrics, Videos, and Hip-Hop Iconography
Hip-hop has a long history of using fashion as a means of storytelling and self-expression. Sneakers, in particular, have often been referenced in rap lyrics and music videos as symbols of success, authenticity, and taste. The Yeezy 700 is no exception.
Notable references to the Yeezy 700 can be found across various hip-hop tracks and visuals:
- In Travis Scott’s “NO BYSTANDERS” live performances, he’s frequently seen wearing the Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner,” amplifying the sneaker’s visibility among younger fans. - Offset, of Migos, was one of the first mainstream rappers to showcase unreleased Yeezy 700 colorways on Instagram, fueling anticipation and hype before official launches. - In 2019, Lil Uzi Vert posted a series of photos wearing Yeezy 700s, which were quickly picked up by sneaker and hip-hop blogs, reinforcing the sneaker’s association with the cutting edge of hip-hop style.These references are more than product placements—they’re endorsements that transmit cultural value. The Yeezy 700’s presence in music videos, album covers, and social media posts has helped embed the sneaker into the very fabric of hip-hop iconography.
The Sneaker as Status Symbol: Scarcity, Hype, and Hip-Hop Exclusivity
One of the defining features of the Yeezy 700 is its scarcity. Adidas initially released the sneaker in limited quantities, fostering a sense of exclusivity that resonated with hip-hop’s emphasis on rare and desirable items. This scarcity-driven hype mirrors the way hip-hop artists often reference luxury cars, designer jewelry, and other high-status goods.
As of 2023, it’s estimated that fewer than 100,000 pairs of the original “Wave Runner” Yeezy 700 were released worldwide. Limited restocks and new colorways—such as the “Mauve,” “Utility Black,” and “Sun”—have kept interest high, with many pairs selling out within minutes online.
This exclusivity has led to astronomical resale prices. According to StockX, a leading sneaker resale platform, the average resale price of the Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” between 2021 and 2023 was $480, nearly double its retail price. Such figures reinforce the sneaker’s role as both a status symbol and an investment, two concepts deeply woven into hip-hop culture.
Comparing the Yeezy 700 to Other Hip-Hop Sneaker Icons
The Yeezy 700 holds a unique place among hip-hop’s most celebrated sneakers, but how does it stack up against other icons like the Air Jordan 1, Nike Air Force 1, or the Puma Suede? The following table compares key attributes of these sneakers—release date, average resale price, notable hip-hop endorsements, and cultural significance.
| Sneaker | Release Date | Average Resale Price (2023) | Key Hip-Hop Endorsements | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezy 700 “Wave Runner” | 2017 | $480 | Kanye West, Travis Scott, Offset, Lil Uzi Vert | Modern status symbol; signifies exclusivity and trendsetting |
| Air Jordan 1 “Bred” | 1985 | $550 | Run-DMC, Travis Scott, Jay-Z | Pioneer of sneaker culture; enduring hip-hop symbol |
| Nike Air Force 1 | 1982 | $150 | Nelly, Fat Joe, Jay-Z | Classic streetwear staple; universal hip-hop appeal |
| Puma Suede | 1968 | $100 | Grandmaster Flash, Clyde Frazier | Old-school B-boy favorite; early hip-hop history |
What stands out is the Yeezy 700’s rapid ascent into the ranks of hip-hop footwear legends, despite being a relatively new model. Its price point, celebrity endorsements, and cultural cachet place it on par with decades-old icons.
Why the Yeezy 700 Resonates with Hip-Hop Artists and Fans
There are several reasons why Yeezy 700s have become a favorite among hip-hop artists and fans alike:
1. $1: Kanye West’s dual identity as a rapper and designer lends the Yeezy 700 an air of authenticity. When an artist creates a product that’s both innovative and deeply personal, it resonates with a culture that values originality. 2. $1: The Yeezy 700’s chunky, unconventional look challenges the norms of sneaker design, echoing hip-hop’s tradition of breaking boundaries and setting trends. Its distinct silhouette is instantly recognizable, making it a conversation starter. 3. $1: In an era where social media amplifies trends at lightning speed, hip-hop artists flaunting Yeezy 700s on Instagram or in music videos can spark global demand overnight. This digital-first hype cycle is particularly potent among younger fans. 4. $1: The Yeezy 700’s neutral and vibrant colorways allow for versatile styling—from streetwear to high fashion. Hip-hop artists, known for their experimental approach to fashion, often pair Yeezy 700s with everything from tracksuits to designer ensembles, further broadening the sneaker’s appeal.Yeezy 700 References: More Than Just Footwear
Beyond their physical presence, Yeezy 700s have become part of the language and symbolism of hip-hop. Lyrics referencing Yeezys (and specifically the 700) often signal not just wealth, but a level of insider status. For example, in the song “Praise God” (2021), Kanye West alludes to his own status as a trendsetter, with the Yeezy line as a key part of his cultural capital.
In addition, Yeezy 700s frequently appear in hip-hop-related art, from graffiti murals to digital fan creations. The sneaker’s silhouette has become shorthand for modern hip-hop cool, appearing in everything from album artwork to custom jewelry.
The Lasting Legacy of the Yeezy 700 in Hip-Hop Culture
As hip-hop continues to evolve, so too does its relationship with fashion and footwear. The Yeezy 700’s journey from a polarizing design to a cultural mainstay mirrors hip-hop’s own rise—from the fringes to the mainstream. With each new release and celebrity co-sign, the sneaker’s legacy grows.
By 2024, the Yeezy 700 had inspired dozens of imitators and collaborations, and its status as a must-have item in hip-hop circles remains unchallenged. Whether referenced in a lyric, flaunted on stage, or coveted on resale platforms, the Yeezy 700 stands as a testament to the powerful synergy between music, fashion, and identity.
