US rapper Lil Nas X has found himself embroiled in controversy following the release of a new pair of trainers dubbed “Satan’s Shoes”.
The issue is tied to the 21-year-old’s new single MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name), whose music video premiered on March 26 and sees him slide down a pole into hell.
Lil Nas X then grinds on a man dressed as Satan who is wearing a pair of red and black Nike Air Max ‘97s.
These trainers have been reworked by collaborators MSCHF to include a satanic pentagram, an upsidedown cross and a drop of human blood in the sole. That’s right: human blood.
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The limited-edition footwear also features bible scripture Luke 10:18 on the side, which talks about the devil being banished from heaven.
There will be 666 pairs made and each will be individually numbered as ‘#/666’.
Nike has denied any involvement in the shoe’s creation, telling NBC in a statement: “We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF.
“We did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them.”
Numerous Twitter users have hit out at the rapper’s new venture.
One condemned the trainer’s “dark negativity”, while others foresaw the backlash that would ensue.
Lil Nas X hit back at critics by posting a video on YouTube captioned: “Lil Nas X Apologizes for Satan Shoe”.
In the video, the rapper – holding one of the sneakers in question – says: “Ok guys, I see everybody’s been talking about this shoe and I just want to come forward and say...”
At that moment, the “apology” video cuts to a section of his music video where he dances on Satan’s lap and sings, “f*** it, let’s ride”.
One user commented: “Sending this to my aunt who made a facebook post about how this song is "corrupting the youth" LMAOO”
Well, Lil Nas X certainly knows how to get people talking.